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Efforts to reduce restrictive practices (RPs) in mental health care are growing internationally. Yet, inconsistent definitions and perspectives often challenge the consistent implementation and evaluation of reduction strategies. This study explored which scenarios different mental health stakeholders classify as RPs, examined the contextual factors influencing these classifications and compared classification patterns across clinicians, researchers, service users and family caregivers.
Methods
An international cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multilingual online questionnaire hosted on the Qualtrics platform. A total of 851 stakeholders participated, including clinicians (n = 517), service users (n = 80), family caregivers (n = 89) and researchers (n = 165). Participants were presented with 44 potential RP case scenarios and asked to rate whether each scenario should be classified as an RP using a four-point Likert scale (Definitely yes, Probably yes, Probably no, Definitely no). The scenarios were organized into 22 paired comparisons, each sharing the same core context but differing in specific details. Paired comparisons were analyzed one pair at a time, allowing us to identify classification patterns between the scenarios and isolate the effects of particular contextual factors using ordered logistic regression. Interaction analyses were then conducted to assess how classification patterns varied across stakeholder groups.
Results
Substantial discrepancies exist both within and between stakeholder groups regarding whether a given action should be considered an RP or not. Physically visible actions were often identified as RPs across all groups, while less visible forms often went unrecognized. Contextual differences, such as the healthcare professional’s intention, duration of the action, methods used, presence or absence of consent, door-locking status, and the severity of anticipated harm to be prevented influenced whether a given action was classified as an RP. Service users classified more scenarios as RPs than other groups; however, their decisions were more context-sensitive, shifting notably even with minor changes in scenario details. Among the 22 paired scenarios compared, 13 (59.09%) showed significant differences (p < 0.01) within at least one stakeholder group and eight demonstrated differences between groups.
Conclusions
Mental health stakeholders’ interpretations of RPs were often shaped not only by the inherent coercive nature of actions but also by the context in which they occurred and the professional role of the assessors. This underscores the need for harmonized definitions and classification frameworks for RPs, co-designed with diverse stakeholders. Addressing less visible forms of RPs in policy and clinical practice is also essential.
In many contexts, an individual’s beliefs and behavior are affected by the choices of their social or geographic neighbors. This influence results in local correlation in people’s actions, which in turn affects how information and behaviors spread. Previously developed frameworks capture local social influence using network games, but discard local correlation in players’ strategies. This paper develops a network games framework that allows for local correlation in players’ strategies by incorporating a richer partial information structure than previous models. Using this framework we also examine the dependence of equilibrium outcomes on network clustering—the probability that two individuals with a mutual neighbor are connected to each other. We find that clustering reduces the number of players needed to provide a public good and allows for market sharing in technology standards competitions.
The link between problematic usage of the internet (PUI) and eating disorder symptoms is well-established. However, less is known about this association in the context of orthorexia nervosa (ON), an excessive preoccupation with healthy eating. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PUI, including various problematic online behaviors, and ON tendency in a sample of US adults.
Methods
Three hundred adults completed an online survey via prolific (mean age = 37.40, 54.6% female). The survey included demographic questions, the ORTO-R to measure ON symptoms, and the Internet Severity and Activities Addiction Questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) to assess PUI and the extent of engagement in several online activities, such as gaming, shopping, social networking, cyberchondria, pornography, and cyberbullying.
Results
Women had higher ORTO-R scores than men (p < .05). ISAAQ-10 scores predicted ORTO-R scores in a regression model (β = .375, p < .001) even after controlling for age, gender, and an eating disorder diagnosis. ON risk was associated with a high engagement in cyberchondria, researching healthy food choices on the internet, cyberbullying perpetration, and online shopping.
Conclusions
Results indicate that PUI is associated with ON symptoms even after considering other predictors. Maladaptive use of nutrition and medical-related resources may play a significant role in this association. However, it remains unclear whether exposure to this content increases ON risk or if people with ON symptoms seek this information online. The directionality of this relationship is an important area for future research.
We aimed to describe representative activities related to radiation risk management and community-based revitalization in Fukushima following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident by chronological phase and provide an overview of effective recovery projects and future prospects.
Methods
We systematically reviewed projects and research on the FDNPP accident in PubMed. For convenience, we defined the first, second, and third phases as 2011-2014, 2015-2018, and 2019-2023, respectively. The main project, purpose, organization, core location, and validation in each phase after the disaster were briefly summarized.
Results
We found that lessons learned from the FDNPP disaster have been continuously and professionally conveyed across generations, regions, and nations by effectively disseminating easy-to-understand information, avoiding any misunderstanding and prejudice. A continuous flow of scientists, researchers, and trainees from Japan and abroad to the affected areas will create a positive cycle of attracting people and residents, eventually accelerating recovery and contributing to the development of safe and vibrant communities in disaster-affected areas.
Conclusions
Continued efforts are required to enhance expertise at the field level, strengthen organizational capabilities, and promote international cooperation, thereby ensuring that a similar nuclear accident never happens again.
The characterization of ionizing radiation as a human carcinogen affecting most organs was a major achievement in epidemiological studies. Although high-dose or high-dose rate radiation effects are well established, the health impacts of low-dose or low-dose rate exposure (<100 mSv) remain controversial, which brings significant social attention and scientific inquiry. This paper outlined the current status and future plans of radiation epidemiology in Korea, focusing on research developments based on legal grounds, including the Korean Radiation Workers Study (KRWS) and epidemiological studies of aircrews and residents near nuclear facilities. The KRWS encompasses a large cohort of approximately 200 000 current and retired radiation workers, integrating individual dose data collected since 1984 with national health datasets to assess cancer and non-cancer risks. Initial findings showed a decrease in overall cancer incidence among workers compared to the general population, though thyroid cancer rates were higher, possibly due to increased screening. In 2023, new studies on aircrews and residents near nuclear facilities began, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses of existing studies, as well as ecological analyses of regional cancer risks. Despite challenges in low-dose research, these large-scale Korean studies using comprehensive national health data are expected to provide scientific evidence on the effects of low-dose radiation and address public concerns about radiation exposure.
This study aimed to assess the situations involving potential risks of over-exposure to radiation faced by workers during the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), and to prepare effective medical countermeasures. While deaths have occurred at regular intervals at the FDNPP site, they cannot be attributed to direct effects of radiation. Radiation exposure among decommissioning workers is strictly maintained within regulatory limits, and no deterministic or stochastic radiation effects have been observed. High-risk areas include the reactor buildings of Units 1-4 and the filtration systems for cooling water contaminated by decay heat from melted nuclear fuel. The reactor buildings contain a mix of α, β, and γ radionuclides, which may increase the need for medical responses specifically targeting α radionuclides in cases of internal contamination. With nuclear fuel removal in September 2024, there are growing concerns regarding the potential increase in radiation risks at the decommissioning site.
Accurate radiation dose measurement is crucial for medical intervention and protective actions. Biological dose assessment directly measures radiation-induced molecular and physiological changes, providing information about the absorbed dose and potential health risks. The Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) has performed biological dosimetry using cytogenetic assays since 2010. These assays are used for individual dose estimation in various situations, including occupational exposure, accidental radiation exposure, and health risk assessment of people living near nuclear power plants in Korea. Recent advancements in biological dose assessment methods, such as automated scoring and high-throughput assays, have improved efficiency and enabled more people to undergo dose assessment. The KIRAMS continuously explores new methods and targets for biodosimetry to enhance dose assessment capabilities and can contribute to expand the biological dose assessment capacity with the expertise and facilities, responding to large-scale accidents of radiation exposure in the world.
Provide a systematic overview of assessment approaches for treatment decisions after internal contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium and the efficacy of decorporation treatment with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) among humans and animals.
Methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched until December 06, 2023. Controlled experimental animal studies and human studies were eligible. Hand search of relevant reports continued until December 24, 2024. Risk of bias was assessed with the OHAT and JBI critical appraisal tools. Narrative synthesis was performed.
Results
A total of 37 studies and 1 report were included. Two studies reported averted dose in humans following DTPA ranging from 150 μSv to 1.1 Sv, but the contribution of rapid contamination assessments to treatment decisions was unclear. Numerous outcomes across different treatment schedules and observation periods were studied in animal populations. Studies provided very low certainty evidence of positive treatment effects.
Conclusions
Whether rapid dose assessment contributes to timely treatment decisions could not be assessed with the limited amount of informative studies. In animal studies, DTPA treatment seems to be effective in reducing radiation burden and other proximal outcomes, but risk of bias is high. Evidence for humans is based on a small number of case studies where reductions in body burden have been reported.
To characterise hospital-treated multimorbidity patterns in people who subsequently died a drug-related death in Scotland, and to identify clinically meaningful associations among conditions and decedent to inform prevention and care.
Methods:
A register-based retrospective cohort study using nationally linked hospital admission (1996–2019) and mortality (2008–2019) records for 5,749 decedents. We identified hospital admissions for Elixhauser comorbidities using ICD-10 codes. Correlation analysis, network analysis, and Bayesian clustering were used to describe co-occurring conditions and identify patient clusters with distinct comorbidity profiles.
Results:
Over half (50.9%) of decedents had at least one admission for an Elixhauser comorbidity. The most frequent were related to alcohol use (38.2%), drug use (29.1%), other neurological disorders (18.0%, mainly epilepsy/seizures/anoxic brain injury), depression (15.2%), and psychoses (12.5%). Network analysis highlighted drug use, alcohol use, psychoses, depression, and neurological disorders as central conditions. Bayesian clustering identified seven distinct patient clusters, including groups characterised by: high psychiatric and drug-use admissions; extensive physical comorbidities; alcohol and liver disease; dominant neurological issues and depression.
Conclusions:
Individuals experiencing drug-related deaths exhibit substantial multimorbidity with distinct patterns often dominated by substance use and mental ill-health but also including significant physical health clusters. These distinct profiles underscore the need for integrated, tailored care strategies addressing substance use, psychiatric, and physical health needs to mitigate mortality risk.
Spinal CSF leaks are a known cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, often presenting with orthostatic headaches and other neurological symptoms. While epidural blood patches are commonly used as initial treatment, many patients require surgery due to persistent symptoms. This study integrates a retrospective institutional cohort and a systematic literature review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical dural repair for spontaneous spinal CSF leaks.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review included all patients who underwent surgery for spontaneous spinal CSF leak at a Canadian center between June 2017 and December 2023. Clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical approach and postoperative outcomes were assessed. A PRISMA-compliant systematic review identified studies reporting surgical management and outcomes for spinal CSF leaks.
Results:
Forty patients (21 females, 19 males; mean age 50.48 ± 11.88 years) were included. Type 1 ventral dural CSF leaks predominated (72.5%), most commonly in the thoracic spine. Spinal longitudinal extradural collection and cranial stigmata were present in 70% and 75%, respectively. Microscopic direct dural repair led to clinical improvement in 82.5%, with headache resolution or improvement in 85.72%. The complication rate was 7.5% with all complications being transient. The systematic review included 20 studies (483 patients), reporting an 84.06% pooled surgical success rate, with transient complications most common in direct suturing techniques.
Conclusion:
Surgical repair is a safe and effective treatment for spontaneous spinal CSF leaks, particularly in patients with failed conservative treatment. Favorable outcomes support early, anatomically guided surgical intervention.
Timely blood cultures (BCx) are required by SEP-1. The recent BCx bottle shortage necessitated enhanced BCx stewardship. At two hospitals during the shortage, SEP-1 metric compliance declined related to BCx utilization. Review of cases where BCx were not obtained demonstrated most BCx were safely avoided without demonstrable patient harm.
The heligmosomid nematodes Heligmosomum mixtum and Heligmosomoides glareoli are dominant helminths infecting bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in the temperate forests of NE Poland. Both are relatively long-lived species that accumulate in hosts with increasing host age. Based on studies showing that the closely related species, Heligmosomoides bakeri is immunomodulatory in murine hosts, we hypothesized that heligmosomid-infected bank voles should show higher prevalence and abundance with other helminths. To test this hypothesis, we analysed a database containing quantitative data on helminth parasites of bank voles (n = 922), comprising worm burdens recorded during 4 surveys, conducted at 3- to 4-year intervals, in 3 forest sites, during late summer of each year. After controlling for both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the presence of heligmosomid nematodes was significantly associated with higher species richness of other helminth species, with the greater likelihood of voles carrying other helminth species, with higher worm burdens of other helminths and with significant positive covariance of heligmosomid burdens with those of other concurrently residing helminths. These patterns might be explained by a number of biological processes, including correlated host exposure or correlated host susceptibility not driven by the parasitic infections themselves. However, we consider it most likely that these results are consistent with the idea that like H. bakeri, the heligmosomid nematodes of bank voles employ non-specific immunomodulation to facilitate their own long-term survival, with the consequence that other concurrently infecting intestinal helminths benefit.
This paper examines the prescription stimulant shortage in the United States, a crisis that has intensified since the FDA’s 2022 announcement of an Adderall shortage. The regulatory, systemic, and societal factors driving the shortage are analyzed — including the surge in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses, expanded use of telehealth services, and disproportionate impact of the shortage on marginalized communities. It’s argued that existing health inequities are exacerbated by barriers to medication access as current regulatory frameworks are ill-equipped to address the growing demand for prescription stimulants, causing substantial harm to patients. A series of reforms are proposed — including modernizing the DEA’s quota system, strengthening interagency collaboration between the DEA, FDA, and HHS, and diversifying pharmaceutical supply chains to enhance resilience. These reforms aim to balance the dual imperatives of preventing misuse and ensuring equitable access to medications for patients with legitimate medical needs. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the prescription stimulant shortage and actionable policy recommendations, this paper seeks to inform regulatory reform, foster a more adaptive, patient-centered approach to ADHD care, and provide a roadmap for addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time.
Promoting fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is a public health priority. This study assessed compliance with the international recommendation of consuming at least 400g of F&V daily among Mexican adults and analysed its association with the five stages of behaviour change from the Transtheoretical Model (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation for action, Action, and Maintenance). Using data from 5203 adults (ages 20–59) in the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey, dietary intake was collected via a food frequency questionnaire. Compliance was defined dichotomously (Yes/No), and readiness to change was assessed using a specific survey module. Multiple logistic regression models examined the association between stages of change and compliance, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, as well as perceived barriers and self-efficacy. Nationally, 26.3% of adults met the F&V recommendation. Compliance was significantly higher among individuals in the Preparation for action (OR 3.62, 95% CI: 1.82–7.19), Action (OR 4.50, 95% CI: 1.8–11.25), and Maintenance (OR 9.54, 95% CI: 4.76–19.13) than those in the Precontemplation stage. Higher compliance was also significantly associated with greater self-efficacy (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.4–2.47), being in the highest socioeconomic tertile (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.25–2.33), and living in the central region (OR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.18–2.45). Conversely, individuals reporting a dislike for vegetables were less likely to meet recommendations (OR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.94). These findings highlight the value of developing stage-tailored interventions that consider both psychological and structural barriers to improve F&V consumption.
In England, psychological therapies provided in primary care are recommended as first-line treatment for people living with mild-to-moderate dementia experiencing depression or anxiety. It is known that people living with dementia experience more barriers to accessing therapy than people without dementia, but such inequalities in terms of rates of access to primary care services are yet to be characterised.
Methods
In this retrospective, observational study of linked electronic healthcare records, the national database of the National Health Service (NHS) Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression programme was used to compare pathways to accessing therapy between 6623 people living with dementia and 4 825 489 without dementia between 2012 and 2019. Outcomes included access to an assessment, to therapy and reasons for discharge. Primary analyses used a propensity-score matched cohort to compare outcomes. Exact matching was used for the NHS service entity.
Results
The prevalence of dementia in the study cohort was lower than the prevalence of dementia in a representative population, based on an estimation of prevalence in people with mild-to-moderate age over 35 (0.23% in our study vs 3.82% in previous research). Compared to people without dementia, people living with dementia were less likely to access an assessment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.65), to subsequently receive therapy (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.61–0.73) and more likely to be discharged because services were deemed not suitable before having an assessment (relative rate ratio [RRR] = 4.90; 95% CI: 4.20–5.72) and starting therapy (RRR = 2.74; 95% CI: 2.24–3.35). Female gender, social deprivation, Asian ethnicity and less common dementia subtypes (such as frontotemporal dementia) were also associated with poorer access rates and a higher likelihood of services being deemed not suitable. Involvement of care partners in the referral process was associated with better access rates.
Conclusions
Pathways to accessing primary care psychological therapy services must be made more accessible for people living with dementia. Better access could be achieved by increasing referrer awareness and training for staff within services to promote access for people living with dementia (especially for groups under-represented in services), better understanding how to involve care partners in the process, as well as when specialist support might be more suited in secondary care. More granularity in the medical coding of rarer dementia diagnoses in electronic health records would also allow for better statistically powered research for these groups.
Research on helminth parasites of amphibians and reptiles has a long-standing history and has seen continuous growth. Recent efforts by various authors to compile comprehensive checklists are crucial for advancing our understanding of parasite diversity, ecology and evolution. Nematodes belonging to the family Molineidae parasitize vertebrates worldwide, with the genera Kentropyxia, Oswaldocruzia, Poekilostrongylus, Schulzia and Typhlopsia identified as infecting amphibians and reptiles across the Neotropical and Panamanian regions. While these parasites are relatively common, there is a lack of updated identification keys and incomplete information about their morphology, biology, distribution and host range. In this paper, we conducted an extensive bibliographic survey of Molineidae nematodes in amphibians and reptiles and provide a checklist of 53 species found in the Neotropical and Panamanian regions, including the Caribbean islands, along with updated details on their diversity, host range and geographic distribution.
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness, has varied systemic manifestations, but its auditory effects remain underexplored. The objective of this study was to assess the association between dengue infection and hearing loss.
Methods
A prospective case-control study was conducted on 79 patients—40 dengue-positive (NS1 antigen confirmed) and 39 with other febrile illnesses. All participants underwent otological examination and pure tone audiometry.
Results
Hearing loss was observed in 15.2 per cent of dengue patients, with none in controls (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for hearing loss in dengue was 34.6 (95 per cent confidence interval: 1.97–610). Dengue patients exhibited significantly elevated air and bone conduction thresholds (p < 0.001). Lower platelet counts and higher C-reactive protein levels correlated with hearing loss, suggesting vascular and inflammatory mechanisms.
Conclusion
Dengue fever may be associated with reversible sensorineural hearing loss, likely due to microvascular and inflammatory injury to the cochlea. Early audiological screening is recommended in dengue cases.
Ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) radiation, popularly known as FLASH, has been demonstrated to selectively kill tumor cells with minimal or negligible effects on normal cells but the biological effects induced by UHDR are not fully understood.
Methods
In this study, cytogenetic damage induced by UHDR radiation was compared with conventional dose rate (CDR) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Human blood samples were irradiated with 3 Gy and 8 Gy doses using 9 MeV electrons at 2 different dose rates: CDR 1 Gy/min and UHDR 600 Gy/Sec. Unstable and stable chromosomal aberrations were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Results
Reduced yields of chromosomal aberrations were observed after UHDR radiation at both radiation doses and the extent of reduction was more in colcemid arrested metaphase chromosomes than in G2-PCCs.
Conclusions
The reduced yields of chromosomal aberrations detected after UHDR of electrons may be due to rapid delivery of radiation dose within seconds, resulting in a non-uniform exposure of lymphocytes with varying levels of DNA damage induction. Future studies using well defined human equivalent in vivo and in vitro model systems are required to determine the underlying mechanisms for the FLASH effects.
Unpaid cancer caregivers (UCCs) are the primary caretakers of individuals with cancer, often shouldering caregiver responsibilities without prior preparation, which leads to a sense of isolation, particularly in remote and rural areas where healthcare access is challenging. Thus, this systematic review aimed to explore the perceived and/or received peer support needs of UCCs residing in rural and remote areas with a specific focus on informational, practical, and emotional needs.
Method
Seven databases (CINAHL, ScienceDirect, PUBMED/MEDLINE, PROQUEST, Web of Science, Scopus, and Informit) were searched from 2004 to 2024. Peer-reviewed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies published in English were considered for this review. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for Unified Management, Assessment, and Review of Information and presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. Quality and bias were assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Results
In total, 8 primary studies were included: 4 qualitative, 2 mixed methods, 1 cross-sectional, and 1 prospective survey. Four themes were identified: (1) Emotional, practical, and informational unmet needs; (2) Lack of peer support on the physical and emotional well-being of UCCs in remote and rural areas; (3) Lack of supportive services in remote and rural areas; and (4) Access to flexible peer support.
Significance of results
This review revealed the unique unmet needs of UCCs in remote and rural areas, where a lack of reliable and accessible resources adversely leads to impaired UCCs’ overall well-being. Addressing these unmet needs is essential to enhance the support system for UCCs living in such regions. By identifying the gaps, the review underscores the need for developing a peer support model tailored to the specific needs of UCCs in rural and remote communities.