bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Bird Diversity Affect Public Mental Health in Urban Mountain Parks?—A Case Study in Fuzhou City, China
Authors: Xu Weizhen , Zheng Dulai , Huang Peilin , Yu Jiao , Chen Ziru , Zhu Zhipeng , Dong Jianwen , Fu Weicong
Published: June 2022

Intensified urbanization has caused a linear decline in the quality of urban biodiversity and indirectly harms our current human settlement environment. Urban mountain parks provide a refuge for the animals and plants and play a vital role in satisfying residents’ lives. At present, few studies are focusing on the impact of biodiversity on human mental health benefits of urban mountain parks in high-density construction areas along the coast of the Eastern Hemisphere. Here, we examined the relationship between bird abundance, Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity, and Richness and momentary mental health (positive, negative, and anxiety) in urban mountain parks. The timed species counts method was used to conduct three surveys of birds in urban mountain parks, and linear regression was performed on the relationship between bird diversity and mental health among sites. According to the regression model results, we found no significant correlation in any disturbance levels. As urban mountain parks are an essential part of the human settlement environment, how to improve the biodiversity and mental health of urban mountain parks is one of the focuses of research on biodiversity well-being in the future. Urban planning authorities and public mental health researchers should pay attention to the importance of biodiversity in urban development and consider how to realize the beautiful vision of the harmonious coexistence of humans, animals, plants, and the environment in which we live.
Mental Health Literacy: It Is Now Time to Put Knowledge into Practice
Authors: Sampaio Francisco , Gonçalves Patrícia , Sequeira Carlos
Published: June 2022

The term ‘mental health literacy’ was first introduced in 1997, and it was defined as ‘knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention’ [...]
Equilibrium of Tiered Healthcare Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Case Study of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province
Authors: Wu Xueling , Mao Ruiqi , Guo Xiaojia
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has caused more than 500 million infections and 6 million deaths. Due to a continuous shortage of medical resources, COVID-19 has raised alarm about medical and health resource allocation in China. A balanced spatial distribution of medical and health resources is a key livelihood issue in promoting the equalization of health services. This paper explores the spatial allocation equilibrium of two-tier medical and health resources and its influencing factors in Taiyuan. Using extracted POIs of medical and health resources of AMAP, we evaluated the spatial quantitative characteristics through the Health Resources Density Index, researched the spatial distribution pattern by kernel density analysis, hot spot analysis, and service area analysis, and identified the influencing factors of the spatial distribution equilibrium by the Geodetector model. The findings are as follows. The overall allocation level of medical and health resources in Taiyuan is low. There are tiered and regional differences; the response degree of primary care facilities to external factors is greater than that of hospitals; and the comprehensive influence of economic and topographic systems is crucial compared with other factors. Therefore, in order to promote the rational spatial distribution of medical and health resources in Taiyuan and to improve the construction of basic medical services within a 15 min radius, it is important to continuously improve the tiered healthcare system, uniformly deploy municipal medical and health resources, and increase the resource allocation to surrounding counties and remote mountainous areas. Future research should focus on collecting complete data, refining the research scale, analyzing qualitative differences, and proposing more accurate resource allocation strategies.
Impact of Plantation Induced Forest Degradation on the Outbreak of Emerging Infectious Diseases—Wayanad District, Kerala, India
Authors: Saha Kakoli , Ghatak Debjani , S. Muralee Nair Shruti
Published: June 2022

The world has been facing a pandemic owing to COVID-19. We have also seen the geographic expansion and outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases (EID) in recent years. This paper investigates the direct and indirect effects of land use land cover change (LULCC) on EID outbreaks in the context of Wayanad District of Kerala, India. Wayanad is in the vulnerable tropical forested region, and it is named as one of the four environmental change hotspots. The focus of this project is mainly three EIDs prevalent in this region: Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), Dengue and Leptospirosis. Our results, based on topographical map, remote sensing and extensive field work, show that the natural forest in Wayanad was replaced with agriculture and forest plantation during 1950–2018. This paper further suggests that encroachment of forest by forest plantation causes the human–animal conflict resulting in the outbreak of KFD cases. Our analysis reveals that a high number of Dengue cases is found in the forested regions of the district and over the adjacent human-made agriculture plantation areas. High and medium number of Leptospirosis cases contain a high portion of land area devoted to paddy cultivation and agricultural plantation. In summary, the results clearly show the linkage between the outbreak of above mentioned EIDs and LULCC in the context of Wayanad district, Kerala. We also discuss in detail the causal pathway involving human–environmental dynamics through which plantation leads to the outbreak of KFD. Replacing forests with plantations poses an alarming threat of disease outbreak in the community.
Family Caregiver’s Loneliness and Related Health Factors: What Can Be Changed?
Authors: Bonin-Guillaume Sylvie , Arlotto Sylvie , Blin Alice , Gentile Stéphanie
Published: June 2022

Background: Loneliness is a public health issue that may affect the entire population. Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep disorders, fatigue, and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Risk factors for loneliness include having a poor social network and poor physical and mental health. The main objective was to study factors related to loneliness of family caregivers caring for independent older people. Methods: We performed a non-interventional observational cross-sectional study in south-eastern France. Family caregivers caring for people aged 70 and over and living at home were included. These older people were independent, without long-term conditions, and had applied for professional social assistance for daily living. Data were collected through a questionnaire, administered face-to-face or by telephone. Loneliness and perceived health status were measured through a single-question. Burden was assessed through the Mini-Zarit Scale, and frailty was measured through the Gerontopole Frailty Screening Tool. Results: Of the 876 family caregivers included, 10% felt lonely often or always. They reported more physical and mental health issues than those who did not feel loneliness (p < 0.001). Family caregivers with loneliness were more likely to be looking after a parent and were twice as likely to have a moderate to severe burden (OR = 2.6). They were more likely to feel anxious (OR = 5.6), to have sleep disorders (OR = 2.4), to be frail (OR = 2), and to view the status of their health as poor or bad (OR = 2). Conclusions: Loneliness has a negative impact on health, causes frailty, and places a burden on family caregivers. Means must be implemented to anticipate the consequences of the loneliness felt by family caregivers, notably by orienting them towards the relevant services.
Diagnostic Concordance between the Visual Analogue Anxiety Scale (VAS-A) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lavedán Santamaría Ana , Masot Olga , Canet Velez Olga , Botigué Teresa , Cemeli Sánchez Tània , Roca Judith
Published: June 2022

Anxiety is one of the most common problems among nursing students. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is used to detect anxiety in this population; however, its length hinders speedy detection. For this reason, a faster and more efficient instrument is needed for early detection. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the anxiety measurement scales State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) by establishing a discrimination threshold through the contrast of true positive rates (VPR) and false positive rates (FPR). To this end, a cross-sectional quantitative observational and analytical study was carried out on 185 fourth-year nursing students. The data collected were anxiety (STAI and VAS-A) and socio-demographic variables during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed a correlation between the two scales (VAS-A and STAI). The VAS-A is a useful instrument for assessing students in a crisis that could potentially generate anxiety. The study established a reasonably safe error probability range (>5%), allowing the VAS-A scale to be used as a rapid diagnostic or pre-diagnostic tool, depending on the scores. The study shows that speedy detection of anxiety using the VAS-A and an in-depth approach with the STAI by teaching staff in crises is possible.
Numerical Simulation of the Smoke Recirculation Behavior in Street Canyons with Different Aspect Ratios and Cross-Wind Conditions
Authors: Xiang Yanqing , Lu Kaihua , Wang Jie , Ding Yanming , Mao Shaohua
Published: June 2022

This study investigated smoke dispersion inside a street canyon in a series of numerical simulations. The building height and street width as well as the cross-wind velocity were changed during the simulation, and the smoke recirculation behavior inside the canyon is presented and discussed. The results show that the smoke recirculation behavior could be distinguished into two different stages, i.e., the “fully recirculation stage” and “semi recirculation stage”, which is strongly determined by the canyon aspect ratio (the building height divided by street width). It was found that the critical wind velocity at which the smoke recirculation would take place was almost constant for an ideal street canyon with an aspect ratio of 1; however, this velocity was decreased with increasing building height or decreasing street width, indicating a much more dangerous circumstance when the aspect ratio is greater. Finally, a new piecewise function is proposed for the critical smoke recirculation velocity for all cases, which can provide some theoretical basis for building designs and emergency rescue for human beings inside the street canyon.
The Effect of Healing Perception on the Visitors’ Place Attachment and Their Loyalty toward a Metropolitan Park—Under the Aspect of Environmental Design
Authors: Zhang Heng , Nguyen-Dinh Nam , Hussein Hazreena , Ho Hong-Wei
Published: June 2022

Healing perception is considered to increase visitors’ place attachment and loyalty. This research employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the structural relationship between healing perception, place attachment, environmental design, and visitors’ loyalty to a place. The study investigated a metropolitan park in Gaoxiong, Taiwan, and collected 431 valid questionnaires on the site. The results showed that the environmental design affected the human perception of healing and place attachment, which substantially affected the visitors’ loyalty toward the place. The healing perception powerfully impacted loyalty (0.76), which contained an indirect effect through place attachment and enhanced the direct impact of healing perception. Moreover, the environmental design had a capable direct effect (0.62) on visitors’ loyalty through two full mediation paths: healing perception and place attachment. The study sheds light on designing a healing park that could enhance visitors’ place attachment and strongly affect their loyalty to the park.
The Impact of Influencers on Cigar Promotions: A Content Analysis of Large Cigar and Swisher Sweets Videos on TikTok
Authors: Wu Jiaxi , Harlow Alyssa F. , Wijaya Derry , Berman Micah , Benjamin Emelia J. , Xuan Ziming , Hong Traci , Fetterman Jessica L.
Published: June 2022

Little is known about the content, promotions, and individuals in cigar-related videos on TikTok. TikTok videos with large cigar and Swisher Sweets-related hashtags between July 2016 and September 2020 were analyzed. Follower count was used to identify influencers. We compared content characteristics and demographics of featured individuals between cigar types, and by influencer status. We also examined the association between content characteristics and video engagement. Compared to large cigar videos, Swisher Sweets videos were more likely to feature arts and crafts with cigar packages, cannabis use, and flavored products. In addition, Swisher Sweets videos were also more likely to feature females, Black individuals, and younger individuals. Both Swisher Sweets and large cigar influencers posted more videos of cigar purchasing behaviors than non-influencers, which was associated with more video views. None of the videos disclosed sponsorship with #ad or #sponsored. Videos containing the use of cigar packages for arts and crafts, and flavored products highlight the importance of colorful packaging and flavors in the appeal of Swisher Sweets cigars, lending support for plain packaging requirements and the prohibition of flavors in cigar products to decrease the appeal of cigars. The presence and broad reach of cigar promotions on TikTok requires stricter enforcement of anti-tobacco promotion policies.
Unmet Information Needs of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Results of a Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study in Germany
Authors: Becker Christian , Diener Matthias , Hueber Axel J. , Henes Jörg , Krusche Martin , Ignatyev Yuriy , May Susann , Erstling Ulrike , Elling-Audersch Corinna , Knitza Johannes , Muehlensiepen Felix
Published: June 2022

To effectively self-manage a chronic disease, patients require specific education. In clinical routines, rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals often cannot devote the necessary time to adequately educate their patients. Digital technologies such as mobile applications represent promising tools to overcome this problem. This study aims to identify unmet information needs of patients with rheumatic diseases to inform the conception of a mobile education application. An online national survey was developed together with rheumatic patients and rheumatologists and distributed between June and September 2021 via social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), QR code and email. Self-reported rheumatic patients, rheumatologists, specialized rheumatology nurses (SRN) and self-reported relatives of rheumatic patients were eligible to participate in the survey. Three major topics were addressed: (1) How well do patients feel informed about disease-relevant topics; (2) how important do patients rate different disease-relevant topics; and (3) patient willingness to adopt digital education services. Responses of 254 patients and 53 SRN were analyzed. Most patients were female (91%; n = 231), the median age was 48 years and the most common disease was rheumatoid arthritis (23%; n = 59). Only 24% of patients perceived their disease education level as very good or good compared to an SRN estimate of 42%. The three information topics rated as most important (very/important) were: individual disease (98%), medication (94%) and coping techniques (91%). In total, 89% of patients asserted that they would very likely, likely or rather likely use digital education tools in the future to learn about their condition, and 82% of SRN would very likely, likely or rather likely recommend digital information services to their patients. These findings depict currently unmet patient information needs and a high willingness of patients and SRN to use digital education services. A mobile education application is currently adapted based on these results and will be evaluated in a multicenter study.
Factors Predicting Post-Traumatic Positive and Negative Psychological Changes Experienced by Nurses during a Pandemic COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nowicki Grzegorz Józef , Ślusarska Barbara , Zboina Bożena , Jędrzejewska Aneta , Kotus Marzena
Published: June 2022

It is common knowledge that COVID-19 affects physiopathological changes in all systems of the human body. On the other hand, events related to the COVID-19 pandemic also have a significant impact on the social and mental sphere of human functioning. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between selected sociodemographic variables and selected subjective cognitive resources, and the positive and negative perception of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of nurses working in Poland. The computer-assisted web interviewing method was conducted between 1 and 15 May 2020. Participants were requested to complete the following questionnaires: The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three-hundred and twenty fivenurses working all over Poland participated in the study. Their mean age was 39.18 ± 11.16 years. A higher average level was noted among the surveyed nurses in the Positive Change subscale (18.56 ± 4.04). In a multivariate model, taking into account both sociodemographic and cognitive variables, the level of perceived traumatic stress, the level of social support, a sense of security, reflection on safety and a sense of meaning and meaning in life were independent predictors of a positive perception of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those variables explained as much as 37% of the dependent variable, and the nature of the relationship was positive. While we are still a long way from understanding the full range of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and psychosocial well-being, it is possible that in this challenging context there are many individual resources available to perceive the effects of the current pandemic positively. Therefore, they should be strengthened through the development and implementation of intervention programs to improve the mental state of nurses.
How Do Environmental Regulation and Environmental Decentralization Affect Regional Green Innovation? Empirical Research from China
Authors: Tang Jing , Li Shilong
Published: June 2022

Green innovation is vital in transforming China’s economic development from high speed to high quality. Environmental regulation plays an important role in stimulating regional green innovation, and appropriate environmental decentralization is the institutional basis to consolidate the innovation compensation of environmental regulation. Clarifying the relationship among environmental regulation, environmental decentralization, and green innovation is of great theoretical and practical significance for regional environmental management and green innovation development. This paper incorporates environmental regulation, environmental decentralization, and regional green innovation into the same analytical framework and constructs a fixed-effects model and a threshold panel model to empirically examine the intrinsic relationship between them based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2015. The estimation results indicate that environmental regulation has a positive impact on regional green innovation, which is greater in developed regions than in underdeveloped regions. Environmental decentralization plays a negative role in regional green innovation, with underdeveloped regions being affected to a greater extent. The impact of environmental regulation on regional green innovation shows a threshold characteristic with the change of the degree of environmental decentralization, while the green innovation utility of environmental regulation gradually decreases with the increase of the degree of environmental decentralization.
Motherhood and Treatment Outcome in Female Patients with Compulsive Buying–Shopping Disorder
Authors: Mestre-Bach Gemma , Granero Roser , Casalé-Salayet Gemma , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Müller Astrid , Brand Matthias , Gómez-Peña Mónica , Moragas Laura , Sánchez Isabel , Camacho-Barcia Lucía , Villena Alejandro , Lara-Huallipe Milagros L. , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: June 2022

Motherhood has been proposed as an internal facilitating factor for the recovery of women with mental disorders. However, at the same time, there are significant barriers that may be interfering with the access and adherence to treatment for these women. The present longitudinal study aimed to deepen the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women with children and compulsive buying–shopping disorder (CBSD), and to explore the association between motherhood and response to treatment. The total sample included 77 women with a diagnosis of CBSD (n = 49 mothers) who received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 12 weeks. No association between psychopathology and motherhood was observed. The group of mothers reported an older age of onset of the CBSD, a lower amount of money spent per compulsive-buying episode, and a higher likelihood of family support for the CBSD. Moreover, this group showed lower risk of relapse. The findings support the theoretical proposal that considers motherhood as an internal facilitating factor for recovery and treatment adherence of mothers with addictions.
Contrast Media Adverse Drug Reactions in Highly Polluted Environment
Authors: Sauer Natalia , Szlasa Wojciech , Jonderko Laura , Głowacka Krystyna , Karłowicz-Bodalska Katarzyna , Wiela-Hojeńska Anna
Published: June 2022

Iodinated- (ICM) and gadolinium-based (GCM) contrast media are used in radiology imaging techniques, such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), respectively. The paper aims to analyze the adverse drug reactions of ICM and GCM on different sites of the body in a highly polluted environment. We analyzed the pharmacovigilance in contrast media on the basis of reports submitted to the Regional Center for Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology in Wrocław. Safety profiles were compared between different ICM and GCM and at the system organ level using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR). We analyzed 124 reports of adverse reactions related to contrast agents between 2006 and 2021. Our findings revealed that ADR combinations occurred more frequently after the use of iodinated contrast agents (72.08%) than gadolinium contrast agents (27.92%). Iomeprol and Iopromide were identified as the most frequently reported media. Each medium presented a different safety profile. Skin disorders are the most common adverse drug reactions among patients using both iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast media. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are characterized by similar organ toxicity. Conversely, iodine-based contrast agents are more diverse—some of which show tissue specificity, such as Iodixanol for the gastrointestinal system or Iohexol for the respiratory tract. This study shows relatively high occurrence of respiratory tract related ADRs in Wrocław. We also prove that it is possible to choose the most optimal contrast agent for patients with specific organ site problems to omit the possible complications.
The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Symptoms of Anxiety, the Level of Aggression and Alcohol Consumption in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Polish Respondents
Authors: Florek Szymon , Piegza Magdalena , Dębski Paweł , Gorczyca Piotr , Pudlo Robert
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of most of the world’s population. The authors of this study decided to identify differences in the intensity of anxiety, aggression and alcohol consumption within the study population. The study was conducted via an Internet survey. It uses Polish adaptations of international scales to assess anxiety (GAD-7), aggression (Buss and Perry Aggression Scale) and alcohol consumption (AUDIT test). A total of 538 people were examined. The surveyed group of respondents does not reflect the structure of Polish society. The group of surveyed women scored higher than men in terms of anxiety, as well as anger and hostility. The examined men were characterized by higher results of alcohol consumption and physical aggression. People between 18 and 49 years of age consumed significantly more alcohol than people aged 50 and over. People aged 18–29 obtained statistically significantly higher scores in generalized aggression and hostility. The relationships between the studied parameters do not differ significantly from those presented in other studies. People under the age of 50 are the group most exposed to the harmful effects of alcohol. Women between the ages of 30 and 49 are most vulnerable to the negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for further research studies in which the studied group will obtain a greater degree of compliance with the structure of Polish society.
Racial Discrimination to Bullying Behavior among White and Black Adolescents in the USA: From Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Kim Dong Ha , Thornberg Robert , Wachs Sebastian , Wright Michelle F.
Published: June 2022

The present study proposes and tests pathways by which racial discrimination might be positively related to bullying victimization among Black and White adolescents. Data were derived from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, a national survey that provides data on children’s physical and mental health and their families. Data were collected from households with one or more children between June 2016 to February 2017. A letter was sent to randomly selected households, who were invited to participate in the survey. The caregivers consisted of 66.9% females and 33.1% males for the White sample, whose mean age was 47.51 (SD = 7.26), and 76.8% females and 23.2% males for the Black sample, whose mean age was 47.61 (SD = 9.71). In terms of the adolescents, 49.0% were females among the White sample, whose mean age was 14.73 (SD = 1.69). For Black adolescents, 47.9% were females and the mean age was 14.67(SD = 1.66). Measures for the study included bullying perpetration, racial discrimination, academic disengagement, and socio-demographic variables of the parent and child. Analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and structural path analyses. For adolescents in both racial groups, racial discrimination appears to be positively associated with depression, which was positively associated with bullying perpetration. For White adolescents, racial discrimination was positively associated with academic disengagement, which was also positively associated with bullying perpetration. For Black adolescents, although racial discrimination was not significantly associated with academic disengagement, academic disengagement was positively associated with bullying perpetration.
A Retrospective Review of Global Commercial Seaweed Production—Current Challenges, Biosecurity and Mitigation Measures and Prospects
Authors: Sugumaran Rajeena , Padam Birdie Scott , Yong Wilson Thau Lym , Saallah Suryani , Ahmed Kamruddin , Yusof Nur Athirah
Published: June 2022

Commercial seaweed cultivation has undergone drastic changes to keep up with the increasing demand in terms of the quantity and quality of the algal biomass needed to meet the requirements of constant innovation in industrial applications. Diseases caused by both biotic and abiotic factors have been identified as contributing to the economic loss of precious biomass. Biosecurity risk will eventually affect seaweed production as a whole and could cripple the seaweed industry. The current review sheds light on the biosecurity measures that address issues in the seaweed industry pushing towards increasing the quantity and quality of algal biomass, research on algal diseases, and tackling existing challenges as well as discussions on future directions of seaweed research. The review is presented to provide a clear understanding of the latest biosecurity developments from several segments in the seaweed research, especially from upstream cultivation encompassing the farming stages from seeding, harvesting, drying, and packing, which may lead to better management of this precious natural resource, conserving ecological balance while thriving on the economic momentum that seaweed can potentially provide in the future. Recommended breeding strategies and seedling stock selection are discussed that aim to address the importance of sustainable seaweed farming and facilitate informed decision-making. Sustainable seaweed cultivation also holds the key to reducing our carbon footprint, thereby fighting the existential crisis of climate change plaguing our generation.
American Indian Motherhood and Historical Trauma: Keetoowah Experiences of Becoming Mothers
Authors: Maxwell December , Mauldin Rebecca , Thomas Johanna , Holland Victoria
Published: June 2022

Background: American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women disproportionally experience postpartum depression in the United States as compared to the rest of the population. Despite being disproportionately represented, the current body of knowledge lacks research on depression in this particular population. Specifically, the current literature lacks research pertaining to the experiences of postpartum AI/AN women, their culture, birthing and mothering expectations, and trauma. This qualitative study used the theories of becoming a mother, historical-trauma framework, and reproductive justice as they relate to Indigenous women’s personal and historical trauma to assess their lived experiences of becoming a mother. Methods: Keetoowah mothers (N = 8) were interviewed by using a story inquiry method to understand the perinatal experiences of members of one Indigenous tribe in the US. Findings: The story inquiry coding resulted in two main themes, namely maternal mental health challenges and inadequacies of perinatal care. Conclusion: The subthemes illuminate the intersection of historical trauma and the perinatal experience, continued colonization of mothering, and the resilience of tribal culture during the postpartum period. Implications include advocacy for increasing culturally derived perinatal interventions, increased healthcare coverage of culturally appropriate birthing practices, and future research evaluating the correlation between historical trauma and maternal mental health challenges.
Source Apportionment of Fine Particulate Matter during the Day and Night in Lanzhou, NW China
Authors: Zhang Mei , Jia Jia , Wang Bo , Zhang Weihong , Gu Chenming , Zhang Xiaochen , Zhao Yuanhao
Published: June 2022

Source apportionment of PM2.5 in Lanzhou, China, was carried out using positive matrix factorization (PMF). Seventeen elements (Ca, Fe, K, Ti, Ba, Mn, Sr, Cd, Se, Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Ni, Co, Cr, V), water-soluble ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−), and organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were analyzed. The results indicated that the mean concentration of PM2.5 was 178.63 ± 96.99 μg/m3. In winter, the PM2.5 concentration was higher during the day than at night, and the opposite was the case in summer, and the nighttime PM2.5 concentration was 1.3 times higher than during the day. Water-soluble ions were the dominant component of PM2.5 during the study. PMF source analysis revealed six sources in winter, during the day and night: salt lakes, coal combustion, vehicle emissions, secondary aerosols, soil dust, and industrial emissions. In summer, eight sources during the day and night were identified: soil dust, coal combustion, industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, secondary sulfate, salt lakes, secondary aerosols, and biomass burning. Secondary aerosols, coal combustion, and vehicle emissions were the dominant sources of PM2.5. In winter, the proportions of secondary aerosols and soil dust sources were greater during the day than at night, and the opposite was the case in summer. The coal source, industrial emissions source, and motor vehicle emissions source were greater at night than during the day in winter. This work can serve as a case study for further in-depth research on PM2.5 pollution and source apportionment in Lanzhou, China.
Occupational Low-Dose Radiation Affects the Expression of Immune Checkpoint of Medical Radiologists
Authors: Wang Chen , Hao Changfu , Dai Kai , Li Yuzheng , Jiao Jie , Niu Zhuoya , Xu Xiao , Deng Xuedan , He Jing , Yao Wu
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of immune checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) in the peripheral blood T lymphocytes of medical radiologists. The study incorporated 100 male medical radiologists and 107 male healthy controls. The expressions of CTLA-4 and TIM-3 among CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of CTLA-4 and TIM-3 in the CD4+T cells of radiation workers were lower than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the CD8+CTLA-4 expression level was significantly positively correlated with individual cumulative dose (rs = 0.260, p = 0.001, <0.05), while the expression level of CD8+TIM-3 was negatively correlated (rs = −0.180, p = 0.027, <0.05). Low-dose radiation exposure affects the expression of CTLA-4 and TIM-3 in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Future studies need to focus on exploring the mechanisms by which CTLA-4 and TIM-3 expression changes in response to low-dose radiation exposure.
Relationship among Self-Efficacy Expectations, Locus of Control, and Attributions in Bariatric Patients
Authors: Ugarte Carla , Quiñones Álvaro , Saúl Luis Angel
Published: June 2022

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for achieving accelerated weight loss. However, in the short- and medium-term, between 20% and 40% of patients regain a significant percentage of the weight lost. Cognitive and attitudinal psychological variables contribute to explaining weight regain. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in self-efficacy, locus of control, and attributions among bariatric patients, in accordance with weight maintenance or weight regain. Methods: Participants were classified according to weight regain (≥15% weight regain) and weight maintenance (<15% weight regain). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess the diagnostic value of the locus of control for weight loss and to establish a cutoff point to differentiate those who maintained weight loss from those who regained more than 15% of the weight lost. Results: Those who maintained weight loss showed a statistically higher locus of control ratio than those who regained weight. The locus of control ratio was associated with a lower risk of weight regain (odds ratio 0.760, p = 0.018). Using the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the locus of control significantly identified those who maintained weight (AUC = 0.761; p = 0.001). The maximum combination of sensitivity and specificity was shown at the cutoff point of 39. Qualitative results show a difference in the type of attributions and expectations according to current weight maintenance or weight regain status. Conclusion: Participants’ self-efficacy expectations, locus of control, and attributions change in accordance with the outcome achieved in terms of weight regain or weight maintenance.
Healing Process, Pain, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers Treated with Fish Collagen Gel: A 12-Week Randomized Single-Center Study
Authors: Mościcka Paulina , Cwajda-Białasik Justyna , Szewczyk Maria Teresa , Jawień Arkadiusz
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of fish skin collagen and its impact on healing, pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This study included 100 adults with VLUs. Eligible patients were randomized to either tropocollagen gel treatment (group A, n = 47) or placebo alone (group B, n = 45). We applied the gel to the periwound skin for 12 weeks. All groups received standard wound care, including class 2 compression therapy and wound hygiene procedures. We assessed the healing rate (cm2/week) and quality of life (QoL) using the Skindex-29 and CIVIQ scales. In group A, more ulcers healed, and the healing rate was faster. In both study groups, patients showed a significant improvement in quality of life after the intervention, but there was a greater improvement in the tropocollagen group. In group A, the greatest improvement was related to physical symptoms and the pain dimension. This study showed that the application of fish collagen gel to the periwound skin improves the healing process and QoL in patients with VLUs. The 12-week treatment with collagen reduced the severity of physical complaints, pain, and local skin symptoms, which determined the quality of life in patients with VLUs to the greatest extent.
Using COMPASS (Context Optimisation Model for Person-Centred Analysis and Systematic Solutions) Theory to Augment Implementation of Digital Health Solutions
Authors: Mather Carey , Almond Helen
Published: June 2022

Digital health research is an emerging discipline that requires easy-to-understand theoretical frameworks and implementation models for digital health providers in health and social care settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for digital health discipline-specific instruction on how to manage evidence-based digital health transformation. Access to the use of these models guarantees that digital health providers can investigate phenomena using safe and suitable approaches and methods to conduct research and identify answers to challenges and problems that arise in health and social care settings. The COMPASS theory is designed to aid transformation of health and social care environments. A navigational rose of primary quadrants is divided by four main compass points, with person-centred care being central to the philosophy. Two axes produce Cartesian planes that intersect to form a box plot, which can be used to discover human and physical resource weightings to augment digital health research design and implementation. A third continuum highlights stakeholders’ capabilities, which are critical for any multidisciplinary study. The COMPASS mnemonic guides end users through the process of design, development, implementation, evaluation, and communication of digital health transformations. The theory’s foundations are presented and explained in context of the ‘new normal’ of health and social care delivery.
Protective Factors and Coping Styles Associated with Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison of Hospital or Care Institution and Private Practice Nurses
Authors: Jubin Jonathan , Delmas Philippe , Gilles Ingrid , Oulevey Bachmann Annie , Ortoleva Bucher Claudia
Published: June 2022

In France, nurses work either in hospitals and care institutions or in private practice, following physicians’ prescriptions and taking care of patients at their homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these populations of nurses were exposed to numerous sources of stress. The main objective of the present study was to identify the protective factors they mobilized to face the crisis and how these factors contributed to sustaining their quality of life (QoL). A cross-sectional study was conducted to answer these questions. Overall, 9898 French nurses participated in the study, providing demographic information and filling out QoL (WHOQOL-BREF), perceived stress (PSS-14), resilience (CD-RISC), social support (MSPSS), and coping style (BRIEF-COPE) questionnaires. The results revealed very few differences between the two groups of nurses, which is surprising given the drastically different contexts in which they practice. Social support and two coping strategies (positive reframing and acceptance) were associated with a high QoL, whereas perceived stress and four coping strategies (denial, blaming self, substance use, and behavioral disengagement) were associated with poor QoL. In the light of these results, we recommended promoting social support and coping strategies to help nurses cope during the pandemic.
Benefits of Two 24-Week Interactive Cognitive–Motor Programs on Body Composition, Lower-Body Strength, and Processing Speed in Community Dwellings at Risk of Falling: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rosado Hugo , Pereira Catarina , Bravo Jorge , Carvalho Joana , Raimundo Armando
Published: June 2022

This 24-week randomized controlled trial study evaluated the effects of two interactive cognitive–motor programs on body composition, lower-body strength, and processing speed in community dwellings at risk of falling. Forty-eight participants (75.0 ± 5.4 years) were allocated into EG1 (psychomotor intervention program), EG2 (combined program (psychomotor intervention + whole-body vibration)), and a control group. EG programs induced significant improvements in bone mass, lower-body strength, and processing speed (p < 0.05), with similar treatment effects on lower-body strength and processing speed and higher bone mineral content and density within EG2. The fall rate decreased in EG1 (44.2%) and EG2 (63%) (p < 0.05). After the 12-week no-intervention follow-up, improvements in lower-body strength were reversed in both EGs, but those in processing speed were maintained, mainly in EG2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both programs were accepted and well tolerated. The combined program led to additional benefits in bone mass. Both programs positively impacted physical and cognitive risk factors for falls and injuries. They induced similar improvements in lower-body strength and processing speed, decreasing the fall rate. These findings suggest that both programs are successful for fall and injury prevention in the studied population.
Clinical and Functional Outcome of Meniscal Injuries Treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Single-Center Case Series
Authors: Medina-Porqueres Ivan , Martin-Garcia Pablo , Sanz-De-Diego Sofia , Gomez-Caceres Abel , Moya-Torrecilla Francisco , Reyes-Eldblom Marcelo , Rosado-Velazquez Daniel
Published: June 2022

Meniscal injuries are among the most frequently encountered conditions in the knee joint. Therapeutic approaches are diverse and are largely dependent on the extent and location of the injury. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and functional outcomes of an intraarticular and percutaneous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection regime in patients with stable meniscal injuries. Demographics, the type of tear, affected knee, surgical procedure, type of intervention, follow-up period, and outcomes were recorded in all cases. Patient-reported outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity level scale. Overall patient satisfaction, quality of life, and pain intensity were also assessed. A total of 38 cases (8 females) had sustained a stable meniscal lesion (32 medial, 6 lateral) and met the inclusion criteria. All of them received three intraarticular and percutaneous PRP injections. Patients receiving the PRP injection regime reported clinically (p = 0.000) and functionally (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001) significant improvement in all outcome measures during this interval. All patients reported they were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. The results of this study suggest that the treatment of stable meniscal injuries with percutaneous–intraarticular PRP injections can achieve a significant clinical and functional improvement.
The Impact of Nutrition Labelling on Customer Buying Intention and Behaviours in Fast Food Operations: Some Implications for Public Health
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Abdelaziz Ahmed Sh.
Published: June 2022

This research examines customers’ intention to buy depending on their use of nutrition labelling (NL) in fast food operations (FFOs) and their intention to visit and recommend these FFOs with nutrition-labelled menus. The research model draws on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to examine customers’ intentions to buy from nutrition-labelled menus and their behaviour of visiting and recommending to others FFOs with nutrition-labelled menus. To achieve this purpose, a self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to and collected from a random sample of customers at FFOs in Greater Cairo, Egypt, i.e., McDonald’s and Subway. The results from the structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS software indicated positive and direct significant paths from the constructs of the TPB, except for customers’ attitude, to customer intention to buy nutrition-labelled menu items. The results also showed a positive significant impact of customers’ intention on their behaviour of visiting and recommending FFOs featuring nutrition-labelled menus. The findings showed that there is an awaking of nutritional awareness among fast-food customers and that providing nutritional information on fast-food menus will affect their purchasing intention in the future by encouraging them to make healthy food choices. Theoretical implications for scholars and managerial implications for FFOs, especially in relation to public health in general and healthy food choices in particular, are explained and discussed.
Exploring School Staff Perceptions Relating to Animals and Their Involvement in Interventions to Support Mental Health
Authors: Leos Rhoda A. , Cuccaro Paula M. , Herbold John R. , Hernandez Belinda F.
Published: June 2022

Given the growing awareness of the health benefits of human–animal interactions, the use of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in educational settings has increased over the years. While many school districts are now considering or utilizing AAIs, the literature investigating AAI-related perceptions among school stakeholders is limited with previous studies focusing on evaluating specific programs. To address this gap, a qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with school staff in the San Antonio, TX community. A total of 11 interviews were completed with staff serving preschool and elementary school age children. Data collected from interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrated that participating staff had some knowledge of the potential benefits of human–animal interactions and perceived the involvement of animals in interventions to be beneficial to children’s emotions and social-emotional skills. While perceptions of AAIs were generally positive, concerns around children’s safety and well-being were expressed as potential barriers in the adoption of AAIs in schools. These findings are preliminary and provide a segue to future research that can help expand our understanding of how school staff perceive AAIs, their impact on children’s mental health, their compatibility with school values, and their advantage relative to other interventions.