bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress of COVID-19, Anxiety, Economic Insecurity, and Mental Health Literacy: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Hu Yangxiu , Ye Baojuan , Tan Jiawen
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently a global health threat attributed to negatively affecting the mental health and well-being of people globally. The purpose of the current study is to examine the mediating roles of economic insecurity and mental health literacy in the relationship between stress about COVID-19 and anxiety. Results from the current study using a large sample of Chinese college students (N = 1,334) showed that stress of COVID-19 was positively associated with economic insecurity and anxiety while negatively associated with mental health literacy, which in turn was negatively associated with anxiety. These results elucidate our understanding of the role of mediators in stress about COVID-19 and anxiety. The findings are useful in terms of providing evidence for tailoring interventions and implementing preventative approaches to mitigate anxiety due to stress of COVID-19. Based on the present findings and within the context of COVID-19, the potential utility of promoting MHL to reduce the psychopathological consequences of COVID-19 is discussed.
Alterations in Functional Connectivity Measured by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Relationship With Heart Rate Variability in Subjects After Performing Orgasmic Meditation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Newberg Andrew B. , Wintering Nancy A. , Hriso Chloe , Vedaei Faezeh , Stoner Marie , Ross Reneita
Published: November 2021

Background: We measured changes in resting brain functional connectivity, with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), associated with a creative meditation practice that is augmented by clitoral stimulation and is designed to not only achieve a spiritual experience but to help individuals manage their most intimate personal relationships. Briefly, the meditative state is attained by both the male and female participants while the male stimulates the woman’s clitoris. The goal of this practice, called orgasmic meditation (OM), according to the practitioners is not sexual, but to use the focus on clitoral stimulation to facilitate a meditative state of connectedness and calm alertness between the two participants.

Methods: fMRI was acquired on 20 pairs of subjects shortly following one of two states that were randomized in their order – during the OM practice or during a neutral condition. The practice is performed while the female is lying down on pillows with the clitoris exposed. During the practice, the male performs digital stimulation of the clitoris for 15 min. Resting BOLD image acquisition was performed at completion of the practice to assess changes in functional connectivity associated with the performance of the practice.

Results: The results demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.05) in functional connectivity associated with the OM compared to the neutral condition. For the entire group there was altered connectivity following the OM practice involving the left superior temporal lobe, the frontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and insula. In female subjects, there was altered connectivity involving the cerebellum, thalamus, inferior frontal lobe posterior parietal lobe, angular gyrus, amygdala and middle temporal gyrus, and prefrontal cortex. In males, functional connectivity changes involved the supramarginal gyrus, cerebellum, and orbitofrontal gyrus, cerebellum, parahippocampus, inferior temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate.

Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest a complex pattern of functional connectivity changes occurring in both members of the couple pair that result from this unique meditation practice. The changes represent a hybrid of functional connectivity findings with some similarities to meditation based practices and some with sexual stimulation and orgasm. This study has broader implications for understanding the dynamic relationship between sexuality and spirituality.
The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China
Authors: Peng Xiao-Qing , Chen Yang , Zhang Yi-Chuan , Liu Fei , He Hai-Yan , Luo Ting , Dai Ping-Ping , Xie Wen-Zhao , Luo Ai-Jing
Published: November 2021

Cyberchondria is considered “the anxiety-amplifying effects of online health-related searches.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are likely to search health-related information online for reassurance because of fear and related physical symptoms, while cyberchondria may be triggered due to the escalation of health anxiety, different online seeking behavior preference, information overload, and insufficient e-health literacy. This study aimed to investigate the status and influencing factors of cyberchondria in residents in China during the epidemic period of COVID-19. The participants were 674 community residents of Nanyang city surveyed from February 1 to 15, 2020. We administered online measures, including the Chinese Short Form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (C-CSS-12), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior questionnaire. In our study, the average C-CSS-12 total score of residents was 30.65 ± 11.53 during the virus epidemic; 25% of participants scored 22 or below, 50% scored 23 to 38, and 21.9% scored 39 to 60. The SHAI total score (β = 0.598 > 0, P < 0.001), the use of general search engines (β = 1.867 > 0, P = 0.039), and searching for information on how to diagnose COVID-19 (β = 2.280 > 0, P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for cyberchondria, while searching lasting less than 10 min each (β = −2.992 < 0, P = 0.048), the use of traditional media digital platforms (β = −1.650 < 0, P = 0.024) and professional medical communication platforms (β = −4.189 < 0, P = 0.007) were independent protective factors. Our findings showed that nearly a quarter of the participants scored 39 or higher on the C-CSS-12 in Nanyang city during the pandemic, which should be taken seriously. Health anxiety and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior including online duration, topics and choice on different information channels were important influencing factors of cyberchondria. These findings have implications for further research and clinical practice on cyberchondria in China.
Social Support, Self-Regulation, and Psychological Skill Use in E-Athletes
Authors: Trotter Michael G. , Coulter Tristan J. , Davis Paul A. , Poulus Dylan R. , Polman Remco
Published: November 2021

The aims of the present study were twofold. First, to investigate self-reported social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use in esports athletes (e-athletes) compared to traditional athletes. Second, to determine if self-reported social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use influenced e-athlete in-game rank. An online survey was used to collect data from an international sample of e-athletes (n = 1,444). The e-athletes reported less social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use than reported by traditional athletes in previous studies. E-athletes with higher scores in social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use was associated with higher in-game rank. The lack of an organisational structure in esports may be a contributing factor as to why e-athletes score lower than traditional athletes on social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use. Future research is warranted to explore the development of esports programs aiming to promote athletes’ social support, self-regulation, and use of psychological skills to enhance in-game performance and well-being.
Motivational Tendency Differences Between the Pre-qin Confucianism and Legalism by Psycholinguistic Analysis
Authors: Hu Bo , Fan Miaorong , Huang Feng , Zhu Tingshao
Published: November 2021

Among the hundred schools of thought that flourished during the pre-Qin era, Confucianism and Legalism are the most important ones as their thoughts cast a longstanding influence on the Chinese culture—cultural-psychological formation of the Chinese people. Most of the previous researches focused on analyzing the similarities and differences of the thoughts of Confucianism and Legalism, and few of them analyzed their motivational tendencies. This paper conducted a word frequency analysis of pre-Qin Confucian and Legalist classics with CC-LIWC, an independently developed program for classical text analysis, and made comparative research into the motivational tendencies of the two schools of thought in terms of psycholinguistic differentials. According to our research results, the use of words representing power (M = 0.1377, SD = 0.0104, p = 0.014) and reward (M = 0.0151, SD = 0.0042, p = 0.037) is more frequent in Legalist classics than in Confucian classics, whereas the use of words representing affiliation (p = 0.066), risk (p = 0.086), and achieve (p = 0.27) shows no significant difference between Confucian and Legalist classics. This paper believes that both Confucianism and Legalism are mainly motivated by power, which is the most distinct feature of their motivational tendencies, and that Legalism is more motivated by power and reward than Confucianism; both Confucianism and Legalism are outcomes of the monarchy society with the former showing the reserved side of monarchy and the latter showing the uninhibited side of monarchy; an effective political methodology is absent in Confucianism, while utilitarianism constitutes the cornerstone of the political philosophy of Legalism.
News Feed Advertising and Positive Attitude: An Interpretation Model Based on Information Processing
Authors: Du Qinglong , Yang Yanxia , Liu Ying , He Qiqi
Published: November 2021

This study mainly examines the different effects and mechanisms of news feed advertising (vs. traditional display advertising) on advertising attitude and brand attitude by using an observational experiment that categorized participants based on their past experiences. By analyzing the video advertising of the “Li Ning” brand, three conclusion were drawn. First, compared with traditional display advertising, news feed advertising led to more positive advertising attitude and brand attitude. Second, generation and transmission mechanism of attitudes were applicable to the interpretation rules of the classical information processing process model, which showed that the information processing process of the news feed advertising and the traditional display advertising were consistent. Third, consumer’s brand experience did not affect the direct effects of “attention” on “memory,” but affected the mediate role of “interpretation,” which showed that news feed advertising may have a stronger “drainage” effect when promoting new products and developing new markets. However, if the consumer’s experience is not enhanced, the brand attitude triggered by news feed advertising will still not be stable. These findings are conducive to further understanding the effect of news feed advertising on advertising attitude and brand attitude.
A Revised Framework for the Investigation of Expectation Update Versus Maintenance in the Context of Expectation Violations: The ViolEx 2.0 Model
Authors: Panitz Christian , Endres Dominik , Buchholz Merle , Khosrowtaj Zahra , Sperl Matthias F. J. , Mueller Erik M. , Schubö Anna , Schütz Alexander C. , Teige-Mocigemba Sarah , Pinquart Martin
Published: November 2021

Expectations are probabilistic beliefs about the future that shape and influence our perception, affect, cognition, and behavior in many contexts. This makes expectations a highly relevant concept across basic and applied psychological disciplines. When expectations are confirmed or violated, individuals can respond by either updating or maintaining their prior expectations in light of the new evidence. Moreover, proactive and reactive behavior can change the probability with which individuals encounter expectation confirmations or violations. The investigation of predictors and mechanisms underlying expectation update and maintenance has been approached from many research perspectives. However, in many instances there has been little exchange between different research fields. To further advance research on expectations and expectation violations, collaborative efforts across different disciplines in psychology, cognitive (neuro)science, and other life sciences are warranted. For fostering and facilitating such efforts, we introduce the ViolEx 2.0 model, a revised framework for interdisciplinary research on cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of expectation update and maintenance in the context of expectation violations. To support different goals and stages in interdisciplinary exchange, the ViolEx 2.0 model features three model levels with varying degrees of specificity in order to address questions about the research synopsis, central concepts, or functional processes and relationships, respectively. The framework can be applied to different research fields and has high potential for guiding collaborative research efforts in expectation research.
Couple Therapy With MDMA—Proposed Pathways of Action
Authors: Wagner Anne C.
Published: November 2021

MDMA's first identified potential as a therapeutic catalyst was for couple therapy. Early work in the 1970s and 1980s explored its potential amongst seasoned psychotherapists and their clients. With the completion of the first pilot trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with couples for PTSD, and as the possibility of conducting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trials expands due to new regulatory frameworks, we have an opportunity to explore and investigate how and why MDMA-assisted couples therapy works. This theoretical paper will explore the neurobiological and neurochemical effects of MDMA in a relational context, the emotional, behavioral, cognitive and somatic effects within a dyadic frame, and how empathy, communication, perception of social connection/support, non-avoidance, openness, attachment/safety, bonding/social intimacy and relationship satisfaction, are all impacted by MDMA, and can be harnessed to facilitate systems-level and interpersonal healing and growth. A model to support MDMA-assisted couple therapy is introduced, and future directions, including implications for intervention development and delivery, will be elucidated.
COVID-19, Economic Impact, Mental Health, and Coping Behaviors: A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Directions
Authors: Lu Xiaoqian , Lin Zhibin
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious economic and social consequences. Recent research shows that the pandemic has not only caused a physical health crisis but also caused many psychological and mental crises. Based on the contemporary cognitive-behavioral models, this article offers a conceptual analysis of how the pandemic affects individual mental health and coping behaviors from the perspective of individual economic status, individual context, and social context. The analysis shows that (1) the pandemic has led to increased economic uncertainty, increased unemployment and underemployment pressure, increased income uncertainty, and different degrees of employment pressure and economic difficulties; (2) these difficulties have stimulated different levels of mental health problems, ranging from perceived insecurity (environmental, food safety, etc.), worry, fear, to stress, anxiety, depression, etc., and the mental health deterioration varies across different groups, with the symptoms of psychological distress are more obvious among disadvantageous groups; and (3) mental health problems have caused behavior changes, and various stress behaviors such as protective behaviors and resistive behaviors. Future research directions are suggested.
Personalized Theta and Beta Binaural Beats for Brain Entrainment: An Electroencephalographic Analysis
Authors: Corona-González César E. , Alonso-Valerdi Luz María , Ibarra-Zarate David I.
Published: November 2021

Binaural beats (BB) consist of two slightly distinct auditory frequencies (one in each ear), which are differentiated with clinical electroencephalographic (EEG) bandwidths, namely, delta, theta, alpha, beta, or gamma. This auditory stimulation has been widely used to module brain rhythms and thus inducing the mental condition associated with the EEG bandwidth in use. The aim of this research was to investigate whether personalized BB (specifically those within theta and beta EEG bands) improve brain entrainment. Personalized BB consisted of pure tones with a carrier tone of 500 Hz in the left ear together with an adjustable frequency in the right ear that was defined for theta BB (since fc for theta EEG band was 4.60 Hz ± 0.70 SD) and beta BB (since fc for beta EEG band was 18.42 Hz ± 2.82 SD). The adjustable frequencies were estimated for each participant in accordance with their heart rate by applying the Brain-Body Coupling Theorem postulated by Klimesch. To achieve this aim, 20 healthy volunteers were stimulated with their personalized theta and beta BB for 20 min and their EEG signals were collected with 22 channels. EEG analysis was based on the comparison of power spectral density among three mental conditions: (1) theta BB stimulation, (2) beta BB stimulation, and (3) resting state. Results showed larger absolute power differences for both BB stimulation sessions than resting state on bilateral temporal and parietal regions. This power change seems to be related to auditory perception and sound location. However, no significant differences were found between theta and beta BB sessions when it was expected to achieve different brain entrainments, since theta and beta BB induce relaxation and readiness, respectively. In addition, relative power analysis (theta BB/resting state) revealed alpha band desynchronization in the parieto-occipital region when volunteers listened to theta BB, suggesting that participants felt uncomfortable. In conclusion, neural resynchronization was met with both personalized theta and beta BB, but no different mental conditions seemed to be achieved.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on the Mental Health of Professional Soccer: Comparison of Anxiety Between Genders
Authors: Esteves Natã Sant’Anna , Brito Michele Andrade de , Müller Vanessa Teixeira , Brito Ciro José , Valenzuela Pérez Diego Ignacio , Slimani Maamer , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Miarka Bianca
Published: November 2021

This study verifies associated factors with trait and state anxiety in professional soccer teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was composed of 315 athletes, coaches, and physical trainers of professional soccer teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this amount, 214 were classified with trait anxiety, and 315 were classified with state anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). This study is an epidemiological and cross-sectional study. We applied an observational method, and we performed a remote measurement. The measurement was made via online questionnaires in male and female individuals working on soccer teams (soccer professionals or athletes) who could be affected by anxiety during social isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic. Each questionnaire was composed of sociodemographic questions, self-perceived performance, and STAI. The main results indicated a significant difference between female vs. male soccer professionals in state anxiety (54.97 ± 9.43 vs. 57.65 ± 9.48 index) and trait anxiety (54.21 ± 5.74 vs. 55.76 ± 6.41 index) with higher results in men. Sociodemographic variables impacted significant differences between female and male athletes and professionals of soccer clubs, and anxiety during the pandemic COVID-19 period impacted self-perceived performance analysis. The present results highlight the importance of cognitive behavior therapy for professional soccer teams.
Valence of Temporal Self-Appraisals: A Comparison Between First-Person Perspective and Third-Person Perspective
Authors: Yue Caizhen , Long Yihong , Ni Chaomei , Peng Chunhua , Yue Tong
Published: November 2021

Mental time travel is one of the most remarkable achievements of mankind. On the one hand, people perceive past self, present self, and future self as a continuous unity; on the other hand, people have the ability to distinguish among the three types of temporal selves because there are different representations of them. In this study, we used an adapted temporal self-reference paradigm to explore the processing mechanism of different temporal selves. Temporal self-reference was performed from the first-person perspective in Experiment 1 and from the third-person perspective in Experiment 2. The results indicated that people showed a more positive bias toward future self compared with past self and present self no matter in the first-person perspective or third-person perspective. There was no difference in recognition rate among past self, present self, and future self. Compared with the first-person perspective, present self-processing in the third-person perspective was more abstract and generalized, which may reflect that the third-person perspective has the same distancing function as time. This study can deepen understandings on temporal self-appraisals from different perspectives.
Decreased Plasma Hydrogen Sulfide Level Is Associated With the Severity of Depression in Patients With Depressive Disorder
Authors: Yang Yuan-Jian , Chen Chun-Nuan , Zhan Jin-Qiong , Liu Qiao-Sheng , Liu Yun , Jiang Shu-Zhen , Wei Bo
Published: November 2021

Accumulating evidence has suggested a dysfunction of synaptic plasticity in the pathophysiology of depression. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter that regulates synaptic plasticity, has been demonstrated to contribute to depressive-like behaviors in rodents. The current study investigated the relationship between plasma H2S levels and the depressive symptoms in patients with depression. Forty-seven depressed patients and 51 healthy individuals were recruited in this study. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms for all subjects and the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to measure plasmaH2S levels. We found that plasma H2S levels were significantly lower in patients with depression relative to healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls (1.02 ± 0.34 μmol/L), the plasma H2S level significantly decreased in patients with mild depression (0.84 ± 0.28 μmol/L), with moderate depression (0.62 ± 0.21μmol/L), and with severe depression (0.38 ± 0.18 μmol/L). Correlation analysis revealed that plasma H2S levels were significantly negatively correlated with the HAMD-17 scores in patients (r = −0.484, P = 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that plasma H2S was an independent contributor to the HAMD-17 score in patients (B = −0.360, t = −2.550, P = 0.015). Collectively, these results suggest that decreased H2S is involved in the pathophysiology of depression, and plasma H2S might be a potential indicator for depression severity.
Trends in Cognitive Function Among Chinese Elderly From 1998 to 2018: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Gu Shuyan , Zhen Xuemei , Sun Xueshan , Gu Yuxuan , Dong Hengjin
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To investigate the effects of age, period, and cohort (APC) on trends in cognitive function among the Chinese elderly, and to explore how gender gaps in cognitive function change with age, period, and cohort.

Methods: This study used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 1998 to 2018, and included 90,432 participants aged above 65 years old. The measurement of cognitive function was the score of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Cross-classified random-effect models were used to investigate age, period, and cohort trends in cognitive function.

Results: Mini-Mental State Examination scores decreased with age at an increasing rate. While the cohort effect was nearly stable, the period effect demonstrated a downward trend from 1998 to 2002 followed by a nearly flat line. Females were associated with lower MMSE scores than males. When age increased, the gender gaps in MMSE scores further increased. The period-based gender gaps in MMSE scores diverged throughout the 20 years, while the cohort-based gender disparities in MMSE scores converged with successive cohorts.

Conclusions: Age, period, and cohort had different and independent effects on cognitive function among the Chinese elderly. The effect of age was stronger than that of period and cohort. Gender disparities in cognitive function increased with age and period, and decreased with successive cohorts.
Granzyme B: A Double-Edged Sword in the Response to Influenza Infection in Vaccinated Older Adults
Authors: Verschoor Chris P. , Pawelec Graham , Haynes Laura , Loeb Mark , Andrew Melissa K. , Kuchel George A. , McElhaney Janet E.
Published: November 2021

Background: Influenza-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) have a critical role in clearing the virus from the lungs, but are poorly stimulated by current inactivated influenza vaccines. Our previous work suggests that granzyme B (GrB) activity predicts protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (LCII) in older adults. However, basal GrB (bGrB) activity increases with age and the frequency of GrB+ CTL that do not co-express perforin increases following influenza infection, thereby acting as a potential contributor to immune pathology.

Objectives: Using data from a 4-years randomized trial of standard-versus high-dose influenza vaccination, we sought to determine whether measurements of GrB activity alone indicate a protective vs pathologic response to influenza infection. We compared LCII to No-LCII subsets according to: pre-vaccination bGrB activity; and induced GrB activity in ex vivo influenza-challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at four and 20weeks post-vaccination.

Results: Over four influenza seasons (2014–2018), 27 of 608 adult participants aged 65 years and older developed influenza A/H3N2-LCII (n = 18) or B-LCII (n = 9). Pre-vaccination, there was a significant correlation between bGrB and ex vivo GrB activity in each of the H3N2-LCII, B-LCII, and No-LCII subsets. Although pre-vaccination ex vivo GrB activity was significantly higher in B-LCII vs No-LCII with a trend for H3N2-LCII vs No-LCII, there was no difference in the response to vaccination. In contrast, there was a trend toward increased pre-vaccination bGrB activity and LCII: Odds Ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals) OR = 1.46 (0.94, 2.33). By 20-weeks post-vaccination, there were significant fold-increases in ex vivo GrB activity specific for the infecting subtype in H3N2-LCII: OR = 1.63 (1.35, 2.00) and B-LCII: OR = 1.73 (1.34, 2.23).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the poor GrB responses to influenza vaccination that led to development of LCII can be attributed to inactivated formulations rather than the aging immune system since LCII cases generated robust ex vivo GrB responses following natural infection. Further, we identified bGrB as a biomarker of those who remain at risk for LCII following vaccination. Future studies will focus on understanding the mechanisms responsible for the shift in GrB-mediated protection vs potential immune pathology caused by GrB release.
A Soft Pneumatic Two-Degree-of-Freedom Actuator for Endoscopy
Authors: Decroly Gilles , Lambert Pierre , Delchambre Alain
Published: November 2021

The rise of soft robotics opens new opportunities in endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. Pneumatic catheters offer a promising alternative to conventional steerable catheters for safe navigation through the natural pathways without tissue injury. In this work, we present an optimized 6 mm diameter two-degree-of-freedom pneumatic actuator, able to bend in every direction and incorporating a 1 mm working channel. A versatile vacuum centrifugal overmolding method capable of producing small geometries with a variety of silicones is described, and meter-long actuators are extruded industrially. An improved method for fiber reinforcement is also presented. The actuator achieves bending more than 180° and curvatures of up to 0.1 mm−1. The exerted force remains below 100 mN, and with no rigid parts in the design, it limits the risks of damage on surrounding tissues. The response time of the actuator is below 300 ms and therefore not limited for medical applications. The working space and multi-channel actuation are also experimentally characterized. The focus is on the study of the influence of material stiffness on mechanical performances. As a rule, the softer the material, the better the energy conversion, and the stiffer the material, the larger the force developed at a given curvature. Based on the actuator, a 90 cm long steerable catheter demonstrator carrying an optical fiber is developed, and its potential for endoscopy is demonstrated in a bronchial tree phantom. In conclusion, this work contributes to the development of a toolbox of soft robotic solutions for MIS and endoscopic applications, by validating and characterizing a promising design, describing versatile and scalable fabrication methods, allowing for a better understanding of the influence of material stiffness on the actuator capabilities, and demonstrating the usability of the solution in a potential use-case.
Women's Experiences of Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
Authors: Börjesson Annica , Ekebergh Margaretha , Dahl Marja-Liisa , Ekström Lena , Lehtihet Mikael , Vicente Veronica
Published: November 2021

Anabolic androgenic steroids are used by women to increase their muscle mass and because of their performance-enhancing effects. Despite permanent/high risk of side effects, knowledge is inadequate. Our aim has been to deepen understanding about women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids. This phenomenological study is based on the reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 12 women, aged 21–56 years, about their experiences of using anabolic steroids. The results show that women experience a sense of pride when they successfully achieve their goals. This is the driving force, triggering tension between suffering and success. Our research adds important knowledge from a reflective lifeworld perspective and shows that women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids is a complex phenomenon. Understanding and knowledge are important in order to be able to meet and support women in their fears and difficulties.
Paraquat Toxicogenetics: Strain-Related Reduction of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Staining in Substantia Nigra in Mice
Authors: Torres-Rojas Carolina , Zhao Wenyuan , Zhuang Daming , O’Callaghan James P. , Lu Lu , Mulligan Megan K. , Williams Robert W. , Jones Byron C.
Published: November 2021

Paraquat (PQ) is a putative risk factor for the development of sporadic Parkinson’s disease. To model a possible genetic basis for individual differences in susceptibility to exposure to PQ, we recently examined the effects of paraquat on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of six members of the BXD family of mice (n = 2–6 per strain). We injected males with 5 mg/kg paraquat weekly three times. The density of TH+ neurons counted by immunocytochemistry at 200x in eight or more sections through the SNc is reduced in five of the six strains relative to control (N = 4 ± 2 mice per strain). TH+ loss ranged from 0 to 20% with an SEM of 1%. The heritability was estimated using standard ANOVA and jackknife resampling and is 0.37 ± 0.05 in untreated animals and 0.47 ± 0.04 in treated animals. These results demonstrate genetic modulation and GxE variation in susceptibility to PQ exposure and the loss of TH staining in the substantia nigra.
A Stakeholder-Engaged Approach to Development of an Animal-Assisted Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Pet Dogs
Authors: Linder Deborah E. , Folta Sara C. , Must Aviva , Mulé Christina M. , Cash Sean B. , Halbreich Eli D. , Colón Candice , Sullivan Sandy , Sanabria Edward , Gibbs Debra , Farrell Terri
Published: November 2021

Stakeholder involvement in research has been demonstrated to increase the effectiveness, validity, and quality of a study. This paper describes the engagement of a stakeholder panel in the development and implementation of an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) assessment and program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Canines for Autism Activity and Nutrition (CAAN) aims to promote physical activity and wellness among children diagnosed with ASD by integrating activities with their pet dog during the child's ongoing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in-home therapy sessions. Feedback from stakeholders guided program development at each stage of the research process, including this publication. Utilizing a stakeholder-informed approach was essential for the development of assessment tools, program materials, and program design. Methods that may assist others to effectively partner with stakeholders to implement an AAI among children diagnosed with ASD or related disorders are described.
Immunotherapy With Egg Yolk Eimeria sp.-Specific Immunoglobulins in SPF Leghorn Chicks Elicits Successful Protection Against Eimeria tenella Infection
Authors: Juárez-Estrada Marco A. , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Sánchez-Godoy Félix D. , Alonso-Morales Rogelio A.
Published: November 2021

Avian coccidiosis is the first to most economically important parasite disease affecting poultry industries worldwide. Current prevention measures are largely based upon prophylactic chemotherapy supplemented by the application of live attenuated or wild-type parasite vaccines. However, the rising appearance of drug resistance, consumer's concern for antibiotics use in poultry production and higher manufacturing cost of live vaccines has driven to adopt new technologies aimed at increasing animal health and production efficiency. Supplementing chickens with egg yolk Eimeria sp.-specific immunoglobulins can be a viable alternative to avoid severe outbreaks of the disease. Twelve-week-old SPF White Leghorn chickens were experimentally infected with a large dose of E. tenella. During the prepatent period, the birds were supplemented by oral gavage with 60 or 120 mg/bird of hyperimmune egg yolk Eimeria species-specific immunoglobulins Y (Supracox®, SC) on a daily basis. The animals were euthanized 7 days post-infection (PI) and their passive immune protection was evaluated. Birds treated with 120 mg/bird of SC showed more viability, increased body weight gain (BWG), a normal hematocrit level (HCT), reduced oocyst output per gram of feces (OPG) or cecal tissue (OPGC), and fewer cecal lesions compared to the untreated infected (UI) control group. Birds supplemented with 60 mg/bird of SC did not show any significant difference on BWG, HCT, OPG, OPGC, and cecal lesion score when compared with the UI group. An ELISA test of the SC showed a weak cross-reactivity of IgY toward two asexual zoite stages of E. tenella. Western blot analysis of the sporozoite with SC showed few antigens barely recognized, while more stained bands were detected in the merozoite (≈82, ≈60, ≈54, ≈40, ≈38, ≈27.5, and ≈13 kDa). Oral immunotherapy using egg yolk polyclonal IgYs against Eimeria sp. represents an effective and natural resource against severe E. tenella infection favoring the gradual withdrawal of the anticoccidial drugs and antibiotics.
Single Dose of Bivalent H5 and H7 Influenza Virus-Like Particle Protects Chickens Against Highly Pathogenic H5N1 and H7N9 Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Hu Jiao , Peng Peipei , Li Jun , Zhang Qi , Li Rumeng , Wang Xiaoquan , Gu Min , Hu Zenglei , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiaowen , Jiao Xinan , Peng Daxin , Liu Xiufan
Published: November 2021

Both H5N1 and H7N9 subtype avian influenza viruses cause enormous economic losses and pose considerable threats to public health. Bivalent vaccines against both two subtypes are more effective in control of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses in poultry and novel egg-independent vaccines are needed. Herein, H5 and H7 virus like particle (VLP) were generated in a baculovirus expression system and a bivalent H5+H7 VLP vaccine candidate was prepared by combining these two antigens. Single immunization of the bivalent VLP or commercial inactivated vaccines elicited effective antibody immune responses, including hemagglutination inhibition, virus neutralizing and HA-specific IgG antibodies. All vaccinated birds survived lethal challenge with highly pathogenic H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. Furthermore, the bivalent VLP significantly reduced viral shedding and virus replication in chickens, which was comparable to that observed for the commercial inactivated vaccine. However, the bivalent VLP was better than the commercial vaccine in terms of alleviating pulmonary lesions caused by H7N9 virus infection in chickens. Therefore, our study suggests that the bivalent H5+H7 VLP vaccine candidate can serve as a critical alternative for the traditional egg-based inactivated vaccines against H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza virus infection in poultry.
Psychological and social adaptation at the workplace
Authors: Makarova Alexandra Evgenievna , Karaseva Larisa Arkadyevna
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study is to optimize the adaptation process of nursing specialists of the city hospital. Results. The special literature on the methods of managing the adaptation process of the employees admitted to the organization, the existing system of labor adaptation of the nursing staff of the city hospital; the influence of mentoring as a method of professional adaptation of young specialists in new working conditions, influencing the results of their professional activities, has been established; the factors influencing the socio-psychological adaptation of new nursing specialists are analyzed; formulated practical recommendations for improving the system of labor adaptation of the nursing staff of the city hospital. Conclusion. The sisters of the leaders are directly responsible for the development and improvement of the professional thinking of employees. Their actions should be aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of professional skills necessary for successful work in the present and in the future. The hospital should introduce a new method of drawing up individual work adaptation programs that should meet the needs of each new employee. The path to professionalism goes through the awareness of the need, the importance of improving their knowledge and skills, gaining experience.
Comparative analysis of opinions of staff of gynecological and surgical departments on professional safety of nursing practice
Authors: Kropotova Svetlana
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the opinions of employees about professional safety in order to identify problems and implement measures to improve the working conditions of nursing professionals. Results. The main problem in solving the issues of safe work of nursing personnel remains: insufficiently equipped workplace of a specialist, insufficient wages, the influence of chemicals, carrying heavy loads, exposure to radiation, contact with infections, psychotraumatic factors, etc. Conclusion. Senior nurses and department heads carry out activities to facilitate or improve the working conditions of nurses. Create, as far as possible, comfortable conditions for the work and rest of nurses. They also oversee workplace safety compliance. The proof is the absence of cases of industrial injuries.
Modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in the practice of a paramedic
Authors: Skvortsov Vsevolod Vladimirovich
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the use of a new generation of drugs to eliminate and prevent dysbiosis in physician practice.
Features of diseases of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems in workers of metallurgical production in modern conditions
Authors: Masyagutova Lyaylya Marselyevna , Abdrakhmanova Elena Rafilovna , Akhmetshina Venera Talgatovna , Gabdulvaleeva Elvira Fanisovna , Gizatullina Lilia Galievna , Gallyamova Svetlana Anifovna , Vagapova Dinara Maratovna , Gabdulvaleeva Adelina Ruslanovna
Published: November 2021

Manufacturing industries, including metallurgy, are the backbone of the country’s economy. A number of technological operations involve the impact of physical overload, heating microclimate, static load, and often entails the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. The clinical picture of such patients is dominated by pain in various parts of the spinal column, in some cases, combined localization. The analysis of the results of the examination of the connection of diseases of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems with the profession, carried out by employees of a large metallurgical enterprise of the Republic of Bashkortostan (RB), using the archival material of the FBUN clinic «Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology» was carried out. The group of the main professions of the enterprise includes: wire drawing machine, wire rewinder, caliper, pyrometrist, laboratory assistant for physical and mechanical tests, automatic machine for cold landing machines, mechanic-repairman, sorter-delivery of metal. During the analyzed period, in 117 cases, the workers of the enterprise confirmed the professional etiology of the disease. The nosological structure in 60 % of cases of the first established occupational diseases is represented by diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. A significant part of diseases of occupational etiology was detected in persons aged 50 to 59 years. Workers of the studied professional groups are at the highest risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems of professional etiology, which is due to the specific conditions of their professional activity. Establishing a connection between the disease and the profession is characterized by late detection, at the stage of pronounced clinical symptoms with the formation of persistent disability.
About recognition of accounts receivable as uncollectible and its write-off in accounting and tax accounting
Authors: Dombrovskaya E.N.
Published: November 2021

The article discusses the features of classification and recognition of accounts receivable in the accounting of medical organizations belonging to public sector organizations. The problems of the article are particularly relevant due to the presence of receivables from almost all medical organizations. Based on the review of the existing regulatory framework, the procedure for recognizing receivables as doubtful and uncollectible, effective in 2021, is considered. The article also contains requirements for writing off uncollectible receivables in accounting and tax accounting. The material of the article has been prepared taking into account the explanations contained in the Letter of the Ministry of Finance dated June 3, 2021 No. 03-03-06/1/43317, as well as other relevant documents, orders and letters of the Ministry of Finance and explanations of specialists.
BIOLOGY OF SEED GERMINATION IN SOME ONION SPECIES (ALLIUM L.)
Authors:   Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Fomina T.I.
Published: November 2021

The possibility of seed reproduction is one of the factors of successful cultivation of resource plants in specific environmental conditions. The aim of the work was to study the germination behavior, quality and longevity of seeds in 15 onions (Allium L.) from the collection of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk. The research was carried out in 1996–2019. Laboratory germination of seeds was determined according to generally accepted methods. Seeds were tested 3–7 months after harvesting at 17–23 °C in the light. The number of seeds in each Petri dish – 25–50; double replication. In the case of hindered germination, a two-month chilling at 4 °C was applied. In the future, laboratory germination was determined after 3, 5 and 7 years of room storage. We have established that onion seeds have three types of germinating. Seeds of type I – eight species, one variety from the subgenus Rhizirideum – usually lack dormancy. Germination is fast and simultaneous, and average germination percentages are 77.1–92.2 %. Seeds of type II – A. leucocephalum and A. microdictyon from the subgenus Rhizirideum, also A. caeruleum and A. flavum from the subgenus Allium – are characterized by stretched germination period due to the shallow dormancy, and their germination percentages vary from 32.6 % to 81.1 %. Seeds of type III – A. obliquum from the subgenus Rhizirideum and two species of the subgenus Melanocrommyum – do not germinate in room conditions, or germinate with low germination percentages, whereas chilling increases them up to 47.0–67.0 %. The hindered germination of these seeds is due to the deep organic dormancy. The economic longevity of onion seeds is 3–5 years, and the biological longevity varies at interspecific level within 5–8 years. Thus, the species that produce plump and good germinating seeds suitable for long-term storage – A. altaicum, A. bidentatum, A. flavum, A. microdictyon, A. nutans, A. ramosum, A. rubens, A. schoenoprasum, A. senescens, A. senescens var. glaucum, and A. strictum – have the highest reproductive potential in culture.
educación temprana para el desarrollo cognitivo en niños de contextos carcelarios
Authors: Ledesma Pérez Fernando Eli , Vega Vilca Sixto , Cruz Montero Juana María , Rodríguez Melgar Silvia Vanessa
Published: November 2021

La educación temprana es una tarea desarrollada por personas que rodean al infante desde su nacimiento, consiste en el acompañamiento en su proceso de desarrollo: biológico, afectivo y social; es prioritaria en los tres primeros años en los que aprende a caminar, hablar y a relacionarse con  otros.  El objetivo fue determinar la influencia de  la aplicación de un programa de educación temprana en el desarrollo cognitivo en infantes menores de tres años en un establecimiento penitenciario de mujeres; investigación de tipo básica, nivel explicativo, diseño pre-experimental, con un grupo  de 40 niños. Los resultados  demostraron  que se trabajó desde la propuesta teórica de Erikson (1998), participaron cuatro docentes universitarios y cinco estudiantes del último ciclo de educación inicial, se aplicó un programa en dos semestres y se concluyó que la aplicación de un programa educación temprana influyó de manera significativa en el desarrollo cognitivo de los niños y en otras áreas del desarrollo.
Artificial Intelligence Assessment of Renal Scarring (AIRS Study)
Authors: Chantaduly Chanon , Troutt Hayden R. , Perez Reyes Karla A. , Zuckerman Jonathan E. , Chang Peter D. , Lau Wei Ling
Published: November 2021

Background

The goal of the Artificial Intelligence in Renal Scarring (AIRS) study is to develop machine learning tools for noninvasive quantification of kidney fibrosis from imaging scans.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who had one or more abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans within 6 months of a kidney biopsy. The final cohort encompassed 152 CT scans from 92 patients, which included images of 300 native kidneys and 76 transplant kidneys. Two different convolutional neural networks (slice-level and voxel-level classifiers) were tested to differentiate severe versus mild/moderate kidney fibrosis (≥50% versus <50%). Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores from kidney biopsy reports were used as ground-truth.

Results

The two machine learning models demonstrated similar positive predictive value (0.886 versus 0.935) and accuracy (0.831 versus 0.879).

Conclusions

In summary, machine learning algorithms are a promising noninvasive diagnostic tool to quantify kidney fibrosis from CT scans. The clinical utility of these prediction tools, in terms of avoiding renal biopsy and associated bleeding risks in patients with severe fibrosis, remains to be validated in prospective clinical trials.