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Drug and Alcohol Review Jan 2022Gender and sexual minority populations are more likely to drink excessively compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Existing reviews of alcohol interventions... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Gender and sexual minority populations are more likely to drink excessively compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Existing reviews of alcohol interventions focus on specific subgroups within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning or otherwise gender or sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) population and neither identify their theoretical basis nor examine how interventions are tailored to meet the needs of specific subgroups.
METHODS
This systematic review includes published studies reporting the effectiveness of interventions to reduce alcohol use in LGBTQ+ people. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool.
RESULTS
The review includes 25 studies, with the earliest published in 2005. The majority (n = 20) focused on men who have sex with men; only two included sexual minority women and three included trans* people. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n = 21) and used a randomised design (n = 15). Five studies were assessed to be of strong quality, seven moderate and 13 weak. Interventions were mainly delivered face-to-face (n = 21). The most common approaches used to inform interventions were Motivational Interviewing (n = 8) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (n = 8). Nineteen studies reported a significant reduction in alcohol consumption.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
This review suggests that for interventions to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption in LGBTQ+ people, they need to be informed by theory and adapted for the target population. Alcohol interventions that focus on sexual minority women, trans* people and people with other gender identities are needed. The findings have implications for professionals who need to identify when gender and/or sexuality are peripheral or central to alcohol use.
Topics: Adult; Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexuality
PubMed: 34333818
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13358 -
Psychological Bulletin Mar 2015Despite the widely held belief that men are more narcissistic than women, there has been no systematic review to establish the magnitude, variability across measures and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite the widely held belief that men are more narcissistic than women, there has been no systematic review to establish the magnitude, variability across measures and settings, and stability over time of this gender difference. Drawing on the biosocial approach to social role theory, a meta-analysis performed for Study 1 found that men tended to be more narcissistic than women (d = .26; k = 355 studies; N = 470,846). This gender difference remained stable in U.S. college student cohorts over time (from 1990 to 2013) and across different age groups. Study 1 also investigated gender differences in three facets of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) to reveal that the narcissism gender difference is driven by the Exploitative/Entitlement facet (d = .29; k = 44 studies; N = 44,108) and Leadership/Authority facet (d = .20; k = 40 studies; N = 44,739); whereas the gender difference in Grandiose/Exhibitionism (d = .04; k = 39 studies; N = 42,460) was much smaller. We further investigated a less-studied form of narcissism called vulnerable narcissism-which is marked by low self-esteem, neuroticism, and introversion-to find that (in contrast to the more commonly studied form of narcissism found in the DSM and the NPI) men and women did not differ on vulnerable narcissism (d = -.04; k = 42 studies; N = 46,735). Study 2 used item response theory to rule out the possibility that measurement bias accounts for observed gender differences in the three facets of the NPI (N = 19,001). Results revealed that observed gender differences were not explained by measurement bias and thus can be interpreted as true sex differences. Discussion focuses on the implications for the biosocial construction model of gender differences, for the etiology of narcissism, for clinical applications, and for the role of narcissism in helping to explain gender differences in leadership and aggressive behavior. Readers are warned against overapplying small effect sizes to perpetuate gender stereotypes.
Topics: Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Narcissism; Personality; Personality Disorders; Self Concept; Sex Characteristics; Students
PubMed: 25546498
DOI: 10.1037/a0038231 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022Nitric oxide (NO) has received much attention since it can boost plant defense mechanisms, and plenty of studies have shown that exogenous NO improves salinity tolerance...
Nitric oxide (NO) has received much attention since it can boost plant defense mechanisms, and plenty of studies have shown that exogenous NO improves salinity tolerance in plants. However, because of the wide range of experimental settings, it is difficult to assess the administration of optimal dosages, frequency, timing, and method of application and the overall favorable effects of NO on growth and yield improvements. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to reveal the exact physiological and biochemical mechanisms and to understand the influence of plant-related or method-related factors on NO-mediated salt tolerance. Exogenous application of NO significantly influenced biomass accumulation, growth, and yield irrespective of salinity stress. According to this analysis, seed priming and foliar pre-treatment were the most effective methods of NO application to plants. Moreover, one-time and regular intervals of NO treatment were more beneficial for plant growth. The optimum concentration of NO ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 mM, and it alleviates salinity stress up to 150 mM NaCl. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of NO treatment was more pronounced as salinity stress was prolonged (>21 days). This meta-analysis showed that NO supplementation was significantly applicable at germination and seedling stages. Interestingly, exogenous NO treatment boosted plant growth most efficiently in dicots. This meta-analysis showed that exogenous NO alleviates salt-induced oxidative damage and improves plant growth and yield potential by regulating osmotic balance, mineral homeostasis, photosynthetic machinery, the metabolism of reactive oxygen species, and the antioxidant defense mechanism. Our analysis pointed out several research gaps, such as lipid metabolism regulation, reproductive stage performance, C4 plant responses, field-level yield impact, and economic profitability of farmers in response to exogenous NO, which need to be evaluated in the subsequent investigation.
PubMed: 36420041
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.957735 -
Cureus Apr 2024The sources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as peptide-based antibiotics, are diverse, such as plants, animals, microorganisms including human leukocytes,... (Review)
Review
The sources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as peptide-based antibiotics, are diverse, such as plants, animals, microorganisms including human leukocytes, saliva, human defense peptides, and human sweat. These natural sources provide a rich variety of AMPs with unique characteristics and potential therapeutic applications, including wound-healing and antimicrobial properties. AMPs derived from these sources have shown promise in combating a wide range of pathogens, making them valuable targets for further research and potential clinical applications. The design of AMPs for wound healing involves a meticulous process of structurally optimizing peptides to possess a unique combination of antibacterial and wound-healing characteristics. This systematic review was produced to show the design and applications of AMPs in wound healing. The terms "antimicrobial peptides AND wound healing" were used to search for articles published between September 2023 and January 2010. In the search, we found a total of 12958 articles, of which 12898 were excluded, and the remaining 60 articles were chosen for further study. This systematic review underscores the potential of AMPs as valuable tools in infection control and wound healing, showcasing their versatility and effectiveness in combating a wide range of pathogens. Overall, AMPs in wound healing display a diverse mechanism of action, influencing the inflammatory response, encouraging tissue regeneration, and aiding tissue remodeling, along with strong antibacterial activity. Furthermore, this systematic review addresses AMP toxicity studies, which include rigorous in vitro and in vivo examinations to determine potential cytotoxic effects, systemic toxicity, and any adverse responses connected with its usage in wound-healing applications.
PubMed: 38741875
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58178 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jul 2018Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a lipolactonase implicated in the elimination of carcinogenic free radicals and in the scavenging mechanisms to maintain oxidative balance. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a lipolactonase implicated in the elimination of carcinogenic free radicals and in the scavenging mechanisms to maintain oxidative balance. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate possible alterations in serum PON1 activity in patients with cancer.
METHODS
A systematic search of the observational studies in humans published in the last 15 years was performed through Medline databases following the PRISMA and STARLITE statements. Further, a keyword-based computerized search with restrictions on publication date, and a meta-analysis of case-control studies was performed.
RESULTS
In total, 23 studies were included most of which reported decreased PON1 activity in patients with cancer. This could indicate impaired defense ability against oxidative stress with potential implications in cell proliferation, promotion of genetic instability, and alterations in cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms a consistent association between cancer and decreased serum PON1 activities. These findings may open fruitful lines of research with clinical relevance, and an understanding of molecular alterations underlying carcinogenesis.
Topics: Aryldialkylphosphatase; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 29891113
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.04.005 -
Journal of Homosexuality 2016Internalized homonegativity (IH) is an important variable affecting the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. We included 201 studies in a systematic... (Review)
Review
Internalized homonegativity (IH) is an important variable affecting the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. We included 201 studies in a systematic mapping review of IH. Most studies were conducted in North America and examined IH as a predictor of poor health. The primary focus of 14 studies was IH scale measurement, and, in total, these studies detailed nine distinct scales. Eighteen studies compared levels of IH in LGB populations, four described prevention programs, and one investigated IH using qualitative methods. Our review indicates that further research is needed, particularly qualitative research and ways to ameliorate IH.
Topics: Defense Mechanisms; Empirical Research; Female; Homophobia; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Repression, Psychology
PubMed: 26436322
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1083788 -
Journal of Advanced Research Jan 2018With the development of nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have become one of the most in-demand nanoparticles owing to their exponential number of uses in... (Review)
Review
With the development of nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have become one of the most in-demand nanoparticles owing to their exponential number of uses in various sectors. The increased use of Ag-NPs-enhanced products may result in an increased level of toxicity affecting both the environment and living organisms. Several studies have used different model cell lines to exhibit the cytotoxicity of Ag-NPs, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. This review aimed to elucidate different properties of Ag-NPs that are responsible for the induction of cellular toxicity along with the critical mechanism of action and subsequent defense mechanisms observed . Our results show that the properties of Ag-NPs largely vary based on the diversified synthesis processes. The physiochemical properties of Ag-NPs (e.g., size, shape, concentration, agglomeration, or aggregation interaction with a biological system) can cause impairment of mitochondrial function prior to their penetration and accumulation in the mitochondrial membrane. Thus, Ag-NPs exhibit properties that play a central role in their use as biocides along with their applicability in environmental cleaning. We herein report a current review of the synthesis, applicability, and toxicity of Ag-NPs in relation to their detailed characteristics.
PubMed: 30046482
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2017.10.008 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Many studies have analyzed the association between family cohesion and depression, but there are different views and the results are inconsistent. It is necessary to use... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many studies have analyzed the association between family cohesion and depression, but there are different views and the results are inconsistent. It is necessary to use meta-analysis to explore the association between family cohesion and depression and its influencing factors.
METHODS
Chinese database (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and English databases (ERIC, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Elsevier SD, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and ProQuest dissertations and theses) were searched for articles published by November 2023. Measurements of family cohesion and depression, study design, age, gender, cultural background, and sampling year were analyzed as moderators. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in CMA3.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 71 studies (90,023 participants) were included in this study. The meta-analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between family cohesion and depression (r = -0.31, 95 % CI [-0.35, -0.27]). The association was moderated by measurements of family cohesion and depression, design type, and cultural background, but not by age, gender, or sampling year.
LIMITATIONS
The sample size included in this study is relatively small in European and African cultures, making it challenging to analyze cultural differences in the study results at present comprehensively.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings contribute to the ongoing debate between Social Support Theory and The Circumplex Model, showing that individuals with lower family cohesion tend to experience higher levels of depression.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Gender Identity; Family Relations; Social Support; Culture
PubMed: 38554880
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.138 -
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2023Illness denial pertains to medical patients who do not acknowledge the presence or severity of their disease or the need of treatment. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Illness denial pertains to medical patients who do not acknowledge the presence or severity of their disease or the need of treatment.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review was performed to clarify the clinical role and manifestations of illness denial, its impact on health attitudes and behavior, as well as on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with medical disorders.
METHODS
The systematic search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded a total of 14,098 articles; 176 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Illness denial appeared to be a relatively common condition affecting a wide spectrum of health attitudes and behavior. In some cases, it may help a person cope with various stages of illness and treatment. In other situations, it may determine delay in seeking treatment, impaired adherence, and reduced self-management, leading to adverse outcomes. The Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) were found to set a useful severity threshold for the condition. An important clinical distinction can also be made based on the DCPR for illness denial, which require the assessment of whether the patient has been provided with an adequate appraisal of the medical situation.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review indicates that patients with medical disorders experience and express illness denial in many forms and with varying degrees of severity. The findings suggest the need for a multidimensional assessment and provide challenging insights into the management of medical disorders.
Topics: Humans; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Denial, Psychological
PubMed: 37429268
DOI: 10.1159/000531260 -
Body Image Sep 2023Mixed findings exist regarding whether athletes have different levels of body image concerns to non-athletes. Such body image concerns have not been reviewed recently,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mixed findings exist regarding whether athletes have different levels of body image concerns to non-athletes. Such body image concerns have not been reviewed recently, meaning that new findings need to be incorporated into our understanding of the adult sporting population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed first to characterise body image in adult athletes versus non-athletes, and second to explore whether specific sub-groups of athletes report different body image concerns. Impact of gender and competition level were considered. A systematic search identified 21 relevant papers, mostly rated moderate quality. Following a narrative review, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the outcomes. While the narrative synthesis indicated possible differences between types of sport, the meta-analysis demonstrated that athletes in general reported lower body image concerns than non-athletes. In general, athletes had a better body image than non-athletes, with no reliable differences between different type of sport. A combination of prevention and intervention strategies might assist athletes in focusing on the benefits to their body image without encouraging restriction/compensation or overeating. Future research should define comparison groups clearly, along with attending to training background/intensity, external pressures, gender and gender identity.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Body Image; Gender Identity; Sports; Athletes
PubMed: 37172557
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.007