Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interventions to improve nurses' job satisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS To identify current best evidence on the types of interventions that have been developed to improve job satisfaction among nurses and on the effectiveness of these interventions. DESIGN The systematic review is a quantitative systematic review and meta-analysis following a profile-likelihood random-effects model. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, Medic and Pubmed (Medline). REVIEW METHODS PICOS eligibility criteria were used to select original studies published between 2003-2019. The articles were screened by title (n = 489), abstract (n = 61) and full-text (n = 47). A total of 20 articles remained after the full-text screening process and further assess on risk of bias. The screening process was conducted by two authors independently and finally agreed together. A meta-analysis was performed to determine how the identified interventions influence nurses' job satisfaction. RESULTS The interventions were primarily educational and consisted of workshops, educational sessions, lessons and training sessions. The post-intervention differences between intervention and control groups in meta-analysis revealed that two interventions significantly improved nurses' job satisfaction. Notably, the spiritual intelligence training protocol and Professional Identity Development Program were found to be effective in improving job satisfaction. CONCLUSION Healthcare organizations and managers should consider implementing effective interventions to improve nurses' job satisfaction and reduce turnover. The results reported in this study highlight that nurse managers should focus on organizational strategies that will foster the intrinsic motivation of employees. IMPACT The current nursing shortage and increased turnover intentions are proving to be a global problem. For this reason, it is imperative that nurse managers plan strategies to improve nurses´ job satisfaction. The effective interventions detected in this study are a first step for developing human resource strategies for healthcare organizations. These findings propose that extrinsic factors (e.g., salary and rewards) will never be as effective in maintaining job satisfaction as intrinsic factors (e.g., spiritual intelligence, professional identity and awareness).
Probiotics for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious complication of mechanical ventilation. We conducted a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for VAP prevention in patients who received mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We searched a number of medical literature databases to identify randomized controlled trials that compared probiotics with controls for VAP prevention. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences with accompanying 95% CIs. Study-level data were pooled by using a random-effects model. Data syntheses were accomplished by using statistical software. RESULTS: Fourteen studies that involved 1,975 subjects met our inclusion criteria. Probiotic administration was associated with a reduction in VAP incidence among all 13 studies included in the meta-analysis (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.85; P = .003; I2 = 43%) but not among the 6 double-blinded studies (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.44–1.19; P = .20; I2 = 55%). We found a shorter duration of antibiotic use for VAP (mean difference −1.44, 95% CI −2.88 to −0.01; P = .048, I2 = 30%) in the probiotics group than in the control group, and the finding comes from just 2 studies. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of ICU mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.67–1.34; P = .77; I2 = 0%), ICU stay (mean difference –0.77, 95% CI –2.58 to 1.04; P = .40; I2 = 43%), duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference –0.91, 95% CI –2.20 to 0.38; P = .17; I2 = 25%), or occurrence of diarrhea (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.45–1.15; P = .17; I2 = 41%). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis results indicated that the administration of probiotics significantly reduced the incidence of VAP. Furthermore, our findings need to be verified in large-scale, well-designed, randomized, multi-center trials.
The changing sociocultural context of wildlife conservation

We introduced a multilevel model of value shift to describe the changing social context of wildlife conservation. Our model depicts how cultural‐level processes driven by modernization (e.g., increased wealth, education, and urbanization) affect changes in individual‐level cognition that prompt a shift from domination to mutualism wildlife values. Domination values promote beliefs that wildlife should be used primarily to benefit humans, whereas mutualism values adopt a view that wildlife are part of one's social network and worthy of care and compassion. Such shifts create emergent effects (e.g., new interest groups) and challenges to wildlife management organizations (e.g., increased conflict) and dramatically alter the sociopolitical context of conservation decisions. Although this model is likely applicable to many modernized countries, we tested it with data from a 2017–2018 nationwide survey (mail and email panel) of 43,949 residents in the United States. We conducted hierarchical linear modeling and correlational analysis to examine relationships. Modernization variables had strong state‐level effects on domination and mutualism. Higher levels of education, income, and urbanization were associated with higher percentages of mutualists and lower percentages of traditionalists, who have strong domination values. Values affected attitudes toward wildlife management challenges; for example, states with higher proportions of mutualists were less supportive of lethal control of wolves (Canis lupus) and had lower percentages of active hunters, who represent the traditional clientele of state wildlife agencies in the United States. We contend that agencies will need to embrace new strategies to engage and represent a growing segment of the public with mutualism values. Our model merits testing for application in other countries.
The utility of nerve conduction studies in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Background. Neuropathy is one of the most common, debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus, often neglect- ed in routine diabetes treatment. It is the single most common reason for foot ulcerations and amputations and is responsible for severe sensory abnormalities and reduced quality of life among thousands of diabetic patients. Objectives. The aim of our study was to establish the prevalence and type of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients by means of nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in order to encourage primary care physicians to look for any signs of sensory or motor abnormalities early in the management of diabetes, thus preventing irreversible nerve damage. Material and methods. A total of 21 patients with type 2 diabetes (12 men and 9 women; mean age, 60.8 ± 8.9 years) present- ing with neuropathy symptoms were enrolled into the study. Sensory and motor NCSs were conducted in the ulnar, median, peroneal, sural, and tibial nerves. Results. Sensory axonal polyneuropathy was diagnosed in 7 patients; sensory and motor polyneuropathy, in 2 patients; and carpal tunnel syndrome, in 3 patients. In the remaining patients, the results of NCSs were within the reference range. Conclusions. The study revealed that 12 patients (57%) had nerve conduction abnormalities suggesting peripheral nerve changes and polyneuropathy. In addition, our study confirmed that NCSs are useful in assessing the prevalence of neuropathy and dif- ferentiating between axonal and demyelination polyneuropathies and various types of mononeuropathies in diabetic patients and should be part of routine primary care protocols in the management of diabetes.
A holistic model of low vision care for improving vision‐related quality of life

Vision impairment can have a significant impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of an individual. Vision rehabilitation has the potential to improve these areas; however, four in five patients with vision impairment are not being referred to the appropriate services. Barriers to on‐referral include, but are not limited to: (1) misunderstandings by both practitioners and patients alike regarding which individuals with vision impairment might benefit or qualify for low vision services; (2) lack of awareness of available services; (3) unfamiliarity with practice guidelines; (4) miscommunication between practitioners and patients; (5) required patient travel or limitations in access; and (6) the perceived costs of goods and services. Further, current referral patterns do not represent a holistic patient‐centric approach. Vision‐related quality of life questionnaires are tools which can assist health professionals in providing optimal individualised care. This review explores current evidence regarding low vision service delivery within Australia and globally, the impact of vision impairment on activities of daily living, the instruments used for the assessment of vision‐related quality of life (VRQOL), competing priorities of individual needs in low vision services and rehabilitation, and provides recommendations for a more patient‐centred model of care.
Serum betatrophin levels are significantly increased in obese patients compared to lean patients regardless to the presence of PCOS

Abstract Betatrophin, which regulates glucose metabolism, is primarily expressed in liver and fat tissue. We aimed to investigate betatrophin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that is the most common endocrine pathology in women of reproductive age. A total of 69 women were included in this prospective study: 35 patients with PCOS (18 obese and 17 lean) and 34 healthy controls (17 obese and 17 lean). Patients who met the criteria were compared regarding betatrophin levels and other hormonal values. Serum betatrophin level did not differ between obese PCOS patients and obese controls, and lean PCOS patients and lean controls; while significantly increased in obese PCOS patients and controls compared to lean PCOS patients and controls. Total testosterone and androstenedione were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in controls both in the obese and lean groups, while sex hormone–binding globulin was significantly lower in patients with PCOS than in controls both in the obese and lean groups. However, remaining hormone values were similar between groups. Betatrophin level was significantly increased in obese patients compared to lean patients independent to the presence of PCOS.
Nursing students’ perceptions of clinical learning opportunities and competence in administration of oral medication in the Western Cape

Background Medication errors may result in patients’ harm and even death. The improvement of nursing students’ competence in the administration of medication through education and training can contribute to the reduction of medication errors. Objectives This study aimed at describing the Bachelor of Nursing students’ perceptions about clinical learning opportunities and competence in the administration of oral medication. Method A quantitative descriptive design was employed. An all-inclusive sample of 176 nursing students registered at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa, in 2014 was considered for the study, of whom 125 students consented to participate and completed the questionnaires. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data analysis and descriptive statistics were conducted. Results The findings showed that a minority of students did not have opportunities to rotate in all specific types of wards. The findings indicated that a total of 92% (115) and 86.4% (108) of the 125 respondents were placed in medical and surgical wards, respectively, where they more likely had opportunities to practise the administration of oral medication. However, 59.2% (74) did not practise administration of oral medication on a daily basis. Only 19.2% (24) of respondents perceived themselves as competent in the administration of oral medication. Conclusion The findings indicated that many students perceived their education and training as not providing sufficient learning opportunities to practise the administration of oral medication, whilst the majority of respondents perceived themselves as competent in some of the aspects related to the administration of oral medication, and very few perceived themselves as competent overall in the administration of oral medication.
Spiritual dimension in palliative care from the perspective of Thai palliative caregivers.

BACKGROUND In Thailand, most terminally ill patients die in hospital and are looked after by health professionals. Terminally ill patients tend to receive physical care only, while in the main, spiritual care is neglected. This study aimed to explore spirituality in palliative care health professionals and spiritual leaders in the Thai Buddhist context. METHOD In this qualitative case study, seven experienced palliative caregivers took part in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis and a trustworthiness process were used to analyse the data. FINDINGS Three themes emerged: (1) the ability for self-awareness and faith; (2) acceptance and compassion for others; and (3) spiritual behaviour while nursing. CONCLUSION The results revealed the meaning of spirituality and the necessary characteristics for spirituality in palliative care for the participants, which could serve as a basis for further development.
Investigating selective media for optimal isolation of Brucella spp. in South Africa

Bovine brucellosis in South Africa is caused mainly by Brucella abortus biovar (bv.) 1 and less frequently by B. abortus bv. 2. Bacterial isolation is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis of Brucella species; however, it is not very sensitive. The aim of this study was to determine the selective medium with optimum antibiotic composition that will allow the growth of Brucella species (spp.) while inhibiting moulds, yeast and most, if not all, Gram-negative contaminants in South Africa. In the controlled experiment, modified Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragon (CITA) medium (mCITA) seemed to be the optimum selective medium for isolation of Brucella spp. as compared with Farrell’s medium (FM) and modified Thayer Martin (mTM), while FM inhibited the growth of most fungal and bacterial contaminants. Mean comparison between the three media used to culture B. abortus resulted in lower mean difference ranging from 0 to 2.33. In case of Brucella ovis, high mean difference was obtained when comparing FM with mCITA (10.33) and mTM (12). However, the mean differences of 0.67 and 1.67 were obtained when comparing mCITA and mTM media used to, respectively, culture pasteurised and raw milk spiked with B. ovis. Further optimisation at the Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute resulted in a comparable performance between FM and mCITA; however, mCITA allowed optimal growth of the fastidious B. ovis, which is generally inhibited on FM. Generally, mCITA seemed to be the optimum selective medium for isolation of Brucella spp. , while FM inhibits the growth of most fungal and bacterial contaminants. Thus, veterinary laboratories can use mCITA and/or FM but should take into consideration the detection of factious Brucella isolated in the country or region.
Fingolimod Rescues Demyelination in a Mouse Model of Krabbe's Disease

Krabbe's disease is an infantile neurodegenerative disease, which is affected by mutations in the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of its metabolite psychosine. We have shown previously that the S1P receptor agonist fingolimod (FTY720) attenuates psychosine-induced glial cell death and demyelination both in vitro and ex vivo models. Krabbe's disease is an infantile neurodegenerative disease, which is affected by mutations in the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of its metabolite psychosine. We have shown previously that the S1P receptor agonist fingolimod (FTY720) attenuates psychosine-induced glial cell death and demyelination both in vitro and ex vivo models. These data, together with a lack of therapies for Krabbe's disease, prompted the current preclinical study examining the effects of fingolimod in twitcher mice, a murine model of Krabbe's disease. Twitcher mice, both male and female, carrying a natural mutation in the galc gene were given fingolimod via drinking water (1 mg/kg/d). The direct impact of fingolimod administration was assessed via histochemical and biochemical analysis using markers of myelin, astrocytes, microglia, neurons, globoid cells, and immune cells. The effects of fingolimod on twitching behavior and life span were also demonstrated. Our results show that treatment of twitcher mice with fingolimod significantly rescued myelin levels compared with vehicle-treated animals and also regulated astrocyte and microglial reactivity. Furthermore, nonphosphorylated neurofilament levels were decreased, indicating neuroprotective and neurorestorative processes. These protective effects of fingolimod on twitcher mice brain pathology was reflected by an increased life span of fingolimod-treated twitcher mice. These in vivo findings corroborate initial in vitro studies and highlight the potential use of S1P receptors as drug targets for treatment of Krabbe's disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study demonstrates that the administration of the therapy known as fingolimod in a mouse model of Krabbe's disease (namely, the twitcher mouse model) significantly rescues myelin levels. Further, the drug fingolimod also regulates the reactivity of glial cells, astrocytes and microglia, in this mouse model. These protective effects of fingolimod result in an increased life span of twitcher mice.
Estimation of the area under a curve via several B-spline-based regression methods and applications

ABSTRACT Estimating the area under a curve (AUC) is an important subject in many fields of medicine and science. The regression model using B-spline functions provides flexibility in curve fitting, making it suitable for AUC estimation with various types of nonlinear trends. Despite the versatility of the B-spline approach, comprehensive discussions regarding relevant AUC estimation techniques using B-spline functions and their comparison with existing methods cannot be found in extant literature. In this paper, we investigate AUC estimation using B-spline regression and B-spline regression with several penalties, as well as discuss corresponding inferences. We carry out an extensive Monte Carlo study to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods in various realistic pharmacokinetics and analytical chemistry data settings. We show that the proposed methods provide robust and reliable AUC estimation regardless of different types of nonlinear models from scientific and medical research areas. Our proposed method is appropriate for general AUC estimation since it does not require nonlinear model specifications and inference techniques corresponding to the specified model.
Multiparametric MR imaging reveals early cartilage degeneration at 2 and 8 weeks after ACL transection in a rabbit model.

In this study, rabbit model with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was used to investigate early degenerative changes in cartilage using multi-parametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). ACLT was surgically induced in the knees of skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits (n=14). ACL transected and contralateral knee compartments - medial femur, lateral femur, medial tibia and lateral tibia - were harvested two (n=8) and eight weeks (n=6) post-surgery. Twelve age-matched non-operated rabbits served as control. Quantitative MRI was conducted at 9.4 T and included relaxation times T1 , T2 , continuous-wave T1ρ (CWT1ρ ), adiabatic T1ρ (AdT1ρ ), adiabatic T2ρ (AdT2ρ ), and relaxation along a fictitious field (TRAFF ). For reference, quantitative histology and biomechanical measurements were carried out. Post-traumatic changes were primarily noted in the superficial half of the cartilage. Prolonged T1 , T2 , CWT1ρ and AdT1ρ were observed in the lateral femur 2 and 8 weeks post-ACLT, compared with the corresponding control and contralateral groups (P<0.05). Collagen orientation was significantly altered in the lateral femur at 2 weeks post-ACLT compared to the corresponding control group. In the medial femur, all the studied relaxation time parameters, except TRAFF , were increased 8 weeks post-ACLT, as compared with the corresponding contralateral and control groups (P<0.05). Similarly, significant PG loss was observed in the medial femur at 8 weeks following surgery (P<0.05). Multi-parametric MR imaging demonstrated early degenerative changes primarily in the superficial cartilage with T1 , T2 , CWT1ρ and AdT1ρ sensitive to cartilage changes at 2 weeks after surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Challenging the charge balance hypothesis: reconsidering buffer effect and reuptake of previously excreted organic acids by Penicillium ochrochloron

ABSTRACT Penicillium ochrochloron was used in the past for the leaching of zinc from a zinc oxide containing filter dust via excreted organic acids. Organic acid excretion by P. ochrochloron was stimulated by the addition of an extracellular buffer (2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid, MES; or zinc oxide, ZnO: ZnO + 2 H+ → Zn2+ + H2O). It was tested if the buffer stimulated excretion of organic acid anions is due to the necessity of an anion efflux across the plasma membrane to maintain electroneutrality by balancing the excretion of protons by the H+-ATPase. This charge balance hypothesis was previously postulated for P. ochrochloron. Two strains of P. ochrochloron were studied, which differed in growth parameters and amount of excreted organic acids. From the results, it was concluded that charge balance at the plasma membrane is not the main reason for organic acid excretion in these two strains of P. ochrochloron. Furthermore, the phenomenon of reuptake of excreted organic acids in the presence of about 100 mM of glucose is confirmed. It is suggested that the equilibrium between extracellular and intracellular organic acid anions may be maintained passively by a facilitated diffusion transporter.
Skincare Habits and Rosacea in 3,439 Chinese Adolescents: A University-based Cross-sectional Study

The pathogenesis of rosacea remains unclear but has been reported to correlate with skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to elucidate the skin-care habits of Chinese adolescents and determine the relationship between skincare habits and rosacea. A university-based cross-sectional investigation included 310 rosacea cases and 3,129 healthy controls who underwent health examinations and completed a questionnaire about daily skincare habits. Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV is a protective factor against rosacea (adjusted adds ratio (aOR) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.72). Long bath duration (≥ 11 min, aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.01-6.72) and frequent use of facial cleansers (≥ 2 times/day, aOR 1.70; 95% CI 1.17-2.36) were positively associated with rosacea, but bath frequency (p = 0.22), water temperature (p = 0.53), and sun protection (p = 0.65) were not associated with rosacea. Inappropriate skincare habits, including extended bath durations and frequent use of facial cleansers, significantly increase the risk of rosacea in Chinese adolescents.