bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding of Cervical Screening Adoption among Female University Students Based on the Precaution Adoption Process Model and Health-Belief Model
Authors: Shin Hye Young , Kang Purum , Song Soo Yeon , Jun Jae Kwan
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to identify the decisional stages for cervical screening and corresponding cognitive factors in female university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Korean female university students aged 20–29 years through an online survey. The main outcome was the decisional stage of cervical screening adoption using the precaution adoption process model. The stages were classified into pre-adoption (the unawareness, unengaged, and undecided stages), adoption (the decided to act and acting stages), and refusal (the decided not to act stage). The cognitive factors in each stage were analyzed using the key concepts of the health-belief model. Cervical screening was defined as a clinical Papanicolaou (Pap) smear performed by a physician in a clinic. The final analysis included 1024 students. Approximately 89.0%, 1.0%, and 10.2% were classified as the pre-adoption, refusal, and adoption stages, respectively. Compared to the pre-adoption stage group, the adoption stage group was more likely to be older and have higher self-efficacy and knowledge. Most participants belonged to the pre-adoption stage—those unaware of cervical screening. Furthermore, most had a low level of knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and its screening. Therefore, our study highlighted the need for education to increase awareness and knowledge of cervical screening in this population.
Health System Barriers to Child Mandatory and Optional Vaccination among Ukrainian Migrants in Poland in the Context of MMR and HPV Vaccines—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ganczak Maria , Kalinowski Paweł , Pasek Oskar , Duda-Duma Łukasz , Sobieraj Ewa , Goławski Jakub , Biesiada Daniel , Jansen Danielle , Vervoort Johanna P. M. , Edelstein Michael , Kowalska Marta
Published: January 2023

Background Migrants’ access to healthcare services is limited. This study aimed to identify health system barriers to vaccination, specifically HPV/MMR vaccination among children in Ukrainian economic migrants (UMs). Methods Between December 2021–March 2022, a qualitative study of UMs living in Poland was conducted. Six focus groups were held with 53 UMs aged 15–45; in-depth interviews with 12 healthcare workers (HCWs) were also performed. A thematic analysis was conducted based on the six WHO health system building blocks. Results HCWs described gaps in integrating migrant status in accessible healthcare data which impeded active management of vaccination procedures. UMs reported that the digitization of healthcare services, intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced their access to primary care. Inadequate health information systems caused problems with the provision of credible vaccine information in translated forms, and language difficulties, experienced by both UMs and HCWs; this was enhanced by a lack of professional interpreting services. Although most UMs reported vaccinating children according to the Polish schedule, the variations in schedules across countries caused concern among UMs and increased HCWs’ uncertainty about how to interpret vaccination cards, particularly in the context of possible false certificates. UMs were affected by discrimination through HCWs. HPV was deprioritized by UMs due to misconceptions about non-mandatory vaccinations; the cost was also a barrier. Conclusions The study findings have implications for migrant vaccination delivery targeting children in Poland, and other UMs receiving countries. A concerted effort is required to improve UM’s awareness of the significance of vaccinations. Barriers to healthcare access must be recognized by policymakers. Importantly, removing the cost barrier may increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine among Ukrainian migrant adolescents.
Assessment of the Ecological Compensation Standards for Cross-Basin Water Diversion Projects from the Perspective of Main Headwater and Receiver Areas
Authors: Wang Yubing , Zhu Kai , Xiong Xiao , Yin Jianuo , Yan Haoran , Zhang Yuan , Liu Hai
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to explore how to develop reasonable ecological compensation standards to improve the effectiveness of water diversion projects. Watershed ecological compensation is an important means to coordinate watershed protection and development and, additionally, compensation standard accounting is the core issue of ecological compensation. The previous literature has mainly calculated watershed ecological compensation standards from a single perspective, such as the main headwater or receiver areas, meaning the interests of another under-appreciated area would inevitably be ignored. The calculation results of different perspectives and methods vary greatly, directly affecting the implementation of watershed ecological compensation mechanisms. In this paper, the world’s largest water diversion project, the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, was selected as the study area. The total cost correction model was selected from the perspective of the main headwater areas. The water resources input-output model was selected from the perspective of the receiver areas to evaluate the ecological compensation criteria and compare the differences between the two models. The results show that the ecological compensation standards based on the perspective of water source areas are mainly influenced by the ecological construction expenditures and industrial opportunity cost losses in the watershed, with higher compensation costs in the early period but a more moderate growth trend in the later period. The ecological compensation standards based on the perspective of the receiver areas increase with the annual increase in project water diversion, with a low compensation cost in the early period, but a faster growth trend in the later period. The ecological compensation standards calculated by different perspectives and methods differ significantly; the main contribution of this paper is to enrich the ecological compensation research on cross-basin water diversion projects from multiple perspectives.
Virtual Therapy Complementary Prehabilitation of Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer—A Pilot Study
Authors: Czech Oliver , Siewierska Katarzyna , Krzywińska Aleksandra , Skórniak Jakub , Maciejczyk Adam , Matkowski Rafał , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Malicka Iwona
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer is becoming an important issue due to its various consequences and epidemiology. Studies are showing that it extremely impacts the mental health as well as the physical activity of the patients. In addition to the most common symptom, which is fatigue, patients also have problems with the quality of sleep. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in improving the mental state and quality of sleep, as well as increasing the physical activity (PA) of patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The study was conducted in a hospital’s Breast Unit and included patients at the time of diagnosis of malignant breast cancer. A total of 16 subjects randomly divided into experimental (n = 9), and control (n = 7) groups were measured with the Beck Depression Scale, Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at two timepoints. The experimental intervention consisted of a 2-week (8 sessions) Virtual Therapeutic Garden (VRTierOne) procedure performed daily for about 15 min. Significant differences were identified between groups in the interactions between the main factors seen in the destructive style of the Mini-Mac scale: F(1.14) = 4.82, p = 0.04, and between multiple experiments: F(1.14)= 5.54, p = 0.03 showing a significant reduction in the destructive style of coping with the disease in the study group after therapy (32.44 vs. 28.33, p = 0.003). The level of main effects [study] for the constructive style is F(1.14) = 3.93, p = 0.06 with a significant increase in constructive style in the study group (43.33 vs. 45.33, p = 0.044). Significant differences in levels of depression between multiple experiments: F(1.14) = 5.04, p = 0.04, show a significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms was found in the experimental group after therapy (13.33 vs. 8.11, p = 0.02). However, the analysis did not show significant differences between group analyses (p = 0.25). It seems that VR reduces the severity of depressive symptoms and reduces the destructive style and can be an effective option in improving the mental state of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Variations in Author Gender in Obstetrics Disease Prevalence Literature: A Systematic Review
Authors: Román Gálvez María Rosario , Riquelme-Gallego Blanca , del Carmen Segovia-García María , Gavilán-Cabello Daniel , Khan Khalid Saeed , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora
Published: January 2023

This systematic review aims to evaluate gender differences in authorship of prevalence literature concerning intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM studies were matched for publication year and study country as a gender-neutral obstetric disease with similar morbidity to IPV. Relevant studies were captured without language restrictions via online searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from database inception to January 2022. Proportion of female authors and gender of the first and corresponding author were outcome measures. Multivariable regression models were built to examine if female authors featured more or less often in IPV during pregnancy and GDM literature adjusting by the influence of type of study, country’s human development index (HDI), year of publication and journal’s impact factor. 137 IPV-GDM studies pairs were included. Female authors in IPV studies were slightly lower than in GDM [59.7%, 95% CI 54.7–64.7, vs. 54.9%, 95% CI 50.7–59.1, p = 0.204]. Studies published in high-income countries were more likely to be signed by a woman as first and corresponding author (Odds Ratio 2.22, 95% CI 1.20; 4.11, p = 0.011 and Odds Ratio 2.24, CI 1.22; 4.10, p = 0.009 respectively) and proportion of women as corresponding authors decreased as the journal impact factor increased (β = 0.62, 95% CI 0.37, 1.05, p = 0.075). There is a gender gap in the field of prevalence research in IPV during pregnancy with variations according to the level of development. International programs aimed at eradicating these inequalities are needed.
Green Innovation in Regional Logistics: Level Evaluation and Spatial Analysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sun Xin , Dong Kailong , Sui Lianghui , Wang Min , Hong Qiong
Published: January 2023

Green innovation is imperative for the high-quality and sustainable development of the modern logistics industry. It is also key for achieving the goals of peak emissions and carbon neutrality. This study provides a way of thinking about the evaluation of the green innovation level of the logistics industry. The variance inflation factor-variance coefficient method was employed to construct an evaluation index system of the regional logistics green innovation level (RLGIL) from three dimensions. Empirical data were collected from statistical yearbooks covering 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2017. Thereafter, the combination weighting-based GRA-TOPSIS method was applied to evaluate the RLGIL, and the spatial distribution differences and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of inter-provincial green innovation levels were analyzed. The RLGILs in the 30 provinces were found to be generally unbalanced, and the differences between the eastern and western regions were significant. Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang had stronger RLGILs, whereas most other provinces did not reach the average level. The RLGIL of the 30 provinces had a high positive spatial correlation and spatial aggregating effect. From a national perspective, the values for the RLGIL were generally higher in the eastern and southern regions and lower in the western and northern regions. Although significant differences were found in the RLGIL of these provinces, the overall development trend was stable.
The Clinical Benefits of a Dynamic vs. Static Component as Part of a Comprehensive Warm-Up for Recreational Sports Players with Clinical Histories of Hamstring Injuries: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gutierrez-Coronado Javier , López-Bueno Laura , Cardero-Durán María , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel , Toledo-Marhuenda Jose , Hernández-Sánchez Sergio , Dueñas Lirios , Marques-Sule Elena , Morral Antoni , Espejo-Antúnez Luis
Published: January 2023

Background: Few previous studies have analyzed the effects of certain specific static and dynamic warm-up components on recreational sports players with a previous hamstring injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze changes in some modifiable and external risk factors after (immediately and in a follow-up assessment after 10 min) a static or dynamic warm-up program on recreational sports players with a previous hamstring injury. Methods: A total of 62 participants were randomized into 2 groups: static warm-up (SW) (n = 31) or dynamic warm-up (DW) (n = 31). Range of movement (RoM), perceived pain, the pressure–pain threshold, and joint position sense were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 10 min afterwards. The intervention for the SW (hot pack procedures in both hamstring muscles) lasted 20 min. The DW intervention consisted of a running exercise performed on a treadmill for 10 min. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant changes (p ≤ 0.05) in the primary outcomes (perceived pain and the pressure–pain threshold) at the three measurement times (this was also true for RoM for the SW group, with statistically significant differences only between times from the baseline to the 10-min follow-up; p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.23). The intra-group secondary outcome showed no statistically significant changes (p > 0.05) in both groups (except for the period from the baseline–immediately after in the DW group; p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.53). The comparison between groups showed no statistically significant differences for any of the variables analyzed. (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: The present findings suggest that both specific warm-up modalities seem to positively influence perceived pain on stretching and the pressure threshold; however, the significant reduction in the joint repositioning error and the larger effect sizes observed in the DW group suggest that this method has a greater beneficial impact in recreational sports players with clinical histories of hamstring injuries.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Influence Mechanism of Habitat Quality in Guilin City, China
Authors: He Yunlin , Mo Yanhua , Ma Jiangming
Published: January 2023

Based on the models of ArcGIS10.5, Fragstats 4.2, and InVEST, this research describes the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of habitat quality in Guilin from three aspects, which are land use change, landscape pattern change, and habitat quality evaluation, and further explores the main driving factors of Guilin’s habitat quality change by using the method of geographic detector evaluation. The results indicate that from 2000 to 2020, the land use type in Guilin City is dominated by forest, accounting for the highest proportion of 77.87%. The forest has decreased significantly, the mutual transformation of forest and cropland is obvious, and the area of impervious has continued to increase. A large amount of cropland is occupied, indicating that human activities were the main factor in land use transformation. From 2000 to 2020, the irregularity of the patch shape of each land use type was deepened, the fragmentation degree was relatively stable, the landscape diversity was enhanced, and the spatial distribution of each patch showed a relatively obvious heterogeneity. From 2000 to 2020, the habitat quality of Guilin City was mainly high-grade and the habitat quality was good, but the overall trend showed a downward trend, and the spatial difference was obvious. From 2000 to 2020, elevation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), splitting index (SPLIT), and slope were the main factors affecting the habitat quality of Guilin City, among which elevation and NDVI had the most significant effects.
Mutational Analysis of EGFR Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma—An Indian Perspective of 212 Patients
Authors: Kaler Amrit Kaur , Patel Khushi , Patil Harshali , Tiwarekar Yash , Kulkarni Bijal , Hastak Meenal , Athikari Nivetha , Rane Samrudhi , Nikam Ankita , Umarji Smita , Shaikh Imran , Goyle Sandeep , Mistry Rajesh
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the critical oncogenes and plays a significant role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Patients with sensitizing mutations in the EGFR gene have better clinical outcomes when treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). This study expands our knowledge of the spectrum of EGFR mutations among lung cancer patients in the Indian scenario. This is a retrospective descriptive study of all newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer in tertiary care hospital in India. All the samples were subjected to real-time PCR (q-PCR) analysis and confirmation of rare novel mutations was done using Sanger sequencing. Clinicopathological characteristics, mutational EGFR status, and location on the exon and metastatic sites were evaluated. An analysis of total 212 samples showed mutations in 38.67% of cases. Among these, five (5.9%) samples had mutations in exon 18, 41 (48.8%) samples had mutations in exon 19, 12 (14.28%) samples had mutations in exon 20, and 26 (30.95%) samples had mutations in exon 21. Eleven (13.41%) were found to be uncommon EGFR mutations. Additionally, six (21.4%) samples that had EGFR mutations were also positive for brain metastasis. Future testing on bigger panels will help to characterize the incidence of genetic mutations and to determine the appropriate targeted treatment choices for NSCLC patients.
How Has COVID-19 Affected Mental Health and Lifestyle Behaviors after 2 Years? The Third Step of a Longitudinal Study of Italian Citizens
Authors: Mazza Cristina , Ricci Eleonora , Colasanti Marco , Cardinale Alessandra , Bosco Francesca , Biondi Silvia , Tambelli Renata , Di Domenico Alberto , Verrocchio Maria Cristina , Roma Paolo
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and its protective measures had a tremendous effect on the general population’s mental health and deeply affected their lifestyle. The present study carried out a longitudinal analysis to evaluate the long-lasting psychological effects of the pandemic and its impact on the general population’s day-to-day routine. Three points in time were considered: the initial period of the lockdown (T1; n = 2766; March 2020), the final period of the lockdown (T2; n = 439; May 2020) and two years after the lockdown (T3; n = 268; July 2022). Frequency analyses were carried out to examine which behavioral changes were maintained following the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown; furthermore, a repeated measures ANOVA test was run to measure differences in depression, stress, and anxiety levels between the three periods considered; lastly, multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine which variables were associated with psychological distress more than two years after the lockdown. The results highlighted that depression at T3 was associated with depression at T2 and negative affect, whereas stress at T3 was associated with stress at T2 and detachment. The psychological effects and lifestyle changes are also discussed.
Impairment on Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation in Women with Migraine
Authors: Rossi Denise Martineli , de Souza Hugo Celso Dutra , Bevilaqua-Grossi Débora , Vendramim Ana Carolina Carmona , Philbois Stella Vieira , Carvalho Gabriela Ferreira , Dach Fabíola , Mascarenhas Sérgio , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani
Published: January 2023

Autonomic dysfunction, such as reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability, has been suggested in headache patients but is still uncertain when considering primary headache disorders. This study aims to compare the heart rate and blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity between women with migraine and controls. A migraine (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20) of age-matched women without headache were evaluated. Heart rate variability was analyzed through frequency-domain using spectral analysis presenting variance, low-frequency (LF; 0.04–0.15 Hz) and high-frequency (HF; 0.15–0.4 Hz) bands and by time domain (root mean square of successive R-R interval differences, RMSSD). Blood pressure variability was analyzed with spectral analysis and baroreflex sensitivity with the sequence method. Migraine group had lower heart rate variability characterized by a reduction in total variance, LF oscillations (sympathetic/vagal modulation) and HF oscillations (vagal modulation), and a reduction in SD and RMSSD compared to control group. No difference was found in the blood pressure variability analysis. Regarding baroreflex sensitivity, migraine group had decreased values of total gain, gain down and up compared to control group. Women with migraine exhibited autonomic modulation alterations, expressed by decreased values of heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, but not by differences in blood pressure variability.
Integrative Analysis of Rhythmicity: From Biology to Urban Environments and Sustainability
Authors: Moškon Miha , Režen Tadeja , Juvančič Matevž , Verovšek Špela
Published: January 2023

From biological to socio-technical systems, rhythmic processes are pervasive in our environment. However, methods for their comprehensive analysis are prevalent only in specific fields that limit the transfer of knowledge across scientific disciplines. This hinders interdisciplinary research and integrative analyses of rhythms across different domains and datasets. In this paper, we review recent developments in cross-disciplinary rhythmicity research, with a focus on the importance of rhythmic analyses in urban planning and biomedical research. Furthermore, we describe the current state of the art of (integrative) computational methods for the investigation of rhythmic data. Finally, we discuss the further potential and propose necessary future developments for cross-disciplinary rhythmicity analysis to foster integration of heterogeneous datasets across different domains, as well as guide data-driven decision making beyond the boundaries of traditional intradisciplinary research, especially in the context of sustainable and healthy cities.
Comparison of Hand Dexterity According to Selected Thermal and Auditory Stimuli
Authors: Woo Hee-Soon , Song Chiang-Soon
Published: January 2023

The hand plays a crucial role in our daily lives and affects the quality of life. Sensory stimuli can affect the activation of the autonomic nervous system to control body homeostasis and finger motions. This study aimed to determine the optimal thermal and auditory stimuli that affect hand dexterity. The experiment included thirty healthy adults. In the experiment, the thermal stimuli were classified into 20, 30, and 40 °C. The auditory stimuli were classified into fast- and slow-tempo music. Each stimulus was randomly provided for 5 min and hand dexterity was tested with the Groove and Purdue pegboard tests. After each stimulus and test was conducted, a resting time of 20 min was provided before the next stimulus. When the thermal stimulus of 30 °C and auditory stimulus of fast-tempo music was provided, the completion duration of the hand dexterity test was the shortest. Except the thermal stimulus of 20 °C, all thermal and auditory stimuli induced increased hand dexterity, compared to the non-stimulated condition. Among the five categories of thermal and auditory stimuli, the thermal stimulus of 30 °C and auditory stimulus of fast-tempo music were the most effective in improving hand dexterity.
The Association of IL-17 and PlGF/sENG Ratio in Pre-Eclampsia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Darmochwal-Kolarz Dorota , Chara Anita
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the role of concentrations of interleukin-17 (IL-17), placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble endoglin (sENG), as well as the PlGF/sENG ratio in pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE) and normal pregnancy. The concentrations of IL-17, PlGF and sENG were measured with the use of immunoenzymatic methods. The concentrations of IL-17 were significantly higher in PE patients when compared to control patients. In the group of patients with PE, the levels of IL-17 positively correlated with systolic blood pressure. On the other hand, IL-17 negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight. The concentrations of PLGF were significantly lower and sENG significantly higher in studied patients when compared to controls. The PlGF/sENG ratio in the PE group was significantly lower when compared to healthy third trimester pregnant patients. In the study group, negative correlations were observed between the sENG concentrations and thrombocyte levels. The higher concentrations of IL-17 in PE could suggest its role as an inflammatory agent in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. Moreover, the negative correlation between IL-17 and a neonatal birth weight could suggest the role of the cytokine in the development of fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with PE. It seems possible that IL-17 can be a useful marker of the risk of FGR in pregnancy complicated by PE. Furthermore, the results suggested the potential role of sENG and the PlGF/sENG ratio in the prediction of adverse outcomes such as HELLP syndrome and DIC.
The Effects of Pharmacological Treatment of Nightmares: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Skeie-Larsen Mathilda , Stave Rebekka , Grønli Janne , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Wilhelmsen-Langeland Ane , Zandi Amin , Pallesen Ståle
Published: January 2023

Nightmares are highly prevalent and distressing for the sufferer, which underlines the need for well-documented treatments. A comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of the effects of different pharmacological placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, covering the period up to 1 December 2022, was performed. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Cinahl, and Google Scholar, resulting in the identification of 1762 articles, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria: pharmacological intervention of nightmares, based on a placebo-controlled randomized trial published in a European language, reporting outcomes either/or in terms of nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, or nightmare intensity, and reporting sufficient information enabling calculation of effect sizes. Most studies involved the effect of the α1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin in samples of veterans or soldiers suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Other medications used were hydroxyzine, clonazepam, cyproheptadine, nabilone, and doxazosin. The vast majority of studies were conducted in the USA. The studies comprised a total of 830 participants. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale was the most frequently used outcome measure. The results showed an overall effect size of Hedges’ g = 0.50 (0.42 after adjustment for publication bias). The synthetic cannabinoid nabilone (one study) showed the highest effect size (g = 1.86), followed by the histamine H1-antagonist hydroxyzine (one study), and prazosin (10 studies), with effect sizes of g = 1.17 and g = 0.54, respectively. Findings and limitations are discussed, and recommendations for future studies are provided.
Development and Validation of the ‘Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire’ (SEDSHQ)
Authors: Kool-Goudzwaard Nienke , Draisma Stasja , Bijl Jaap van der , Koekkoek Bauke , Kerkhof Ad , Meijel Berno van
Published: January 2023

Clinicians find it challenging to engage with patients who engage in self-harm. Improving the self-efficacy of professionals who treat self-harm patients may be an important step toward accomplishing better treatment of self-harm. However, there is no instrument available that assesses the self-efficacy of clinicians dealing with self-harm. The aim of this study is to describe the development and validation of the Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire (SEDSHQ). This study tests the questionnaire’s feasibility, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, content validity, construct validity (factor analysis and convergent validity) and sensitivity to change. The Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire is a 27-item instrument which has a 3-factor structure, as found in confirmatory factor analysis. Testing revealed high content validity, significant correlation with a subscale of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ), satisfactory test-retest correlation and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95. Additionally, the questionnaire was able to measure significant changes after an intervention took place, indicating sensitivity to change. We conclude that the present study indicates that the Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the level of self-efficacy in response to self-harm.
Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review
Authors: Alberghini Leonardo , Truant Alessandro , Santonicola Serena , Colavita Giampaolo , Giaccone Valerio
Published: January 2023

In recent years, plastic waste has become a universally significant environmental problem. Ingestion of food and water contaminated with microplastics is the main route of human exposure. Fishery products are an important source of microplastics in the human diet. Once ingested, microplastics reach the gastrointestinal tract and can be absorbed causing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and translocation to other tissues. Furthermore, microplastics can release chemical substances (organic and inorganic) present in their matrix or previously absorbed from the environment and act as carriers of microorganisms. Additives present in microplastics such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and potentially toxic elements can be harmful for humans. However, to date, the data we have are not sufficient to perform a reliable assessment of the risks to human health. Further studies on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of microplastics in humans are needed.
Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) Is Not a Singular Predictor for Physical Fitness
Authors: Römer Claudia , Wolfarth Bernd
Published: January 2023

Background: For optimal recommendations in cardiovascular training for the general population, knowing the essential parameters for physical fitness is required. Heart rate recovery (HRR) is an easy-to-measure parameter and is discussed to derive the physical fitness of an individual subject. This study evaluates HRR as a potential physical fitness parameter for public health programs, as it is measured in every ergometry. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed HRR regarding physical fitness (W/kg (IAT: individual anaerobic threshold)). In total, we analyzed 1234 performance protocols in cycle ergometry. Significance tests (p < 0.001) and multiple linear regression were performed. Results: The analysis of HRR and weight-related performance showed a significant correlation with a moderate coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.250). The coefficient of determination increases from very weak correlation levels at 1 min post-workout towards weak to moderate levels of correlation at 5 min post-workout. Conclusions: In this study HRR and the weight-related performance at the IAT showed a significant correlation with a mean strength. Thus, a prediction or conclusion on physical performance based singularly on HRR decrease is not recommended. However, in preventive medicine, HRR should be measured and observed on a long-term basis, for analysis of vagal activity and to draw to inferences of mortality.
Developing Personas of Gamers with Problematic Gaming Behavior among College Students Based on Qualitative Data of Gaming Motives and Push–Pull–Mooring
Authors: Chang Shan-Mei , Lin Sunny S. J.
Published: January 2023

Gaming is a popular but possibly problematic activity among college students. To distinguish gamers with potential problematic gaming behaviors (PGB) is crucial to mental health staff. Two studies were conducted that aimed to explore portraits of gamers with PGB in college campuses. The first study selected 20 college students, diagnosed with problematic gaming behaviors, from a longitudinal dataset and semi-structured interviews were conducted for a systematic description of long-term PGB. The second study selected four personas with the richest coding data of internet addiction and depression from 20 gamers. The profiles and life experiences of the personas showed changing processes of gaming motives and push–pull–mooring effects across the years. “Loss of purpose in life” and “desperate to escape from stress or boredom in the real world” were the important push effects. Mooring effects revealed their addiction or depression symptoms and the process of developing the addiction. The dynamics of “push”, “pull”, and “mooring” effects were clearly indicated in the results suggesting PGB might be a long-term coping strategy and a consequence of depression and loneliness. Dealing with depression and finding real-life goals could help PGB gamers to change the dynamics of their gaming motives and push–pull–mooring effects. The results may help develop interventions for gamers with problematic gaming behaviors.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Milk: First Survey from Lebanon
Authors: Hassan Hussein F. , Bou Ghanem Haneen , Abi Kharma Joelle , Abiad Mohamad G. , Elaridi Jomana , Bassil Maya
Published: January 2023

Human milk is the primary source of nutrition for infants in their first year of life. Its potential contamination with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a group of toxic man-made chemicals, is a health concern that may threatens infants’ health. Our study aims to assess the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the breast milk of Lebanese lactating mothers and the maternal factors associated with their presence. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a Micromass Quattro micro API triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect the level of contamination in 57 collected human milk samples. PFOA and PFOS were present in 82.5% and 85.7% of the samples, respectively, while PFOA levels ranged between 120 and 247 pg/mL with a median of 147 pg/mL, and those of PFOS ranged between 12 and 86 pg/mL with a median of 27.5 pg/mL. The median contamination for PFOA exceeded the threshold set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (60 pg/mL); however, that of PFOS was below the threshold (73 pg/mL). The consumption of bread, pasta, meat, and chicken more than twice per week and that of white tubers and roots at least once per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOA (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between maternal age, BMI, parity, level of education, place of residence, source of water used, and smoking with the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the human milk. Additionally, the consumption of cereals at least twice per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOS. These findings call for actions to improve the local environmental and agricultural practices, and the regulations and standards for inspecting imported food. It is important to highlight that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the reported contamination with PFOS and PFOA in our study.
Spatio-Temporal Variations and Influencing Factors of Country-Level Carbon Emissions for Northeast China Based on VIIRS Nighttime Lighting Data
Authors: Xu Gang , Zeng Tianyi , Jin Hong , Xu Cong , Zhang Ziqi
Published: January 2023

This paper constructs a county-level carbon emission inversion model in Northeast China. We first fit the nighttime light data of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) with local energy consumption statistics and carbon emissions data. We analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of county-level energy-related carbon emissions in Northeast China from 2012 to 2020. At the same time, we use the geographic detector method to analyze the impact of various socio-economic factors on county carbon emissions under the single effect and interaction. The main results are as follows: (1) The county-level carbon emission model in Northeast China is relatively more accurate. The regression coefficient is 0.1217 and the determination coefficient R2 of the regression equation is 0.7722. More than 80% of the provinces have an error of less than 25%, meeting the estimation accuracy requirements. (2) From 2012 to 2020, the carbon emissions of county-level towns in Northeast China showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing from 461.1159 million tons in 2012 to 405.752 million tons in 2020. It reached a peak of 486.325 million tons in 2014. (3) The regions with higher carbon emission growth rates are concentrated in the northern and coastal areas of Northeast China. The areas with low carbon emission growth rates are mainly distributed in some underdeveloped areas in the south and north in Northeast China. (4) Under the effect of the single factor urbanization rate, the added values of the secondary industry and public finance income have higher explanatory power to regional emissions. These factors promote the increase of county carbon emissions. When fiscal revenue and expenditure and the added value of the secondary industry and per capita GDP interact with the urbanization rate, respectively, the explanatory power of these factors on regional carbon emissions will be enhanced and the promotion of carbon emissions will be strengthened. The research results are helpful for exploring the changing rules and influencing factors of county carbon emissions in Northeast China and for providing data support for low-carbon development and decision making in Northeast China.
Oral Mucosa Status in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Dembowska Elżbieta , Jaroń Aleksandra , Gabrysz-Trybek Ewa , Bladowska Joanna , Trybek Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

There are reports in the literature of interrelationships between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology; similar risk factors play a role in these conditions. Due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients on hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible to developing pathological processes in the gingiva, periodontium, and oral mucosa. This study aimed to evaluate the condition of the oral cavity, with particular attention to lesions of the oral mucosa of patients with end-stage renal disease in Poland, West Pomeranian Voivodship. A case-control study assessed oral health in 200 Polish subjects, including 100 dialysis-station patients who constituted the study group (HD) and 100 healthy patients who formed the control group (K). The physical examination consisted of a general medical and dental history. Evaluation of the oral mucosa included detailed noting of the type of lesions, nature of complaints, and their location. The results showed a higher prevalence of oral lesions highlighting oral mucosal pathology in patients with HD than in group K. Most common symptoms reported by patients with CKD (HD) were xerostomia, taste disorders, and burning mouth. These findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive multispecialty care in patients with chronic systemic diseases.
Effectiveness of Intergenerational Interaction on Older Adults Depends on Children’s Developmental Stages; Observational Evaluation in Facilities for Geriatric Health Service
Authors: Fukuoka Rie , Kimura Shinji , Nabika Toru
Published: January 2023

The demand for intergenerational exchange is growing in the world, where the size of a family is becoming smaller. To promote intergenerational exchange, it is important to know whether different stages of child age have different effects. This study aimed to examine effects of intergenerational exchange using children at different developmental stages through a questionnaire survey. The subjects were 296 employees of 116 facilities for geriatric health services that routinely conduct intergenerational exchanges. A questionnaire was designed to ask the employees what effects were observed on old adults and on the employees themselves after intergenerational exchanges were conducted. The results indicated that younger children caused better effects both for older adults and for the employees regarding some of the items, while older children caused equal or lesser effects for all items. It was suggested that the developmental stage of children should be considered according to the purpose of intergenerational exchange.
Personality and Family Risk Factors for Poor Mental Well-Being
Authors: Peleg Maya , Peleg Ora
Published: January 2023

There is evidence that differentiation of self (DoS) contributes to the regulation of emotions at a young age, resulting in reduced anxiety and improved mental well-being. However, there is little evidence of the relationships between these four dimensions (DoS, self-regulation, anxiety, and mental well-being), or of the potential mediating role of self-regulation and anxiety. Our primary goal was therefore to consider the links between DoS, self-regulation, anxiety, and mental well-being. It was hypothesized that DoS (emotional reactivity, I-position, emotional cutoff, fusion with others) will be positively associated with mental well-being through the mediation of self-regulation (promotion-focused, prevention-focused) and anxiety. The study included 460 participants with a mean age of 41.18 (SD = 14.97, range = 19–60). Of them, 224 (48.7%) were women. Participants filled out four questionnaires: the Differentiation of Self Inventory–Revised, General Regulatory Focus Measure, the anxiety scale from DASS–21, and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The findings showed that emotional cutoff positively predicted prevention and anxiety, but did not predict promotion. In addition, promotion positively predicted mental well-being. Finally, promotion mediated the relationship between I-position and mental well-being. The results indicate that well-differentiated individuals function optimally and enjoy good quality of life.
Determinants of the Cost of Financial Intermediation: Evidence from Emerging Economies
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mizanur , Rahman Mahfuzur , Masud Md. Abdul Kaium
Published: January 2023

This study examines the determinants of financial intermediation costs of banks in ten Emerging Economies (EEs) in the period 2000–2018 using panel data of 1335 banks. Empirically, this study applies the single-stage dealership model and its extensions by introducing new bank and country-level variables. We find robust evidence that investment in government securities and market openness positively affect bank intermediation costs while the trilemma index negatively affects them. During the world financial crisis, bank intermediation costs increased. Moreover, we observe that cost inefficiency, credit risk, and regulatory regime are the crucial drivers of bank intermediation costs. We draw important implications for scholars and policymakers.
Spatial Decision Support Systems with Automated Machine Learning: A Review
Authors: Wen Richard , Li Songnian
Published: January 2023

Many spatial decision support systems suffer from user adoption issues in practice due to lack of trust, technical expertise, and resources. Automated machine learning has recently allowed non-experts to explore and apply machine-learning models in the industry without requiring abundant expert knowledge and resources. This paper reviews recent literature from 136 papers, and proposes a general framework for integrating spatial decision support systems with automated machine learning as an opportunity to lower major user adoption barriers. Challenges of data quality, model interpretability, and practical usefulness are discussed as general considerations for system implementation. Research opportunities related to spatially explicit models in AutoML, and resource-aware, collaborative/connected, and human-centered systems are also discussed to address these challenges. This paper argues that integrating automated machine learning into spatial decision support systems can not only potentially encourage user adoption, but also mutually benefit research in both fields—bridging human-related and technical advancements for fostering future developments in spatial decision support systems and automated machine learning.
Stimulatory Effect of Lactobacillus Metabolites on Colonic Contractions in Newborn Rats
Authors: Sobol Constantin V.
Published: January 2023

Microbiota are known to play an important role in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. Microbiota and their metabolites can affect gut motility, neural regulation and the enteric endocrine systems and immune systems of the gut. The use of fermented/hydrolyzed products may be a promising new avenue for stimulating gastrointestinal motility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lactobacillus metabolites (PP), produced using a U.S.-patented fermentation method, on rat colon motility in vitro. The distal colon was incised from newborn male Wistar rats. A sensitive tensometric method for the study of colon contractions was used. The [Ca2+]i in colon tissue was registered using a computerized ratiometric system for an intracellular ion content assay (Intracellular Imaging and Photometry System, Intracellular imaging, Inc. Cincinnati, OH, USA). The cumulative addition of PP induced contraction with sigmoid dose responses with ED50 = 0.13 ± 0.02% (n = 4), where 10% PP was accepted as a maximal dose. This contraction was accompanied by an increase in the concentration of [Ca2+]i. It was shown that introducing Lactobacillus metabolites produced using a U.S.-patented fermentation method quickly stimulates dose-dependent colon contractions and an increase in intracellular calcium. The direct application of PP via enema to the colon could stimulate colon motility and suppress pathogenic microbiota, owing to the antagonistic property of PP on pathogens.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Multiple Approaches Targeting ABCB1 to Resensitize Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Linke Dinah , Donix Lukas , Peitzsch Claudia , Erb Holger H. H. , Dubrovska Anna , Pfeifer Manuel , Thomas Christian , Fuessel Susanne , Erdmann Kati
Published: January 2023

Docetaxel (DTX) is a mainstay in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Failure of DTX therapy is often associated with multidrug resistance caused by overexpression of efflux membrane transporters of the ABC family such as the glycoprotein ABCB1. This study investigated multiple approaches targeting ABCB1 to resensitize DTX-resistant (DTXR) prostate cancer cell lines. In DU145 DTXR and PC-3 DTXR cells as well as age-matched parental controls, the expression of selected ABC transporters was analyzed by quantitative PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. ABCB1 effluxing activity was studied using the fluorescent ABCB1 substrate rhodamine 123. The influence of ABCB1 inhibitors (elacridar, tariquidar), ABCB1-specific siRNA and inhibition of post-translational glycosylation on DTX tolerance was assessed by cell viability and colony formation assays. In DTXR cells, only ABCB1 was highly upregulated, which was accompanied by a strong effluxing activity and additional post-translational glycosylation of ABCB1. Pharmacological inhibition and siRNA-mediated knockdown of ABCB1 completely resensitized DTXR cells to DTX. Inhibition of glycosylation with tunicamycin affected DTX resistance partially in DU145 DTXR cells, which was accompanied by a slight intracellular accumulation and decreased effluxing activity of ABCB1. In conclusion, DTX resistance can be reversed by various strategies with small molecule inhibitors representing the most promising and feasible approach.