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The article presents a study of spermatozoa in canine semen that uses spermatocrit as a measure of the its concentration. Relative techniques with its history and the dogs experimentation used are mentioned. Findings show that even dogs semen samples that have a high concentration of spermatozoa will yield a low percentage total solids. Based on the results, the preferred technique for dogs semen analysis is still the determination of the concentration of spermatozoa with a haemocytometer.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) represents a group of retinal disorders that results in progressive loss of vision due to photoreceptor cell death. Over 100 mutations have been identified in the rhodopsin gene that gives rise to autosomal dominant (ad) RP. One therapeutic approach which has been suggested for adRP, utilises suppression and replacement. Both wild-type and mutant rhodopsin alleles are suppressed and simultaneously a replacement gene, refractory to the suppression agent is delivered. This strategy has previously been employed in our laboratory using RNA interference (RNAi) as the suppression agent. In this study we decided to design a strategy for use in a porcine model of RP. Two siRNA molecules were designed to target both human and porcine rhodopsin. Initially these were tested in vitro in HeLa cells and one of these siRNAs was found to suppress rhodopsin significantly both at the RNA and protein levels. We are currently converting this siRNA into both shRNA and miRNA formats in order to test suppression in vivo in a mouse RP model carrying a mutant porcine rhodopsin transgene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the country with the largest population of older persons. Depression is the most common mental health issue among older adults, a trend expected to increase as societies continue to age. With the global increase in depression and depressive symptoms among this demographic, the resulting disease burden poses a significant challenge to health and social care systems in China. To map, summarise and examine the empirical literature on the prevalence and factors associated with depression and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults, an integrative literature review was conducted informed by the guidelines of Whittemore and Knafl. The literature search encompassed EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and Wanfang Database. The review included 65 studies, 29 in English and 36 in Chinese. The reported prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults was 3.78%-84.3%. Based on the biopsychosocial model, the associated factors were clustered as follows: biological factors (physical health, disability, drug effects, gender, age, diets, physical activities), psychological factors (self-esteem, coping skills, trauma, emotions, beliefs, hobbies, lifestyle) and social factors (family relationships, peers, family circumstances, school, residential areas, social support, social structure). This review synthesised research on depression among older adults in China, highlighting varying prevalence across diverse geographical locations. Given the high prevalence among certain older Chinese cohorts, the early identification and assessment of the factors associated with depression is essential to reducing disease burden. The use of the biopsychosocial model provided a theoretical lens to examine depression in this population in an integrative and holistic way. Thus, furthering understanding of the factors that require close consideration in future research and practice innovations on depression in older persons., (© 2025 The Author(s). International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: Our understanding of patient experiences with prostate cancer testing for diagnosis and surveillance is limited. The aim of this study was to collaborate with patients and clinicians to understand their lived experience and unmet needs around the early detection, diagnosis and monitoring (active surveillance) of prostate cancer., Methods: Two focus groups were held with patients (n = 20) and healthcare professionals (n = 16), to identify the main challenges in prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. This information formed the basis of an online questionnaire for broader dissemination., Results: A total of 1138 analyzable responses were obtained from people tested for prostate cancer (69% tested positive) in Europe and the US. Only 29 healthcare professionals completed the survey. Almost one-third of people reported knowing very little/nothing about prostate cancer prior to testing. Prior disease awareness was significantly higher in those who tested negative (P < .0001). Most respondents (n = 857; 75%) felt informed about the steps involved in testing. Receiving written information was a key factor; 91% of those who felt uninformed were not given any written information. Overall, most people felt "satisfied" with the typical prostate cancer tests: PSA, DRE, mpMRI, and biopsy. However, dissatisfaction for prostate biopsy (12%) was almost double that of other tests (P < .0001). Most patients understood why each test was done, and felt that their results and next steps were clearly explained to them; though PSA scored lowest in all of these fields. Apart from PSA, test satisfaction was lower when used repeatedly for surveillance, compared to once-off detection/diagnosis., Conclusions: Greater public awareness and education around prostate cancer, as well as clear and accessible written information for patients at the beginning of their cancer journey is needed. Further research is needed into alternative, less invasive tests, particularly when used repeatedly in the surveillance population., Competing Interests: Disclosure All authors confirm that they have no competing financial interests in relation to the work described. Antoinette Perry is Chief Scientific Officer in EpiCapture Limited. William Gallagher is Chief Scientific Officer in OncoAssure., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia is particularly distressing; the person under 65 years is often in employment, with financial commitments, young children, and an active social life. Some of the stress experienced by younger people experiencing cognitive changes can be reduced by an early and accurate diagnosis, but this is contingent on the timing of disclosure and a process which is sensitive and appropriate to the person. The study aim was to explore experiences of giving and receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia, by triangulating the perspectives of the key parties involved., Methods: A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured interviews. Participants ( N = 47) included people with young onset dementia ( n = 10), family members ( n = 12), and health and social care professionals ( n = 25). Thematic analysis and triangulation enabled identification of overall themes across different participant groups., Results: All participant groups agreed on key aspects of good disclosure practice, with two overarching themes: The optimal conditions for disclosure, and how best to disclose a diagnosis. Positive experiences of disclosure were prefaced on having the appropriate space and time; having a support person present; clearly labelling the diagnosis; providing appropriate information at the right pace. Other findings include recommendations for longer appointment times, offering additional support for young families, and for carers of people with atypical presentations (e.g. frontotemporal dementia)., Conclusion: Many people with young onset dementia had unsatisfactory disclosure experiences. Health and social care professionals should provide a 'pre-disclosure' appointment, elicit the amount of information the person may want at the point of disclosure of the diagnosis, balance truth and hope, provide contact details for follow-up, and overall be mindful of the individual in front of them. While young onset dementia may be a life-altering diagnosis, a disclosure meeting which is sensitively undertaken can increase the person's agency, coping ability, and ultimately empower them to live well with their diagnosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Upon the COVID-19 pandemic onset in Ireland, cancer service disruptions occurred due to prioritisation of COVID-19 related care, redeployment of staff, initial pausing of screening, diagnostic, medical and surgical oncology procedures, staff shortages due to COVID-19 infection and impacts on the physical and mental health of cancer healthcare workers. This was coupled with reluctance among people with symptoms suspicious for cancer to attend for clinical evaluation, due to concerns of contracting the virus. This was further compounded by a cyber-attack on national health service IT systems on May 14th 2021. The Irish Cancer Society, a national cancer charity with a role in advocacy, research and patient supports, convened a multi-disciplinary stakeholder group (COVID-19 and Cancer Working Group) to reflect on and understand the impact of the pandemic on cancer patients and services in Ireland, and discuss potential mitigation strategies. Perspectives on experiences were gathered across domains including timeliness of data acquisition and its conversion into intelligence, and the resourcing of cancer care to address cancer service impacts. The group highlighted aspects for future research to understand the long-term pandemic impact on cancer outcomes, while also highlighting potential strategies to support cancer services, build resilience and address delayed diagnosis. Additional measures include the need for cancer workforce recruitment and retention, increased mental health supports for both patients and oncology professionals, improvements to public health messaging, a near real-time multimodal national cancer database, and robust digital and physical infrastructure to mitigate impacts of the current pandemic and future challenges to cancer care systems., Competing Interests: Disclosure/conflict of interest statement All authors have declared that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: People with young onset dementia face unique challenges. Notably, at time of symptom presentation, many people affected by young onset dementia are still employed with significant financial obligations. The aim of this study was to explore the specific impact that young onset dementia has on continued employment and finances and to identify ways to optimise post-diagnostic approaches in this regard., Methods: Purposive sampling, with a maximum variation technique, was used to recruit a small but diverse range of people with young onset dementia in Ireland. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. In total, 22 interviews were conducted with 10 people with young onset dementia and 12 spouses and children. Two themes were constructed: impact of young onset dementia on (I) employment and (II) finances., Findings: Participants' lived accounts showed the devastating effect of a diagnosis of young onset dementia on working life, and the resultant financial, social, and psychological consequences. Participants reported having to leave paid employment early, reported losing contracts and retiring on medical grounds. There were financial implications caused by loss of income, and many additional expenses owing to dementia were incurred. In some families, spouses had to take up employment at the same time as a caring role to mitigate the loss of income, and young children were anxious at the resultant occupational and financial tensions., Conclusion: People diagnosed with young onset dementia encounter significant challenges associated with employment, and individual and family finances. There is a need for more specific information and guidance from healthcare professionals around employment rights, income support and welfare benefits and the pension status for this group of people. Additionally, healthcare professionals should be cognisant of the additional financial burden people face in young onset dementia when advising on services which incur out-of-pocket costs.

Objective: This systematic review described the effect of interventions aimed at helping Healthcare Professionals refer high-risk individuals for lung cancer screening. Primary outcomes included: lung cancer detection, screening for lung cancer, lung cancer treatments received and lung cancer mortality. Healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of lung cancer screening served as secondary outcomes., Methods: Experimental studies published between January 2016 and 2021 were included. The search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycARTICLES, PsycInfo and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the level of evidence was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading system., Results: Nine studies were included. Nurse navigation, electronic prompts for lung cancer screening and shared decision-making helped improve patient outcomes. Specialist screenings yielded more significant incidental findings and a higher percentage of Lung-RADS 1 results (i.e. no nodules/definitely benign nodules), while Primary Care Physician screenings were associated with higher numbers of Lung-RADS 2 results (i.e. benign nodules with a very low likelihood to becoming malignant). An increase in Healthcare Professionals' knowledge and awareness of lung cancer screening was achieved using group-based learning compared to lecture-based education delivery., Conclusions: The effectiveness of Nurse navigation is evident, as are the benefits of adequate training, shared decision-making, as well as a structured, clear and well-understood referral processes supported by the use of electronic system-incorporated prompts., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Objective: Suicide and self-harm are widespread yet underreported. Risk assessment is key to effective self-harm and suicide prevention and management. There is contradicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of risk assessment tools in predicting self-harm and suicide risk. This systematic review examines the effect of risk assessment strategies on predicting suicide and self-harm outcomes among adult healthcare service users., Method: Electronic and gray literature databases were searched for prospective research. Studies were screened and selected by independent reviewers. Quality and level of evidence assessments were conducted. Due to study heterogeneity, we present a narrative synthesis under three categories: (1) suicide- and self-harm-related outcomes; (2) clinician assessment of suicide and self-harm risk; and (3) healthcare utilization due to self-harm or suicide., Results: Twenty-one studies were included in this review. The SAD PERSONS Scale was the most used tool. It outperformed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation in predicting hospital admissions and stay following suicide and self-harm, yet it failed to predict repeat suicide and self-harm and was not recommended for routine use. There were mixed findings relating to clinician risk assessment, with some studies recommending clinician assessment over structured tools, whilst others found that clinician assessment failed to predict future attempts and deaths., Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of any one tool, inclusive of clinician assessment of risk, for self-harm and suicidality. The discourse around risk assessment needs to move toward a broader discussion on the safety of patients who are at risk for self-harm and/or suicide.HIGHLIGHTSThere is insufficient evidence to support using standalone risk assessment tools.There are mixed findings relating to clinician assessment of risk.Structured professional judgment is widely accepted for risk assessment.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant public health restrictions saw the mass movement of higher education to online, remote delivery. There was wide variation in how this was implemented, and for many undergraduate programs, this was the first time teaching was conducted remotely. The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate student nurses' views of online learning., Methods: Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group data from undergraduate nursing students., Findings: Two central themes described student preferences for learning environments and challenges associated with asynchronous learning. Participants reported a preference for face-to-face learning. Suggestions for optimising remote learning include an emphasis on synchronous live sessions rather than asynchronous learning, incentivised learning, and a focus on ongoing formative informal assessment to maintain engagement. Specific challenges related to poor retention, difficulty remaining motivated, and maintaining focus on content and learning outcomes., Conclusion: As more opportunities arise to engage with online pedagogies for undergraduate nursing students, educators need to ensure their approaches are evidence-based and learner-centric., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality globally. A positive association between LC incidence and socioeconomic deprivation exists. High-risk individuals are less likely to be aware of LC and to correctly appraise LC symptoms and seek medical help accordingly. This qualitative study explored strategies to promote early detection of LC among at-risk individuals living in high-incidence areas in Ireland. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 46 individuals. Data were collected face-to-face in community centres and organisations in high-incidence areas in two Irish counties and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Participants believed that there was insufficient information regarding LC and recommended promoting LC awareness at a young rather than old age. They favoured public health messages that are Simple, clear, and honest; Worded positively; Incorporating a shock element; Featuring a celebrity, healthcare professional, or survivor; and Targeted (SWIFT). Most participants reported becoming immune to messages on cigarette packaging and recommended using a combination of broadcast and print media within national government-run campaigns to promote LC awareness and early detection. Study findings suggest that promoting LC awareness, help-seeking, early presentation, and diagnosis can be achieved by developing and testing targeted interventions. Promoting LC awareness requires a multi-sectoral policy network, or a whole systems approach. Such approaches ought to consider the multifactorial drivers of LC risk behaviours; involve coordinated, collective actions across various stakeholders; operate across multiple agencies; and take a life course perspective., (© 2020. The Author(s).)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. Most cases are diagnosed late. Primary healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for symptoms of concern. This study explored primary healthcare professionals' experience of referring individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of lung cancer along the appropriate healthcare pathway and explored strategies to help primary healthcare professionals detect lung cancer early. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 36 general practitioners, community pharmacists, practice nurses, and public health nurses. Data were analysed thematically. Participants identified typical lung cancer signs and symptoms such as cough and coughing up blood (i.e., haemoptysis) as triggers for referral. Atypical/non-specific signs and symptoms such as back pain, pallor, and abnormal blood tests were perceived as difficult to interpret. Participants often refrained from using the word 'cancer' during conversations with patients. Ireland's Rapid Access Lung Clinics were perceived as underused, with some general practitioners referring patients to these clinics only when clear and definitive lung cancer signs and symptoms are noted. Lack of communication and the resulting disruption in continuity of care for patients with suspected lung cancer were highlighted as healthcare system flaws. Education on early referral can be in the form of communications from professional organizations, webinars, interdisciplinary meetings, education by lung specialists, and patient testimonials. Lung cancer referral checklists and algorithms should be simple, clear, and visually appealing, either developed as standalone tools or embedded into existing primary care software/programmes., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Public health responses to COVID-19 in long-term residential care facilities (LTRCFs) have restricted family engagement with residents. These restrictions impact on quality of care and the psychosocial and emotional well-being of family caregivers. Following a national cross-sectional web-based survey, respondents were invited to provide personal reflections on visitor restrictions. This study aims to describe the consequences of these restrictions for individuals living in LTRCF and their families during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from open-ended questions contained within the survey were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) method of thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: 1. Altered Communication and Connection; 2. Emotional and Psychological Impact; 3. Protecting and Caring Role of Staff; 4. Family Role. Throughout the narrative accounts, it is evident that the visitor restrictions impacted on the emotional and mental well-being of families. Some respondents expressed frustration that they could not assist staff in essential care provision, reducing meaning and purpose in their own lives. COVID-19 LTRCF visitor restrictions made little distinction between those providing essential personal care and those who visit for social reasons. A partnership approach to care provision is important and should encompass strategies to maintain the psychosocial and emotional well-being of families and their relatives during times of self-isolating or restrictive measures.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Prompt patient help-seeking for signs and symptoms suggestive of lung cancer is crucial for early referral, diagnosis, and survivorship. However, individuals with potential lung cancer symptoms tend to delay help-seeking. This qualitative study explored perceived barriers to patient help-seeking and strategies to enhance help-seeking for lung cancer warning signs and symptoms from the perspective of primary healthcare professionals., Methods: Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 36 primary healthcare professionals. Data were collected via videoconferencing. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted., Results: The following two themes were created from the data: (i) perceived barriers to patient help-seeking for signs and symptoms of concern and (ii) facilitating early patient presentation for signs and symptoms of concern. Some participants believed that the high cost of a general practitioner visit, long waiting times, and previous bad experiences with the healthcare system would deter patients from seeking help for symptoms of lung cancer. Perceived patient-related barriers to help-seeking related to the different emotions associated with a potential cancer diagnosis as well as stigma, embarrassment, and guilt felt by smokers. Sociodemographic factors such as drug use, homelessness, living in rural areas, and being male and older were also perceived to impede patient help-seeking. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer help-seeking also featured strongly. Participants recommended several strategies to enable patients to seek help for symptoms of concern including targeted educational campaigns focussing on symptoms (e.g., cough) rather than behaviours (e.g., smoking), accessible and free health services, and using patients' support networks., Conclusions: Patient-related and healthcare system-related barriers to help-seeking for lung cancer warning signs and symptoms include cost of healthcare, cancer fear, and various sociodemographic factors. Participants suggested that increased awareness and early patient help-seeking for symptoms of concern could be achieved through targeted patient education, national campaigns, the use of community support networks, and free and accessible targeted screening services., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death. Barriers to the early presentation for LC include lack of symptom awareness, symptom misappraisal, poor relationship with doctors and lack of access to healthcare services. Addressing such barriers can help detect LC early. This systematic review describes the effect of recent interventions to improve LC awareness, help-seeking and early detection. This review was guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, APA PsycARTICLES, APA PsycInfo and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched. Sixteen studies were included. Knowledge of LC was successfully promoted in most studies using educational sessions and campaigns. LC screening uptake varied with most studies successfully reducing decision conflicts using decision aids. Large campaigns, including UK-based campaign 'Be Clear on Cancer', were instrumental in enhancing LC awareness, promoting help-seeking and yielding an increase in chest X-rays and a decrease in the number of individuals diagnosed with advanced LC. Multimodal public health interventions, such as educational campaigns are best suited to raise awareness, reduce barriers to help-seeking and help detect LC early. Future interventions ought to incorporate targeted information using educational resources, face-to-face counselling and video- and web-based decision aids., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Objectives: Patients are unintentionally, yet frequently, harmed in situations that are deemed preventable. Incident reporting systems help prevent harm, yet there is considerable variability in how patient safety incidents are reported. This may lead to inconsistent or unnecessary patterns of incident reporting and failures to identify serious patient safety incidents. This systematic review aims to describe international approaches in relation to defining serious reportable patient safety incidents., Methods: Multiple electronic and gray literature databases were searched for articles published between 2009 and 2019. Empirical studies, reviews, national reports, and policies were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted because of study heterogeneity., Results: A total of 50 articles were included. There was wide variation in the terminology used to represent serious reportable patient safety incidents. Several countries defined a specific subset of incidents, which are considered sufficiently serious, yet preventable if appropriate safety measures are taken. Terms such as "never events," "serious reportable events," or "always review and report" were used. The following dimensions were identified to define a serious reportable patient safety incident: (1) incidents being largely preventable; (2) having the potential for significant learning; (3) causing serious harm or have the potential to cause serious harm; (4) being identifiable, measurable, and feasible for inclusion in an incident reporting system; and (5) running the risk of recurrence., Conclusions: Variations in terminology and reporting systems between countries might contribute to missed opportunities for learning. International standardized definitions and blame-free reporting systems would enable comparison and international learning to enhance patient safety., Competing Interests: The authors disclose no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate differences in supervisees' understanding of clinical supervision and their perceptions of organisational functioning before and after engaging in peer-group clinical supervision., Background: Protected reflective time allows discussion of complex issues affecting health care. Peer-group clinical supervision is one model of clinical supervision that could facilitate this, but it is poorly understood., Methods: A pre-post intervention pilot study was performed. The intervention was delivered over a 12-month period. Data were collected using surveys on demographic and work-related factors and experience of clinical supervision pre- and post intervention., Results: Adaptability increased significantly between the pre- and post surveys. The post survey data showed finding time for clinical supervision scoring lowest with open-ended comments reinforcing this. The supervisees found the sessions to offer a safe place despite initial concerns., Conclusion: The peer-group model of clinical supervision allowed supervisees to build a rapport and trust with their colleagues and share experiences., Implications for Nursing Management: The benefits to participating in peer-group clinical supervision traversed the individual and organisation. These data support the implementation of such sessions while addressing workload and time pressures to aid participation., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Nursing Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: To report on healthcare staff's views of the barriers to preventing suicide and self-harm., Design and Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through "World Café" discussion forums and written submissions, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis., Findings: Healthcare staff, including psychiatric nurses, perceived that a whole of society approach was needed for suicide and self-harm prevention. Support for those at the front line is needed as well as clear referral pathways and interagency working., Practice Implications: Formalized support for staff working in healthcare should be given with a flexible and inclusive approach to service delivery adopted., (© 2021 The Authors. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: To explore healthcare staff's knowledge and awareness of, and responses to, suicide and self-harm., Design and Methods: A qualitative design was adopted, and data were collected using a "World Café" approach (n = 143 participants), in addition to written submissions (n = 10). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis., Findings: There was variation relating to awareness of and responses to suicide and self-harm. Participants highlighted the need for further staff education and training, and a review of standardized assessment tools and referral processes., Practice Implications: Tailored training and education resources are required for healthcare staff. Clear protocols for assessing, treating, and referring people deemed at risk of suicide and self-harm are needed., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Film-based interventions have been embraced by adolescents as educational tools, but their efficacy in mental health education remains under-explored. In this review, we systematically examined the use of film-based interventions in adolescent mental health education. A systematic review of the empirical literature was conducted using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, Education Full Text [H.W. Wilson], CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Humanities Full Text [H.W. Wilson], MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Social Sciences Full Text [H.W. Wilson], Soc Index, ERIC. Risk of Bias were assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane RoB tool for randomised trials (RoB2) or the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Ten peer-reviewed studies were included in this review. Film emerged as a promising education method for enhancing metal health literacy and reducing stigma. Mixed reports were found for improving attitudes towards help-seeking, with narrative-based films having a weaker effect on attitudes towards help-seeking when compared with more instructive approaches. No study focussed on resilience. This review highlights the utility and potential for film-based interventions in adolescent mental health education. Further research is warranted around how best to implement such interventions to engage adolescents., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Lung cancer is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death globally. Lung cancer incidence and mortality are highest among socioeconomically deprived individuals. This study explored awareness and help-seeking for early signs and symptoms of lung cancer among high-risk individuals., Methods: Participation was sought from multiple community centres and organisations in high-incidence and socioeconomically deprived areas in Ireland. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with individuals at risk for lung cancer. Data were analysed using thematic analysis., Results: Five focus groups were conducted with 46 participants. Two themes were identified: (i) lung cancer awareness, beliefs, and experiences and (ii) help-seeking for early signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Participants had fragmented knowledge of lung cancer and associated this malignancy with death. Symptom change, persistence, seriousness, and family history of lung cancer served as triggers to help-seeking. General practitioners were identified as the first point of contact for symptoms of concern, yet their presumed negative attitudes towards smokers served as barriers to help-seeking. Other barriers included symptom misappraisal, fear, denial, use of self-help measures, being inherently a non-help seeker, and machoism and stoicism among men., Conclusion: Study findings offer guidance regarding lung cancer knowledge gaps and barriers to help-seeking that ought to be considered in public health interventions aimed to promote lung cancer awareness and early detection., Clinical Implications: This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to adopt a non-judgmental approach during consults for symptoms indicative of lung cancer. This can potentially help detect lung cancer early., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To examine international approaches to the ethical oversight and regulation of quality improvement and clinical audit in healthcare systems., Data Sources: We searched grey literature including websites of national research and ethics regulatory bodies and health departments of selected countries., Study Selection: National guidance documents were included from six countries: Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada., Data Extraction: Data were extracted from 19 documents using an a priori framework developed from the published literature., Results: We organized data under five themes: ethical frameworks; guidance on ethical review; consent, vulnerable groups and personal health data. Quality improvement activity tended to be outside the scope of the ethics frameworks in most countries. Only New Zealand had integrated national ethics standards for both research and quality improvement. Across countries, there is consensus that this activity should not be automatically exempted from ethical review but requires proportionate review or organizational oversight for minimal risk projects. In the majority of countries, there is a lack of guidance on participant consent, use of personal health information and inclusion of vulnerable groups in routine quality improvement., Conclusion: Where countries fail to provide specific ethics frameworks for quality improvement, guidance is dispersed across several organizations which may lack legal certainty. Our review demonstrates a need for appropriate oversight and responsive infrastructure for quality improvement underpinned by ethical frameworks that build equivalence with research oversight. It outlines aspects of good practice, especially The New Zealand framework that integrates research and quality improvement ethics., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Suicide risk screening in healthcare settings plays a significant role in suicide prevention. Healthcare staff who are poorly informed about self-harm and suicide risk are less likely to identify and subsequently screen at-risk individuals. This mixed-method systematic review aimed to appraise and synthesise evidence from studies that explored and promoted healthcare staff's knowledge and awareness of suicide and self-harm risk in healthcare settings., Methods: Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycARTICLES, Psychology and behavioural Science Collection, ERIC, and SocINDEX), the Cochrane Library, and various grey literature databases were searched for relevant studies. The level of evidence and methodological quality of the included studies were assessed., Results: Eighteen empirical studies were included. Levels of knowledge about suicide and self-harm risk varied significantly across the reviewed studies. Face-to-face group training and educational programmes, digital or online educational programmes, and an educational poster campaign were amongst the strategies used to promote awareness of suicide and self-harm risk, with the majority marginally succeeding in doing so., Limitations: The reviewed studies were heterogeneous in terms of design, interventions, and outcome measures which made it difficult to make comparisons. The overall level of scientific evidence was classified as being relatively low. The lack of blinding and lack of a control group were amongst the limitations for experimental studies., Conclusions: Long-term, routine face-to-face group training programmes should be established to educate healthcare staff about suicide risk across all professions and in specific patient groups., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: COVID-19 has disproportionately affected older people. Visiting restrictions introduced since the start of the pandemic in residential care facilities (RCFs) may impact negatively on visitors including close family, friends, and guardians. We examined the effects of COVID-19 visiting restrictions on measures of perceived loneliness, well-being, and carer quality of life (QoL) amongst visitors of residents with and without cognitive impairment (CI) in Irish RCFs. Methods: We created a cross-sectional online survey. Loneliness was measured with the UCLA brief loneliness scale, psychological well-being with the WHO-5 Well-being Index and carer QoL with the Adult Carer QoL Questionnaire (support for caring subscale). Satisfaction with care ("increased/same" and "decreased") was measured. A history of CI was reported by respondents. Sampling was by convenience with the link circulated through university mail lists and targeted social media accounts for 2 weeks in June 2020. Results: In all, 225 responses were included of which 202 noted whether residents had reported CI. Most of the 202 identified themselves as immediate family (91%) and as female (82%). The majority (67%) were aged between 45 and 64 years. Most (80%) reported that their resident had CI. Approximately one-third indicated reduced satisfaction (27%) or that restrictions had impaired communication with nursing home staff (38%). Median loneliness scores were 4/9, well-being scores 60/100 and carer QoL scores 10/15. Visitors of those with CI reported significantly lower well-being ( p = 0.006) but no difference in loneliness ( p = 0.114) or QoL ( p = 0.305). Reported CI ( p = 0.04) remained an independent predictors of lower WHO-5 scores, after adjusting for age, sex, RCF location, and dementia stage (advanced), satisfaction with care (reduced), and perception of staff support measured on the Adult Carer QoL Questionnaire. Conclusion: This survey suggests that many RCF visitors experienced low psychosocial and emotional well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown. Visitors of residents with CI report significantly poorer well-being as measured by the WHO-5 than those without. Additional research is required to understand the importance of disrupted caregiving roles resulting from visiting restrictions on well-being, particularly on visitors of residents with CI and how RCFs and their staff can support visitors to mitigate these., (Copyright © 2020 O'Caoimh, O'Donovan, Monahan, Dalton O'Connor, Buckley, Kilty, Fitzgerald, Hartigan and Cornally.)

Working with medication is an important role of the mental health nurse. However, little research has focused on staff nurses' perspectives on where the responsibility lies for preparing student nurses for safe, competent medication management. This study investigated mental health nurses' perspectives on medication education. An interpretive descriptive approach was used. Two focus groups were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive content analysis. It was found that participants embraced a medical approach to servicer user care, with less positive attitudes demonstrated towards psychosocial approaches. There were also tensions expressed between clinical practice and the university, with uncertainty voiced about whose responsibility it was to educate students about medication management. It is important that both environments complement each other in order to enhance the student nurse educational experience. While mental health nurses should be educated in this area to practice in a safe and competent manner, it is also key that a holistic approach to care is considered., (© 2019 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.)

Background: young-onset dementia (under age 65) varies in many respects to typical aged dementia. Health professionals are centrally involved in supporting individuals and families to cope with the unique challenges that young-onset dementia (YOD) brings., Aims: this study aimed to explore professionals' perceptions of the key challenges faced by people living with YOD and their families, and how they provide support to this group., Methods: qualitative interviews were conducted with nine health professionals from a range of health and social care contexts. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis., Findings: interviewees reported significant challenges in trying to enact support for people with YOD, and families. Particular challenges relate to delays in accessing timely diagnosis, and difficulty in accessing relevant, age-appropriate supports. Interviewees experienced ethical tensions working in this area; interviewees were keen to enact support for the person following diagnosis, but felt constrained by service options that were not relevant or readily accessible to the person, and in some instances, traditional dementia services added to, rather than lessened the stress experienced by those involved., Conclusion: dementia and health services should be cognisant of the unique challenges of YOD, and models of service provision should aim to respond accordingly. Nurses and other health professionals should be afforded the necessary structures to support people living with YOD. This relates to dedicated YOD models of care, specifically timely diagnosis, post-diagnosis support and community services that enhance personhood and resilience.

People with young onset dementia (YOD) experience many unique challenges. Similarly, family caregivers experience changing personal, familial, and societal roles. However, YOD is under recognized and under resourced with a lack of dedicated models of care. The current study explored family members' experience of caregiving for persons with YOD to identify barriers and opportunities to accessing support. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six family caregivers, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings show that caregivers experience significant uncertainty within their role, difficulty accessing timely diagnosis, and face unclear care pathways and age-related restrictions to accessing support. These findings also reflect elements of ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief: caregivers experienced sudden changes to relationships and family structure, along with the anticipation of a changed future. Optimum models of care should target timely diagnosis and clear post-diagnosis pathways and services that are flexible, relevant, and accessible. Services should offer psychosocial support for family members as they adjust to their new role as caregivers. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(11), 37-44.]., (Copyright 2019, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: Registered mental health nurses report dissatisfaction with the level of medication knowledge demonstrated by undergraduate nurses. However, little is known about which particular areas staff nurses are concerned about, and how they feel education can be enhanced in both academic and clinical settings., Objective: To investigate the views of staff nurses on the delivery of medication education to undergraduate mental health nurses., Design: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted., Methods: Two focus groups were held with registered nurses in two acute mental health facilities. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis., Results: The first theme reports on the difficulties staff nurses observed with both undergraduate and newly qualified nurses around medication. It was noted that these individuals had difficulties interpreting medication charts/Kardexes, and were unable to provide medication-related education to service users. The second theme reports on strategies to enhance medication education, as recommended by participants. It was suggested that more practical education should be delivered in academic settings, with a focus on simulation and presentations from clinical staff. In the clinical settings, it was suggested that preceptors should provide education at less busy times on the ward., Conclusions: This study gives insight into areas in which education needs to be strengthened, in order to improve the medication knowledge of undergraduate and newly qualified nurses. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based strategies to enhance this education., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: High quality clinical learning environments (CLE) are critical to postgraduate medical education (PGME). The understaffed and overcrowded environments in which many residents work present a significant challenge to learning. The purpose of this study was to develop a national expert group consensus amongst stakeholders in PGME to; (i) identify important barriers and facilitators of learning in CLEs and (ii) indicate priority areas for improvement. Our objective was to provide information to focus efforts to provide high quality CLEs., Methods: Group Concept Mapping (GCM) is an integrated mixed methods approach to generating expert group consensus. A multi-disciplinary group of experts were invited to participate in the GCM process via an online platform. Multi-dimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to analyse participant inputs in regard to barriers, facilitators and priorities., Results: Participants identified facilitators and barriers in ten domains within clinical learning environments. Domains rated most important were those which related to residents' connection to and engagement with more senior doctors. Organisation and conditions of work and Time to learn with senior doctors during patient care were rated as the most difficult areas in which to make improvements., Conclusions: High quality PGME requires that residents engage and connect with senior doctors during patient care, and that they are valued and supported both as learners and service providers. Academic medicine and health service managers must work together to protect these elements of CLEs, which not only shape learning, but impact quality of care and patient safety.

Chemically-induced vascular toxicity during embryonic development may cause a wide range of adverse effects. To identify putative vascular disrupting chemicals (pVDCs), a predictive pVDC signature was constructed from 124 U.S. EPA ToxCast high-throughput screening (HTS) assays and used to rank 1060 chemicals for their potential to disrupt vascular development. Thirty-seven compounds were selected for targeted testing in transgenic Tg(kdrl:EGFP) and Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish embryos to identify chemicals that impair developmental angiogenesis. We hypothesized that zebrafish angiogenesis toxicity data would correlate with human cell-based and cell-free in vitro HTS ToxCast data. Univariate statistical associations used to filter HTS data based on correlations with zebrafish angiogenic inhibition in vivo revealed 132 total significant associations, 33 of which were already captured in the pVDC signature, and 689 non-significant assay associations. Correlated assays were enriched in cytokine and extracellular matrix pathways. Taken together, the findings indicate the utility of zebrafish assays to evaluate an HTS-based predictive toxicity signature and also provide an experimental basis for expansion of the pVDC signature with novel HTS assays., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Postgraduate medical education and training (PGMET) is a complex social process which happens predominantly during the delivery of patient care. The clinical learning environment (CLE), the context for PGMET, shapes the development of the doctors who learn and work within it, ultimately impacting the quality and safety of patient care. Clinical workplaces are complex, dynamic systems in which learning emerges from non-linear interactions within a network of related factors and activities. Those tasked with the design and delivery of postgraduate medical education and training need to understand the relationship between the processes of medical workplace learning and these contextual elements in order to optimise conditions for learning. We propose to conduct a realist synthesis of the literature to address the overarching questions; how, why and in what circumstances do doctors learn in clinical environments? This review is part of a funded projected with the overall aim of producing guidelines and recommendations for the design of high quality clinical learning environments for postgraduate medical education and training., Methods: We have chosen realist synthesis as a methodology because of its suitability for researching complexity and producing answers useful to policymakers and practitioners. This realist synthesis will follow the steps and procedures outlined by Wong et al. in the RAMESES Publication Standards for Realist Synthesis and the Realist Synthesis RAMESES Training Materials. The core research team is a multi-disciplinary group of researchers, clinicians and health professions educators. The wider research group includes experts in organisational behaviour and human resources management as well as the key stakeholders; doctors in training, patient representatives and providers of PGMET., Discussion: This study will draw from the published literature and programme, and substantive, theories of workplace learning, to describe context, mechanism and outcome configurations for PGMET. This information will be useful to policymakers and practitioners in PGMET, who will be able to apply our findings within their own contexts. Improving the quality of clinical learning environments can improve the performance, humanism and wellbeing of learners and improve the quality and safety of patient care., Systematic Review Registration: The review is not registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews as the review objectives relate solely to education outcomes.

Pathologic neovascularisation and ocular permeability are hallmarks of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Current pharmacologic interventions targeting VEGF are effective in only 30-60% of patients and require multiple intraocular injections associated with iatrogenic infection. Thus, our goal is to develop novel small molecule drugs that are VEGF-independent are amenable to sustained ocular-release, and which reduce retinal angiogenesis and retinal vascular permeability. Here, the anti-angiogenic drug quininib was formulated into hyaluronan (HA) microneedles whose safety and efficacy was evaluated in vivo. Quininib-HA microneedles were formulated via desolvation from quininib-HA solution and subsequent cross-linking with 4-arm-PEG-amine prior to freeze-drying. Scanning electron microscopy revealed hollow needle-shaped particle ultrastructure, with a zeta potential of -35.5mV determined by electrophoretic light scattering. The incorporation efficiency and pharmacokinetic profile of quininib released in vitro from the microneedles was quantified by HPLC. Quininib incorporation into these microneedles was 90%. In vitro, 20% quininib was released over 4months; or in the presence of increasing concentrations of hyaluronidase, 60% incorporated quininib was released over 4months. Zebrafish hyaloid vasculature assays demonstrated quininib released from these microneedles significantly (p<0.0001) inhibited ocular developmental angiogenesis compared to control. Sustained amelioration of retinal vascular permeability (RVP) was demonstrated using a bespoke cysteinyl leukotriene induced rodent model. Quininib-HA microparticles significantly inhibited RVP in Brown Norway rats one month after administration compared to neat quininib control (p=0.0071). In summary, quininib-HA microneedles allow for sustained release of quininib; are safe in vivo and quininib released from these microneedles effectively inhibits angiogenesis and RVP in vivo., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Retinal angiogenesis is tightly regulated to meet oxygenation and nutritional requirements. In diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, uncontrolled angiogenesis can lead to blindness. Our goal is to better understand the molecular processes controlling retinal angiogenesis and discover novel drugs that inhibit retinal neovascularization. Phenotype-based chemical screens were performed using the ChemBridge Diverset(TM)library and inhibition of hyaloid vessel angiogenesis in Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish. 2-[(E)-2-(Quinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenol, (quininib) robustly inhibits developmental angiogenesis at 4-10 μmin zebrafish and significantly inhibits angiogenic tubule formation in HMEC-1 cells, angiogenic sprouting in aortic ring explants, and retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. Quininib is well tolerated in zebrafish, human cell lines, and murine eyes. Profiling screens of 153 angiogenic and inflammatory targets revealed that quininib does not directly target VEGF receptors but antagonizes cysteinyl leukotriene receptors 1 and 2 (CysLT1-2) at micromolar IC50values. In summary, quininib is a novel anti-angiogenic small-molecule CysLT receptor antagonist. Quininib inhibits angiogenesis in a range of cell and tissue systems, revealing novel physiological roles for CysLT signaling. Quininib has potential as a novel therapeutic agent to treat ocular neovascular pathologies and may complement current anti-VEGF biological agents., (© 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Vacuolar ATPases (v-ATPases) hydrolyze adenosine triphospate (ATP) to pump protons across cell membranes. Mutations in v-ATPase subunits are implicated in three human disorders: distal renal tubular acidosis, osteopetrosis, and cutis laxa type II. In the eye, the role of v-ATPases is only emerging. Mutations in v-ATPase subunits are not linked to human blindness, but altered proton pump function may underlie ocular pathologies. For example, inhibition of v-ATPase by A2E may accentuate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In animal models, v-ATPase mutations perturb the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor outer segment (OS) phagocytosis, an event linked to retinal degeneration. As the RPE plays essential roles in eye development and vision, the study of v-ATPase-induced RPE dysfunction may improve our understanding of RPE diseases.

Our objective was to profile genetic pathways whose differential expression correlates with maturation of visual function in zebrafish. Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data revealed Jak-Stat signalling as the pathway most enriched in the eye, as visual function develops. Real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization data confirm that multiple Jak-Stat pathway genes are up-regulated in the zebrafish eye between 3-5 days post-fertilisation, times associated with significant maturation of vision. One of the most up-regulated Jak-Stat genes is the proto-oncogene Pim1 kinase, previously associated with haematological malignancies and cancer. Loss of function experiments using Pim1 morpholinos or Pim1 inhibitors result in significant diminishment of visual behaviour and function. In summary, we have identified that enhanced expression of Jak-Stat pathway genes correlates with maturation of visual function and that the Pim1 oncogene is required for normal visual function.