bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Protective Effect of Polyherbal Formulation, Harak Formula, on UVA-Induced Photoaging of Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Mouse Skin via Promoting Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense
Authors: Lohakul Jinapath , Chaiprasongsuk Anyamanee , Jeayeng Saowanee , Saelim Malinee , Muanjumpon Phetthinee , Thanachaiphiwat Saowalak , Tripatara Pinpat , Soontrapa Kittipong , Lumlerdkij Natchagorn , Akarasereenont Pravit , Panich Uraiwan
Published: April 2021

Polyherbal formulation combining multiple herbs is suggested to achieve enhanced therapeutic effects and reduce toxicity. Harak herbal formula (HRF) extracts were proposed to regulate skin responses to UVR through their ability to suppress UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and pigmentation via promoting antioxidant defenses in in vitro models. Therefore, natural products targeting Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)-regulated antioxidant response might represent promising anti-photoaging candidates. Hesperetin (HSP) was suggested as a putative bioactive compound of the HRF, as previously shown by its chemical profiling using the liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). In this study, we explored the anti-photoaging effects of HRF extracts and HSP on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and mouse skin exposed to UVA irradiation. Pretreatment of NHDFs with HRF extracts and HSP protected against UVA (8 J/cm2)-mediated cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The HRF and HSP pretreatment also attenuated the UVA-induced MMP-1 activity and collagen depletion concomitant with an upregulation of Nrf2 activity and its downstream genes (GST and NQO-1). Moreover, our findings provided the in vivo relevance to the in vitro anti-photoaging effects of HRF as topical application of the extracts (10, 30 and 100 mg/cm2) and HSP (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/cm2) 1 h before UVA exposure 3 times per week for 2 weeks (a total dose of 60 J/cm2) mitigated MMP-1 upregulation, collagen loss in correlation with enhanced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and its target protein GST and NQO-1 as well as reduced 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in irradiated mouse skin. Thus, our findings revealed that HRF extracts and HSP attenuated UVA-induced photoaging via upregulating Nrf2, together with their abilities to reduce ROS formation and oxidative damage. Our study concluded that the HRF and its bioactive ingredient HSP may represent potential candidates for preventing UVA-induced photoaging via restoration of redox balance.
Limited Sampling Strategy for Estimation of Mycophenolic Acid Exposure in Adult Chinese Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Xiang Hongping , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jing , Sun Yongfeng , Wang Yirong , Han Yong , Cai Jie
Published: April 2021

Background: With the increasing use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) formulations in organ transplantation, the need for personalized immunosuppressive therapy has become well recognized based on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for avoidance of drug-related toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Few studies have assessed area under the 12 h concentration-time curve of MPA (MPA-AUC0–12h) in heart transplant recipients who received mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dispersible tablets (MMFdt). The aim of the study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of MMFdt combined with tacrolimus and further to develop a practical method for estimation of MPA-AUC0–12h using a limited sampling strategy (LSS).

Methods: A prospective study in a single center was performed in patients who continuously administrated with MMFdt or MMF capsule (MMFc) for at least 7 days after cardiac transplantation from 2018 to 2020. A total of 48 Chinese adult heart transplant recipients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after MMF administration. The validated high-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry method was used to measure MPA concentrations. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was applied to calculate the data obtained from individual recipients by WinNonlin. LSS models were developed for MPA-AUC0–12h prediction with multivariate stepwise regression analysis.

Results: A large inter-individual variability was observed in AUC0–12h, Tmax, Cmax, MRT0–12h, t1/2 and CL/F after multiple dosing of MMFdt. However, no significant differences were observed between main PK parameters of MMFdt and MMFc. The best estimation of MPA-AUC0–12h was achieved with four points: MPA-AUC0–12h = 8.424 + 0.781 × C0.5 + 1.263 × C2 + 1.660 × C4 + 3.022 × C6 (R2 = 0.844). The mean prediction error (MPE) and mean absolute prediction error (MAPE) of MPA-AUC0–12h were 2.09 ± 14.05% and 11.17 ± 8.52%, respectively. Both internal and external validations showed good applicability for four-point LSS equation.

Conclusion: The results provide strong evidence for the use of LSS model other than a single time-point concentration of MPA when performing TDM. A four-point LSS equation using the concentrations at 0.5, 2, 4, 6 h is recommended to estimate MPA-AUC0–12h during early period after transplantation in Chinese adult heart transplant recipients receiving MMFdt or MMFc. However, proper internal and external validations with more patients should be conducted in the future.
Probability Calculations Within Stochastic Electrodynamics
Authors: Cole Daniel C.
Published: April 2021

Several stochastic situations in stochastic electrodynamics (SED) are analytically calculated from first principles. These situations include probability density functions, as well as correlation functions at multiple points of time and space, for the zero-point (ZP) electromagnetic fields, as well as for ZP plus Planckian (ZPP) electromagnetic fields. More lengthy analytical calculations are indicated, using similar methods, for the simple harmonic electric dipole oscillator bathed in ZP as well as ZPP electromagnetic fields. The method presented here makes an interesting contrast to Feynman’s path integral approach in quantum electrodynamics (QED). The present SED approach directly entails probabilities, while the QED approach involves summing weighted paths for the wave function.
Characteristics of Principal Components in Stock Price Correlation
Authors: Souma Wataru
Published: April 2021

The following methods are used to analyze correlations among stock returns. 1) The meaningful part of the correlation is obtained by applying random matrix theory to the equal-time cross-correlation matrix of assets returns. 2) Null-model randomness is implemented via rotational random shuffling. 3) Principal component analysis and Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition are used to extract leading and lagging relationships among assets from the complex correlation matrix constructed from the Hilbert-transformed data set of asset returns. These methods are applied to price data for 445 assets from the S&P 500 from 2010 to 2019 (2,510 business days). Additional analysis and discussion clarify key aspects of leading and lagging relationships among business sectors in the market. Numerical investigation of these dataset reveals the possibility that leading and lagging relationships among business sectors may depend on gross market conditions.
Direct Comparison of Bayesian and Fermi Deconvolution Approaches for Myocardial Blood Flow Quantification: In silico and Clinical Validations
Authors: Daviller Clément , Boutelier Timothé , Giri Shivraman , Ratiney Hélène , Jolly Marie-Pierre , Vallée Jean-Paul , Croisille Pierre , Viallon Magalie
Published: April 2021

Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging can detect coronary artery disease and is an alternative to single-photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography. However, the complex, non-linear MR signal and the lack of robust quantification of myocardial blood flow have hindered its widespread clinical application thus far. Recently, a new Bayesian approach was developed for brain imaging and evaluation of perfusion indexes (Kudo et al., 2014). In addition to providing accurate perfusion measurements, this probabilistic approach appears more robust than previous approaches, particularly due to its insensitivity to bolus arrival delays. We assessed the performance of this approach against a well-known and commonly deployed model-independent method based on the Fermi function for cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging. The methods were first evaluated for accuracy and precision using a digital phantom to test them against the ground truth; next, they were applied in a group of coronary artery disease patients. The Bayesian method can be considered an appropriate model-independent method with which to estimate myocardial blood flow and delays. The digital phantom comprised a set of synthetic time-concentration curve combinations generated with a 2-compartment exchange model and a realistic combination of perfusion indexes, arterial input dynamics, noise and delays collected from the clinical dataset. The myocardial blood flow values estimated with the two methods showed an excellent correlation coefficient (r2 > 0.9) under all noise and delay conditions. The Bayesian approach showed excellent robustness to bolus arrival delays, with a similar performance to Fermi modeling when delays were considered. Delays were better estimated with the Bayesian approach than with Fermi modeling. An in vivo analysis of coronary artery disease patients revealed that the Bayesian approach had an excellent ability to distinguish between abnormal and normal myocardium. The Bayesian approach was able to discriminate not only flows but also delays with increased sensitivity by offering a clearly enlarged range of distribution for the physiologic parameters.
Serum Creatinine as a Potential Biomarker of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: das Neves Willian , Alves Christiano R. R. , de Souza Borges Ana Paula , de Castro Gilberto
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Identifying simple biomarkers to determine muscle atrophy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains a critical research gap. Since creatinine is mainly a product from intramuscular creatine metabolism, we tested the hypothesis that low serum creatinine levels would be associated to skeletal muscle atrophy in NSCLC patients.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study including 106 treatment-naive patients with histologically confirmed stage IV NSCLC. All patients performed routine serum creatinine laboratory tests. We divided patients into two groups based on low (<0.7 mg/dL for male and <0.5 mg/dL for female) or normal creatinine levels. We compared body mass index (BMI), psoas muscle cross-sectional area, adipose tissue area and complete blood counts between groups.

Results: Male and female NSCLC patients with low serum creatinine levels had low muscle cross-sectional area as compared to patients with normal serum creatinine levels. Male NSCLC patients with low serum creatinine also displayed reduced BMI, reduced adipose tissue area, and elevated systemic inflammation compared to NSCLC patients with normal serum creatinine levels. There were no significant differences between female groups for BMI, adipose tissue area and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions: Serum creatinine is a potential prognostic biomarker of skeletal muscle atrophy in NSCLC patients. Since serum creatinine is a simple and accessible measurement, we suggest that it should be monitored in longitudinal follow-up of NSCLC patients as a biomarker of muscle atrophy.
Effects of Climate Change on Avalanche Accidents and Survival
Authors: Strapazzon Giacomo , Schweizer Jürg , Chiambretti Igor , Brodmann Maeder Monika , Brugger Hermann , Zafren Ken
Published: April 2021

Avalanches are major natural hazards in snow-covered mountains, threatening people and infrastructure. With ongoing climate change, the frequency and types of snow avalanches may change, affecting the rates of avalanche burial and survival. With a wetter and warmer snow climate, consequences of burial may become more severe. In this review, we assess the potential effects of climate change on the frequency and characteristics of avalanches. We then discuss how these changes might affect the survival rates of subjects buried by avalanches and might influence the responses of search and rescue (SAR) teams and health care providers. While climate change is inevitable, the effects on avalanches remain elusive. The frequency of human triggered avalanches may not change, because this depends largely on the number and behavior of winter recreationists. Blunt trauma and secondary injuries will likely become more frequent as terrain roughness is expected to rise and snow cover to become thinner. Higher snow densities in avalanche debris will likely interfere with the respiration of completely buried victims. Asphyxia and trauma, as causes of avalanche death, may increase. It is unlikely that SAR and health care providers involved in avalanche rescue will have to change their strategies in areas where they are already established. The effects of climate change might foster the expansion of mitigation strategies and the establishment of mountain rescue services in areas subject to increased avalanche hazards caused by changes in snow cover and land use.
A Numerical Model for Simulating the Hemodynamic Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Coronary Arteries
Authors: Li Bao , Xu Ke , Liu Jincheng , Mao Boyan , Li Na , Sun Hao , Zhang Zhe , Zhao Xi , Yang Haisheng , Zhang Liyuan , Du Tianming , Du Jianhang , Liu Youjun
Published: April 2021

Traditional enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) used for the clinical treatment of patients with coronary heart disease only assesses diastolic/systolic blood pressure (Q = D/S > 1.2). However, improvement of the hemodynamic environment surrounding vascular endothelial cells of coronary arteries after long-term application of EECP is the basis of the treatment. Currently, the quantitative hemodynamic mechanism is not well understood. In this study, a standard 0D/3D geometric multi-scale model of the coronary artery was established to simulate the hemodynamic effects of different counterpulsation modes on the vascular endothelium. In this model, the neural regulation caused by counterpulsation was thoroughly considered. Two clinical trials were carried out to verify the numerical calculation model. The results demonstrated that the increase in counterpulsation pressure amplitude and pressurization duration increased coronary blood perfusion and wall shear stress (WSS) and reduced the oscillatory shear index (OSI) of the vascular wall. However, the impact of pressurization duration was the predominant factor. The results of the standard model and the two real individual models indicated that a long pressurization duration would cause more hemodynamic risk areas by resulting in excessive WSS, which could not be reflected by the change in the Q value. Therefore, long-term pressurization during each cardiac cycle therapy is not recommended for patients with coronary heart disease and clinical treatment should not just pay attention to the change in the Q value. Additional physiological indicators can be used to evaluate the effects of counterpulsation treatment.
The Multiple Roles of Ascorbate in the Abiotic Stress Response of Plants: Antioxidant, Cofactor, and Regulator
Authors: Xiao Minggang , Li Zixuan , Zhu Li , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Bo , Zheng Fuyu , Zhao Beiping , Zhang Haiwen , Wang Yujie , Zhang Zhijin
Published: April 2021

Ascorbate (ASC) plays a critical role in plant stress response. The antioxidant role of ASC has been well-studied, but there are still several confusing questions about the function of ASC in plant abiotic stress response. ASC can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and should be helpful for plant stress tolerance. But in some cases, increasing ASC content impairs plant abiotic stress tolerance, whereas, inhibiting ASC synthesis or regeneration enhances plant stress tolerance. This confusing phenomenon indicates that ASC may have multiple roles in plant abiotic stress response not just as an antioxidant, though many studies more or less ignored other roles of ASC in plant. In fact, ACS also can act as the cofactor of some enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis, metabolism, and modification of a variety of substances, which has important effects on plant stress response. In addition, ASC can monitor and effectively regulate cell redox status. Therefore, we believe that ASC has atleast triple roles in plant abiotic stress response: as the antioxidant to scavenge accumulated ROS, as the cofactor to involve in plant metabolism, or as the regulator to coordinate the actions of various signal pathways under abiotic stress. The role of ASC in plant abiotic stress response is important and complex. The detail role of ASC in plant abiotic stress response should be analyzed according to specific physiological process in specific organ. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of ASC in the response of plants to abiotic stresses.
Differential Responses of Dimorphic Seeds and Seedlings to Abiotic Stresses in the Halophyte Suaeda salsa
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hu Mingfang , Ma Hongyuan , Jiang Li , Zhao Zhenyong , Ma Jinbiao , Wang Lei
Published: April 2021

The period between seed germination and seedling establishment is one of the most vulnerable stages in the life cycle of annuals in the saline environments. Although germination characteristics of Suaeda salsa seeds have been reported, the comparative germination patterns of dimorphic seeds and seedling growth to different abiotic stresses remain poorly understood. In this study, germination responses of dimorphic seeds to light and temperature were compared. Meanwhile, responses of dimorphic seeds and thereafter seedlings of S. salsa to different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 were also tested. The results showed that the light did not significantly affect germination percentage of brown seeds, but significantly promoted germination of black seeds. Brown seeds could reach high germination percentage over a wide temperature range, however, germination of black seeds gradually increased with the increase of temperature. Brown seeds had higher germination percentage and velocity than black seeds under the same salt conditions. However, black seeds had higher recovery germination than brown seeds when transferred to deionized water. Young seedlings had lower salt tolerance than germinating seeds. At the same concentrations, Na2SO4 had stronger inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth than NaCl. This study comprehensively compared germination traits of dimorphic seeds and seedling growth of S. salsa, and then developed a conceptual model to explain their adaptation to harsh saline environment.
Proteome-Wide Analysis of Heat-Stress in Pinus radiata Somatic Embryos Reveals a Combined Response of Sugar Metabolism and Translational Regulation Mechanisms
Authors: Castander-Olarieta Ander , Pereira Cátia , Montalbán Itziar A. , Mendes Vera M. , Correia Sandra , Suárez-Álvarez Sonia , Manadas Bruno , Canhoto Jorge , Moncaleán Paloma
Published: April 2021

Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which bipolar structures with no vascular connection with the surrounding tissue are formed from a single or a group of vegetative cells, and in conifers it can be divided into five different steps: initiation, proliferation, maturation, germination and acclimatization. Somatic embryogenesis has long been used as a model to study the mechanisms regulating stress response in plants, and recent research carried out in our laboratory has demonstrated that high temperatures during initial stages of conifer somatic embryogenesis modify subsequent phases of the process, as well as the behavior of the resulting plants ex vitro. The development of high-throughput techniques has facilitated the study of the molecular response of plants to numerous stress factors. Proteomics offers a reliable image of the cell status and is known to be extremely susceptible to environmental changes. In this study, the proteome of radiata pine somatic embryos was analyzed by LC-MS after the application of high temperatures during initiation of embryonal masses [(23°C, control; 40°C (4 h); 60°C (5 min)]. At the same time, the content of specific soluble sugars and sugar alcohols was analyzed by HPLC. Results confirmed a significant decrease in the initiation rate of embryonal masses under 40°C treatments (from 44 to 30.5%) and an increasing tendency in the production of somatic embryos (from 121.87 to 170.83 somatic embryos per gram of embryogenic tissue). Besides, heat provoked a long-term readjustment of the protein synthesis machinery: a great number of structural constituents of ribosomes were increased under high temperatures, together with the down-regulation of the enzyme methionine-tRNA ligase. Heat led to higher contents of heat shock proteins and chaperones, transmembrane transport proteins, proteins related with post-transcriptional regulation (ARGONAUTE 1D) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, specific compatible sugars (myo-inositol) and cell-wall carbohydrates. On the other hand, the protein adenosylhomocysteinase and enzymes linked with the glycolytic pathway, nitrogen assimilation and oxidative stress response were found at lower levels.
Comparative Structural and Functional Analyses of the Fusiform, Oval, and Triradiate Morphotypes of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Pt3 Strain
Authors: Galas Ludovic , Burel Carole , Schapman Damien , Ropitaux Marc , Bernard Sophie , Bénard Magalie , Bardor Muriel
Published: April 2021

The diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumis a marine unicellular microalga that exists under three main morphotypes: oval, fusiform, and triradiate. Previous works have demonstrated that the oval morphotype ofP. tricornutumPt3 strain presents specific metabolic features. Here, we compared the cellular organization of the main morphotypes of the diatomP. tricornutumPt3 strain through transmission electron and advanced light microscopies. The three morphotypes share similarities including spectral characteristics of the plastid, the location of the nucleus, the organization of mitochondria around the plastid as well as the existence of both a F-actin cortex, and an intracellular network of F-actin. In contrast, compared to fusiform and triradiate cells, oval cells spontaneously release proteins more rapidly. In addition, comparison of whole transcriptomes of oval versus fusiform or triradiate cells revealed numerous differential expression of positive and negative regulators belonging to the complex dynamic secretory machinery. This study highlights the specificities occurring within the oval morphotype underlying that the oval cells secrete proteins more rapidly.
Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal All-Stage Rust Resistance Loci in Elite Durum Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Aoun Meriem , Rouse Matthew N. , Kolmer James A. , Kumar Ajay , Elias Elias M.
Published: April 2021

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt), stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), and stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) are major diseases to wheat production globally. Host resistance is the most suitable approach to manage these fungal pathogens. We investigated the phenotypic and genotypic structure of resistance to leaf rust, stem rust, and stripe rust pathogen races at the seedling stage in a collection of advanced durum wheat breeding lines and cultivars adapted to Upper Mid-West region of the United States. Phenotypic evaluation showed that the majority of the durum wheat genotypes were susceptible to Pt isolates adapted to durum wheat, whereas all the genotypes were resistant to common wheat type-Pt isolate. The majority of genotypes were resistant to stripe rust and stem rust pathogen races. The durum panel genotyped using Illumina iSelect 90 K wheat SNP assay was used for genome-wide association mapping (GWAS). The GWAS revealed 64 marker-trait associations (MTAs) representing six leaf rust resistance loci located on chromosome arms 2AS, 2AL, 5BS, 6AL, and 6BL. Two of these loci were identified at the positions of Lr52 and Lr64 genes, whereas the remaining loci are most likely novel. A total of 46 MTAs corresponding to four loci located on chromosome arms 1BS, 5BL, and 7BL were associated with stripe rust response. None of these loci correspond to designated stripe rust resistance genes. For stem rust, a total of 260 MTAs, representing 22 loci were identified on chromosome arms 1BL, 2BL, 3AL, 3BL, 4AL, 5AL, 5BL, 6AS, 6AL, 6BL, and 7BL. Four of these loci were located at the positions of known genes/alleles (Sr7b, Sr8155B1, Sr13a, and Sr13b). The discovery of known and novel rust resistance genes and their linked SNPs will help diversify rust resistance in durum wheat.
Well-Being and Cooking Behavior: Using the Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) Model as a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Farmer Nicole , Cotter Elizabeth W.
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of psychosocial distress is increasing in the United States. At the same time, the American default lifestyle has steadily displaced household food production with industrial food production, despite increased cultural interest in cooking. An important focus of cooking research to date has been on cooking’s association with nutrition and dietary quality. Less focus has been placed on how cooking might foster the qualities that allow for mitigation of psychosocial distress and promote well-being. Rooted in its evolutionary role in the human experience, cooking requires skills and knowledge that have the capacity to encourage aspects of well-being as described by Seligman as flourishing. Evidence for a beneficial role of cooking in psychosocial health exists, but the exploration is limited, potentially due to lack of a theoretical context to explain these benefits. From this perspective, we review the current literature showing the application of Seligman’s prominent well-being model, Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA), to cooking, defined as the activity related to the preparation of food or a meal. We propose that the PERMA model as applied to cooking may function as a theoretical framework to explore psychosocial outcomes associated with cooking. Broader application of this approach may also help to further the application of positive psychology in the developing literature around psychosocial health and nutrition-related chronic diseases.
More Than a Feeling—Interrelation of Trust Layers in Human-Robot Interaction and the Role of User Dispositions and State Anxiety
Authors: Miller Linda , Kraus Johannes , Babel Franziska , Baumann Martin
Published: April 2021

With service robots becoming more ubiquitous in social life, interaction design needs to adapt to novice users and the associated uncertainty in the first encounter with this technology in new emerging environments. Trust in robots is an essential psychological prerequisite to achieve safe and convenient cooperation between users and robots. This research focuses on psychological processes in which user dispositions and states affect trust in robots, which in turn is expected to impact the behavior and reactions in the interaction with robotic systems. In a laboratory experiment, the influence of propensity to trust in automation and negative attitudes toward robots on state anxiety, trust, and comfort distance toward a robot were explored. Participants were approached by a humanoid domestic robot two times and indicated their comfort distance and trust. The results favor the differentiation and interdependence of dispositional, initial, and dynamic learned trust layers. A mediation from the propensity to trust to initial learned trust by state anxiety provides an insight into the psychological processes through which personality traits might affect interindividual outcomes in human-robot interaction (HRI). The findings underline the meaningfulness of user characteristics as predictors for the initial approach to robots and the importance of considering users’ individual learning history regarding technology and robots in particular.
Obstacles in the Process of Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse–Reports From Survivors Interviewed by the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany
Authors: Schoon Wiebke , Briken Peer
Published: April 2021

Obstacles in dealing with child sexual abuse (CSA) can hinder survivors in the process of coming to terms with their experiences. The present study aims to identify and analyze factors that may pose obstacles in the long-term process of dealing with CSA. It is part of a larger research consortium “Auf-Wirkung,” funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and was conducted in cooperation with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany (IICSAG). The IICSAG was appointed by the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth in 2016. To determine responsibilities, recognize injustice, and further acknowledge the survivors of CSA in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the Independent Inquiry has held 1,303 private sessions with survivors of CSA by Oct. 17th, 2020. The present study focuses on exploring reoccurring problematic experiences reported by survivors in private sessions regarding the long-term process of dealing with experiences of CSA. A total of 30 transcripts of private sessions, conducted by members and appointees of the IICSAG between September 2016 and June 2019, were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Attendants of private sessions described a variety of obstacles, including negative social reactions to disclosure, institutions' unwillingness to elucidate occurrences of CSA within their midst, as well as general financial difficulties, and those linked to redress claims. Manipulative grooming by perpetrators and limited access to adequate psychotherapy were perceived as obstructive by survivors dealing with CSA. In the context of criminal proceedings, survivors reported long durations of court proceedings and negative experiences in connection to credibility assessment. Results will be discussed to better support survivors of CSA in the process of dealing with their experiences in the future.
The Impact of Water Sporting Events on Attitudes Toward Physical Activity: Motivational Profiles of Participants in Modern and Traditional Water Events
Authors: Młodzik Maciej , Kazimierczak Marek , León-Guereño Patxi , Tapia-Serrano Miguel Angel , Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper was to analyze the relationship between attitudes toward physical activity and participation in water sports events and to recognize the main motives for involvement in these kinds of events. A written paper–pencil diagnostic survey was conducted among 394 participants in two traditional and two modern sports events on water held in Poland to ascertain whether innovative (modern) events are needed in society, and whether they cause an increase in interest in physical activity (more than traditional events). The research results showed that modern sports events on water did not have any more power to attract physically inactive people than traditional water events, did not produce a greater desire to lead an active lifestyle, and did not encourage people to more regularly practice water sports. Moreover, modern events, compared to traditional events, were only a one-time experience and the people who completed survey often wanted to return to traditional sports events which provided participants with greater positive emotions than a modern event. In the case of socio-demographical variables, there was no statistically significant relationship between gender and choice of modern or traditional event, but older people were more likely to choose a traditional event than younger people; modern water events were an attractive option primarily for young people under 30 years of age, furthermore, modern events more often attracted people who had completed higher education. However, it turned out that a modern event on water often attracted more people who had had no experience in this sport discipline rather than people who chose traditional water events. In a sense, modern events are therefore effective in promoting water sports in Polish society. We also distinguished five main groups of participants: healthy lifestyle managers, lovers of sports emotions, water sports malcontents, water sports enthusiasts, and neutrals to water sports. Additionally, we looked into gender-related motives for participation in modern and traditional water events: social and health-related motives proved to be more important for women and men who participated in modern water events. The research results presented in the article expand on the current state of knowledge about mass participation in sport, the impact of sporting events on the promotion of physical activity, and show the motivation behind participation in modern and traditional water sporting events.
Autistic Self-Advocacy and the Neurodiversity Movement: Implications for Autism Early Intervention Research and Practice
Authors: Leadbitter Kathy , Buckle Karen Leneh , Ellis Ceri , Dekker Martijn
Published: April 2021

The growth of autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement has brought about new ethical, theoretical and ideological debates within autism theory, research and practice. These debates have had genuine impact within some areas of autism research but their influence is less evident within early intervention research. In this paper, we argue that all autism intervention stakeholders need to understand and actively engage with the views of autistic people and with neurodiversity as a concept and movement. In so doing, intervention researchers and practitioners are required to move away from a normative agenda and pay diligence to environmental goodness-of-fit, autistic developmental trajectories, internal drivers and experiences, and autistic prioritized intervention targets. Autism intervention researchers must respond to these debates by reframing effectiveness, developing tools to measure autistic prioritized outcomes, and forming partnerships with autistic people. There is a pressing need for increased reflection and articulation around how intervention practices align with a neurodiversity framework and greater emphasis within intervention programmes on natural developmental processes, coping strategies, autonomy, and well-being.
Relationship Between Cognitive Fusion, Experiential Avoidance, and Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in Patients With Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Xiong Ai , Lai Xiong , Wu Siliang , Yuan Xin , Tang Jun , Chen Jinyuan , Liu Yang , Hu Maorong
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship among cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods: A total of 118 outpatient and inpatient patients with OCD and 109 healthy participants, gender- and age-matched, were selected using cognitive fusion questionnaire (CFQ), acceptance and action questionnaire−2nd edition (AAQ-II), Yale–Brown scale for obsessive–compulsive symptoms, Hamilton anxiety scale, and Hamilton depression scale for questionnaire testing and data analysis.

Results: The levels of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in the OCD group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Regression analysis results showed that, in predicting the total score of obsessive–compulsive symptoms, AAQ-II (β = 0.233, P < 0.05) and CFQ (β = 0.262, P < 0.01) entered the equation, which explained 17.1% variance. In predicting anxiety, only AAQ-II (β = 0.222, P < 0.05) entered the equation, which explained 13% variance. In the prediction of depression, AAQ-II (β = 0.412, P < 0.001) entered the equation, which explained 17.7% variance.

Conclusion: Cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance may be important factors for the maintenance of OCD, and experiential avoidance can positively predict the anxiety and depression of OCD patients.
The Development of the College Students' Experience of Family Harmony Questionnaire (CSEFHQ)
Authors: Zhan Qisheng , Wang Qin
Published: April 2021

The experience of family harmony, as an individual's subjective evaluation of harmonious family relations, has an important influence on the development of their physical and mental health. This study aimed to develop the College Students' Experience of Family Harmony Questionnaire that is fit for college students in China. On the basis of literature analysis and survey with questionnaires, five pairs of opposite assessment indexes were constructed in this paper, namely, Atmosphere of family (getting along vs. conflict), Responsibility to housework (undertaking housework vs. refusing housework), Time-sharing (sharing vs. self-isolatedness), Seeking help (help-seeking vs. avoidance), and Supporting family members (support-providing vs. indifference). Items of this questionnaire were collected from investigation, relevant scales, and discussion with experts. Here, 562 college students were selected for the pre-test and 696 for the formal test. The results showed that, except for the dimension of refusing housework, which has been deleted, other dimensions remain unchanged, and the final nine dimensions accounted for 66.03% of variance variation. Furthermore, the result of confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the model fit well with the data in construct validity [χ2/df = 2.71, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.90, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.89, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.05]. The Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient of this questionnaire was 0.97. The split-half reliability was 0.92, and the test–retest reliability was 0.75 for the total questionnaire. The total score of the questionnaire was significantly positively correlated with the total score of family function, family cohesion, family adaptability, and well-being (r = 0.73, 0.71, 0.75, 0.51, respectively, all p < 0.01), and it had a significant negative correlation with loneliness (r = −0.56, p < 0.01). The results showed that the final structure was reasonable, and reliability and validity conformed to the requirements of psychometrics. Therefore, the questionnaire developed in this study can be used as a valid instrument for assessing the experience of family harmony among college students in China.
Influence of False Self-Presentation on Mental Health and Deleting Behavior on Instagram: The Mediating Role of Perceived Popularity
Authors: Mun Il Bong , Kim Hun
Published: April 2021

The present study explored motivations (need for approval, impression management) for lying self-presentation on Instagram as well as the mental and behavioral outcomes (depression, perceived popularity, deleting behavior on Instagram) of this presentation. We also examined the differential mediational roles of perceived popularity in accounting for the association between lying self-presentation and depression. Our results showed that individuals with a strong need for approval reported higher levels of lying self-presentation. The results also revealed that lying self-presentation positively influenced depression, perceived popularity and deleting behaviors. Furthermore, we found that even if lying self-presentation increased depression, perceived popularity served as a psychological buffer against depression.
Case Report: Cognitive Work Hardening for Return-to-Work Following Depression
Authors: Wisenthal Adeena
Published: April 2021

The growing number of mental health disability claims and related work absences are associated with a magnitude of human, economic and social costs with profound impact on the workplace. In particular, absences due to depression are prevalent and escalating. There is a need for treatment interventions that address the unique challenges of people returning to work following an episode of depression. Occupational functioning often lags depression symptom improvement which necessitates targeted treatment. Cognitive work hardening (CWH) is a multi-element, work-oriented intervention with empirical research supporting its role in return-to-work following a depressive episode. This case report details the use of CWH to prepare an individual to return to work following a disability leave due to depression. It illustrates how CWH bridges the functional gap between being home on disability and returning to competitive employment. The client presented is a 50 year old divorced woman who had been off work for approximately 2 years for depression precipitated by the terminal illness of her mother. She participated in a 4 week CWH program which addressed fatigue and decreased stamina, reduced cognitive abilities, outdated computer skills, and heightened anxiety. Work simulations enabled the rebuilding of cognitive abilities with concomitant work stamina; task mastery bolstered self-confidence and feelings of self-efficacy; and coping skill development addressed the need for stress management and assertive communication strategies. By program completion, the client's self-reported work ability had increased and both fatigue and depression symptom severity had decreased. Clinical markers of work performance indicated that the client was ready to return to her pre-disability job. Three months after completion of CWH, the client reported that she was at work, doing well and working full days with good stamina and concentration. This report provides insight into how CWH can be applied to return-to-work preparation following depression with positive outcomes.
Punding Behavior as a Red Flag for Dementia in a Patient With Depression: Case Report
Authors: Pouchon Arnaud , Dondé Clément , Polosan Mircea
Published: April 2021

Punding is defined as a stereotypic, complex, repetitive, and non-goal-oriented activity. This behavior has been observed in Parkinson's disease and chronic amphetamine users. However, in general, punding behavior is largely under-diagnosed. Here, we describe a rare case of a 53-year-old woman showing punding behavior during major depressive disorder with atypical clinical features suggestive of a frontal syndrome. Neuropsychological evaluations mainly reported deficits in executive functioning. Brain MRI and lumbar puncture were normal. Brain perfusion SPECT showed hypoperfusion predominating in the right frontal and parietooccipital lobes, and a slight hypoperfusion in subthalamic nucleus including the posterior area of right striatum. We diagnosed this case as a frontotemporal dementia. Punding behavior could be a red flag for dementia in patients with major depressive disorder.
COVID-19 and Quarantine, a Catalyst for Ageism
Authors: Barth Nathalie , Guyot Jessica , Fraser Sarah Anne , Lagacé Martine , Adam Stéphane , Gouttefarde Pauline , Goethals Luc , Bechard Lauren , Bongue Bienvenu , Fundenberger Hervé , Célarier Thomas
Published: April 2021

In February 2021, France had more than 76,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and older adults were heavily affected. Most measures taken to reduce the impact of COVID-19 (quarantine, visit ban in nursing home, etc.) significantly influenced the lives of older adults. Yet they were rarely consulted about their implementation. Exclusion of and discrimination against older adults has been accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many articles discussing COVID-19 also mention ageism, few actually incorporate the perspectives and opinions of older adults. Our research aims to assess the ageism experienced by older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted interviews with older adults (63–92 years, mean age = 76 years) in an urban area of France. Participants reported experiencing more ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic, including hostile and benevolent ageism from older adults' families. Despite reports of experiencing ageist attitudes and behaviors from others, however, older adults also identified positive signs of intergenerational solidarity during this COVID-19 crisis.
The Long-Term Public Health Impact of a Community-Based Participatory Research Project for Health Promotion Among Socially Disadvantaged Women—A Case Study Protocol
Authors: Abu-Omar Karim , Ziemainz Heiko , Loss Julika , Laxy Michael , Holle Rolf , Thiel Ansgar , Herbert-Maul Annika , Linder Stephanie , Till Maike , Sauter Alexandra
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is considered to be of high potential for health promotion among socially disadvantaged groups. However, the long-term implementation and transfer of these approaches remain challenging, and the public health impact they achieve is difficult to study. This also pertains to the potential health effects and cost-effectiveness of CBPR. This study protocol describes the follow-up case study (NU-BIG) after 15 years of the BIG project (“movement as investment in health”), a project to promote physical activity among socially disadvantaged women. Through a participatory approach, BIG empowers the addressed women to plan and implement low-threshold physical activity offers. Since the project started in 2005, it was transferred to 17 communities in Germany.

Materials and Analysis: NU-BIG intends to examine the long-term effects, including economic aspects, of the BIG project on individual and structural levels at all project sites, as well as its long-term implementation and transfer. NU-BIG is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study using a mixed method approach. For the longitudinal section, we re-analyze existing data from former BIG evaluations. For cross-sectional data collection, we use questionnaires and conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups. Women who take part in BIG program offers are part of the research team and will use the photo-voice approach to report on the effects of BIG. The study population consists of about 800 women who participate in BIG project offers and 50 persons involved in the implementation of the BIG project at local sites.

Discussion: The expected results from NU-BIG are highly relevant for studying the long-term public health impact of CBPR. In particular, this project intends to answer questions on how the transfer of such projects can succeed and which factors determine if a CBPR project can be sustained at the community level. Eventually, these results can contribute to the further development of participatory approaches to provide effective health promotion among socially disadvantaged groups.

Conclusion: Although CBPR is seen of having the potential to reduce health disparities, there is still a lack of research on its long-term effects and public health impact. NU-BIG aims at generating knowledge about the economic effects, reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a CBPR project. The expected results could be of high interest for BIG and other CBPR-projects.