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19 pages, 686 KiB  
Article
How Stressors and Facilitators of Work–Family Dynamics Interrelate and Affect Psychological Outcomes in Farming Women: A Mixed-Methods Approach in Chile
by Gloria Mora-Guerrero, Fernanda Herrera-González, Carolina Alveal-Álamos, Jorge Constanzo-Belmar, Luis Marileo, Andrés Macadoo and Sharon Viscardi
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141760 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore how stressors and facilitators within the work–family interface (WFI) influence mental health outcomes among farming women in rural Chile. The research sought to identify key relational patterns and contextual determinants shaping psychological well-being in this population. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore how stressors and facilitators within the work–family interface (WFI) influence mental health outcomes among farming women in rural Chile. The research sought to identify key relational patterns and contextual determinants shaping psychological well-being in this population. Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods design was employed, involving 41 semi-structured interviews analyzed using grounded theory. Qualitative themes were quantified by calculating the percentage of occurrence per interview, allowing for comparative analysis. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to examine associations among WFI dimensions and mental health-related variables. Results: Strong and statistically significant correlations emerged between institutional and community facilitators (r = 0.664, p < 0.01) and between gender facilitators and family workload stressors (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). PCA revealed two distinct patterns: women who rely on institutional support often resist traditional family roles, while others find balance through familial support systems. The gendered distribution of caregiving and productive tasks was a key factor in psychological well-being, with some women reporting physical discomfort linked to triple workloads. Conclusions: The dynamics of the WFI in rural contexts are shaped by both sociocultural and institutional factors. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health policies that acknowledge and respond to the lived experiences of farming women. Full article
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13 pages, 1574 KiB  
Article
SnapStick: Merging AI and Accessibility to Enhance Navigation for Blind Users
by Shehzaib Shafique, Gian Luca Bailo, Silvia Zanchi, Mattia Barbieri, Walter Setti, Giulio Sciortino, Carlos Beltran, Alice De Luca, Alessio Del Bue and Monica Gori
Technologies 2025, 13(7), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13070297 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 399
Abstract
Navigational aids play a vital role in enhancing the mobility and independence of blind and visually impaired (VI) individuals. However, existing solutions often present challenges related to discomfort, complexity, and limited ability to provide detailed environmental awareness. To address these limitations, we introduce [...] Read more.
Navigational aids play a vital role in enhancing the mobility and independence of blind and visually impaired (VI) individuals. However, existing solutions often present challenges related to discomfort, complexity, and limited ability to provide detailed environmental awareness. To address these limitations, we introduce SnapStick, an innovative assistive technology designed to improve spatial perception and navigation. SnapStick integrates a Bluetooth-enabled smart cane, bone-conduction headphones, and a smartphone application powered by the Florence-2 Vision Language Model (VLM) to deliver real-time object recognition, text reading, bus route detection, and detailed scene descriptions. To assess the system’s effectiveness and user experience, eleven blind participants evaluated SnapStick, and usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS). In addition to the 94% accuracy, the device received an SUS score of 84.7%, indicating high user satisfaction, ease of use, and comfort. Participants reported that SnapStick significantly improved their ability to navigate, recognize objects, identify text, and detect landmarks with greater confidence. The system’s ability to provide accurate and accessible auditory feedback proved essential for real-world applications, making it a practical and user-friendly solution. These findings highlight SnapStick’s potential to serve as an effective assistive device for blind individuals, enhancing autonomy, safety, and navigation capabilities in daily life. Future work will explore further refinements to optimize user experience and adaptability across different environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Assistive Technologies)
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28 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Contextual Emotions in Organizations: A Latent Profile Analysis of Their Co-Occurrence and Their Effects on Employee Well-Being
by Laura Petitta, Lixin Jiang and Valerio Ghezzi
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(7), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15070122 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
Workplace contextual emotions are structured ways of emotionally thinking about specific cues in the context that employees share within their organization. These dynamics reflect how employees emotionally interpret and respond to organizational environments. Contextual emotions may shape working relationships into different types of [...] Read more.
Workplace contextual emotions are structured ways of emotionally thinking about specific cues in the context that employees share within their organization. These dynamics reflect how employees emotionally interpret and respond to organizational environments. Contextual emotions may shape working relationships into different types of toxic emotional dynamics (e.g., claiming, controlling, distrusting, provoking) or, conversely, positive emotional dynamics (i.e., exchanging), thus setting the emotional tone that affects employees’ actions and their level of comfort/discomfort. The present study uses latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subpopulations of employees who may experience differing levels of both positive and negative emotional dynamics (i.e., different configurations of emotional patterns of workplace behavior). Moreover, it examines whether the emergent profiles predict work-related (i.e., job satisfaction, burnout) and health-related outcomes (i.e., sleep disturbances, physical and mental health). Using data from 801 Italian employees, we identified four latent profiles: “functional dynamics” (low toxic emotions and high exchange), “dialectical dynamics” (co-existence of medium toxic emotions and medium exchange), “mild dysfunctional dynamics” (moderately high toxic emotions and low exchange), and “highly dysfunctional dynamics” (extremely high toxic emotions and extremely low exchange). Moreover, employees in the dialectical, mild dysfunctional, and highly dysfunctional groups reported progressively higher levels of poor health outcomes and progressively lower levels of satisfaction, whereas the functional group was at low risk of stress and was the most satisfied group. The theoretical and practical implications of the LPA-classified emotional patterns of workplace behavior are discussed in light of the relevance of identifying vulnerable subpopulations of employees diversely exposed to toxic configurations of emotional/relational ambience. Full article
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24 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
“Get Well Enough to Make the Right Decision for Themselves”—Experiences and Perspectives of Clinicians Working with People with Serious Mental Illness and Their Substitute Decision Makers
by Samuel Law, Vicky Stergiopoulos, Juveria Zaheer and Arash Nakhost
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050704 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
In the current clinical psychiatric practice in most of the world, treatment decisions are based on a person’s capacity to make these decisions. When a person lacks the capacity to understand and appreciate treatment decisions, in many jurisdictions a third-party substitute decision maker [...] Read more.
In the current clinical psychiatric practice in most of the world, treatment decisions are based on a person’s capacity to make these decisions. When a person lacks the capacity to understand and appreciate treatment decisions, in many jurisdictions a third-party substitute decision maker (SDM) is appointed on his or her behalf in order to promote safety and optimal clinical outcome. In Ontario, Canada, for example, family members (typically) or public guardians are appointed as SDMs, and they form an integral part of the medical–legal system in psychiatric care. Clinicians working with both patients and their SDMs in these circumstances encounter unique challenges and deliver care in specialized ways, though little research has focused on their experiences and reflections. Based on focus group data, this qualitative study uses a descriptive and interpretative phenomenological approach through thematic analysis to examine these aspects from clinicians working in both inpatient and outpatient settings of an urban teaching hospital’s psychiatric services in Toronto, Canada. Seven key themes emerged: Clinicians (1) appreciate hardships and challenges in lives of SDMs and patients—including the challenging emotions and experiences on both sides, and the risks and relational changes from being an SDM; (2) have an understanding of the patient’s situation and respect for patient autonomy and wishes—they are promoter of autonomy and mindful of patients’ prior wishes amidst patients’ fluctuating capacity, facilitating communication, keeping patients informed and promoting transitioning from SDM to self-determination; (3) have a special working relationship with family SDMs—including supporting SDMs, avoiding harm from delayed or denied treatment, and educating and collaborating with SDMs while maintaining professional boundaries; (4) at times find it difficult working with SDMs—stemming from working with over-involved or uninterested family SDMs, coping with perceived poor SDM decisions, and they sometimes ponder if SDMs are necessary; (5) delineate differences between family and Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) SDMs—they see PGT as closely aligned with medical decision makers, while family SDMs are more intimately involved and more likely to disagree with a physician’s recommendation; (6) recognize the importance of the SDM role in various contexts—through seeing social values in having SDMs, and acknowledging that having SDMS help them to feel better about their actions as they work to protect the patients; and (7) express ideas on how to improve the current system—at public, societal, and family SDM levels. We conclude that clinicians have unique mediating roles, with privilege and responsibility in understanding the different roles and challenges patients and SDMs face, and have opportunities to improve patient and SDM experiences, clinical outcomes, carry out education, and advocate for ethically just decisions. These clinical roles also come with frustration, discomfort, moral distress and at times vicarious trauma. Clinicians’ unique understanding of this complex and nuanced intersection of patient care provides insight into the core issues of autonomy, duty to care and protect, advocacy, and emotional dynamics involved in this sector as a larger philosophical and social movement to abolish SDMs, as advocated by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), is taking place. We briefly discuss the role of supported decision making as an alternative as. Full article
10 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
Clinical Outcomes of Non-Elastic Compression Bandage Versus Elastic Bandage Following Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair
by Jie Yang, Guocheng Ding, Zhixin Duan, Yixiang Yan, Yuyue Zhang, Dong Jiang and Jianquan Wang
Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101182 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 618
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes of using non-elastic compression bandages versus elastic bandages after lateral ankle ligament repair. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed a total of 110 patients who underwent repair surgery for chronic lateral ankle [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aims to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes of using non-elastic compression bandages versus elastic bandages after lateral ankle ligament repair. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed a total of 110 patients who underwent repair surgery for chronic lateral ankle ligament injuries. Based on the postoperative bandaging method, patients were divided into two groups: the non-elastic compression bandage group (Group NECB, 55 cases) and the elastic bandage group (Group EB, 55 cases). A comparison was made between the two groups of patients regarding postoperative ankle joint swelling, pain scores (VAS scores), ankle function (AOFAS Ankle–Hindfoot Scale), range of motion of the ankle joint, the incidence of perioperative complications (including subcutaneous ecchymosis, wound seepage, and events requiring loosening of the bandage due to pain), and the status of return to work postoperatively. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of early postoperative ankle joint swelling or increased circumference (0.53 ± 1.47 cm vs. 1.08 ± 1.84 cm, p = 0.095) or VAS scores at 1 day (3.84 ± 2.14 vs. 3.63 ± 2.03, p = 0.595), 7 days (2.20 ± 1.89 vs. 1.78 ± 1.67, p = 0.216), 14 days (1.45 ± 1.56 vs. 0.97 ± 1.23, p = 0.075), or 3 months (1.27 ± 1.50 vs. 1.38 ± 1.76, p = 0.744). Both groups demonstrated comparable functional recovery based on AOFAS scores at 3 months (89.89 ± 8.08 vs. 90.05 ± 9.50, p = 0.926), ROM in all measured directions (p > 0.05), and return to work status (p = 0.567). However, the incidence of complications was significantly lower in Group NECB (3.6%) compared to Group EB (30.9%). The reported complications in Group EB were mainly related to postoperative subcutaneous ecchymosis and discomfort requiring bandage loosening. Conclusions: There is no difference between non-elastic compression bandaging with cotton padding and elastic bandaging in postoperative swelling, pain, and functional recovery. However, in reducing the incidence of postoperative skin adverse events, using non-elastic compression bandages with cotton padding proves to be more ideal as a bandaging method after lateral ankle ligament repair. Full article
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14 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Towards the Real-World Analysis of Lumbar Spine Standing Posture in Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
by Elena Muñoz-Gómez, Frederick McClintock, Andrew Callaway, Carol Clark, Raee Alqhtani and Jonathan Williams
Sensors 2025, 25(10), 2983; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25102983 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 869
Abstract
Prolonged periods of standing are linked to low back pain (LBP). Evaluating lumbar spine biomechanics in real-world contexts can provide novel insights into these links. This study aimed to determine if standing behaviour can be quantified, in individuals with LBP, in real-world environments. [...] Read more.
Prolonged periods of standing are linked to low back pain (LBP). Evaluating lumbar spine biomechanics in real-world contexts can provide novel insights into these links. This study aimed to determine if standing behaviour can be quantified, in individuals with LBP, in real-world environments. A three-stage design was used, (i) Verification of a bespoke algorithm characterising lumbar standing behaviour, (ii) Day-long assessment of standing behaviours of individuals with posture-related low back discomfort, and (iii) Case study application to individuals with clinical LBP. Analysis of standing posture across time included variability, fidgeting, and amplitude probability distribution function analysis. The study demonstrated that accelerometers are a valid method for extracting standing posture from everyday activity data. There was a wide variety of postures throughout the day in people with posture-related low back discomfort and people with clinical LBP. Frequency profiles ranged from slightly flexed to slightly extended postures, with skewed bell-shaped distributions common. Postural variability ranged from 3.4° to 7.7°, and fidgeting from 1.0° to 3.0°. This work presents a validated accelerometer-based method to capture, identify, and quantify real-world lumbar standing postures. The distinct characteristics of people with low back discomfort or pain highlight the importance of individualised approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wearable Sensor for Human Movement Monitoring)
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14 pages, 476 KiB  
Review
From Doubt to Direction: Untangling Pediatric Scrupulosity
by Rachel E. Mathews and Shivali Sarawgi
Children 2025, 12(4), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040528 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 753
Abstract
Background: Up to 33% of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have scrupulosity symptoms, although less is known regarding the prevalence rates in youth, specifically. Scrupulosity translates to “fearing sin where there is none” and describes pathological guilt and distress related to religion [...] Read more.
Background: Up to 33% of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have scrupulosity symptoms, although less is known regarding the prevalence rates in youth, specifically. Scrupulosity translates to “fearing sin where there is none” and describes pathological guilt and distress related to religion and morality. Disentangling scrupulosity from true religious beliefs and actions may be difficult in youth for a number of reasons, including the nature of youth as a time of developing independent identities and values, expected ritualistic behavior (e.g., confession, ritualistic cleansing), scrupulosity being reinforced in some religious communities, and the discomfort or inexperience of clinicians with both these symptoms and various belief systems. The literature suggests limited knowledge of scrupulosity among mental health providers, including pediatric clinicians, and apprehension to discuss or target scrupulous beliefs and behaviors. Apprehension may be enhanced for providers working with youth populations, particularly given broader misconceptions about the efficacy and safety of gold-standard interventions. Objectives: This narrative review with practice guidelines examines the existing literature related to pediatric scrupulosity and its challenges and describes evidence-based treatments for scrupulosity in pediatric populations. Recommendations for clinical practice and research are discussed. Full article
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24 pages, 333 KiB  
Article
Long COVID and Associated Factors Among Chinese Residents Aged 16 Years and Older in Canada: A Cross-Sectional Online Study
by Matin Shariati, Kieran Luke Gill, Mark Peddle, Ying Cao, Fangli Xie, Xiao Han, Nan Lei, Rachel Prowse, Desai Shan, Lisa Fang, Vita Huang, Arianna Ding and Peizhong (Peter) Wang
Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040953 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 797
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved, long COVID emerged as a significant threat to public health, characterized by one or more persistent symptoms impacting organ systems beyond 12 weeks of infection. Informative research has been derived from assessments of long COVID among the Chinese [...] Read more.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved, long COVID emerged as a significant threat to public health, characterized by one or more persistent symptoms impacting organ systems beyond 12 weeks of infection. Informative research has been derived from assessments of long COVID among the Chinese populace. However, none of these studies considered the COVID-19 experience of Chinese residents in Canada. Objectives: We aimed to fill this literature gap by delineating the long COVID experience, prevalence, and associated factors among a sample of Chinese residing in Canada during the pandemic. Methods: The present study employed a cross-sectional online survey questionnaire distributed to a sample of Canadian Chinese using a convenience sampling procedure from 22 December 2022 to 15 February 2023. Respondents were probed for sociodemographic background and health-, COVID-, and vaccine-related characteristics. Logistic LASSO regression was used for model building, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with developing long COVID. Results: Among 491 eligible participants, 63 (12.83%) reported experiencing long COVID with a mean duration of 5.31 (95% CI: 4.06–6.57) months and major symptoms including difficulty concentrating (21.67%), pain/discomfort (15.00%), as well as anxiety/depression (8.33%). Our final model identified significant associations between long COVID and two or more COVID-19 infections (OR = 23.725, 95% CI: 5.098–110.398, p < 0.0001), very severe/severe symptoms (OR = 3.177, 95% CI: 1.160–8.702, p = 0.0246), over-the-counter medicine (OR = 2.473, 95% CI: 1.035–5.909, p = 0.0416), and traditional Chinese medicine (OR = 8.259, 95% CI: 3.016–22.620, p < 0.0001). Further, we identified a significant protective effect of very good/good health status (OR = 0.247, 95% CI: 0.112–0.544, p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Long COVID effected a notable proportion of Canadian Chinese for a prolonged period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings underscore the importance of preexisting health status and reinfection prevention when managing long COVID. Moreover, our work indicates an association between using over-the-counter medicine or traditional Chinese medicine and long COVID experience among Canadian Chinese. Full article
16 pages, 3643 KiB  
Article
2D Pose Estimation vs. Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Motion Capture in Ergonomics: Assessing Postural Risk in Dental Assistants
by Steven Simon, Jonna Meining, Laura Laurendi, Thorsten Berkefeld, Jonas Dully, Carlo Dindorf and Michael Fröhlich
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040403 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 552
Abstract
The dental profession has a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders because daily working life is characterized by many monotonous and one-sided physical exertions. Inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion capture (MoCap) is increasingly utilized for assessing workplace postural risk. However, practical alternatives are needed [...] Read more.
The dental profession has a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders because daily working life is characterized by many monotonous and one-sided physical exertions. Inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion capture (MoCap) is increasingly utilized for assessing workplace postural risk. However, practical alternatives are needed because it is time-consuming and relatively cost intensive for ergonomists. This study compared two measurement technologies: IMU-based MoCap and a time-effective alternative, two-dimensional (2D) pose estimation. Forty-five dental assistant students (all female) were included (age: 19.56 ± 5.91 years; height: 165.00 ± 6.35 cm; weight: 63.41 ± 13.87 kg; BMI: 21.56 ± 4.63 kg/m2). A 30 s IMU-based MoCap and image-based pose estimation in the sagittal and frontal planes were performed during a representative experimental task. Data were analyzed using Cohen’s weighted kappa and Bland–Altman plots. There was a significant moderate agreement between the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) score from IMU-based MoCap and pose estimation (κ = 0.461, pB = 0.006), but no significant poor agreement (p > 0.05) regarding the body regions of the upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, and trunk. These findings indicate that IMU-based MoCap and pose estimation moderately align when assessing the overall RULA score but not for specific body parts. While pose estimation might be useful for quick general posture assessment, it may not be reliable for evaluating joint-level differences, especially in body areas such as the upper extremities. Future research should focus on refining video-based pose estimation for real-time postural risk assessment in the workplace. Full article
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19 pages, 1804 KiB  
Article
Occupational Risks in a Brazilian Aluminum Forming Industry: Risk Analysis and Work Environment
by Maressa Fontana Mezoni, Antonio Augusto de Paula Xavier, Sheila Regina Oro, Sergio Luiz Ribas Pessa, Maiquiel Schmidt de Oliveira and Vilmar Steffen
Safety 2025, 11(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11020030 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 634
Abstract
Data on work accidents reflect the incidence of harm to workers’ health and occupational diseases, supported by studies that indicate the influence of length of service on service, age, and dominant skills as contributing factors to occupational accidents. This study aimed to assess [...] Read more.
Data on work accidents reflect the incidence of harm to workers’ health and occupational diseases, supported by studies that indicate the influence of length of service on service, age, and dominant skills as contributing factors to occupational accidents. This study aimed to assess whether the working environment conditions were favorable to workers and to determine whether gender, age, and length of service influenced the occurrence of work-related accidents. The goal was to identify and mitigate risk factors to improve worker health. Descriptive statistics techniques, including Pearson correlation, Analysis of Variance, the Tukey’s test, and Cluster Analysis were applied. Additionally, a categorical variable analysis (survey) was conducted to assess the work environment, alongside postural analysis using the OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System) method. The results revealed noise levels exceeding recommended limits in almost all investigated sectors, as well as inadequate illuminance and temperature conditions on the production line. The clustering analysis identified three distinct groups. Group 1: Individuals aged 18 to 27 with little experience in the activity, of whom 42% reported pain or discomfort. Group 2: Older operators with 62% experiencing pain or discomfort. Group 3: Young male workers with experience in the role, a higher incident of work accidents, and alcohol consumption up to three times a week, of whom 50% reported pain or discomfort. Statistical inference allowed the identification of process deficiencies and a detailed analysis of work-related pain through self-perceived diagnosis, enabling corrective actions to similar processes and contributing to existing research. Full article
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22 pages, 7534 KiB  
Article
Baicalin Mitigates Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis by Inhibiting the p85a Subunit of PI3K
by Lu He, Min Zhu, Rui Yin, Liangli Dai, Juan Chen and Jie Zhou
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010232 - 19 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health concern. Baicalin is one of the major active ingredients of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Huang Qin, which is used to treat patients with chest pain or cardiac discomfort. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of [...] Read more.
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health concern. Baicalin is one of the major active ingredients of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Huang Qin, which is used to treat patients with chest pain or cardiac discomfort. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of the cardioprotective effect of baicalin are still not fully understood. Methods: Isoprenaline injection or transverse aortic constriction-induced animal models and isoprenaline or angiotensin 2 administration-induced cell models of heart failure were established. Baicalin (15 mg/kg/day or 25 mg/kg/day) was administered in vivo, and 10 μM baicalin was administered in vitro. Potential pharmacological targets of baicalin and genes related to heart failure were identified via different databases, which suggested that PI3K–Akt may be involved in the effects of baicalin. Molecular docking was carried out to reveal the effect of baicalin on p85a. Results: We observed significant antihypertrophic and antifibrotic effects of baicalin both in vivo and in vitro. The mean cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes recovered from 390 μm2 in the HF group to 195 μm2 in the baicalin-treated group. The area of fibrosis was reduced from 2.8-fold in the HF group to 1.62-fold in the baicalin-treated group. Baicalin displayed a significant cardioprotective effect via the inhibition of the PI3K signaling pathway by binding with five amino acid residues of the p85a regulatory subunit of PI3K. The combination treatment of baicalin and an inhibitor of PI3K p110 demonstrated a stronger cardioprotective effect. The mean ejection fraction increased from 54% in the baicalin-treated group to 67% in the combination treatment group. Conclusions: Our work identified baicalin as a new active herbal ingredient that is able to treat isoprenaline-induced heart dysfunction and suggests that p85a is a pharmacological target. These findings reveal the significant potential of baicalin combined with an inhibitor of PI3K p110 for the treatment of heart failure and support more clinical trials in the future. Full article
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17 pages, 453 KiB  
Article
The Mediating Role of School Refusal in the Relationship Between Students’ Perceived School Atmosphere and Underachievement
by Luana Sorrenti, Concettina Caparello, Carmelo Francesco Meduri and Pina Filippello
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15010001 - 31 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1694
Abstract
Studies have shown that the school atmosphere perceived by students can play a key role in promoting their well-being and success in school. No study to date has analyzed whether the students’ perceived school atmosphere might contribute to school refusal (SR), which in [...] Read more.
Studies have shown that the school atmosphere perceived by students can play a key role in promoting their well-being and success in school. No study to date has analyzed whether the students’ perceived school atmosphere might contribute to school refusal (SR), which in turn might reduce students’ engagement and promote underachievement. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 528 Italian high school students (Mage = 16.08, SD = 1.38; 50.8% males, 47% females, and 2.3% not declared), with the aim of assessing the role of the mediation of SR (Anxious Anticipation, Difficult Transition, Interpersonal Discomfort, and School Avoidance) in the association between students’ perceived school atmosphere (Student Relations, Student–Teacher Relations, Educational Climate, Sense of Belonging, and Interpersonal Justice) and school engagement and underachievement. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the SChool REfusal EvaluatioN for school refusal, the Multidimensional School Climate Questionnaire for school atmosphere, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for school engagement. To evaluate the association between variables, we performed structural equation modeling with latent variables. Mediation analysis indicated that Difficult Transition fully mediates the association between Sense of Belonging and school engagement (β = 0.20, p ≤ 0.05). This study extends the knowledge of school refusal behavior. Full article
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31 pages, 1438 KiB  
Review
Evaluating Exoskeletons for WMSD Prevention: A Systematic Review of Applications and Ergonomic Approach in Occupational Settings
by André Cardoso, Andreia Ribeiro, Paula Carneiro and Ana Colim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121695 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2463
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of studies investigating the impact of occupational exoskeletons on work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. The primary objective is to examine the methodologies used to assess the effectiveness of these devices across various occupational tasks. A systematic [...] Read more.
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of studies investigating the impact of occupational exoskeletons on work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. The primary objective is to examine the methodologies used to assess the effectiveness of these devices across various occupational tasks. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 49 studies were included, identified through searches conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases, with the search string launched in August 2024. The review identifies a growing body of research on passive and active exoskeletons, with a notable focus on laboratory-based evaluations. The results indicate that direct measurement and self-report methods are the preferred approaches in these domains. Ergonomic limitations and user discomfort remain concerns in some cases. The findings of this review may influence stakeholders by providing insights into the potential benefits of adopting exoskeletons and improving workplace ergonomics to reduce WMSD risks. Additionally, the identification of WMSD assessment methods will be valuable for validating the use of these technologies in the workplace. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for more real-world assessments and improved exoskeleton designs to enhance user comfort and efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)
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9 pages, 1071 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Examination of the Effects of Focused Ultrasound on Living Skin and Temperature at the Skin–Transducer Interface
by Andrew A. E. D. Bishay, Andrew J. Swenson, Norman M. Spivak, Samantha Schafer, Brendan P. Bych, Spencer D. Gilles, Christopher Dorobczynski, Alexander S. Korb, Mark E. Schafer, Taylor P. Kuhn, Martin M. Monti and Alexander Bystritsky
Bioengineering 2024, 11(11), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11111126 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (tFUS) is a new, rapidly growing field related to the study and treatment of brain circuits. Establishing safety cutoffs for focused ultrasound is crucial for non-ablative neurological ultrasound experiments. In addition to potential focal heating, there is concern about [...] Read more.
Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (tFUS) is a new, rapidly growing field related to the study and treatment of brain circuits. Establishing safety cutoffs for focused ultrasound is crucial for non-ablative neurological ultrasound experiments. In addition to potential focal heating, there is concern about temperature elevation at the skin surface. Much work has been performed at or near the FDA guideline of ISPTA.3 = 720 mW/cm2, which technically only applies to diagnostic, not therapeutic, ultrasound. Furthermore, evidence of brain tissue damage on histology in the focal region has been shown not to occur until ISPTA.3 > 14 W/cm2. Therefore, this study was conducted across a range of intensities between these two values, evaluating both subjective and objective side effects. Subjective side effects encompassed any discomfort experienced during and after focused ultrasound stimulation, while objective side effects included clinical findings of skin irritation, such as erythema, edema, or burns. This study also examined how the skin temperature at the skin–transducer interface would change in order to assess whether there would be significant heating. The subjects did not experience any unpleasant sensation at the point of stimulation, including heat or pain, and no objective findings of skin irritation were observed following stimulation and the removal of the transducer. In addition, there was no intensity-dependent effect on temperature, and the maximal rise in temperature was 1.45 °C, suggesting that these parameters do not result in the heating of the skin at the interface in such a way that poses a risk to subjects when operating at or below the intensities tested in this experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)
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10 pages, 1889 KiB  
Case Report
Pleomorphic Parotid Adenoma in a Child Affected with Cri du Chat Syndrome: Clinical, Cytogenetic, and Molecular Analysis
by Cesare Danesino, Federico Biglioli, Laura Moneghini, Roberto Valli, Carla Olivieri, Barbara Testa, Chiara Baldo, Michela Malacarne and Andrea Guala
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910664 - 3 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1176
Abstract
Salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (SGPA) is the most common type of benign epithelial tumor; it is observed more commonly in females (with a female-to-male ratio of 1.43:1), and the age at diagnosis ranges between 40 and 59 years, with only 2% of cases [...] Read more.
Salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (SGPA) is the most common type of benign epithelial tumor; it is observed more commonly in females (with a female-to-male ratio of 1.43:1), and the age at diagnosis ranges between 40 and 59 years, with only 2% of cases diagnosed before age 18. Cri du Chat (CdC) is a rare syndrome caused by deletions of various sizes in the short arm of chromosome 5. Tumors in CdC patients are extremely rare: in Danish, Spanish, Australian, and Japanese groups of cases, no tumors have been reported, while a few cases have been described among 321 CdC patients collected in Italy and Germany. These cases all involve tumors that appear at a young age. We here report the case of a parotid pleomorphic adenoma in an 8-year-old boy with CdC. Exome analysis did not identify variants certainly significant for the development of SGPA. A CGH array, analyzed both in peripheral blood and tumor samples, failed to recognize anomalies previously associated with SGPA but identified a de novo duplication in 7p15.2, which contains part of a gene, SKAP2, in which the increased copy number is associated with the development of a different type of tumor such as pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma. The assumption that the duplication in 7p15.2 is relevant for the development of SGPA in our patient implies that CGH array studies must be included early in life in routine work-ups of CdC to identify CNVs with possible pathogenic roles for tumor development. This is particularly also relevant in relation to the severely impaired possibility for patients with CdC to report discomfort or pain related to tumor development. Constitutional CNVs in addition to the deletion in 5p should also be extensively studied to verify if their presence in some patients could explain why, in these cases, tumors develop at an age younger than expected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Variations in Human Diseases)
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