bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of different doses of epidural morphine coadministered with low-concentration ropivacaine after cesarean section: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Liang , Guan Shuo , Dou Dou , Feng Yi , Zhang Hong , An Haiyan
Published: April 2023

Objective: The optimal dose of epidural morphine after cesarean section (CS) still remains unknown when combined with low-concentration ropivacaine based on a continuous basal infusion (CBI) mode. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different dose of epidural morphine plus ropivacaine on maternal outcomes.

Materials and methods: Data of parturients who received epidural analgesia for CS at a teaching hospital from March 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively collected. Parturients were divided into two groups (RM3 group and RM6 group) according to different medication regimens of morphine. The implementation of epidural analgesia was performed with 3 mg morphine in RM3 group and 6 mg morphine in RM6 group in combination with 0.1% ropivacaine via a CBI pump. The primary outcomes included pain intensity at rest and movement and the incidence of urinary retention and pruritus within postoperative 48 h. The secondary outcomes included the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pruritus, the rate of rescue analgesia and grading of motor Block.

Results: Totally, 531 parturients were eligible for the final analysis, with 428 and 103 parturients in the RM3 group and RM6 group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the visual analogue scores (VAS) at rest and movement within postoperative 48 h between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Compared with the RM6 group, the incidence of urinary retention was lower in the RM3 group within 48 h after CS (4.0% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.044). No significant difference was found in the incidence and severity of PONV and pruritus, the rate of rescue analgesia and grading of motor block between RM3 and RM6 groups.

Conclusion: Epidural 3 mg morphine plus 0.1% ropivacaine in a CBI mode can provide equal efficacy and have lower incidence of urinary retention compared with 6 mg morphine after CS.
Potential of resveratrol in the treatment of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Huo Rongxiu , Huang Xinxiang , Yang Yanting , Yang Yang , Lin Jinying
Published: April 2023

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by lung injury caused by lung fibroblast proliferation, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis. Different cell signal transduction pathways are activated in response to various proinflammatory or fibrotic cytokines, such as IL-6, and these cytokines are increased in different ILDs. The overexpressed cytokines and growth factors in ILD can activate TGF-β/Smad2/3/4, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways, promote the activation of immune cells, increase the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors, differentiate fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and promote the occurrence and development of ILD. This finding suggests the importance of signal transduction pathways in patients with ILD. Recent evidence suggests that resveratrol (RSV) attenuates excessive inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad2/3/4, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways and overactivation of immune cells. In this review, advances in lung protection and the underlying mechanisms of RSV are summarized, and the potential efficacy of RSV as a promising treatment option for ILD is highlighted.
The roles of serine hydrolases and serum albumin in alisol B 23-acetate hydrolysis in humans
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Feng , Zhang Yani , Li Hongxin , Zhu Guanghao , Weng Taotao , Huang Cheng , Wang Ping , He Yuqi , Hu Jing , Ge Guangbo
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a major bioactive constituent in the Chinese herb Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis), has been found with multiple pharmacological activities. AB23A can be readily hydrolyzed to alisol B in mammals, but the hydrolytic pathways of AB23A in humans and the key enzymes responsible for AB23A hydrolysis are still unrevealed. This study aims to reveal the metabolic organs and the crucial enzymes responsible for AB23A hydrolysis in human biological systems, as well as to decipher the impact of AB23A hydrolysis on its biological effects.

Methods: The hydrolytic pathways of AB23A in human plasma and tissue preparations were carefully investigated by using Q-Exactive quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer and LC-UV, while the key enzymes responsible for AB23A hydrolysis were studied via performing a set of assays including reaction phenotyping assays, chemical inhibition assays, and enzyme kinetics analyses. Finally, the agonist effects of both AB23A and its hydrolytic metabolite(s) on FXR were tested at the cellular level.

Results: AB23A could be readily hydrolyzed to form alisol B in human plasma, intestinal and hepatic preparations, while human butyrylcholinesterase (hBchE) and human carboxylesterases played key roles in AB23A hydrolysis in human plasma and tissue preparations, respectively. It was also found that human serum albumin (hSA) could catalyze AB23A hydrolysis, while multiple lysine residues of hSA were covalently modified by AB23A, suggesting that hSA catalyzed AB23A hydrolysis via its pseudo-esterase activity. Biological tests revealed that both AB23A and alisol B exhibited similar FXR agonist effects, indicating AB23A hydrolysis did not affect its FXR agonist effect.

Discussion: This study deciphers the hydrolytic pathways of AB23A in human biological systems, which is very helpful for deep understanding of the metabolic rates of AB23A in humans, and useful for developing novel prodrugs of alisol B with desirable pharmacokinetic behaviors.
A review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analysis method and quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of codonopsis radix
Authors: Dong Jiaojiao , Na Yexin , Hou Ajiao , Zhang Shihao , Yu Huan , Zheng Senwang , Lan Wei , Yang Liu
Published: April 2023

Codonopsis Radix, a traditional Chinese medicine in China, has great medicinal and scientific value. Moreover, it can also be used as a health product in daily diet. This paper reviews the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analysis method and quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics and toxicity related to Codonopsis Radix. The information of Codonopsis Radix is obtained from scientific databases (such as Baidu Scholar, CNKI, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and SciFinder Scholar), Chinese herbal classics, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, PhD and MSc dissertations, and so on. The chemical components mainly include alkaloids, alkynes and polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, steroids, terpenoids, organic acids, volatile oils, saccharides and other components, which have a wide range of neuroprotective effects, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa and anti-ulcer, regulation of body immunity, anti-tumor, endocrine regulation, improvement of hematopoietic function, cardiovascular protection, anti-aging and antioxidant effects. In conclusion, this paper summarizes in depth the shortcomings of the current research on Codonopsis Radix and proposes corresponding solutions. At the same time, this paper provides theoretical support for further research on the biological function and potential clinical efficacy of Codonopsis Radix.
L-carnitine prevents lenvatinib-induced muscle toxicity without impairment of the anti-angiogenic efficacy
Authors: Jing Zheng , Iba Tomohiro , Naito Hisamichi , Xu Pingping , Morishige Jun-ichi , Nagata Naoto , Okubo Hironao , Ando Hitoshi
Published: April 2023

Lenvatinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts on multiple receptors involved in angiogenesis. Lenvatinib is a standard agent for the treatment of several types of advanced cancers; however, it frequently causes muscle-related adverse reactions. Our previous study revealed that lenvatinib treatment reduced carnitine content and the expression of carnitine-related and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins in the skeletal muscle of rats. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine on myotoxic and anti-angiogenic actions of lenvatinib. Co-administration of L-carnitine in rats treated with lenvatinib for 2 weeks completely prevented the decrease in carnitine content and expression levels of carnitine-related and OXPHOS proteins, including carnitine/organic cation transporter 2, in the skeletal muscle. Moreover, L-carnitine counteracted lenvatinib-induced protein synthesis inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell toxicity in C2C12 myocytes. In contrast, L-carnitine had no influence on either lenvatinib-induced inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells or angiogenesis in endothelial tube formation and mouse aortic ring assays. These results suggest that L-carnitine supplementation could prevent lenvatinib-induced muscle toxicity without diminishing its antineoplastic activity, although further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.
The role of cholesterol metabolism in tumor therapy, from bench to bed
Authors: Xia Wenhao , Wang Hao , Zhou Xiaozhu , Wang Yan , Xue Lixiang , Cao Baoshan , Song Jiagui
Published: April 2023

Cholesterol and its metabolites have important biological functions. Cholesterol is able to maintain the physical properties of cell membrane, play an important role in cellular signaling, and cellular cholesterol levels reflect the dynamic balance between biosynthesis, uptake, efflux and esterification. Cholesterol metabolism participates in bile acid production and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Increasing evidence suggests a strict link between cholesterol homeostasis and tumors. Cholesterol metabolism in tumor cells is reprogrammed to differ significantly from normal cells, and disturbances of cholesterol balance also induce tumorigenesis and progression. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that controlling cholesterol metabolism suppresses tumor growth, suggesting that targeting cholesterol metabolism may provide new possibilities for tumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the metabolic pathways of cholesterol in normal and tumor cells and reviewed the pre-clinical and clinical progression of novel tumor therapeutic strategy with the drugs targeting different stages of cholesterol metabolism from bench to bedside.
Gut microbiota dependant trimethylamine N-oxide and hypertension
Authors: Mutengo Katongo H. , Masenga Sepiso K. , Mweemba Aggrey , Mutale Wilbroad , Kirabo Annet
Published: April 2023

The human gut microbiota environment is constantly changing and some specific changes influence the host’s metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine functions. Emerging evidence of the gut microbiota’s role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including hypertension is remarkable. There is evidence showing that alterations in the gut microbiota and especially the gut-dependant metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide is associated with hypertension. However, there is a scarcity of literature addressing the role of trimethylamine N-oxide in hypertension pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the impact of the gut microbiota and gut microbiota dependant trimethylamine N-oxide in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We present evidence from both human and animal studies and further discuss new insights relating to potential therapies for managing hypertension by altering the gut microbiota.
Advancement in artificial intelligence for on-farm fruit sorting and transportation
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Zahid Umair , Majeed Yaqoob , Nisha  , Mustafa Sadaf , Sajjad Muhammad Muzzammil , Butt Hafiz Danish , Fu Longsheng
Published: April 2023

On-farm sorting and transportation of postharvest fruit include sorting out defective products, grading them into categories based on quality, distributing them into bins, and carrying bins to field collecting stations. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up on-farm sorting and transportation with high accuracy and robustness and significantly reduce postharvest losses. The primary objective of this literature review is to provide an overview to present a critical analysis and identify the challenges and opportunities of AI applications for on-farm sorting and transportation, with a focus on fruit. The challenges of on-farm sorting and transportation were discussed to specify the role of AI. Sensors and techniques for data acquisition were investigated to illustrate the tasks that AI models have addressed for on-farm sorting and transportation. AI models proposed in previous studies were compared to investigate the adequate approaches for on-farm sorting and transportation. Finally, the advantages and limitations of utilizing AI have been discussed, and in-depth analysis has been provided to identify future research directions. We anticipate that this survey will pave the way for further studies on the implementation of automated systems for on-farm fruit sorting and transportation.
Genetics and epigenetics of Pinus nigra populations with differential exposure to air pollution
Authors: Katsidi Elissavet Ch. , Avramidou Evangelia V. , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Barbas Evangelos , Doulis Andreas , Triantafyllou Athanasios , Aravanopoulos Filippos A.
Published: April 2023

Forest species in the course of their evolution have experienced several environmental challenges, which since historic times include anthropogenic pollution. The effects of pollution on the genetic and epigenetic diversity in black pine (Pinus nigra) forests were investigated in the Amyntaio – Ptolemais – Kozani Basin, which has been for decades the largest lignite mining and burning center of Greece, with a total installed generating capacity of about 4.5 GW, operating for more than 70 years and resulting in large amounts of primary air pollutant emissions, mainly SO2, NOx and PM10. P. nigra, a biomarker for air pollution and a keystone species of affected natural ecosystems, was examined in terms of phenology (cone and seed parameters), genetics (283 AFLP loci) and epigenetics (606 MSAP epiloci), using two populations (exposed to pollution and control) of the current (mature trees) and future (embryos) stand. It was found that cone, seed, as well as genetic diversity parameters, did not show statistically significant differences between the exposed population and the control. Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were detected at the population epigenetic level. Moreover, there was a further differentiation regarding the intergenerational comparison: while the epigenetic diversity does not substantially change in the two generations assessed in the control population, epigenetic diversity is significantly higher in the embryo population compared to the parental stand in the exposed population. This study sheds a light to genome dynamics in a forest tree population exposed to long term atmospheric pollution burden and stresses the importance of assessing both genetics and epigenetics in biomonitoring applications.
Yellow Vests: Anti-austerity, pro-democracy, and popular (not populist)
Authors: Carpenter Michael J. , Perrier Benjamin
Published: April 2023

In the context of neoliberalism and its consequences for the economy and for democracy, this article offers a distinct framing of the political nature of the French “Yellow Vests” (Gilets Jaunes) movement. Fundamentally, the movement should be understood as a popular and radically democratic response to the growing social inequalities of top-down austerity governance. The movement, which began in 2018, was spontaneous, autonomous, and decentralized, made up primarily of loosely connected citizen networks and popular committees not bound by political affiliation, social class, or age group. Responding to the neoliberal policies of the government of President Emmanuel Macron, symbolized by an unpopular fuel tax, the Yellow Vests quickly developed into a wide-ranging movement with diverse forms of action and organization. Despite a carrot-and-stick response from the government, the movement continues to the present, though its impact was greatest in the first year, which is the focus of this paper. Difficult to classify, we understand the Yellow Vests as an instantiation of “popular politics”, or an atypical social movement, primarily defined by and significant for its ardent anti-austerity and pro-democracy positions. The movement is only misleadingly labeled populist or associated with populism; there is a collective intellectual awakening of political consciousness, with participants and supporters articulating their structural dispossession and setting out to strengthen their common good through collective action and more direct democracy, not through party politics or existing institutions, nor through charismatic leadership or other forms of centralized or top-down politics. The Yellow Vests therefore signify the prospect of democratizing democracy, or re-democratizing democracy, in the face of the legitimacy deficits of neoliberal governance.
Social media use and adolescents’ well-being: A note on flourishing
Authors: Marciano Laura , Viswanath Kasisomayajula
Published: April 2023

Background

Several large-scale studies and reviews have reported both negative and positive associations of social media use with well-being, suggesting that the findings are more complex and need more nuanced study. Moreover, there is little or no exploration of how social media use in adolescence influences flourishing, a more all-encompassing construct beyond well-being, including six sub-domains (i.e., happiness, meaning and purpose, physical and mental health, character, close social relationships, and financial stability). This paper aims to fill this gap by understanding how adolescents might flourish through social media activities by fulfilling the basic needs pointed out by the Self-Determination Theory, i.e., relatedness, autonomy, and competence.

Methods

The study is drawn on cross-sectional data collected from 1,429 Swiss adolescents (58.8% females, Mage = 15.84, SDage = 0.83) as part of the HappyB project in Spring 2022. Self-reported measures included the Harvard Adolescent Flourishing scale, positive and negative online social experiences, self-disclosure on social media, and social media inspiration. Control variables included, among others, self-esteem, ill-being, and personality.

Results

After applying Bonferroni’s correction, results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that positive social media experiences (β = 0.112, p < 0.001) and social media inspirations from others (β = 0.072, p < 0.001) and for others (β = 0.060, p = 0.003) were positively associated with flourishing. Flourishing was inversely associated with negative social media experiences (β = −0.076, p < 0.001). Among covariates, self-esteem (β = 0.350, p < 0.001), ill-being (β = −0.252, p < 0.001), perceived school environment (β = 0.138, p < 0.001), self-reported level of physical activity (β =0.109, p < 0.001), and perceived socio-economic status (β = −0.059, p = 0.001) were all related to flourishing. In contrast, gender, high school year, age, perceived stress, and personality (extraversion and neuroticism) were not.

Conclusion

Using a well-being framework to investigate social media use in adolescents is needed to go beyond the ill-being perspective. Our results align with the needs pointed out by the Self-Determination Theory. Carrying out social media activities in a way that promotes—rather than diminishes—flourishing should be included as an additional good habit influencing adolescents’ development. We suggest that interventions aiming to foster adolescents’ flourishing should include curricula aiming to promote a good use of social media through positive online social relationships and inspirational contents.
The whole-body motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder taking goal-directed actions in virtual reality
Authors: Minissi Maria Eleonora , Gómez-Zaragozá Lucía , Marín-Morales Javier , Mantovani Fabrizia , Sirera Marian , Abad Luis , Cervera-Torres Sergio , Gómez-García Soledad , Chicchi Giglioli Irene Alice , Alcañiz Mariano
Published: April 2023

Many symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident in early infancy, but ASD is usually diagnosed much later by procedures lacking objective measurements. It is necessary to anticipate the identification of ASD by improving the objectivity of the procedure and the use of ecological settings. In this context, atypical motor skills are reaching consensus as a promising ASD biomarker, regardless of the level of symptom severity. This study aimed to assess differences in the whole-body motor skills between 20 children with ASD and 20 children with typical development during the execution of three tasks resembling regular activities presented in virtual reality. The virtual tasks asked to perform precise and goal-directed actions with different limbs vary in their degree of freedom of movement. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied to analyze differences in children’s motor skills. The findings endorsed the hypothesis that when particular goal-directed movements are required, the type of action could modulate the presence of motor abnormalities in ASD. In particular, the ASD motor abnormalities emerged in the task requiring to take with the upper limbs goal-directed actions with low degree of freedom. The motor abnormalities covered (1) the body part mainly involved in the action, and (2) further body parts not directly involved in the movement. Findings were discussed against the background of atypical prospective control of movements and visuomotor discoordination in ASD. These findings contribute to advance the understanding of motor skills in ASD while deepening ecological and objective assessment procedures based on VR.
The promotion of critical reading through the digital environment: A study on the virtual epitexts used to promote children’s picturebooks
Authors: Tabernero-Sala Rosa , Colón-Castillo María Jesús
Published: April 2023

The most recent research studies in the field of reading describe a new cultural ecosystem in which analog and digital reading coexist and contribute to transform what is read, either through the way reading is performed or by promoting reading. In this context, the training of critical readers is particularly important, an aspect emphasized by UNESCO and the curriculum frameworks based on its premises. In order to provide data for reflection on this question, this paper presents an essentially qualitative and interpretive documentary study of a sample of 836 virtual epitexts that promote children’s picturebooks. The selected documents consist of the postings by 45 publishing houses between 2020 and 2022 on their YouTube and Vimeo channels. The results of the content analysis present the current tendencies in digital promotion of children’s books and the strategies most likely to encourage critical reading. The insistence on the author’s presence, the emphasis on the materiality of the book as an object, the strengthening of artistic discourse and the hybridization of reality and fiction, among other aspects, all propose a type of reading that favors the development of critical thinking. The results are complemented by a selection of virtual epitexts suggested to mediators and readers as resources of interest in promoting critical reading in socio-educational contexts.
The associations between cognitive function and depressive symptoms among older Chinese population: A cohort study
Authors: Yang Fan , Fu Mingqi , Hu Qitu , Guo Jing
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of society, population aging has emerged as a significant global challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline cognitive performance, current cognitive function, and cognitive decline on subsequent depressive symptoms. Data were obtained from participants aged 65 years and older in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), Wave 2014–2018. Of the 7,192 participants in Wave 2014, 1,627 were included in the analysis. Multivariate regressions were conducted to estimate the associations between cognitive measures and depressive symptoms. Our results indicated that baseline cognitive function was not associated with subsequent depressive symptoms, but current cognitive function was. Furthermore, participants who experienced significant cognitive decline were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. Covariates, including marital status, economic status, physical activity, and recreational activity, were also associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that slowing cognitive decline is an effective strategy for preventing depressive symptoms in older adults, promoting their health and wellbeing.
Investigation of the pharmacological treatment patterns of Chinese patients with major depressive disorder under real-world settings using multi-channel sequence analysis
Authors: Wu Tao , Dong Sijia , Yang Lu , Qiu Hong , Qiu Hong , Mellor David , Chen Jun , Xu Yifeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite many treatment guidelines available now, the treatment patterns of major depressive disorder (MDD) in China haven't been well-understood due to complexity and diversity.

Aim

To describe pharmacological treatment patterns of MDD patients in real-world settings using electronic health records from a major psychiatric hospital in China.

Methods

MDD patients (18–65 years, ICD-10: F32.x, F33.x) newly initiated single antidepressant (AD) in 2015 were enrolled, the date of first AD prescription during the study period was defined as index date, and eligible patients were followed up to 1 year. Treatment patterns were revealed and analyzed using multi-channel sequence analysis (MCSA), considering patients' chronological sequences (in days) of AD prescription, cumulative treatment step(s), and polypharmacy usage during the follow-up.

Results

This study (n = 5,003) identified four types of MDD treatment patterns. The first type (1-time treatment) represents the largest proportion of patients (73.6%, n = 3,686), followed by the second type (6-month consistent treatment) and third type (long-term, consistent treatment) collectively accounted for 20.6% (n = 1,031) of patients, by contrast the last type (long-term, inconsistent treatment) made up the rest 5.7% (n = 286) of patients while exhibiting the most complicated treatments patterns. The choice of AD was dominated by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), while treatment duration spent in polypharmacy spanned at 2.8%, 16.4%, 2.0%, and 36.5% over the four types, respectively.

Conclusion

Treatment patterns reflecting real-world pharmacological treatment practices of MDD in China were revealed using MCSA. The observed discrepancies between real-world practice and treatment guidelines provided additional insights in improving the clinical management of MDD.
Effects of interpersonal sensitivity on depressive symptoms in postgraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological capital and sleep quality as mediators
Authors: Liu Xin , Peng Lixin , Wang Zhen , Zeng Ping , Mi Yanyan , Xu Haibo
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine depressive symptoms associated with interpersonal sensitivity, sleep quality, and psychological capital among postgraduate students during static campus management after the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Methods

Research data were obtained during static campus management (10–19 April 2022) after the reappearance of COVID-19 in cities in eastern China. We collected data through an online questionnaire, and the anonymous self-reported questionnaire included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the interpersonal sensitivity subscale of Symptom Checklist-90, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. analysis of variance was performed using t-test and ANOVA. The PROCESS macro was used to determine the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and depression, together with the independent and serial mediating role of psychological capital and sleep quality.

Results

A total of 2,554 postgraduate students were included in this study. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms was 30.97, 6.58, and 1.45%, respectively. Interpersonal sensitivity was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (direct effect = 0.183, p < 0.001). Between interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms, psychological capital and sleep quality played a single mediating role (indirect effect = 0.136 and 0.100, p < 0.001, respectively) and a chain mediating role together (indirect effect = 0.066, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Interpersonal sensitivity has a significant influence on depression among Chinese graduate students. Psychological capital and sleep quality may not only independently mediate the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and depression, but also co-play a chain-mediating role in the pathway from interpersonal sensitivity to depression. Positive psychological interventions and sleep guidance may be beneficial in alleviating depressive symptoms.
Child and adolescent mental well-being intervention programme: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lam Lawrence T. , Lam Mary K.
Published: April 2023

Background

There has been an increasing awareness and recognition of mental well-being as one of the main outcome measures in national mental health policy and service provision in recent years. Many systemic reviews on intervention programmes for mental health or general well-being in young people have been conducted; however, these reviews were not mental well-being specific.

Objective

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of child and adolescent mental well-being intervention programmes and to identify the approach of effective intervention by reviewing the available Randomised Controlled Trials.

Methods

This systematic review study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews ensuring a methodical and structured approach for the literature search and the subsequent review processes. The systematic literature search utilised major medical and health databases. Covidence, an online application for conducting systematic reviews, was used to assemble the titles, abstracts and full articles retrieved from the initial literature search. To examine the quality of the included trials for determining the strength of the evidence provided, the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for Randomised Controlled Trial was used.

Results

There were 34 studies identified after an extensive search of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines. Seven (7) fulfilled all selection criteria and provided information on the effect of an intervention programme on mental well-being in adolescence. Data were extracted and analysed systematically with key information summarised. The results suggested that two (2) programmes demonstrated significant intervention effects, but with a small effect size. The quality of these trials was also assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for Randomised Controlled Trials and identified some methodological issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, activity-based and psychoeducation are shown to be potentially effective approaches for future programme development. More research on a well-designed programme is urgently needed, particularly in developing countries, to provide good evidence in supporting the mental health policy through the enhancement of mental well-being in young people.
Cross-walking personality disorder types to ICD-11 trait domains: An overview of current findings
Authors: Simon Jonatan , Lambrecht Bastian , Bach Bo
Published: April 2023

The ICD-11 has adopted a classification of Personality Disorders (PD) that abolishes the established categorical PD types in favor of global severity classification with specification of individual trait domains. To facilitate and guide this profound transition, an overview of current research on empirical associations between established PD types and ICD-11 trait domains seems warranted. We identified a total of 9 relevant studies from 2018 to 2022, which were based on both clinical and community samples from U.S., China, Brazil, Denmark, Spain, Korea, and Canada. The patterns of associations with ICD-11 trait domains were systematically synthesized and portrayed for each PD type. Findings overall showed expected and conceptually meaningful associations between categorical PD types and ICD-11 trait domains, with only few deviations. Based on these findings, we propose a cross-walk for translating categorical PD types into ICD-11 trait domains. More research is needed in order to further guide continuity and translation between ICD-10 and ICD-11 PD classification in mental healthcare, including facet-level ICD-11 trait information. Moreover, the nine reviewed studies only relied on self-reported ICD-11 trait domains, which should be expanded with clinician-rated trait domains in future research. Finally, future research should also take ICD-11’s essential PD severity classification into account.
Loneliness and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Yang Yuting , Fu Chaowei , Lin Haijiang , Wang Tingting , Wang Shanling , Kuang Jiawen , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Jingyi
Published: April 2023

Background

While psychosocial problems and their related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been well documented in developed countries, there are still not many studies addressing this issue in China and the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of loneliness and depressive symptoms among MSM, examine their associated factors, and investigate potential factors moderating the link between depressive symptoms and loneliness.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province in China between April and November 2021. Loneliness was assessed using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data from 655 MSM were eligible for analysis. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between independent variables and the outcomes of loneliness and depression. The interaction terms were added in the models to assess the moderating effects.

Results

Of the MSM sample, 13.28 and 7.48% perceived loneliness and reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, respectively. We found that participants who experienced loneliness were more likely to have younger age (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21, 0.93, 15–32 years as reference group), low social support (OR 3.60, 95% CI 2.14, 6.04), low self-esteem (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.45, 6.32) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (OR 5.45, 95% CI 2.66, 11.15). The participants with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were more likely to have low self-esteem (OR 6.78, 95% CI 3.08, 14.95) and feelings of loneliness (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.66, 11.40). Stratified analyzes showed that the magnitude of the associations between depressive symptoms and loneliness varied in MSM with different age, marital status, and self-esteem.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that we need to pay attention to feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms and their closely associated factors such as social support and self-esteem among MSM in China. The MSM who were young, not married, and had low self-esteem were especially vulnerable to the impact of depressive symptoms on loneliness.
Coping strategies following the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly: A scoping review
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Chen Wei-Ti , He Qingnan , Li Ying , Peng Huiting , Xie Jiaying , Hu Hengfen , Qin Chunxiang
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Many women experience severe emotional distress (such as grief, depression, and anxiety) following a diagnosis of fetal anomaly. The ability to cope with stressful events and regulate emotions across diverse situations may play a primary role in psychological wellbeing. This study aims to present coping strategies after disclosing a fetal anomaly to pregnant women.

Methods

This is a scoping review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic databases, including Web of Science (WOS, BCI, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, SCIELO), CINAHL, and EBSCO PsycARTICLES, were used to search for primary studies from the inception of each database to 2021. The keywords were determined by existing literature and included: “fetal anomaly,” “fetal abnormality,” “fetal anomaly,” “fetal abnormality” AND “cope,” “coping,” “deal,” “manage,” “adapt*,” “emotion* regulate*,” with the use of Boolean operators AND/OR. A total of 16 articles were reviewed, followed by advancing scoping review methodology of Arksey and O'Malley's framework.

Results

In this review, we identified 52 coping strategies using five questionnaires in seven quantitative studies and one mixed-method study. The relationship between coping strategies and mental distress was explored. However, the results were inconsistent and incomparable. We synthesized four coping categories from qualitative studies and presented them in an intersection.

Conclusion

This scoping review identified the coping strategies of women with a diagnosis of a fetal anomaly during pregnancy. The relationship between coping strategies and mental distress was uncertain and needs more exploration. We considered an appropriate measurement should be necessary for the research of coping in women diagnosed with fetal anomaly pregnancy.
Alcohol misuse, health-related behaviors, and burnout among clinical therapists in China during the early Covid-19 pandemic: A Nationwide survey
Authors: Tao Rui , Hsu Michael , Min Kaiyuan , Mo Daming , Geng Feng , Xia Lei , Liu Tingfang , Liu Yuanli , Jiang Feng , Liu Huanzhong , Tang Yi-lang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the extent of alcohol use and misuse among clinical therapists working in psychiatric hospitals in China during the early COVID-19 Pandemic, and to identify associated factors.

Methods

An anonymous nationwide survey was conducted in 41 tertiary psychiatric hospitals. We collected demographic data as well as alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey.

Results

In total, 396 clinical therapists completed the survey, representing 89.0% of all potential participants we targeted. The mean age of participants was 33.8 years old, and more than three-quarters (77.5%) were female. Nearly two-fifths (39.1%) self-reported as current alcohol users. The overall prevalence of alcohol misuse was 6.6%. Nearly one-fifth (19.9%) reported symptoms of burnout with high emotional exhaustion in 46 (11.6%), and high depersonalization in 61 (15.4%). Multiple logistic regression showed alcohol use was associated with male gender (OR = 4.392; 95% CI =2.443–7.894), single marital status (OR = 1.652; 95% CI =0.970–2.814), smoking habit (OR = 3.847; 95%CI =1.160–12.758) and regular exercise (OR = 2.719; 95%CI =1.490–4.963). Alcohol misuse was associated with male gender (OR = 3.367; 95% CI =1.174–9.655), a lower education level (OR = 3.788; 95%CI =1.009–14.224), smoking habit (OR = 4.626; 95%CI =1.277–16.754) and high burnout (depersonalization, OR = 4.848; 95%CI =1.433–16.406).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical therapists’ alcohol consumption did not increase significantly. Male gender, cigarette smoking, and burnout are associated with an increased risk of alcohol misuse among clinical therapists. Targeted intervention is needed when developing strategies to reduce alcohol misuse and improve clinical therapists’ wellness and mental health.
Internet gaming disorder and aggression: A meta-analysis of teenagers and young adults
Authors: Li Shunyu , Wu Zhili , Zhang Yuxuan , Xu Mengmeng , Wang Xiaotong , Ma Xiaonan
Published: April 2023

Background and aims

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and aggression (AG) are widespread phenomena around the world. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between the two but findings from such studies are inconsistent. The meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between IGD and AG as well as identify the variables moderating the relationship.

Method

Studies investigating the relationship between IGD and AG were searched using selected terms to identify studies published from 1999 to 2022 on CNKI, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP), Baidu scholar, ProQuest dissertations, Taylor & Francis, Springer, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier Science (Science Direct), EBSCO, and PsycINFO. The identified studies were pooled and analyzed.

Results

A total of 30 samples comprising 20,790 subjects were identified. Results showed that there was a moderate relationship between IGD and AG (r = 0.300, 95%CI [0.246, 0.353]). Moderator analysis revealed that the relationship between IGD and AG was moderated by the region, age, and survey year.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that people with a higher level of IGD might show more aggression, and people with more aggression might have a higher level of IGD. The correlation coefficient between IGD and AG was significantly higher in Asia than in Europe, higher in primary school than in middle school and university, and higher by increasing year. Overall, our findings provide a basis for developing prevention and intervention strategies against IGD and AG.

Systematic review registration:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022375267, 42022375267.
The impact of public health expenditure and gross domestic product per capita on the risk of catastrophic health expenditures for OECD countries
Authors: Söyük Selma
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Catastrophic health expenditure refers to situations where households face financial ruin due to high healthcare costs. For household spending on health services, the lack of pre-payment mechanisms to equalize the low payment capacity and risk, and the inability of countries' health financing systems to fulfill their duties adequately all contribute to the creation or increase of the risk of catastrophic health expenditure. This situation has devastating effects on poor households first, but if the prevention mechanisms are insouciant, it can threaten the health system of the entire country. The research aims to assess the impact of the pre-paid financing model implementations and income levels on the ability of countries to reduce the risk of catastrophic health expenditure.

Methods

The paragraph explains the data used in the study, which is taken from OECD countries between 2003 and 2019. It also mentions the statistical models used in the study, which are static and dynamic panel regression models.

Results

The findings indicate that pre-paid financing models, such as those based on taxation, can help reduce the risk of catastrophic health expenditure. The study also reveals that income levels play a role in this regard, with countries with higher incomes being better able to reduce the risk of catastrophic health expenditure.

Discussion

The study suggests that healthcare financing systems should aim to provide effective services and financial protection to improve universal health coverage and reduce the risk of catastrophic health expenditure. Further researches using different health indicators and inputs could add to the existing literature on how to limit catastrophic health expenses and address other related questions.
RETRACTED: Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks—Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Kisielinski Kai , Hirsch Oliver , Wagner Susanne , Wojtasik Barbara , Funken Stefan , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Kanti Manna Soumen , Prescher Andreas , Sukul Pritam , Sönnichsen Andreas
Published: April 2023

Background

As face masks became mandatory in most countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse effects require substantiated investigation.

Methods

A systematic review of 2,168 studies on adverse medical mask effects yielded 54 publications for synthesis and 37 studies for meta-analysis (on n = 8,641, m = 2,482, f = 6,159, age = 34.8 ± 12.5). The median trial duration was only 18 min (IQR = 50) for our comprehensive evaluation of mask induced physio-metabolic and clinical outcomes.

Results

We found significant effects in both medical surgical and N95 masks, with a greater impact of the second. These effects included decreased SpO2 (overall Standard Mean Difference, SMD = −0.24, 95% CI = −0.38 to −0.11, p < 0.001) and minute ventilation (SMD = −0.72, 95% CI = −0.99 to −0.46, p < 0.001), simultaneous increased in blood-CO2 (SMD = +0.64, 95% CI = 0.31–0.96, p < 0.001), heart rate (N95: SMD = +0.22, 95% CI = 0.03–0.41, p = 0.02), systolic blood pressure (surgical: SMD = +0.21, 95% CI = 0.03–0.39, p = 0.02), skin temperature (overall SMD = +0.80 95% CI = 0.23–1.38, p = 0.006) and humidity (SMD +2.24, 95% CI = 1.32–3.17, p < 0.001). Effects on exertion (overall SMD = +0.9, surgical = +0.63, N95 = +1.19), discomfort (SMD = +1.16), dyspnoea (SMD = +1.46), heat (SMD = +0.70), and humidity (SMD = +0.9) were significant in n = 373 with a robust relationship to mask wearing (p < 0.006 to p < 0.001). Pooled symptom prevalence (n = 8,128) was significant for: headache (62%, p < 0.001), acne (38%, p < 0.001), skin irritation (36%, p < 0.001), dyspnoea (33%, p < 0.001), heat (26%, p < 0.001), itching (26%, p < 0.001), voice disorder (23%, p < 0.03), and dizziness (5%, p = 0.01).

Discussion

Masks interfered with O2-uptake and CO2-release and compromised respiratory compensation. Though evaluated wearing durations are shorter than daily/prolonged use, outcomes independently validate mask-induced exhaustion-syndrome (MIES) and down-stream physio-metabolic disfunctions. MIES can have long-term clinical consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. So far, several mask related symptoms may have been misinterpreted as long COVID-19 symptoms. In any case, the possible MIES contrasts with the WHO definition of health.

Conclusion

Face mask side-effects must be assessed (risk-benefit) against the available evidence of their effectiveness against viral transmissions. In the absence of strong empirical evidence of effectiveness, mask wearing should not be mandated let alone enforced by law.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021256694, identifier: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021256694.
Biomass use and its health effects among the vulnerable and marginalized refugee families in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Elbayoumi Maher , Albelbeisi Ahmed Hassan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Biomass fuel remains the most common type of fuel used in many developing countries, leading to indoor air pollution and serious health impacts.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compile evidence on the impact household fuel combustion has on child and adult health, with an emphasis on solid fuel use in Gaza.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 110 structured self-administered questionnaires were distributed in April 2019 among families living in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp.

Results

Participants reported that the main fuel used were wood, coal, cardboard, and a mix of wood, cardboard, and plastic, which were used for cooking, heating, baking, boiling water, and lighting. The most common symptoms were nasal irritation (71.8%), followed by headache (66.4%) and dizziness (65.4%). The results of logistic regression showed that the participants who used wood fuel had a higher chance of feeling eye irritation than those who used a mix of wood, cardboard, and dried grass (OR = 1.316; 95% CI = 1.54–8.99). The participants who opened windows during the burning process of biomass fuel were five times more likely to develop pneumonia than those who closed windows (OR = 5.53; 95%CI = 11.60–19.0).

Conclusion

there is an urgent need for community awareness campaigns designed to inform people about the risks of exposure to biomass fuel smoke and how to better implement household ventilation.