bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Dynamic Patterns of Personal Positions in a Patient Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder and the Therapist During Change Episodes of the Psychotherapy
Authors: Mellado Augusto , Martínez Claudio , Tomicic Alemka , Krause Mariane
Published: August 2022

Personal positions and voices of a patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the therapist during long-term psychotherapy were studied aiming to find differences in the patterns formed in these aspects of subjectivity according to the level of elaboration of the change episodes achieved by the patient. This case study considered a stage of qualitative analysis where change episodes of the patient were traced through the Change Episodes Model. Later, through the Model of Analysis of Discursive Positioning in Psychotherapy (MAPP), the voices and personal positions of the patient and her therapist were identified in each of the change episodes. In the stage of quantitative analysis, dynamic patterns in the voices and personal positions were established, accounting for hypothetical attractors using the Space State Grid (SSG) technique in each of the three different levels of subjective elaboration that constitute the change episodes. The results established differentiated dynamic patterns in the change episodes, coherent with the patient’s change process, and formation of propositive/reflective specific patterns as the patient evolved in the three different levels of subjective elaboration. The above suggests that a subjective transformation process is displayed, and this is manifested in the different voices and personal positions that emerged as the change episodes evolve. The identified dynamic patterns can be considered nonlinear and emergent subjective exchanges between the patient and the therapist throughout the psychotherapy.
Study of informal reasoning in judicial agents in sexual aggression cases
Authors: Camplá Xaviera , Gancedo Yurena , Sanmarco Jéssica , Montes Álvaro , Novo Mercedes
Published: August 2022

Background/Objective

Judicial decisions must rest on formal reasoning. Nevertheless, informal reasoning sources (cognitive and motivational biases) were observed in judicial judgment making. Literature has identified sexual aggression cases as the most favorable for informal reasoning. Thus, a field study was designed with the aim of assessing the incidence and effects of cognitive and motivational biases in judicial agents in a case to rape to a woman.

Methods

As for this, Chilean judicial agents (N = 217) assessed an allegation (weak evidence) of sexual assault in a case where the perpetrator was known or unknown to the victim. The judicial agents answered to a measure of the myths about sexual aggression, the attribution of responsibility to complainant, the attribution of responsibility to accused, the attribution of credibility to the complainant testimony, the attribution of a nature of a rape to the alleged facts and an estimation of the probability of false/unfounded accusations.

Results

The results revealed an estimation of false/unfounded accusations of sexual aggression significantly higher than the mean of the best estimates, but into the upper limit of the best estimates; that the studied population did not share, in general, the myths about sexual aggression; and that the sources of attributional biases were driven in favor and against the complainant. Nevertheless, the case study showed that a large number of judicial agents participated of an overestimation of the probabilities of false or unfounded allegations, and of the myths about sexual aggressions and of attributional biases against the complainant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, informal reasoning sources were observed in judicial agents when only formal reasoning should prevail. Thus, judicial agents should be trained to control these sources of bias substituting them by formal reasoning (evidence).
The relationship between empathy and school adjustment of left-behind children: The mediating role of coping styles
Authors: Qin Guihua , Xie Ruibo , Wang Die , Wu Wei , Wan Simin , Li Weijian
Published: August 2022

To investigate the effects of left-behind children’s empathy and coping styles on school adjustment, 605 left-behind children in the third grade from three rural elementary schools in Suzhou, Anhui Province were selected to complete the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reaction Index Scale, the Coping Style Scale, and the School Adjustment Behavior Scale for Primary and Secondary School Students. The results showed that (1) emotional empathy positively predicted children’s social competence, and negatively predicted children’s antisocial behavior; cognitive empathy positively predicted children’s social competence; (2) the role of positive coping styles mediated the relationship between cognitive empathy and social competence, and that between cognitive empathy and antisocial behavior; negative coping styles mediated the relationship between cognitive empathy and antisocial behavior; both positive and negative coping styles mediated the relationship between emotional empathy and social competence, and that between emotional empathy and antisocial behavior. The findings of the study are valuable for understanding the relationship between empathy and school adjustment, which also helps to enhance the school adjustment of left-behind children.
Parental autonomy support and future-oriented coping among high school students: Serial mediation of future time perspective and meaning in life
Authors: Zeng Lianping , Peng Xia , Zeng Xiaoye , Wang Hui , Xiao Shifei , Chen Yan
Published: August 2022

Guided by the ecosystem theory, this study aimed to explore the association between parental autonomy support and future-oriented coping of high school students, as well as the mediating effects of future time perspective and meaning in life in this relationship. A total of 707 Chinese high school students were involved in a paper questionnaire survey and data analysis. It was found that (1) parental autonomy support was significantly positively related to future-oriented coping. (2) Mediation analyses demonstrated that parental autonomy support directly affects future-oriented coping; parental autonomy support indirectly affects future-oriented coping through separate mediation and serial mediation of future time perspective and meaning in life. These findings have important implications for the improvement of future-oriented coping abilities of high school students.
What does the public think about microplastics? Insights from an empirical analysis of mental models elicited through free associations
Authors: Felipe-Rodriguez Marcos , Böhm Gisela , Doran Rouven
Published: August 2022

Microplastics are an issue of rising concern, in terms of their possible implications for both the environment and human health. A survey was distributed among a representative sample of the adult Norwegian population (N = 2720) to explore the public understanding of microplastics. Respondents were asked to report the first thing that came to mind when they read or heard the word “microplastics,” based on which a coding scheme was developed that served to categorize the obtained answers into thematic clusters. Results indicate that the public seem to think of microplastics as something bad that might pollute the ocean and harm animal species. Awareness of the sources of microplastics appeared to be rather low, and few respondents mentioned potential ways to solve the problem. Responses differed across certain socio-demographic characteristics; for example, female and younger respondents were more likely to think about the spread and causes/sources of microplastics, whereas a higher educational level was associated positively with thinking of ways to solve the problem. Additional analyses indicated relationships between personal values and the identified thematic clusters; for example, endorsing self-transcendence and openness-to-change values was associated with thinking of ways to solve and of consequences of microplastics. These findings are informative to those wanting to design tailored communications and interventions aimed at reducing plastic pollution and plastic waste.
Multi-device trust transfer: Can trust be transferred among multiple devices?
Authors: Okuoka Kohei , Enami Kouichi , Kimoto Mitsuhiko , Imai Michita
Published: August 2022

Recent advances in automation technology have increased the opportunity for collaboration between humans and multiple autonomous systems such as robots and self-driving cars. In research on autonomous system collaboration, the trust users have in autonomous systems is an important topic. Previous research suggests that the trust built by observing a task can be transferred to other tasks. However, such research did not focus on trust in multiple different devices but in one device or several of the same devices. Thus, we do not know how trust changes in an environment involving the operation of multiple different devices such as a construction site. We investigated whether trust can be transferred among multiple different devices, and investigated the effect of two factors: the similarity among multiple devices and the agency attributed to each device, on trust transfer among multiple devices. We found that the trust a user has in a device can be transferred to other devices and that attributing different agencies to each device can clarify the distinction among devices, preventing trust from transferring.
Believing is seeing: A Buddhist theory of creditions
Authors: Forman Jed
Published: August 2022

The creditions model is incredibly powerful at explaining both how beliefs are formed and how they influence our perceptions. The model contains several cognitive loops, where beliefs not only influence conscious interpretations of perceptions downstream but are active in the subconscious construction of perceptions out of sensory information upstream. This paper shows how this model is mirrored in the epistemology of two central Buddhist figures, Dignāga (480–540 CE) and Dharmakı̄rti (c. 550–650 CE). In addition to showing these parallels, the paper also demonstrates that by drawing on Dignāga and Dharmakı̄rti's theory, we can extend the explanatory power of the creditions model. Namely, while creditions explain how beliefs influence both the conscious interpretation and subconscious construction of sensory information, Dignāga and Dharmakı̄rti suggest beliefs can even be generative of sensory-like information. I recruit ancient Buddhist texts in conjunction with contemporary cognitive science scholarship to offer a hypothesis for the cognitive mechanisms responsible for this.
Cultural industry development from entrepreneurship under the background of rural revitalization strategy
Authors: Gao Jing
Published: August 2022

The implementation of the rural revitalization strategy can effectively inherit the excellent traditional Chinese culture and facilitate the comprehensive development of the cultural industry. At present, China is promoting the transformation and upgrading of its industrial structure. The criterion for measuring the “cultural soft power” of a country or region is the competitiveness of its cultural industry. The cultural industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and the overall economic benefits of the industry have also improved, effectively alleviating the employment pressure across the country. However, there are still many problems. How to accurately measure the level of competitiveness of the regional cultural industry and enhance its competitiveness is the first problem in the development of the cultural industry. It finds out the main factors that affect the competitiveness of the cultural industry in the context of rural revitalization strategy using the relevant theories of cultural industry and industrial competitiveness. Besides, the evaluation index system of cultural industry competitiveness is constructed from the perspective of the system. The projection pursuit model and data envelopment analysis model are established based on the genetic algorithm. The model is used to carry out empirical research on the competitiveness level of cultural industry in a region, and conclusions are drawn. The average projected value of the base competitiveness in the region exceeds 0.8. The average projected value of dominant competitiveness exceeds 0.7. The average projected value of potential competitiveness exceeds 1.1. This research proposes corresponding suggestions for the problems in the current growth of the cultural industry in this region through the competitiveness of this region and the level of other areas. This study can also provide some help for the in-depth study of the Chinese cultural industry.
Data leaking scandal, risks, and financial consumption behaviors in online tourism platforms: The role of trust on college students and teachers
Authors: Feng Mingfen , Hu Bin , Tian Yaqi , Wang Huabing
Published: August 2022

Given the importance of data safety for psychology, the present study investigated the influence of data leaking scandal on campus customers’ financial consumption behaviors at intelligent tourism platforms in China, and explored the roles that individual characteristics play in this process by focusing on a set of participants from colleges. Data were collected through sending out an online questionnaire, where respondents were asked to finish a series of questions about their background information, their trust, future consuming intention, and defensive behaviors toward intelligent platforms. After they finished these questions, a short description about an online tourism platform leaking customers’ personal information was presented to the respondents, following which they were asked to report about their future consuming intentions and defensive behaviors again. In total, 236 participants of college students and teachers were recruited. Paired samples mean comparison showed that after the stimulus was presented, the respondents had a significant decrease in future financial consumption intention, and a significant increase in defensive behaviors toward online tourism platforms due to risks perceived. Multiple regression analysis was conducted subsequently to investigate individual characteristics that may account for part of the decrease (increase) in consuming intention (defensive behaviors). Results showed that, customers with higher level of trust and monthly income, as well as older customers, tend to experience higher level of decrease in consuming intention, and increase in defensive behaviors. These findings highlighted the importance of online tourism platforms guaranteeing data security of their customers.
Increase consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for organic food in restaurants: Explore the role of comparative advertising
Authors: Yu Weiping , Han Xiaoyun , Cui Fasheng
Published: August 2022

Offering organic food is a new trend in the hospitality industry seeking sustainable competitiveness. Premiums and information barriers impede continued growth in organic consumption. This study aims to explore the role of comparative advertising (CA) in organic food communication. Three empirical studies were used to verify the effect of CA vs. non-comparative advertising (NCA) on consumers’ willingness to pay a premium (WTPP) for organic food, examining how benefit appeals (health vs. environmental) and consumers’ organic skepticism affects CA. The results indicate that matching CA and health appeals increase consumers’ WTPP, while environmental appeals have no significant differences between the CA and NCA groups (Study 1). Information persuasiveness mediates the interaction between CA and benefit appeal on WTPP (Study 2). CA increases WTPP among consumers with high organic skepticism, while the interaction between CA and health appeal is only effective for low skepticism consumers (Study 3). The findings unravel and explain the mechanics of how CA works in organic products, which can help restaurants, retailers and tourist destinations advertise organic food to increase consumers’ WTPP.
Response to unexpected social inclusion: A study using the cyberball paradigm
Authors: Groth Rosa-Marie , Rief Winfried
Published: August 2022

Background

Dysfunctional expectations are considered core characteristics of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and should be focused in psychotherapy. Dysfunctional expectations are especially pronounced in the interpersonal area (social expectations). In the present study, we examine the effect of unexpected social inclusion (expectation violation) on the change of generalized and specific depression-typical social expectations.

Method

We conducted an online study to investigate the impact of social inclusion after a period of social exclusion (unexpected social inclusion) on social expectation change (sample size 144) in a non-clinical sample. Depressive symptoms were assessed via self-reporting. Participants took part in two rounds of the online ball-game Cyberball. In the first round, all participants were socially excluded by their two co-players (acquisition of negative social expectations). In the second round, participants were either once more excluded (expectation confirmation) or included equally (expectation violation) by the same co-players. Specific and generalized social expectations were assessed after each round.

Results

Specific and generalized social expectations increased following expectation violation. Even though depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of social expectations, we found that depressive symptoms did not moderate expectation change after positive expectation violations.

Conclusions

In the present experimental setup including the use of the online ball-game Cyberball, the establishment and change of social expectations can be experimentally manipulated. Under the given circumstances and in a non-clinical sample, negative expectations can be updated after unexpected positive experiences regardless of the number of depressive symptoms. The results are discussed in the context of current models of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), expectation change, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Symptom provocation for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder using transcranial magnetic stimulation: A step-by-step guide for professional training
Authors: Maia Ana , Almeida Sílvia , Cotovio Gonçalo , Rodrigues da Silva Daniel , Viana Francisco Faro , Grácio Jaime , Oliveira-Maia Albino J.
Published: August 2022

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2018. The approved protocol includes individualized symptom provocation before each stimulation session, to elicit a moderate level of obsessional distress. Although symptom provocation can be a delicate, demanding, and uncomfortable procedure, structured training methods for those who are going to apply it are not available. Here, we describe a model for training in symptom provocation for TMS technicians, developed at the Champalimaud Clinical Centre in Lisbon, Portugal. Our programme includes two-sessions dedicated to clinical communication and symptom provocation techniques from a theoretical and practical perspective. Additionally, supervision meetings are conducted during treatment of patients, allowing regular case discussion and redefinition of symptom provocation hierarchy, as needed. In addition to having a strong practical component, our training program is short and pragmatic, allowing for easy implementation and fluid transition to clinical practice. By sharing our experience, we hope to contribute to systematize training procedures required for symptom provocation in the context of TMS, and to qualitatively describe a methodology that can be used for implementation of TMS programmes for the treatment of OCD.
Does concurrent self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation and attention bias modification training improve symptoms of binge eating disorder? Protocol for the TANDEM feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Flynn Michaela , Campbell Iain , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: August 2022

Background

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common and disabling problem associated with impaired cognitive control. Preliminary studies show that brain-directed treatments, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and attention bias modification training (ABMT), improve cognitive control and alleviate symptoms of BED. When combined, tDCS may enhance the effects of ABMT, and vice versa, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

Methods

This protocol describes a feasibility single-blind randomized sham-controlled trial of concurrent self-administered tDCS and ABMT in adults with BED (The TANDEM Trial). Eighty adults with BED will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: ABMT with real or sham self-administered tDCS, ABMT only, or waiting list control. In the treatment arms, participants will complete 10-sessions of their allocated intervention over 2–3 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post treatment (T1), and 6 weeks after end of treatment (T2), and at comparable timepoints for participants in the waitlist control group. Feasibility will be evaluated by assessing recruitment/retention rates and blinding success. Acceptability will be assessed quantitatively via participant ratings and qualitatively via semi-structured interviews. Episodes of binge eating at follow-up will be the primary clinical outcome and rate ratios from Poisson regression will be reported. Secondary outcomes will assess changes in ED and general psychopathology, attention bias toward high calorie foods, and executive function.

Discussion

It is hoped that data from the trial will contribute to the development of neurobiologically informed treatments for BED, provide insights into the potential use of at-home variants of tDCS, and inform the design of future large scale trials.
Synthetic cannabinoids use in a sample of opioid-use disorder patients
Authors: Alías-Ferri María , Pellegrini Manuela , Marchei Emilia , Pacifici Roberta , Rotolo Maria Concetta , Pichini Simona , Pérez-Mañá Clara , Papaseit Esther , Muga Robert , Fonseca Francina , Farré Magi , Torrens Marta
Published: August 2022

Cannabis is the most widely consumed illegal drug in the world and synthetic cannabinoids are increasingly gaining popularity and replacing traditional cannabis. These substances are a type of new psychoactive substance that mimics the cannabis effects but often are more severe. Since, people with opioids use disorder use widely cannabis, they are a population vulnerable to use synthetic cannabinoids. In addition, these substances are not detected by the standard test used in the clinical practice and drug-checking is more common in recreational settings. A cross-sectional study with samples of 301 opioid use disorder individuals was carried out at the addiction care services from Barcelona and Badalona. Urinalysis was performed by high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high –resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Any synthetic cannabinoid was detected in 4.3% of the individuals and in 23% of these samples two or more synthetic cannabinoids were detected. Among the 8 different synthetic cannabinoids detected, most common were JWH-032 and JWH-122. Natural cannabis was detected in the 18.6% of the samples and only in the 0.7% of them THC was identified. Several different synthetic cannabinoids were detected and a non-negligible percentage of natural cannabis was detected among our sample. Our results suggest that the use of synthetic cannabinoids may be related to the avoidance of detection. In the absence of methods for the detection of these substances in clinical practice, there are insufficient data and knowledge making difficult to understand about this phenomenon among opioid use disorder population.
Reduced inter-hemispheric auditory and memory-related network interactions in patients with schizophrenia experiencing auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Chen Cheng , Huang Huan , Qin Xucong , Zhang Liang , Rong Bei , Wang Gaohua , Wang Huiling
Published: August 2022

Background

Inter-hemispheric disconnection is a primary pathological finding in schizophrenia. However, given the inherent complexity of this disease and its development, it remains unclear as to whether associated inter-hemispheric changes play an important role in auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) development. As such, this study was developed to explore inter-hemispheric connectivity in the context of schizophrenia with AVH while excluding positive symptoms and other factors with the potential to confound these results.

Method

In total, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess 42 patients with AVH (APG), 26 without AVH (NPG), and 82 normal control (NC) individuals. Inter-hemispheric connectivity in these subjects was then assessed through the use of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) and Pearson correlation analyses.

Result

Relative to HC and NPG subjects, APG individuals exhibited a decrease in VMHC in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) extending into Heschl's gyrus, the insula, and the Rolandic operculum as well as in the fusiform gyrus extending into the para-hippocampus (Corrected p < 0.005, cluster size = 52). Among APG individuals, these observed impairments of inter-hemispheric connectivity were negatively correlated with Hoffman auditory hallucination scores.

Conclusion

These results support the schizophrenia hemitropic disconnection hypothesis, and provide novel evidence suggesting that there may be a relationship between reductions in inter-hemispheric connectivity in auditory and memory-related networks and the pathogenesis of AVH in patients with schizophrenia following the exclusion of confounding factors from other positive symptoms.
A graph convolutional network for predicting COVID-19 dynamics in 190 regions/countries
Authors: Anno Sumiko , Hirakawa Tsubasa , Sugita Satoru , Yasumoto Shinya
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly spread from Wuhan, China to other parts of China and other regions/countries around the world, resulting in a pandemic due to large populations moving through the massive transport hubs connecting all regions of China via railways and a major international airport. COVID-19 will remain a threat until safe and effective vaccines and antiviral drugs have been developed, distributed, and administered on a global scale. Thus, there is urgent need to establish effective implementation of preemptive non-pharmaceutical interventions for appropriate prevention and control strategies, and predicting future COVID-19 cases is required to monitor and control the issue.

Methods

This study attempts to utilize a three-layer graph convolutional network (GCN) model to predict future COVID-19 cases in 190 regions and countries using COVID-19 case data, commercial flight route data, and digital maps of public transportation in terms of transnational human mobility. We compared the performance of the proposed GCN model to a multilayer perceptron (MLP) model on a dataset of COVID-19 cases (excluding the graph representation). The prediction performance of the models was evaluated using the mean squared error.

Results

Our results demonstrate that the proposed GCN model can achieve better graph utilization and performance compared to the baseline in terms of both prediction accuracy and stability.

Discussion

The proposed GCN model is a useful means to predict COVID-19 cases at regional and national levels. Such predictions can be used to facilitate public health solutions in public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic using deep learning and data pooling. In addition, the proposed GCN model may help public health policymakers in decision making in terms of epidemic prevention and control strategies.
Building community capacity to stimulate physical activity and dietary behavior in Dutch secondary schools: Evaluation of the FLASH intervention using the REAIM framework
Authors: van Dongen Bonnie Maria , de Vries Inge Maria , Ridder Monica Antonia Maria , de Boer Michiel , Steenhuis Ingrid Hendrika Margaretha , Renders Carry Mira
Published: August 2022

Background

Building community capacity in secondary schools is a promising strategy for the sustainable implementation of school-based health promotion. The Fit Lifestyle at School and at Home (FLASH) intervention explored how building community capacity works for the prevention of overweight following four strategies: leadership, participatory school culture, tailored health-promotion activities, and local networks. This study evaluates the intervention's impact on community capacity and capacity-building processes over a period of 3 years, as well as its effects on adolescents' BMI and waist circumference.

Methods

A mixed-methods design guided by the RE-AIM framework was used. Impact on community capacity was evaluated with semi-structured interviews at the start and end of the intervention and analyzed using an anchored coding scale. Capacity-building processes were evaluated using interviews, journals, questionnaires, and the minutes of meetings. The effects on BMI z-scores and waist circumference were evaluated using a quasi-experimental design comparing an intervention (IG) and reference group (RG), based on multi-level analyses.

Results

Community capacity improved across all intervention schools but varied between capacity-building strategies. Leadership recorded the greatest improvements, aided by the appointment of Healthy School Coordinators, who increasingly focused on coordinating processes and fostering collaborations. Participatory school culture also improved through the adoption and implementation of participatory methods and a general increase in awareness concerning the importance of the Healthy School approach. Although additional health-promotion activities were implemented, stakeholders struggled with tailoring these to the specific dynamics of their schools. Limited improvements were observed in setting-up local networks that could help schools encourage healthy behavior among pupils. Differences in BMI z-scores between IG and RG over the total sample were negligible whereas waist circumference increased slightly more in IG (0.99 cm, 95% CI [.04; 1.93]). However, differences were inconsistent over time and between cohorts.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of building community capacity. It emphasizes that this is a process in which stakeholders must become acquainted with new leadership roles and responsibilities. To navigate this process, schools need support in improving communication, establishing local networks, and sustaining capacity-building efforts in school policy.

Trial registration

ISRCTN67201841; date registered: 09/05/2019, retrospectively registered.
HIV epidemic among Brazilian women who have sex with women: An ecological study
Authors: Bezerra Ana Luisa Lemos , Sorensen William , Rodrigues Taymara Barbosa , Sousa Sara Melissa Lago , Carneiro Márcia Simão , Polaro Sandra Helena Isse , Ramos Aline Maria Pereira Cruz , Ferreira Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff , Gir Elucir , Reis Renata Karina , Botelho Eliã Pinheiro
Published: August 2022

The influences of public policies fighting HIV among women who have sex with women is scarcely studied. This study aimed to analyse the time series of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, between 2007 and 2020, among Brazilian women who have sex with women, in order to evaluate the effect of Brazilian policies for fighting HIV in this subpopulation compared to women who have sex with men (WSM). This ecological study employed HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) new cases among women who have sex strictly with women (WSW), women who have sex with men and women (WSMW), and WSM reported to the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação from 2007 to 2020. Crude Brazilian and regional annual age-adjusted HIV/AIDS population-level incidence rates were calculated for WSW, WSMW and WSM. The rates were then analyzed using the Joinpoint regression model. A total of 102,890, 757, and 1,699 notifications of WSW, WSMW, and WSM living with HIV/AIDS were reported during the study period, respectively. South Brazilian region had the greatest HIV/AIDS incidence rates among WSM and bisexual women while the North region had the greatest incidence among WSW. In the WSM population, the temporal trends showed at least one stable or an increasing trend period from 2007 to 2013 or 2014, followed by one decreasing trend in all Brazilian regions. While among the WSMW most of the regions had a stable trend period from 2007 to 2020, in WSW group most of the trends had only one decreasing period. The decreasing trends were faster in WSM than in WSW. These results suggest a low efficiency of Brazilian policies for fighting HIV among WSW and WSMW and show the necessity of implementing new policies specific to this population.
The effect of basic medical insurance on the changes of primary care seeking behavior: An application of hierarchical age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Cao Na , Li Xuyang , Jiang Junfeng , Xu Wenyan
Published: August 2022

In order to encourage residents to go to primary care facilities, China has set up differentiated basic medical insurance reimbursement ratios. The study aims to use the dynamic point of view of longitudinal data to examine the changes in the impact of basic medical insurance on primary care. The data for this study comes from the Chinese Family Panel Study (CFPS) in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. We adopted Hierarchal Age-period-cohort-Cross-Classified Random Effects Models (HAPC-CCREM) to examine the changes in the impact of basic medical insurance on primary care. Compared with non-insured groups, participants of the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (coefficient = 0.730) have a relatively high incidence of primary care seeks, while Urban Residents' Basic Medical Insurance (coefficient = −0.482) and Urban Employees' Basic Medical Insurance (coefficient = −0.663) are lower, respectively. Age, period over time and cohort have a more obvious moderating effect on primary care seeks. The study of primary care behavior is an important direction for the construction of a hierarchical medical system. As basic medical insurance is the source of power for the hierarchical medical system, we can provide certain direction for policy formulation on the changes of basic medical insurance in primary care behavior.
Prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence
Authors: Tesfay Fisaha Haile , Zorbas Christina , Alston Laura , Backholer Kathryn , Bowe Steven J. , Bennett Catherine M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing global health challenge disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income settings, including Ethiopia. Currently, the body of evidence describing the burden of NCDs is fragmented, inconsistent, health facility- or institution-based, and out-dated in Ethiopia. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NCDs in community settings in Ethiopia.

Review methodology

Community-based quantitative studies published in English between January 1st, 2012, and June 30th, 2022, that reported on the prevalence of NCDs in Ethiopia were included. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health using pretested search terms related to NCDs was conducted, and data were extracted using a piloted data extraction proforma adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16. While the pooled prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and undiagnosed (DM) was computed and presented using forest plots, then overall prevalence of NCDs and other various types of NCDs were narratively synthesized. I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Studies that did not fulfill the criteria (used similar tool to measure the types of NCDs) for meta-analysis were narratively synthesized.

Results

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies measured the prevalence of NCDs (all NCDs together), ranging from 29 to 35% (prevalence estimates not pooled). The pooled prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) across ten studies was 5% (95% CI: 4–7%). Three studies each reported on the prevalence of undiagnosed DM (pooled prevalence 5%, 95% CI: 4–7%) and pre-DM (pooled prevalence 7%, 95% CI: 3–14%%). In a narrative analysis the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions ranged from 13.4 to 32.2% (n = 3 studies), cancer mortality ranged from 4 to 18% (n = 3 studies) and respiratory conditions ranged from 1 to 18% (n = 3 studies). Some studies have determined more than one NCDs and that is why the total number of studies are exceeding more than twenty studies.

Conclusion and recommendations

Our analysis found that approximately one-third of Ethiopians have an NCD, with cardiovascular diseases the most common of all NCDs. The prevalence of respiratory conditions also appears high, but there are insufficient data for a pooled estimate. Whilst the prevalence of DM appears relatively low, there is evidence that the magnitude is increasing. Public health actions to address the high burden of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the increasing magnitude of DM in Ethiopia, must be prioritized.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO [CRD42020196815].
Differences in health-related quality of life among patients after ankle injury
Authors: Gribble Phillip A. , Kleis Rachel E. , Simon Janet E. , Vela Luzita I. , Thomas Abbey C.
Published: August 2022

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries sustained in the physically active, often associated with pain and functional limitations long after initial recovery. In recent years, the impact of ankle sprains on general health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been noted in athletes, but is not well-documented in the general population. We examined differences in HRQoL and general health between individuals with ankle sprain history and healthy controls. Those with ankle sprain reported significantly higher body mass index and general body pain, and lower SF-8 physical component scores than healthy controls. Additionally, there is some indication that physical activity is lower in those with ankle sprain history. This is an important step in illustrating the adverse sequelae of ankle sprains on population health and HRQoL.
Ultrasonographic assessment of the renal size using a kidney length to vertebral body length ratio in cats
Authors: Martinez Miryam , Soler Marta , Laredo Francisco G. , Belda Eliseo , Agut Amalia
Published: August 2022

Ultrasonographic assessment of the renal size can provide useful clinical information, in combination with other ultrasonographic parameters. The aims of this study were to establish the agreement between the ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of the kidneys (K) and vertebral bodies (L5 and L6), to establish an ultrasonographic measurement of kidney-to-vertebral body (L5 and L6) ratio to estimate the renal size in cats, and to assess the impact of age, body weight, sex, and gonadal status on the ultrasonographic measurements of the kidneys, vertebral bodies, and ratios. The vertebral bodies of L5 and L6 were chosen as they were easy to identify with ultrasonography (US) using the lumbosacral junction as a landmark, and they are not usually affected by vertebral anomalies. A total of 60 cats (19 intact males, 12 neutered males, 17 intact females, and 12 neutered females) were included in the study. The cats were divided into three age groups (<7 months, 7 months−7 years, and >7 years), two body weight categories (≤ 3.5 kg and >3.5 kg), and two sex and gonadal status groups (male and female, and intact and neutered, respectively). Measurements of the renal and vertebral body length were performed on the radiographic and ultrasonographic images. Two different ratios were obtained, namely, K/L5 and K/L6. There was no significant difference between the length of both kidneys and the length of the vertebral bodies of L5 and L6 on ultrasonographic or radiographic images. There was a good agreement between ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of both kidneys and vertebral bodies. In conclusion, the kidney length to L6 length ratio obtained was 1.81 ± 0.20 (1.76–1.86), which was useful for evaluating the size of the feline kidney and was not influenced by the age, body weight, sex, or gonadal status.
The association of Curcuma and Scutellaria plant extracts improves laying hen thermal tolerance and egg oxidative stability and quality under heat stress conditions
Authors: Giannenas Ilias , Sakkas Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Georgios A. , Mitsopoulos Ioannis , Stylianaki Ioanna , Dokou Stella , Tsiouris Vasileios , Papagrigoriou Theodora , Panheleux Marina , Robert Fabrice , Bampidis Vasileios A.
Published: August 2022

Chronic exposure to high ambient temperatures is detrimental to laying hen performance and egg quality. Plant secondary metabolites may alleviate effects, partly due to their antioxidant activities. Herein, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with a phytonutrient solution (PHYTO) consisting of a plant extract combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Curcuma longa on young layers (25–32 wk of age) raised under naturally elevated temperature conditions. Four hundred, 24-wk-old Lohmann hens were allocated in 50 cages and, after a week of adaptation, were offered a diet either containing 2 g/kg of PHYTO or not, for 8 wk. Hen BW was measured at the beginning and end of the trial, and egg production and feed intake were recorded weekly. At week 32, four eggs per cage were collected to determine egg quality characteristics as well as the rate of lipid and albumen oxidation in fresh eggs. At the end of the trial, two hens per cage were blood sampled for assessment of biochemical markers, one of which was euthanized for histopathological evaluation of the liver and intestine and assessment of intestinal histomorphometry. The herbal mixture supplementation significantly increased egg production rate at weeks 28 and 29 and for the overall production period, and feed efficiency at weeks 26–29. In addition, the degree of liver necrosis and microvascular thrombosis was lower (P < 0.05) whereas intestinal villosity was greater in duodenal and jejunal segments (P < 0.05) in the PHYTO compared to the control group. Supplementation also reduced (P < 0.05) blood concentrations of corticosterone, alanine aminotransferase activity, and TBARS, and a reduction in catalase activity was observed. Egg quality characteristics were not affected, except for eggshell thickness, egg diameter, and eggshell breaking strength that were superior in the PHYTO group (P < 0.05). PHYTO supplementation significantly improved egg lipid oxidation status of fresh eggs. In conclusion, supplementation with PHYTO improved laying hen productivity and egg quality, which was associated with an improvement in laying hen thermotolerance.
Dietary Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Alleviates the Liver Injury Induced by Long-Term High-Fat Diets in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Sun Hao Yang , Gu Ai Xin , Huang Bi Ying , Zhang Tong , Li Jian Ping , Shan An Shan
Published: August 2022

In mammals, the liver is the most important organ that plays a vital function in lipid metabolism. Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSPE) is a kind of natural polyphenolic compound primarily obtained from grape skin and seeds. Recent research found it had high bioavailability in defending against obesity, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and targeting liver tissue. However, the mechanism of GSPE in regulating obesity induced by dietary high-fat (HF) was not fully understood, particularly the influences on liver functions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of GSPE supplementation on the liver function and lipid metabolic parameters in rats fed HF diets long-term. A total of 40 healthy female Sprague Dawley rats were selected. After 8 weeks of obesity model feeding, the rats were randomly divided into four treatments: NC, standard diet; NC + GSPE, standard diet + 500 mg/kg body weight GSPE; HF, high-fat diet; HG + GSPE, high fat diet + 500 mg/kg body weight GSPE. Results indicated that long-term HF feeding caused severe liver problems including megalohepatia, steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. The supplementation of GSPE alleviated these symptoms. The results of the current experiment confirmed that GSPE addition up-regulated the expression of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby restraining the liver cell endoplasmic reticulum stress and hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the microRNA-103 may play a role in this signal-regulated pathway. In summary, GSPE had a protective effect on the liver and the current experiment provided a reference for the application of GSPE in animal nutrition as a kind of natural feed additive.
Beyond the Individual -A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Mapping of Ecological Determinants of Eating Behavior in Older Adults
Authors: Montez De Sousa Íris Rafaela , Bergheim Ina , Brombach Christine
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The objective of this scoping review was to summarize and provide a visual overview of the present-day knowledge on ecological determinants of eating behavior in community-dwelling elderly persons in relation with nutrition communication, considering the evolution of the field. The second objective was to integrate results in recommendations for the development of nutrition communication strategies.

Methods: A literature review was performed on Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar, according with the PRISMA protocol for scoping reviews. An a-priori analysis was executed by categorizing determinants from the literature according with the different levels represented in the ecological framework and an a-posteriori analysis by using VosViewer for a chronological bibliometric mapping analysis.

Results: Of 4029 articles retrieved, 77 were selected for analysis. Initial publications focused more on individual determinants of eating behavior. Over time, there was a shift towards a holistic view of eating behavior considering the “food environment”, including social networks, physical settings and public policy.

Conclusion: Beyond the individual, all ecological levels are relevant when targeting eating behavior in the elderly. Nutrition communication strategies should be structured considering these influences.
Wykorzystanie matematycznych zadań tekstowych w rozwijaniu kompetencji gramatycznych w dydaktyce języka polskiego jako języka edukacji szkolnej cudzoziemców
Authors: Jędryka Beata Katarzyna
Published: August 2022

The number of students with the experience of migration has been growing
year by year in Polish schools. They need to learn Polish relatively fast for
educational purposes. This paper presents, based on a pilot glottodidactic
experiment, the observations of how foreign children could be helped to learn
Polish using simple math exercises. The demonstrated outline of the didactic
innovation is aimed at showing how the repeatability of language sequences in
the narration of the exercises affects the development of students’ grammatical
and lexical competence.