bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-HT4 receptor agonists treatment reduces tau pathology and behavioral deficit in the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Jiang Shan , Sydney Eric J. , Runyan Avery M. , Serpe Rossana , Srikanth Malavika , Figueroa Helen Y. , Yang Mu , Myeku Natura
Published: April 2024

Background

Accumulation of tau in synapses in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been shown to cause synaptic damage, synaptic loss, and the spread of tau pathology through trans-synaptically connected neurons. Moreover, synaptic loss correlates with a decline in cognitive function, providing an opportunity to investigate therapeutic strategies to target synapses and synaptic tau to rescue or prevent cognitive decline in AD. One of the promising synaptic targets is the 5-HT4 serotonergic receptor present postsynaptically in the brain structures involved in the memory processes. 5-HT4R stimulation exerts synaptogenic and pro-cognitive effects involving synapse-to-nucleus signaling essential for synaptic plasticity. However, it is not known whether 5-HT4R activation has a therapeutic effect on tau pathology.

Methods

The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic stimulation of 5-HT4R by two agonists, prucalopride and RS-67333, in PS19 mice, a model of tauopathy. We utilized gradient assays to isolate pre- and post-synaptic compartments, followed by biochemical analyses for tau species and ubiquitinated proteins in the synaptic compartments and total brain tissue. Next, we performed kinetic assays to test the proteasome’s hydrolysis capacity in treatment conditions. Moreover, behavioral tests such as the open field and non-maternal nest-building tests were used to evaluate anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal-related cognitive functioning in the treatment paradigm.

Results

Our results show that 5-HT4R agonism reduced tauopathy, reduced synaptic tau, increased proteasome activity, and improved cognitive functioning in PS19 mice. Our data suggest that enhanced proteasome activity by synaptic mediated signaling leads to the enhanced turnover of tau initially within synapses where the receptors are localized, and over time, the treatment attenuated the accumulation of tau aggregation and improved cognitive functioning of the PS19 mice.

Conclusion

Therefore, stimulation of 5-HT4R offers a promising therapy to rescue synapses from the accumulation of toxic synaptic tau, evident in the early stages of AD.
A method to assess linear self-predictability of physiologic processes in the frequency domain: application to beat-to-beat variability of arterial compliance
Authors: Sparacino Laura , Antonacci Yuri , Barà Chiara , Švec Dávid , Javorka Michal , Faes Luca
Published: April 2024

The concept of self-predictability plays a key role for the analysis of the self-driven dynamics of physiological processes displaying richness of oscillatory rhythms. While time domain measures of self-predictability, as well as time-varying and local extensions, have already been proposed and largely applied in different contexts, they still lack a clear spectral description, which would be significantly useful for the interpretation of the frequency-specific content of the investigated processes. Herein, we propose a novel approach to characterize the linear self-predictability (LSP) of Gaussian processes in the frequency domain. The LSP spectral functions are related to the peaks of the power spectral density (PSD) of the investigated process, which is represented as the sum of different oscillatory components with specific frequency through the method of spectral decomposition. Remarkably, each of the LSP profiles is linked to a specific oscillation of the process, and it returns frequency-specific measures when integrated along spectral bands of physiological interest, as well as a time domain self-predictability measure with a clear meaning in the field of information theory, corresponding to the well-known information storage, when integrated along the whole frequency axis. The proposed measure is first illustrated in a theoretical simulation, showing that it clearly reflects the degree and frequency-specific location of predictability patterns of the analyzed process in both time and frequency domains. Then, it is applied to beat-to-beat time series of arterial compliance obtained in young healthy subjects. The results evidence that the spectral decomposition strategy applied to both the PSD and the spectral LSP of compliance identifies physiological responses to postural stress of low and high frequency oscillations of the process which cannot be traced in the time domain only, highlighting the importance of computing frequency-specific measures of self-predictability in any oscillatory physiologic process.
Combination therapy of Epidermal Growth Factor and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hexapeptide in acute ischemic stroke: a phase I/II non-blinded, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hernández-Bernal Francisco , Estenoz-García Donner , Gutiérrez-Ronquillo Juan H. , Martín-Bauta Yenima , Catasús-Álvarez Karen , Gutiérrez-Castillo Mario , Guevara-Rodríguez Marbelys , Castro-Jeréz Aliuska , Fuentes-González Yoandra , Pinto-Cruz Yulemis , Valenzuela-Silva Carmen , Muzio-González Verena L. , Pérez-Saad Héctor , Subirós-Martínez Nelvys , Guillén-Nieto Gerardo E. , Garcia-del-Barco-Herrera Diana
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis that a neuroprotective combined therapy based on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (GHRP6) could be safe for acute ischemic stroke patients, admitting up to 30% of serious adverse events (SAE) with proven causality.

Methods

A multi-centric, randomized, open-label, controlled, phase I-II clinical trial with parallel groups was conducted (July 2017 to January 2018). Patients aged 18–80 years with a computed tomography-confirmed ischemic stroke and less than 12 h from the onset of symptoms were randomly assigned to the study groups I (75 μg rEGF + 3.5 mg GHRP6 i.v., n=10), II (75 μg rEGF + 5 mg GHRP6 i.v., n=10), or III (standard care control, n=16). Combined therapy was given BID for 7 days. The primary endpoint was safety over 6 months. Secondary endpoints included neurological (NIHSS) and functional [Barthel index and modified Rankin scale (mRS)] outcomes.

Results

The study population had a mean age of 66 ± 11 years, with 21 men (58.3%), a baseline median NIHSS score of 9 (95% CI: 8–11), and a mean time to treatment of 7.3 ± 2.8 h. Analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. SAEs were reported in 9 of 16 (56.2%) patients in the control group, 3 of 10 (30%) patients in Group I (odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% CI: 0.06–1.78), and 2 of 10 (20%) patients in Group II (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.03–1.22); only two events in one patient in Group I were attributed to the intervention treatment. Compliance with the study hypothesis was greater than 0.90 in each group. Patients treated with EGF + GHRP6 had a favorable neurological and functional evolution at both 90 and 180 days, as evidenced by the inferential analysis of NIHSS, Barthel, and mRS and by their moderate to strong effect size. At 6 months, proportion analysis evidenced a higher survival rate for patients treated with the combined therapy. Ancillary analysis including merged treated groups and utility-weighted mRS also showed a benefit of this combined therapy.

Conclusion

EGF + GHRP6 therapy was safe. The functional benefits of treatment in this study supported a Phase III study.

Clinical Trial Registration

RPCEC00000214 of the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials, Unique identifier: IG/CIGB-845I/IC/1601.
Psychophysiological evaluation of the Smartick method in children with reading and mathematical difficulties
Authors: Corona-González César E. , Ramos-Flores Moramay , Alonso-Valerdi Luz María , Ibarra-Zarate David I. , Issa-Garcia Victor
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Assistive technologies for learning are aimed at promoting academic skills, such as reading and mathematics. These technologies mainly embrace mobile and web apps addressed to children with learning difficulties. Nevertheless, most applications lack pedagogical foundation. Additionally, the task of selecting suitable technology for educational purposes becomes challenging. Hence, this protocol posits the psychophysiological assessment of an online method for learning (OML) named Smartick. This platform comprises reading and math activities for learning training. In this protocol, individual monitoring of each child is proposed to determine the progress in learning caused by Smartick.

Methods and analysis

One hundred and twelve children aged between 8 and 12 who present reading or math difficulty after a rigorous psychometric evaluation will be recruited. The study comprises four sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, collective and individual psychometric evaluations will be performed, respectively. Reading and mathematical proficiency will be assessed, as well as attentional levels and intellectual quotient. Subsequently, each child will be semi-randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Afterward, a first EEG will be collected for all children in session 3. Then, experimental groups will use Smartick for 3 months, in addition to their traditional learning method. In contrast, control groups will only continue with their traditional learning method. Finally, session 4 will consist of performing a second psychometric evaluation and another EEG, so that psychophysiological parameters can be encountered that indicate learning improvements due to the OML, regardless of the traditional learning method at hand.

Discussion

Currently, few studies have validated learning improvement due to assistive technologies for learning. However, this proposal presents a psychophysiological evaluation addressed to children with reading or math difficulties who will be trained with an OML.
Differential modulation of resting-state functional connectivity between amygdala and precuneus after acute physical exertion of varying intensity: indications for a role in affective regulation
Authors: Lohaus Marvin , Maurer Angelika , Upadhyay Neeraj , Daamen Marcel , Bodensohn Luisa , Werkhausen Judith , Manunzio Christian , Manunzio Ursula , Radbruch Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Boecker Henning
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Physical activity influences psychological well-being. This study aimed to determine the impact of exercise intensity on psychological well-being and alterations in emotion-related brain functional connectivity (FC).

Methods

Twenty young, healthy, trained athletes performed a low- and high-intensity interval exercise (LIIE and HIIE) as well as a control condition in a within-subject crossover design. Before and after each condition, Positive And Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) was assessed as well as resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). Voxel-wise FC was examined for bilateral amygdala seed region to whole-brain and emotion-related anatomical regions (e.g., insula, temporal pole, precuneus). Data analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models with fixed factors condition and time.

Results

The PANAS Positive Affect scale showed a significant increase after LIIE and HIIE and a significant reduction in Negative Affect after the control condition. In rs-fMRI, no significant condition-by-time interactions were observed between the amygdala and whole brain. Amygdala-precuneus FC analysis showed an interaction effect, suggesting reduced post-exercise anticorrelation after the control condition, but stable, or even slightly enhanced anticorrelation for the exercise conditions, especially HIIE.

Discussion

In conclusion, both LIIE and HIIE had positive effects on mood and concomitant effects on amygdala-precuneus FC, particularly after HIIE. Although no significant correlations were found between amygdala-precuneus FC and PANAS, results should be discussed in the context of affective disorders in whom abnormal amygdala-precuneus FC has been observed.
Insights from the neural guidance factor Netrin-1 into neurodegeneration and other diseases
Authors: Cai Minqi , Zheng Qian , Chen Yiqiang , Liu Siyuan , Zhu Huimin , Bai Bing
Published: April 2024

Netrin-1 was initially discovered as a neuronal growth cue for axonal guidance, and its functions have later been identified in inflammation, tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and other disorders. We have recently found its alterations in the brains with Alzheimer’s disease, which might provide important clues to the mechanisms of some unique pathologies. To provide better understanding of this promising molecule, we here summarize research progresses in genetics, pathology, biochemistry, cell biology and other studies of Netrin-1 about its mechanistic roles and biomarker potentials with an emphasis on clinical neurodegenerative disorders in order to expand understanding of this promising molecular player in human diseases.
Stress hyper-reactivity increases vulnerability to developing binge-type eating and associated anxiety-like behavior; comparison between Wistar-Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Rangel Daniela Sarai , Estrada-Camarena Erika , López-Rubalcava Carolina
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a widespread eating disorder that primarily affects women worldwide, and it is characterized by the presence of binge eating episodes and the absence of any compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain. BED presents elevated comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, and it has been suggested that stress sensibility could be a vulnerability factor for the development of BED and the associated anxiety comorbidity. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the Wistar-Kyoto rat strain (WKY), which has a stress hyper-reactive phenotype, could develop both binge-type eating and anxiety-like behaviors simultaneously. We also aim to compare its vulnerability to developing both behaviors with the Sprague Dawley rat strain (SD), a rat strain commonly used in binge-eating models.

Methods

WKY and SD rats were subjected to the model of intermittent access to palatable food (sucrose solution 30% or shortening) without calorie restriction or stress exposure. We evaluated and compared the development of binge-type eating behavior, anxiety-like behavior, and serum corticosterone variation as an index of the stress response in both rat strains.

Results

WKY rats presented a higher percentage of binge-type eaters and required less time to develop binge-type eating behavior than SD rats. The WKY eating pattern emulated a binge-eating episode regardless of the palatable food. Although the development of sucrose binge-type eating was similar between strains, WKY developed more easily the shortening binge-type eating than SD and was more susceptible to developing anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, sucrose binge eating seems to differentially affect both strains’ hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stress since it facilitated its response in SD and blunted it in WKY.

Discussion

Our results show that high-stress sensitive phenotype is a common vulnerability factor for the development of binge-type eating and anxiety-like behavior. Regardless of the macronutrient composition of the palatable food, WKY is susceptible to developing a binge-type eating behavior and is more susceptible than SD to developing anxiety-like behavior simultaneously. In conclusion, results showed that a hyper-reactive stress phenotype predisposes the development of binge-type eating behavior and anxiety-like behavior in the absence of calorie restriction and stress exposure.
Perinatal features of children with Silver-Russell syndrome due to 11p15 loss of methylation
Authors: Darneau Diane , Giabicani Eloïse , Netchine Irène , Pham Aurélie
Published: April 2024

Background

A diagnosis of Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS), a rare imprinting disorder responsible for foetal growth restriction, is considered for patients presenting at least four criteria of the Netchine-Harbison clinical scoring system (NH-CSS). Certain items of the NH-CSS are not assessable until the age of 2 years. The objective was to determine perinatal characteristics of children with SRS to allow an early diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the perinatal characteristics of children with SRS (n = 17) with those of newborns small for gestational age (SGA) due to placental insufficiency (PI) (n = 21).

Results

Children with SRS showed earlier and more severely altered foetal biometry than SGA newborns due to PI. Twenty-three percent of patients with SRS showed uterine artery Doppler anomalies. SRS children were significantly smaller at birth (birth length <-3 SDS in 77% of cases in the SRS group vs. 15% in the PI group, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The diagnosis of SRS must be evoked in the neonatal period for SGA newborns with a growth delay present from the second trimester of pregnancy, a birth length <-3 SDS and a relative macrocephaly. Doppler anomalies, classically used to orient the cause of SGA towards PI, did not rule out the diagnosis of SRS.
Redox priming could be an appropriate technique to minimize drought-induced adversities in quinoa
Authors: Iqbal Hassan , Yaning Chen
Published: April 2024

The exogenous use of the redox compound (H2O2) plays a significant role in abiotic stress tolerance. The present study investigated various H2O2 application methods (seed priming, foliar spray, and surface irrigation) with varying concentration levels (0 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM, 15 mM, 40 mM, 80 mM, and 160 mM) to evaluate the efficiency of supplying exogenous H2O2 to quinoa under water-deficit conditions. Drought stress reduced quinoa growth and yield by perturbing morphological traits, leading to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and increased electrolyte leakage. Although all studied modes of H2O2 application improved quinoa performance, surface irrigation was found to be sensitive, causing oxidative damage in the present study. Seed priming showed a prominent increase in plant height due to profound emergence indexes compared to other modes under drought conditions. Strikingly, seed priming followed by foliar spray improved drought tolerance in quinoa and showed higher grain yield compared to surface irrigations. This increase in the yield performance of quinoa was attributed to improvements in total chlorophyll (37%), leaf relative water content (RWC; 20%), superoxide dismutase (SOD; 35%), peroxidase (97%), polyphenol oxidase (60%), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (58%) activities, and the accumulation of glycine betaine (96%), total soluble protein (TSP; 17%), proline contents (35%), and the highest reduction in leaf malondialdehyde contents (MDA; 36%) under drought stress. PCA analysis indicated that physio-biochemical traits (proline, SOD, TSP, total chlorophyll, MSI, and RWC) were strongly positively correlated with grain yield, and their contribution was much higher in redox priming than other application methods. In conclusion, exogenous H2O2 application, preferably redox priming, could be chosen to decrease drought-induced performance and yield losses in quinoa.
Image recognition-based petal arrangement estimation
Authors: Nakatani Tomoya , Utsumi Yuzuko , Fujimoto Koichi , Iwamura Masakazu , Kise Koichi
Published: April 2024

Flowers exhibit morphological diversity in the number and positional arrangement of their floral organs, such as petals. The petal arrangements of blooming flowers are represented by the overlap position relation between neighboring petals, an indicator of the floral developmental process; however, only specialists are capable of the petal arrangement identification. Therefore, we propose a method to support the estimation of the arrangement of the perianth organs, including petals and tepals, using image recognition techniques. The problem for realizing the method is that it is not possible to prepare a large number of image datasets: we cannot apply the latest machine learning based image processing methods, which require a large number of images. Therefore, we describe the tepal arrangement as a sequence of interior-exterior patterns of tepal overlap in the image, and estimate the tepal arrangement by matching the pattern with the known patterns. We also use methods that require less or no training data to implement the method: the fine-tuned YOLO v5 model for flower detection, GrubCut for flower segmentation, the Harris corner detector for tepal overlap detection, MAML-based interior-exterior estimation, and circular permutation matching for tepal arrangement estimation. Experimental results showed good accuracy when flower detection, segmentation, overlap location estimation, interior-exterior estimation, and circle permutation matching-based tepal arrangement estimation were evaluated independently. However, the accuracy decreased when they were integrated. Therefore, we developed a user interface for manual correction of the position of overlap estimation and interior-exterior pattern estimation, which ensures the quality of tepal arrangement estimation.
Music-evoked emotions classification using vision transformer in EEG signals
Authors: Wang Dong , Lian Jian , Cheng Hebin , Zhou Yanan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The field of electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion identification has received significant attention and has been widely utilized in both human-computer interaction and therapeutic settings. The process of manually analyzing electroencephalogram signals is characterized by a significant investment of time and work. While machine learning methods have shown promising results in classifying emotions based on EEG data, the task of extracting distinct characteristics from these signals still poses a considerable difficulty.

Methods

In this study, we provide a unique deep learning model that incorporates an attention mechanism to effectively extract spatial and temporal information from emotion EEG recordings. The purpose of this model is to address the existing gap in the field. The implementation of emotion EEG classification involves the utilization of a global average pooling layer and a fully linked layer, which are employed to leverage the discernible characteristics. In order to assess the effectiveness of the suggested methodology, we initially gathered a dataset of EEG recordings related to music-induced emotions.

Experiments

Subsequently, we ran comparative tests between the state-of-the-art algorithms and the method given in this study, utilizing this proprietary dataset. Furthermore, a publicly accessible dataset was included in the subsequent comparative trials.

Discussion

The experimental findings provide evidence that the suggested methodology outperforms existing approaches in the categorization of emotion EEG signals, both in binary (positive and negative) and ternary (positive, negative, and neutral) scenarios.
The strength of conspiracy beliefs versus scientific information: the case of COVID 19 preventive behaviours
Authors: Pinazo-Calatayud Daniel , Agut-Nieto Sonia , Arahuete Lorena , Peris Rosana , Barros Alfonso , Vázquez-Rodríguez Carolina
Published: April 2024

Controlling the spread of COVID-19 requires individuals to adopt preventive behaviours, but conspiracy beliefs about its origin are spreading. The aim of this paper is to better comprehend the strength of conspiracy beliefs versus objective COVID-19 information to predict people’s adherence to protective behaviours (getting vaccinated, being tracked through APPs, and keeping social distance from infected people). Study 1 shows that COVID-19 implicit theories detected in the Pre-study were activated as independent factors that constitute people’s interpretations of the virus origin. These beliefs were related to a lesser intention to engage in preventive behaviours and a higher level of mistrust in institutional information, although some beliefs generate positive expectations about COVID-19 consequences. In Study 2, conducted with a different sample, official COVID-19 information was included as an independent variable, but this new variable did not further explain results. Lastly, Study 3 consisting of both previous samples confirmed that conspiracy beliefs had a direct effect on a lesser willingness to engage in preventive actions, a higher mistrust, and positive expectations about COVID-19 consequences. We conclude that objective COVID-19 information did not buffer the effect of conspiracy beliefs; they interfere with actions to prevent it by taking institutions as scapegoats or complicit with secret powers.
Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment
Authors: Cao Panpan , Peng Ran , Yuan Qiuyu , Zhou Ruochen , Ye Mengting , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study analyzes the relationship of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder and whether they have predictive and diagnostic value for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder.

Patients and methods

A total of 225 patients with a diagnosis of adolescent depressive disorder were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the DSM-5 criteria: 98 cases without NSSI and 127 cases with NSSI. Compare the demographic data, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Body Investment Scale (BIS) scores between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depression, and establish four predictive models. Based on the models’ predictive probability, the ROC curves were plotted to calculate the value of the predictive diagnostic effect.

Results

The group without NSSI had lower scores than the group with NSSI on HAMD-24 total score, TAS-20 total score, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally focused thinking, as well as lower scores on CTQ-SF total score, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In contrast, the BIS total score, body image feelings and attitudes, body care, and body protection factor scores were higher for the group without NSSI. The BIS body care factor score and the CTQ-SF emotional abuse factor score were significantly linked with adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder who exhibited NSSI behaviors. These results provide a good diagnostic model for adolescents with depressive disorder.

Conclusion

Low levels of body care and childhood emotional abuse may independently contribute to the implementation of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder. Body investment and childhood trauma are valuable in diagnosing and predicting NSSI behaviors and should be considered as potentially important factors in clinical treatment.
Investigating the impact of surgical masks on behavioral reactions to facial emotions in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Montalti Martina , Mirabella Giovanni
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The widespread use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges in interpreting facial emotions. As the mouth is known to play a crucial role in decoding emotional expressions, its covering is likely to affect this process. Recent evidence suggests that facial expressions impact behavioral responses only when their emotional content is relevant to subjects’ goals. Thus, this study investigates whether and how masked emotional faces alter such a phenomenon.

Methods

Forty participants completed two reaching versions of the Go/No-go task in a counterbalanced fashion. In the Emotional Discrimination Task (EDT), participants were required to respond to angry, fearful, or happy expressions by performing a reaching movement and withholding it when a neutral face was presented. In the Gender Discrimination Task (GDT), the same images were shown, but participants had to respond according to the poser’s gender. The face stimuli were presented in two conditions: covered by a surgical mask (masked) or without any covering (unmasked).

Results

Consistent with previous studies, valence influenced behavioral control in the EDT but not in the GDT. Nevertheless, responses to facial emotions in the EDT exhibited significant differences between unmasked and masked conditions. In the former, angry expressions led to a slowdown in participants’ responses. Conversely, in the masked condition, behavioral reactions were impacted by fearful and, to a greater extent, by happy expressions. Responses to fearful faces were slower, and those to happy faces exhibited increased variability in the masked condition compared to the unmasked condition. Furthermore, response accuracy to masked happy faces dramatically declined compared to the unmasked condition and other masked emotions.

Discussion

In sum, our findings indicate that surgical masks disrupt reactions to emotional expressions, leading people to react less accurately and with heightened variability to happy expressions, provided that the emotional dimension is relevant to people’s goals.
Advancing equity in cross-cultural psychology: embracing diverse epistemologies and fostering collaborative practices
Authors: Anjum Gulnaz , Aziz Mudassar
Published: April 2024

Psychology, and cross-cultural psychology (CCP) in particular, plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricate relationship between culture and human behavior. This paper sheds light on the challenges of inequity and marginalization, especially concerning scholarship from the Global South, which have roots in historical colonial practices. It highlights how intellectual extractivism and the predominance of Western research methodologies often overlook the contributions of Global South scholars and indigenous ways of knowing. Such imbalances risk narrowing the scope of psychological inquiry, privileging American and European perspectives, and undermining the richness of global human experiences. This paper calls for a shift toward more equitable collaborations and the recognition of diverse epistemologies. By advocating for genuine representation in research and valuing local knowledge, it proposes pathways for a more inclusive and authentic exploration of human behavior across cultures.
A qualitative evaluation of the pathway for eating disorders and autism developed from clinical experience (PEACE): clinicians’ perspective
Authors: Li Zhuo , Hutchings-Hay Chloe , Byford Sarah , Tchanturia Kate
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The Pathway for Eating disorders and Autism developed from Clinical Experience (PEACE pathway) is a clinical pathway of adapted treatment for individuals with eating disorders and autism in the UK. This study aims to investigate multidisciplinary clinicians’ views of the strengths and challenges of PEACE pathway adaptations, while identifying areas where further improvement is needed.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 clinicians who worked on the PEACE pathway. Themes relevant to the benefits, challenges and areas of improvement were identified, and a thematic map was produced.

Results

PEACE Pathway brought clinical benefits such as improved understanding of patients’ perspective, improved flexibility and individualisation in clinicians’ approach, increased patient engagement, and provision of resources that are helpful to all patients with or without autism. Benefits to the service included increase in autism awareness, clinicians’ confidence, and team collaboration. Challenges were also identified, including difficulties in incorporating autism adaptations into existing treatment protocol, implementing PEACE at different levels of care, staff schedule conflicts, and increased pressure to meet patients’ needs. Overall, there is a need for systemic improvement in aftercare and community support for autism, more suitable autism screening tool, and more structured guidelines for making adaptations.

Conclusions and implications

PEACE Pathway has brought clinical and service benefits, while also bringing practical challenges rooted in the difficulty in distinguishing between autism and eating disorder in comorbid population. Future areas of improvement are highlighted for PEACE resources as well as in the national support system for autistic individuals.
Alcohol-associated liver disease and behavioral and medical cofactors: unmet needs and opportunities
Authors: Monnig Mollie A. , Treloar Padovano Hayley , Monti Peter M.
Published: April 2024

Chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death in the US and is often preventable. Rising burden, cost, and fatality due to liver disease are driven by intensified alcohol use in the US population and the contributions of comorbid conditions. This mini-review focuses on the topic of liver health in the context of chronic, behavioral cofactors of disease, using research-based examples from the Brown University Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation (CADRE). Our aim is to illustrate the current challenges and opportunities in clinical research addressing liver health in the context of behavioral and medical comorbidity and to highlight next steps in this crucial area of public health research and clinical care.
How to communicate with older adults about climate change: a systematic review
Authors: Pinna Samuele , Longo Diego , Zanobini Patrizio , Lorini Chiara , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Baccini Marco , Cecchi Francesca
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Although older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, they seem to be overall less concerned about it, and less inclined to support climate policies. The study aims to identify the communication strategies that have been evaluated in promoting awareness and/or climate friendly behaviors in older adults.

Methods

We searched multiple electronic databases for studies that evaluated the effects of any interventions aimed at communicating climate change to older persons (over 65 years) and assessed the results as awareness and /or behavioral changes. We selected quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies, and we also included systematic reviews for cross-referencing. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated using different tools according to the study design.

Results

From a total of 5,486 articles, only 3 studies were included. One mixed-method study engaged older adults to assess the community vulnerability to climate change and to develop adaptation recommendations based on their perspectives; one qualitative study conducted focus groups to identify the more effective language, values and themes based on participants’ responses to narratives; one quantitative study utilized a 360-degree audio-visual platform allowing users to engage with immersive visualizations of sea-level rise scenarios.

Discussion

Despite the paucity of literature, this review demonstrates the potential for different strategies to increase the awareness of older persons about climate change. The involvement of older adults in the communication process, the identification of their priorities, and the integration of technology in their daily lives are promising approaches but more research, including both quantitative and qualitative studies is recommended on this topic.

Systematic review registeration

For further details about the protocol, this systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO on July 1, 2023 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023438256).
Prevalence and correlates of mental health problems among different occupations of medical workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China
Authors: Yan Qiuping , Hou Xiaofei , Zhang Tingting , Yin Huifang , Han Bing , Ma Chao , Wang Ying , Chen Hongguang , Wen Jing , Huang Yueqin , Jiang Rongmeng , Liu Zhaorui , Xu Guangming
Published: April 2024

Background

Health workers involved in the fight to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak were exposed to hazards. Detailed information on mental health problems in different medical occupations is crucial. To examined the prevalence of mental health issues in three medical occupations as well as the relationships between mental health problems and correlates in each occupation.

Methods

This study utilizing the Questionnaire Star program was conducted among medical workers working at medical institutions in China from February 17 to 24, 2020. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess mental health problems.

Results

The prevalence of any mental health problems in the three occupations was 43.6, 34.6, and 32.9% for nurses, paramedical workers (PMWs), and doctors, respectively. Three occupations shared some correlates, such as being overworked, not having enough time to rest, support from colleagues, and previous mental health status. There were specific factors for each occupation. For doctors, age, educational level, living status, support from family, and previous physical status were related factors in mental health problems. Working in a designated hospital for treating COVID-19, having COVID-19 event exposures, and receiving support from family were associated with the mental health problems of the nurses. PMWs’ mental health problems was linked to educational level and care from supervisors or heads of department.

Conclusion

Different medical occupations have distinct impacts on mental health issues. Policy makers and mental health professionals working to prepare for potential disease outbreaks should be aware of multiple factors in different occupations.
Areas of professional life and job satisfaction of nurses
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Kowalczuk Krystyna , Majchrowicz Bożena , Kłos Alicja , Kalita Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Job satisfaction among nurses is closely related to work environment as well as organizational and professional commitment. Satisfaction is a concept derived from Latin, where “satis” means “enough,” as much as is needed to fully satisfy expectations, needs, aspirations, in such a way that there is no room for complaint. Job satisfaction, on the other hand, is formulated as a positive attitude of employees toward the duties of the job, the work environment and other employees. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate how the different areas of nurses’ professional life, i.e., workload, control, rewards, community, sense of justice and values, correlate with their perceived job satisfaction.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 509 nurses working in a public hospital in Poland. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire, which consisted of a section containing sociodemographic data and standardized instruments: The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and The Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) developed by Maslach and Leiter. Correlations were made using Spearman’s rho coefficient. The calculations also used stepwise linear regression analysis after checking certain assumptions, including checking the assumption of normality of residuals and the Durbin-Watson Test.

Results

The mean score for the 20 items of the MSQ questionnaire ranged from 3.05 to 3.43 on a 5-point Likert scale. Support from the interdisciplinary team, which concerned assessing the quality of the social environment in the workplace, cooperation and showing positive feelings received the highest rating among respondents (3.51 ± 0.76). The sense of fair treatment at work averaged 3.26 ± 0.58. The area of value conflict within the organization itself or between the employee’s values and those of the organization, respondents rated an average of 3.26 ± 0.65. The mean score for all areas of professional work in the surveyed group was 3.09 ± 0.45.

Conclusion

As satisfaction in particular areas of work life increases, so does the level of satisfaction in such aspects of work as achievement and a sense of fairness. The higher the level of satisfaction in the area of control, the more the sense of satisfaction with independence increases. The higher the satisfaction of respondents in the areas of values, workload and control, the higher the level of satisfaction with working conditions occurs.
Present day and future urban cooling enabled by integrated water management
Authors: Nice Kerry A. , Demuzere Matthias , Coutts Andrew M. , Tapper Nigel
Published: April 2024

The process of urbanisation has increased public health risks due to urban heat, risks that will be further exacerbated in future decades by climate change. However, the growing adoption of integrated water management (IWM) practices (coordinated stormwater management of water, land, and resources) provides an opportunity to support urban heat amelioration through water supply provision and irrigated and vegetated infrastructure that can provide cooling benefits. This study examines the thermal impacts of future implementations of IWM for nine Australian cities based on a review of Government policy documents in the present and over two future time frames (2030 and 2050) under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios (SSPs 1.2-6, 3.7-0 and 5.8-5). Statistical analysis of the future climate data using historical data shows that future warming is nuanced, with changes variable in both time and place, and with extremes becoming more pronounced in future. We have developed a unique approach to morph the future climate projections onto historical data (derived from the ERA5 Reanalysis product) for the 2010-2020 period. Additionally, we use locally appropriate Local Climate Zones (LCZs) for Australian cities, resulting from a holistic and global approach that is widely adopted by the urban climate modelling community. We developed scenarios for business-as-usual as well as implementation of moderate and high levels of IWM across each of the Australian LCZs and modelled them using TARGET (The Air temperature Response to Green infrastructure Evaluation Tool). Results generated at the LCZ level are aggregated to Australian statistical areas (SA4, the largest sub-city area) and city-wide levels. The thermal impacts associated with the various degrees of IWM were marked and geographically differentiated, depending on the climatic characteristics of the various cities. For the current climate, high IWM intervention provided reductions in annual mean daily maximum temperature ranging from -0.77°C in Darwin, up to -1.86°C in Perth. Generally, the drier southern cities of Sydney, Canberra, Albury, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth produced the greatest thermal response to implementation of IWM and the more tropical cities with higher rainfalls the least response. For some southern cities cooling was > -3.0°C at the time of maximum summer temperatures. Interestingly high levels of IWM in winter produced modest warming of minimum overnight temperatures, especially for the cooler southern cities. The cooling benefits of IWM were seen across all future climate scenarios and are a real opportunity to offset-projected temperature increases resulting from climate change.
High burden of CMV infections after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation—a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ahopelto Kaisa , Grasberger Juulia , Ortiz Fernanda , Ekstrand Agneta , Nordin Arno , Lempinen Marko , Helanterä Ilkka
Published: April 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections remain a common problem after solid-organ transplantation. We characterized the burden of CMV infections, and adverse events of CMV prophylaxis after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK). We included all SPK patients (n = 236) since 2010 in our country. Immunosuppression was ATG, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. Valganciclovir prophylaxis was given to all CMV D+/R− patients for six months, and to seropositive SPK patients for three months since February 2019. CMV DNAemia was monitored with quantitative PCR from plasma. Among D+/R− SPK recipients, post prophylaxis CMV infection was detected in 41/60 (68%) during follow-up. In seropositive SPK recipients with no prophylaxis, CMV infection was detected in 53/95 (56%), vs. 28/78 (36%) in those who received 3 months of prophylaxis (P = 0.01). CMV was symptomatic in 35 (15%) patients, of which 10 required hospitalization. Mean duration of viremia was 28 days (IQR 21–41). Leukopenia was detected in 63 (46%) of the 138 patients with valganciclovir prophylaxis. 7/122 (6%) of the CMV infections detected were defined as refractory to treatment, and three patients had confirmed ganciclovir resistance. SPK recipients experience a high burden of CMV infections despite CMV prophylaxis. Leukopenia is common during valganciclovir prophylaxis.
Observation of vertical coupling during a major sudden stratospheric warming by ICON and GOLD: a case study of the 2020/2021 warming event
Authors: Yiğit Erdal , Gann Ayden L. , Medvedev Alexander S. , Gasperini Federico , Wu Qian , Sakib Md Nazmus
Published: April 2024

The response of the thermospheric daytime longitudinally averaged zonal and meridional winds and neutral temperature to the 2020/2021 major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is studied at low-to middle latitudes (0◦ - 40◦N) using observations by NASA’s ICON and GOLD satellites. The major SSW commenced on 1 January 2021 and lasted for several days. Results are compared with the non-SSW winter of 2019/2020 and pre-SSW period of December 2020. Major changes in winds and temperature are observed during the SSW. The northward and westward winds are enhanced in the thermosphere especially above ∼140 km during the warming event, while temperature around 150 km drops up to 50 K compared to the pre-SSW phase. Changes in the zonal and meridional winds are likely caused by the SSW-induced changes in the propagation and dissipation conditions of internal atmospheric waves. Changes in the horizontal circulation during the SSW can generate upwelling at low-latitudes, which can contribute to the adiabatic cooling of the low-latitude thermosphere. The observed changes during the major SSW are a manifestation of long-range vertical coupling in the atmosphere.
Fun, community, and culture in a Japanese alternative food network
Authors: Black Jasmine E.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) are important sources of community-driven sustainable food production and consumption. It is apparent that despite the existing environmentally friendly ways of producing food, such networks are not yet multiplying at a rate which could help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. This study is set in Sado island, Japan, which has become well known for its farming practices protecting the crested ibis, as well as its GIAHS status, but which also has an AFN beyond these accreditations. It investigates the challenges and opportunities of Sado’s AFN to find ways to help it thrive, and give potential pointers for developing new AFN’s.

Methods

In this research I use a mix of experiential sensory ethnography, socially-engaged art and interviews to understand the challenges and opportunities of an AFN in Sado island, Japan. A range of Sado’s AFN actors were engaged to provide a more holistic picture.

Results

Young and new entrant farmers, food processors and retailers in Sado expressed the need for their work to be fun as well as in coexistence with nature, using innovative practices and models to make this a reality. AFN actors also revealed a great capacity to undertake numerous food and culture related events, for the purpose of community, throughout the year. Despite this, there are gaps in capacity, and a lingering negative image of farming and rural areas as difficult places to live. These factors are stemming the ability for new AFNs to begin and existing ones to thrive.

Discussion

Giving farming a fun, empowering and positive image whilst creating greater networking capacity could strengthen this AFN and help create new ones in other ruralities. Further, better acknowledging the importance of the culture and arts through which people connect to nature could form a greater source of pride and motivation to stay in rural areas.