A framework of research priorities in COVID rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID: an international consultation involving qualitative and quantitative research.

PURPOSE: To identify research priorities related to COVID rehabilitation from the perspectives of persons with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, community organization and policy representatives. MATERIALS & METHODS: We conducted five international consultations to identify key issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation using (i) web-based questionnaires, (ii) synchronous discussions, and (iii) content analysis of COVID rehabilitation research conference presentations. We collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques. RESULTS: The Framework of Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation includes five priorities that span health and disability across COVID-19 and Long COVID illness trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services. The Framework identifies target populations, methodological considerations, and highlights the importance of integrated knowledge translation and exchange in advancing scientific evidence, clinical education, practice, and COVID rehabilitation policy. CONCLUSIONS: This Framework provides a foundation to advance COVID, disability and rehabilitation research to advance the health and well-being of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.Implications for rehabilitationPersons with COVID-19 or Long COVID and their caregivers may experience multi-dimensional forms of disability spanning physical, cognitive, emotional health challenges, difficulties with daily function, and social inclusion, which individually and/or collectively may be unpredictable, episodic and/or chronic in nature.Rehabilitation has a role in preventing or mitigating disability and enhancing health outcomes for persons with COVID-19, Long COVID and their caregivers.The Framework of Research Priorities COVID Rehabilitation includes five overlapping research priorities spanning health and disability across COVID trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services.The research priorities in the Framework represent a comprehensive approach to examine disability and rehabilitation across COVID illness trajectories and the broad continuums of rehabilitation care to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to advancing evidence in COVID disability and rehabilitation.This Framework provides a foundation for international and interdisciplinary collaborations, to advance COVID disability and rehabilitation research to enhance health outcomes of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.

A systematic review of the literature: Gender-based violence in the construction and natural resources industry.

Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant concern in the construction and natural resources industries, where women, due to lower social status and integration, are at heightened risk. This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence and experience of GBV in the construction and natural resources industries. A systematic search across databases including PubMed, OVID, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL was conducted. The Risk of Bias Instrument for Cross-sectional Surveys of Attitudes and Practices by McMaster University and the Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Studies by the Center for Evidence Based Medicine at the University of Oxford were used to assess the studies included in the review. Six articles were included after full-text analysis. GBV was reported in the construction, mining, urban forestry, and arboriculture sectors. Workplace GBV was measured differently across the studies, and all studies examined more than one form of GBV. The main forms of GBV discussed in these studies were discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexism. The studies provided some insight for demographic factors that may or may not be associated with GBV, such as age, region of work, and number of years working in the industry. The review also suggests that workplace GBV has a negative impact on mental health and well-being outcomes, such as higher levels of stress and lower job satisfaction. The current research has not established the effectiveness of interventions, tools, or policies in these workplaces. Thus, additional research should include intervention studies that aim to minimize or prevent GBV in male-dominated workplaces. The current study can bring awareness and acknowledgement towards GBV in the workplace and highlight the importance of addressing it as this review outlines the negative consequences of GBV on mental health and well-being in these male-dominated industries.

Pandemic treaty as an instrument to strengthen global health security: Global health diplomacy at its crux.

Background: The World Health Assembly (WHA), on 1st December 2021, unanimously agreed to launch a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument under the World Health Organization's (WHO's) constitution to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. We aimed to explore the role of global health diplomacy (GHD) in pandemic treaty negotiations by providing deep insight into the ongoing drafting process under the WHO leadership. Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar search engine using the keywords "Pandemic Treaty," OR "International Health Regulations," OR "International conventions," OR "International treaties" in the context of recent COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, we included articles recommending the need for GHD, leadership and governance mechanisms for this international treaty drafting approved by the WHA. Results: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of GHD bolstered the international system and remained high on the agendas of many national, regional and global platforms. As per Article 19 of the WHO constitution, the Assembly established an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB) to draft and negotiate this convention/ agreement to protect the world from disease outbreaks of pandemic potential. Since GHD has helped to strengthen international cooperation in health systems and address inequities in achieving health-related global targets, there is a great scope for the successful drafting of this pandemic treaty. Conclusion: The pandemic treaty is a defining moment in global health governance, particularly the pandemic governance reforms. However, the treaty's purpose will only be served if the equity considerations are optimized, accountability mechanisms are established, and a sense of shared responsibility is embraced. While fulfilling treaty commitments might be complex and challenging, it provides an opportunity to rethink and build resilient systems for pandemic preparedness and response in the future.

Health trends in Canada 1990-2019: An analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study.

OBJECTIVE: Monitoring trends in key population health indicators is important for informing health policies. The aim of this study was to examine population health trends in Canada over the past 30 years in relation to other countries. METHODS: We used data on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability, life expectancy (LE), and child mortality for Canada and other countries between 1990 and 2019 provided by the Global Burden of Disease Study. RESULTS: Life expectancy, age-standardized YLL, and age-standardized DALYs all improved in Canada between 1990 and 2019, although the rate of improvement has leveled off since 2011. The top five causes of all-age DALYs in Canada in 2019 were neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, and mental disorders. The greatest increases in all-age DALYs since 1990 were observed for substance use, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and sense organ disorders. Age-standardized DALYs declined for most conditions, except for substance use, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and musculoskeletal disorders, which increased by 94.6%, 14.6%, and 7.3% respectively since 1990. Canada's world ranking for age-standardized DALYs declined from 9th place in 1990 to 24th in 2019. CONCLUSION: Canadians are healthier today than in 1990, but progress has slowed in Canada in recent years in comparison with other high-income countries. The growing burden of substance abuse, diabetes/chronic kidney disease, and musculoskeletal diseases will require continued action to improve population health.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La surveillance des tendances des indicateurs clés de la santé de la population est importante pour éclairer les politiques de santé. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné les tendances de la santé de la population au Canada au cours des 30 dernières années par rapport à d'autres pays. MéTHODES: Nous avons utilisé des données sur les années de vie ajustées en fonction de l'incapacité (DALY), les années de vie perdues (YLL), les années vécues avec un handicap, l'espérance de vie (LE) et la mortalité infantile pour le Canada et d'autres pays entre 1990 et 2019, fournies par l'Étude mondiale sur le fardeau de la maladie. RéSULTATS: L'espérance de vie, les YLL ajustées selon l'âge et les DALY ajustées selon l'âge ont tous connu une amélioration au Canada entre 1990 et 2019, bien que le taux d'amélioration se soit stabilisé depuis 2011. Les cinq principales causes des DALY pour tous les âges au Canada en 2019 étaient les néoplasmes, les maladies cardiovasculaires, les affections musculosquelettiques, les affections neurologiques et les troubles mentaux. Les plus fortes augmentations des DALY pour tous les âges depuis 1990 ont été observées pour l'usage de substances, le diabète et les maladies rénales chroniques, ainsi que les troubles des organes sensoriels. Les DALY ajustées selon l'âge ont diminué pour la plupart des conditions, à l'exception de l'usage de substances, du diabète et des maladies rénales chroniques, ainsi que des troubles musculosquelettiques, qui ont augmenté de 94,6 %, 14,6 % et 7,3 % respectivement depuis 1990. Le classement mondial du Canada pour les DALY ajustées selon l'âge est diminué de la 9ième place en 1990 à la 24ième place en 2019. CONCLUSION: Les Canadiens sont en meilleure santé aujourd'hui qu'en 1990, mais les progrès se sont ralentis ces dernières années par rapport à d'autres pays à revenu élevé. La croissance du fardeau lié à l'abus de substances, au diabète/maladies rénales chroniques et aux affections musculosquelettiques exigera des actions continues pour améliorer la santé de la population.

Lipid Nanocapsule: A Novel Approach to Drug Delivery System Formulation Development.

Nanocapsules are polymeric nanoparticles encased in a polymeric coating composed of a predominantly non-ionic surfactant, macromolecules, phospholipids, and an oil core. Lipophilic drugs have been entrapped using various nanocarriers, including lipid cores, likely lipid nanocapsules, solid lipid nanoparticles, and others. A phase inversion temperature approach is used to create lipid nanocapsules. The PEG (polyethyleneglycol) is primarily utilised to produce nanocapsules and is a critical parameter influencing capsule residence time. With their broad drug-loading features, lipid nanocapsules have a distinct advantage in drug delivery systems, such as the capacity to encapsulate hydrophilic or lipophilic pharmaceuticals. Lipid nanocapsules, as detailed in this review, are surface modified, contain target-specific patterns, and have stable physical and chemical properties. Furthermore, lipid nanocapsules have target-specific delivery and are commonly employed as a marker in the diagnosis of numerous illnesses. This review focuses on nanocapsule synthesis, characterisation, and application, which will help understand the unique features of nanocapsules and their application in drug delivery systems.

The Effects of Systemic Lupus-Related Cognitive Impairments on Activities of Daily Living and Life Role Participation: A Qualitative Framework Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment (CI) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) negatively impacts health-related quality of life leading to activity limitations. This qualitative study aimed to (1) explore the effect of SLE-related CI on activities of daily living and life role participation and (2) describe factors influencing activity restriction and life role participation. METHODS: Semistructured, in-depth interviews of lived experience of CI in SLE were conducted with 24 participants with SLE. Sociodemographic and clinical data, and objective and subjective cognitive function, were collected to characterize participants. A qualitative thematic content analysis was undertaken guided by a framework analytical approach. RESULTS: Participants reported problems in multiple cognitive domains, with multiple perceived causes. CI was felt to impact work, social, domestic, and family life, health, and independence. Five overarching themes were represented in the data: (1) characterization of SLE-reported CI, (2) perceived cause of CI, (3) perceived impact of CI on activities of daily living and life role participation, (4) adaptations for managing CI, and (5) influence of CI adaptations on activities of daily living and life role participation. CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of the patient experience of CI in SLE, how it impacts their lives, and what coping strategies they employ. It highlights the long-term challenges those with CI in SLE undergo and provides evidence for the urgent need to implement multidisciplinary treatment options. When managing CI, it may be beneficial to evaluate and understand available psychosocial support resources to help identify and reinforce relevant adaptations to improve health-related quality of life.

Minocycline in depression not responding to first-line therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is often resistant to first-line treatment, with around 30% failing to respond to traditional therapy. Treatment-resistant depression results in prolonged hospitalization and healthcare costs. Anti-inflammatory drugs have shown promising results in depression not responding to initial therapy. Minocycline has anti-inflammatory properties and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It has demonstrated varied results in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We assessed the efficacy of minocycline compared to placebo in depression not responding to one first-line antidepressant via a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for RCTs. We visualized the results using forest plots and drapery plots. We assessed and explored heterogeneity using I2, prediction interval, and meta-regression. Then, we rated the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Four RCTs revealed a non-significant difference in depression severity [-3.93; 95% CI: -16.14 to 8.28], rate of response [1.15; 0.33-4.01], and rate of remission [0.94; 0.44-2.01]. However, the reduction in depression severity is significant at a trend of P < .1. The high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 78%) for depression severity could be answered by meta-regression (P = .02) for the duration of therapy. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference with minocycline compared to placebo for depression not responding to first-line antidepressant therapy. However, the treatment response varies with treatment duration and patients' neuroinflammatory state. Thus, larger and longer RCTs, especially in diverse disease subgroups, are needed for further insight. This is needed to allow greater precision medicine in depression and avoid elevated healthcare expenditure associated with hit-and-trial regimens. REGISTRATION: CRD42023398476 (PROSPERO).

Examining the health and functioning status of medical laboratory professionals in Ontario, Canada: an exploratory study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the overall and specific aspects of the functioning of medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis where a questionnaire was used to assess the mental status of MLPs. SETTING: An online questionnaire administered in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 632 MLPs (medical laboratory technologists, technicians and assistants) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We employed the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule V.2.0 (WHODAS V.2.0) Questionnaire to assess functioning/disability and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, third edition for psychosocial workplace factors. Multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between overall and specific domain functioning scores and psychosocial workplace factors. RESULTS: Of the total 632 participants, the majority were female gender and Caucasian. It was found that health (ß=2.25, p<0.001, CI: 1.77 to 2.73), management of environmental conditions (ß=0.65, p<0.001, CI: 0.33 to 0.98), fear of unemployment (ß=-0.72, p<0.001, CI: -1.09 to -0.35) and frequency of stress (ß=-1.86, p<0.001, CI: -2.33 to -1.40), in addition to bullying exposure (ß=0.56, p<0.01, CI: 0.15 to 0.98) and threats of violence exposure (ß=0.90, p<0.01, CI: 0.25 to 1.54), significantly decreased functioning overall and within the specific WHODAS V.2.0 functioning domains. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence of the overall and specific aspects of functioning among the MLPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, these findings can support and guide the improvement of workplace practices and policies among MLPs in the future.

Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Women of Reproductive Age in India.

HIV/AIDS has been a major threat to global public health, with India ranking third when it comes to the global burden of people living with HIV, especially women. It is imperative to assess the level of knowledge women have about transmission and prevention of this infection. This study sought to delineate the determinants of the comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women in the reproductive age groups in India. Data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey conducted in India were analyzed. The sample included 95,541 women aged 15-49 years. Multilevel logistic regression was fitted with individual characteristics, household characteristics, and community characteristics to identify determinants of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Nearly a fourth (24.8%) of the women aged 15-49 in India who had ever heard of HIV had comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Multilevel logistic regression showed that the likelihood of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS was higher among women aged 40-44 (AOR = 1.57) and 30-34 (AOR = 1.56). The likelihood of having comprehensive knowledge increased with the increase in the level of education. Women with secondary and higher levels of education were 1.9 times and 3.38 times more likely to have comprehensive knowledge, respectively, than those with no education. Household wealth, access to mass media, and having ever tested for HIV were also significant determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women. The odds of having comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS were higher for women with higher community wealth (AOR = 1.31), higher community education (AOR = 1.09), and higher community employment (AOR = 1.12). Factors at both the individual and community levels were shown to be indicators of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Policymakers and public health practitioners in India should come up with plans to close the information gaps about HIV/AIDS that exist among women and their demographic subgroups.

Bacterial contamination of healthcare workers' mobile phones in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones are potential reservoirs for pathogens and sources of healthcare-associated infections. More microbes can be found on a mobile phone than on a man's lavatory seat, the sole of a shoe, or a door handle. When examining patients, frequent handling of mobile phones can spread bacteria. Nevertheless, evidence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones used by healthcare workers in Africa was inconclusive. Thus, this meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones used by healthcare workers and the most frequent bacterial isolates in Africa. METHODS: We systematically retrieved relevant studies using PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar from July 1, 2023 to August 08, 2023. We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones among healthcare workers. The DerSimonian-random Laird's effect model was used to calculate effect estimates for the pooled prevalence of bacterial contamination in mobile phones and a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 4544 retrieved studies, 26 eligible articles with a total sample size of 2,887 study participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mobile phone bacterial contamination among healthcare workers was 84.5% (95% CI 81.7, 87.4%; I2 = 97.9%, p value < 0.001). The most dominant type of bacteria isolated in this review was coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) which accounted for 44.0% of the pooled contamination rate of mobile phones used by healthcare workers, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (31.3%), and Escherichia coli (10.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In this review, the contamination of mobile phones used by HCWs with various bacterial isolates was shown to be considerable. The most prevalent bacteria isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aurous, and Escherichia coli. The prevalence of bacterial contamination in mobile phones varies by country and sub-region. Hence, healthcare planners and policymakers should establish norms to manage healthcare workers' hand hygiene and disinfection after using mobile phones.

A critical analysis of COVAX alliance and corresponding global health governance and policy issues: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: The COVAX alliance is a novel approach to international partnership in global health intended to achieve the worthy goal of 'COVID-19 vaccine equity'. This study aimed to identify the implementation challenges and framework gaps of COVAX and to explore the interconnected global health policy and governance gaps in ensuring equity, accessibility and affordability of vaccines. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to identify the implementation challenges and framework gaps of COVAX and related global health policy and governance gaps. A search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link and Embase databases. Manually searched the grey literature, such as official reports and articles. EndNote V.20 was used to manage the evidence screening, and data extraction was carried out in Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Searches of four electronic databases and official UN, GAVI and WHO websites identified 4686 pieces of evidence. The 937 duplicates were removed, and the remaining 3749 articles were screened for the title and abstract. Most articles were eliminated as they do not address global COVAX or COVID-19 vaccine equity. The remaining 53 pieces of evidence were reviewed for full text, and ultimately 40 articles found eligible were included in the scoping review. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation challenges of COVAX were attributed mainly to the phenomenon of vaccine nationalism by rich countries. The future global health policy and governance structure must be re-examined to address the inadequacies of such novel super public-and-private partnership models.

Determinants of neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in ethiopian hospitals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Several studies have identified risk factors for neonatal sepsis, but they are limited to specific geographical areas with results that may not be generalizable to other populations. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the contributing factors, representative at a national level, that influence the occurrence of neonatal sepsis in neonates receiving hospital care in Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A thorough search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Hinari, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies. The pooled odds ratio was estimated using the random effect model. The heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using the I2 and Cochrane Q-statistics tests. Egger's tests used to assess publication bias. Results: A total of 19 studies comprising 6190 study participants were included. Neonatal sepsis was positively associated with several factors, namely: prolonged premature rupture of membrane (OR: 3.85, 95% CI: 2.31-6.42), low first minute APGAR score (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.29-10.81), low fifth minute APGAR score (OR: 4.17, 95% CI: 1.76-9.91), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (OR: 3.41, 95% CI: 2.18-5.36), and infection of the maternal urinary tract (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.87-5.35). Conclusion: Duration of rupture of membrane, APGAR score, time of initiation of breastfeeding, and urinary tract infection have a role in the development of neonatal sepsis.

Prevention of Re-attempt Suicide Through Brief Contact Interventions: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Brief contact intervention (BCI) is a low-cost intervention to prevent re-attempt suicide. This meta-analysis and meta-regression study aimed to evaluate the effect of BCI on re-attempt prevention following suicide attempts (SAs). We systematically searched using defined keywords in MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus up to April, 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion after quality assessment. Random-effects model and subgroup analysis were used to estimate pooled risk difference (RD) and risk ratio (RR) between BCI and re-attempt prevention with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression analysis was carried out to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. The pooled estimates were (RD = 4%; 95% CI 2-6%); and (RR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.48-0.77). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that more than 12 months intervention (RR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.10-0.82) versus 12 months or less (RR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.54-0.80) increased the effectiveness of BCI on re-attempt suicide reduction. Meta-regression analysis explored that BCI time (more than 12 months), BCI type, age, and female sex were the potential sources of the heterogeneity. The meta-analysis indicated that BCI could be a valuable strategy to prevent suicide re-attempts. BCI could be utilized within suicide prevention strategies as a surveillance component of mental health since BCI requires low-cost and low-educated healthcare providers.

Health Care Equity Through Intelligent Edge Computing and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality: A Systematic Review.

Intellectual capital is a scarce resource in the healthcare industry. Making the most of this resource is the first step toward achieving a completely intelligent healthcare system. However, most existing centralized and deep learning-based systems are unable to adapt to the growing volume of global health records and face application issues. To balance the scarcity of healthcare resources, the emerging trend of IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) and edge computing will be very practical and cost-effective. A full examination of the transformational role of intelligent edge computing in the IoMT era to attain health care equity is offered in this research. Intelligent edge computing-aided distribution and collaborative information management is a possible approach for a long-term digital healthcare system. Furthermore, IEC (Intelligent Edge Computing) encourages digital health data to be processed only at the edge, minimizing the amount of information exchanged with central servers/the internet. This significantly increases the privacy of digital health data. Another critical component of a sustainable healthcare system is affordability in digital healthcare. Affordability in digital healthcare is another key component of a sustainable healthcare system. Despite its importance, it has received little attention due to its complexity. In isolated and rural areas where expensive equipment is unavailable, IEC with AR / VR, also known as edge device shadow, can play a significant role in the inexpensive data collection process. Healthcare equity becomes a reality by combining intelligent edge device shadows and edge computing.

Exploring the Impact of Labour Mobility on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Skilled Trades Workers in Ontario, Canada.

Labour mobility and subsequent workers migration is an increasing trend worldwide and can be a force that counteracts Canada's shortage of skilled labour. Supercommuting allows workers facing economic challenges to pursue more financially advantageous work opportunities in other regions. This study aimed to evaluate the "supercommuting" labour mobility model and its impact on long-distance mobile workers' mental health and wellbeing. We utilized a non-experimental research design using convenience sampling from workers who participated in Blue Branch Inc.'s (Hamilton, Canada) supercommuting labour mobility model. An online questionnaire collected demographic data, work-related data, occupational stress measures related to burnout, and job-related stress data. Data collection was started on 1 April 2021, and of the total 58 participants, the majority (44, 76%) were male, born outside Canada, and had an average age of 32.8 years. Workplace Safety (95%), full-time employment opportunity (95%), career advancement possibility (95%), and income and benefits (94.9%) were found to be the most crucial factors to keep study participants working in their current position. Of the 47 participants who experienced burnout, only one showed severe burnout in each domain (personal, work-related, and colleague-related). There is a great need for preventative burnout programs and supportive employer resources for those who engage in long-distance labour commuting. The study emphasizes the need to encourage policymakers to develop solutions for training future Ontario workers to support mobile employment and long-distance labour commuting.

COVID-19 and Global Distributive Justice: 'Health Diplomacy' of India and South Africa for the TRIPS waiver.

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had left heart-wrenching impacts on all facets of life in general and the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicines and vaccines in particular. Rather, the world has been divided into two groups regarding access to medicine and vaccines as haves and have-nots. The rich countries had pre-ordered the vaccines of COVID-19 along with the holding of the same. The pandemic situation was further worsened, given the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in practice and restrictions on sharing technology of vaccines, medicines, and life-saving equipment. In this context, India and South Africa have proposed the joint proposal and garnered support for waiving off TRIPS to ensure equity, accessibility, and affordability of vaccines and the same as public goods. In this review, we emphasize that global justice is one of the important elements of normative international theories, which focus on all the moral obligations from the world's rich to the world's poor. The paper also questions and argues that if the rich countries fail to go by the principles of global justice, can the Indian and South African (SA) patent diplomacy play a catalyst role in global justice? The review concludes with an emphasis on global solidarity, and the acceptance of joint India-South Africa's "patent diplomacy" for TRIPS waiver would result in mass production and fair distribution, making the COVID-19 medicines and technologies available to everyone regardless of their poor-rich status.

Access to medicines through global health diplomacy.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasizes that equitable access to safe and affordable medicines is vital to attaining the highest possible standard of health by all. Ensuring equitable access to medicines (ATM) is also a key narrative of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as SDG 3.8 specifies "access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all" as a central component of universal health coverage (UHC). The SDG 3.b emphasizes the need to develop medicines to address persistent treatment gaps. However, around 2 billion people globally have no access to essential medicines, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. The states' recognition of health as a human right obligates them to ensure access to timely, acceptable, affordable health care. While ATM is inherent in minimizing the treatment gaps, global health diplomacy (GHD) contributes to addressing these gaps and fulfilling the state's embracement of health as a human right.

Pandemic within a pandemic! Policy Implications of community-based Interventions to mitigate violence against women during COVID-19 in Urban Slums of Lucknow, India.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented adverse impact on women's health. Evidence from the literature suggests that violence against women has increased multifold. Gender-based violence in urban slums has worsened due to a lack of water and sanitation services, overcrowding, deteriorating conditions and a lack of institutional frameworks to address gender inequities. Methods: The SAMBHAV (Synchronized Action for Marginalized to Improve Behaviors and Vulnerabilities) initiative was launched between June 2020 to December 2020 by collaborating with the Uttar Pradesh state government, UNICEF and UNDP. The program intended to reach 6000 families in 30 UPS (Urban Poor settlements) of 13 city wards. These 30 UPS were divided into 5 clusters. The survey was conducted in 760 households, 397 taken from randomly selected 15 interventions and 363 households from 15 control UPS. This paper utilized data from a baseline assessment of gender and decision-making from a household survey conducted in the selected UPS during July 03-15, 2020. A sample size of 360 completed interviews was calculated for intervention and control areas to measure changes attributable to the SAMBHAV intervention in the behaviours and service utilization (pre- and post-intervention). Results: The data analysis showed a significant difference (p-value < 0.001) between respondents regarding women's freedom to move alone in the control and intervention area. It also reflected a significant difference between control and intervention areas as the respondents in the intervention area chose to work for the cause of gender-based violence. Conclusion: The SAMBHAV initiative brought an intersectional lens to gender issues. The community volunteers were trained to approach issues based on gender-based violence with the local public, and various conferences and meetings were organized to sensitize the community. The initiative's overall impact was that it built momentum around the issue of applying the concept of intersectionality for gender issues and building resilience in the community. There is still a need to bring multi-layered and more aggressive approaches to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in the community.

Pectin/PVA and pectin-MgO/PVA films: Preparation, characterization and biodegradation studies.

There is a great demand to replace non-renewable materials with eco-friendly renewable materials for many applications in recent times. In the present study, such an attempt was made to substitute synthetic polymer-based films used for food packaging applications with films prepared out of renewable materials derived from waste. The pectin/polyvinyl alcohol (PP) and pectin-MgO/polyvinyl alcohol (PMP) films were prepared and characterized to ascertain their suitability for packaging applications. To improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of films, MgO nanoparticles were incorporated in situ into the polymer matrix. The pectin used in the study was extracted from citrus fruit peel. The prepared nanocomposite films were evaluated for physico-mechanical properties, water contact angle, thermal stability, crystallinity, morphology, compositional purity and biodegradability. The elongation at break for PP film was 42.24% and for PMP film it was 39.18%. Also, the ultimate modulus in terms of MPa for PP film was 6.8 and for PMP it was 7.9. So, it was found that PMP films have better ductility and modulus than PP films due to the presence of MgO nanoparticles. The spectral studies confirmed the compositional purity of the prepared films. The biodegradation studies revealed that both films could be degraded at ambient conditions at appreciable time span, suggesting them to be a better choice as an environmentally friendly food packaging material.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Return-to-Work Interventions for Individuals with Work-Related Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The workplace is a vital setting to support positive mental health. Mental health conditions in the workforce contribute to decreased work engagement and participation. There is existing literature on return-to-work (RTW) interventions for individuals with work-related mental health conditions, however, there lacks consensus on their effectiveness. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature and evaluate the effectiveness of return-to-work interventions on return-to-work rates, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing for individuals with work-related mental health conditions. Selected articles were organized and identified using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) framework. Quality assessment of the included studies was completed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme randomized controlled trials checklist and the Joanna Briggs Institute quasi-experimental studies checklist. A random effects meta-analysis model was performed using DerSimonian-Laird weighting to calculate standard mean difference and risk ratios to assess the impact of RTW interventions on return-to-work rates, absenteeism, stress symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life. A total of 28 out of 26,153 articles met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses for participants in the studies ranged from work-related stress to work-related PTSD following exposure to a psychologically traumatizing event in the workplace. No significant differences were found for the meta-analyses examining return-to-work rates, absenteeism, depression, stress, and quality of life. The most effective interventions were found to be a multi-domain intervention (67% of participants RTW full time) and a health-focused intervention (85% RTW rate). Future research may consider establishing effective interventions to develop programs or policies supporting the RTW of employees and promote mental well-being among employees experiencing work-related mental health conditions.