bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of chitosan oligosaccharide to improve artemisinin yield in well-watered and drought-stressed plants
Authors: García-García Ana L. , Matos Ana Rita , Feijão Eduardo , Cruz de Carvalho Ricardo , Boto Alicia , Marques da Silva Jorge , Jiménez-Arias David 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionArtemisinin is a secondary metabolite well-known for its use in the treatment of malaria. It also displays other antimicrobial activities which further increase its interest. At present, Artemisia annua is the sole commercial source of the substance, and its production is limited, leading to a global deficit in supply. Furthermore, the cultivation of A. annua is being threatened by climate change. Specifically, drought stress is a major concern for plant development and productivity, but, on the other hand, moderate stress levels can elicit the production of secondary metabolites, with a putative synergistic interaction with elicitors such as chitosan oligosaccharides (COS). Therefore, the development of strategies to increase yield has prompted much interest. With this aim, the effects on artemisinin production under drought stress and treatment with COS, as well as physiological changes in A. annua plants are presented in this study.MethodsPlants were separated into two groups, well-watered (WW) and drought-stressed (DS) plants, and in each group, four concentrations of COS were applied (0, 50,100 and 200 mg•L-1). Afterwards, water stress was imposed by withholding irrigation for 9 days.ResultsTherefore, when A. annua was well watered, COS did not improve plant growth, and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes hindered the production of artemisinin. On the other hand, during drought stress, COS treatment did not alleviate the decline in growth at any concentration tested. However, higher doses improved the water status since leaf water potential (YL) improved by 50.64% and relative water content (RWC) by 33.84% compared to DS plants without COS treatment. Moreover, the combination of COS and drought stress caused damage to the plant’s antioxidant enzyme defence, particularly APX and GR, and reduced the amount of phenols and flavonoids. This resulted in increased ROS production and enhanced artemisinin content by 34.40% in DS plants treated with 200 mg•L-1 COS, compared to control plants.ConclusionThese findings underscore the critical role of ROS in artemisinin biosynthesis and suggest that COS treatment may boost artemisinin yield in crop production, even under drought conditions.
Chilly climate perceived by female engineering undergraduates: an exploratory study using concept mapping
Authors: Kim Tanhui , Kim Dongil 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionWomen still being a minority in engineering majors, they are reported to face discriminatory treatment in a collegiate environment. “Chilly climate,” referring to such a sexist environment, may have a negative impact on women’s mental health, academics, and careers. But, what exactly is it that female students in engineering perceive as chilly, and how chilly is it? This study aimed to explore the chilly campus climate perceived by female undergraduate engineering students in South Korea using the concept mapping method.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants enrolled for more than four semesters at four-year coeducational universities. After extracting 52 representative statements, the participants were asked to classify them according to content similarity and rate the influence of each statement on their perception of the chilly climate. For concept mapping analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis (ALSCAL), hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward’s method), and non-hierarchical cluster analysis (K-means method) were performed.ResultsFifty-two statements were extracted under the following four clusters: (i) “Exclusion and alienation inherent in the culture (Cluster 1),” (ii) “Sexual objectification and lack of gender sensitivity (Cluster 2),” (iii) “Male-centered academic situations (Cluster 3),” and (iv) “Prejudice and generalization (Cluster 4).” A concept map was two-dimensional: an X-axis named “context dimension,” with “task: academic” and “non-task: social” at both ends, and a Y-axis named “sexism dimension”, having “explicit” and “implicit” at both ends. The order of higher scores in the influence rating is as follows: Cluster 2, Cluster 3, Cluster 1, and Cluster 4.DiscussionThis study is significant because it conceptualizes the subjective experience of minorities in a collegiate environment and provides influence rating results for prioritized measures. The findings will be helpful in formulating educational policies, psychological counseling, and social advocacy activities. Future research should target larger populations, and cover more diverse cultures, majors, and age groups.
Predictors of loneliness onset and maintenance in European older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Panes Lundmark Vania , Josefsson Maria , Rieckmann Anna 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesLoneliness is a major public health concern. Duration of loneliness is associated with severity of health outcomes, and further research is needed to direct interventions and social policy. This study aimed to identify predictors of the onset vs. the maintenance of loneliness in older adults before and during the pandemic using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Age, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).MethodsGroupings of persistent, situational, and no loneliness were based on self-reports from an ordinary pre-pandemic SHARE wave and a peri-pandemic telephone interview. Predictors were identified and compared in three hierarchical binary regression analyses, with independent variables added in blocks of geographic region, demographics, pre-pandemic social network, pre-pandemic health, pandemic-related individual, and country level variables.ResultsSelf-reported loneliness levels for the persistent, situational, and no loneliness groups were stable and distinct through 7 years preceding the pre-pandemic baseline measure. Shared predictors were chronic diseases, female sex, depression, and no cohabitant partner. Persistent loneliness was uniquely predicted by low network satisfaction (OR: 2.04), functional limitations (OR: 1.40), and a longer country-level isolation period for older adults (OR: 1.24).ConclusionInterventions may target persons with depression, functional limitations, chronic health issues, and no cohabitant partner. The added burden of the length of isolation on those who are already lonely should be taken into account when employing social policies that target older adults. Further research should distinguish between situational and persistent loneliness, and seek to identify predictors of chronic loneliness onset.
Longitudinal relationship between depression and antisocial behaviors in Korean adolescents
Authors: Kim Na Ri , Jo Yeong Seon , Cho Young Il , Choi Younyoung , Park Sang Jin 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundIt is well known that depression and delinquency in adolescents are highly correlated, but longitudinal studies on the causal relationship between them are not active in East Asia compared to in Western culture. In addition, even the results of research on causal models and sex differences are inconsistent.ObjectivesThis study examines the longitudinal reciprocal effects between depression and delinquent behavior in Korean adolescents based on sex differences.MethodsWe conducted multiple-group analysis by using an autoregressive cross-lagged model (ACLM). Longitudinal data from 2,075 individuals (2011–2013) were used for analysis. The longitudinal data are from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), and data were used beginning with students at 14 years old (in the second grade of middle school) and tracked them until they were 16 (in the first grade of high school).ResultsBoys’ delinquent behaviors at 15 years (the third grade of middle school) affected their depression at 16 years (the first grade of high school). In contrast, girls’ depression at 15 years (the third grade of middle school) influenced their delinquent behaviors at 16 years (the first grade of high school).DiscussionThe findings support the failure model (FM) among adolescent boys and the acting-out model (ACM) among girls. The results imply that strategies to effectively prevent and treat delinquency and depression in adolescents must consider sex effects.
Social avoidance and social adjustment in Chinese preschool migrant children: the moderating role of teacher–child relationships
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Yin Xiaoqi , Li Xiaoyun , Dong Xinyi , Zou Shiyao , Li Yan 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the moderating role of teacher–child relationships in the relations between social avoidance and social adjustment (i.e., prosocial behavior, peer exclusion, and anxious-fearful behavior) in Chinese migrant preschoolers.MethodsParticipants were 148 migrant children aged 4–6 years (82 boys, Mage = 62.32, SD = 6.67) attending kindergartens in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Mothers reported children's social avoidance, and teachers rated teacher–child relationships and children's social adjustment.ResultsResults indicated that social avoidance was positively related to peer exclusion and negatively related to prosocial behavior. Teacher–child relationships moderated those associations. Specifically, teacher–child closeness buffered the relationship between social avoidance and peer exclusion, whereas teacher–child conflict exacerbated the relations between social avoidance and peer exclusion and anxious-fearful behavior.ConclusionThe current finding informs us of the importance of improving teacher–child closeness and reducing teacher–child conflict to buffer the negative adjustment among socially avoidant young children who migrated from rural-to-urban China. The findings also highlight the importance of considering the meaning and implication of social avoidance for migrant preschoolers in Chinese culture.
Chairwork in schema therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder—A qualitative study of patients' perceptions
Authors: Josek Anna Katharina , Schaich Anja , Braakmann Diana , Assmann Nele , Jauch-Chara Kamila , Arntz Arnoud , Schweiger Ulrich , Fassbinder Eva 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveChairwork is one of the core experiential techniques of Schema Therapy (ST) which is used in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, little is known about how people with BPD experience chairwork. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with BPD with chairwork in ST.MethodQualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants with a primary diagnosis of BPD who experienced chairwork as part of their ST treatment. The interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsMany participants reported initial skepticism, and difficulties with engaging in chairwork. Specific therapist behaviors as well as some external (e.g., restricted facilities, noise) and internal factors (especially feeling ashamed or ridiculous) were named as hindering factors. Participants described several therapist behaviors facilitating chairwork such as providing safety, clear guidance through the process as well as flexible application of the technique according to their needs, and sufficient time for debriefing. Participants experienced emotional pain and exhaustion as short-term effects of the technique. All participants reported positive long-term effects including an improved understanding of their mode model as well as positive mode changes (e.g., less Punitive Parent and more Healthy Adult Mode), greater self-acceptance, improvements in coping with emotions and needs as well as improvements in interpersonal relationships.ConclusionsChairwork is experienced as an emotionally demanding but valuable technique. Based on the participants' statements, the delivery of chairwork can be optimized which can help to improve treatment outcome.
Antenatal depression is associated with perceived stress, family relations, educational and professional status among women in South of China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey
Authors: Xiao Julan , Xiong Ribo , Wen Yi , Liu Lili , Peng Yueming , Xiao Chaoqun , Yin Caixin , Liu Wenting , Tao Yanling , Jiang Fengju , Li Min , Luo Weixiang , Chen Yu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundAntenatal depression is a commonly seen mental health concern for women. This study introduced a multicenter cross-sectional survey with a large sample to provide new insights into pregnant women’s depression, its socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics correlates, and its perceived stress among Chinese pregnant women.MethodsThis study conducted an observational survey according to the STROBE checklist. The multicenter cross-sectional survey was performed from August 2020 to January 2021 by distributing paper questionnaires among pregnant women from five tertiary hospitals in South China. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and obstetrics information, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. For the analyses, the Chi-square test and Multivariate logistic regression were utilized.ResultsAmong 2014 pregnant women in their second/third trimester, the prevalence of antenatal depression was 36.3%. 34.4% of pregnant women reported AD in their second trimester of pregnancy, and 36.9% suffered from AD in third trimester of pregnancy. A multivariate logistic regression model indicated that unemployed women, lower levels of education, poor marital relationships, poor parents-in-law relationships, concerns about contracting COVID-19, and higher perceived stress could aggravate antenatal depression among participants (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThere is a high proportion of antenatal depression among pregnant women in South China, so integrating depression screening into antenatal care services is worthwhile. Maternal and child health care providers need to evaluate pregnancy-related risk factors (perceived stress), socio-demographic factors (educational and professional status), and interpersonal risk factors (marital relations and relationship with Parents-in-law). In future research, the study also emphasized the importance of providing action and practical support to reduce the experience of antenatal depression among disadvantaged sub-groups of pregnant women.
Exploring brain glutathione and peripheral blood markers in posttraumatic stress disorder: a combined [1H]MRS and peripheral blood study
Authors: Watling Sarah E. , Rhind Shawn G. , Warsh Jerry , Green Duncan , McCluskey Tina , Tong Junchao , Truong Peter , Chavez Sofia , Richardson J. Don , Kish Stephen J. , Boileau Isabelle 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionOxidative stress has been implicated in psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, the status of glutathione (GSH), the brain's most abundant antioxidant, in PTSD remains uncertain. Therefore, the current study investigated brain concentrations of GSH and peripheral concentrations of blood markers in individuals with PTSD vs. Healthy Controls (HC).MethodsGSH spectra was acquired in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using MEGA-PRESS, a J-difference-editing acquisition method. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP)-1,2, and myeloperoxidase (MPO).ResultsThere was no difference in GSH between PTSD and HC in the ACC (n = 30 PTSD, n = 20 HC) or DLPFC (n = 14 PTSD, n = 18 HC). There were no group differences between peripheral blood markers (P &gt; 0.3) except for (non-significantly) lower TIMP-2 in PTSD. Additionally, TIMP-2 and GSH in the ACC were positively related in those with PTSD. Finally, MPO and MMP-9 were negatively associated with duration of PTSD.ConclusionsWe do not report altered GSH concentrations in the ACC or DLPFC in PTSD, however, systemic MMPs and MPO might be implicated in central processes and progression of PTSD. Future research should investigate these relationships in larger sample sizes.
Association of public health insurance with cancer-specific mortality risk among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Li Dan , Lei Hai-Ke , Shu Xiao-Lei , Zhang Xin , Tu Hong-Lei , Wang Feng , Wang Yu-Wei , Wang Ying , Sui Jiang-Dong 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveHealth insurance programs are effective in preventing financial hardship in patients with cancer. However, not much is known about how health insurance policies, especially in Southwest China with a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), influence patients’ prognosis. Here, we investigated the association of NPC-specific mortality with health insurance types and self-paying rate, and the joint effect of insurance types and self-paying rate.Materials and methodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted at a regional medical center for cancer in Southwest China and included 1,635 patients with pathologically confirmed NPC from 2017 to 2019. All patients were followed up until May 31, 2022. We determine the cumulative hazard ratio of all-cause and NPC-specific mortality in the groups of various insurance kinds and the self-paying rate using Cox proportional hazard.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 3.7 years, 249 deaths were recorded, of which 195 deaths were due to NPC. Higher self-paying rate were associated with a 46.6% reduced risk of NPC-specific mortality compared to patients with insufficient self-paying rate (HR: 0.534, 95% CI: 0.339–0.839, p = 0.007). For patients covered by Urban and Rural Residents Basic Medical Insurance (URRMBI), and for patients covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance, each 10% increase in the self-paying rate reduced the probability of NPC-specific death by 28.3 and 25%, respectively (UEBMI).ConclusionResults of this study showed that, despite China’s medical security administration improved health insurance coverage, NPC patients need to afford the high out-of-pocket medical costs in order to prolong their survival time.
Community engagement: health research through informing, consultation, involving and empowerment in Ingwavuma community
Authors: Mthembu Zinhle , Chimbari Moses 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe goal of community involvement in health research is to improve a community’s ability to address its own health needs while ensuring that researchers understand and consider the community’s priorities. Recent data show that socio-economic and environmental challenges continue to be a barrier to informing, consulting, involving and empowering communities in community-based health research beneficial to them. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the Ingwavuma community in KwaZulu-Natal Province, in rural South Africa, was informed, consulted, involved and empowered about two research projects conducted between 2014 and 2021.MethodsThe study used the modified random-route procedure to administer a standardized questionnaire to 339 household heads selected randomly. The questionnaires were administered face-to-face. The sample size was estimated using the Yamane sample size generating formula. Chi-square tests were performed to assess associations between demographic variables (age, gender, education, village) and respondents’ knowledge and information of the projects, Malaria and Bilharzia in Southern Africa and Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa as well as their participation.ResultsThe communities were generally well-informed about the health projects that were being carried out. Fewer than half of those who had heard about the projects had directly participated in them. The majority had been tested for one or more diseases and conditions, mostly high blood pressure, diabetes, and schistosomiasis, and had participated in a community feedback group; many had given their children’s permission to be tested for schistosomiasis or to participate in project research activities. Others participated in public awareness campaigns and surveys. There was some evidence of a consultation process in the form of public consultation discussed in the projects, and not much discussion on empowerment.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that researchers’ CE approach was adaptable as communities were largely educated, involved, and subsequently empowered though without much consultation and that researchers had provided a space for sharing responsibilities in all engagement process decision-making. For the empowerment of the community, projects should take into account the intrapersonal and personal aspects affecting the community’s capacity to effectively benefit from the information, consultation, involvement, and empowerment procedures.
Alarming low physical activity levels in Chilean adults with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic: a representative national survey analysis
Authors: Henríquez Matías , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Reina Raul , Alvarez Cristián , Ferrari Gerson , Aguilar-Farias Nicolas , Sadarangani Kabir P. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundPeople with disabilities usually face barriers to regularly engaging in physical activities. Estimating physical activity patterns are necessary to elaborate policies and strategies to facilitate active lifestyles, considering the particular access difficulties experienced by this population.PurposeThis study aimed (i) to describe the prevalence of physical activity levels and (ii) to examine the associations of physical activity levels with socio-demographic variables and type of disability in the 2020 Chilean National Physical Activity and Sports Habits in Populations with Disabilities (CNPASHPwD) survey during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional data from 3,150 adults (18–99 years old), 59.8% female, were analyzed from November to December 2020. Self-reported age, gender, type of disability (i.e., physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, or mixed), socio-economic status, area and zone of residence, and physical activity levels (0 min/week, &lt; 150 min/week, ≥ 150 min/week) were obtained.Results11.9% of the participants were classified as active (≥ 150 min/week), and 62.6% declared no involvement in physical activity. A larger proportion of females (61.7%) did not meet the current guidelines (≥ 150 min/week of physical activity) in comparison with males (p &lt; 0.001). Participants with visual and hearing disabilities were more likely to be active than those with other types of disabilities. Those living in the central and southern regions of Chile were more likely to be physically active than those from the northern region. Also, older participants, women, and those from lower socio-economic statuses were less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines.ConclusionAlarmingly, nine out of ten participants were categorized as physically inactive, particularly women, older adults, and those with a low socioeconomic status. If the pandemic context moderated, the considerable prevalence of reduced physical activity levels deserves future exploration. Health promotion initiatives should consider these aspects, emphasizing inclusive environments and increasing opportunities to favor healthy behaviors, countering the COVID-19 effects.