Concavity principles for nonautonomous elliptic equations and applications

In the study of concavity properties of positive solutions to nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations the diffusion and the nonlinearity are typically independent of the space variable. In this paper we obtain new results aiming to get almost concavity results for a relevant class of anisotropic semilinear elliptic problems with spatially dependent source and diffusion

Prevalence, Types and Determinants of Complementary and Alternative Medications among Health Clinic Clients

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) covers a wide range of over 100 healing approaches, philosophies and therapeutic modalities that are not provided by conventional medicine. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) covers a wide range of healing approaches not provided by conventional medicine. Objectives: The study was aimed at identifying the prevalence , types and determinants of CAM use,  sources of information about CAM that patients usually depend upon and  reasons of using CAM, Methods: : A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from random consecutive patients attending  two PHC centres out of ten which was selected randomly in Abha city. All the patients more than 18 years attended to the clinic during two months (March & April) /2014 was included in the study. Results: The present study included 504 patients attending the PHC centres. The mean age of the participants was  47.6 ± 10.2 years. 232(46.0%)  were Males and 272(54.0%) were females. The majority of participants were Saudi ((88.7%)) and Muslims (96.4%). Most of the participants were Illiterate or school level (82.1%) and less than half of them (42.9%) had  enough family income > 10,000 SR. About three fourths of the participants were born in city, most of them were non smokers (81.9%) and about one third of them had self-perceived stress level more than 5. About one third  (36.9%) of participants reported using CAM during the 12 months preceded the study. About half of the participants used CAM due to the personal and family beliefs and because of friends advice ( 63.4% & 46.8% ) respectively. More than half of CAM users used it regularly. 58.6% of CAM users Feeling physically & psychologically better after using it and most of them did not reported any side effects after using CAM.  Conclusions: Use of CAM is prevalent among patients attending  health clinics in Abha City. CAM is commonly used by all age groups. The significant factors found to increase the likelihood of CAM use were Saudi nationality, Illiterate and the place of birth, there were a statistical significant increase  of using CAM among participants born in village. However, factors like age, gender, income, religion, smoking and perceived stress level did not prove to be statistically significant and thus did not affect CAM prevalence significantly. Most families has strong personal belief on CAM Because of the Belief that CAM builds up the body’s own defenses and promotes self-healing and has less side effects. Key words: Prevalence, Determinants, Complementary,  Alternative Medications, Client

Concavity properties for quasilinear equations and optimality remarks

In this paper we study quasiconcavity properties of solutions of Dirichlet problems related to modified nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations of the type $$-{\rm div}\big(a(u) \nabla u\big) + \frac{a'(u)}{2} |\nabla u|^2 = f(u) \quad \hbox{in $\Omega$},$$ where $\Omega$ is a convex bounded domain of $\mathbb{R}^N$. In particular, we search for a function $\varphi:\mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$, modeled on $f\in C^1$ and $a\in C^1$, which makes $\varphi(u)$ concave. Moreover, we discuss the optimality of the conditions assumed on the source.Comment: To be published on Differential and Integral Equation

Inner Child, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health in Jordanian University Students

The study investigated the influence of the inner child on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem. Using a descriptive analytical survey method, a simple random sample of 625 Jordanian university students was utilized. The study employed three scales: the inner child scale (18 items), the mental health scale (15 items), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (10 items). Findings revealed that Jordanian university students demonstrated a high level of awareness of their inner child, mental health, and self-esteem. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) in the impact of inner child awareness on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem, based on variables such as sex, college, and educational level. Moreover, the study identified a positive correlation between inner child awareness and mental health, as well as a positive association between self-esteem and mental health. Consequently, the study recommends several actions, including conducting a longitudinal study to explore the impact of the inner child across various life stages (childhood, adolescence, youth, and old age)

Identification of potential risk factors for lower limb injuries in female team-sport athletes: a prospective cohort study

Supplementary material: Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24733938.2023.2181386#supplemental-material-section .Objectives: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the associations between lower limb injuries in female team-sport athletes and a number of factors. The potential risk factors explored included (1) lower limb strength, (2) history of life-event stress, (3) family history of ACL injuries, (4) menstrual history, and (5) history of oral contraception use. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five female athletes aged between 14 and 31 years (mean: 18.8 ± 3.6 years) from rugby union (n = 47), soccer (n = 72), and netball (n = 16) volunteered to participate in this study. Demographics, history of life-event stress, injury history and baseline data were obtained prior to the competitive season. The following strength measures were collected: isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength and single leg jumping kinetics. Athletes were then followed for 12 months, and all lower limb injuries sustained were recorded. Results: One hundred and nine athletes provided one-year follow-up injury data, of whom, 44 suffered at least one lower limb injury. All athletes who reported high scores for negative life-event stress sustained lower limb injuries. Non-contact lower limb injury was positively associated with weak hip adductor strength (OR: 0.88; 95%CI: 0.78–0.98; p = 0.017), and between-limb adductor (OR: 5.65; 95%CI: 1.61–19.7.; p = 0.007) and abductor (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.03–3.71; p = 0.039) strength asymmetries. Conclusion: History of life event stress, hip adductor strength, and between-limb adductor and abductor strength asymmetries offer potential novel avenues for investigating injury risk factors in female athletes.The work was supported by the University of South Wales [Scholarship]

Changes in outcomes following exercise and education in individuals with single-site pain versus multi-site pain; an analysis of 31,276 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis

Objective Multisite pain (MSP) in osteoarthritis defined as pain in ≥2 sites is associated with poorer health than single-site pain (SSP). We compared changes in health outcomes at 3- and 12 months in those with SSP versus MSP following an 8-week education and exercise programme (GLA:D®). Methods Participants with knee/hip OA enrolled in GLA:D® (2014-2021) were categorised into four groups based on number of pain sites: 0-1 sites (SSP), 2 sites (MSP2), 3-4 sites (MSP3-4), ≥5 sites (MSP5+). Changes in pain, QoL and physical function were compared across groups at 3- and 12-months using Analysis of Covariance, Generalised Estimating Equations and responder analyses. Results Approximately 90% of 31,276 participants had ≥2 pain sites. At 12 months, pain severity reduced by a mean of -3.79 (95%CI -4.90 to -2.68) in all MSP groups versus SSP. QoL improved by 1-2 points in MSP2 and MSP3-4 groups compared to SSP, with no difference in change in 40m walk or 30-second chair-stand. The proportion of pain responders was higher in all MSP groups compared to SSP at 3 (43-44% vs 36%) and 12 months (44-47% vs 37%). There was a greater proportion of responders in QoL in MSP2 versus SSP at 12 months (36% vs 32%); and in MSP3-4 versus MSP5+ at 3 months in physical function (56% vs 52%). Conclusions Whilst improvements in pain and QOL, but not physical function, were greater in those with MSP compared to SSP following an 8-week education and exercise programme, between-group differences were not clinically important.Objective: Multisite pain (MSP) in osteoarthritis defined as pain in ≥2 sites is associated with poorer health than single-site pain (SSP). We compared changes in health outcomes at 3- and 12 months in those with SSP versus MSP following an 8-week education and exercise programme (GLA:D®). Methods: Participants with knee/hip OA enrolled in GLA:D® (2014–2021) were categorised into four groups based on number of pain sites: 0–1 sites (SSP), 2 sites (MSP2), 3–4 sites (MSP3-4), ≥5 sites (MSP5+). Changes in pain, Quality of Life (QoL) and physical function were compared across groups at 3- and 12-months using Analysis of Covariance, Generalised Estimating Equations and responder analyses. Results: Approximately 90 % of 31,276 participants had ≥2 pain sites. At 12 months, pain severity reduced by a mean of −3.79 (95 % CI -4.90 to −2.68) in all MSP groups versus SSP. QoL improved by 1–2 points in MSP2 and MSP3-4 groups compared to SSP, with no difference in change in 40m walk or 30-second chair-stand. The proportion of pain responders was higher in all MSP groups compared to SSP at 3 (43–44 % vs 36 %) and 12 months (44–47 % vs 37 %). There was a greater proportion of responders in QoL in MSP2 versus SSP at 12 months (36 % vs 32 %); and in MSP3-4 versus MSP5+ at 3 months in physical function (56 % vs 52 %). Conclusions: Whilst improvements in pain and QoL, but not physical function, were greater in those with MSP compared to SSP following an 8-week education and exercise programme, between-group differences were not clinically important.</p

AnBx::Automatic Generation and Verification of Security Protocols Implementations

The AnBx compiler is a tool for automatic generation of Java implementations of security protocols specified in a simple and abstract model that can be formally verified. In our model-driven development approach, protocols are described in AnBx, an extension of the Alice &amp; Bob notation. Along with the synthesis of consistency checks, the tool analyses the security goals and produces annotations that allow the verification of the generated implementation with ProVerif

Varying magnesium concentration elicits changes in inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

The aims of this study were to determine whether low concentrations of magnesium in vitro exacerbated the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) response to inflammatory challenge, and whether expression of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) played a role in this process. HUVECs were incubated with different concentrations of Mg (low- 0.1mM, control- 1mM, high- 5mM) for 72 h before being stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 h. The response of cells to LPS was greater in cells cultured in low Mg, relative to control cells and suppressed in high Mg. Expression of NF-κB was increased in low-Mg and decreased with high Mg. Low Mg increased the expression of TLR4 mRNA, but only in the presence of LPS. Antibody blockade of TLR4 but not TLR2 blunted the response of cells to LPS in low Mg, such that they were similar to unblocked 1mM Mg cells. Associations of Mg with cardiovascular disease may therefore relate to inflammatory responses mediated through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Varying magnesium concentration elicits changes in inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

The aims of this study were to determine whether low concentrations of magnesium in vitro exacerbated the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) response to inflammatory challenge, and whether expression of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) played a role in this process. HUVECs were incubated with different concentrations of Mg (low- 0.1mM, control- 1mM, high- 5mM) for 72 h before being stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 h. The response of cells to LPS was greater in cells cultured in low Mg, relative to control cells and suppressed in high Mg. Expression of NF-κB was increased in low-Mg and decreased with high Mg. Low Mg increased the expression of TLR4 mRNA, but only in the presence of LPS. Antibody blockade of TLR4 but not TLR2 blunted the response of cells to LPS in low Mg, such that they were similar to unblocked 1mM Mg cells. Associations of Mg with cardiovascular disease may therefore relate to inflammatory responses mediated through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Acceptance and Attitude towards Digital Rectal Examination for the Evaluation of Anorectal Conditions in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Objectives:Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions, including prostate and colorectal cancer. Our study aims to assess the knowledge and acceptance of DRE among the Saudi population.Methodology:This cross-sectional study used a bilingual online survey distributed among Saudi residents in the Eastern Province. The survey included 22 questions on demographics, DRE awareness, and acceptance. Data was analyzed using SPSS.Results:Out of 443 participants, 65.2% were male, and 53.7% were aged 18-25 years. Awareness of DRE was high (65.7%), but only 21.7% had undergone the procedure. 56.0% would agree to a DRE if recommended by a doctor, but 57.0% cited shame and disgust as barriers. Pain (61.4%), mass sensation (57.1%), and bleeding (53.7%) were key symptoms prompting acceptance. Cultural and traditional factors were significant barriers for 57.6% of participants, and 49.0% would consider traditional medicine for anal and rectal diseases. Knowledge about hemorrhoids was varied, with 46.2% correctly identifying them as dilated anal blood vessels, and preventive measures included dietary and behavioral adjustments.Conclusions:There is a need for educational efforts to improve DRE acceptance in Saudi Arabia. Addressing cultural barriers and misconceptions can enhance preventive healthcare practices and early disease detection