Search Results (15,220)

Anxiety has become an important issue affecting students’ mental health. There is some evidence that mindfulness-based art interventions (MBAIs) can reduce students’ anxiety symptoms. However, some studies have shown the opposite view. Therefore, it is necessary to explore whether MBAIs are effective in alleviating students’ anxiety. In this meta-analysis, we chose 17 articles that met the criteria for inclusion, involving a total of 1548 participants, to figure out how big an impact the interventions had on student anxiety as a whole. The results show that MBAIs can reduce students’ anxiety (g = −0.387, p = 0.000). The effect size varies based on different moderators, including learning stage, sample size, intervention type, research design, measuring instrument, and intervention duration. Intervention type, research design, and measuring instrument are significant moderators. Specifically, the mindfulness-based art intervention (MBAI) showed stronger effects than the mandala coloring activity. Single-group experimental designs showed significantly higher effect sizes than studies that included a control group, and studies that used other measurement instruments had significantly higher effect sizes than those that used the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. On this basis, the researchers put forward specific suggestions based on MBAIs to alleviate the anxiety of students from different educational backgrounds. However, due to the nascent nature of this field, the number of included articles is relatively small. The effectiveness of the research needs further testing. Full article

The increasing prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases poses a significant challenge in the modern world, impacting healthcare systems and individual life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that older adults (65+ years) engage in 150–300 min of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, alongside muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises at least twice a week. However, nearly one-third of the adult population (31%) is physically inactive, which increases the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and psychological issues. Physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a combination of both is effective in preventing and managing these metabolic diseases. In this review, we explored the effects of exercise training, especially on respiratory and pulmonary factors, including oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, and blood gas analyses among adults. During exercise, oxygen consumption can increase up to 15-fold (from a resting rate of ~250 mL/min) to meet heightened metabolic demands, enhancing tidal volume and pulmonary efficiency. During exercise, the increased energy demand of skeletal muscle leads to increases in tidal volume and pulmonary function, while blood gases play a key role in maintaining the pH of the blood. In this review, we explored the influence of age, body composition (BMI and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol use), and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders) in the modulation of these physiological responses. We underscored exercise as a potent non-pharmacological intervention for improving cardiopulmonary health and mitigating the progression of metabolic diseases in aging populations. Full article

Cobalt, a rare element in the Earth’s crust, is widely used in industries due to its hardness and antioxidant properties. It also plays a vital role in physiological functions, being a key component of vitamin B₁₂. However, excessive cobalt intake can cause health issues. Detecting cobalt ions, especially Co²⁺, in food is crucial due to potential contamination from various sources. Fluorescent probes offer high sensitivity, selectivity, a rapid response, and ease of use, making them ideal for the accurate and efficient recognition of Co²⁺ in complex samples. In this context, a highly selective fluorescent probe, 2,2′-((3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1,2-phenylene) bis(oxy)) bis(N-(quinolin-8-yl) acetamide) (DQBM-B), was synthesized using chloroacetyl chloride, 8-aminoquinoline, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and benzidine as raw materials for the recognition of Co²⁺. Probe DQBM-B can exhibit fluorescence alone in DMF. However, as the concentration of Co²⁺ increased, Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) occurred, which quenched the original fluorescence of the probe. Probe DQBM-B shows better selectivity for Co²⁺ than other ions with high sensitivity (detection limit: 3.56 μmol L⁻¹), and the reaction reaches equilibrium within 30 min. Full article

Background: Undercover police work is a psychologically high-risk profession that exposes officers to chronic stress, identity conflicts, and moral dilemmas. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the psychological consequences associated with undercover police work, focusing on specific psychopathological risk factors. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada. The present systematic review analyzed data from 380 current undercover operatives, 372 former UCOs, 578 officers without undercover experience, and 60 pre-operational agents. Results: From an initial pool of 365 records, 10 studies were identified, of which 6 met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently reported psychological risk factors included anxiety, hypervigilance, identity issues, dissociative symptoms, and substance misuse. These were assessed using validated self-report instruments (e.g., SCL-90), structured interviews, and clinical evaluations. Long-term consequences were more prominent post-deployment, particularly among former UCOs. Conclusions: Undercover work is associated with an elevated risk of mental health problems, especially after the end of operations. Future research should focus on standardizing assessment tools and identifying protective factors. The findings support the development of targeted interventions such as pre-deployment psychological screening, ongoing monitoring, and structured reintegration programs to safeguard UCOs’ well-being. Full article

Background: China is confronted with the dual challenges of deeply interwoven population aging and the digitalization process. The digital integration and mental health issues of the elderly group are becoming increasingly prominent. Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the pathways through which individual, family, and social factors influence Internet use in the elderly through a multi-level analysis framework, to examine the association between Internet use and mental health with a view to providing empirical evidence for digital technology-based mental health intervention programs for the elderly, and to promote the scientific practice of the goal of healthy aging. Methods: Based on the data of the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) and provincial Internet development indicators, a mixed cross-sectional dataset was constructed. Logistic hierarchical regression and OLS regression methods were adopted to systematically investigate the multi-level factors associated with Internet use among the elderly group and its association with mental health. Results: The results indicate that individual resources (younger age, higher education level, and good health status) and family technical support (family members’ Internet access) are strongly associated with Internet usage among the elderly, while regional Internet penetration rate appears to operate indirectly through micro-mechanisms. Analysis of the association with mental health showed that Internet use was related to a lower score of depressive tendency (p < 0.05), and this association remained robust after controlling for variables at the individual, family, and social levels. Conclusions: The research results provide empirical evidence for the health promotion policies for the elderly, advocating the construction of a collaborative intervention framework of “individual ability improvement–intergenerational family support–social adaptation for the elderly” to bridge the digital divide and promote the digital integration of the elderly population in China. Full article

Despite the increasing adoption of a syndemic approach in HIV research, few health communication campaigns have used a syndemic approach in messaging to improve health outcomes for persons living with HIV (PWH). This paper introduces a framework for practitioners and researchers developing health communication messages in support of a syndemic approach to HIV care for PWH in the United States. Grounded in insights from a review of counseling and psychosocial interventions that demonstrated significant positive effects on HIV clinical outcomes, the C4H Framework emphasizes four components: compassion, comprehensive messaging, capacity-building, and coordination. Compassion ensures that messages resonate with individuals experiencing the intertwined challenges of HIV, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Comprehensive messaging integrates a holistic view of the barriers faced by PWH. Capacity-building empowers individuals to effectively engage with and act upon health information. Coordination promotes alignment between stakeholders and resources to ensure consistent and supportive messaging. The C4H Framework bridges the gap between research and practice, offering a foundation for crafting effective communication messages that resonate with individuals facing the complex challenges inherent in HIV syndemics. Future research should explicitly test the effectiveness and acceptability of messages developed using the C4H Framework with people living with HIV. Full article

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly sexually active adolescents and young adults. These infections, caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, can have profound implications for women’s reproductive health and fertility. This review explores the role of vaginal and uterine infections in women’s infertility, focusing on the most common pathogens and their impact on reproductive outcomes. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by intracellular bacteria (Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and Chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and bacterial vaginosis, are among the most prevalent causes of infertility in women. Studies have shown that these infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal occlusion, and endometrial damage, all of which can impair fertility. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in particular, is a significant cause of genital tuberculosis and infertility in high-incidence countries. Viral infections, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV), can also affect women’s fertility. While the exact role of HPV in female infertility remains unclear, studies suggest that it may increase the risk of endometrial implantation issues and miscarriage. HSV may be associated with unexplained infertility. Parasitic infections, such as trichomoniasis and schistosomiasis, can directly impact the female reproductive system, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other complications. Fungal infections, such as candidiasis, are common but rarely have serious outcomes related to fertility. The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health, and alterations in the microbial balance can increase susceptibility to STIs and infertility. Probiotics have been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore the vaginal ecosystem and improve fertility outcomes, although further research is needed to establish their efficacy. In conclusion, vaginal and uterine infections contribute significantly to women’s infertility, with various pathogens affecting the reproductive system through different mechanisms. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of these infections on women’s reproductive health and fertility. Full article

Background/Objective: Nursing and non-nursing students experience high stress levels, making them susceptible to mental health issues. This study compared stress, anxiety, and depression between these two groups after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it explored the relationship between perceived helplessness, self-efficacy, and symptoms of mental stress and strain resulting from challenging internship conditions for nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 154 nursing students (mean age = 22.43 years) and 291 non-nursing students (mean age = 27.7 years). Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and a questionnaire on mental stress and strain. Results: Nursing students reported significantly higher scores in the DASS-21 subscales depression (ηp² = 0.016) and anxiety (ηp² = 0.037), and global stress (PSS-10; ηp² = 0.029) compared to non-nursing students, but no significant difference on the DASS-21 Stress subscale. The observed group differences in the present study may be partially attributed to group differences in demographic factors. Helplessness correlated strongly with nearly all scales of mental stress and strain during internships (all p’s < 0.001), while self-efficacy showed a strong negative correlation with non-occupational difficulties, health impairment, and emotional problems (all p’s < 0.001). Conclusions: Nursing students experience elevated depression, anxiety, and perceived stress levels compared to non-nursing students. Stronger feelings of helplessness and lower confidence in their ability to overcome challenges were strongly correlated with mental stress and strain during clinical training. Targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral training and stress management should be integrated into nursing curricula to enhance resilience and coping strategies. Full article

Sensor selection in IoT-based smart healthcare systems is a complex fuzzy decision-making problem due to the presence of numerous uncertain and interdependent evaluation criteria. Traditional fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches often assume independence among criteria and rely on aggregation operators that impose sharp transitions between preference levels. These assumptions can lead to decision outcomes with insufficient differentiation, limited discriminatory capacity, and potential issues in consistency and sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel fuzzy decision-making framework by integrating Quasi-D-Overlap functions into the fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution) method. Quasi-D-Overlap functions represent a generalized extension of classical overlap operators, capable of capturing partial overlaps and interdependencies among criteria while preserving essential mathematical properties such as associativity and boundedness. This integration enables a more intuitive, flexible, and semantically rich modeling of real-world fuzzy decision problems. In the context of real-time health monitoring, a case study is conducted using a hybrid edge–cloud architecture, involving sensor tasks such as heartrate monitoring and glucose level estimation. The results demonstrate that the proposed method provides greater stability, enhanced discrimination, and improved responsiveness to weight variations compared to traditional fuzzy MCDM techniques. Furthermore, it effectively supports decision-makers in identifying optimal sensor alternatives by balancing critical factors such as accuracy, energy consumption, latency, and error tolerance. Overall, the study fills a significant methodological gap in fuzzy MCDM literature and introduces a robust fuzzy aggregation strategy that facilitates interpretable, consistent, and reliable decision making in dynamic and uncertain healthcare environments. Full article

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a critical health issue affecting the quality of life of elderly individuals and patients with chronic diseases. These conditions induce dysregulation of glucocorticoid (GC) secretion. GCs play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the stress response and glucose metabolism. However, prolonged exposure to GC is directly linked to muscle atrophy, which is characterized by a reduction in muscle size and weight, particularly affecting fast-twitch muscle fibers. The GC-activated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) decreases protein synthesis and facilitates protein breakdown. Numerous antagonists have been developed to mitigate GC-induced muscle atrophy, including 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and myostatin and activin receptor blockers. However, the clinical trial results have fallen short of the expected efficacy. Recently, several emerging pathways and targets have been identified. For instance, GC-induced sirtuin 6 isoform (SIRT6) expression suppresses AKT/mTORC1 signaling. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) cooperates with the GR for the transcription of atrogenes. The kynurenine pathway and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) also play crucial roles in protein synthesis and energy production in skeletal muscle. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the complexities of GR transactivation and transrepression will provide new strategies for the discovery of novel drugs to overcome the detrimental effects of GCs on muscle tissues. Full article

Female cancers such as breast and gynaecological cancers contribute to a significant global health burden and are a leading cause of fatality among women. With current treatment options often limited by resistance to cytotoxic drugs, side effects and lack of specificity to the cancer, there is a pressing need for alternative treatments. Recent research has highlighted the promising role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) in regulating these issues and providing more targeted approaches to suppressing key cancer pathways. This review explores the involvement of the various types of non-coding RNAs in regulating key oncogenic pathways, namely, the MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin and p53 pathways, in a range of female cancers such as breast, cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Evidence from a multitude of studies suggests that non-coding RNAs function as double-edged swords, serving as both oncogenes and tumour suppressors, depending on their expression and cellular interactions. By mapping and investigating these regulatory interactions, this review demonstrates the complexity and dual functionality of ncRNAs in cancer. Understanding these complex mechanisms is essential for the development of new and effective ncRNA-based diagnostic methods and targeted therapies in female cancer treatment. Full article

Background/Introduction: Psychological inflexibility, which includes experiential avoidance, is a transdiagnostic process associated with multiple mental health issues in adolescence. Physical fitness (PF) has shown benefits for mental well-being, yet its specific relationship with psychological inflexibility remains understudied, particularly among youth. Objectives: To examine the association between components of PF and psychological inflexibility, measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 631 adolescents (aged 12–17) participating in the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. PF was assessed by the Assessing the Levels of PHysical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-Fit) Test Battery (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, agility, and flexibility). Psychological inflexibility was measured using the AAQ-II. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate associations, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and energy intake. Results: Unadjusted analyses showed weak but significant associations between psychological inflexibility and performance in the 20 m shuttle run test (p = 0.002), the 4 × 10 shuttle run test (p = 0.005), and the sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). However, after adjusting for covariates, none of the PF components maintained a statistically significant association with the AAQ-II scores. Conclusions: In this adolescent sample, PF components were not independently associated with psychological inflexibility after adjustment for key confounders. These findings suggest that, while PF may contribute to general well-being, it is not a primary determinant of psychological inflexibility. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms linking physical and psychological health in youth. Full article

Eutrophication has become the primary water quality issue for most of the freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems in the world. Caused by excessive nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs, it has a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems, resulting in algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and biodiversity loss. Zeolites have been identified as effective adsorbents for removal of these pollutants, improving water quality and ecosystem health. Kinetic and isotherm adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the adsorption efficiency of four zeolites of various origins (Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, and Bulgarian) and a specific modification (ZeoPhos) to determine the most effective material for N and P removal. The aim of the study is to discover the best zeolite for chemical adsorption in eutrophic waters by comparing their adsorption capacities and pollutant removal efficiencies along with SEM, TEM, and X-RD spectrographs. Slovakian ZeoPhos has been identified as the best-performing material for long-term and efficient water treatment systems for eutrophication management. Full article

As medical technology develops and digital demands grow, personal health records (PHRs) are becoming more patient-centered than before based on cloud-based health information exchanges. While enhancing data accessibility and sharing, these systems present privacy and security issues, including data breaches and unauthorized access. We developed a post-quantum, group-oriented encryption scheme using the Crystal-Kyber Key encapsulation mechanism (KEM). Leveraging lattice-based post-quantum cryptography, this scheme ensures quantum resilience and chosen ciphertext attack security for layered cloud PHR environments. It supports four encryption modes: individual, group, subgroup-specific, and authorized subgroup decryption, meeting diverse data access needs. With efficient key management requiring only one private key per user, the developed scheme strengthens the privacy and security of PHRs in a future-proof, flexible, and scalable manner. Full article

(1) Background: People living with spinal cord injury (SCI) face numerous challenges in their lives in terms of health conditions, everyday activity, and participation in society, which are not fully recognized. To address such issues, a community survey with 125 questions for people living with SCI was conducted and the response rates, population characteristics, health and functioning problems are reported. (2) Methods: The survey questionnaire comprised 125 questions on SCI characteristics, health conditions, activities, participation, and environmental and personal factors. The survey response rates were calculated, and demographics and health and functioning characteristics were analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 890 individuals responded to the survey. The median age of the participants was 48 years (interquartile range (IQR), 39–56), and 76% of the population were males. Paraplegia (60%) and complete injury (58%) were the most common injury type, and the cause was mostly traumatic (92%). More health problems and lower quality of life were more frequent with older age and in patients without paid work. (4) Conclusions: The Ko-InSCI study provides valuable information in terms of health needs and service gaps for people with SCI in the community. Full article