Attitudes of patients and mental health professionals towards hypothetical use of serious games in psychotherapy.

Unlabelled: Serious games are increasingly being applied within healthcare, but their integration in psychotherapeutic settings is less documented.

Objectives: The present study sought to identify the attitudes of psychotherapists and patients towards the hypothetical use of serious games in psychotherapy in the South African context.

Methods: Online surveys assessed acceptance, experience, and requirements for the utilisation of serious games in therapeutic contexts.

BCAAs acutely drive glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance: role of AgRP neurons.

Background: High-protein diets are often enriched with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) known to enhance protein synthesis and provide numerous physiological benefits, but recent studies reveal their association with obesity and diabetes. In support of this, protein or BCAA supplementation is shown to disrupt glucose metabolism while restriction improves it. However, it is not clear if these are primary, direct effects of BCAAs or secondary to other physiological changes during chronic manipulation of dietary BCAAs.

Greater Adherence to Life's Essential 8 for Cardiovascular Health Is Associated With Lower Arterial Stiffness in Survivors of Cancer.

Background: Survivors of cancer have elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, likely stemming from the negative impact of anticancer therapies on vascular function. Arterial stiffness is a strong indicator of vascular function and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends Life's Essential 8 for optimal cardiovascular health.

Approaches for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services during coronavirus disease 2019.

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a reduction in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services globally, yet this programme is critical for reducing paediatric HIV incidence. To minimise the impact of COVID-19 and prevent disruptions to the PMTCT service provision, innovative strategies had to be developed and implemented.

Aim: The study aimed to describe the approaches that were developed and utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing PMTCT services in Tshwane primary healthcare facilities.

Factors affecting HIV prevention communication between professional nurses and high school learners in eThekwini.

Background: Communication within healthcare settings is crucial for a therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient especially in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescent girls. The school health programme in South Africa provides an opportunity to provide HIV prevention services among adolescent girls, however, uptake is low and effective communication can address this.

Aim: The study's purpose was to describe factors affecting HIV prevention communication between professional nurses and high school learners in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

Opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming disaster risk management in faith institutions.

Unlabelled: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic had created mayhem world over in the year 2020 and confirmed the need and urgency of equipping religious leaders with disaster risk management (DRM) knowledge and skills. Religious leaders are often expected to be among the first responders when disasters strike. This is especially the case in Africa where faith communities often have greater reach among the populace than the state itself.

Iron status is associated with tibial structure and vitamin D metabolites in healthy young men.

The influence of iron on collagen synthesis and vitamin D metabolism has implications for bone health. This cross-sectional observational study investigated associations between markers of iron status and tibial structure, vitamin D metabolites, and circulating biochemical markers of bone metabolism in young healthy men. A total of 343 male British Army recruits participated (age 22 ± 3 y, height 1.

Public healthcare disparities in Africa: the food production systems and its dichotomy in a South African context.

One of the major concerns of development in Africa is the issue of public health. In Africa, public healthcare has been and still is a problem most African countries are faced with. The problem of public healthcare seems to be unabated even though there are measures that are put in place for its effectiveness.

Amyloid-β and Phosphorylated Tau are the Key Biomarkers and Predictors of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a age-related neurodegenerative disease and is a major public health concern both in Texas, US and Worldwide. This neurodegenerative disease is mainly characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) accumulation in the brains of patients with AD and increasing evidence suggests that these are key biomarkers in AD. Both Aβ and p-tau can be detected through various imaging techniques (such as positron emission tomography, PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

Determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence among transgender women in South Africa.

Background: Transgender women bear a huge burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. However, they are not fully engaged in healthcare across the HIV continuum of care. In addition, transgender women face multiple facets of stigma and discrimination as well as socio-economic inequalities, which all have a negative impact on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Perspectives Among Health Care Providers and People with HIV on the Implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine for Antiretroviral Therapy in Florida.

Long-acting injectable (LAI) cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) for antiretroviral therapy (ART) could benefit many people with HIV (PWH). However, its impact will largely be determined by providers' willingness to prescribe it and PWH's willingness to take it. This study explores the perceived barriers and facilitators of LAI CAB/RPV implementation among PWH and HIV care providers in Florida, a high prevalence setting.

SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience.

Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Identifying Depression and Anxiety: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

This narrative literature review undertakes a comprehensive examination of the burgeoning field, tracing the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for depression and anxiety detection from the level of intricate algorithms to practical applications. Delivering essential mental health care services is now a significant public health priority. In recent years, AI has become a game-changer in the early identification and intervention of these pervasive mental health disorders.

Factors influencing the utilisation of Youth Friendly Health Services in Blantyre, Malawi.

Background: Usage of Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHSs) remains unsatisfactory in sub-Saharan Africa despite global agreements on the utilisation of these services among the youths.

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors that influence the utilisation of YFHSs in Blantyre, Malawi.

Setting: Four health centres in Blantyre, Malawi.

Association between dietary Intake, eating behavior, and childhood obesity among children and adolescents in Ethiopia.

Introduction: The upsurge of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) among children and adolescents is as a result of complex interactions between lifestyle behaviours and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this study was to determine socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors, dietary intake and eating behaviours of children and adolescents in Ethiopia and their association with OW/OB.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 632 children and adolescents-parent dyads.

Cell-Free DNA As Peripheral Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease-related disorders (ADRD) are progressive neurodegenerative diseases without cure. Alzheimer's disease occurs in 2 forms, early-onset familial AD and late-onset sporadic AD. Early-onset AD is a rare (~1%), autosomal dominant, caused by mutations in presenilin-1, presenilin-2, and amyloid precursor protein genes and the other is a late-onset, prevalent and is evolved due to age-associated complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors, in addition to apolipoprotein E4 polymorphism.

Strengthening couple relationships through a digital connection.

The proliferation of technology has accelerated exponentially over the past 50 years. Contemporarily, researchers have explored the influences technology use is having on individuals and relationships. Theoretical frameworks such as the couple, family, and technology (CFT) Framework have been applied to individuals and couples in committed relationships to better understand the implications of technology adoption and use within this relational subsystem.

A Scoping Review on the Role of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Microaggressions in Substance Use.

Objectives: Disparities in substance use patterns and outcomes are evident among sexual and gender minority groups. Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) microaggression, or the subtle forms of aggression experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming/non-binary, and gender diverse individuals, has recently been explored as a mechanism that leads to negative adjustment outcomes, including substance use. In this study we examined extant literature on the association between SOGI microaggression and substance use, and the intermediary factors that mediate or moderate this relationship.

Challenges and opportunities in adolescent intellectual disability care and rehabilitation.

Background: There have been mounting concerns over the lack of proper facilities for adolescents living with intellectual disability (ALWID), and the struggles particularly of the developing world to provide care and rehabilitation services for this population. Care and rehabilitation services are needed to improve this population's normal functioning but have been scarce or non-existent in most communities.

Objectives: This study aimed to solicit and describe nurse managers' views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering care and rehabilitation services to ALWID.

Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes reduction among older people living with HIV in Harare.

Background: Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes reduction among older people aged more than 50 years living with HIV (PLWH) are pertinent as they face excess risks amid a growing population of ageing PLWH.

Aim: To describe interventions for Type 2 Diabetes reduction among older people living with HIV in Harare Urban DistrictSetting: The study was conducted in a low socio-economic setting from five primary health care clinics in Harare urban District.

Methods: A qualitative multi-method approach was applied using an exploratory descriptive design and an integrative review literature.

Utilising emerging perspectives at the global and regional level to frame multisectoral nutrition governance landscape in Kenya.

Objective: Multisectoral nutrition governance (MNG) is a vital enabling determinant of improved nutrition outcomes. Despite this, it remains to be a complex phenomenon that lacks adequate understanding, especially in developing countries like Kenya. This narrative review aims to discuss the evolution of MNG, the current state of MNG, barriers and challenges, and based on these identify entry points for improvement within the complex governance structure in Kenya.

Assessing the Link Between General Causality Orientations and Problem Gambling, and the Mediational Role of Nonattachment, Greed, and Anhedonia.

Gambling is common in the US, yet nearly one in three players experience gambling-related problems. Using Self-Determination Theory, this study explores how three causality orientations-autonomous, controlled, and impersonal-affect the severity of problem gambling. The study further investigates the mediating roles of nonattachment, dispositional greed, and anhedonia to illuminate how these orientations relate to problem gambling.

Sociodemographic influences on youth sport participation and physical activity among children living within concentrated Hispanic/Latino rural communities.

Introduction: Lack of physical activity (PA) among children living in rural communities is a documented public health problem. Although studies have examined community conditions defined by a rural-urban dichotomy, few have investigated rural community conditions with a concentration of Hispanic/Latino people. This cross-sectional study examined sociodemographic characteristics associated with youth sport (YS) participation and daily PA among children living within concentrated Hispanic/Latino rural U.