bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mmp12 Is Upregulated by in utero Second-Hand Smoke Exposures and Is a Key Factor Contributing to Aggravated Lung Responses in Adult Emphysema, Asthma, and Lung Cancer Mouse Models
Authors: Noël Alexandra , Perveen Zakia , Xiao Rui , Hammond Harriet , Le Donne Viviana , Legendre Kelsey , Gartia Manas Ranjan , Sahu Sushant , Paulsen Daniel B. , Penn Arthur L. 
Published: December 2021

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (Mmp12) is upregulated by cigarette smoke (CS) and plays a critical role in extracellular matrix remodeling, a key mechanism involved in physiological repair processes, and in the pathogenesis of emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. While cigarette smoking is associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and lung cancer,in uteroexposures to CS and second-hand smoke (SHS) are associated with asthma development in the offspring. SHS is an indoor air pollutant that causes known adverse health effects; however, the mechanisms by whichin uteroSHS exposures predispose to adult lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and lung cancer, are poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis thatin uteroSHS exposure aggravates adult-induced emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer.Methods:Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed from gestational days 6–19 to either 3 or 10mg/m3of SHS or filtered air. At 10, 11, 16, or 17weeks of age, female offspring were treated with either saline for controls, elastase to induce emphysema, house-dust mite (HDM) to initiate asthma, or urethane to promote lung cancer. At sacrifice, specific disease-related lung responses including lung function, inflammation, gene, and protein expression were assessed.Results:In the elastase-induced emphysema model,in uteroSHS-exposed mice had significantly enlarged airspaces and up-regulated expression ofMmp12(10.3-fold compared to air-elastase controls). In the HDM-induced asthma model,in uteroexposures to SHS produced eosinophilic lung inflammation and potentiatedMmp12gene expression (5.7-fold compared to air-HDM controls). In the lung cancer model,in uteroexposures to SHS significantly increased the number of intrapulmonary metastases at 58weeks of age and up-regulatedMmp12(9.3-fold compared to air-urethane controls). In all lung disease models,Mmp12upregulation was supported at the protein level.Conclusion:Our findings revealed thatin uteroSHS exposures exacerbate lung responses to adult-induced emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. Our data show that MMP12 is up-regulated at the gene and protein levels in three distinct adult lung disease models followingin uteroSHS exposures, suggesting that MMP12 is central toin uteroSHS-aggravated lung responses.
High Density Surface Electromyography Activity of the Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscles and Comfort/Discomfort Assessment in Piano Players: Comparison of Two Chairs
Authors: Aranceta-Garza Alejandra , Russo Alessandro , D’Emanuele Samuel , Serafino Francesca , Merletti Roberto 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:At a professional level, pianists have a high prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. This exploratory crossover study was carried out to assess and compare quantitatively [using high density surface electromyography (HDsEMG)], and qualitatively (using musculoskeletal questionnaires) the activity of the lumbar erector spinae muscles (ESM) and the comfort/discomfort in 16 pianists sitting on a standard piano stool (SS) and on an alternative chair (A-chair) with lumbar support and a trunk-thigh angle between 105° and 135°.Materials and Methods:The subjects played for 55 min and HDsEMG was recorded for 20 s every 5 min. For the quantitative assessment of the muscle activity, the spatial mean of the root mean square (RMSROA) and the centroid of the region of activity (ROA) of the ESM were compared between the two chairs. For the qualitative assessment, musculoskeletal questionnaire-based scales were used: General Comfort Rating (GCR); Helander and Zhang’s comfort (HZc) and discomfort (HZd); and Body Part Discomfort (BPD).Results:When using the A-chair, 14 out of 16 pianists (87.5%) showed a significantly lower RMSROAon the left and right side (p&lt; 0.05). The mixed effects model revealed that both chairs (F= 28.21,p&lt; 0.001) and sides (F= 204.01,p&lt; 0.001) contributed to the mean RMSROAvariation by subject (Z= 2.64,p= 0.004). GCR comfort indicated that participants found the A-Chair to be “quite comfortable,” and the SS to be “uncomfortable.” GCR discomfort indicated that the SS caused more numbness than the A-Chair (p= 0.05) and indicated the A-Chair to cause more feeling of cramps (p= 0.034). No difference was found on HZc (p= 0.091) or HZd (p= 0.31) between chairs. Female participants (n= 9) reported greater comfort when using the A-Chair than the SS (F= 7.09,p= 0.01) with respect to males. No differences between chairs were indicated by the BPD assessment.Conclusion:It is concluded that using a chair with lumbar support, such as the A-chair, will provide greater comfort, less exertion of the ESM and less discomfort than the standard piano stool.
Reflective Practices to Study Group Dynamics: Implement Empowerment and Understand the Functioning of Groups
Authors: Rania Nadia , Coppola Ilaria , Pinna Laura 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Individual and group reflection practices are qualitative methods useful in a group context to develop group skills and more awareness of the dynamics that take place within the group to which one belongs.Aim: The aim of this work is to highlight how individual reflective practices and group reflections contribute to the development of group skills. More specifically, the effectiveness of relevant group dynamics is investigated, with the aim of creating a space for reflection, and activation for individual and group empowerment.Participants: The participants were 130 university students (86% female), resided in northwestern Italy, and had a mean age of 27.5 years (SD = 7.52). They were randomly divided into 23 groups (ranged from four to nine members).Method: The participants engaged in several online training activities and at the end of every activity they completed individual reflection practice in which they presented both positive and negative aspects related to the group experiences. Then they participated in online group reflections that allowed them to reflect on the group dynamics, particular attention given to factors such as climate, participation and roles played by each participant in a variety of training activities. This study analyzes 130 individual reflective practices and 23 group reflections. The data collected through individual reflective practices and the transcripts of the group reflections were analyzed using grounded theory. Two independent judges analyzed and categorized the data and then identified the main common categories that emerged by the support of Nvivo software.Results: From the analysis of the content, it is determined that the participants, based on the construction of the individual and group reflections, paid greater attention to the dynamics that occurred within the group during the various activities in which they participated, thus allowing them to be more aware of the various factors that affected the importance attributed to the different roles, the climate, and their active participation.Conclusion: Combined, these factors allowed participants to strengthen their relationships with each other and enhance the cohesion of the group.
The Association Between Test Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Images Among University Students: Results From an Online Survey
Authors: Maier Anna , Schaitz Caroline , Kröner Julia , Berger Alexander , Keller Ferdinand , Beschoner Petra , Connemann Bernhard , Sosic-Vasic Zrinka 
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: A substantial portion of students report test anxiety, and those reporting low levels of self-efficacy seem to be especially affected. Previous research has indicated the relevance of mental images in the maintenance of anxiety disorders, however, no data are available with respect to test anxiety. In order to close this gap, the present study investigates the association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images.Method: One hundred sixty-three university students completed an online survey. Test anxiety (PAF), general self-efficacy (WIRKALL-r), study-related self-efficacy (WIRK_STUD), intrusiveness of mental images (IFES), spontaneous use of imagery (SUIS) and vividness of imagery (VVIQ) were examined.Results: Test-related mental images were frequently reported among the surveyed students. Test anxiety showed a positive correlation with IFES and a negative correlation with self-efficacy. Mediation analyses showed that about one fifth of the influence of self-efficacy on test anxiety is mediated by IFES.Discussion: The present study gives first indication about an association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images, even though the results are limited with respect to generalizability. Further investigations with respect to the impact of test-related mental images on the self-efficacy/test-anxiety linkage are needed.
The Readiness of Psychiatrists to Implement Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Authors: Page Lisa A. , Rehman Ahmad , Syed Habib , Forcer Kathryn , Campbell Graham 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a promising approach in psychiatry; evidence is growing and it may not be long before mainstream services are expected to offer it to selected patients. This pilot study examined the attitudes and knowledge of NHS psychiatrists of all levels towards psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and explored potential barriers and facilitators to its implementation.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, using a cross-sectional survey and focus groups. All psychiatrists in one NHS mental health trust were approached by email to participate. The survey was analysed using a simple descriptive approach and thematic analysis was used for the focus groups.Results: Eighty-three (25.7%) psychiatrists participated in the survey. All psychiatrists were familiar with one or more psychedelic substances. Although 77.2% felt that there should be a role for controlled or therapeutic use of psychedelics, trainees appeared better informed than non-training grade psychiatrists. Psychiatrists of all grades did not feel prepared to participate in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Thematic analysis of the focus groups identified three main themes in relation to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: “need for knowledge,” “openness to change,” and “uncertainty.”Discussion: NHS psychiatrists are positive about the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to advance psychiatric practise. However, psychiatrists are lacking in confidence or preparedness to implement this treatment should it become a mainstream option and significant training needs were identified. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for societal shifts as well as professional ones.
Meta-Analysis of Sleep Deprivation Effects on Patients With Depression
Authors: Hu Baiqi , Liu Chunyan , Mou Tingting , Luo Fangyi , Lv Tingting , Qian Chao , Zhang Jian , Ye Mengfei , Liu Zheng 
Published: December 2021

Objective: Depression is a common disorder with a high recurrence rate. Since the effect of sleep deprivation on depression in existing studies were inconsistent, the present study aimed to reassess the effects of SD on patients by performing a meta-analysis of updated research.Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for articles before January 20th, 2021. Data on participant characteristics, SD characteristics, adjunctive method and tests for depression were extracted. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess the effect of SD on depression and subgroup analysis was used to determine the sources of heterogeneity.Results: In total, 8 articles were included. An SD time of &lt;7 days slightly worsened depression levels [0.24 (−0.21, 0.69); I2 = 0%; P = 0.43], a time of 7–14 days had antidepressant effects [−1.52 (−2.07, −0.97); I2 = 19.6%; P = 0.288], and a time of more than 14 days also worsened depression [0.76 (0.12, 1.40); I2 = 43.7%; P = 0.169].Conclusion: SD may serve as an effective antidepressant measure in humans when the time was 7–14 days, while a time of &lt;7 days and more than 14 days worsened depression.
The Implementation and Review of Cognitive Remediation Training for First Episode Psychosis in Singapore
Authors: Chong Nigel Ian Ming , Maniam Yogeswary , Chua Yi Chian , Tang Charmaine 
Published: December 2021

Objective: Early intervention in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) can improve cognitive abilities, with both short- and long-term benefits. In this paper, we describe the implementation and review of cognitive remediation training (CRT) in an Asian FEP population. The outcomes of the training are also evaluated and discussed.Methods: This naturalistic paper describes in detail the real-life implementation and conduct of CRT in an early psychosis intervention service. One hundred and nine patients with FEP underwent a 24-session CRT programme, using Cogpack and Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation. The program is evaluated with pre- and post-CRT assessment scores which included Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. The rates of improvement on these cognitive assessments were evaluated using paired t-tests, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Of the 109 patients who underwent CRT, a total of 92 (84.4%) completed all 24 sessions. Paired t-tests between pre- and post-CRT assessments scores revealed that participants significantly improved on majority of the measures, including verbal memory, digit sequencing, and symbol coding.Conclusion: As with other cognitive remediation programmes, CRT has shown to improve cognitive functioning in patients with FEP. The results support the use of CRT in an Asian context and may serve as guidance for the implementation of similar training programmes in other Asian early psychosis intervention services.
A Four-Component Framework Toward Patient-Centered, Integrated Mental Healthcare in Kenya
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Osborn Thomas L. , Mugo Cyrus , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Warfa Osman , Mbuthia Wangui Muthigani , Wambugu Christine , Ngunu Carol , Gohar Fatima , Mwaniga Shillah , Njuguna Simon , Saxena Shekhar 
Published: December 2021

Background: How can we fast-track the global agenda of integrated mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Kenya? This is a question that has become increasingly important for individuals with lived experiences, policymakers, mental health advocates and health care providers at the local and international levels.Discussion: This narrative synthesis and perspective piece encompasses an overview of mental health care competencies, best practices and capacity building needed to fast track patient responsive services. In that vein we also review key policy developments like UHC to make a case for fast-tracking our four-step framework.Results: While there is an increasingly global impetus for integrated mental healthcare, there is a lack of clarity around what patient-responsive mental healthcare services should look like and how to measure and improve provider readiness appropriately. Here, our collaborative team of local and international experts proposes a simple four-step approach to integrating responsive mental healthcare in Kenya. Our recommended framework prioritizes a clear understanding and demonstration of multidimensional skills by the provider. The four steps are (1) provider sensitization, (2) continuous supervision, (3) continuous professional training, and (4) leadership empowerment.Conclusion: Our proposed framework can provide pointers to embracing patient-centered and provider empowerment focused quality of care improvements. Though elements of our proposed framework are well-known, it has not been sufficiently intertwined and therefore not been integrated. We think in the current times our integrated framework offers an opportunity to “building back better” mental health for all.
Lower Back Pain as an Occupational Hazard Among Ugandan Health Workers
Authors: Aleku Michael , Nelson Kevin , Abio Anne , Lowery Wilson Michael , Lule Herman 
Published: December 2021

Background: Lower back pain is a public health concern affecting 70–85% of the world's population. There is paucity of published data on the prevalence, disability and risk factors for lower back pain among health workers in Uganda.Objective: To determine the frequency rate (note that is it implicit that frequency is a rate like incidence so including rate seems redundant here. This is bounded by zero and infinity. In contrast, prevalence is bounded by 0 and 1 and is thus a proportion not a rate) of lower back pain and its associated risks amongst health professionals in the Arua District of Uganda.Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study of 245 consecutive participants conducted during February-April 2020. We stratified risks as individual or work related and analyzed the data using IBM SPSS version 25. Chi-square was used to measure the significance of association between categorical variables at 95% confidence interval, regarding a p ≤ 0.05 as significant.Results: The mean age of participants was 40.87 years ± 8.74 (SD), with female predominance (69.8%). Majority were either general nurses or midwives (64.9%) and more than half had practiced for over 6–10 years. The frequency rate of lower back pain was 39.6% (n = 97). Individual factors associated with LBP were; cigarette smoking (X2 = 33.040; P ≤ 0.001), alcohol consumption (X2 = 13.581; P ≤ 0.001), age (X2 = 14.717; P = 0.002), and female gender (X2 = 4.802; P = 0.028). The work related factors significantly associated with lower back pain were: being a nurse/midwife (X2 = 9.829; P = 0.007), working in the outpatient department (X2 = 49.752; P ≤ 0.001), bending (X2 = 43.912; P ≤ 0.001), lifting (X2 = 33.279; P &lt; 0.001), over standing (X2 = 40.096; P ≤ 0.001), being in awkward positions (X2 = 15.607; P= &lt; 0.001), and pushing patients (X2 = 21.999; P ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: The frequency rate of low back pain was high amongst health workers and its main associated individual and work related factors could have been prevented. Health workers should strike a balance between caring for their personal back-health and meeting clients' needs while manually handling patients. Ergonomic structuring, job organization, back health care courses and use of assistive equipment could reduce such occupational hazards in our low resourced settings.
Exploring the Psychological Stress, Anxiety Factors, and Coping Mechanisms of Critical Care Unit Nurses During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Shaimaa Ahmed Awad , Diab Samar Salah Eldin Mohamed , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb 
Published: December 2021

Background: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world leads to a series of modifications of several National Health Service organizations, with a potential series of psychological consequences among nurses.Methods: This study was undertaken to assess the psychological stress, anxiety factors, and coping mechanisms of critical care unit nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and the convenience sample consisted of 469 nurses working at several hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period from July to September 2020. This study used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Coping Mechanism, and Nursing Stress scale.Results: Interestingly, more than one-third and one-quarter of the studied nurses had severe and moderate anxiety levels, respectively. In addition, the most anxiety-causing factors included providing care for their infected colleagues and worrying about infecting their families. More than one-quarter and slightly less than half of the studied nurses had high and moderate stress levels, respectively. Furthermore, more than half of the participants had low coping mechanisms and one-quarter had moderate coping mechanisms. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between anxiety and stress levels, and there was a strong negative correlation between coping mechanisms and stress and anxiety levels.Conclusions: Collectively, this study explored the psychological stress, anxiety factors, and coping mechanisms among critical care unit nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Continuous educational programs for nurses on using coping mechanisms should be developed in combination with teaching preventive measures for defining a psychological intervention plan within a mandatory occupational health surveillance program. This study recommends that constructive planning and necessary provision of supportive measures by the legal authorities and policymakers protect nurses and minimize their psychological stress to fulfill high-quality nursing care.
Is Olfactory Impairment Associated With 10-year Mortality Mediating by Neurodegenerative Diseases in Older Adults? The Four-Way Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Cao Yang , Xiao Zhenxu , Wu Wanqing , Zhao Qianhua , Ding Ding 
Published: December 2021

Background: Literature shows that olfactory impairment (OI) is associated not only with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), but also with increased mortality. In this study, we analyzed data collected from the prospective phase of the 10-year follow-up of the Shanghai Aging Study (SAS) to explore the mediation effect of NDDs on the OI-mortality relationship.Methods: We analyzed data collected from the prospective phase of the 10-year follow-up of the SAS. We included 1,811 participants aged 60 years or older who completed both an olfactory identification test and a cognitive assessment at baseline (2010–2011). Survival status of the participants from baseline to December 31, 2019 was obtained from the local mortality surveillance system. We used the four-way decomposition method to attribute effects to interaction and mediation and to explore the mediation effect of NDDs on the OI-mortality relationship.Results: The four-way decomposition method revealed a statistically significant association of OI with death. Overall, 43% higher risk for death was associated with OI [excess relative risk (ERR) = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.06–0.80, p = 0.023]. Excluding the mediation from NDDs and interaction between OI and NDDs, the controlled direct effect of OI on death was even higher in NDDs participants, with an ERR of 77% (95% CI: 0.00–1.55, p = 0.050). Statistically significant association was found for failure to identify coffee (ERR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.18–1.36, p = 0.010) and marginally significant associations were found for failure to identify cinnamon (ERR = 0.33, 95% CI: −0.02–0.68, p = 0.068) and rose (ERR = 0.33, 95% CI: −0.01–0.67, p = 0.054) with death.Conclusion: OI was associated with the long-term mortality in older adults and the association was even stronger in those with NDDs. Failure to identify coffee or rose was associated with a higher mortality risk, and the association was mediated by NDDs.