bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with β-Thalassemia that Underwent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Mulas Olga , Pili Ilaria , Sanna Marco , La Nasa Giorgio 
Published: November 2022

Background:
β-Thalassemia major (β-TM) represents one of the most important hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Remarkable improvements have been achieved in supportive therapy based on blood transfusions and iron chelation, and nowadays, this approach is capable of assuring a long life in these patients in industrialized countries. The only curative treatment is represented by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, this treatment may be burdened by deterioration in the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This paper aimed to evaluate the role of HRQoL in transplanted β-TM patients with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:
PubMed database, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published between January 1st, 2000 to September 2020. The following terms were entered in the database queries: β-thalassemia, HRQoL, and HSCT. The study was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results:
We identified a total of 33 potential studies. Among these, 10 were finally considered in the systematic review and 5 in the meta-analysis. Overall, good scores in the principal domains of HRQoL were reported by transplanted patients. These data were confirmed by results of meta-analysis that showed significant difference between transplanted and β-TM patients treated with conventional therapy in the physical and emotional dimension, with a medium effect size [d=0.65, 95% CI (0.29-1.02), z = 3.52, p =0.0004, I2=75%; and d=0.59, 95% CI (0.43-0.76), z = 6.99, p <0.00001, I2=0%, respectively].

Conclusion:

HRQoL is generally good in β-TM transplanted patients and may significantly contribute in deciding whether or not to transplant a β-TM patient treated with conventional therapy.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with β-Thalassemia Underwent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Mulas Olga , Pili Ilaria , Sanna Marco , La Nasa Giorgio 
Published: November 2022

Background:
β-Thalassemia major (β-TM) represents one of the most important hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Remarkable improvements have been achieved in supportive therapy, based on blood transfusions and iron chelation, and nowadays this approach is capable to assure a long life in these patients in industrialized countries. The only curative treatment is represented by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, this treatment may be burdened by deterioration in the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). The aim of this paper was to evaluate with a systematic review and meta-analysis the role of HRQoL in transplanted β-TM patients.

Methods:
PubMed database, Web of Science and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published between January 1st, 2000 to September, 2020; the following terms were entered in the database queries: β-thalassemia, HRQoL and HSCT. The study was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results:
We identified a total of 33 potential studies. Among these, 10 were finally considered in the systematic review and 5 in the meta-analysis. Overall, good scores in the principal domains of HRQoL were reported by transplanted patients. These data were confirmed by results of meta-analysis that showed significant difference between transplanted and β-TM patients treated with a conventional therapy in Physical an Emotional Function dimension, with a medium effect size (d=0.65, (95% CI (0.29-1.02) z = 3.52, p =0.0004, I2=75% and d=0.59, (95% CI (0.43-0.76) z = 6.99, p <0.00001, I2=0% respectively).

Conclusion:
HRQoL is generally good in β-TM transplanted patients and may give a significant contribute the difficult choice whether transplant or not a β-TM patient treated with conventional therapy.
Psychological Aspects, Physical Activity Levels and Overweight Concerns: A Cross-over Study of Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: Santana Kamila Souza , Junior Sidnei Jorge Fonseca , Queiroz Cássia , de Oliveira Aldair José , Machado Sergio , Neto Geraldo de Albuquerque Maranhão 
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
This study aims to identify levels of anxiety, depression, body weight, and levels of physical activity, as well as to verify possible associations among these variables in Brazilian adolescents. It is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 291 Brazilian adolescents aged 13 to 15 years old (13.75±0.80 years old).

Methods:
Researchers assessed students by filling out questionnaires of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the level of physical activity and checking anthropometric measures. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used to compare groups divided by psychological, physical and overweight factors for boys and girls, adopting a significance level of 95%.

Results:

Results showed higher waist circumference and physical activity levels for boys (p<0.01) and higher scores for anxiety and depressive symptoms questionnaires for girls (p<0.01). In addition, a low prevalence of depression was observed in boys (0.69%/CI0.03-4.36). For anxiety and depression variables in males and females with and without overweight and physically active and inactive, there were significant differences between groups (p < 0.05), but not within groups.

Conclusion:
The identification of a higher prevalence of girls with anxiety and depression was observed in this study and reinforced this information already demonstrated in the scientific literature. In general, the prevalence of depression was low in boys, while the prevalence of overweight, sedentary lifestyle, anxiety and depression were higher in girls.
Psychological Aspects, Physical Activity Levels and Overweight Concerns: A Cross-Over Study of Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: Santana Kamila Souza , Junior Sidnei Jorge Fonseca , de Oliveira Aldair José , Machado Sergio , Neto Geraldo de Albuquerque Maranhão 
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
This study aims to identify levels of anxiety, depression, body weight, levels of physical activity, as well as to verify possible associations among these variables in Brazilian adolescents. It is a cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample consisting of 291 Brazilian adolescents aged 13 to 15 years old (13.75±0.80 years old).

Methods:
Students were assessed by researchers by filling out questionnaires of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the level of physical activity and checking anthropometric measures. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used to compare groups divided by psychological, physical and overweight factors for boys and girls, adopting a significance level of 95%.

Results:
Results showed higher waist circumference and physical activity level for boys (p<0.01) and higher scores for anxiety and depressive symptoms questionnaires for girls (p<0.01). In addition, a low prevalence of depression was observed in boys (0.69%/CI0.03-4.36). For anxiety and depression variables in male and female with and without overweight and physically active and inactive, there just were significant differences between groups (p < 0.05), but not within groups.

Conclusion:
The identification of a higher prevalence of girls with anxiety and depression was observed in this study and reinforces this information already demonstrated in the scientific literature. In general, the prevalence of depression was low in boys, while the prevalence of overweight, sedentary lifestyle, anxiety and depression were higher in girls.
Prevalence of Mood Disorders and Associated Factors at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Potocol for a Community Survey in La Manouba Governorate, Tunisia
Authors: Ouali Uta , Aissa Amina , Rjaibi Salsabil , Zoghlami Nada , Zgueb Yosra , Larnaout Amine , Zid Mejdi , Kacem Imen , Charfi Fatma , Moro Maria Francesca , Touihri Nadia , Melki Wahid , Aounallah-Skhiri Hajer , Nacef Fethi , Gouider Riadh , El Hechmi Zouhaier , Carta Mauro Giovanni 
Published: November 2022

Aims:
The present survey aims to assess the overall mood disorder prevalence and identify associated socio-demographic and clinical factors in a Tunisian community sample, with special attention to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background:
Mood disorders are one of the leading causes of all non-fatal burdens of disease, with depression being at the top of the list. The COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the prevalence of mood disorders, especially in Low and Middle-income countries (LMICs) and in vulnerable populations.

Objective:
1/ Assess point and lifetime prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders as well as subthreshold bipolarity in a representative population sample of La Manouba governorate and assess treatment patterns for these disorders; 2/Study socio-demographic and clinical correlates of mood disorders 3/ Assess the association between mood disorders and quality of life 4/ Study the impact of the COVID-pandemic on the prevalence of mood disorders 5/ Assess coping mechanisms to the COVID-pandemic and whether these mechanisms moderate the appearance of mood disorders or symptoms since the beginning of the pandemic

Methods:
This is a household cross-sectional observational survey to be conducted in La Manouba Governorate in a sample of 4540 randomly selected individuals aged ≥ 15 years. Data collection will be carried out by trained interviewers with clinical experience, through face-to-face interviews and the use of the computer assisted personal interviewing approach (CAPI). The following assessment tools are administered:

Results:
Structured clinical Interview for DSM IV-TR (Mood disorder section and Screening questions on Anxiety), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ), 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), the Brief-COPE, and a questionnaire about a headache. In addition, socio-demographic and clinical data will be collected.

Conclusion:
This will be one of the very few household surveys in a general population sample to assess mental health problems and COVID-19-related variables since the beginning of the pandemic. Through this research, we aim to obtain an epidemiological profile of mood disorders in Tunisia and an estimation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their prevalence. Results should contribute to improving mental health care in Tunisia.
Psychological and Occupational Pressure among Teachers in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Coping Strategies
Authors: Al-Rashidi Anwar Hammad 
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
This study aims to identify the level of psychological and professional stresses in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. It has adopted descriptive and analytical methodologies. Two scales are prepared: a scale for psychological and professional stresses and a scale for coping with psychological and professional pressures.

Methods:
The study sample consists of (608) female teachers at public schools in the Al-Kharj province.

Results:
The results have shown that the level of psychological and professional stresses has come with a moderate degree. It is found that female teachers have followed coping strategies with psychological and professional stresses to a large degree. According to the teaching experience variable, statistically, significant differences have been found in psychological and professional stresses in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The differences are in favor of female teachers with experience of less than (5) years.

Conclusion:
However, there are no statistically significant differences according to the academic degree. It is recommended to arrange training courses for female teachers to develop remote teaching skills and using various technologies & applications in this field, especially in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
New Perspectives in Psychopathology and Psychological Well-being by Using Forest Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Inguscio Lucio , Triscari Sergio , Casu Mirko , Ferrante Alessandra , Cocuzza Dario , Maglia Marilena Maria 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Forest therapy is the clinical application of Shinrin-Yoku, also known as forest bathing. Specifically, the term Shinrin-Yoku refers to what is known as “a bath in the air of the forest”, which is carried out by walking and observing the landscapes of nature. In recent years, ecopsychology has become increasingly interested in the use of forest therapy as a credible, eco-sustainable, and easily adaptable treatment. The idea is to borrow the typical techniques of mindfulness and apply them to environmental contexts to verify if this leads to a better physical and mental well-being of the individual. Given the few contexts in which forest therapy is applied, this article aims to investigate, through a review of available literature, the applications of forest therapy existing in various severe or mild disorders in order to understand if this technique can represent a credible alternative to traditional treatments, and consequently arouse the interest of future experimental research in different contexts.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines that allowed us to identify n = 7 unique papers to be included in our analysis.

Results:
Forest therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving a range of psychological and physiological parameters in college students, the elderly, women with postmenopausal insomnia, patients with alcoholism syndrome, patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), patients with chronic widespread pain, and psychiatric patients.

Conclusion:
The analyzed studies are not yet able to tell us if forest therapy is better than traditional treatments. However, the effectiveness demonstrated in the studies provides empirical evidence of the credibility of forest therapy and leads to new scenarios for more eco-sustainable, versatile, affordable, and adaptable therapies according to the needs of the patients.
Social and Behavioral Rhythms is Related to the Perception of Quality of Life in Old Adults
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Pintus Elisa , Zaccheddu Rosanna , Callia Omar , Conti Giuliana , Aviles Gonzalez Cesar Ivan , Minerba Luigi , Demontis Roberto , Pau Massimiliano , Cocco Eleonora , Penna Maria Petronilla , Kalcev Goce , Lorrai Stefano , Velluzzi Fernanda , Lovoselli Andrea , Monticone Marco , Massidda Maria Valeria , Pinna Maria Rita , Atzori Laura , Cauli Alberto , Scano Alessandra , Orrù Germano , Crisafulli Antonio , Cosentino Sofia , Machado Sergio , Fortin Dario , Migliaccio Gian Mario , Finco Gabriele , Musu Mario , Cossu Giulia 
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
The purpose is to verify in old adults if social and behavioral rhythms (SBRs) are correlated with a positive perception of the quality of life (QoL). Social and behavioral rhythms and related circadian biorhythms are known as central points in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorders. A secondary aim is to see if a similar relationship can be found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in old adults. Sample: 141 people aged ≥65 years (58.9% Female).

Methods:
Each subject was evaluated using the Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale (in which higher scores show more dysfunctional SRBs); SF-12 for QoL and a screening tool for depressive symptoms. They underwent a medical evaluation and blood level assays including cholesterol and triglycerides. The medical diagnoses including MDD were taken into account.

Results:
The Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale score correlated inversely with SF-12 score (p<0.001) and positively with PHQ9 (p<0.0001). People with MDD had a higher score on social rhythms than controls without (p<0.01). The study highlighted, for the first time, that social and behavioral rhythms have a role in old adults living in the community.

Conclusion:
Further longitudinal studies with a sufficient number of individuals will be required to confirm these data and clarify causal links of the association.
Mediating Role of Acculturation on Newcomer Employees Behavior and Performance of Mergers and Acquisitions Process: An Empirical Analysis of Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Jindal Priya , Mittal Amit 
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
New ways of structuring, adopting new technology, and reshaping the role and responsibility in the banking operation have impacted the working conditions as well as the daily lives of bank employees. Acculturation is an emerging concept that may influence the short and long-term success or failure of any organization. Acculturation is firmly connected to Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) performance because it affects the banking sector’s business value and should be addressed after the merger.

Methods:
The current study is an attempt to examine the association between newcomer employee behavior and the performance of the M&A process, as well as the mediating effect of acculturation in this relationship. The sample size constitutes 303 newcomers banking employees who have joined the four acquired public sector banks after the mega-merger of six public sector undertaking banks on 1st April 2020. The research paper used CFA to examine the constructs' reliability and validity and used PLS-SEM to test the research hypotheses.

Results:
According to the statistical findings, new employee behavior and mergers and acquisitions performance were found to be significantly related at p-value < 0.001. Subsequently, acculturation mediates the relationship between newly joined employee conduct and large M&A performance.

Conclusion:
When a firm goes through the mergers and acquisitions process, they learn that cultural indigestion is a critical issue that influences employee behavior during the M&A process, which is often overlooked by senior management. The study finds out the post-merger problems and failures in the banking industry as a result of organizational culture differences.
Confirming The Validity And Reliability Of The Korean Language Fear Of COVID-19 Scale In The University Context
Authors: Lee Boram , Kim Yang Eun 
Published: November 2022

Background:
The widespread of the newly emerged infectious human disease labeled coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a prolonged public health crisis of pandemic proportions. The emergence and severe consequences of COVID-19 heightened anxieties and concerns. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was developed recently to specifically measure the fear sensed by an individual about COVID-19. This study aimed to establish the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Korean version of the FCV-19S (KF-COVID-19S) in the context of a Korean university.

Methods:
Data were collected from 402 university students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at a private university in the central region of South Korea. The sample was randomly bifurcated to execute exploratory factor analysis (EFA, N = 201) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N = 201). Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was also applied to assess consistency.

Results:
Both the EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model: factor 1 (somatic symptoms) and factor 2 (emotional fear) were significantly correlated. Additionally, the two-factor model exhibited a superior fit to the data compared to the unidimensional and bifactor models. Cronbach’s alpha revealed acceptable internal consistency.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that the Korean version of the FCV-19S can multidimensionally assess the severity of fear of COVID-19. However, we recommend using the single FCV-19S total score for practical purposes, given the high correlation among factors, the robust reliability of the total scale, and items implying a higher order factor of the fear sensed by individuals toward COVID-19.
Preparedness of Professional Nurses Rendering HIV Healthcare Services to LGBTIQ+ People in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Mulemfo Desirée Morakane , Mavhandu-Mudzusi Azwihangwisi Helen 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Access to HIV services by LGBTIQ+ individuals is the key to the Agenda for Zero Discrimination in Healthcare settings. As professional nurses are key drivers of HIV healthcare services in government/public settings, there is a need to understand their preparedness for rendering services to LGBTIQ+ individuals who can be considered dual marginalized because of HIV status and being gender or sexual non-binary. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on the preparedness of healthcare providers to render HIV services to LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional nurses’ preparedness in rendering HIV healthcare services to LGBTIQ+ people at public primary healthcare clinics in Gauteng.

Methods:
This qualitative study followed an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants recruited through criterion purposive sampling. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed, guided by the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis framework for qualitative data analysis.

Results:
Findings indicate that professional nurses lack information regarding LGBTIQ+ communities. Furthermore, they have limited knowledge and skills for preventing and managing HIV in these communities. This is because of a lack of formal training about LGBTIQ+ people’s unique HIV conditions, specific socio-medical interventions, and necessary preventive materials.

Conclusion:
Lack of formal preparation of professional nurses regarding LGBTIQ+ individuals and their healthcare needs might hinder the achievement of the desired zero new HIV infections and zero HIV-related death. The researchers thus recommend the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ communities and their healthcare needs in the nursing curriculum and upscaling nurses to render LGBTIQ+-friendly healthcare services.
Current Research on Spray-Dried Chitosan Nanocomposite Microparticles
for Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Authors: Albetawi Saba 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
Using the pulmonary route for systemic and local drug delivery is an attractive method
of drug administration because it has a high alveolar surface area, abundant blood flow, a thin airblood
barrier, and low metabolic activity. In recent years, the evolution of inhalable chitosan nanocomposite
microparticles formulations enabled researchers to develop new pulmonary drug delivery
platforms that combine the advantages of microparticles and nanoparticles using a biocompatible,
biodegradable polymer with polycationic nature and inherent immunogenicity that enhances
cell targeting. Therefore, this review aims to offer an overview of the recent advances in inhalable
chitosan nanocomposites microparticles formulated in the previous five years in terms of primary
nanoparticles manufacturing methods; namely, ionic crosslinking of chitosan using tripolyphosphate,
electrospinning/electrospraying, layer-by-layer deposition, and nanospray drying; final microparticles
manufacturing techniques using spray drying, nano spray drying, and supercritical
assisted spray drying; in addition to the process optimization of the previously mentioned manufacturing
methods. Furthermore, this review highlights using chitosan and its derivatives in primary
nanoparticles preparation and as a polysaccharide to distribute the prepared nanoparticles in
microparticles. Finally, this review discusses the factors affecting yield, encapsulation efficiency,
in vitro aerosolization properties, size, morphological characters, in vitro release, and in vivo evaluation
of inhalable chitosan nanocomposite microparticles.