While the number of Vietnamese migrant workers in Japan has been increasing, their healthy literacy as a key concern for ensuring equitable access to healthcare is unknown. This study assessed health literacy among Vietnamese migrants in Japan and examined their access to healthcare and the difficulties they encounter. Convenience sampling was employed, with Vietnamese support organizations across Japan invited to disseminate a web-based survey via social media platforms. Using both self-reported and test-based health literacy tools, we measured health literacy levels in a sample of 137 Vietnamese migrants. We identified disparities by gender and topic area, where women were likely to score higher than men, particularly in mental health and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Our findings underscore the importance of culturally tailored health education and community-based interventions to support the health of this population. The study highlights the need for cultural and linguistically adapted educational materials to improve equitable access to healthcare. Our work contributes to the ongoing dialogue on migrant health and the development of inclusive public health strategies.
Corine Driessens, Peter W.F. Smith, Kim Markham-Jones
et al.
Objective
This project aimed to uncover key factors that shape young people’s (YP) mental health care utilization. The Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization was adapted in co-production, providing a framework for the predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and perceived/evaluated need factors hypothesized to influence young people’s mental health care utilization.
Methods
The project is a secondary data analysis project with strong emphasis on YP involvement. YoungMinds and young researchers facilitated the co-production of an analysis plan with YP who had lived experience. This analysis plan was used to analyse existing data (Longitudinal Study of YP in England, also known as NEXT STEPS). Cohort data was linked to administrative health care data (Hospital Episode Statistics) to obtain objective measures of mental health care utilization. As this cohort is subjective to mental health related attrition, logistic regression models in combination with missing-not-at-random methodology was used to determine factors impacting mental health service utilization.
Results
The insights and experiences shared by YP in three workshops were captured in the YP’s model of secondary health care utilization for common mental health problems. NEXT STEPS-HES linked data showed that approximately 10% of the participants reporting common mental health problems between age 14 to 25 accessed secondary mental health services. The main predictor of utilization of secondary mental health services between age 17 to 25 is having a common mental health diagnosis before age 17. Interaction with social services and educational welfare at age 16 also facilitates utilization of mental health care services. Findings align with existing literature showing that women are more likely to utilize secondary mental health care services compared to men.
Conclusion
Despite growing recognition of mental health challenges among young people (YP), the findings indicate that only one in ten YP reporting common mental health problems utilized services. Secondary mental health care use was not only influenced by perceived mental wellbeing but also by societal perceptions and expectations.
Context: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition affecting both men and women, characterized by progressive hair loss due to genetic and hormonal factors. Hair loss has significant impacts on psychosocial well-being and quality of life.
Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed studies was conducted, including clinical trials, observational studies, and emerging treatment reports published from 2000 to 2024. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using keywords related to AGA, hair growth, and therapies.
Results: Current treatments for AGA include topical agents like minoxidil and finasteride, oral medications, and advanced options such as hair transplantation. Emerging therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), JAK inhibitors, and gene therapy, show promising efficacy in promoting hair regrowth. Combination therapies often enhance clinical outcomes.
Conclusions: While traditional treatments remain effective, emerging therapies and combination approaches offer improved results for AGA management. Ongoing research in gene therapy and novel molecular interventions may transform future therapeutic strategies.
Biochemistry, Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
<p>Evidence suggests that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) score higher than heterosexual-identifying men on disordered eating symptomology (DES). This exploratory study examined if the following psychosocial factors were associated with DES among a diverse sample of MSM: race, age, sexual identity, sexual risk, substance use, depression, history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and internalized homophobia. Using cross sectional data collected at "Pride Toronto 2008" (N = 383), multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be associated with DES: CSA, depression, being White (vs. Black or Asian), being younger, and engaging in behaviours to increase muscle mass. These results may inform the development of useful and efficacious interventions to reduce the risks associated with body dissatisfaction and DES among MSM.</p>
Men who have sex with men and people living with HIV are disproportionately affected in the 2022 multi-country monkeypox epidemic. The smallpox vaccine can induce cross-reactive antibodies against the monkeypox virus (MPXV) and reduce the risk of infection. Data on antibodies against MPXV induced by historic smallpox vaccination in people with HIV are scarce. In this observational study, plasma samples were collected from people living with and without HIV in Shenzhen, China. We measured antibodies binding to two representative proteins of vaccinia virus (VACV; A27L and A33R) and homologous proteins of MPXV (A29L and A35R) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared the levels of these antibodies between people living with and without HIV. Stratified analyses were performed based on the year of birth of 1981 when the smallpox vaccination was stopped in China. Plasma samples from 677 people living with HIV and 746 people without HIV were tested. A consistent pattern was identified among the four antibodies, regardless of HIV status. VACV antigen-reactive and MPXV antigen-reactive antibodies induced by historic smallpox vaccination were detectable in the people born before 1981, and antibody levels reached a nadir during or after 1981. The levels of smallpox vaccine-induced antibodies were comparable between people living with HIV and those without HIV. Our findings suggest that the antibody levels against MPXV decreased in both people living with and without HIV due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination.
Background and aimFecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the unintended loss of solid or liquid stool. FI adversely affects the patient’s quality of life. However, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis, there is a notable gap in the knowledge regarding its prevalence. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature reporting on FI prevalence and estimate the number of people afflicted by FI.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the Embase, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and PubMed databases to identify relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted data. The reference sections and content of the review papers were also evaluated. Thirty-two articles were selected and included. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using RStudio software. A sub-analysis was conducted to account for the variation between sample population age groups to minimize heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence was extrapolated to the Canadian population and a sample of ten densely populated countries to estimate the number of people affected by FI.ResultsThe Mean pooled FI prevalence in men and women was 7% (95% CI: 6-9%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The sub-analysis mean pooled prevalence of FI in men and women was 8% (95% CI: 6-10%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The authors estimate that between 1 and 1.5 million Canadians and 320 to 500 million people in the ten most populous countries suffer from FI.ConclusionFecal incontinence is a prevalent underdiagnosed condition requiring appropriate and timely treatment to improve a patient’s quality of life.
Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology
Jung-Han Kim, Young-Kyoung Min, Dae-Yoo Kim
et al.
Abstract Background Capsular contracture is a well-known etiology in the primary stiff shoulder; thus capsular contracture and resultant decreased joint volume could lead to postoperative stiffness, which is a commonly reported morbidity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The purpose of this study was (1) to quantify the joint volume (total joint volume and each quadrant compartmental volume) using computed tomography arthrography (CTA) and (2) to demonstrate the relationship between joint volume and postoperative range of motion (ROM) after ARCR. Materials and methods Eighty-three patients (60 ± 5.11 years, men = 26, women = 57) who had undergone ARCR between January 2015 to December 2020 due to small to medium full-thickness tear and followed by CTA 6 months postoperatively were retrospectively reviewed. An image reconstruction program (3D Slicer, version 4.11.2 software) was used to calculate the joint volume (total joint volume and quadrant compartment joint volumes; anteroinferior, anterosuperior, posterosuperior and posteroinferior). For shoulder ROM, data including scaption (Sc), external rotation on side (ERs), external rotation at 90° (ER90), and internal rotation on back (IRb) were collected 6 months postoperatively. An evaluation of the correlation between joint volume and each shoulder motion was performed. Results There were moderate correlations between the total joint volume and each motion (Sc: Pearson coefficient, 0.32, p = 0.0047; ERs: Pearson coefficient, 0.24, p = 0.0296; ER90: Pearson coefficient, 0.33, p = 0.0023; IRb: Pearson coefficient, 0.23, p = 0.0336). Among the quadrant compartments, the anteroinferior (Sc: Pearson coefficient, 0.26, p = 0.0199; ERs: Pearson coefficient, 0.23, p = 0.0336; ER90: Pearson coefficient, 0.25, p = 0.0246; IRb: Pearson coefficient, 0.26, p = 0.0168) and posterosuperior (Sc: Pearson coefficient, 0.24, p = 0.029; ER90: Pearson coefficient, 0.29, p = 0.008; IRb: Pearson coefficient, 0.22, p = 0.0491) and posteroinferior (Sc: Pearson coefficient, 0.30, p = 0.0064; ER90: Pearson coefficient, 0.29, p = 0.0072) showed moderate correlations with each shoulder motion. Conclusion Total joint volume, anteroinferior compartment joint volume, posterosuperior compartment joint volume and posteroinferior compartment joint volume were related to postoperative ROM after ARCR. Perioperative methods to increase the joint volume, especially the anteroinferior, posterosuperior and posteroinferior parts of the capsule may prevent postoperative stiffness after ARCR. Level of Evidence Level III; Retrospective Case-Control Study.
Laura Hallam, Laura Hallam, Briar L. McKenzie
et al.
The field of sex and gender research in health and medicine is growing, and many early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) are developing skills in this area. As EMCRs specialising in sex and gender research, we aim to better understand sex- and gender-based determinants of human health, challenge long-standing and pervasive gender biases, and contribute to improving the evidence base upon which clinical guidelines and policy interventions are developed. To effectively achieve these goals, we believe that EMCRs would benefit from understanding the challenges of working in this space and participate in driving change in three key areas. First, in creating greater links between the goals of sex and gender research and addressing systemic bias against women and gender minorities, to effectively translate knowledge about sex and gender differences into improved health outcomes. Second, in expanding the reach of sex and gender research to address women's health in an intersectional way and ensure that it also benefits the health of men, transgender and gender-diverse people and those who are intersex. Third, in working with others in the scientific community to improve methods for sex and gender research, including updating data collection practises, ensuring appropriate statistical analyses and shifting scientific culture to recognise the importance of null findings. By improving focus on these three areas, we see greater potential to translate this research to improve women's health and reduce health inequities for all.
This study investigates individual preferences for work arrangements in a discrete choice experiment. Based on sociological and economic literature, we identified six essential job attributes-earnings, job security, training opportunities, scheduling flexibility, prestige of the company, and gender composition of the work team-and mapped these into hypothetical job offers. Out of three job offers, with different specifications in the respective job attributes, respondents had to choose the offer they considered as most attractive. In 2017, we implemented our choice experiment in two large-scale surveys conducted in two countries: Germany (N = 2,659) and the Netherlands (N = 2,678). Our analyses revealed that respondents considered all six job attributes in their decision process but had different priorities for each. Moreover, we found gendered preferences. Women preferred scheduling flexibility and a company with a good reputation, whereas men preferred jobs with high earnings and a permanent contract. Despite different national labor market regulations, different target populations, and different sampling strategies for the two surveys, job preferences for German and Dutch respondents were largely parallel.
Eliyahu Kresch, Justin Achua, Russell Saltzman
et al.
Purpose: A pilot study to describe histopathological features of penile tissue of patients who recovered from symptomatic COVID-19 infection and subsequently developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED).
Materials and Methods:Materials and Methods: Penile tissue was collected from patients undergoing surgery for penile prosthesis for severe ED. Specimens were obtained from two men with a history of COVID-19 infection and two men with no history of infec-tion. Specimens were imaged with TEM and H&E staining. RT-PCR was performed from corpus cavernosum biopsies. The tissues collected were analyzed for endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS, a marker of endothelial function) and CO-VID-19 spike-protein expression. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function was assessed from blood samples collected from COVID-19 (+) and COVID-19 (-) men.
Results:Results: TEM showed extracellular viral particles ~100 nm in diameter with peplomers (spikes) near penile vascular endo-thelial cells of the COVID-19 (+) patients and absence of viral particles in controls. PCR showed presence of viral RNA in COVID-19 (+) specimens. eNOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of COVID-19 (+) men was decreased compared to COVID-19 (-) men. Mean EPC levels from the COVID-19 (+) patients were substantially lower compared to mean EPCs from men with severe ED and no history of COVID-19.
Conclusions:Conclusions: Our study is the first to demonstrate the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the penis long after the initial infec-tion in humans. Our results also suggest that widespread endothelial cell dysfunction from COVID-19 infection can contrib-ute to ED. Future studies will evaluate novel molecular mechanisms of how COVID-19 infection leads to ED.
Medicine, Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology
Background Diabetes is a progressive disease, and thus, it is important to prevent diabetes at the prediabetes stage. Although the loss of muscle strength and prediabetes are associated, few studies have examined relative handgrip strength (RHGS), which can be an indicator of both muscle strength and adiposity. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the association between RHGS and prediabetes (HbA1c level >5.7%) stratified by sex due to sex differences in strength. Methods We analyzed data from the 2016–2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Prediabetes was defined using the HbA1c cut-off level of 5.7–6.4%, identified by the American Diabetes Association. RHGS was calculated as the maximal absolute handgrip strength of both hands divided by body mass index and was divided into sex-specific quartiles. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between sex-specific RHGS and prediabetes. Results Among the total participants, 13,384 did not have diabetes. In men, the low and mid-low RHGS groups had increased odds of prediabetes (low group, odds ratio [OR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.82; mid-low group, OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04–1.67). However, no significant differences were observed between the corresponding female groups. Moreover, central obesity and lower RHGS were strongly associated with prediabetes in men (low group, OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.52–3.80; mid-low group, OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.26–3.17; mid-high group, OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.11–2.81), and a trend was observed (p = 0.0026). Conclusion RHGS could be a practical and inexpensive tool for predicting diabetes in men. Programs aimed at preventing diabetes need to include exercise routines for improving muscle strength, and further research through longitudinal studies is required to investigate the causality of RHGS on the risk of prediabetes.
Patients with migraine and signs of leukoencephalopathy are frequently found to have cognitive impairment (CI), the pathogenesis of which is not entirely clear. The dynamics of CI in these patients during preventive therapy has been little studied.Patients and methods. A six-month follow-up study was conducted in 50 patients (8 men and 42 women; mean age, 41.9±11.9 years) with migraine (mainly chronic one) and signs of cerebral leukoencephalopathy according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals (13 males and 27 females) aged 20 to 64 years (mean age, 42.6±12.0 years). Neuropsychological examinations (the 12-word recall test; the test of literal and categorical associations; the Benton visual retention test, the Munsterberg test; the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the trail making test; the forward and backward digit recall test; the digit-symbol coding test; and the Stroop color test) and studies of emotional disorders (the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Spielberger-Khanin Scale) were performed at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months of preventive therapy for migraine.Results and discussion. The patients with migraine versus the control group were observed to have lower scores of the MoCA (p=0.004), the 12- word recall test (p=0.0003), and the tests of literal (p=0.001) and categorical (p=0.0002) associations. No significant relationship was found between the volume of MRI cerebral white matter lesions and the severity of CI. There was a moderate inverse correlation (correlation coefficient R=-0.41) between the number of headache (HA) days per month and the MoCA score (p<0.05). The patients with migraine were found to have the signs of depression on the Hospital Depression Scale (p=0.04), the BDI (p=0.003), and the CES-D Scale (p=0.0001) and increased anxiety on the HADS (p=0. 0001) and the Spielberger–Khanin Scale (p=0.0001). There was a significant association between the degree of depression and the MoCA score (p=0.007). During 6-month preventive therapy, there was a decline in the incidence of HA from 19.4±2.9 to 12.6±4.4 days per month (p<0.05), a significant reduction in the severity of emotional disorders, and an improvement in cognitive functions by most neuropsychological tests (the MoCA, the 12-word recall test, the Munsterberg test, and the trail making test Part B) compared to the baseline data.Conclusion. During preventive treatment for migraine, there was a reduction in the frequency of HA attacks and in the severity of emotional and cognitive impairment. The preventive treatment of migraine and related emotional disorders seems to be the most effective way to improve cognitive functions.