Search

Using the metacognitive model of emotion dysregulation as a basis, this study explored whether, among participants with substance use disorders (SUDs), metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking were associated with emotion dysregulation. 127 participants with SUDs and 127 controls without SUDs were recruited. Emotion dysregulation, metacognitive beliefs, rumination, worry, anxiety, and depression were assessed. t -tests, Mann–Whitney tests, logistic regression, correlation, and hierarchal regression analyses were run. Participants with SUDs reported significantly higher levels of emotion dysregulation, positive beliefs about worry, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, rumination, and worry, compared to controls without SUDs. Among participants with SUDs negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, cognitive confidence, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, rumination, and worry were significantly associated with an increase of emotion dysregulation. The cross-sectional design. Emotion dysregulation, metacognitive beliefs, and repetitive negative thinking may contribute to increase the risk of substance use. Among participants with SUDs emotion dysregulation is associated with the tendency to endorse dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and report repetitive negative thinking. Metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce emotion dysregulation among participants with SUDs. • Emotion dysregulation may increase the risk of substance use. • Dysfunctional metacognitions are associated with emotion dysregulation in SUDs subjects. • Engagement in worry is associated with emotion dysregulation in SUDs subjects. • Engagement in rumination is associated with emotion dysregulation in SUDs subjects. • Metacognitions may be a therapeutic target to reduce emotion dysregulation in SUDs subjects. • Repetitive negative thinking may be a therapeutic target to reduce emotion dysregulation in SUDs subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Using the Self‐Regulatory Executive Function model as a basis, this study explored whether, in patients with eating disorders (EDs), metacognitions and repetitive negative thinking are associated with higher levels of perfectionisms. Methods: One hundred twenty‐three outpatients with EDs were recruited. Perfectionism, metacognitive beliefs, worry, rumination, anger rumination, affective and eating symptoms were assessed. Correlation and hierarchal regression analyses were run. Results: Higher endorsement of positive beliefs about worry was associated with higher levels of 'personal standards perfectionism'. Higher endorsement of positive beliefs about worry, need to control thoughts, worry and rumination was associated with higher levels of 'concern over mistakes perfectionism'. Conclusions: Among patients with EDs, perfectionism appears to be associated with the endorsement of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, worry and rumination. Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking could be suitable therapeutic targets to reduce the levels of perfectionism among patients with EDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model as a basis, this study explored whether, in patients with eating disorders (EDs), metacognitions and repetitive negative thinking are associated with higher levels of emotion dysregulation. Methods: 104 outpatients with eating disorders and 104 controls from the general population were recruited. Emotion dysregulation, metacognitions, rumination, worry, anxiety, and depression were assessed. T-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, correlation and hierarchal regression analyses were run. Results: Patients with EDs, compared to controls, reported significantly higher levels of emotion dysregulation, positive beliefs worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, rumination, and worry. Beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry significantly predicted emotion dysregulation. Conclusions: Among patients with EDs emotion dysregulation appears to be associated with the endorsement of beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry. Beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce emotion dysregulation among patients with EDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupin alkaloids (LAs) represent a class of toxic secondary metabolites in plants, in particular in Lupinus spp.; they are produced as a defense mechanism due to their strong bitter taste and are very dangerous for human and animals. In this work, a sensitive and reliable high performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analytical method for the identification and quantification of thirteen lupin alkaloids was developed and validated according to FDA guidelines. Efficient extraction and clean-up steps, carried out by solid-phase extraction, were finely tuned on the basis of the characteristics of the analytes and lupin samples, providing good selectivity with minimized matrix interference. The effectiveness of the method was proven by the satisfactory recovery values obtained for most of the analytes and a matrix effect ≤23% for all tested levels. In addition, a sensitive and reliable determination of the target compounds was obtained; LOQs were between 1 and 25 µg Kg−1, i.e., below the requested maximum levels (<200 mg Kg−1). The method was applied to evaluate the LAs profile in different batches of raw L. albus L. samples, varying in size and across farming treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins (AFs) are fungi secondary metabolites produced by the Aspergillus family. These compounds can enter the food chain through food contamination, representing a risk to human health. Commercial immunoaffinity columns are widely used for the extraction and cleanup of AFs from food samples; however, their high cost and large solvent consumption create a need for alternative strategies. In this work, an alternative strategy for producing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was proposed to extract aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 from complex food samples, using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The MIPs were synthesized via a low-cost and rapid (5 min) sonochemical free-radical polymerization, using 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid as a dummy template. MIPs-based solid phase extraction performance was tested on 17 dietary supplements (vegetables, fruits, and cereals), obtaining appreciable recovery rates (65–90%) and good reproducibility (RSD ≤ 6%, n = 3); the selectivity towards other mycotoxins was proved and the data obtained compared with commercial immunoaffinity columns. The proposed strategy can be considered an alternative affordable approach to the classical immunoaffinity columns, since it is more selective and better performing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for plant-based protein sources in the food industry has significantly increased in recent years, leading to the introduction of legume-based products as meat substitutes. However, concerns regarding food quality have emerged, particularly related to the presence of mycotoxins. This study addresses the need for the sensitive detection of phomopsins (PHOs), a class of peptide-based toxins. A selective extraction method using molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was focused on the most toxic Phomopsin A (PHO-A). A rapid ultrasonochemical synthesis of MIP (5 min) was proposed and its performance was optimized in response to various factors, including the choice of dummy template and the selection of the monomer. The methacrylic acid–vinyl pyridine (MAA-VP) MIP exhibited high selectivity and affinity for PHO-A. The method was tested in lupin samples and the validation, according to SANTE/11312/2021 international guidelines, gave excellent recovery (80–90 %), low matrix effects, and high accuracy and precision. Real samples analysis confirmed the presence of PHO-A in artificially fungal inoculated lupins, with levels ranging from 0.377 to 0.576 mg kg−1. In order to identify further PHOs, a semi-untargeted approach using multiple reaction monitoring-information dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion (MRM-IDA-EPI) was developed. PHO–B, PHO-D, PHO-E and PHO–P, rarely previously reported in lupin matrix, were tentatively identified. This study accounts for the effectiveness of MIP-based extraction coupled with UHPLC-triple quadrupole with linear ionic trap-MS/MS (UHPLC-QqQ-LIT-MS/MS) for quantification of PHO-A and putative detection of other PHOs, offering a promising method for investigating this class of toxins in food. [Display omitted] • Novel MIP for PHO-A extraction was synthesized by a fast sonochemical approach. • MRM-IDA-EPI approach was developed for the detection of PHOs molecular class. • Extraction of PHOs was achieved with the proposed MIP. • A reliable method for the detection of PHO-A in lupin samples was achieved and validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C‐19ASS) is a quick and reliable scale assessing dysfunctional coping strategies activated in response to COVID‐19 fear and threat. The present study aimed to provide a preliminary validation of the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and investigated whether the C‐19ASS would mediate the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and psychological outcomes. Method: In Study 1, a community sample of 271 participants completed the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and results were subjected to a Principal Component Analysis. In study 2, a community sample of 484 participants completed the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and a series of measures assessing COVID‐19 anxiety, COVID‐19 fear, functional impairment, personality traits, depression, generalized anxiety and health anxiety. Internal consistency, concurrent and incremental validity were assessed. Path analyses were run. Results: Factor analysis identified a two‐factor solution (i.e., C‐19ASS Perseveration and C‐19ASS Avoidance) and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two‐factor model best fits the data. The Italian version of the C‐19ASS showed good internal consistency. There was also evidence of convergent validity and incremental validity. Path analyses showed that C‐19ASS Perseveration mediates the relationship between emotional stability and psychological symptoms (depression, generalized anxiety and health anxiety). Conclusion: The Italian version of the C‐19ASS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome. The COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce psychological symptoms typically linked to pandemic events, such as depression generalized anxiety and health anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature shows a possible association between metacognitive beliefs and eating disorders. The aim of the present study is to explore the association between metacognitive beliefs and Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). 57 patients with a diagnosis of eating disorders completed the EDI-2 and the MCQ-30. Results showed that Anorexia Nervosa patients have higher levels of «drive for thinness» scales on the EDI-2 than other patients, as well as having higher levels of negative metacognitive beliefs than those with Binge Eating Disorder. Metacognitive beliefs are associated with «drive for thinness» and «bulimia» scales. «Cognitive confidence» is a factor associated with «drive for thinness». These findings suggest that explicit metacognitions could be associated with the desire to lose weight, the fear of weight gain, and the tendency to binge and purge. Negative metacognitive beliefs appear to be mainly associated with Anorexia Nervosa. The assessment of metacognitive beliefs may be considered in patients with eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Literature has pointed out a probable association between metacognitive beliefs and eating disorders. To date, no study has synthetized all research exploring the differences or similarities in metacognitive beliefs across different eating disorders diagnoses and eating problems. Aims: To review the evidence on metacognitive beliefs across the spectrum of eating disorders and eating behaviours. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and PsycInfo. The search terms used were: 'eating disorders/anorexia/bulimia/binge eating disorder/binge eating' AND 'metacognitions/metacognitive beliefs'. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Results: Eleven studies were identified. Anorexia Nervosa was broadly characterized by higher levels of metacognitive beliefs compared to the general population, particularly negative beliefs about worry and beliefs about the need to control thoughts. Positive beliefs about worry were higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and in Bulimia Nervosa compared to Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Negative beliefs about worry were higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa. Cognitive self‐consciousness was higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Conclusions: Metacognitive beliefs appear to be implicated in eating disorders and eating behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: rumination has been reported as a cognitive vulnerability factor in adolescent and adult depression. The present brief review aimed at summarizing the results of the genetic studies that investigate the candidate genes for rumination in children and adolescents.Methods: bibliographic research was conducted on PubMed and Science Direct from their inception to February 2020. The search terms used were: 'rumination, ruminative thinking, repetitive thinking and 'gene, gen*'.Results: eight studies were identified. Results suggest that variations in the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF genes may contribute to the tendency to ruminate, modelling the relationship between life stress and rumination.Limitations: the interpretation of these results is limited by the sample sizes of the selected studies, the study designs, and the heterogeneity of the instruments assessing rumination.Conclusions: these findings partially support the notion that variation in in the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF genes is associated with biological sensitivity to rumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Mother indifference, abuse and overcontrol are correlated with positive symptoms. • Neither mother nor father parenting was associated with negative symptoms. • Different personality features are associated with different psychotic symptoms. • Cooperativeness mediates the relationship between mother abuse and positive symptoms. • An interaction between novelty seeking and mother abuse is associated with positive symptoms. Abstract Parental style and Cloninger's dimensions are associated with psychosis, but it is still unclear whether temperament, character and parenting variables are linked to specific psychotic symptoms. This study extends previous research exploring these issues. 78 patients with psychosis and 156 control subjects were recruited. Parental style was evaluated using the Measure of Parental Style. Temperament and character were evaluated using the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. Psychotic symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. T- tests, correlations and moderation and mediation analyses were performed. Patients reported dysfunctional parenting and had higher scores for harm avoidance (HA) and self transcendence (ST), and lower scores for self directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (CO) than controls. Maternal indifference, abuse and overcontrol were correlated with positive symptoms (PS). Novelty seeking (NS), reward dependence, SD, CO were correlated with PS; HA and ST were correlated with negative symptoms. After adjusting for age, gender and family history of psychopathology lower CO partially mediated the relationship between maternal abuse and PS; the positive NS-maternal abuse interaction was associated with PS. Different parenting and personality variables may be associated with different psychotic symptoms. NS and CO may be part of a pathway between maternal abuse and PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Phenolics bound to dietary fibres (DF‐PCs) represent a valuable source of antioxidants that are often wasted. DF‐PCs can be obtained as residues from conventional extraction processes of PCs derived from agro‐industrial by‐products. This study aimed to characterise DF‐PCs generated after the PC extraction process from the avocado peel (AP), mango peel (MP) and husk mango seed (testa) (MT), with a focus on solid residue or concentrated fibre (APFT: avocado peel fibre; MPFT: mango peel fibre; MTFT: mango testa fibre). The by‐products were evaluated under both non‐defatted and defatted conditions before simulating the PC extraction process. PCs were quantified (TPC) and identified (HPLC‐IDA‐EPI‐MS). Their antioxidant activity (AA) was determined (ABTS+, DPPH* and FRAP). Among the evaluated fibres, non‐defatted AP and defatted MP and MT exhibited the highest TPC content (22.64 ± 0.3, 37.31 ± 1.78 and 6.07 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g), respectively. Using the DPPH* assay, all fibre concentrates showed lower AA compared to the by‐products. Using FRAP assay, defatting gave the largest activity for mango samples. HPLC‐IDA‐EPI‐MS analysis of PC profiles resulted in the presence of 62 PC compounds in the fibre concentrates. These DF‐PCs, with a significant content of PCs, may be relevant as functional ingredients for food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A 5 min sonochemical synthesis of non-magnetic MIP for maleic hydrazide (MH) is proposed • The MIP is selective for MH and was used in solid-phase extraction (MIP-SPE) • The MIP-SPE was combined with a carbon black improved electrochemical sensor • The proposed method allows a sensitive and selective determination of MH in food • The method's effectiveness was demonstrated with LC-MS/MS Maleic hydrazide (MH) is a plant growth regulator, herbicide, and sprout inhibitor used to improve the growth and quality of certain vegetables and fruits, unfortunately, MH has genotoxic and carcinogenic effects; thus MH residues in food deserve to be analyzed. Herein, a fast molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sonochemical synthesis for MH is proposed. The MIP was used as an adsorbent phase and used in combination with an electrochemical determination based on carbon black functionalized screen-printed electrodes. The MIP was synthesized by radical polymerization in 5 min, by using a high-power ultrasound probe using MH as a template. The electrochemical sensor exhibits useful sensitivity for MH (LOD = 40 ppb), high reusability (RSD 3 %; n = 10) and fouling resistance. The coupling MIP-extraction/clean-up and electrochemical determination were tested towards model solutions and food samples (i.e., potatoes, onions and garlic), obtaining reproducible (RSD ≤ 6 %, n = 3) and selective MH determination. The method's accuracy was proved via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry getting relative errors between − 8.5 and 9.4 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several methods involving molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) devoted to extracting and analyzing sulfonamides from different matrices are reported in literature; however, the unresolved analytical issue is obtaining intra-class selectivity between sulfonamides. Here is presented for the first time a method coupling MIPs and enzymatic inhibition assay for the sensitive and selective determination of acetazolamide (ACZ) in biological samples. The MIPs were synthesized by thermal initiated polymerization in acetone, using acrylamide as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker and ACZ as template molecule. The developed MIPs/enzymatic inhibition based rapid colorimetric method was applied for the determination of ACZ in biological samples. The MIPs were used as sorbent phase in dispersive solid-phase extraction (MIPs-dSPE), and the optimal working parameters were selected. Liquid chromatography-tandam mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis confirmed the MIPs ability to extract ACZ. Finally, to obtain a selective and sensitive method, the MIPs-dSPE was combined with an enzymatic inhibition colorimetric assay based on the carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme inhibited by specific sulfonamides. The developed combined method allowed the determination of ACZ in serum, blood and Diamox (a drug containing ACZ), with good recovery (85–96%). Furthermore, a significant correlation with LC-MS/MS analysis was achieved, with relative error ≤15%. In the proposed strategy, the double selectivity giving by MIPs and enzymatic inhibition allowed to obtain a method able to determine selectively ACZ in biological and pharmaceutical samples quantitatively. [Display omitted] • MIPs and enzymatic inhibition were coupled for acetazolamide (ACZ) determination. • The strategy allows ACZ extraction and rapid colorimetric determination. • Intraclass selectivity for ACZ was obtained. • Sensitive and selective detection of ACZ in biological samples was achieved. • Accuracy was proved using LC-MS/MS as a confirmatory method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the unavoidable variability of various origins in the characteristics of essential oils, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the distillation time on the chemical composition and biological activity of Cannabis sativa essential oils (EOs). The dry inflorescences came from Carmagnola, Kompolti, Futura 75, Gran Sasso Kush and Carmagnola Lemon varieties from Abruzzo region (Central Italy), the last two being new cultivar here described for the first time. EOs were collected at 2 h and 4 h of distillation; GC/MS technique was applied to characterize their volatile fraction. The EOs were evaluated for total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AOC) and antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens and spoilage bacteria. The time of distillation particularly influenced EOs chemical composition, extracting more or less terpenic components, but generally enriching with minor sesquiterpenes and cannabidiol. A logical response in ratio of time was observed for antioxidant potential, being the essential oils at 4 h of distillation more active than those distilled for 2 h, and particularly Futura 75. Conversely, except for Futura 75, the effect of time on the antimicrobial activity was variable and requires further investigations; nevertheless, the inhibitory activity of all EOs against Pseudomonas fluorescens P34 was an interesting result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of worry and rumination in eating disorders (EDs) is controversial. This meta-analysis of the literature is aimed at clarifying the relationship between repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and EDs. In accordance with the PRISMA criteria, a comprehensive search of the literature was conducted on PubMed and PsycInfo from inception to March 2021. Search terms: "eating disorder/anorexia/bulimia/binge eating disorder" AND "worry/rumination/brooding/repetitive thinking". A manual search of reference lists was also run. Forty-three studies were included. RNT was found to be associated with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. A moderating effect was found for "presence/absence ED diagnosis" and "subtype of ED symptom". ED patients showed higher RNT than the general population. No differences were observed for age or between worry and rumination in the magnitude of their association with EDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model as a basis, this study explored whether, in both general population and clinical samples, metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking (i.e., rumination and worry) are associated with higher levels of emotion dysregulation.Methods: 395 participants from the general population and 388 outpatients seeking psychological treatment were recruited. Emotion dysregulation, metacognitive beliefs, rumination, worry, anxiety, depression, personality disorders were assessed. ANOVA and Welch's tests, correlation and path analyses were run.Results: Repetitive negative thinking was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and emotion dysregulation in both general population and clinical samples. Moreover, metacognitive beliefs were found to be directly associated to emotion dysregulation.Limitations: The cross-sectional design.Conclusions: Emotion dysregulation appears to be associated with the tendency to engage in repetitive negative thinking and metacognitive beliefs. Repetitive negative thinking and metacognitive beliefs could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce difficulties in emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• E-nose constituted of 6 pentapeptides and 5 hpDNA sensors has been assembled. • VOCs of 28 samples of Cannabis sativa have been assayed using GC–MS. • Samples have been classified in two groups according to their terpenes content. • The e-nose was able to classify the 2 groups using PLS-DA or ANN approaches. A piezoelectric peptide-hpDNA based gas sensor array has been used for the detection of terpenes coming from Cannabis sativa samples. The array consisted in 11 sensors, 6 having pentapeptides and 5 having hairpin DNA as binding elements. The volatile composition of 28 Cannabis sativa samples, assessed by GC MS analysis, allowed their classification into 2 groups having as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in different amounts. The response of the gas sensor array to the same samples demonstrated that both type of sensors are sensitive to the terpenes and contribute to classification. A satisfactory classification (79 % of correctly identified samples) was found using a PLS-DA approach. Using the same dataset and a simple ANN approach the headspace analytical profile of the two different groups was predicted with an average prediction error ≤1 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols (PCs) are a numerous class of bioactive molecules and are known for their antioxidant activity. In this work, the potential of the quadrupole/linear ion trap hybrid mass spectrometer (LIT-QqQ) was exploited to develop a semi-untargeted method for the identification of polyphenols in different food matrices: green coffee, Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop). Several conjugate forms of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid were detected using neutral loss (NL) as a survey scan coupled with dependent scans with enhanced product ion (EPI) based on information-dependent acquisition (IDA) criteria. The presented approach is focused on a specific class of molecules and provides comprehensive information on the different conjugation models that are related to specific base molecules, thus allowing a quick and effective identification of all possible combinations, such as mono-, di-, or tri-glycosylation or another type of conjugation such as quinic acid esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: FoMO has been considered a predisposing factor toward excessive internet use, and a great deal of literature has investigated the link between FoMO and internet use. However, there is still a lack of cohesion in the literature. Methods: The current study have been conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: In the current systematic review and meta-analysis of 86 effect-sizes, representative of 55,134 participants (Meanage = 22.07, SD = 6.15, females = 58.37%), we found that the strength of the trait FoMO-internet use association significantly varies from r = 0.11 to r = 0.63. In some populations, FoMO appears to increase with age and it is reverse in other populations. Facebook use was unrelated to FoMO in some populations, and higher FoMO was linked with stopping Instagram use for some individuals. The FoMO-internet use association was independent of their severity, as the interaction was not significant, and this association was neither linear nor curvilinear. The FoMO-internet use association does not appear to be associated with depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms or level of life satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic was the only significant moderator of the FoMO-internet use association, strengthening this relationship. Discussion and Conclusions: FoMO demonstrates a considerable role in internet use; however, there is no evidence of interaction or bi-directional association between the mentioned. Overall, we still don't know what factors contribute to individuals exhibiting distinct patterns in the FoMO-internet use association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the concentration of nine cannabinoids, six neutral cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBC, CBG, CBN and CBDV) and three acidic cannabinoids (THCA CBGA and CBDA), was used to identify the Italian retailers of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp), reinforcing the idea that the practice of categorizing hemp samples only using THC and CBD is inadequate. A high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for screening and simultaneously analyzing the nine cannabinoids in 161 hemp samples sold by four retailers located in different Italian cities. The hemp samples dataset was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis with the aim to identify the hemp retailers without any other information on the hemp samples like Cannabis strains, seeds, soil and cultivation characteristics, geographical origin, product storage, etc. The univariate analysis highlighted that the hemp samples could not be differentiated by using any of the nine cannabinoids analyzed. To evaluate the real efficiency of the discrimination among the four hemp retailers a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied. The PLS-DA results showed a very good discrimination between the four hemp retailers with an explained variance of 100% and low classification errors in both calibration (5%) and cross validation (6%). A total of 92% of the hemp samples were correctly classified by the cannabinoid variables in both fitting and cross validation. This work contributed to show that an analytical method coupled with multivariate analysis can be used as a powerful tool for forensic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Computed tomography (CT) plays a paramount role in the characterization and follow-up of COVID-19. Several score systems have been implemented to properly assess the lung parenchyma involved in patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as the visual quantitative assessment score (VQAS) and software-based quantitative assessment score (SBQAS) to help in managing patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aims to investigate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the VQAS and SBQAS with two different types of software based on artificial intelligence (AI) in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective study; a total of 90 patients were enrolled with the following criteria: patients' age more than 18 years old, positive test for COVID-19 and unenhanced chest CT scan obtained between March and June 2021. The VQAS was independently assessed, and the SBQAS was performed with two different artificial intelligence-driven software programs (Icolung and CT-COPD). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) statistical index and Bland–Altman Plot were employed. (3) Results: The agreement scores between radiologists (R1 and R2) for the VQAS of the lung parenchyma involved in the CT images were good (ICC = 0.871). The agreement score between the two software types for the SBQAS was moderate (ICC = 0.584). The accordance between Icolung and the median of the visual evaluations (Median R1–R2) was good (ICC = 0.885). The correspondence between CT-COPD and the median of the VQAS (Median R1–R2) was moderate (ICC = 0.622). (4) Conclusions: This study showed moderate and good agreement upon the VQAS and the SBQAS; enhancing this approach as a valuable tool to manage COVID-19 patients and the combination of AI tools with physician expertise can lead to the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plans for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proposed that repetitive negative thinking (worry and rumination) may be more common among adults who have been exposed to childhood adverse experiences, leading to emotional disorders and other adverse outcomes. The current study aims to present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature examining the relationship between the exposure to childhood adversities, repetitive negative thinking and clinical outcomes in adulthood. Methods: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a search was conducted on PubMed and Ebsco. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Search terms were 'childhood adversity/childhood abuse/childhood neglect/early loss event AND worry or rumination'. Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. In both non‐clinical and clinical populations, worry and rumination seem to be common among adults exposed to childhood abuse or childhood neglect. Among adults who have been exposed to childhood adversities, rumination seems to be associated with worse clinical outcomes such as severe psychiatric symptoms, depression, dysphoria, suicidal ideation, cognitive complaints, post‐traumatic stress symptoms and aggression. Conclusion: Early experiences of abuse and neglect may be associated with a tendency to engage in repetitive negative thinking, such as worry and rumination, in adulthood. Among adults, with a history of childhood adversities, tailored treatment to reduce repetitive negative thinking should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apennines genepì (Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. subsp. eriantha), is a high-altitude plant endangered by illegal and indiscriminate harvesting to produce the homonymous liqueur. Even if synthetic seeds represented a valid propagation technique to respond to this threat, this technology still requires methods to improve the low germination and plantlet development rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of the bacterial consortium formed by Azospirillum brasilense, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Burkholderia ambifaria, and Herbaspirillum seropedicae, as an enrichment agent of Apennines Genepì synthetic seeds. To evaluate the effectiveness as an improving agent, the consortium was incorporated in the synthetic seeds, compared to a control, and followed until ex vitro cultivations. Plants were evaluated for their growth and development parameters, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant properties, polyphenolic compounds concentrations, and volatile fractions. The results demonstrated that the investigated consortium is a good candidate as an enrichment agent in synthetic seed technology. The rhizobacterial presence induced an improved response in plant propagation and the acclimatization process. Plant quality was also enhanced, with an increased accumulation of plant secondary metabolites and higher antioxidant capacity. The investigated bacterial consortium is a good candidate as an enrichment agent in synthetic seed technology. Plant clones can be translocated for species conservation and also commercialized to reduce the illegal and undiscerning collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a probable association between metacognitive beliefs (also termed 'metacognitions') and emotion dysregulation has been suggested in the literature, the evidence is still sparse and inconclusive. The current study aims to present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature examining the association between metacognitive beliefs and emotion dysregulation. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a search was conducted on PubMed and Ebsco. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Search terms were 'metacognitions/metacognitive beliefs/positive metacognitive beliefs/negative metacognitive beliefs/cognitive self‐consciousness/beliefs about the need to control thoughts/cognitive confidence/negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger/AND difficulties emotion regulation/emotion dysregulation'. A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. In both non‐clinical and clinical populations, a higher endorsement of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs was found to be associated with emotion dysregulation and vice versa. A higher endorsement of metacognitive beliefs may be associated, either directly or via maladaptive forms of mental control (e.g., worry, rumination and suppression) to emotion dysregulation. Metacognitive beliefs could be the potential therapeutic target in clinical interventions aimed at reducing emotion regulation difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C‐19ASS) is a reliable scale assessing dysfunctional coping strategies activated in response to COVID‐19 fear and threat. The present study aimed to provide a validation of the Arabic version of the C‐19ASS and to explore the association between the C‐19ASS and psychological symptoms syndrome. Method: In Study 1, a community sample of 404 participants completed the Arabic version of the C‐19ASS and results were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, a community sample of 903 participants completed the Arabic version of the C‐19ASS and a series of measures assessing depressed mood and anhedonia, generalized anxiety and health anxiety. Internal consistency, construct validity and incremental validity were assessed. Associations between C‐19ASS and psychological symptoms were assessed. Results: Factor analysis identified a two‐factor solution (i.e., C‐19ASS‐Perseveration and C‐19ASS‐Avoidance), and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two‐factor model best fits the data. The Arabic version of the C‐19ASS showed good internal consistency, good construct and incremental validity. COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and health anxiety. Females had higher levels of COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome than males. Participants diagnosed with COVID‐19, and those who had experienced loss as a consequence of COVID‐19, had higher levels of COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome (Perseveration). Conclusions: The Arabic version of the C‐19ASS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome. The COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome could be a suitable therapeutic target to improve psychological recovery during the COVID‐19 pandemic among Arabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it has been proposed that the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may act as a possible pathway linking early life stress to psychosis, this relationship has not yet been fully confirmed. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood adversity (CA), cortisol levels, and psychosis. Eighty-five patients with psychosis and 170 control subjects were enrolled in the study. CA was evaluated using the Florence Psychiatric Interview, and Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Positive symptoms (PS) were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Cortisol levels were evaluated in saliva samples. Patients experienced more CA and showed higher cortisol levels than controls. Patients with CA showed higher morning cortisol levels and more severe PS than those without CA. Patients with higher morning cortisol levels showed severe delusions. These findings suggest that both CA and dysregulation of the HPA axis could be related to psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin produced as a secondary metabolite from different types of contaminating ubiquitous fungi, it can be produced mainly during post-harvesting treatments and storage, persisting until food is on market. Therefore, CIT represents a risk to health and business, and despite classical methods for the determination in foods, a lack of straightforward extraction/clean-up procedures and rapid and selective detection are evident. Herein, a rapid electrochemical strategy for CIT determination is proposed, the method relies on the use of graphene nanoflakes (GF) produced via a fast solvent-free water-phase exfoliation of graphite assisted by sodium cholate (GF-SC). The water-dispersed GF-SC nano-sized flakes were characterized and their use as a sensing layer in screen-printed electrodes was optimized. The GF-SC had a higher sensing ability for CIT compared to other carbon materials tested, allowing reproducible (RSD = 4.5%, n = 8) determination of CIT at levels below the maximum residual limit (LOD = 5 μg L−1) admitted in food. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), produced with a fast sonochemical synthesis (5 min), was successfully used for the CIT selective extraction and clean-up from different samples i.e. red rice, blueberry, turmeric, corn, wheat germ, and rice starch. Reproducible (RSD <5.7%, n = 3) and accurate recoveries (85.8–111.4%) were obtained for all the samples, and a significant correlation with the CIT quantification performed with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was achieved (relative errors: 9.9–9.1%), endorsing the usability of the proposed strategy. [Display omitted] • An effective electro-analytical strategy for citrinin (CIT) determination is proposed. • Water-phase exfoliated graphene nanoflakes ensure remarkable analytical features. • Fast sonochemically synthesized MIPs allows CIT extraction/clean-up from food samples. • The method allows CIT determination below the maximum residue level admitted in food. • LC-MS/MS used as a comparison method endorsed the usability of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Desire Thinking (DT) is a voluntary cognitive process aimed at orienting to prefigure images, information, and memories about positive target-related experience. It comprises of two components: Imaginal Prefiguration and the Verbal Perseveration. DT has been found to be positively associated with alcohol use, gambling, nicotine use, and problematic Internet use. Despite this, neither qualitative nor quantitative reviews have been undertaken to critically summarize findings about the association between DT and addictive behaviours. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the strength of the association between DT and addictive behaviours.Method: In accordance to PRISMA criteria, a research was conducted on PubMed and PsycInfo. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Search terms were: "addiction / gambling / alcohol / tobacco / nicotine / drug / cocaine / marijuana / cannabis / opioid / heroin / methadone / internet" AND "Desire Thinking".Results: Ten studies were included. Both components of DT were found to be associated with addictive behaviours (alcohol use, nicotine use, gambling, problematic Internet use) in both clinical and community samples. The strength of the association between Verbal Perseveration and addictive behaviours appears to be stronger for alcohol and nicotine use than Internet use. The association between DT and addictive behaviours is not moderated by age.Conclusion: DT is present across different addictive behaviours. The assessment of DT and tailored interventions aimed to reduce the propensity to engage in DT should be considered in the treatment of addictive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the recent adaptation of the I-PACE model, desire thinking and craving might be closely related to problematic Internet pornography use. The overall aim of the present study was to investigate the role of two components of desire thinking (imaginal prefiguration and verbal perseveration) and craving in problematic Internet pornography use. Furthermore, we examined gender differences in the underlying mechanism linking desire thinking to problematic Internet pornography use.Method: A total of 414 Italian adults (mean age = 27.55 years, SD = 6.13; age range = 18-58; 53.6 % men) participated in this study. Participants completed an online survey to assess problematic Internet pornography use, pornography craving, desire thinking and problematic Internet use. Path analyses and a multi-group approach were used to test the relationships among variables and to explore gender differences.Results: Imaginal prefiguration was associated to pornography craving which, in turn, was associated to verbal perseveration as proximal antecedent of problematic Internet pornography use, above and beyond the effect of age, relationship status, and problematic Internet use. Two paths significantly differed between men and women: the path between verbal perseveration and problematic Internet pornography, which for women was weaker and did not reach significance; and the path between problematic Internet use and problematic Internet pornography use that was not significant for women.Conclusions: In line with the I-PACE model, the present study provided support for the potential role of desire thinking in problematic Internet pornography use as a specific Internet-use disorder and expanded the literature in the field by testing unexplored gender differences. Preventive and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Development of HPLC-MS/MS targeted and semi-untargeted methods for polyphenols. • Quantification of 35 polyphenols in 3 matrices (curry leaves, hemp, blueberry). • Identification of conjugated polyphenols by precursor ion and neutral loss scan. • Application of MS3 for the discrimination of isobaric compounds. • Effective clean-up by SPE for good recovery and low matrix effect. In this work two different acquisition approaches were used for the quantification and/or tentative identification of phenolic compounds (PCs) in plant matrices by HPLC-MS/MS. A targeted approach, based on MRM acquisition mode, was used for the identification and quantification of a list of target analytes by comparison with standards; a semi-targeted approach was also developed by the precursor ion scan and neutral loss for the tentative identification of compounds not included in the target list. Analysis of phenolic content in three different plant matrices (curry leaves, hemp and blueberry) was carried out. The extraction and clean-up steps were set up according to the characteristics of the sample allowing to minimize the interfering compounds present in such complex matrices, as proved by the low matrix effect obtained (<16%) and recovery values ranging from 45% to 98% for all the analytes. This approach provided a sensitive and robust quantitative analysis of the target compounds with LOQs between 0.0002 and 0.05 ng mg−1, which allowed the identification and quantification of several hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, in addition to numerous flavonoids in all three matrices. Furthermore, different moieties were considered as neutral losses or as precursor ions in semi-targeted MS/MS approach, providing the putative identification of different glycosylated forms of flavonoids, such as luteolin-galactoside and diosmin in all three matrices, while apigenin-glucuronide was detected in hemp and quercetin-glucuronide in blueberry. A further study was carried out by MS3, allowing the discrimination of compounds with similar aglycones, such as luteolin and kaempferol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]