bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing masks: Navigating public discourse and perception on face masks in Sweden during Covid‐19
Authors: Johnson Victoria , Frykmer Tove
Published: September 2024

The Covid‐19 pandemic significantly influenced public discourse, particularly on the use of face masks, with social media serving as a platform for the public to express their opinions and share experiences. This study examines how the Swedish public supports their arguments when discussing their stance on face masks during the Covid‐19 pandemic, split into three categories: (1) personal opinions, experiences, and nonrelevant comparisons, (2) comparing and contrasting data, and (3) discussing scientific studies and expert opinions. Utilising webnography, we analysed 800 tweets mentioning face masks in Sweden where our findings reveal the varying methods of backing up one's standpoint. Furthermore, the framing of information by media outlets and public health authorities significantly influences the interpretation of scientific results and guidelines, leading to varying public behaviours towards face mask usage. Additionally, the study highlights the crucial role of confirmation bias, where individuals' pre‐existing beliefs affect their acceptance or rejection of evidence. Despite the reliance on media representations, which often lack direct engagement with primary sources, the media plays a critical role in maintaining a critical perspective during crises. The study underscores the importance of responsible journalistic practices and effective communication strategies by public health authorities to ensure accurate public understanding and adherence to health guidelines.
Population viability analysis for the common mudpuppy: Assessing potential impacts of TFM lampricide bycatch
Authors: Wagner R. B. , Peterman W. E.
Published: September 2024

Bycatch is one of the leading threats facing aquatic organisms, worldwide. Pesticide bycatch can occur when nontarget species are incidentally killed during chemical application targeting noxious species. The common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a river‐dwelling salamander that is susceptible to bycatch from 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol (TFM) applications. However, the long‐term consequences of TFM bycatch on mudpuppy populations are not well understood. We used population viability analysis to reveal potential impacts of TFM application on a mudpuppy population in Ohio's Grand River under plausible bycatch scenarios. We found that the population was more sensitive to increased juvenile mortality and rapid declines occurred when both adults and juveniles were impacted at high bycatch rates (≥5% of the population) or more frequent TFM intervals (≥5 years). Our results suggest that continued use of TFM could pose a risk to mudpuppy population persistence if bycatch occurs at moderate to high levels and affects both juveniles and adults. Future TFM use and management decisions should be directed with these potential nontarget impacts in mind.
The New Fishing Technique With Lighted Gillnets in Lake Kivu: Panacea or Pandora's Box?
Authors: Masilya Mulungula Pascal , Lubala Amani Joseph , Hounsounou Hilda Belinda , Riziki Jacques Walumona , Kisekelwa Tchalondawa
Published: September 2024

A new fishing technique has been introduced in Lake Kivu, across the Congo side. It consists of gillnets on which light‐emitting diode (LED) lamps are attached. Traditional fishermen have introduced the fishing technique without any studies related to the positive and drawback effects of this fishing technique. We sought to understand whether the gillnets with LED lamps fishing technique improve fishing catches and can be regarded as sustainable for the Lake Kivu ecosystem, or is it just only a marketing strategy for gillnets and LED lamp sellers. Two complementary approaches have been used in this study. Experimental fishing campaigns were conducted from June 2021 to June 2022 and monitoring of fishing team in the field coupled with surveys of fishermen about the effectiveness use of this new fishing technique. We observed that (i) 88% of fishermen using gillnet in the Bukavu sub‐basin have already adopted the recently introduced fishing technique; (ii) the average catch per unit effort of gillnets with LED lamps is higher than those without LED lamps (3.84 ± 1.95 kg/net vs. 2.69 ± 2.04 kg/net); (iii) these gillnets retrieve larger specimens (79.88 mm vs. 76.69 mm) and generate monthly a higher average profit to fishermen ($916.35) than the fishing technique lacking the LED ($807). However, (iv) the gillnets with LED lamps generates a lot of plastic trash: around 2130 kg of plastic bags/month under fishing conditions in the Bukavu sub‐basin. So, this new fishing technique is a real panacea for its practitioners, but a veritable Pandora's box generating plastic pollutants in Lake Kivu. Instead of banning this new fishing technique, we need to adapt it by using submersible LED lamps.
A homozygous nonsense variant in HENMT1 causes male infertility in humans and mice
Authors: Li Ming , Abbas Tanveer , Wang Yue , Zhi Aoran , Zhou Jianteng , Ma Ao , Murtaza Ghulam , Wu Yufan , Shah Wasim , Zubair Muhammad , Khan Muzammil Ahmad , Iqbal Furhan , Jiang Xiaohua , Zhang Huan , Shi Qinghua
Published: September 2024

Background

HENMT1 encodes a small RNA methyltransferase that plays a crucial role in mouse spermatogenesis through the methylation of the 3′ end of PIWI‐interacting RNAs.

Objectives

Our study aims to elucidate the relationship between HENMT1 and male infertility in humans.

Materials and methods

A consanguineous family, having a single non‐obstructive azoospermia patient was recruited for pathogenic variants screening. The research includes genetic analysis and experimental validation using mouse models. The patient was diagnosed with non‐obstructive azoospermia. Whole‐exome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analyses were performed to screen for candidate pathogenic variants. The pathogenicity of the identified variant was assessed and studied in vivo using a mouse model that mimicked the patient's mutation.

Results

Through whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous nonsense variant (c.555G > A, p.Trp185*) in HENMT1 in the patient. The presence of the mutant HENMT1 mRNA was detected in the patient's blood, and the truncated HENMT1 protein was observed in transfected HEK293T cells. The mutant mice modeling this HENMT1 variant displayed an infertile phenotype similar to that of the patient, characterized by spermiogenesis arrest. Further analysis revealed a significant derepression of retrotransposon LINE1 in the testes of the Henmt1 mutant mice, and increased apoptosis of spermatids.

Discussion and conclusion

Our findings provide the evidence of pathogenicity of the identified HENMT1 variant, thus shedding light on the indispensable role of HENMT1 in human spermatogenesis.
Weathering the storm: Long‐term implications on the feeding ecology and habitat use of a frugivorous lemur following a tropical cyclone
Authors: Paige Leslie A. , Santini Luca , Rasamisoa Delaid C. , Andriamahaihavana Antonin , Ganzhorn Jörg U. , Gibson Dean , Owen Megan A. , Razafindramanana Josia , Vasey Natalie , Donati Giuseppe , Eppley Timothy M.
Published: September 2024

Tropical cyclones are stochastic—sometimes catastrophic—weather events that can shape the ecology of impacted regions and have long‐lasting effects on ecosystems. These destructive events are concerning for species persistence in areas with high endemism. Madagascar is among the world's most biodiverse hotspots and given the island's location within the southwest Indian Ocean, it is frequently impacted by cyclones. In March 2018, Cyclone Eliakim made landfall in northeast Madagascar, passing the species range of the predominantly frugivorous red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra), allowing us to document their response. In addition to characterizing the forest damage, we conducted behavioral and feeding ecology data collection over 57 months from March 2018 to November 2022. We evaluated temporal adjustments in lemur behavioral and dietary strategies over a nearly five‐year period, during which there were no recorded tropical storms or cyclones over the Masoala Peninsula despite landfall elsewhere. Cyclone destruction was concentrated on large trees, which subsequently reduced fruit availability. Our results showed lemurs consumed a greater proportion of leaves and utilized more canopy strata following the cyclone, representing an immediate ecological response. Red ruffed lemurs' broad dietary and microhabitat diversity gradually returned to their more typical ecological niche as their habitat recovered. Our research highlights the ecological flexibility of a dietary specialist in response to a destructive cyclone, a behavioral adjustment that is likely to have evolved under Madagascar's highly variable weather and aids this species' persistence following stochastic weather events.

Abstract in Malagasy is available with online material.
BBOX1‐AS1 promotes gastric cardia adenocarcinoma progression via interaction with CtBP2 to facilitate the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process
Authors: Zou Wenxu , Yin Qing , Guo Wei , Dong Zhiming , Guo Yanli
Published: September 2024

It is recognized that lncRNA BBOX1‐AS1 exerts a crucial oncogenic property in several cancer types. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of BBOX1‐AS1 in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) have remained unclarified. The findings of this study demonstrated that GCA tissues had elevated BBOX1‐AS1 expression levels, which was associated with a worse prognosis in GCA patients. BBOX1‐AS1 dramatically enhanced cell proliferation, invasion, and TGF‐β1‐induced the EMT process in vitro. Further mechanism analysis revealed that BBOX1‐AS1 could combine with CtBP2 and strengthen the interaction of CtBP2 and ZEB1. BBOX1‐AS1 might regulate the E‐cadherin expression through CtBP2/ZEB1 transcriptional complex‐mediated transcriptional repression, further affecting the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and the EMT process. Overall, our findings demonstrate that BBOX1‐AS1 might act as an lncRNA associated with EMT for facilitating GCA advancement via interaction with CtBP2 to facilitate the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and the EMT process, which indicated that it might function as an exploitable treatment target for GCA patients.
Dehydroepiandrosterone‐α‐2‐Deoxyglucoside Exhibits Enhanced Anticancer Effects in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cells and Inhibits Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity
Authors: Liu Hsu‐Feng , Chou Shen‐Chieh , Huang Sheng‐Cih , Huang Tzu‐Yu , Hsiao Po‐Yun , Chou Feng‐Pai , Wu Tung‐Kung
Published: September 2024

In the pentose phosphate pathway, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) uncompetitively inhibits glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), reducing NADPH production and increasing oxidative stress, which can influence the onset and/or progression of several diseases, including cancer. 2‐Deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG), a glucose mimetic, competes with glucose for cellular uptake, inhibiting glycolysis and competing with glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P) for G6PD activity. In this study, we report that DHEA‐α‐2‐DG (5), an α‐covalent conjugate of DHEA and 2‐DG, exhibits better anticancer activity than DHEA, 2‐DG, DHEA +2‐DG, and polydatin in MCF‐7 cells, and reduces NADPH/NADP+ ratio in cellular assays. In vitro enzyme kinetics and molecular docking studies showed that 5 uncompetitively inhibits human G6PD activity and binds to the structural NADP+ site but not to the catalytic NADP+ site. Further combining 5 with the FDA‐approved drug tamoxifen enhanced its cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells, suggesting that it could serve as a candidate for combination of drug strategies.
One‐Step Organic Synthesis of 18β‐Glycyrrhetinic Acid‐Anthraquinone Ester Products: Exploration of Antibacterial Activity and Structure–Activity Relationship, Toxicity Evaluation in Zebrafish
Authors: Yang Zhaoyi , Li Xueyan , Liu Wei , Wang Guangyue , Ma Jiahui , Jiang Lulu , Yu Denghui , Ding Yuling , Li Yong
Published: September 2024

To combine the activity characteristics of 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (18β‐GA) and anthraquinone compounds (rhein and emodin), reduce toxicity, and explore the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of anthraquinones, 18β‐GA‐anthraquinone ester compounds were synthesized by one‐step organic synthesis. The products were separated and purified by HPLC and characterized by NMR and EI‐MS. It was finally determined as di‐18β‐GA‐3‐rhein ester (1, New), GA dimer (2, known), 18β‐GA‐3‐emodin ester (3, known), and di‐18β‐GA‐1‐emodin ester (4, new). The MIC of three reactants and four products against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in vitro. Its developmental toxicity and cardiotoxicity were assessed using zebrafish embryos. The experimental results showed that rhein had the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC50 of 2.4 mM, and it was speculated that –COOH, –OH, and intramolecular hydrogen bonds in anthraquinone compounds would enhance the antibacterial effect, while the presence of‐CH3 might weaken the antibacterial activity. Product 1 increased the hatching rate and survival rate of zebrafish embryos and reduced the malformation rate and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This experiment lays the foundation for further studying the SAR of anthraquinones and providing new drug candidates.
Ability of new protected areas to counteract losses from downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement
Authors: Yan Yanyun , Tan Song Ling , Webb Edward L. , Watson James E. M. , Carrasco L. Roman
Published: September 2024

Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) is a common occurrence. Although PADDD is expected to weaken biodiversity protection, PADDD offsets and new unrelated protected areas (PAs) could help restore representation of biodiversity features to the reserve network affected by PADDD. Globally, we analyzed 16 territories with terrestrial PADDD and 4 territories with marine PADDD from 2011 to 2020. Our objective was to evaluate whether PADDD offsets and new PAs could restore the PAs, key biodiversity areas (KBAs), ecoregions, and threatened amphibian, mammal, bird, and reptile species ranges where PADDD had occurred. In our studied territories, offsets of PADDD were rare (enacted in 3 [19%] terrestrial territories and one [25%] marine territory). One territory had PADDD losses that were compensated fully by PADDD offsets in terms of area coverage and ecoregions represented. All other territories failed to achieve compensation goals. In territories affected by PADDD, PADDD offsets and new PAs partially restored area representation (63%) and KBA coverage (57%). However, only 38% of ecoregion representation and 20%, 33%, 31%, and 21% of threatened amphibian, mammal, bird, and reptile representation, respectively, were restored. Overall, we found a large shortfall in PADDD offsets, even when unrelated PAs were included in the calculus. There is an urgent need to expand PADDD offsets and PAs to advance biodiversity conservation and achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30×30 target. Future planning of newly enacted conservation areas needs to prioritize biodiversity conservation and consider the purpose of restoring reserve networks affected by PADDD, rather than solely focusing on areal targets.
Impact of State‐Owned Equity Participation on the Risk‐Taking Capacity of Private Enterprises in China: Insights From a Quasinatural Experiment
Authors: Jin Xin , Yu Junli , Yuan Gordon , Zang Rong
Published: September 2024

Research Question/Issue

This study rigorously explores the impact of state‐owned equity participation on the risk‐taking capacity of private enterprises following the introduction of China's Guiding Opinions on Deepening the Reform of State‐Owned Enterprises, which is considered a quasinatural experiment.

Research Findings/Insights

State‐owned equity involvement significantly enhances private firms' risk‐taking capacity by improving resource access and reducing the constraints caused by limited resources and emerging legal systems. By analyzing A‐share private listed companies from 2009 to 2019 using a difference‐in‐difference approach, we find that firms with postpolicy state equity participation exhibit greater risk‐taking than those without. Firms that quickly integrate state capital postpolicy demonstrate heightened risk‐taking capabilities. These outcomes are robust even after extensive validation.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our findings suggest that state‐owned shareholders play a significant role in augmenting private firms' risk‐taking through enhanced governance and supervisory mechanisms. This effect is mediated by increased innovation investments and the alleviation of financing constraints, emphasizing the nuanced role of state capital in private enterprise dynamics. This study underscores the positive impact of state equity participation, particularly among smaller and less‐marketized firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study offers a strategic direction for policymakers to reinforce a resilient and dynamic private sector through state capital engagement. Our study contributes to the understanding of the strategic implications of state‐owned enterprise participation in the private sector, offering evidence of its positive effects on risk‐taking capacity, which are vital for policy formulation and corporate governance enhancement.
Chinese heritage language learners' motivation and intention to continue learning Mandarin
Authors: Song Wenting , Turner Jeannine E.
Published: September 2024

This study explored Chinese heritage language learners' prior Mandarin experiences and their current Mandarin‐learning experiences to reveal factors that influence their motivation and intention to continue or discontinue their Mandarin coursework. Using a Grounded Theory approach, we conducted demographic surveys and semi‐structured interviews with eight participants taking beginner‐level Mandarin courses. Following open, axial, and selective coding procedures, we developed a model portraying factors that influenced HLLs' decision to continue their enrollment in Mandarin classes. The model revealed that their decisions were fueled by ongoing appraisals via their motivational orientations, course expectations, and emotional experiences that drove their approach or avoidance focus. In particular, Mandarin high dropout rates may result from 1) HLLs' unmet course expectations, 2) lack of specific future‐oriented instrumental values, and 3) unpleasant emotional experiences within the class. The study concluded with four pedagogical implications (e.g., adopting task‐based language teaching) to sustain HLLs' motivation in college HL courses.
Unveiling nurses’ perspectives on decent work: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Xue Bowen , Feng Yaping , Li Xin , Hu Zhiguo , Zhao Yihui , Ma Weilan , Li Sui , Luo Hong
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study explores nurses’ perspectives on the concept of “decent work” and the factors influencing their viewpoints.

Design

This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach using face‐to‐face interviews.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 registered nurses at two tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, China, from October to November 2023.

Findings

Decent work for nurses refers to their engagement in a profession within a secure, fair, and friendly practice environment where they could receive respect, support, reasonable compensation, social security, and opportunities for career development, all of which could enable nurses to recognize their intrinsic values and achieve a state of professional and personal fulfillment. Key factors that influence decent work for nurses include the work environment, societal perceptions, and individual characteristics.

Conclusions

The concept of decent work holds paramount importance for nurses, necessitating collaborative efforts at the individual, family, institutional, and societal levels to promote the professional dignity of nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Policymakers should establish regional minimum wage standards for nurses, promote flexible scheduling, and support professional development through subsidized training programs. Additionally, national media campaigns and comprehensive mental health support can enhance the public image and resilience of nurses, respectively, improving their decent work perception.
Development and reproduction of sporocysts of Leucochloridium paradoxum (Trematoda)
Authors: Ataev Gennady L. , Usmanova Regina R. , Vinogradova Anna A. , Prokhorova Elena E. , Tokmakova Arina S.
Published: September 2024

We studied the development of sporocysts of the trematode Leucochloridium paradoxum. For this purpose, their life cycle was traced experimentally. Eggs obtained from adult trematodes raised in chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) were used to infect snails (Succinea putris, laboratory strain). Histological studies of sporocysts were conducted for 95 days after exposure. During this time, the embryos of sporocysts developed into a small stolon filled with numerous metacercarial embryos. We found that miracidia hatched in the stomach and in the proximal part of the snail's midgut. After the larvae migrated into the area of the hepatopancreas, their body was destroyed, and germinal cells were released. They cleaved to form the embryos of sporocysts, in which only metacercarial embryos developed. Our study showed that these trematodes lack the parasitic phase of the mother sporocyst and have only one generation of parthenitae, the daughter sporocysts.
Expert opinion on design and endpoints for studies on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lewalter Thorsten , Blomström‐Lundqvist Carina , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Packer Douglas , Meyer Ralf , Kuniss Malte , Ladwig Karl‐H. , Jilek Clemens , Diener Hans‐C. , Boriani Giuseppe , Turakhia Mintu P. , Schneider Steffen , Svennberg Emma , Albers Bert , Andrade Jason G. , de Melis Mirko , Brachmann Johannes
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently studied in randomized trials, observational and registry studies. The aim of this expert opinion is to provide guidance for clinicians and industry regarding the development of future clinical studies on catheter ablation of AF, implement lessons learned from previous studies, and promote a higher degree of consistency across studies.

Background

Studies on catheter ablation of AF may benefit from well‐described definitions of endpoints and consistent methodology and documentation of outcomes related to efficacy, safety and cost‐effectiveness. The availably of new, innovative technologies warrants further consideration about their application and impact on study design and the choice of endpoints. Moreover, recent insights gained from AF ablation studies suggest a reconsideration of some methodological aspects.

Methods

A panel of clinical experts on catheter ablation of AF and designing and conducting clinical studies developed an expert opinion on the design and endpoints for studies on catheter ablation of AF. Discussions within the expert panel with the aim to reach consensus on predefined topics were based on outcomes reported in the literature and experiences from recent clinical trials.

Results

A comprehensive set of recommendations is presented. Key elements include the documentation of clinical AF, medication during the study, repeated ablations and their effect on endpoint assessments, postablation blanking and the choice of rhythm‐related and other endpoints.

Conclusion

This expert opinion provides guidance and promotes consistency regarding design of AF catheter ablation studies and identified aspects requiring further research to optimize study design and methodology.

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

Recent insights from studies on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the availability of new innovative technologies warrant reconsideration of methodological aspects related to study design and the choice and assessment of endpoints. This expert opinion, developed by clinical experts on catheter ablation of AF provides a comprehensive set of recommendations related to these methodological aspects. The aim of this expert opinion is to provide guidance for clinicians and industry regarding the development of clinical studies, implement lessons learned from previous studies, and promote a higher degree of consistency across studies.
Is Starch Intake Associated With Periodontal Status? An 11‐Year Longitudinal Analysis Among Finnish Adults
Authors: Jangda F. H. , Suominen A. L. , Lundqvist A. , Männistö S. , Golkari A. , Bernabé E.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To evaluate the association between baseline starch intake (amount and sources) and changes in periodontal status over 11 years in adults.

Methods

Adults aged 30–82 years, who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 survey and were re‐examined in 2004/2005 and/or 2011 were included in the study. The consumption of total starch and six relevant food groups (potatoes, fried potatoes, roots and tubers, pasta, wholegrains and legumes) over the past year was determined at baseline with a validated food frequency questionnaire. The number of teeth with periodontal pocketing ≥ 4 mm (NTPP) was recorded during clinical examinations in 2000, 2004/2005 and 2011. The association between baseline starch intake and the 11‐year change in the NTPP was tested in mixed‐effects negative binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates.

Results

A total of 1369 adults were included in the analysis. The mean NTPP was 4.1 ± 5.6, 6.3 ± 5.6, and 4.8 ± 5.9 in waves 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Baseline starch intake (in g/day or % energy intake) was not associated with changes in the NTPP after adjustment for covariates. In analysis by food groups, the baseline intake of wholegrains was negatively associated with the NTPP at baseline.

Conclusion

This study found no evidence of an association between baseline starch intake and changes in periodontal status. Baseline intake of wholegrains was associated with better periodontal status at baseline.
Breastfeeding health literacy scale for pregnant women: A scale development study
Authors: Ozkan Asibe , Aktas Eda , Dissiz Melike , Acar Zehra , Karakoç Bahar
Published: September 2024

Rationale, Aims, and Objective

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants, and health literacy significantly influences breastfeeding rates. This study aimed to develop a tool to assess the breastfeeding health literacy levels of pregnant women.

Methods

This methodologically structured study was conducted with 590 pregnant women who visited the pregnancy follow‐up clinic between January and April 2024 and met the sampling criteria. Data were collected using a participant form and the Health Literacy Scale for Breastfeeding for Pregnant Women (BFHLS). To assess the BFHLS validity, the content validity index (CVI) and factor analysis were used, while the reliability was evaluated using the test–retest method, item‐total score correlation, and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient.

Results

The BFHLS for pregnant women is structured into four dimensions, comprising 25 items. To assess the scale's stability, test–retest measurements were conducted with a minimum interval of 2 weeks, revealing no significant difference in mean scores (p > 0.05). The CVI for each item was 99%. The corrected item‐total correlations ranged from 0.48 to 0.92, and Cronbach's alpha value was determined to be 0.96.

Conclusion

The BFHLS developed for pregnant women is a valid and reliable tool. Higher scores on the scale indicate a greater level of breastfeeding health literacy in pregnant women. This scale can effectively be used to assess the breastfeeding health literacy levels of pregnant women.
Burnout in healthcare workers: The effect of stress of conscience
Authors: Arslanoğlu Ali , İbrahimoğlu Özlem , Mersin Sevinç , Ergül Seçil , Yavuz Ayşe Esra
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The stress of conscience occurs in stressful situations that are often encountered in healthcare, leading to an uncomfortable conscience in healthcare workers. They may not be able to control their emotions and feel burnout. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of stress of conscience on burnout in healthcare workers.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed with 602 healthcare workers between November 2020 and January 2021 in Turkey. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, Stress of Conscience Scale, and Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results

A positive and high‐level relationship was found between the stress of conscience and burnout (r = 0.603, p < 0.001). The stress of conscience accounted for 36% of burnout. Also, female healthcare workers have high stress of conscience and burnout scores.

Conclusion

This study is important in terms of realising the stress and burnout of healthcare workers and for health managers to recognise the stress types of their workers. The increase in the level of burnout of healthcare workers is associated with their stress of conscience. Using the results of this study, national and international consensus can be obtained to reduce the impact of the stress of conscience on healthcare workers.
Initiating an Insulin Safety Campaign to reduce the incidence of glycemic harm events for hospitalized adults 65 and older
Authors: Cohen Michelle , de Grandpre Kristen , Herlihy William M. , Cooper Lise
Published: September 2024

Background

During calendar years 2021 through 2023, our health system admitted 200,837 persons 18 years and older with diabetes, of which 61% (n = 123,393) were 65 years and older with orders for insulin administration. The incidence of diabetes among hospitalized persons 65 and older continues to increase in the United States, with 24 million adults 65 and older with diabetes reported in 2020. Insulin, a high‐risk medication, has the potential for adverse drug events, which can cause significant harm to patients, potentially resulting in death. With the 2023 initiation of voluntary electronic clinical quality measures reporting for severe glycemic harm events from the Centers for Medicare Services, the study team saw an opportunity to evaluate and standardize insulin‐related practices across the system.

Methods

We implemented an Insulin Safety Campaign (ISC), to review, evaluate, and standardize insulin‐related processes across our health system. The primary goal was to reduce severe glycemic harm events system‐wide. Insulin‐related practices were reviewed for best practice alignment and standardized. Outcomes were measured according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' electronic clinical quality measures reporting guidelines.

Results

Comparing pre‐and post‐implementation results, all five medical centers achieved statistically significant reductions in sever hyper‐ and hypoglycemic harm events.

Conclusions

Through a collaborative effort, we were able to identify, address, and reduce insulin‐related process variabilities through standardization, reducing the percentage of severe glycemic harm events and improving blood glucose management in our hospitalized persons 65 and older.
‘I Was too Tired to Show Compassion’: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study on the Lived Compassion Fatigue Experiences of Nurses Working in Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Units
Authors: Pehlivan Saribudak Tuğba , Çalişkan Behice Belkıs
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Psychiatric nurses are at risk of experiencing compassion fatigue. Despite the economic, emotional and physical effects of compassion fatigue, it has not been sufficiently investigated in the field of psychiatric nursing, and the lived experiences of compassion fatigue, in particular, require further investigation using qualitative methods.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the lived compassion fatigue experiences of nurses working in psychiatric clinics using a phenomenological approach.

Method

The study was conducted between December 2023 and February 2024 with 22 psychiatric nurses working in acute psychiatric clinics. Data were collected through individual, in‐depth interviews, and analysed using Collaizi's seven‐step descriptive analysis approach.

Results

Data analysis revealed four main themes and eight subthemes: (1) being a psychiatric nurse (multifaceted role and benefits), (2) tiredness (from traumatic effects to depersonalisation and emotional isolation), (3) causes of compassion fatigue (patient derived, system and working environment derived) and (4) coping methods (individual and expectations).

Discussion

Due to difficult patient profiles and adverse working conditions, psychiatric nurses experience compassion fatigue and may become desensitised to patient needs over time.

Implications for Practice

Institutional support in the form of training for nurses on recognising and coping with compassion fatigue, as well as a safe and workload‐balanced working environment, is essential.
How many days are enough? Sleep–wake timing regularity and fragmentation scores change with the number of days included
Authors: Lok Renske , Suh Sooyeon , Rue Stella , Weed Lara , Zeitzer Jamie M.
Published: September 2024

The duration of sleep data collection from actigraphy is often influenced by practical factors (e.g. workdays versus non‐workdays), but the impact of the variation of duration on outcome measures of interest has not been well explored. This study investigates the effect of the duration of actigraphy measurement on non‐parametric measures of 24‐hr sleep–wake rhythms. We examined regularity inter‐daily stability and fragmentation intra‐daily variation over 14 days or the first 7 days in participants (n = 41) undergoing evaluation for sleep disorders. Bland–Altman plots assessed the impact of fewer than 14 or 7 days, respectively, on inter‐daily stability and intra‐daily variation scores. Intra‐daily variation values were also calculated for each day and compared with the 14‐day intra‐daily variation. Compared with the entire 14‐day period, using shorter durations (< 7 days) led to a higher estimated bias and increased variance in the limits of agreement for inter‐daily stability. Intra‐daily variation values showed increased variation in the limits of agreement with fewer days. Similar trends were observed when comparing shorter actigraphy periods 3 or 5 days–7 days. Daily intra‐daily variation calculations indicate that individuals with higher daily fragmentation experienced more pronounced day‐to‐day fragmentation and greater variability in the degree of fragmentation, in a linear association between daily intra‐daily variation standard deviation and 14‐day intra‐daily variation values. Our data indicate that a minimum of 7 full days of actigraphy is recommended to reduce measurement errors, and intra‐daily variation and inter‐daily stability derived from less than 7 days cannot be compared with those from more than 7 days without significant error.
Selective processing of clinical information related to correct and incorrect diagnoses: An eye‐tracking experiment
Authors: Staal Justine , Alsma Jelmer , Van der Geest Jos , Mamede Sílvia , Jansen Els , Frens Maarten A. , Van den Broek Walter W. , Zwaan Laura
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Diagnostic errors are often attributed to erroneous selection and interpretation of patients' clinical information, due to either cognitive biases or knowledge deficits. However, whether the selection or processing of clinical information differs between correct and incorrect diagnoses in written clinical cases remains unclear. We hypothesised that residents would spend more time processing clinical information that was relevant to their final diagnosis, regardless of whether their diagnosis was correct.

Methods

In this within‐subjects eye‐tracking experiment, 19 internal or emergency medicine residents diagnosed 12 written cases. Half the cases contained a correct diagnostic suggestion and the others an incorrect suggestion. We measured how often (i.e. number of fixations) and how long (i.e. dwell time) residents attended to clinical information relevant for either suggestion. Additionally, we measured confidence and time to diagnose in each case.

Results

Residents looked longer and more often at clinical information relevant for the correct diagnostic suggestion if they received an incorrect suggestion and were able to revise this suggestion to the correct diagnosis (dwell time: M: 6.3 seconds, SD: 5.1 seconds; compared to an average of 4 seconds in other conditions; number of fixations: M: 25 fixations, SD: 20; compared to an average of 16–17 fixations). Accordingly, time to diagnose was longer in cases with an incorrect diagnostic suggestion (M: 86 seconds, SD: 47 seconds; compared to an average of 70 seconds in other conditions). Confidence (range: 64%–67%) did not differ depending on residents' accuracy or the diagnostic suggestion.

Discussion

Selectivity in information processing was not directly associated with an increase in diagnostic errors but rather seemed related to recognising and revising a biased suggestion in favour of the correct diagnosis. This could indicate an important role for case‐specific knowledge in avoiding biases and diagnostic errors. Future research should examine information processing for other types of clinical information.
Ecotypic Variation in Leaf Thermoregulation and Heat Tolerance but Not Thermal Safety Margins in Tropical Trees
Authors: Middleby Kali B. , Cheesman Alexander W. , Hopkinson Richard , Baker Leesa , Ramirez Garavito Sebastian , Breed Martin F. , Cernusak Lucas A.
Published: September 2024

To avoid reaching lethal temperatures during periods of heat stress, plants may acclimate either their biochemical thermal tolerance or leaf morphological and physiological characteristics to reduce leaf temperature (Tleaf). While plants from warmer environments may have a greater capacity to regulate Tleaf, the extent of intraspecific variation and contribution of provenance is relatively unexplored. We tested whether upland and lowland provenances of four tropical tree species grown in a common garden differed in their thermal safety margins by measuring leaf thermal traits, midday leaf‐to‐air temperature differences (∆Tleaf) and critical leaf temperatures defined by chlorophyll fluorescence (Tcrit). Provenance variation was species‐ and trait‐specific. Higher ∆Tleaf and Tcrit were observed in the lowland provenance for Terminalia microcarpa, and in the upland provenance for Castanospermum australe, with no provenance effects in the other two species. Within‐species covariation of Tcrit and ∆Tleaf led to a convergence of thermal safety margins across provenances. While future studies should expand the number of provenances and species investigated, our findings suggest that lowland and upland provenances may not differ substantially in their vulnerability to heat stress, as determined by thermal safety margins, despite differences in operating temperatures and Tcrit.
From Kandahar to bride: Protesters’ critique of the media's portrayal of Tripoli during Lebanon's 2019 October Uprising
Authors: Rønn Anne Kirstine
Published: September 2024

During the Lebanese 2019 uprising, the country's second‐largest city, Tripoli, became portrayed as the “bride of the revolution.” This portrayal was seen to break with the city's former stigma as a hotbed of extremism. However, as this article shows, local protesters were not unambiguously happy with this portrayal. Based on interviews with 30 protesters and fieldwork observations, the article seeks to understand the critical views of this narrative. It shows that there was a widespread perception among Tripoli protesters that the narrative of their city as the “bride of the revolution,” as presented by the media, represented a distorted image that romanticized, depoliticized, and de‐contextualized the uprising. This narrative was believed to serve a political purpose. These findings provide two main contributions to scholarly debates concerning identity narratives and the role of media for social movements in societies like Lebanon, characterized by hybrid regimes and a complex media‐politics nexus. First, it points to the complexity of breaking stigma and changing geography‐based identities. Second, it shows how the political ownership of media fuels the understanding of media frames as being politically motivated, even when they seem sympathetic to protests.
Effects of Lipophilic Statins on Cell Viability and Tissue Factor Expression in Canine Haemangiosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kobayashi Kosuke , Murakami Kohei , Baba Kenji
Published: September 2024

Canine haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly aggressive cancer often associated with coagulation abnormalities. Statins, inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) clinically prescribed for hypercholesterolemia, are also believed to possess antitumour and anticoagulant properties by inhibiting downstream Akt activation. Akt phosphorylation is involved in the mechanism of the antitumour and tissue factor (TF)‐lowering effects of statins. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether statins could inhibit cell viability while concurrently inducing anticoagulant properties by regulating the expression of TFs in canine HSA cells. Using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), we initially exclusively detected HMGCR mRNA expression in canine HSA tissues and cell lines but not in normal cephalic vein and spleen tissues. Moreover, treatment with lipophilic statins, including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and simvastatin, inhibited cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner and decreased TF expression both at the mRNA and protein levels, as evidenced by cell viability assays, RT‐qPCR, and immunoblotting, respectively. Further investigation using cell viability assays and flow cytometry revealed that simvastatin decreased Akt phosphorylation, and MK‐2206, a specific Akt inhibitor, mirrored the effect of simvastatin on cell viability and cell cycle arrest. However, MK‐2206 exhibited different effects on TF expression depending on the cell type, indicating that Akt phosphorylation may not consistently regulate TF expression. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential therapeutic use of statins in targeting tumour growth and coagulation abnormalities in canine HSA. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications of statins in canine HSA treatment.
Rational points on complete intersections of cubic and quadric hypersurfaces over Fq(t)$\mathbb {F}_q(t)$
Authors: Glas Jakob
Published: September 2024

Using a two‐dimensional version of the delta method, we establish an asymptotic formula for the number of rational points of bounded height on non‐singular complete intersections of cubic and quadric hypersurfaces of dimension at least 23 over , provided . Under the same hypotheses, we also verify weak approximation.
Asymmetric distribution of extreme values of cubic L$L$‐functions at s=1$s=1$
Authors: Darbar Pranendu , David Chantal , Lalin Matilde , Lumley Allysa
Published: September 2024

We investigate the distribution of values of cubic Dirichlet ‐functions at . Following ideas of Granville and Soundararajan for quadratic ‐functions, we model the distribution of by the distribution of random Euler products for certain family of random variables attached to each prime. We obtain a description of the proportion of that is larger or that is smaller than a given bound, and yield more light into the Littlewood bounds. Unlike the quadratic case, there is an asymmetry between lower and upper bounds for the cubic case, and small values are less probable than large values.
Spectral Heat Transfer Coefficient for Thermal Design Analysis—Part 1: Augmenting the Cooling Law for Non-Isothermal Wall
Authors: He L.
Published: September 2024

There are two major issues of interest in relation to Newton's law of cooling. The first is its applicability to flow bounded by a nonisothermal wall where the wall surface temperature is nonuniform. The second is the restriction by the basic linear assumption. In terms of the first issue, a general Green's function-based framework exists but its implementation as a working method has been lacking, attributable to the inherent locality of Green's function. Instead of setting up and solving the local–local influence and response, a new spectral heat transfer coefficient (SHTC) method takes a different avenue. It sets up and solves global-to-local temperature-heat flux influences for a small number of low order spectral modes of wall temperature disturbances. The SHTC approach covers a range of physically relevant and numerically resolvable length scales, which have been missing in the conventional cooling law. The present work is aimed at applying the SHTC methodology to turbine blade aerothermal analysis. Two aerothermal regimes are considered, respectively. In the first part (Part 1 of the two-part article), the SHTC approach is described and case-studied for a linear aerothermal regime where the flow energy equation behaves linearly and the corresponding temperature (thermal) field is passively dictated by the velocity (momentum) field. In the companion paper (Part II), the methodology will be extended to a nonlinear regime, where the temperature field will be actively interacting with (rather than passively influenced by) the velocity field.
Automated Layout Design of Hydraulic Components With Constraints on Flow Channels
Authors: Zhu Ciming , Wang Feixue , Zhang Hongyuan , Zheng Yongjiang , Ding Chengfeng , Li Shuai , Yao Jing
Published: September 2024

The lightweight design of hydraulic equipment has always been of vital interest. Additive manufacturing (AM) technology can meet the manufacturing requirements of heteroideus and lightweight hydraulic equipment. However, traditional layout optimization often cannot satisfy the functional constraints of hydraulic components. This article proposes a design method of function-based automatic layout optimization for hydraulic components to solve this problem. The proposed method combines multi-component layout optimization with flow-up channel path planning and uses the triangular mesh model of hydraulic components directly as layout units. The spatial pose of the layout unit is used as the gene sequence for a genetic algorithm (GA). To meet the functional constraints, this study also proposes a fast, accurate collision detection algorithm for irregular 3D models and the generating strategy for follow-up flow channels. Here, the volume of the layout units, the total centroid radius of the layout plan, the length of flow channels, and the pressure loss are taken as the objective functions, and an automatic layout optimization algorithm for hydraulic components is developed. By optimizing the initial layout plan of an aviation electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA), the characteristic volume of the optimized layout is reduced by 30.68% and the total length of the flow channels is decreased by 39.53%, demonstrating the efficiency of this method for lightweight hydraulic equipment design.