bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle and Health-Related Quality of Life Relationships Concerning Metabolic Disease Phenotypes on the Nutrimdea Online Cohort
Authors: Higuera-Gómez Andrea , Ribot-Rodríguez Rosa , Micó Victor , Cuevas-Sierra Amanda , San Cristóbal Rodrigo , Martínez Jose Alfredo
Published: January 2023

Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular events are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) directly related to lifestyle and life quality. Rises on NCDs rates are leading to increases in early deaths concerning metabolic morbidities. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been described as a subjective perception about the influence of health and personal features on human well-being. This study aimed to characterize phenotypic and lifestyle roles on the occurrence of metabolic diseases and determine the potential mutual interactions and with HRQoL. Data from an online adult population (NUTRiMDEA study, n = 17,332) were used to estimate an adapted Obesogenic Score (ObS), while logistic regression analyses were fitted in order to examine relevant factors related to the prevalence of different metabolic diseases including HRQoL. Sex and age showed significant differences depending on lifestyle and metabolic health (p < 0.05). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity showed a mutual interaction concerning ObS (p < 0.001), as well with metabolic health (p = 0.044). Furthermore, metabolic diseases showed own features related to sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics in this population. Metabolic syndrome components may be differently influenced by diverse lifestyle or socioeconomic factors which in turn affect the perceived HRQoL. These outcomes should be taken into account individually for a precision medicine and public health purposes.
Sense of Coherence and Self-Rated Aggression of Adolescents during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic, with a Focus on the Effects of Animal Assisted Activities
Authors: Tóth Ákos Levente , Kívés Zsuzsanna , Szovák Etelka , Kresák Réka , Jeges Sára , Kertai Bendegúz , Pelyva Imre Zoltán
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused extreme deviations from everyday life. The aim of this study was to investigate how these deviations affected adolescents’ sense of coherence and their level of aggression, and whether this was influenced by their relationship with animals, especially horses. In two random samples of students from vocational schools in Hungary, taken in June 2018 and June 2020 (n1 = 525, n2 = 412), separate groups were drawn from those who had regularly engaged in equine-assisted activities (ES) and those who had not (OS) before the pandemic. Data were collected using an anonymous, paper-based questionnaire, and during the pandemic an online version of the Sense of Coherence (SOC13) and Bryant–Smith (B12) scales. During the pandemic, boys’ sense of coherence weakened and their aggressiveness increased. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that, regardless of gender and age group, increased time spent using the internet (p < 0.001), a lack of classmates (p = 0.017), reduced time spent outdoors (p = 0.026) and reduced physical activity (p < 0.038) during the pandemic significantly increased the tendency for aggressive behavior, whereas being with a horse or pet was beneficial (p < 0.001). The changes imposed by the curfew were rated as bad by 90% of the pupils, however, those with a strong sense of coherence felt less negatively about them. Schools should place a great emphasis on strengthening the students’ sense of coherence.
Childhood Bullying Victimization, Substance Use and Criminal Activity among Adolescents: A Multilevel Growth Model Study
Authors: Lee Jungup , Choi Mijin , Holland Margaret M. , Radey Melissa , Tripodi Stephen J.
Published: January 2023

Background: This study aims to examine the effects of childhood bullying victimization (CBV) on substance use and criminal activity among adolescents over time. In addition, it identifies the moderating effects of gender and race/ethnicity on the associations of CBV with substance abuse and criminal activity in adolescence and young adulthood. Methods: This study included 8984 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (Mage = 14.22 years) assessed biennially at four time points utilizing the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. The two-level hierarchical linear modeling was employed to test the effects of CBV on substance use and criminal activity. Results: The incidence of substance use increased over time throughout adolescence to young adulthood, while that of criminal activity decreased. CBV increased the risks of cigarette use, marijuana use, and criminal activity. Gender and race/ethnicity significantly moderated the effect of CBV on alcohol use and alcohol binges. The effect of CBV on alcohol use was stronger among females than males. Among Hispanic adolescents, CBV was more strongly related to alcohol use and binges compared to non-Hispanic White. Conclusion: Findings suggest the need for early intervention for children at high risk of being bullied to reduce later substance abuse and involvement in criminal activities. Considering the moderating effects of gender and ethnicity on the associations, target-specified intervention and prevention programs are also required. Further studies focusing on the lifelong effects of CBV beyond adolescence are recommended.
The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress and Academic Procrastination between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yang Leshui , Liu Zongyu , Shi Shengnan , Dong Ye , Cheng Huijun , Li Tuojian
Published: January 2023

Depressive symptoms, a prevalent mood illness, significantly harm college students’ physical and mental health. Individuals have experienced some degree of psychological harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking this into account, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating roles of perceived stress and academic procrastination. A total of 586 college students were subjected to the Physical Activity Scale (PARS-3), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Findings from this research demonstrated that there was a significant positive correlation between perceived stress, academic procrastination, and depressive symptoms, while PA was significantly negatively correlated with perceived stress, academic procrastination, and depressive symptoms. The results of the chain mediation analysis showed that PA had a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms. Perceived stress, academic procrastination, and perceived stress-academic procrastination had significant mediating and chain mediating effects on the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, PA among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic affects their depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through the independent mediating effect of perceived stress and academic procrastination, as well as the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and academic procrastination.
COVID-Related Distress Is Associated with Increased Menstrual Pain and Symptoms in Adult Women
Authors: Payne Laura A. , Seidman Laura C. , Ren Boyu , Greenfield Shelly F.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in heightened stress for many individuals, with women reporting more stress than men. Although a large body of evidence has demonstrated that stress, in general, can impact the menstrual cycle, it is not yet clear if COVID-specific stress would impact women’s menstrual health. The current study explored the relationship between COVID-related stress and distress and menstrual variables (menstrual pain, number and severity of menstrual symptoms, and menstrual pain interference) in a sample of reproductive-age adult women. Seven-hundred fifteen women completed the initial survey and were re-contacted to complete the same survey three months later. Of those recontacted, 223 completed the follow-up survey. Results indicated that COVID-related stress and distress was associated with higher levels of menstrual pain, more frequent and more severe menstrual symptoms, and greater menstrual pain interference, even after accounting for age, hormonal use, bodily pain, and pain catastrophizing. Our findings suggest that women experience unique vulnerabilities that directly impact their health and functioning, and both research and clinical care should address these symptoms through careful assessment and treatment of menstrual pain and symptoms, particularly during and after periods of high stress and distress.
Dynamic Evolutionary Analysis of Land Use/Cover and Ecosystem Service Values on Hainan Island
Authors: Jin Zihan , Xiong Changsheng , Luan Qiaolin , Wang Fang
Published: January 2023

This study of Hainan Island, based on three periods of land use/cover data from 2008, 2013, and 2017, uses the intensity analysis model and landscape pattern index to portray the dynamic changes of land use on the island and a quantitative analysis of the spatial and temporal evolutionary characteristics of ecosystem service values (ESV) based on the equivalent factor method. At the same time, the response of ESV to landscape pattern changes is explored. The results indicate: (1) From 2008 to 2017, the cultivated land in the coastal areas around Hainan Island continued to expand, which squeezed out forest land and reduced its area. The growth of built-up areas in Haikou City and Sanya City was more dramatic. (2) A weakening trend in the intensity of land use on Hainan Island during the study period. There were significant changes in cultivated land, grassland, and bare land, with forest land, grassland, and water bodies transformed into cultivated land. Built-up areas increased mainly through the occupation of cultivated land, grassland, and water bodies. (3) The fragmentation of landscape patches and the diversity of landscapes on Hainan Island increased, with the distribution of landscape types tending to be balanced. (4) From 2008 to 2017, the overall ESV of the island showed an initial decrease before increasing; the main spatial distribution characteristic of the ESV was “high in the central and low in the surroundings”. (5) The mean patch area, the Shannon diversity index, and the largest patch index showed clear positive correlations to ESV.
Mask-Wearing and Handwashing Behaviors of Chinese Rural Residents during the Pandemic of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Liang Chengyao , Li Zhuoyang , Wu Yugao , Lin Baixue , Fang Jing
Published: January 2023

Objective: To understand mask-wearing and handwashing behaviors of Chinese rural residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the associated factors. Methods: This study used a multi-stage random sampling method to conduct a cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the period of July to December of 2021, in six counties located in Shandong, Shanxi, and Yunnan provinces representing the eastern, central, and western regions of China, respectively. A total of 3864 villagers were surveyed with a questionnaire, and 3832 valid questionnaires were finally analyzed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Around ninety-four percent (93.6%) of rural residents reported mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but only 44.5% of them could replace masks in time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those who were female, aged 15–59, had an education level of high school and above, were divorced/widowed, worked as farmers (workers), or were rural residents in Shandong Province were more likely to wear masks. Furthermore, those who were female, aged 15–59, had an education level of high school and above, were unmarried and married, were business and service workers, or were rural residents in Shandong and Shanxi Province replaced masks more timely. Around seventy percent (69.7%) of rural residents reported using soap when washing their hands, but only 38.0% of rural residents could wash their hands properly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that rural residents who were aged 35–59, had an education of high school and above, or lived in Shandong Province and Shanxi Province were more likely to wash their hands with soap. Those who were aged 15–59, had an education of high school and above, worked as farmers (workers), were employees of governmental departments and retirees, were business and service workers, or were students had higher proper handwashing rates. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of Chinese rural residents wearing masks reached 93.6%, but only 44.5% were able to replace masks in time, gender, age, education level, marital status, occupation, and living place had an impact on mask-wearing. The proportion of Chinese rural residents who could wash hands with soap reached 69.7%, but only 38.0% could wash their hands properly. Age and education level were influencing factors for both washing-hand with soap and proper handwashing.
Designing a Needs-Oriented Psychological Intervention for Chinese Women Undergoing an Abortion
Authors: Wang Na , Creedy Debra K. , Zhang Mingna , Lu Hong , Elder Elizabeth , Allen Jyai , Guo Li , Xiao Qian , Gamble Jenny
Published: January 2023

Accessing good quality abortion care is a fundamental human right and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. However, well-designed abortion care that meets women’s needs is limited. This study aims to systematically develop an intervention to promote the psychological well-being of Chinese women undergoing an abortion. A five-step iterative approach informed by intervention mapping was undertaken to determine the intervention design. Step 1 used in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese women undergoing an abortion to assess real-life stressors and support needs. We identified eight stressors and found women’s support needs varied with the time trajectory of the abortion. Step 2 used a focus group discussion with care providers to select modifiable stressors that impact negative psychological outcomes. In Step 3 and Step 4, we determined and integrated the exact strategies to eliminate or mitigate possible modifiable stressors by incorporating information from in-depth interviews and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The integrated strategies were instructional support, informational support, and timely communication. In Step 5, we composed the detailed intervention design according to the best available evidence and, to confirm content validity, consulted 10 women who had undergone abortion in the previous 2–6 weeks. The intervention was titled STress-And-coping suppoRT (START), which included four interacting components: (1) a face-to-face consultation at the first appointment; (2) a printed booklet with information on abortion, self-care, and managing emotions and intimate relationships; (3) a WeChat-based online public profile page offering the same information as the booklet; (4) a telephone hotline. This study paves the way for a new approach to addressing the psychological needs of women experiencing abortion in China. The rigorous process provides an example of developing tailored health promotion interventions.
Ecological Civilization and High-Quality Development: Do Tourism Industry and Technological Progress Affect Ecological Economy Development?
Authors: Yang Wei , Chen Qiuxia , Dao Yanyue , Huang Xiaoting , Shao Weifang
Published: January 2023

The tourism industry is considered a smokeless industry or green economy. Under the circumstances of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, it is essential and urgent to explore whether the tourism industry and technological progress can promote ecological economy development. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in mainland China from 2007–2019, this paper, for the first time, incorporates the tourism industry, technological progress, and ecological economy development into the analytical framework by constructing a PVAR model. In addition, this paper calculates the indicator weights of each variable using the entropy weighting method. This paper utilizes GMM tests, impulse response analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, and variance decomposition to empirically investigate the dynamic impact mechanism of variables interacting with each other. The conclusions are as follows. First, the tourism industry always contributes positively to ecological economy development, while technological progress can facilitate ecological economy development in the long run rather than in the short term. Second, the tourism industry also positively contributes to technological progress. Third, ecological economy development has a “crowding out effect” on the tourism industry. Fourth, the tourism industry in developed eastern regions has a more powerful impact on ecological economy development than in underdeveloped middle and western regions. Based on the empirical results, we provide practical implications: first, the assessment system of the regional economy should include ecological development indicators; second, the tourism industry should accelerate the use of clean energy and the transformation of green technological innovation.
Gender Felt Pressure, Affective Domains, and Mental Health Outcomes among Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Developmental and Clinical Implications
Authors: Mezzalira Selene , Scandurra Cristiano , Mezza Fabrizio , Miscioscia Marina , Innamorati Marco , Bochicchio Vincenzo
Published: January 2023

Although capable of mobilizing significant resilience factors to face stigma and discrimination, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children and adolescents tend to suffer from more adverse mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender counterparts. The minority stressors that this population faces are mainly due to the gender-based pressure to conform to their assigned gender. This systematic review was aimed at assessing the potential mental health issues that affect the TGD population. The literature search was conducted in three databases; namely, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, based on the PRISMA guidelines. The 33 articles included in the systematic review pointed out how TGD children and adolescents experience high levels of anxiety and depression, as well as other emotional and behavioral problems, such as eating disorders and substance use. Resilience factors have been also pointed out, which aid this population in facing these negative mental health outcomes. The literature review highlighted that, on the one hand, TGD individuals appear to exhibit high levels of resilience; nonetheless, health disparities exist for TGD individuals compared with the general population, which are mainly attributable to the societal gender pressure to conform to their assigned gender. Considerations for research and clinical practice are provided.
Prevalence Rates of Depression and Anxiety among Young Rural and Urban Australians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kasturi Sushmitha , Oguoma Victor M. , Grant Janie Busby , Niyonsenga Theo , Mohanty Itismita
Published: January 2023

Globally, depression and anxiety are major public health concerns with onset during adolescence. While rural Australia experiences overall lower health outcomes, variation in mental health prevalence rates between rural and urban Australia is unclear. The aim of this paper was to estimate the pooled prevalence rates for depression and anxiety among young Australians aged between 10 and 24 years. Selected studies from a systematic literature search were assessed for risk of bias. Random effects model using DerSimonian and Laird method with Freeman–Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation was fitted. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Prevalence estimates were stratified by region and disorder. The overall pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety was 25.3% (95% CI, 19.9–31.0%). In subgroup analysis, anxiety prevalence was 29.9% (95% CI, 21.6–39.0%); depression: 21.3% (95% CI, 14.9–28.5%); and depression or anxiety: 27.2% (95% CI, 20.3–34.6%). Depression and anxiety prevalence were higher in urban 26.1% (95% CI, 17.3–35.9%) compared to rural areas 24.9% (95% CI, 17.5–33%), although the difference was not statistically significant. The heterogeneity was high with an I2 score of 95.8%. There is need for further research on healthcare access, mental health literacy and help-seeking attitude in Australia.
Sustainable Behavior with Respect to Managing E-Wastes: Factors Influencing E-Waste Management among Young Consumers
Authors: Garg Swati , Ahmad Asad , Madsen Dag Øivind , Sohail Shahab Saquib
Published: January 2023

With the proliferation of technological tools and the advancement in electronic devices and accessories, consumers across the world are changing and upgrading their electronic devices at an alarming rate. However, these developments have raised concerns related to electronic waste (E-waste). E-wastes contain toxic substances which may have a negative impact on both humans and the environment. This issue needs to be addressed by the research community, i.e., what would be the best way to get rid of existing devices? It is clear that countries need to work towards a more sustainable consumption pattern and consumers need to change their behaviour. The present study focuses on sustainable behaviour of consumers in terms of e-waste management. In this context, the study attempts to explore the factors influencing e-waste management among young consumers. In the present study, the Theory of Planned Behavior is extended by including the additional factors Government Policy, Environmental Concern, Financial Benefits and Awareness. A researcher-controlled sampling was employed to collect data from 524 respondents. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the questionnaire constructs and confirm the relationships among the variables. The findings of the study suggest a significant role for government policy, financial benefits, environmental concerns, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control in determining young consumers’ behavioural intentions toward the management of e-waste. The study findings have implications for both researchers and marketing practitioners.
Efficient Remediation of Cadmium- and Lead-Contaminated Water by Using Fe-Modified Date Palm Waste Biochar-Based Adsorbents
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz G. , Alasmary Zafer
Published: January 2023

Heavy metals pollution of water resources is an emerging concern worldwide and seeks immediate attention. Date palm waste was transformed into biochar (BC), which was further modified through Fe-intercalation for the production of magnetic biochar (Fe-BC) in this study. The produced BC and Fe-BC were analyzed for chemical, proximate, surface, and elemental composition. The efficiency of the produced adsorbents to decontaminate the water from Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions was investigated through kinetics and an isotherm adsorption batch trial. Kinetics adsorption data fit well with the pseudo-second order and power function model, while equilibrium data were described well with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacity as shown by the Langmuir model was the highest for Fe-BC for both Cd2+ (48.44 mg g−1) and Pb2+ (475.14 mg g−1), compared with that of BC (26.78 mg g−1 Cd2+ and 160.07 mg g−1 Pb2+). Both materials showed higher removal of Pb (36.34% and 99.90% on BC and Fe-BC, respectively) as compared with Cd (5.23% and 12.28% on BC and Fe-BC, respectively) from a binary solution. Overall, Fe-BC was more efficient in adsorbing both of the studied metals from contaminated water. The application of Fe-BC resulted in 89% higher adsorption of Cd2+ and 197% higher adsorption of Pb2+ from aqueous media as compared to BC. Kinetics and isotherm models as well as SEM–EDS analysis of the post-adsorption adsorbents suggested multiple adsorption mechanisms including chemisorption, pore-diffusion, and electrostatic interactions.
Governance of China’s Potatso National Park Influenced by Local Community Participation
Authors: Ma Ting , Jia Lizhi , Zhong Linsheng , Gong Xinyu , Wei Yu
Published: January 2023

Conservationists recognize that protected areas (PAs) have limited prospects without the involvement and support of local people. As a governance strategy, community participation is to implement the coordinated development of communities and PAs. However, the effects of community participation on national park governance have rarely been tested. Therefore, the present study used a mixed-method approach that is derived from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) green list of protected and conserved areas (PCA) conservation outcomes framework, calibrated to the indigenous peoples and local communities’ (IPLCs) self-assessments about the outcomes of community participation on national park governance to explore the community participation effects. Our results show that management efficiency controls governance outcomes. Potatso National Park’s transformation from the tourism development model to national park is still ongoing, and there exists quite a few problems. We conclude that a successful national park governance as envisaged by the “ecological civilization” paradigm requires a balance of government regulation, participation of various stakeholders in decision-making and discussion, compensation, as well as sustainable access to environmental resources by the affected populations.
Perception of Parental Attitudes and Self-Efficacy in Refusing Alcohol Drinking and Smoking by Spanish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gázquez Linares José Jesús , Barragán Martín Ana Belén , Molero Jurado María del Mar , Simón Márquez María del Mar , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Martos Martínez África , Del Pino Salvador Rosa María
Published: January 2023

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to initiation of the use of substances harmful to health, and its increase is cause for concern. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy in refusing alcohol and the attitude of adolescents toward drugs and their perception of their parents’ attitude toward refusal. The study was carried out in 2019 in a sample of 1287 students from 11 public high schools in the province of Almería (Spain). Students were aged 14 to 18 in their 3rd and 4th year of compulsory secondary education. The Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire—Revised Adolescent version (DRSEQ-RA), Attitudes Toward Taking Drugs—Basic BIP Scale and the Parents’ attitudes Toward Drug Use were administered. The results showed that family relationships seem to have a direct impact on adolescent patterns in smoking and drinking alcohol. However, a favorable attitude toward drugs is a risk factor for drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. The self-efficacy dimension also acts as a protective factor against the probability of using alcohol or tobacco. The conclusions emphasized that communication within the family core can increase or decrease the risk of adolescents using substances harmful to health.
Intergenerational Day Centers: A New Wave in Adult and Child Day Care
Authors: Norouzi Neda , Angel Jacqueline L.
Published: January 2023

Intergenerational Day Centers (IDCs) are an innovation that addresses two important societal challenges, the continuing need for childcare and the emerging demand for older-adult supportive services that help them remain independent in their homes. These facilities provide care, and specialized resources and activities for both older adults and children in one location. While the importance and benefits of these programs have been proven, there is scant information in the literature and best-practice guidelines on the planning and development of these programs. This qualitative study focuses on the research, planning, and building development for new IDCs in metropolitan areas. It is based on a case example of the process of establishing an IDC in the City of Austin, which was an element of the Age-Friendly Austin Plan. It examines the applicable literature and the extensive involvement of experts in architecture, community planning, and public health policy as well as data collected from community engagement workshops to facilitate the IDC’s creation and operation. This study offers a developmental strategy method that can be adopted and utilized by other cities, developers, and designers who are interested in building IDCs.
Physical Healthcare for People with a Severe Mental Illness in Belgium by Long-Term Community Mental Health Outreach Teams: A Qualitative Descriptive Study on Physicians’, Community Mental Health Workers’ and Patients’ Perspectives
Authors: Martens Nicolaas , De Haeck Eline , Van De Vondel Evelyn , Destoop Marianne , Catthoor Kirsten , Dom Geert , Van Den Broeck Kris
Published: January 2023

Background: People with a severe mental illness (pSMI) often have comorbid physical health problems, resulting in a lower life expectancy compared to the global population. In Belgium, it remains unclear how to approach health disparities in pSMI in a community setting. This study explores the perspectives of both care professionals and patients on physical healthcare in Belgian community mental services, aiming to identify good practices, barriers and points of improvement. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design that used a semi-structured focus group interview with physicians combined with individual face-to-face interviews with physicians, mental health professionals and patients. Results: We identified care professional-, patient-related and organizational factors, as well as points of improvement. The identified themes linked to care professionals were communication, task distribution, knowledge, time and stigmatization. The co-location of services was the main theme on an organizational level. Conclusions: As community-based mental health services in Belgium emerged in the past decade, addressing physical health in pSMI is still challenging. Our findings suggest that there is a need for improvement in the current healthcare provision. Multidisciplinary guidelines, shared patient records, enlarging nurses’ tasks, providing financial incentives and a structural integration of primary and psychiatric care were perceived as major points of improvement to the current Belgian healthcare organization.
The Predictors of Unsafe Behaviors among Nuclear Power Plant Workers: An Investigation Integrating Personality, Cognitive and Attitudinal Factors
Authors: Tao Da , Diao Xiaofeng , Qu Xingda , Ma Xiaoting , Zhang Tingru
Published: January 2023

Unsafe behaviors, such as violations and human errors, have long been recognized as the main causes of accidents in nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, personal factors that influence unsafe behaviors among NPP workers have not been well examined, especially in an integrated model. This study proposes an integrated contextual mediated model to examine personality, cognitive and attitudinal predictors of unsafe behaviors among commissioning workers at NPPs. The model was verified using structural equation modeling technique with survey data from 177 commissioning workers in two Chinese NPPs. Results show that personality traits (i.e., conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness and agreeableness), executive function and safety attitudes exerted significant effects on unsafe behaviors. In addition, the effects of agreeableness and executive function were partly mediated by safety attitudes. Both conscientiousness and neuroticism indirectly influenced unsafe behaviors through the mediating role of executive function. The findings shed light on the design of evidence-based interventions for safety performance in NPPs.
Analysis on Incidence and Mortality Trends and Age–Period–Cohort of Breast Cancer in Chinese Women from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Yin Meng , Wang Fang , Zhang Yunquan , Meng Runtang , Yuan Xiaomei , Wang Qun , Yu Yong
Published: January 2023

Aims: To analyze the incidence and mortality trends of breast cancer among women in China from 1990 to 2019 and explore the effects of age, period, and cohort on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Methods: We performed a Joinpoint regression model to describe trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality. We used an age–period–cohort analysis model to estimate the impact of age, period, and cohort on breast cancer incidence and mortality. We collected breast cancer incidence and mortality among women aged 20–89 in China (1990–2019) from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) database. Results: The crude incidence and mortality of breast cancer from 1990 to 2019 in Chinese women showed an increasing trend, with an average annual increase percentage (AAPC) of 4.69% and 2.18%, respectively. The analysis on the age–period–cohort model revealed that the risk of incidence increased first and then decreased with age and peaked at 55–59 years old, whereas the risk of mortality increased by approximately 60.34 times from 20 to 89 years old. The risk of incidence and mortality increased by 2.64 and 1.49 times with the passage of time, respectively. The later the birth cohort is, the lower the risk of incidence and mortality will be. Conclusion: From 1990 to 2019, the incidence and mortality of breast cancer among Chinese women showed an increasing trend, and the prevention and control situation of breast cancer was still grim. Therefore, visual examination and palpation examination should be actively carried out in adult women with breast cancer, and the conventional population after 40 years of age, the high-risk population carrying hereditary breast cancer gene and the elderly population should be assisted with imaging examination along with palpation examination. When treating patients suffering from breast cancer, in order to reduce the death rate, a personalized treatment plan should be developed based on the characteristics of different patients.
Chitin-Based Magnesium Oxide Biocomposite for the Removal of Methyl Orange from Water
Authors: Majdoubi Hicham , Alqadami Ayoub Abdullah , Billah Rachid EL Kaim , Otero Marta , Jeon Byong-Hun , Hannache Hassan , Tamraoui Youssef , Khan Moonis Ali
Published: January 2023

In this work, a cost-effective chitin-based magnesium oxide (CHt@MgO) biocomposite with excellent anionic methyl orange (MO) dye removal efficiency from water was developed. The CHt@MgO biocomposite was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and TGA/DTG. Results proved the successful synthesis of CHt@MgO biocomposite. Adsorption of MO on the CHt@MgO biocomposite was optimized by varying experimental conditions such as pH, amount of adsorbent (m), contact time (t), temperature (T), and initial MO concentration (Co). The optimized parameters for MO removal by CHt@MgO biocomposite were as follows: pH, 6; m, 2 g/L; t, 120 min. Two common isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) and three kinetic models (pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and intraparticle diffusion (IPD)) were tested for experimental data fitting. Results showed that Langmuir and PFO were the most suitable to respectively describe equilibrium and kinetic results on the adsorption of MO adsorption on CHt@MgO biocomposite. The maximum Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) on CHt@MgO biocomposite toward MO dye was 252 mg/g at 60 °C. The reusability tests revealed that CHt@MgO biocomposite possessed high (90.7%) removal efficiency after the fifth regeneration cycle.
Who Is at High Risk for Child Abuse and Neglect: Risk Assessment among Battered Women Using Shelter Services
Authors: Chan Ko , Chen Mengtong , Lo Camilla , Chen Xiao , Tang Debbie , Ip Patrick
Published: January 2023

Background: The intersections between intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse and neglect (CAN) have received growing attention from the research community. However, there is limited research examining the risk factors for CAN among children of battered women who have experienced severe IPV and seek refuge in shelters. Objective: In the current study, we examined the co-occurrence of IPV and CAN and the risk factors for CAN in a sample of battered women. Participants and Setting: We recruited 260 battered women who were staying in women’s shelters in Hong Kong. Methods: We analyzed the data collected from the risk assessment reports of battered women and focused on IPV against women, CAN, and risk assessment. Results: Nearly half of the battered women had reported both IPV against themselves and CAN against their children. These women were, in general, younger, unemployed, and had been living in Hong Kong for less than seven years as new immigrants. Other risk factors for CAN in violent families included women’s conflicts with their partner and abusers with higher levels of stress and approval of violence. Conclusions: This exploratory study of risk factors for the co-occurrence of IPV and CAN advances our understanding of the causes of violence against women and children in families with violence. Our findings suggest that additional integrated services should be offered to both battered women and their children during their stay in shelters and after shelter departure. Addressing IPV and CAN and reducing adverse consequences needs greater collaboration among the various stakeholders across the social services, health, educational, and legal sectors.
Understanding the Antecedents and Effects of mHealth App Use in Pandemics: A Sequential Mixed-Method Investigation
Authors: Jin Xiaoling , Yuan Zhangshuai , Zhou Zhongyun
Published: January 2023

Pandemics such as COVID-19 pose serious threats to public health and disrupt the established systems for obtaining healthcare services. Mobile health (mHealth) apps serve the general public as a potential method for coping with these exogenous challenges. However, prior research has rarely discussed the antecedents and effects of mHealth apps and their use as a coping method during pandemics. Based on the technology acceptance model, empowerment theory, and event theory, we developed a research model to examine the antecedents (technology characteristics and event strength) and effects (psychological empowerment) of mHealth apps and their use. We tested this research model through a sequential mixed-method investigation. First, a quantitative study based on 402 Chinese mHealth users who used the apps during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted to validate the theoretical model. A follow-up qualitative study of 191 online articles and reviews on mHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted to cross-validate the results and explain the unsupported findings of the quantitative study. The results show that (1) the mHealth app characteristics (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) positively affect mHealth app use; (2) mHealth app use positively affects the psychological empowerment of mHealth users; and (3) the characteristics of pandemic events (event criticality and event disruption) have positive moderating effects on the relationship between mHealth app characteristics and mHealth app use. This study explains the role of mHealth apps in the COVID-19 pandemic on the micro-level, which has implications for the ways in which mHealth apps are used in response to public pandemics.
Examining Factors of Health Information Communicant Activeness of Chinese Residents in Outdoor Activities during Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Jinhong , Hashim Norliana Binti , Zainudin Sharifah Sofiah Syed , Razi Siti Aishah Binti Hj Mohammad
Published: January 2023

This study explores the influencing factors of residents’ outdoor health information communicant activeness under public health emergencies and analyzes the relationship between cognition, motivation, and dissemination behavior. Based on the theory of perceived risk and the Situational Theory of Problem-Solving (STOPS), this study builds a model demonstrating the factors that affect the health information communicant activeness of residents’ outdoor activities under public health emergencies and conducts empirical analysis through questionnaires and a structural equation model. Results showed that (1) perceived risk, problem recognition, and involvement recognition positively affected health information communicant activeness through situational motivation; (2) constraint recognition negatively affects health information communicant activeness through situational motivation; and (3) the referent criterion has a direct effect on communicant activeness. This study has great significance for understanding residents’ health information communicant activeness in outdoor activities and providing them with high-quality health information services.
Increased Risk of Developing Depression in Disability after Stroke: A Korean Nationwide Study
Authors: Choi Hea Lim , Yang Kyojin , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongsung , Chang Won Hyuk , Kwon Soonwook , Jung Wonyoung , Yoo Jung Eun , Jeon Hong Jin , Shin Dong Wook
Published: January 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and a major cause of disability worldwide. A significant number of stroke survivors suffer from depression, impeding the activities of daily living and rehabilitation. Here, we examined the risk of depression among stroke survivors according to the severity of disabilities and compared its incidence with a matched control group. We included data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service of 207,678 stroke survivors. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the risk of depression among stroke survivors. Stroke survivors had a greater risk of developing depression than the matched control group with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.12 (95% confidence interval 2.09–2.15). Stroke survivors with more severe disabilities were associated with a higher risk of depression than those with mild disabilities. The risk of developing depression was prominently high within the first year after a stroke. Males and younger people (<65 years) were independent risk factors for depression in stroke survivors. This study demonstrated an increased risk of developing depression in stroke survivors compared to control subjects, and a higher risk of depression was associated with a more severe degree of disability. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of depression developing in stroke survivors, especially those with disabilities.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanisms of Tolerance to High Concentrations of Calcium Chloride Stress in Parachlorella kessleri
Authors: Liu Xudong , Zhao Jinli , Nan Fangru , Liu Qi , Lv Junping , Feng Jia , Xie Shulian
Published: January 2023

Salt stress is one of the abiotic stress factors that affect the normal growth and development of higher plants and algae. However, few research studies have focused on calcium stress, especially in algae. In this study, the mechanism of tolerance to high calcium stress of a Parachlorella kessleri strain was explored by the method of transcriptomics combined with physiological and morphological analysis. Concentrations of CaCl2 100 times (3.6 g/L) and 1000 times (36 g/L) greater than the standard culture were set up as stresses. The results revealed the algae could cope with high calcium stress mainly by strengthening photosynthesis, regulating osmotic pressure, and inducing antioxidant defense. Under the stress of 3.6 g/L CaCl2, the algae grew well with normal cell morphology. Although the chlorophyll content was significantly reduced, the photosynthetic efficiency was well maintained by up-regulating the expression of some photosynthesis-related genes. The cells reduced oxidative damage by inducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and selenoprotein synthesis. A large number of free amino acids were produced to regulate the osmotic potential. When in higher CaCl2 stress of 36 g/L, the growth and chlorophyll content of algae were significantly inhibited. However, the algae still slowly grew and maintained the same photosynthetic efficiency, which resulted from significant up-regulation of massive photosynthesis genes. Antioxidant enzymes and glycerol were found to resist oxidative damage and osmotic stress, respectively. This study supplied algal research on CaCl2 stress and provided supporting data for further explaining the mechanism of plant salt tolerance.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Inhibitor of Cysteine Peptidase (ICP) Is Required for Virulence in Mice and to Attenuate the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Costa Tatiana F. R. , Goundry Amy , Morrot Alexandre , Grab Dennis J. , Mottram Jeremy C. , Lima Ana Paula C. A.
Published: January 2023

The protozoan Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense causes Human African Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, and penetrates the central nervous system, leading to meningoencephalitis. The Cathepsin L-like cysteine peptidase of T. b. rhodesiense has been implicated in parasite penetration of the blood–brain barrier and its activity is modulated by the chagasin-family endogenous inhibitor of cysteine peptidases (ICP). To investigate the role of ICP in T. b. rhodesiense bloodstream form, ICP-null (Δicp) mutants were generated, and lines re-expressing ICP (Δicp:ICP). Lysates of Δicp displayed increased E-64-sensitive cysteine peptidase activity and the mutant parasites traversed human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers in vitro more efficiently. Δicp induced E-selectin in HBMECs, leading to the adherence of higher numbers of human neutrophils. In C57BL/6 mice, no Δicp parasites could be detected in the blood after 6 days, while mice infected with wild-type (WT) or Δicp:ICP displayed high parasitemia, peaking at day 12. In mice infected with Δicp, there was increased recruitment of monocytes to the site of inoculation and higher levels of IFN-γ in the spleen. At day 14, mice infected with Δicp exhibited higher preservation of the CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ populations in the spleen, accompanied by sustained high IFN-γ, while NK1.1+ populations receded nearly to the levels of uninfected controls. We propose that ICP helps to downregulate inflammatory responses that contribute to the control of infection.
Polymorphisms of the Proinflammatory Cytokine Genes Modulate the Response to NSAIDs but Not to Triptans in Migraine Attacks
Authors: Rubino Elisa , Marcinnò Andrea , Grassini Alberto , Piella Elisa Maria , Ferrandes Fabio , Roveta Fausto , Boschi Silvia , Cermelli Aurora , Gallone Salvatore , Savi Lidia , Rainero Innocenzo
Published: January 2023

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache and associated neurological symptoms. At present, a significant portion of patients do not obtain a satisfactory response to acute pain-relieving therapies, including NSAIDs and triptans. In this context, pharmacogenetics plays a key role in the understanding of such a diverse response. In order to investigate whether functional polymorphisms in proinflammatory cytokine genes (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN; IL-6 and TNF-α) may influence the response to acute treatment, 313 consecutive patients with episodic migraine without aura were enrolled. Pain relief by administration of NSAIDs or triptans for three consecutive migraine attacks was evaluated. We found a significant association between A allele of the TNF-α promoter (−308 A/G) and a lack of efficacy after NSAID administration (p < 0.01, OR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.33 < OR < 4.75 compared to the G allele). Remaining polymorphisms had no significant effect on pain relief. Our study showed that a functional polymorphism in the TNF-α gene significantly modulates the clinical response to NSAID administration in acute attacks. Patients with higher production of the active cytokine during stress showed a significantly lower anti-migraine effect. Our results further support a role for TNF-α in the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine attack.