Paediatric Preparedness: Document Analysis of the Challenges Experienced Using Smartwatch Technologies to Support Children Living with a Chronic Health Condition

Derek Santos - ORCID: 0000-0001-9936-715X https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9936-715XSmartwatch technology is increasingly being used to support the management of chronic health conditions. Yet, many new digital health innovations fail because the correct foundations are not well established. This exploratory study aims to uncover the challenges experienced during the setup phase of a smartwatch intervention, to support the prototype development of a digital health intervention for children. Five children with a chronic health condition were asked to wear a smartwatch for 14 days that collects health data (pain levels, medication adherence, and physical activity performance). To explore the experiences of these children, their parents and the research team, all written records were analysed using READ’s four steps of document analysis and reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. The following three themes emerged: 1.) Infrastructure limitations: inexpensive smartphones prevented connection, and outpatient clinics’ internet black spots constrained setup and training; 2.) Personal phone restrictions: limited setup, training, and engagement; 3.) Elimination of the parent’s phone: provided children with digital support (a smartphone, pre-installed apps, cellular data) to allow active participation. Overall, we identified barriers hindering the use of smartwatch technology in clinical practice. More resources are needed to ensure paediatric preparedness for digital health support.InteractiveClinics was funded by the University of Newcastle (NSW), Australia, and the University of Manresa (Catalonia), Spain, as a not-for-profit digital innovation to support digital health research. The School of Bioscience and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle supplied the funding to purchase the smartwatches and smart phones.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph2202013322pubpub

Extraction of an emulsifying agent from the cellulose-based filtration aid of cold-pressed rapeseed oil

Julien Lonchamp - ORCID: 0000-0001-7954-4745 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7954-4745AAM updated with VoR 21/01/2025This study aimed to extract an emulsifying agent from the cellulose-based filtration aid of cold-pressed rapeseed oil. This material is currently a low-value stream but contains phospholipids retained during filtration and proteins from residual seed peel and pulp particles. A range of two-step extraction methods were assessed, with oil removal using diethyl ether (DE) or petroleum ether followed by chloroform-methanol (CM) extraction (2:1, 3:2 or 5:4 ratios) or the reversed order. Emulsions prepared with the DE/CM3:2 extract displayed the highest emulsifying activity and stability indexes (35.52 m2/g and 2,045.18 min) and similar small mean oil droplet sizes (3 μm) to those of whey protein concentrate emulsions. A range of extracted compounds contributed to the DE/CM3:2 functionality, including napins, cruciferins and phospholipids. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential to upcycle this co-product by recovering emulsifying agents. Future studies will focus on optimising the extraction process and yield.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.10593064pubpu

Effect of Stretching on Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain and Pressure Pain Threshold: A Pilot RCT

Non-specific chronic neck pain commonly affects office workers. Previous studies have explored various forms of physical exercise as therapies to alleviate pain and improve function. However, limited research has investigated stretching as an isolated intervention among office workers, with only one study demonstrating promising results. This pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week static stretching protocol as a standalone treatment for reducing self-reported pain levels and improving pressure pain threshold (PPT) in women experiencing chronic non-specific neck pain. Sixty-six employed women with moderate to severe chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to either the static stretching (SS) or control group (CG). The SS group performed six neck muscle stretching exercises regularly for 4 weeks. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated before treatment initiation and at the end of the 4-week treatment period using the 11-point numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Significant findings revealed a decrease in PPT in favor of the SS group, indicating reduced pressure pain sensitivity (p=0.013). However, there was no significant difference in NPRS between the two groups at the 4-week assessment (p=0.798). Our findings suggest that static stretching leads to a decrease in PPT but does not influence NPRS in women with chronic non-specific neck pain. Further evaluation of static stretching in a larger population with non-specific chronic neck pain is warranted. Additionally, future studies should investigate the optimal training dosage required to induce physiological and neuromuscular changes potentially linked to decreased neck pain and increased PPT levels.13pubpub

Your Expert Guide: Chemistry for Young Scientists

Item is not available in this repository.Kit Chapman - ORCID: 0000-0002-5945-0554 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5945-0554inpressinpres

Waiting Times and Influencing Factors in Children and Adults Undergoing Assessment for Autism, ADHD, and Other Neurodevelopmental Differences

From Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-08-19, rev-recd 2025-02-06, accepted 2025-02-12, epub 2025-02-24Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedFunder: Scottish Government; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100012095Donald Maciver - ORCID: 0000-0002-6173-429X https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6173-429XAnusua Singh Roy - ORCID: 0000-0002-5483-8832 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5483-8832Lorna Johnston - ORCID: 0009-0005-5161-2108 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5161-2108Eleanor Curnow - ORCID: 0000-0001-9332-8248 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9332-8248Victoria Johnstone-Cooke - ORCID: 0000-0002-0162-1226 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0162-1226Marion Rutherford - ORCID: 0000-0002-2283-6736 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2283-6736This study explored waiting times and the factors influencing them in child and adult populations undergoing assessment for autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences. The analysis focused on a retrospective review of 408 cases with assessments completed between October 2021 and May 2022, conducted by 30 diagnosing teams in Scotland. Data included age, final diagnosis, demographics, medical and developmental history, contact frequency, and assessment service adherence to best‐practice standards. Waiting times were calculated, and relationships were analyzed using linear regression. Median waiting times were 525 days (IQR 329–857) for children/adolescents and 252 days (IQR 106–611) for adults. Only 20% of children's and 47% of adult assessments met the proposed 252‐day diagnostic time target. Autism and ADHD were the most common diagnoses. Receiving > 1 neurodevelopmental diagnosis on completion was uncommon. Demographic factors did not significantly affect waiting times. Children/adolescents with more complex developmental and medical histories experienced longer waits (100.3 weeks vs. 67.7 weeks; p < 0.001), while adults with similar histories had shorter waits (32.7 weeks vs. 57.4 weeks; p = 0.016). Adults with ADHD experienced longer waits than autistic adults (63.4 weeks vs. 38.6 weeks, p = 0.002). Adherence to best‐practice quality standards was associated with shorter waits for children (β = 0.27, p = 0.002), but the relationship between standard adherence at different stages and for adults was less clear. More frequent appointments correlated with shorter adult waits (33.7 weeks vs. 59.2 weeks, p = 0.015). Gender distribution was balanced among adults, but children's services included more boys. The study highlights long waits and the need for improvement in processes.18pubpub

Political economy analysis of health financing reforms in times of crisis: findings from three case studies in south-east Asia

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-10-15, registration 2025-01-23, accepted 2025-01-23, epub 2025-02-03, online 2025-02-03, collection 2025-12-01Acknowledgements: We would like to thank all key informants whose insights made the case studies rich. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the support of the Indonesian Ministry of Health for their valuable contribution during the study design phase and to those who reviewed our drafts, including Dr Piya Hanvoravongchai and Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien for the Thailand case study.Publication status: PublishedFunder: World Health Organization; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004423Sophie Witter - ORCID: 0000-0002-7656-6188 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7656-6188Maria Paola Bertone - ORCID: 0000-0001-8890-583X https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8890-583XBackground: Over the last decades, universal health coverage (UHC) has been promoted in south-east Asia (SEA), where many countries still need to ensure adequate financial protection to their populations. However, successful health financing reforms involve complex interactions among a range of stakeholders, as well as with context factors, including shocks and crises of different nature. In this article, we examine recent health financing reforms in Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia, using a political economy lens. The objective is to understand whether and how crises can be utilised to progress UHC and to analyse the strategies used by reformers to benefit from potential windows of opportunity. Methods: The study adopted a retrospective, comparative case study design, using a shared framework and tools. The case studies mapped the contexts, including economic, political, social trends and any shocks which had recently occurred. A focal health financing reform was chosen in each setting to examine, probing the role of crisis in relation to it, through the key elements of the reform process, content and actors. Data sources were largely qualitative and included literature and document review (144 documents included across the three cases) and key informant interviews (26 in total). Results: The findings, which bring out similarities and differences in the roles played by change teams across the settings, highlight the importance of working closely with political leaders and using a wide range of strategies to build coalitions and engage or block opponents. Changing decision rules to block veto points was significant in one case, and all three cases used participation and dialogue strategically to further reforms. More broadly, the links with context emerged as important, with prior conflicts and economic crises creating a sense of urgency about addressing health inequities, while in all countries appeal was made to underlying values to enhance the legitimacy of the reforms. Conclusion: The lessons from these case studies include that technical teams can and should engage in Political Economy Analysis (PEA) thinking and strategizing, including being aware of and adaptable to the changing PEA landscape and prepared to take advantage of windows of opportunity, including, but not limited to, those emerging from crisis. There is a need for more empirical studies in this area and sharing of lessons to support future reforms to increase health coverage and financial protection, including in the face of likely shocks.pubpu

Adolescent and Young Adult Rheumatology In Clinical Practice

Item is not available in this repository.This concise guide takes a practical approach to adolescent and young adult (AYA) rheumatology, encompassing the needs of any healthcare professional working with young people aged 10-24 years. Each chapter contains key management points for readers to readily access disease-specific management, as well as highlighting specific AYA issues and approaches which differ from paediatric and adult practice. Adolescent and Young Adult Rheumatology In Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition has been fully revised with the latest research and clinical findings in the field. The coverage in the book is comprehensive but concise and devised to act as a primary reference tool for AYA practice across the field of rheumatology. The book is designed for paediatric/adult rheumatologists, primary care physicians, nurses and allied health professionals to increase understanding of AYA related topics and enhance the delivery of developmentally appropriate rheumatology health care.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82102-8pubpu

Beyond grades: integrating communication skills into the undergraduate curriculum for podiatry students

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-10-14, registration 2025-03-04, accepted 2025-03-04, epub 2025-03-12, online 2025-03-12, collection 2025-12-01Publication status: PublishedDerek Santos - ORCID: 0000-0001-9936-715X https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9936-715XThis commentary paper emphasises the pivotal role of effective communication in the field of podiatry and advocates for its comprehensive integration into the educational curriculum. It argues that the combination of strong academic performance and well-developed communication skills equips podiatry students to improve diagnoses and successful future treatment outcomes. These skills should be comprehensively taught and carefully assessed as part of the patient-centered care approach for podiatry students. The paper explores the multifaceted role of communication in podiatry, highlighting its importance in various aspects of the profession. These include building rapport with patients, interpreting complex medical information, and fostering a therapeutic alliance that is conducive to successful treatment outcomes. It also underscores the significance of communication in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and advocating for patient wellbeing. Proficiency in communicating with patients can contribute to the development of a wide range of career competencies in podiatric medicine, including clinical skills, research and innovation, cultural competence, and effective teamwork, both nationally and internationally. The paper also delves into various topics such as gathering patient history, explaining diagnoses and treatment options, providing patient education, and enhancing patient outcomes through interprofessional practice. This commentary paper explores the role of communication in research participation and the teaching and assessment of communication skills through innovative methods such as role-playing, simulations, and standardized patients. In conclusion, by reiterating that the essence of podiatry extends beyond technical proficiency to include meaningful interactions between the podiatrist and the patient, which are facilitated by strong communication skills. This paper may serve as a call to action for universities nationally and internationally to place greater emphasis in integrating and thoroughly assessing communication skills in their podiatric medicine programs.pubpu

Effects of hybrid custom foot orthoses on running economy, running mechanics and comfort: a double-blinded randomized crossover study

Ken van Alsenoy - ORCID: 0000-0002-0430-965X https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0430-965XMarietta van der Linden - ORCID: 0000-0003-2256-6673 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2256-6673Derek Santos - ORCID: 0000-0001-9936-715X https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9936-715XItem is restricted in this repository.Objective: This study examined the effects of orthotic materials on running economy, running mechanics, and footwear comfort. Design: A double-blinded randomized crossover study design was used. Method: Eighteen athletes ran on an instrumented treadmill for six minutes at speeds corresponding to 10% below their first ventilatory threshold (average: 9.9 ± 1.3 km/h) in four footwear conditions [control (CON), Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and a combination of EVA and TPU (HYB)]. Results: No differences were found in running economy between conditions (p=0.099). All custom foot orthoses materials reduced peak heel impact force vs CON (p<0.001). TPU reduced hysteresis at heel impact vs CON (-47.8%, p=0.016). Shorter flight time (-3.8%, p=0.016; -3.1%, p=0.021) and lower mean vertical loading rate (-4.0%, p=0.003; -7.1%, p<0.001) occurred for HYB vs TPU and CON, respectively. Higher peak vertical loading rates (+7.4%, p=0.002) and earlier impact peaks (-5.7%, p<0.001) were found for HYB vs TPU. HYB exhibited longer propulsive phase duration (+2.0%, p=0.003) but lower peak propulsive force (-3.3%, p=0.009) vs CON. Reduced ‘overall comfort’ (-26.4%, p=0.004), ‘comfort of heel cushioning’ (-43.3%, p<0.001), and ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (-18.3%, p=0.048) was found for HYB vs TPU, but ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (+48.0%, p=0.032) showed an increase vs EVA. Conclusions: Combining materials could enhance comfort during running causing subtle changes in running mechanics. Overall, neither EVA, TPU nor their combination significantly improved running economy compared to CON.118aheadofprintaheadofprin

‘I didn’t think I would ever recover from failing’: tutoring to reduce the poverty-related student attainment gap.

Catriona Oates - ORCID: 0000-0001-9043-3122 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9043-3122Record updated with VoR 14/04/2025.This article adds to the developing contemporary research base on the provision of 1:1, or small group tutoring, to overcome the academic attainment gap for under-resourced young people. Using open-ended interviews this research explored the rich lived experience narratives of participating students, tutors, and stakeholders. The tutoring programme was designed and delivered against the background of COVID-19 and the policy focus, in Scotland, on the poverty-related attainment gap. Students reported a number of benefits; such as being able to make mistakes and ask questions they might not in the classroom; and the pace and atmosphere of tutoring was more conducive to their learning, compared to the classroom. This article adds to the developing contemporary research base on the provision of tutoring, to m the academic attainment gap for under-resourced young people. Using openended interviews, this research explored the rich lived experience narratives of participants in the programme. Analysis reveals that students were highly appreciative to be offered tutoring; that the importance of effective learning relationships between tutor and tutee is paramount; that good tutor/tutee/stakeholder relationships enabled misconceptions to be identified, monitored and individual learning needs met and supported. Attendance and engagement were particularly high for care-experienced, or previously non-attending students.aheadofprintaheadofprin