Gender health inequalities and economic productivity in OECD countries

The presented study deals with the relations between the economic life of developed countries and the health of women and men. The primary objective of the presented study was to assess the relations between gender health inequalities and economic productivity in a sample of OECD countries, with a focus on the classification of their health care systems. Analyses included selected causes of mortality as health variables, each in a specification of men and women, and economic productivity represented by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person employed (in USD at current prices). The health care systems were represented by multiple insurance model (MI), national health system (NHS) and single payer model (SPM). The analysed data were collected from OECD databases for the period from 2011 to 2016. The analytical processing was carried out by applying descriptive analysis, regression analysis examining the effects of gender inequalities in health on economic productivity, and relationship analysis. Based on the findings, it can be stated that the vast majority of gender inequalities in health is significant. Also, it has been confirmed that gender inequalities in health have an effect on economic productivity. In general (with a few exceptions), it can be concluded that if gender inequalities in health are reduced, economic productivity is expected to increase. From the point of view of the analysed relations, the NHS health care system can be considered the most positive

A Case for Inclusion of Genetic Counselors in Cardiac Care

Recent advances in genetic testing for heritable cardiac diseases have led to an increasing involvement of the genetic counselor in cardiology practice. We present a series of cases collected from a nationwide query of genetics professionals regarding issues related to cost and utilization of genetic testing. Three themes emerged across cases: (1) choosing the most appropriate genetic test, (2) choosing the best person to test, and (3) interpreting results accurately. These cases demonstrate that involvement of a genetic counselor throughout the evaluation, diagnosis, and continuing management of individuals and families with inherited cardiovascular conditions helps to promote the efficient use of healthcare dollars

Effects of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Extract Administration on Intestinal α-Glucosidases Activities and Spikes in Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in SD Rats Model

Diets high in calories and sweetened foods with disaccharides frequently lead to exaggerated postprandial spikes in blood glucose. This state induces immediate oxidant stress and free radicals which trigger oxidative stress-linked diabetic complications. One of the therapeutic approaches for decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia is to retard absorption of glucose by the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidases, in the digestive organs. Therefore, the inhibitory activity of Korean onion (Allium cepa L.) extract against rat intestinal α-glucosidases, such as sucrase, maltase, and porcine pancreatic α-amylase were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The content of quercetin in ethyl alcohol extract of onion skin (EOS) was 6.04 g/100 g dried weight of onion skin. The in vitro half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of EOS and quercetin, a major phenolic in onion, on rat intestinal sucrase were 0.40 and 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. The postprandial blood glucose lowering effects of EOS and quercetin were compared to a known type 2 diabetes drug (Acarbose), a strong α-glucosidase inhibitor in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model. In rats fed on sucrose, EOS significantly reduced the blood glucose spike after sucrose loading. The area under the blood glucose-time curve (AUClast) in EOS-treated SD rats (0.5 g-EOS/kg) was significantly lower than in untreated SD rats (259.6 ± 5.1 vs. 283.1 ± 19.2 h·mg/dL). The AUClast in quercetin-treated SD rats (0.5 g-quercetin/kg) was similar to in EOS-treated group (256.1 ± 3.2 vs. 259.6 ± 5.1 h·mg/dL). Results from this study indicates that although quercetin does have blood glucose lowering potential via α-glucosidase inhibition, there are other bioactive compounds present in onion skin. Furthermore, the effects of two weeks administration of EOS in a high carbohydrate-dietary mixture (Pico 5053) on sucrase and maltase activities in intestine were evaluated in SD rat model. Compared to the upper and middle parts of intestine, the activities of sucrase in the lower parts of intestine remained significantly higher after two weeks of EOS treatment. These results indicate that EOS may improve exaggerated postprandial spikes in blood glucose and glucose homeostasis since it inhibits intestinal sucrase and thus delays carbohydrate absorption, although clinical trials are needed

data covid testing SK

Behaviour and social attitudes during COVID-19 mass testing (Slovakia). Testing as such is considered a key contribution to the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, differing only in its form, organization and regime. The social and behavioural responses to mass asymptomatic testing in the population are not fully understood. The purpose of the presented research was to examine the perception of COVID-19 testing in the Slovak population. The research sample consisted of 806 respondents and data collection of data took place in February 2021. The main findings include significant differences in perceptions between the first and the last participation in testing in terms of gender, age, testing experience, and time aspect. Simultaneously, the last participation in testing showed lower rates of positive aspects related to the internal motivation to test compared to the first participation. In contrast, external stimulation by government regulations related to restrictions in the absence of a negative result was higher in the last participation in testing. There were also differences between the first and the last test in the level of doubts about the accuracy of the test result, while a higher level was found at the last testing participation. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the frequency of testing and its requirements need to be approached very carefully over time, as it is likely that the perception of the population may deteriorate. The major recommendations include clear and timely government communication, trust building and health education. People should understand the need and importance of testing in order to improve the situation and help society, but this is not possible without clear information and a meaningful regime from public leaders. Otherwise, negative feelings and doubts over time may dominate the perception of the entire population, posing a risk of outbreaks

Sex Differences between Young Adults in the Czech and Slovak Republics in the Relationship between Alcohol-Related Consequences and Depression

In general, the Czech and Slovak Republic are among the countries with increased alcohol consumption. It is clear that increased consumption can predict the occurrence of negative consequences that may subsequently be associated with various mental disorders. One of these mental disorders is depression, which is common in young adults and brings difficulties into their lives that can turn into problems in the future. The study examined the relationship between alcohol-related consequences and depressive symptoms in a sample of university students from the Czech and Slovak Republics in order to map the situation in these regions, where this problem is still ignored (n = 2514; CZE = 47.5%). The research included data from standardized questionnaires, namely the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), which can predict alcohol use problems, and Health Questionnaire of depression (PHQ-9). The data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding sex differences, a higher YAACQ score was found in males and, conversely, a higher PHQ-9 score was identified in females. The results of correlation and regression analyses revealed significant associations between the scores in the individual YAACQ subscales and the PHQ-9 score, while low to moderate correlations were found in most cases. In all cases, positive trajectories were identified, meaning that the increased risk of depressive disorder can be associated with experience in selected dimensions of alcohol-related consequences. Stronger associations occurred in females than in males. In terms of practical implications, high priority was given to prevention programs and counseling. Professionals’ efforts to help young people should be sex-oriented, while females were more vulnerable to depression, males were prone to the consequences of alcohol use

Transforming power of research and development on inequality and well-being: a European Union perspective within the circular economy framework

Abstract To establish a “well-being economy” that prioritizes human and environmental welfare, understanding the relationship between income inequality, research and development (R&D) potential, and human development is crucial. This study delves into these relationships in European Union (EU) countries, focusing on the adoption levels of a circular economy (CE). Analyzing data from the 27 EU member countries spanning 2010 to 2020, a cluster analysis was utilized to categorize nations based on their CE adoption levels. The panel regression analysis findings revealed a marked positive correlation between income and R&D, with countries having a more robust CE adoption showing stronger ties. Furthermore, a notable positive link was discerned between R&D and human development indicators. Despite these significant relationships, the government R&D sector exhibited inefficiencies, especially in countries with heightened CE adoption. These findings carry profound implications for policymakers, urging a redefinition of economic growth metrics and a shift toward a well-being economy that emphasizes human and environmental health

Relationships between Perceived Stress, Depression and Alcohol Use Disorders in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Socio-Economic Dimension

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of perceived stress on depression and subsequently to examine the effects of depression on alcohol use disorders. The data were obtained by an electronic questionnaire survey during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (n = 1523 Slovak university students). Descriptive, regression, and correlation analysis were used in the analytical processing, while the analyses included students’ scores in three diagnostic tools (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ 9), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)), as well as gender and income characteristics. The PSS identified an increased level of perceived stress in female students, while in contrast, the AUDIT showed an increased level of alcohol use disorders in male students. Differences in mental and behavioural disorders between the gender and income categories were significant in most of the analysed cases. In terms of gender-income characteristics, it was possible to confirm a significant positive effect of the PSS score on the PHQ 9 score, as well as a significant positive effect of the PHQ 9 score on the AUDIT score. As a result, efforts to reduce stress will be reflected in a reduction of depressive disorders as well as a reduction of excessive alcohol consumption among students

Relationships between road transport indicators and expenditure of visitors in the context of European countries' tourism competitiveness

Research background: Transport represents a dynamic element in the tourism system. In recent decades, transport has been a subject of research mainly from the point of view of the sustainability of the economic systems and the environmental aspects. Purpose of the article: This study aimed to quantify the relationships between the selected indicators of road transport development and the expenditure of tourism visitors in the selected European countries in the context of the development of their competitiveness. Methods: The road transport indicators were applied in the research trajectories: density of road (DNST), hare of road infrastructure investment (SH INF), share of motorways (SH MWY), and indicators of visitor expenditure for business (BTS), leisure (LTS), domestic (DTS) and foreign (VEFS) tourism. In the first phase of the analyses, the countries of the European part of the OECD (N = 27; period of 2010-2018) were divided into two clusters based on the development index (HDI) and the innovation index (GII) through the cluster analysis. The two groups were created - more and less developed countries. The results of the analysis of differences declare that there are differences between these groups in the DNST, SH INF, BTS, LTS, and DTS indicators. The correlation and regression analysis methods were applied to quantify the relationships between the variables. Findings & value added: The difference between the groups of the countries was also shown in the relationships between the road transport development indicators and visitor spending. In more developed countries, the relationship between the traffic indicators on BTS and DTS was significant. In less developed countries, significant relationships were identified with LST and VEFS. This finding underscores regional disparities and cautions against assuming that what policy guidelines from developed countries will be effective in less developed ones. Therefore, when designing improvement policies, it is vital to consider countries in terms of their level of development

Quantification of the impact of innovations in industry and infrastructure for sustainable circular economy production and consumption

The primary aim of this study was to quantify the impact of industry and infrastructure innovations on sustainable production and consumption within the circular economy (CE) in European Union (EU) countries. From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the relationships between indicators representing SDG 9 and SDG 12 were examined. To achieve this, data from Eurostat for the period 2010–2021 were analyzed using regression and cluster analysis. The analyses revealed significant differences among EU countries in the areas investigated. The Netherlands and Belgium were among the highest-rated countries in terms of the examined relationships. Denmark excelled in industrial and infrastructure innovations, while Romania ranked among the lowest. A year-on-year decrease since 2010 was observed for several indicators, including the circular material use rate and the public transport ratio. Developed countries such as Finland and Luxembourg experienced a recent decrease in circular material use rate. A significant relationship was identified between the circular material use rate and industry and infrastructure innovations. Countries such as Romania, Portugal, Croatia, and Cyprus were in the worst positions. The results of the study are beneficial for policymakers focused on transitioning economies to CE, as well as for experts in business environments, educational policies, and regional development. These results support the development of benchmarking indicators at national and international levels, facilitating the creation of composite models for multidimensional analysis implementation. The findings are relevant for political strategists at both regional and international levels and may provide valuable insights for analytical and research teams designing predictive models