bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of older adults, people with dementia, and carers in lower- and middle-income countries: An international qualitative study
Authors: Ssenyonjo L. , Ddumba I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems in many countries, yet little evidence has focused on older adults.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of older adults living in UgandaMethodsSemi-structured interviews with older adults, family carers, and people living with dementia, plus focus groups with care professionals were conducted remotely via the telephone. Data were collected at two time points between March and July 2021. Non-professionals were asked about their experiences of the pandemic and their mental well-being. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. All transcripts were also translated into English and a selection were second-coded by the another team.ResultsA total of 30 interviews were conducted with older adults, people with dementia, and unpaid carers participating at baseline (n=30). Using inductive thematic analysis, we generated three overarching themes: Mental health needs overridden by need for basic necessities; Social isolation; Increased worry about restrictions and pandemic in dementia. For most people, limited access to basic necessities, including food, featured more prominently in responses than any direct acknowledgement of how the pandemic has affected their mental well-being. Participants were upset and worried about being socially isolated, with carers concerned about the welfare of many people with dementia and often feeling emotionally exhausted.ConclusionsOlder adults, carers, and people living with dementia in Uganda not only require support to cope with the mental health impact of the pandemic, but most importantly require improved financial governmental support to be able to access sufficient food and other basic necessities, as a group their health is poor and associated risk of deterioration highDisclosure of InterestNone Declared
Post-COVID psychiatry functional unit of hospital del mar: Treatment and monitoring of COVID-19 patients who developed neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Vargas Puértolas L. , Oller Canet S. , Pechuán Martínez E. , Arroyo Núñez À. , Legido Gil T. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThere is growing evidence on the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in patients suffering from COVID-19. On Hospital del Mar, a multidisciplinary post-COVID unit was created in May 2020 for COVID-19 patients.ObjectivesExplain the functioning of the Post-COVID Psychiatry Functional Unit and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of treated patients.MethodsThe Post-COVID Unit assessed all patients treated for COVID at Hospital del Mar. Patients referred by their primary care center for persistent post-COVID symptoms were also treated.During a telephone interview, they received the PHQ-4 questionnaire to identify psychiatric symptoms. If the score was => 3, the patient was referred to the Post-COVID Psychiatry Unit.Initial contact was established by a mental health nurse, who collected a clinical history and administered three scales: PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PCL-5. A descriptive sociodemographic and clinical data analysis of patients treated by the Post-COVID Psychiatry Unit is carried out.ResultsThe sample consists of 149 patients who have been treated for positive PHQ-4 from July 2020 to April 2021. The majority were women (71%) and averaged 50.2 years old (SD = 12.3). In terms of the severity of COVID-19 infection, 45.6% needed hospitalization.The mean score of the psychiatric symptom scales was 11.12 points on the PHQ-9 (SD=5.4) (1-4: minimal depression, 5-9: mild, 10-14: moderate, 15.19: moderately severe, 20-27: severe), 9.43 (SD=5.1) points in the GAD7 (cutoff point>=10) and 2.99 (SD=4) in the PCL5 (cutoff point>6).39.5% patients of the sample were visited by psychiatry/psychology, of these 33.6% met psychiatric diagnostic criteria, the most frequent being an Adjustment disorder (15.40%), followed by Major Depressive Disorder (8.7%), Anxiety Disorder (4.7%) and other diagnoses (4.7%).ConclusionsPatients treated in the Post-COVID Unit were mainly middle-aged women, the most common symptomatology being mild depressive symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Diagnostic Issues in Other Mental Disorders Co-Morbid With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Albuquerque J. P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe assumption by ICD-11 of Intellectual Disability (ID) as part of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders, named Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD), bring more attention of the psychiatric community to this population and the problems they face.In the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, different diagnosis intersect, since they share symptoms, and some of those symptoms are difficult to define.At the same time, the difficulty of people with ID to conceptualize and / or express is subjective experience creates another obstacle to clearly identify witch symptoms are present.We will try to discuss these questions, and offer some references, in order to help mental health professionals to recognize the most common diagnosis in people with ID, and differentiate between them, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Impulse Control Disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Treatment Approaches to Eating Disorders Among LGBTQIA+ Population: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tempia Valenta S. , Bronte C. , Panariello F. , Bonazzoli F. , De Ronchi D. , Atti A. R. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHistorically, eating disorders (ED) have been regarded as the diseases of heterosexual, affluent white women. Instead, research shows that the population most at risk of ED is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender (LGBTQIA+). Indeed, in addition to many of the same sociocultural influences on body dissatisfaction faced by their peers, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience unique body- and gender-related concerns as well as high levels of stress due to interpersonal prejudice and discrimination.ObjectivesThis narrative review presents an overview of current research on treatment approaches to ED among LGBTQIA+ individuals.MethodsWe conducted a PubMed search for studies published after 1990 using terms that aimed to represent the primary concepts of “eating disorder” and “LGBTQIA+” and “therapy.” Next, we inductively created relevant macro-themes by synthesizing the data from the included articles.ResultsOf 123 PubMed studies, we included 12 studies and identified three relevant macro-themes. The first macro-theme, “ordinary treatments,” focused on efficacy studies of conventional ED therapies applied to this category of patients. In particular, the first study proved the efficacy of the dissonance-based intervention, engaging participants to induce cognitive dissonance concerning the thin-ideal standard of beauty; the second study showed that sexual minorities patients accessing day hospital treatment reported greater overall ED and comorbid symptoms but started treatment with higher scores and improved at a faster rate compared to heterosexual patients; the third study provided evidence that transgender/nonbinary individuals and cisgender individuals showed similar improvement in ED symptoms during higher levels of care treatment, but the first group had less improvement in depression and no improvement in suicidality during ED treatment. The second macro-theme, “relational approach,” investigated newer treatment paradigms involving family and school support, both revealing positive implications for eating and weight-related behaviors. The third macro-theme, “gender-affirming therapy,” focused on medical and surgical treatment toward gender transition, which has been shown to correlate with improvements in body image, ED psychopathology, and psychological functioning.ConclusionsMembers of the LGBTQIA+ community are at greater risk for ED; to our knowledge, there is no targeted treatment that considers the entirety of their experience. These findings denote the need to focus future research efforts on effective treatment strategies specific to sexual and gender identity groups.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Consistency between modulational instability and energy localization in time-delay-memristive neural network
Authors: Etémé Armand Sylvin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this letter, we exclusively study the consistency between modulational instability and energy localization in a Hindmarsh-Rose–type memristive neural network under time-delay effect. Analytically, we find the suitable values of time-delay and memristor strength that support and control modulational instability. Also the Hamiltonian energy of the system is computed using the Helmholtz theorem. Numerical simulations are done to verify the analytical predictions. As a result, emission of action potential arises only in the domain where energy is highly localized, thus attesting that analytical predictions are in perfect agreement with numerical findings. These findings give more insight on relationship between modulational instability and energy localization in an excitable media along with the underlying biological phenomena that are involved.
Employee Attitude Surveys: a Powerful Tool for Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness
Authors: Nakra Rashmi 
Published: August 2023

One of the cardinal rules of business is, "Listen to your customers". The notion that success also depends on listening to your employees is just as basic. All organizations that strive to improve performance and effectiveness are constantly faced by questions such as: 'Are our methods, working?" "Are our products and services meeting the market's expectations?" or "Why weren't we the first to launch the latest version of the product?" One of the most cost effective sources of advice is close at hand: THE WORKFORCE.
Apart from asking employees as to what is working and what isn't, managements are also acutely aware of the relationship between employee satisfaction levels and customer satisfaction. This link has been validated by research studies as well as experienced by each one of us in everyday life. Most of us can vividly recall our feelings of apprehension whenever we have to visit an organization, be it a bank, a retail outlet or a restaurant where the employees look miserable and unhappy in their jobs. Each time we enter such an organization, we get an uncomfortable feeling that its employees are annoyed at us for walking in and causing them to do work.
Health behaviors of nursing staff in the use of preventive programs, coping with stress and the impact of additional workload
Authors: Sternal Danuta , Studencka Agata , Bąk Ewelina 
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Health behaviors play an important role in preserving, maintaining and improving health. These are actions and behaviors selected by humans, which, based on specific knowledge, remain in a significant relationship with health. Nursing staff, due to their knowledge, skills and duties enshrined in the Act on the Professions of Nurses and Midwives, through their own model of behavior and actions, should encourage appropriate health attitudes.

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to learn about selected health behaviors in the use of preventive programs, coping with stress and the impact of additional workload among the nursing staff employed at the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice.
Material and methods:
The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and a standardized scale - Juczyński's Health Behavior Inventory on a group of 100 nurses.
Results:
The group of surveyed nurses was characterized by the highest health behaviors in terms of positive mental attitude and proper eating habits, lower in terms of preventive behaviors and health practices. Only 63% of the respondents used prevention programmes. In addition, it was observed that abnormal health behaviors were more common among nurses working additionally in another health care facility.
Conclusions:
The surveyed nurses used preventive programs on average and manifested health practices at an average level, which was influenced by the burden of additional work. They chose various ways of coping with stress, which were not always pro-health, therefore postgraduate education should emphasize the development of these skills, and nurses should be able to use psychologists employed in hospitals.
Could Toxomplasma gondii infection be dangerous? - Systematic review
Authors: Frącz Gabriela , Kuliga Klaudia , Kuliga Marcin , Musz Kinga , Socha Agnieszka , Śnieżek Kinga 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan commonly found in humans in the form of three main forms: tachyzoite, tissue cyst and oocyst. The definitive host is the Felidae family, and one of the intermediate hosts is humans. The most common routes of infection are ingestion of raw or undercooked meat, water and food contaminated with oocysts. Among the forms of infection, we distinguish between the acquired form and the much more dangerous congenital form.
Aim of the study: The objective of the study was to rewiev the literature describing the dangerous impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on human.Methods and materials: : We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database, using the key words: "toxoplasma gondii"; "congenital toxoplasmosis"; "pregnacy".Results: T. gondii infection is particularly dangerous in pregnant women, due to the high risk of vertical transmission of the infection to the developing fetus. The clinical presentation of congenital toxoplasmosis depends on the gestational age at which the infection occurred. Pathognomonic signs of congenital toxoplasmosis include Sabin-Pinkerton Triad, which includes inflammation of the retina and choroid of the eye, dilatation of the brain's ventricular system and intracranial calcifications. Available pharmacotherapy works on tachyzoites present in the initial phase of acquired infection, congenital infection and reactivated infection in immunodeficient patients, available drugs do not work on tissue cysts.Conclusion: The consequences of Toxoplasma gondii infection are particularly dangerous for the fetus, so pregnant women should pay special attention to hand hygiene and thorough washing of the food they eat. For this reason, it is extremely important to educate pregnant women about health issues and draw attention to the possible consequences of T.gondii infection.
Integrative medicine - combination of conventional medicine and traditional herbal medicine may find its potential applications in the treatment of certain dermatological and endocrine diseases – review of the literature
Authors: Machowiec Piotr Artur , Maksymowicz Marcela , Korzeniowska Anna , Baran Natalia , Bielak Adriana , Nowak Aleksandra , Cywka Łucja , Szwed Weronika , Nowak Alicja , Bogusz Klaudia 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is an integral component of a comprehensive healing system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within TCM, herbs are utilized to rebalance the energy forces of Yin and Yang, which flow through imperceptible channels within the body with the aim of restoring energy equilibrium. It is important to acknowledge that herbs have the potential to exert significant effects on the body comparable to pharmaceutical drugs, and therefore, should be approached with equal caution and respect
The aim of the study was to present the current state of knowledge about the potential use of Chinese herbs in the treatment of certain dermatological and endocrine diseases.

State of the knowledge
Chinese medicine has found application in various diseases and health conditions, both physical and mental. In the studies delving into dermatological diseases, Chinese medicine therapy resulted in a reduction in chronic urticaria activity and psoriasis area severity index. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) effectively improved the response rate and reduced the maximum nodule diameter of benign thyroid nodules. Furthermore it was reported that certain Chinese herbs improve the functioning of mitochondria in β-cells contributing to better management of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion
Chinese medicine seems to be a valuable supplement to conventional medicine in the treatment of some chronic diseases. Simultaneously, our focus should be on the development of a new wave of pharmaceutical products that guarantee high efficacy and low toxicity conforming to international standards. It is imperative to enhance research in Chinese medicine and advance engineering technologies to ensure the superior quality of TCM preparations.
Gynecomastia - a literature review of management, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Szumlas Zuzanna , Jurek Aleksander , Mrozek Łukasz , Klocek Konrad , Zwolski Maciej , Puchalski Krzysztof , Kostecki Bartosz , Hajduk Aleksandra 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Purpose: Gynecomastia is a common clinical problem that can also be a symptom of many serious disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, as well as pharmacological and surgical treatment, while also addressing the psychological aspect of the condition.

State of Knowledge: Gynecomastia is the development of noncancerous breast tissue in males. It can occur unilaterally or bilaterally and may cause pain. It can be a natural occurrence during infancy, adolescence, and and in older age. It is usually accompanied by an imbalance between estrogens and androgens. Hormonal disorders lead to the growth of stromal and ductal proliferation. In the diagnostic process, the most important aspect is establishing the cause of the condition, allowing for the implementation of appropriate treatment. Gynecomastia can cause a decrease in quality of life, depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem.

Conclusions: Gynecomastia is a complex condition that requires an individualized approach to the patient. It can be a side effect of medication use, result from an underlying disease, or occur idiopathically. Surgical treatment forms the basis of the therapeutic process. Currently, combined surgical techniques are most commonly used to achieve the best cosmetic effect.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a promising method of treatment in depression and various neuropsychiatric conditions. A literature review
Authors: Kowalczyk Ilona , Zielonka Bartłomiej , Stawikowski Cezary , Krawiec Paulina , Madej Karolina , Wolanin Marta , Wolanin Izabela , Stachyra Bartłomiej , Osińska Aleksandra , Dengler Barbara 
Published: August 2023

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method of non-invasive and painless brain stimulation with an electromagnetic field, which induces changes in the electric field in the brain leading to the cortical activity modulation and stimulation of neurons. Currently, transcranial magnetic stimulation is increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. TMS can be used as a method of enhancing the effect of pharmacotherapy as well as a regular treatment.
Aim of the study: The study's aim is to summarize the current state of knowledge on transcranial magnetic stimulation as a method of treatment in depression and various neuropsychiatric conditions.
Material and methods: The study is based on the literature available in scientific databases such as PubMed, using the following keywords: „transcranial magnetic stimulation”, „tms”, “depression” and “treatment-resistant depression”.
Results and conclusions: Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive, painless and generally safe method of diagnosis and treatment of many neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, tinnitus, addiction to psychoactive substances and many more. TMS is a well-documented, approved, and recommended treatment primarily for treatment-resistant depression due to its effectiveness, mild side effect profile and good tolerability. Recently there are more and more reports on the effectiveness of TMS in the diagnosis and treatment of other neuropsychiatric conditions, but further research and setting guidelines are needed, so is increasing the availability of the method for patients.
Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder - literature review
Authors: Piasek Laura , Szafran Adrianna , Wiśniewska Klaudia , Ostańska Agnieszka , Terelak Wiktor , Ciechański Marcin , Witkowska Edyta , Godek Grzegorz , Więcław Kacper , Stańko Katarzyna 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder can decrease the quality of life and is often experienced by patients throughout their lives. They involve the presence of obsessions (persistent, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (actions/rituals performed by the patient to alleviate the discomfort associated with the obsessions). Currently, they are diagnosed based on the criteria of DSM-5.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review and analyze the available literature on obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases on obsessive-compulsive disorders was conducted.
Results: The exact cause of OCD remains unknown. The involvement of genetic and environmental factors is suspected. It has been shown that damage to certain brain structures due to injury or neurodegenerative diseases can lead to the development of obsessions and/or compulsions. The severity of symptoms is influenced by cognitive inflexibility, a high sense of responsibility, and magical thinking. Currently, pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy form the basis of treatment. The portrayal of individuals with OCD has been present in history and art for centuries.
Summary: Aspects, causes, and treatment methods of OCD are still being investigated and discovered. Presenting this disorder through art can positively impact awareness and social acceptance.
Proof-of-Work Cryptocurrencies: Does Mining Technology Undermine Decentralization?
Authors: Capponi Agostino , Ólafsson Sveinn , Alsabah Humoud 
Published: August 2023

Does the proof-of-work consensus protocol serve its intended purpose of supporting decentralized cryptocurrency mining? To address this question, we develop a game-theoretical model in which miners first invest in hardware to improve the efficiency of their operations and then compete for mining rewards in a rent-seeking game. We show that centralization grows with heterogeneity in mining costs, but hardware capacity constraints prevent the most efficient miners from monopolizing the mining process. Investment leads to a more decentralized network unless larger miners have a significant comparative advantage in acquiring new hardware. Our model generates empirically supported implications: (i) mining centralization is countercyclical with respect to mining reward, and (ii) a change in mining reward leads to a less-than-proportional change in hash rates. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, Special Section of Management Science: Blockchains and Crypto Economics. Supplemental Material: The data file is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4840 .