A multi-faceted exploration of unmet needs in the continuing improvement and development of fertility care amidst a pandemic.

PURPOSE: The continuous improvement and development of fertility care, internationally, requires ongoing monitoring of current delivery processes and outcomes in clinical practice. This descriptive and exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in eight countries (Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom) to assess the unmet needs of fertility patients (male and female), and existing challenges, barriers and educational gaps of physicians and laboratory specialists involved in human fertility care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was deployed sequentially in two phases: 1) in-depth 45-minute semi-structured interviews (n=76), transcribed, coded and thematically analysed using an inductive reasoning approach, 2) an online survey (n=303) informed by the findings of the qualitative interviews, face validated by experts in reproductive medicine, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS: The integrated results of both phases indicated numerous areas of challenges, including: 1) investigating male-related infertility; 2) deciding appropriate treatment for men and selective use of assisted reproductive technology; and 3) maintaining access to high-quality fertility care during a pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The paper presents a reflective piece on knowledge and skills that warrant ongoing monitoring and improvement amongst reproductive medicine healthcare professionals amidst future pandemics and unanticipated health system disruptions. Moreover, these findings suggest that there is an additional need to better understand the required changes in policies and organizational processes that would facilitate access to andrology services for male infertility and specialized care, as needed.

A multi-faceted exploration of unmet needs in the continuing improvement and development of fertility care amidst a pandemic

ABSTRACT Purpose: The continuous improvement and development of fertility care, internationally, requires ongoing monitoring of current delivery processes and outcomes in clinical practice. This descriptive and exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in eight countries (Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom) to assess the unmet needs of fertility patients (male and female), and existing challenges, barriers and educational gaps of physicians and laboratory specialists involved in human fertility care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study was deployed sequentially in two phases: 1) in-depth 45-minute semi-structured interviews (n=76), transcribed, coded and thematically analysed using an inductive reasoning approach, 2) an online survey (n=303) informed by the findings of the qualitative interviews, face validated by experts in reproductive medicine, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The integrated results of both phases indicated numerous areas of challenges, including: 1) investigating male-related infertility; 2) deciding appropriate treatment for men and selective use of assisted reproductive technology; and 3) maintaining access to high-quality fertility care during a pandemic. Conclusions: The paper presents a reflective piece on knowledge and skills that warrant ongoing monitoring and improvement amongst reproductive medicine healthcare professionals amidst future pandemics and unanticipated health system disruptions. Moreover, these findings suggest that there is an additional need to better understand the required changes in policies and organizational processes that would facilitate access to andrology services for male infertility and specialized care, as needed.

Effect of volleyball training on physical fitness and cardiopulmonary endurance of college students / Efeito do treinamento de vôlei sobre a aptidão física e a resistência cardiopulmonar de estudantes universitários / Efecto del entrenamiento de voleibol en la aptitud física y la resistencia cardiopulmonar de estudiantes universitarios

ABSTRACT Introduction: Volleyball consists mainly of aerobic activities, causing positive impacts on cardiopulmonary resistance and the physical fitness of college students. Studying scientifically the training impacts of this sport can provide a scientific reference to support student training. Objective: Study the effects of volleyball training on college students' physical fitness and cardiopulmonary endurance. Methods: Second-year physical education students at a university were randomly selected for the experiment (n=50). Divided into the experimental group - adopting volleyball training and practice and control - with traditional athletics, they underwent a full semester of targeted physical activities. Physical fitness and cardiopulmonary endurance tests were performed before and after the experiment, and the results of the test batteries were cataloged and statistically confronted. Results: The experimental class students' results were superior in the physical fitness tests(P<0.05). The difference in the impact on final inter-group cardiopulmonary resistance was not so evident, demonstrating that both interventions resulted in good conditioning. Conclusion: Volleyball training positively impacted college students' physical fitness and cardiopulmonary endurance. It also increased the students' interest in the sport, optimizing the college students' physical quality and improving their cardiopulmonary resistance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O voleibol é constituído principalmente por atividades aeróbicas, causando impactos positivos sobre a resistência cardiopulmonar e aptidão física dos estudantes universitários. Estudar cientificamente os impactos do treinamento desse esporte pode fornecer uma referência científica para embasar o treinamento estudantil. Objetivo: Estudar os efeitos do treinamento de voleibol sobre a aptidão física e a resistência cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários. Métodos: Alunos do segundo ano de educação física em uma universidade foram selecionados aleatoriamente para o experimento (n=50). Divididos em grupo experimental - adotando treinamento e prática de voleibol e controle - com atletismo tradicional, foram submetidos a um semestre completo de atividades físicas direcionadas. Testes de aptidão física e resistência cardiopulmonar foram executados antes e após o experimento, os resultados das baterias de testes foram catalogados e confrontados estatisticamente. Resultados: Os resultados dos alunos da classe experimental foram superiores nas provas de aptidão física (P<0.05). A diferença no impacto sobre a resistência cardiopulmonar final inter-grupo não foi tão evidente, demonstrando que ambas intervenções acarretaram em um bom condicionamento. Conclusão: O treinamento de vôlei apresentou impactos positivos sobre a aptidão física e a resistência cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários. Também aumentou o interesse dos alunos pelo esporte, otimizando a qualidade física dos estudantes universitários e melhorando a sua resistência cardiopulmonar. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El voleibol está constituido principalmente por actividades aeróbicas, causando impactos positivos en la resistencia cardiopulmonar y en la aptitud física de los estudiantes universitarios. Estudiar científicamente los impactos del entrenamiento de este deporte puede proporcionar una referencia científica en la que basar el entrenamiento de los alumnos. Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos del entrenamiento de voleibol sobre la aptitud física y la resistencia cardiopulmonar de estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Para el experimento se seleccionaron aleatoriamente estudiantes de segundo curso de educación física de una universidad (n=50). Divididos en grupo experimental -que adoptó entrenamiento y práctica de voleibol- y control -con atletismo tradicional-, se sometieron a un semestre completo de actividades físicas dirigidas. Se realizaron pruebas de aptitud física y resistencia cardiopulmonar antes y después del experimento, se catalogaron los resultados de las baterías de pruebas y se confrontaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Los resultados de los alumnos de la clase experimental fueron superiores en las pruebas de aptitud física (P<0,05). La diferencia en el impacto sobre la resistencia cardiopulmonar final intergrupos no fue tan evidente, lo que demuestra que ambas intervenciones dieron lugar a un buen acondicionamiento. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de voleibol presentó impactos positivos sobre la aptitud física y la resistencia cardiopulmonar de los estudiantes universitarios. También aumentó el interés de los alumnos por el deporte, optimizando la calidad física de los universitarios y mejorando su resistencia cardiopulmonar. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Influences of high-intensity interval training on physical ability in volleyball / Influências do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade sobre a habilidade física do voleibol / Influencias del entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad en la capacidad física del voleibol

ABSTRACT Introduction: Traditional physical training has a good effect on the improvement of strength and quality indicators of the athletes; however, recent pieces of evidence indicate that relating it to high-intensity interval training may reduce the physical problems of its practitioners, besides accelerating the physical skills required by volleyball. Objective: Study the application of high-intensity interval training on the physical ability of volleyball players. Methods: 40 volunteers were recruited, among freshmen and university students, practicing volleyball. They were divided equally into the control and experimental group. The control group used traditional physical training based on aerobic exercise, while the experimental group adopted a high-intensity interval training program. Each session lasted 1.5 hours, twice a week, for 9 weeks. Relevant physical and functional data were individually collected before and after the intervention, compared, and statistically analyzed. Results: There was an increase in the quality of the long-distance throw, horizontal pull force, 800 m run, 30 m run, cross jump, and repeated crossing experiment. Conclusion: The high-intensity interval training protocol raised the fitness level of volleyball players, allowing optimization of performance on the court. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento físico tradicional apresenta um bom efeito na melhoria da força e dos indicadores de qualidade dos atletas, porém evidências recentes indicam que relaciona-lo ao treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade possa reduzir os problemas físicos de seus praticantes além de acelerar as habilidades físicas requeridas pelo voleibol. Objetivo: Estudar a aplicação do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade sobre a habilidade física dos praticantes de voleibol. Métodos: Foram recrutados 40 voluntários entre calouros e alunos da universidade, praticantes de voleibol. Eles foram divididos igualmente em grupo controle e experimental. O grupo de controle utilizou o treinamento físico tradicional baseado em exercício aeróbico enquanto o experimental adotou o programa de treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade. Cada sessão durou 1,5 horas, duas vezes por semana, por 9 semanas. Os dados físicos e funcionais relevantes foram individualmente coletados antes e após a intervenção, comparados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Houve um aumento na qualidade do arremesso de longa distância, força de tração horizontal, corrida de 800 m, corrida de 30 m, salto transversal e no experimento de cruzamento repetido. Conclusão: O protocolo de treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade elevou o nível de aptidão física nos jogadores de vôlei, permitindo uma otimização de desempenho na quadra. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento físico tradicional tiene un buen efecto en la mejora de los indicadores de fuerza y calidad de los atletas; sin embargo, recientes evidencias indican que relacionarlo con el entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad puede reducir los problemas físicos de sus practicantes, además de acelerar las habilidades físicas requeridas por el voleibol. Objetivo: Estudiar la aplicación del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad sobre la capacidad física de los practicantes de voleibol. Métodos: Se reclutaron 40 voluntarios, entre estudiantes de primer año y universitarios, practicantes de voleibol. Se dividieron a partes iguales en grupo de control y grupo experimental. El grupo de control utilizó un entrenamiento físico tradicional basado en ejercicios aeróbicos, mientras que el grupo experimental adoptó un programa de entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad. Cada sesión duró 1,5 horas, dos veces por semana durante 9 semanas. Se recogieron individualmente datos físicos y funcionales relevantes antes y después de la intervención, se compararon y se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Hubo un aumento en la calidad del lanzamiento de larga distancia, la fuerza de tracción horizontal, la carrera de 800 m, la carrera de 30 m, el salto cruzado y en el experimento de cruce repetido. Conclusión: El protocolo de entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad elevó el nivel de condición física en jugadores de voleibol, permitiendo una optimización del rendimiento en la cancha. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Consumer preferences toward organic food and the moderating role of knowledge: a case of Pakistan and Malaysia / Fatores que afetam as preferências do consumidor na intenção de compra de alimentos orgânicos e o papel moderador do conhecimento no Paquistão e na Malásia

The present study aimed to identify the elements of the Theory of Planned Behaviour along with health consciousness and determine the role of knowledge as a moderating variable in Pakistan and Malaysia. Three hundred and forty-one observations from Pakistan and 280 observations from Malaysia were acquired through questionnaire; while, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was applied for the analysis. The magnitude of the results varied across both countries; however, attitude, subjective norms and health consciousness, as well as their interaction terms, were significant predictors, whereas, perceived behavioural control and its knowledge interaction terms had insignificant impacts on the purchase intentions of consumers for both countries. This research will help to further understand about consumer perception in the purchase of organic food items, which will assist retailers, advertisers and manufacturers in developing strategies for such products.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os elementos da teoria do comportamento planejado juntamente com a consciência em saúde, e determinar o papel do conhecimento como uma variável moderadora no Paquistão e na Malásia. 341 observações do Paquistão e 280 observações da Malásia foram adquiridas através de questionário; enquanto que análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais foram aplicadas para a análise. A magnitude dos resultados variou entre os dois países. No entanto, atitudes, normas subjetivas e consciência da saúde, bem como seus termos de interação, foram preditores significativos, enquanto que controle comportamental percebido e seus termos de interação do conhecimento tiveram impactos insignificantes nas intenções de compra dos consumidores para os dois países. Esta pesquisa ajudará a entender melhor a percepção do consumidor na compra de alimentos orgânicos, o que ajudará varejistas, anunciantes e fabricantes no desenvolvimento de estratégias para esses produtos.(AU)

Consumer preferences toward organic food and the moderating role of knowledge: a case of Pakistan and Malaysia / Fatores que afetam as preferências do consumidor na intenção de compra de alimentos orgânicos e o papel moderador do conhecimento no Paquistão e na Malásia

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to identify the elements of the Theory of Planned Behaviour along with health consciousness and determine the role of knowledge as a moderating variable in Pakistan and Malaysia. Three hundred and forty-one observations from Pakistan and 280 observations from Malaysia were acquired through questionnaire; while, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was applied for the analysis. The magnitude of the results varied across both countries; however, attitude, subjective norms and health consciousness, as well as their interaction terms, were significant predictors, whereas, perceived behavioural control and its knowledge interaction terms had insignificant impacts on the purchase intentions of consumers for both countries. This research will help to further understand about consumer perception in the purchase of organic food items, which will assist retailers, advertisers and manufacturers in developing strategies for such products.

RESUMO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os elementos da teoria do comportamento planejado juntamente com a consciência em saúde, e determinar o papel do conhecimento como uma variável moderadora no Paquistão e na Malásia. 341 observações do Paquistão e 280 observações da Malásia foram adquiridas através de questionário; enquanto que análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais foram aplicadas para a análise. A magnitude dos resultados variou entre os dois países. No entanto, atitudes, normas subjetivas e consciência da saúde, bem como seus termos de interação, foram preditores significativos, enquanto que controle comportamental percebido e seus termos de interação do conhecimento tiveram impactos insignificantes nas intenções de compra dos consumidores para os dois países. Esta pesquisa ajudará a entender melhor a percepção do consumidor na compra de alimentos orgânicos, o que ajudará varejistas, anunciantes e fabricantes no desenvolvimento de estratégias para esses produtos.

Palatal rugae for the construction of forensic identification / Rugas palatinas en identificación forense

This study aims to explore the role of palatal rugae pattern in forensic identification by coding of palatal rugae characteristics, and to construct a forensic identification system for oral palatal rugae. One hundred models were included in this study for a systemic coding of palatal rugae pattern based on the shape, quantity, location, and distribution of palatal rugae. Among the involved 100 models, palatal rugae types varied among individuals and palatal rugae pattern was different between men and women, even between two sides in the same individual. Palatal rugae pattern can be used for forensic identification of oral soft tissue and this study proposes a new means for the identification by coding of palatal rugae pattern based on the shape, quantity, location and distribution.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar el patrón de rugas palatinas en la identificación forense mediante la codificación de las características de éstas. Además se elaboró un sistema de identificación forense. Fueron incluidos cien modelos para una codificación sistemática del patrón de rugas palatinas basado en su forma, cantidad, ubicación y distribución. En todos los modelos se identificó una variación entre los individuos y en el patrón entre hombres y mujeres. El patrón de rugas palatinas puede ser utilizado para la identificación forense de tejido blando oral y este estudio propone un método nuevo para codificarlas.

Molecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus in the resident Chinese population in Panama City.

Despite the effectiveness of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines, it is estimated that 350 million individuals suffer from chronic HBV infection and more than 50% of these affected individuals live on the Asian continent. Panama is a country with a great diversity of foreign groups; the Chinese community is a large example of this phenomenon. There is an urgent need to perform studies that evaluate the prevalence and the genetic diversity of HBV in this community. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and its genotypes and mutant variants in the Chinese population residing in Panama. In total, 320 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty-two subjects (13.1%) were positive for HBsAg and HBV-DNA from 18 subjects revealed the presence of genotypes B2 and C1. Secondary mutations associated with drug resistance at positions rtV207L and rtN239T of the reverse transcriptase gene were identified. Additionally, the mutation pair A1762T/G1764A was found in three samples and the mutation G1896A was detected in an HBeAg-negative subject. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first study to report high HBV prevalence rates in resident ethnic Chinese in Central America and the presence of genotypes B2 and C1 in this region.

Molecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus in the resident Chinese population in Panama City

Despite the effectiveness of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines, it is estimated that 350 million individuals suffer from chronic HBV infection and more than 50% of these affected individuals live on the Asian continent. Panama is a country with a great diversity of foreign groups; the Chinese community is a large example of this phenomenon. There is an urgent need to perform studies that evaluate the prevalence and the genetic diversity of HBV in this community. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and its genotypes and mutant variants in the Chinese population residing in Panama. In total, 320 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty-two subjects (13.1%) were positive for HBsAg and HBV-DNA from 18 subjects revealed the presence of genotypes B2 and C1. Secondary mutations associated with drug resistance at positions rtV207L and rtN239T of the reverse transcriptase gene were identified. Additionally, the mutation pair A1762T/G1764A was found in three samples and the mutation G1896A was detected in an HBeAg-negative subject. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first study to report high HBV prevalence rates in resident ethnic Chinese in Central America and the presence of genotypes B2 and C1 in this region.