bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Conceptual Framework for Examining Sport Teams to Understand Group Dynamics in Professional Soccer
Authors: González-Ponce Inmaculada , Díaz-García Jesús , Ponce-Bordón José C. , Jiménez-Castuera Ruth , López-Gajardo Miguel A.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to propose a model of the interactions of group dynamics using the conceptual framework to examine sports teams; (2) Methods: The hypothesized model includes measures of group structure (authentic leadership, perceived justice, coaching competency, role clarity/ambiguity, and role conflict), group cohesion (cohesion and team conflict), and group processes (collective efficacy and transactive memory systems). Participants were 581 professional soccer players (M = 24.51, SD = 3.73; 356 males and 225 females) who completed a multisection questionnaire assessing group dynamics variables; (3) Results: The results show that coach leadership predicts coaching competency and perceived justice, and both competency and justice predict role ambiguity and role conflict. Furthermore, role ambiguity and role conflict predict group cohesion and team conflict, whereas group cohesion and team conflict both predict the transactive memory system. Finally, collective efficacy is predicted by the transactive memory system; (4) Conclusions: The results suggest the importance of coach behavior (leadership, justice, and competency) and group processes to improving team functioning in a professional sports context.
Effects of BPZ, BPC, BPF, and BPS Exposure on Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Accumulation, Oxidative Stress, and Gene Expression
Authors: Han Ying , Liu Yuxuan , Wang Mingxin , Xue Yingang
Published: November 2022

As substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol analogs (BPs) have been found to cause endocrine disorders and induce toxic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation and subacute toxicity of bisphenol Z (BPZ), bisphenol C (BPC), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) to zebrafish. Five-month-old zebrafish were exposed to 1/100 LC50, 1/50 LC50, and 1/10 LC50 of BPZ, BPC, BPF, and BPS for 13 days, respectively. Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and related mRNA expression in zebrafish tissues were measured on days 1, 7, and 13. After exposure, the four kinds of BPs all resulted in the accumulation of concentration and lipid peroxidation in zebrafish tissues to varying degrees. BPZ and BPC had the highest bioaccumulation level and had the greatest influence on malonic dialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and the content of glutathione (GSH) in zebrafish tissues were also affected at different levels. However, the enzyme activities of SOD and POD were inactivated in zebrafish exposed to a high concentration of BPC. Further studies showed that BPs exposure down-regulated the transcription level of sod but up-regulated the relative expression levels of cat and gpx. The mRNA relative expression level of erα was not significantly changed, while the mRNA relative expression level of erβ1 was significantly down-regulated except under BPS exposure. These results indicate that BPZ, BPC, and BPF significantly affect the expression level of the estrogen receptor (ER) in zebrafish tissues. Overall, the results suggest that exposure to waterborne BPs can cause severe oxidative stress and tissue damage in adult zebrafish that is not sufficient to kill them after 13 days of waterborne exposure. The toxicity of BPs to organisms, therefore, should be further analyzed and evaluated.
Social Connections and Self-Perceived Depression: An Enhanced Model for Studying Teenagers’ Mental Wellbeing
Authors: Sarwar Abdullah , Islam Md. Amirul , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Tareq Mohammad Ali , Siddika Aysa
Published: November 2022

The rising prevalence of depression among teenagers in Malaysia as well as globally makes it a vital issue to study. The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of social connection and self-perceived depression towards the improved mental wellbeing of the teenagers of Malaysia. Moreover, the mediating role of self-perceived depression on the improvement of the mental wellbeing of teenagers is examined in this study. This study followed a questionnaire-based approach. The sample of this study included 289 students aged between 15 and 19 years from Klang Valley, Malaysia. Prior permission was obtained from school authorities as well as from parents to allow their children to participate in the survey. To find out the structural relationship between the variables, PLS-SEM was utilized. This study finds that stronger social connections with family and friends may result in reduced self-perceived depression among Malaysian teenagers. Moreover, self-perceived depression among the teenagers surveyed had a negative effect on their improved mental wellbeing. The findings of this study will significantly affect how depression theories are currently understood and have consequences for social work, services, and policy interventions regarding teenagers in Malaysia.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of County Population Shrinkage and Influencing Factors in the North–South Transitional Zone of China
Authors: Wu Tong , Ma Beibei , Song Yongyong
Published: November 2022

Population is the foundation of socio-economic development. However, continued population shrinkage has made the problem of unbalanced and insufficient regional development more prominent, threatening human well-being. How to solve the contradiction between population shrinkage and regional development has become an urgent scientific problem. Therefore, taking a typical underdeveloped mountainous region, the North–South Transitional Zone of China, as an example, we analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution of regional population shrinkage from 2000 to 2020, classified the types of regional population shrinkage, and revealed the key influencing factors and driving mechanisms for the formation of population shrinkage patterns in poor mountainous counties. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the number of counties in the North–South Transitional Zone of China with population shrinkage grew, and the degree of shrinkage increased. The shrinking counties were mainly municipal counties, and the shrinkage types were mainly continuous shrinkage and expansion followed by shrinkage. (2) Spatially, the shrinking counties had significant and strengthening spatial autocorrelation, with obvious characteristics of the contiguous shrinkage of county units, and the shrinkage center of gravity and shrinkage agglomeration areas showed an evolutionary trend of shifting from east to west. The shrinking counties had obvious divergence in both the “east–west” and “north–south” directions. (3) Natural factors had an endogenous rooting role, while human factors had a strong driving role, and the impact of different influencing factors varied significantly. (4) The formation and evolution of the spatial pattern of county population shrinkage was subject to the synergistic effect of natural factors and human factors. The interaction between natural and human factors had a non-linear enhancement effect and a two-factor enhancement effect. The results of this study are expected to provide a scientific basis for coordinating regional human–land relations in order to optimize population-flow governance and sustainable regional development in the North–South Transitional Zone and less-developed regions of China.
A Study of Cumulative COVID-19 Mortality Trends Associated with Ethnic-Racial Composition, Income Inequality, and Party Inclination among US Counties
Authors: Liao Tim F.
Published: November 2022

This research analyzes the association between cumulative COVID-19 mortality and ethnic-racial composition, income inequality, and political party inclination across counties in the United States. The study extends prior research by taking a long view—examining cumulative mortality burdens over the first 900 days of the COVID-19 pandemic at five time points (via negative binomial models) and as trajectories of cumulative mortality trends (via growth curve models). The analysis shows that counties with a higher Republican vote share display a higher cumulative mortality, especially over longer periods of the pandemic. It also demonstrates that counties with a higher composition of ethnic-racial minorities, especially Blacks, bear a much higher cumulative mortality burden, and such an elevated burden would be even higher when a county has a higher level of income inequality. For counties with a higher proportion of Hispanic population, while the burden is lower than that for counties with a higher proportion of Blacks, the cumulative COVID-19 mortality burden still is elevated and compounded by income inequality, at any given time point during the pandemic.
How Does NIMBYism Influence Residents’ Behavioral Willingness to Dispose of Waste in Centralized Collection Points?—An Empirical Study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Chen Qiwen , Liu Hui , Mao Peng , Qian Junjie , Tan Yongtao , Xiahou Xiaer , Cui Peng
Published: November 2022

Residents’ low behavioral willingness to dispose of waste in Centralized Collection Points (CCPs) seriously hinders the operational efficiency in waste collection of CCPs regarded as NIMBY (‘not in my backyard’) facilities. However, fewer researchers notice NIMBY facilities with low hazards. It has been ignored that the NIMBYism may influence behavioral willingness during the operation period persistently. Meanwhile, there is no consistent conclusions on internal factors of waste behavioral willingness, which deserves further study. Therefore, this study took CCPs as a research object and aimed to investigate how NIMBYism influences residents’ behavioral willingness to dispose of waste in CCPs. The extended theory of planned behavior and structural equation modeling approach involving 550 respondents were adopted to conduct the analysis. The results revealed that attitude (β = 0.295, p < 0.001), government trust (β = 0.479, p < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.222, p < 0.001) have statistical positive impacts on behavioral willingness to dispose of waste in CCPs. Perceived risk (β = ‒0.047, p = 0.022 < 0.05) can influence behavioral willingness negatively. Additionally, government trust (β = 0.726, p < 0.001) exerts a positive impact on attitude. Furthermore, relevant strategies were proposed to enhance residents’ behavioral willingness to dispose of waste in CCPs. This study is expected to inspire the government to formulate policies from the aspects of standards and regulations, resident participation, construction, and publicity. It will provide the government instructive suggestions for the smooth operation of CCPs, and ultimately building a healthy and environment friendly society.
Assessment of Standing Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance Analyzer to Measure Body Composition of the Whole Body and Limbs in Elite Male Wrestlers
Authors: Lai Yeong-Kang , Ho Chu-Ying , Lai Chung-Liang , Taun Chih-Yang , Hsieh Kuen-Chang
Published: November 2022

We investigated differences in body composition measurements for the whole body and limb segments in elite male wrestlers between results of multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses (MFBIA) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sixty-six elite male wrestlers from Taiwan were recruited. Wrestlers’ body fat percentage (PBFWB), whole body fat-free mass (FFMWB), whole body lean soft tissue mass (LSTMWB), and fat-free mass of arms, legs and trunk (FMArms, FFMLegs, FFMTrunk) were measured by MFBIA and DXA, and analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plot. Correlations of FFMWB, LSTMWB, and PBFWB between devices were 0.958, 0.954, and 0.962, respectively. Limits of agreement (LOA) of Bland–Altman plot were −4.523 to 4.683 kg, −4.332 to 4.635 kg and −3.960 to 3.802%, respectively. Correlations of body composition parameters FFMArms, FFMLegs and FFMTurnk between devices in each limb segment were 0.237, 0.809, and 0.929, respectively; LOAs were −2.877 to 2.504 kg, −7.173 to −0.015 kg and −5.710 to 0.777 kg, respectively. Correlation and consistency between the devices are high for FFM, LSTM and PBF but relatively low for limb segment FFM. MFBIA may be an alternative device to DXA for measuring male wrestlers’ total body composition but limb segment results should be used cautiously.
An IT Platform Supporting Rectal Cancer Tumor Board Activities: Implementation Process and Impact Analysis
Authors: Specchia Maria Lucia , Di Pilla Andrea , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Filippella Alessandro , Beccia Flavia , Farina Sara , Meldolesi Elisa , Lanza Chiara , Bellantone Rocco Domenico Alfonso , Valentini Vincenzo , Tortora Giampaolo
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (RC) is the third most common cancer, with an increasing incidence in recent years. Digital health solutions supporting multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) could improve positive outcomes for RC patients. This paper describes the implementation process of a digital solution within the RC-MTB and its impact analysis in the context of the Fondazione Policlinico ‘A. Gemelli’ in Italy. Adopting a two-phase methodological approach, the first phase qualitatively describes each phase of the implementation of the IT platform, while the second phase quantitatively describes the analysis of the impact of the IT platform. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed for all variables, with a p-value < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. The implementation of the platform allowed more healthcare professionals to attend meetings and resulted in a decrease in patients sent to the RC-MTB for re-staging and further diagnostic investigations and an increase in patients sent to the RC-MTB for treatment strategies. The results could be attributed to the facilitated access to the platform remotely for specialists, partly compensating for the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to the integration of the platform into the hospital’s IT system. Furthermore, the early involvement of healthcare professionals in the process of customizing the platform to the specific needs of the RC-MTB may have facilitated its use and contributed to the encouraging quantitative results.
Flourishing or Languishing? Predictors of Positive Mental Health in Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Concerto Carmen , Rodolico Alessandro , La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Aiello Barbara , Martinez Miriam , Stuto Sebastiano , Infortuna Carmenrita , Fusar-Poli Laura , Signorelli Maria Salvina , Commodari Elena , Battaglia Fortunato , Aguglia Eugenio
Published: November 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students were burdened with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The objective of the present study was to investigate predictors of positive mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey from September 2021 to March 2022. We applied the snowball recruitment technique involving medical students from the University of Catania, Italy. We administered, anonymously, a questionnaire about demographic characteristics, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), and the short form of the Mental Health Continuum (MHC-SF). Participants showed moderate anxiety, depression, and stress levels, and more than half had positive mental health status overall. This finding was inversely related to age, depression severity, cyclothymic, and depressive temperaments. Our results showed that medical students with depressive and cyclothymic temperaments were more at risk of worsening mental health status during the pandemic. Our findings may allow for further developments about the impact of personological characteristics on students’ mental health to enable more efficient support for the most vulnerable.
Resveratrol and Wine: An Overview of Thirty Years in the Digital News
Authors: Silva Paula , Portillo María P. , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo
Published: November 2022

Background: Resveratrol’s health benefits have received wide media coverage. Since resveratrol is usually associated with wine, informative texts about it should be prepared very carefully, since inaccurate website content could easily change people’s wine consumption behavior. This study aimed to assess the quality of informative texts related to resveratrol on science journalism websites. Methods: We analyzed 125 resveratrol posts on Science Daily, WebMD, and EurekAlert! published between 1990 and 2020. Results: A higher number of posts was published in the years in which the number of people looking for information on the internet also increased. The increase can also be related to David Sinclair’s notoriety, a fact that we called the “Sinclair effect”. Most of the posts are replications of universities’ press releases, mainly reporting resveratrol’s health benefits, which resulted from preclinical studies and cannot be translated to humans. Most of them mention wine in the text and some in the title. Conclusions: Wine is usually mentioned in headline resveratrol news, which could potentially influence wine consumption behavior. Scientists must intensify their efforts to communicate with the public to increase people’s health literacy. Online news portals should have science journalists skilled in exploring scientific data and their translation into a simple and accurate language.
Negative/Positive Emotions, Perceived Self-Efficacy and Transition to Motherhood during Pregnancy: A Monitoring Study
Authors: Carpinelli Luna , Savarese Giulia
Published: November 2022

Background: Several studies have investigated the topic of emotion regulation and self-perception in women during pregnancy, which turns out to be a critical event for the woman approaching psycho-physical changes. The objectives of the study were the evaluation and monitoring, during pregnancy, of emotional states and levels of self-efficacy and the analysis of the representations of self and the child. Methods: Twenty women (M = 34.60; SD = 4.60) in the 28-week gestation period participated in the research. We performed three administrations (T0-1-2) of an ad hoc questionnaire containing: personal data; Maternal Representations in Pregnancy Interview—IRMAG; Multidimensional Emotion Questionnaire—MEQ; Perceived Self-Efficacy in Complex Situations Scale. Results: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses show that the future mother’s strategies and functional resources focus on perceiving herself as effective in the acquired role, despite the pregnancy itself being a highly stressful critical event. Positive emotions tend to increase, just as the frequency, intensity, persistence and regulation of emotion undergo a linear and constant increase with respect to the first and second administration. Conclusions: Qualitative research has produced significant results with regard to the representations of mothers-to-be as they attempt to cope with states of change during pregnancy with their own personal adaptive resources.
The Driving Mechanism of Urban Land Expansion from 2005 to 2018: The Case of Yangzhou, China
Authors: Meng Lin , Si Wentao
Published: November 2022

The driving mechanism of expansion is the basis for policymaking in urban land management and control. In this study, Yangzhou city in China was used as an example. Based on the supply and demand theory of land, a framework was constructed to analyze the driving factors behind urban land expansion. Path analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect factors driving urban land expansion. The results showed the following: (1) Urban land in Yangzhou city expanded 32,831.10 hm2 from 2005 to 2018, mainly in terms of farmland. This rapid expansion arose from the contraction of rural residential areas, threatening ecological spaces such as water bodies. (2) Path analysis indicated that fixed-asset investment, the added value of secondary and tertiary industries, urban population, distance to the city center, and farmland area are the direct factors driving urban land expansion. Land finance, technology input, and transportation ability indirectly influence urban land by affecting other driving factors. (3) Increasing the level of urban land-use intensification, properly adjusting economic development goals, reasonably controlling the population, exploring the retention of construction land in city centers, and optimizing farmland and basic farmland plans need to be considered in the management and control of urban land expansion. Furthermore, to guide the orderly expansion of urban land, improving land management systems, promoting scientific and technological progress, and scientifically designing transportation land are necessary strategies.
Human-Based New Approach Methodologies in Developmental Toxicity Testing: A Step Ahead from the State of the Art with a Feto–Placental Organ-on-Chip Platform
Authors: Luconi Michaela , Sogorb Miguel A. , Markert Udo R. , Benfenati Emilio , May Tobias , Wolbank Susanne , Roncaglioni Alessandra , Schmidt Astrid , Straccia Marco , Tait Sabrina
Published: November 2022

Developmental toxicity testing urgently requires the implementation of human-relevant new approach methodologies (NAMs) that better recapitulate the peculiar nature of human physiology during pregnancy, especially the placenta and the maternal/fetal interface, which represent a key stage for human lifelong health. Fit-for-purpose NAMs for the placental–fetal interface are desirable to improve the biological knowledge of environmental exposure at the molecular level and to reduce the high cost, time and ethical impact of animal studies. This article reviews the state of the art on the available in vitro (placental, fetal and amniotic cell-based systems) and in silico NAMs of human relevance for developmental toxicity testing purposes; in addition, we considered available Adverse Outcome Pathways related to developmental toxicity. The OECD TG 414 for the identification and assessment of deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to chemicals on developing organisms will be discussed to delineate the regulatory context and to better debate what is missing and needed in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis to significantly improve this sector. Starting from this analysis, the development of a novel human feto–placental organ-on-chip platform will be introduced as an innovative future alternative tool for developmental toxicity testing, considering possible implementation and validation strategies to overcome the limitation of the current animal studies and NAMs available in regulatory toxicology and in the biomedical field.
Climate Change Impacts Assessment Using Crop Simulation Model Intercomparison Approach in Northern Indo-Gangetic Basin of Bangladesh
Authors: Chawdhery Md Rafique Ahasan , Al-Mueed Murtuza , Wazed Md Abdul , Emran Shah-Al , Chowdhury Md Abeed Hossain , Hussain Sk Ghulam
Published: November 2022

The climate change impacts of South Asia (SA) are inextricably linked with increased monsoon variability and a clearly deteriorating trend with more frequent deficit monsoons. One of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the eastern and central Indo-Gangetic Basin is Bangladesh. There have been numerous studies on the effects of climate change in Bangladesh; however, most of them tended to just look at a small fraction of the impact elements or were climatic projections without accounting for the effects on agriculture. Additionally, simulation studies using the CERES-Rice and CERES-Wheat models were conducted for rice and wheat to evaluate the effects of climate change on Bangladeshi agriculture. However, up to now, Bangladesh has not implemented farming system ideas by integrating cropping systems with other income-generating activities. This study was conducted as part of the Indo-Gangetic Basin (IGB) regional evaluations using the protocols and integrated assessment processes of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP). It was also done to calibrate crop models (APSIM and DSSAT) using rice and wheat. To assist policymakers in creating national and regional plans for anticipated future agricultural systems, our work on the integrated evaluation of climate change impacts on agricultural systems produced realistic predictions. The outcome of this research prescribes a holistic assessment of climate change on future production systems by including all the relevant enterprises in the agriculture sector. The findings of the study suggested two major strategies to minimize the yield and increase the profitability in a rice–wheat cropping system. Using a short-term HYV (High Yielding Variety) of rice can shift the sowing time of wheat by 7 days in advance compared to the traditional sowing days of mid-November. In addition, increasing the irrigation amount by 50 mm for wheat showed a better yield by 1.5–32.2% in different scenarios. These climate change adaptation measures could increase the per capita income by as high as 3.6% on the farm level.
Effects of the Interaction between Affective Temperaments and BIS/BAS on Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Masuya Jiro , Ono Miki , Honyashiki Mina , Hashimoto Shogo , Kusumi Ichiro , Inoue Takeshi
Published: November 2022

Depressive symptoms (DepS) associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) are influenced by affective temperaments (ATs), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral activation system (BAS). However, the effect of interactions between ATs and BIS/BAS on DepS in MDD remains poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of these interactions. The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A), BIS/BAS questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate ATs, BIS/BAS, and DepS, respectively, in 90 participants with MDD. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the interaction effect. The interaction (β = 0.199, p < 0.05) between depressive temperament (DepT) (β = 0.319, p < 0.01) and BIS scores (β = 0.300, p < 0.01) exhibited a significant positive effect on DepS (ΔR2 = 0.038, p < 0.05). However, the interaction between ATs and BAS scores did not exhibit a significant effect on DepS. Our findings suggest that interactions between BIS sensitivity and DepT worsen DepS in individuals with MDD. Hence, to manage DepS associated with BIS sensitivity and DepT, evaluating their interaction may be useful in daily clinical practice. This study presents important insights into MDD psychopathology.
LGBTIQ CALD People’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Workman Alex , Kruger Erin , Micheal Sowbhagya , Dune Tinashe
Published: November 2022

Background: Experience of surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) is well documented in research, policing practices, newspapers, and awareness campaigns domestically and internationally. Arguably, those who have survived IPV and have their experiences reflected within society undergo a transformative experience of empowerment. As society recognises and validates their experience has occurred, and responds to it, accordingly, as some survivors have targeted services and interventions to assist in this transformation. However, for LGBTIQ-identifying peoples, experiences of IPV are poorly understood in contemporary society, which is further exacerbated for LGBTIQ-identifying CALD people as they continue to remain hidden. Aim and objective: The systematic literature review aims to explore the experiences of this group in their development of resilience following an abusive and violent relationship. Methods: Of the potential 230 identified studies, 5 studies met the eligibility criteria. In line with the eligibility criteria, these studies were first reviewed by title, then by abstract and then by full text. Of those studies which the research team deemed relevant for inclusion, their reference lists where also reviewed to determine if any further relevant studies could be identified using this strategy. As a result of the above process, five (5) studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Results: From data extraction, three major themes emerged: Intimate Partner Violence as Experienced by LGBTIQ survivors, Marginalised Identity and Types of Survivorship. While refined, these themes capture a more robust set of sub-themes that identify the diverse ways in which LGBTIQ survivors experience responses to their victimised status as experienced in IPV situations. Conclusions: Overall, the review found that resilient outcomes for LGBTIQ CALD survivors remain misunderstood and missing within the literature. There is a propensity to focus on negative coping strategies and an exclusive focus on LGBTIQ CALD vulnerabilities. Future research requires investigation into strategies and support that move beyond coping to include resilient outcomes and support systems that allow manifestations of resilience.
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Mental Health Interventions Delivered by Frontline Health Care Workers in Emergency Health Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Min , Xiao Tao , Carter Ben , Chen Pan , Shearer James
Published: November 2022

This systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mental health interventions delivered by frontline health care workers in disasters and public health emergencies. Six databases and trial registries were searched, and manual searches were conducted. Of the 221 studies identified, 21 were included. Meta-analyses assessed differences between the intervention and control in terms of PTSD outcomes. Eleven studies of 1802 participants were incorporated in the meta-analysis. Interventions delivered or prompted by specialist health care workers showed significant and large effects in improving PTSD-related symptoms with a SMD = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.42–1.57, p = 0.0007). Interventions delivered or prompted by frontline non-specialist health care workers showed significant but small effects in improving PTSD-related symptoms with SMD of 0.25 (95% CI: 0.11–0.39; p = 0.0007). The results showed that most mental health interventions delivered by frontline health care workers effectively supported affected people. Mental health interventions delivered by mental health care professionals are effective in reducing PTSD-related disorders in natural disasters. Future adequately powered RCTs are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health interventions delivered by trained non-specialists. Economic modelling may be useful to estimate cost effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries given the difficulties of conducting studies in disaster and emergency settings.
The Relationship between Emotion Regulation (ER) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Shahidin Siti Hajar , Midin Marhani , Sidi Hatta , Choy Chia Lip , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Mohd Salleh Sahimi Hajar , Che Roos Nur Aishah
Published: November 2022

Emotion Dysregulation (ED) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) are two rising global issues requiring further understanding on how they are linked. This paper aims to summarize the evidence pertaining to this relationship. Five databases were systematically searched for published literature from inception until 29 March 2021 using appropriate search strategies. Each study was screened for eligibility based on the set criteria, assessed for its quality and its level of evidence was determined. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software program (CMA) was employed to run further analyses of the data. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Nine studies with extractable data for meta-analysis had high across-studies heterogeneity, hence subgroup analyses were performed that confirmed a significant moderate positive correlation between ED and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.416 (four studies, n = 1462) and r = 0.42 (three studies, n = 899), respectively) and a weak positive correlation between “expressive suppression” and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.14 (two studies, n = 608)). Meta-regression analysis showed a stronger correlation between ED and PSU (R2 = 1.0, p = 0.0006) in the younger age group. Further studies to establish and explore the mechanisms that contribute towards the positive link between ED and PSU are required to guide in the planning of targeted interventions in addressing both issues.
Geocomputational Approach to Simulate and Understand the Spatial Dynamics of COVID-19 Spread in the City of Montreal, QC, Canada
Authors: Mahdizadeh Gharakhanlou Navid , Perez Liliana
Published: November 2022

Throughout history, pandemics have forced societies to think beyond typical management and control protocols. The main goals of this study were to simulate and understand the spatial dynamics of COVID-19 spread and assess the efficacy of two policy measures in Montreal, Canada, to mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak. We simulated the COVID-19 outbreak using a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based agent-based model (ABM) and two management scenarios as follows: (1) human mobility reduction; and (2) observation of self-isolation. The ABM description followed the ODD (Overview, Design concepts, Details) protocol. Our simulation experiments indicated that the mainstream of COVID-19 transmissions (i.e., approximately 90.34%) occurred in public places. Besides, the results indicated that the rules aiming to reduce population mobility, led to a reduction of about 63 infected people each week, on average. Furthermore, our scenarios revealed that if instead of 42% (i.e., the adjusted value in the calibration), 10%, 20%, and 30% of infectious people had followed the self-isolation measure, the number of infected people would have risen by approximately 259, 207, and 83 more each week, on average, respectively. The map of critical locations of COVID-19 spreading resulted from our modeling and the evaluated effectiveness of two control measures on the COVID-19 outbreak could assist health policymakers to navigate through the pandemic.
Comparative Efficiency of Gene-Activated Matrices Based on Chitosan Hydrogel and PRP Impregnated with BMP2 Polyplexes for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Nedorubova Irina Alekseevna , Bukharova Tatiana Borisovna , Mokrousova Viktoria Olegovna , Khvorostina Maria Aleksandrovna , Vasilyev Andrey Vyacheslavovich , Nedorubov Andrey Anatolevich , Grigoriev Timofei Evgenevich , Zagoskin Yuriy Dmitrievich , Chvalun Sergei Nicolaevich , Kutsev Sergey Ivanovich , Goldshtein Dmitry Vadimovich
Published: November 2022

Gene therapy is one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine. Gene-activated matrices provide stable gene expression and the production of osteogenic proteins in situ to stimulate osteogenesis and bone repair. In this study, we developed new gene-activated matrices based on polylactide granules (PLA) impregnated with BMP2 polyplexes and included in chitosan hydrogel or PRP-based fibrin hydrogel. The matrices showed high biocompatibility both in vitro with mesenchymal stem cells and in vivo when implanted intramuscularly in rats. The use of porous PLA granules allowed the inclusion of a high concentration of polyplexes, and the introduction of the granules into hydrogel provided the gradual release of the plasmid constructs. All gene-activated matrices showed transfecting ability and ensured long-term gene expression and the production of target proteins in vitro. At the same time, the achieved concentration of BMP-2 was sufficient to induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. When implanted into critical-size calvarial defects in rats, all matrices with BMP2 polyplexes led to new bone formation. The most significant effect on osteoinduction was observed for the PLA/PRP matrices. Thus, the developed gene-activated matrices were shown to be safe and effective osteoplastic materials. PLA granules and PRP-based fibrin hydrogel containing BMP2 polyplexes were shown to be the most promising for future applications in bone regeneration.
The Enigmatic Nature of the TCR-pMHC Interaction: Implications for CAR-T and TCR-T Engineering
Authors: Shevyrev D. V. , Tereshchenko V. P. , Sennikov S. V.
Published: November 2022

The interaction of the T-cell receptor (TCR) with a peptide in the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) plays a central role in the adaptive immunity of higher chordates. Due to the high specificity and sensitivity of this process, the immune system quickly recognizes and efficiently responds to the appearance of foreign and altered self-antigens. This is important for ensuring anti-infectious and antitumor immunity, in addition to maintaining self-tolerance. The most common parameter used for assessing the specificity of TCR-pMHC interaction is affinity. This thermodynamic characteristic is widely used not only in various theoretical aspects, but also in practice, for example, in the engineering of various T-cell products with a chimeric (CAR-T) or artificial (TCR-engineered T-cell) antigen receptor. However, increasing data reveal the fact that, in addition to the thermodynamic component, the specificity of antigen recognition is based on the kinetics and mechanics of the process, having even greater influence on the selectivity of the process and T lymphocyte activation than affinity. Therefore, the kinetic and mechanical aspects of antigen recognition should be taken into account when designing artificial antigen receptors, especially those that recognize antigens in the MHC complex. This review describes the current understanding of the nature of the TCR-pMHC interaction, in addition to the thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanical principles underlying the specificity and high sensitivity of this interaction.
Aspalathin and Other Rooibos Flavonoids Trapped α-Dicarbonyls and Inhibited Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products In Vitro
Authors: Bednarska Katarzyna , Fecka Izabela
Published: November 2022

The excessive dietary intake of simple sugars and abnormal metabolism in certain diseases contribute to the increased production of α-dicarbonyls (α-DCs), such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO), the main precursors of the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs play a vital role, for example, in the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Aspalathus linearis (Burman f.) R. Dahlgren (known as rooibos tea) exhibits a wide range of activities beneficial for cardio-metabolic health. Thus, the present study aims to investigate unfermented and fermented rooibos extracts and their constituents for the ability to trap MGO and GO. The individual compounds identified in extracts were tested for the capability to inhibit AGEs (with MGO or GO as a glycation agent). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (UHPLC–ESI–MS) was used to investigate α-DCs’ trapping capacities. To evaluate the antiglycation activity, fluorescence measurement was used. The extract from the unfermented rooibos showed a higher ability to capture MGO/GO and inhibit AGE formation than did the extract from fermented rooibos, and this effect was attributed to a higher content of dihydrochalcones. The compounds detected in the extracts, such as aspalathin, nothofagin, vitexin, isovitexin, and eriodictyol, as well as structurally related phloretin and phloroglucinol (formed by the biotransformation of certain flavonoids), trapped MGO, and some also trapped GO. AGE formation was inhibited the most by isovitexin. However, it was the high content of aspalathin and its higher efficiency than that of metformin that determined the antiglycation and trapping properties of green rooibos. Therefore, A. linearis, in addition to other health benefits, could potentially be used as an α-DC trapping agent and AGE inhibitor.
In Vitro Combination of Ascorbic and Ellagic Acids in Sperm Oxidative Damage Inhibition
Authors: Mottola Filomena , Iovine Concetta , Carannante Maria , Santonastaso Marianna , Rocco Lucia
Published: November 2022

It is known that an altered redox balance interferes with normal spermatic functions. Exposure to genotoxic substances capable of producing oxidative stress (OS) can cause infertility in humans. The use of antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress contributes to the improvement in reproductive function. This study focused on an antigenotoxic evaluation of ellagic acid (EA) and ascorbic acid (AA) in combination against benzene genotoxic action on human spermatozoa in vitro. In addition to the evaluation of sperm parameters, damage in sperm genetic material and intracellular ROS quantification were assessed after AA, EA and benzene co-exposure using the TUNEL technique and DCF assay. The results showed that the combination of the two antioxidants generates a greater time-dependent antigenotoxic action, reducing both the sperm DNA fragmentation index and the oxidative stress. The genoprotective effect of AA and EA association in sperm cells lays the foundations for a more in-depth clinical study on the use of antioxidants as a therapy for male infertility.
Utility of Human Relevant Preclinical Animal Models in Navigating NAFLD to MAFLD Paradigm
Authors: Chua Damien , Low Zun Siong , Cheam Guo Xiang , Ng Aik Seng , Tan Nguan Soon
Published: November 2022

Fatty liver disease is an emerging contributor to disease burden worldwide. The past decades of work established the heterogeneous nature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) etiology and systemic contributions to the pathogenesis of the disease. This called for the proposal of a redefinition in 2020 to that of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to better reflect the current understanding of the disease. To date, several clinical cohort studies comparing NAFLD and MAFLD hint at the relevancy of the new nomenclature in enriching for patients with more severe hepatic injury and extrahepatic comorbidities. However, the underlying systemic pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Preclinical animal models have been imperative in elucidating key biological mechanisms in various contexts, including intrahepatic disease progression, interorgan crosstalk and systemic dysregulation. Furthermore, they are integral in developing novel therapeutics against MAFLD. However, substantial contextual variabilities exist across different models due to the lack of standardization in several aspects. As such, it is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing models to better align them to the human condition. In this review, we consolidate the implications arising from the change in nomenclature and summarize MAFLD pathogenesis. Subsequently, we provide an updated evaluation of existing MAFLD preclinical models in alignment with the new definitions and perspectives to improve their translational relevance.
Review on Magnetism in Catalysis: From Theory to PEMFC Applications of 3d Metal Pt-Based Alloys
Authors: Biz Chiara , Gracia José , Fianchini Mauro
Published: November 2022

The relationship between magnetism and catalysis has been an important topic since the mid-20th century. At present time, the scientific community is well aware that a full comprehension of this relationship is required to face modern challenges, such as the need for clean energy technology. The successful use of (para-)magnetic materials has already been corroborated in catalytic processes, such as hydrogenation, Fenton reaction and ammonia synthesis. These catalysts typically contain transition metals from the first to the third row and are affected by the presence of an external magnetic field. Nowadays, it appears that the most promising approach to reach the goal of a more sustainable future is via ferromagnetic conducting catalysts containing open-shell metals (i.e., Fe, Co and Ni) with extra stabilization coming from the presence of an external magnetic field. However, understanding how intrinsic and extrinsic magnetic features are related to catalysis is still a complex task, especially when catalytic performances are improved by these magnetic phenomena. In the present review, we introduce the relationship between magnetism and catalysis and outline its importance in the production of clean energy, by describing the representative case of 3d metal Pt-based alloys, which are extensively investigated and exploited in PEM fuel cells.
The Roles of MiRNAs (MicroRNAs) in Melanoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Dong Linyinxue , Tian Xuechen , Zhao Yunqi , Tu Haohong , Wong Aloysius , Yang Yixin
Published: November 2022

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, characterized by life-threatening and rapidly spreading progression. Traditional targeted therapy can alleviate tumors by inactivating hyperactive kinases such as BRAF or MEK but inevitably encounters drug resistance. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment and significantly improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are intricately involved in innate and adaptive immunity and are implicated in melanoma immunotherapy. This systematic review describes the roles of miRNAs in regulating the functions of immune cells in skin and melanoma, as well as the involvement of miRNAs in pharmacology including the effect, resistance and immune-related adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, which are used for treating cutaneous, uveal and mucosal melanoma. The expressions and functions of miRNAs in immunotherapy employing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Toll-like receptor 9 agonists are also discussed. The prospect of innovative therapeutic strategies such as the combined administration of miRNAs and immune checkpoint inhibitors and the nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs are also provided. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between miRNAs and immunotherapy is crucial for the discovery of reliable biomarkers and for the development of novel miRNA-based therapeutics against melanoma.
Chemical Composition, Antitumor Properties, and Mechanism of the Essential Oil from Plagiomnium acutum T. Kop.
Authors: Li Meiya , Wang Linyan , Li Shiqing , Hua Chenglong , Gao Hang , Ning Dandan , Li Changyu , Zhang Chunchun , Jiang Fusheng
Published: November 2022

Plagiomnium acutum T. Kop. (P. acutum) has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat cancer but lacks evidence. The objective of this work was to reveal the chemical composition of P. acutum essential oil (PEO) and explore its potential antitumor activity and molecular mechanism. PEO was prepared by the simultaneous distillation–extraction method and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques were used to analyze the effects and mechanism of PEO against cancer cells. A total of 74 constituents of PEO were identified, with diterpenes (26.5%), sesquiterpenes (23.89%), and alcohols (21.81%) being the major constituents. Two terpenoids, selina-6-en-4-ol and dolabella-3,7-dien-18-ol, were detected in PEO for the first time. PEO showed significant cell growth inhibitory activity on HepG2 and A549 cells by blocking the G1 phase and inducing apoptosis, which may be attributed to its upregulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 proteins and interference with mitochondrial membrane potential effect. Dolabella-3,7-dien-18-ol accounts for 25.5% of PEO and is one of the main active components of PEO, with IC50 values in HepG2 and A549 cells of (25.820 ± 0.216) µg/mL and (23.597 ± 1.207) μg/mL, respectively. These results confirmed the antitumor medicinal value of P. acutum and showed great application potential in the pharmaceutical industry.