bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How should platforms be archived? On sustainable use practices of a Telegram Archive to study Russia’s war against Ukraine
Authors: Bareikytė Miglė , Makhortykh Mykola , Martin Alexander , Nazaruk Taras , Skop Yarden
Published: April 2024

After Russia’s war against Ukraine destroyed people’s ability to move and communicate freely in Ukraine, many Ukrainians turned to social media and messenger apps, especially Telegram, to produce and share information. The vast amount of this digital data is privatized, ephemeral, and difficult to utilize for research, raising urgent questions about its sustainable accessibility and usability. In this article, we explore a specific aspect of digital archive sustainability – the use of digital archives to preserve platform data related to Russia’s war against Ukraine – by focusing on data integrity, usability, and ethics. Our research is based on a case study of an interdisciplinary Data Sprint, “Russia’s War in Ukraine,” organized in collaboration with a Telegram Archive, in which academics and practitioners investigated qualitative approaches to studying a war on Telegram. In the article, we explore the possibilities and drawbacks of sustainable use of the Telegram Archive for qualitative approaches – semantic, visual, spatial, and link analysis – to working with large amounts of data. We argue that the sustainability of digital archives depends not only on their use, based on consistently stored and accessible data, but also the ethical aspects of their use for diverse research needs.
Book review: Jan Nederveen Pieterse, Development Theory (2nd ed.)
Authors: Felix K. Thomas , Ramappa K. B.
Published: April 2024

Jan Nederveen Pieterse, Development Theory (2nd ed.) . UK: Sage, 2010. 272 pp, $69, ISBN: 9781412945141 (Paperback).
Analysis of Anxiety, Subjective Well-being, and Quality of Life of Medical Students during COVID-19 Lockdown in Erode, Tamil Nadu: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vijayalakshmi I. , Niruba R. , Subha K. C. , Periasamy Panneerselvam , Mathivadhana Andamuthu Vetrivel , Gunasekaran Sasikala
Published: April 2024

Background:

A novel COVID-19 has spread worldwide and created a big threat for the public and their daily life. Due to its rapid transmission and the mortality rate, governments across the world had created many restrictions such as social isolation which leads to economic crisis that also leads to the source of fear, stress, anxiety, and mood conditions and negatively affects people’s mental health (Praveen et al., 2021). Although the initiatives were prepared, the coronavirus may also cause mental defects. These defects also affected the medical students, since they were the backbone and the future of public health, hence the study would describe the quality of well-being by different domains.

Materials and Methods:

The study was designed by the questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Quality of life-BREL, Subjective Well-Being Inventory (SWBI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) research tool. A total of 288 students were participated in the study.

Results:

A total of 288 medical students were participated in the study, according Cronbach Alpha method, all three domains had obtained a value of above 0.7, and the descriptive analysis showed the highest score of about 67.12 with physical activity. According to the BAI, 84% of medical students with low anxiety, the study also investigates the quality of well-being and compared with gender, with religion, with family type, place of living, religions, and among family’s monthly income. The results of the study were statistically defined, and it has a significant relationship with environment and SWBI.

Conclusion:

The quality of well-being was assessed on medical students and the study revealed that there is no impact with gender, religion, year of study, and family’s monthly income. Although the study also revealed that the mean score of social well-being is high with physical activity and considerably low with psychological and environmental activity.
Comparison of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cardiovascular Risk Score, Framingham Risk Scores, European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Disease Risk Calculator, QRISK3-2018 Risk Calculator in Patients Presenting with First Time with Myocardial Infarction: A Step toward the Development of Indian Cardiac Risk Score
Authors: Solanki Nishita Devang , Pandya Tejas Rajendarkumar , Rathod Jaydeep , Rathod Vani , Panchal Krisha , Rana Devang Ashwinkumar
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

One of the primary reasons for fatalities and impairments on a global scale is cardiovascular disease (CVD), encompassing a cluster of illnesses impacting the heart and blood vessels. A CVD risk assessment is a screening tool that measures an individual’s risk of developing CVD.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate cardiovascular risk using internationally recognized CVD risk scoring systems.

Methodology:

A prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out for 2 months after the approval of the ethics committee. Naive myocardial infarction (MI) patients presenting to the cardiology department and conforming to the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients who are taking statins or any lipid-lowering drugs, as well as patients who are on low-dose aspirin and antidiabetic medications. Using the aforementioned gathered data, the cardiovascular risk scores were computed employing the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), Framingham risk scores (FRS), European Society of Cardiology (ESC) – CVD risk calculator, and QRISK→3-2018, and subsequently categorized as low risk, intermediate, or high risk based on the individual risk scores.

Results:

We enrolled 42 patients, with a mean age of 60 years with male dominance. The mean body mass index was 25.5. With a cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio of 4.9, the mean systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure was 126/77 mm of Hg. The mean ACC/AHA cardiovascular risk score for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was 11.34%, FRS mean score was 12%, ESC CVD risk calculator mean score was 15.45%, and QRISK3-2018 risk calculator mean score was 20.87% in patients presenting with first time with MI.

Conclusion:

QRISK3-2018 risk calculator is the most effective out of all the risk calculators with a maximum detection rate of MI in first time presented patients with Naïve MI patients.
25(OH) Vitamin D Status among Females with Preeclampsia/Eclampsia: A Long-term Plight Readdressed
Authors: Nagarajan Sruthi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening multisystem disorder of pregnancy which has been observed in 2%–10% of pregnancies. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency ranges from 15% to 80%. Deficiency of Vitamin D is associated with the development of preeclampsia. This study was done to find out the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among preeclamptic/eclamptic and normal pregnant females, to establish Vitamin D deficiency as a causal factor of preeclampsia, and to elucidate the relation between 25 (OH) Vitamin D status and the severe preeclampsia.

Materials and Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 50 normotensives (controls) and 50 hypertensive pregnant females with preeclampsia/eclampsia (cases), and 25 (OH) Vitamin D level was measured by chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

Results:

Among the preeclamptic/eclamptic group, 32 (64%) were noted with Vitamin D deficiency and 18 (36%) with Vitamin D insufficiency. In the control group, 30 (60%) pregnant women showed Vitamin D deficiency, 19 (38%) with Vitamin D insufficiency, and a sufficient level of Vitamin D was observed in one woman (2%).

Conclusion:

Although it is difficult to demonstrate the correlation between Vitamin D levels and preeclampsia, there is a widespread global prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. Hence, Vitamin D supplementation can be included routinely in the antenatal care program in India.
Rapidly Progressive Renal Failure in Young Adult: An Atypical Presentation of Multiple Myeloma - A Case Report
Authors: Goswami Himanish , Das Tonmoy , Bora Mitul , Kakoti Sweety , Hazarika Tanurekha , Choudhury Dhruvajyoti , Medhi Pranab , Bordoloi Zenila , Dutta Madhurima , Choudhury Sangeeta
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Patients frequently present with renal impairment that does not fit the criteria for acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. This condition, known as rapidly progressive renal failure (RPRF), encompasses a diverse range of clinical syndromes characterized by the progressive renal impairment over days to weeks.

Case Report:

We present a case of a 37-year-old male with a short history of uremic symptoms and decreased urine output with no significant history or examination findings except pallor. The patient had a creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL in April 2022, rising to 4.4 mg/dL, then 11.6 mg/dL during May, 17.6 mg/dL in June, presented to us with a creatinine of 24.6 mg/dL, with normal kidney size and corticomedullary differentiation (CMD). Beta-2-microglobulin was elevated, and renal biopsy showed features suggestive of multiple myeloma (MM). Atypical appearing tubular casts showing 3+ patternless staining for kappa light chains and negativity for lambda light chains were observed. The patient was started on chemotherapy for MM, and renal function was gradually improving.

Conclusion:

Renal failure as the sole presentation of MM is rare, especially in young adults. This case emphasizes an atypical RPRF, particularly given the patient’s young age.
Incubation and Innovation: A Study of Electropreneur Park, New Delhi
Authors: Patel Chandrahash , Sinha Kunal
Published: April 2024

In the era of competition and globalisation, capacity-building programmes of Science and Technology (S&T) focus on the advancement and development of research, innovation, and research and development (R&D). That notion is also in the Indian Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector, and henceforth, the Indian government has started to develop new incubation centres aiming at domestic manufacturing. In that aspect, the article has two objectives: (a) Incubation and India, and (b) the Electropreneur Park (EP), New Delhi, an incubation centre emphasising the ecosystem and its core elements that nurture innovation and innovative activities using the innovation ecosystem concept as a framework. The study, besides EP analysis, also points out that the process is in the developmental stage and will significantly accelerate in the coming years.
One Nation, One Ration, Limited Interstate Traction: Migration and PDS Portability in India
Authors: Tumbe Chinmay , Jha Rahul Kumar
Published: April 2024

The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme started in India in 2019—with all states on board since mid-2022—enabling interstate portability of the public distribution system (PDS) for migrants to access subsidised foodgrains. This article reviews the progress of the policy so far, compares interstate PDS portability with intrastate PDS portability, and identifies key ONORC districts where offtake appears to be occurring frequently. It documents the limited traction of interstate PDS portability with less than half a million monthly transactions, in stark contrast to over 20 million monthly transactions being conducted under the umbrella of intrastate portability. Both demand- and supply-side factors appear to be at work in constraining the ONORC interstate PDS portability at present and easing these constraints could substantially increase the adoption of the benefits. These measures include better stock management at fair price shops considering the intra-year seasonality of migration and focus on specific migration corridors through publicity campaigns targeted towards migrant workers.
Digital Twin Technology of Human–Machine Integration in Cross-Belt Sorting System
Authors: Qu Yanbo , Zhao Ning , Zhang Haojue
Published: April 2024

The Chinese express delivery industry processes nearly 110 billion items in 2022, averaging an annual growth rate of 200%. Among the various types of sorting systems used for handling express items, cross-belt sorting systems stand out as the most crucial. However, despite their high degree of automation, the workload for operators has intensified owing to the surging volume of express items. In the era of Industry 5.0, it is imperative to adopt new technologies that not only enhance worker welfare but also improve the efficiency of cross-belt systems. Striking a balance between efficiency in handling express items and operator well-being is challenging. Digital twin technology offers a promising solution in this respect. A realization method of a human–machine integrated digital twin is proposed in this study, enabling the interaction of biological human bodies, virtual human bodies, virtual equipment, and logistics equipment in a closed loop, thus setting an operating framework. Key technologies in the proposed framework include a collection of heterogeneous data from multiple sources, construction of the relationship between operator fatigue and operation efficiency based on physiological measurements, virtual model construction, and an online optimization module based on real-time simulation. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified in an express distribution center.
Characterization and Analysis of Inconel 718 Alloy Ground at Different Speeds
Authors: Liu Hao , Han Huili , Jiang Qinghong , He Minglin , Zhang Bi
Published: April 2024

Inconel 718 (IN718) alloy is widely applied to fabricate high temperature resistant or corrosion resistant parts due to its excellent mechanical performance. However, the machining of IN718 alloy is difficult as it may cause serious tool wear and poor surface quality (SQ) of the workpiece. In this work, grinding experiments on IN718 alloy at different speeds were conducted by using a CBN grinding wheel. The relationship between grinding speed, SQ and subsurface damage (SSD) was well studied. With increasing grinding speed, surface roughness decreased, and SQ was greatly improved. Meanwhile, the microhardness of the grinding surface declined as the grinding speed increased. The SSD depth was almost unchanged when the grinding speed was lower than 15 m/s, then it decreased with higher grinding speeds. It was attributed to the mechanical-thermal synergistic effect in the grinding process. The results indicated that increasing grinding speed can effectively improve the SQ and reduce the SSD of IN718 alloy. The conclusion in the work may also provide insight into processing other hard-to-machining materials.
Alterations of the alpha rhythm in visual snow syndrome: a case-control study
Authors: Klein Antonia , Aeschlimann Sarah A. , Zubler Frederic , Scutelnic Adrian , Riederer Franz , Ertl Matthias , Schankin Christoph J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Visual snow syndrome is a disorder characterized by the combination of typical perceptual disturbances. The clinical picture suggests an impairment of visual filtering mechanisms and might involve primary and secondary visual brain areas, as well as higher-order attentional networks. On the level of cortical oscillations, the alpha rhythm is a prominent EEG pattern that is involved in the prioritisation of visual information. It can be regarded as a correlate of inhibitory modulation within the visual network.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with visual snow syndrome were compared to 21 controls matched for age, sex, and migraine. We analysed the resting-state alpha rhythm by identifying the individual alpha peak frequency using a Fast Fourier Transform and then calculating the power spectral density around the individual alpha peak (+/- 1 Hz). We anticipated a reduced power spectral density in the alpha band over the primary visual cortex in participants with visual snow syndrome.

Results

There were no significant differences in the power spectral density in the alpha band over the occipital electrodes (O1 and O2), leading to the rejection of our primary hypothesis. However, the power spectral density in the alpha band was significantly reduced over temporal and parietal electrodes. There was also a trend towards increased individual alpha peak frequency in the subgroup of participants without comorbid migraine.

Conclusions

Our main finding was a decreased power spectral density in the alpha band over parietal and temporal brain regions corresponding to areas of the secondary visual cortex. These findings complement previous functional and structural imaging data at a electrophysiological level. They underscore the involvement of higher-order visual brain areas, and potentially reflect a disturbance in inhibitory top-down modulation. The alpha rhythm alterations might represent a novel target for specific neuromodulation.

Trial registration

we preregistered the study before preprocessing and data analysis on the platform osf.org (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XPQHF, date of registration: November 19th 2022).

Graphical Abstract
Methylated lncRNAs suppress apoptosis of gastric cancer stem cells via the lncRNA–miRNA/protein axis
Authors: Ci Yuan , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: April 2024

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. However, the influence of lncRNA methylation on gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains unclear.

Methods

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels of lncRNAs in gastric cancer stem cells were detected by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), and the results were validated by MeRIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Specific sites of m6A modification on lncRNAs were detected by single-base elongation- and ligation-based qPCR amplification (SELECT). By constructing and transfecting the plasmid expressing methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) fused with catalytically inactivated Cas13 (dCas13b) and guide RNA targeting specific methylation sites of lncRNAs, we obtained gastric cancer stem cells with site-specific methylation of lncRNAs. Reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR and Western blot were used for detecting the stemness of treated gastric cancer stem cells.

Results

The site-specific methylation of PSMA3-AS1 and MIR22HG suppressed apoptosis and promoted stemness of GCSCs. LncRNA methylation enhanced the stability of PSMA3-AS1 and MIR22HG to suppress apoptosis of GCSCs via the PSMA3-AS1–miR-411-3p– or MIR22HG–miR-24-3p–SERTAD1 axis. Simultaneously, the methylated lncRNAs promoted the interaction between PSMA3-AS1 and the EEF1A1 protein or MIR22HG and the LRPPRC protein, stabilizing the proteins and leading to the suppression of apoptosis. The in vivo data revealed that the methylated PSMA3-AS1 and MIR22HG triggered tumorigenesis of GCSCs.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the requirement for site-specific methylation of lncRNAs in the tumorigenesis of GCSCs, contributing novel insights into cancer development.
Screening for harmful substance use in emergency departments: a systematic review
Authors: Moe Jessica , Koh Justin , Ma Jennifer A. , Pei Lulu X. , MacLean Eleanor , Keech James , Maguire Kaitlyn , Ronsley Claire , Doyle-Waters Mary M. , Brubacher Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Substance use-related emergency department (ED) visits have increased substantially in North America. Screening for substance use in EDs is recommended; best approaches are unclear. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on diagnostic accuracy of ED screening tools to detect harmful substance use.

Methods

We included derivation or validation studies, with or without comparator, that included adult (≥ 18 years) ED patients and evaluated screening tools to identify general or specific substance use disorders or harmful use. Our search strategy combined concepts Emergency Department AND Screening AND Substance Use. Trained reviewers assessed title/abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (QUADAS-2) independently and in duplicate. Reviewers resolved disagreements by discussion. Primary investigators adjudicated if necessary. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. We descriptively summarized results.

Results

Our search strategy yielded 2696 studies; we included 33. Twenty-one (64%) evaluated a North American population. Fourteen (42%) applied screening among general ED patients. Screening tools were administered by research staff (n = 21), self-administered by patients (n = 10), or non-research healthcare providers (n = 1). Most studies evaluated alcohol use screens (n = 26), most commonly the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; n = 14), Cut down/Annoyed/Guilty/Eye-opener (CAGE; n = 13), and Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS/RAPS4/RAPS4-QF; n = 12). Four studies assessing six tools and screening thresholds for alcohol abuse/dependence in North American patients (AUDIT ≥ 8; CAGE ≥ 2; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV-2] ≥ 1; RAPS ≥ 1; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA]; Tolerance/Worry/Eye-opener/Amnesia/K-Cut down [TWEAK] ≥ 3) reported both sensitivities and specificities ≥ 83%. Two studies evaluating a single alcohol screening question (SASQ) (When was the last time you had more than X drinks in 1 day?, X = 4 for women; X = 5 for men) reported sensitivities 82–85% and specificities 70–77%. Five evaluated screening tools for general substance abuse/dependence (Relax/Alone/Friends/Family/Trouble [RAFFT] ≥ 3, Drug Abuse Screening Test [DAST] ≥ 4, single drug screening question, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test [ASSIST] ≥ 42/18), reporting sensitivities 64%-90% and specificities 61%-100%. Studies’ risk of bias were mostly high or uncertain.

Conclusions

Six screening tools demonstrated both sensitivities and specificities ≥ 83% for detecting alcohol abuse/dependence in EDs. Tools with the highest sensitivities (AUDIT ≥ 8; RAPS ≥ 1) and that prioritize simplicity and efficiency (SASQ) should be prioritized.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ARF gene family in embryonic development of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wu Wei , Shen Hailong , Yang Ling
Published: April 2024

Background

The Auxin Responsive Factor (ARF) family plays a crucial role in mediating auxin signal transduction and is vital for plant growth and development. However, the function of ARF genes in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), a conifer species of significant economic value, remains unclear.

Results

This study utilized the whole genome of Korean pine to conduct bioinformatics analysis, resulting in the identification of 13 ARF genes. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that these 13 PkorARF genes can be classified into 4 subfamilies, indicating the presence of conserved structural characteristics within each subfamily. Protein interaction prediction indicated that Pkor01G00962.1 and Pkor07G00704.1 may have a significant role in regulating plant growth and development as core components of the PkorARFs family. Additionally, the analysis of RNA-seq and RT-qPCR expression patterns suggested that PkorARF genes play a crucial role in the development process of Korean pine.

Conclusion

Pkor01G00962.1 and Pkor07G00704.1, which are core genes of the PkorARFs family, play a potentially crucial role in regulating the fertilization and developmental process of Korean pine. This study provides a valuable reference for investigating the molecular mechanism of embryonic development in Korean pine and establishes a foundation for cultivating high-quality Korean pine.
Potentially inappropriate prescribing for people with dementia in ambulatory care: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Alageel Nahla A. , Hughes Carmel M. , Alwhaibi Monira , Alkeridy Walid , Barry Heather E.
Published: April 2024

Background

Studies have shown that potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is highly prevalent among people with dementia (PwD) and linked to negative outcomes, such as hospitalisation and mortality. However, there are limited data on prescribing appropriateness for PwD in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of PIP and investigate associations between PIP and other patient characteristics among PwD in an ambulatory care setting.

Methods

A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Patients who were ≥ 65 years old, had dementia, and visited ambulatory care clinics between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 were included. Prescribing appropriateness was evaluated by applying the Screening Tool of Older Persons Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the study population. Prevalence of PIP and the prevalence per each STOPP criterion were calculated as a percentage of all eligible patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between PIP, polypharmacy, age and sex; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Analyses were conducted using SPSS v27.

Results

A total of 287 PwD were identified; 56.0% (n = 161) were female. The mean number of medications prescribed was 9.0 [standard deviation (SD) ± 4.2]. The prevalence of PIP was 61.0% (n = 175). Common instances of PIP were drugs prescribed beyond the recommended duration (n = 90, 31.4%), drugs prescribed without an evidence-based clinical indication (n = 78, 27.2%), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for > 8 weeks (n = 75, 26.0%), and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with concurrent drugs that reduce heart rate (n = 60, 21.0%). Polypharmacy was observed in 82.6% (n = 237) of patients and was strongly associated with PIP (adjusted OR 24.1, 95% CI 9.0–64.5).

Conclusions

Findings have revealed a high prevalence of PIP among PwD in Saudi Arabia that is strongly associated with polypharmacy. Future research should aim to explore key stakeholders’ experiences and perspectives of medicines management to optimise medication use for this vulnerable patient population.
Experiences of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Xia Wanting , Ou Meijun , Chen Yongyi , Chen Furong , Yan Mengyao , Xiao Zhirui , Xu Xianghua
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To gain insight into the perceptions, and beliefs of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain and to identify their attitudes and demands on pain management.

Methods

From July to September 2022, 17 patients with advanced cancer living with chronic pain were recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province, China. Qualitative and semi-structured interviews were conducted individually, with 30-45 minutes for each. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method in phenomenological research was used for data analysis.

Results

The experience of pain acceptance by advanced cancer patients with chronic pain was summarized into four themes: pain catastrophizing (unable to ignore the pain, try various methods to relieve the pain, exaggerating pain perception, and lack of knowledge about proper pain management), rumination (compulsive rumination and worrying rumination), avoidance coping (situational avoidance and repressive avoidance) and constructive action (setting clear value goal and taking reciprocal action).

Conclusion

Most patients with advanced cancer had low pain acceptance and negative attitudes. Feeling helpless in the face of pain and suffering alone were their norm. Long-term negative emotions could lead to gradual depression and loss of hope for treatment, resulting in pain catastrophizing and persistent rumination. Nevertheless, a few patients accepted pain with positive attitudes. Medical professionals should pay more attention to the psychological status of advanced cancer patients with chronic pain, and employ alternative therapies, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy. More efforts are needed to reduce patients’ pain catastrophizing, and promote their pain acceptance by a better understanding of pain through health education.
Implementation and evaluation of an interprofessional prescription writing workshop with a simulated electronic prescribing activity for preclerkship medical students
Authors: Guyer Christopher , Stewart Brittany , Khalifa Ziad , Pham Linh , Saad Aline H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Prescription writing skills are essential for physician practice. This study describes the development and implementation of a curricular intervention focused on improving the knowledge and confidence of preclerkship medical students’ prescription writing practices utilizing an interprofessional education model, with a focus on electronic prescribing.

Methods

Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty from a large, urban university collaborated to develop the content of the workshop and a simulation platform was used for the e-prescribing activity. Second-year medical students attended a mandatory in-person workshop facilitated by fourth-year pharmacy students. A pre and post knowledge test and confidence survey were used to assess students’ knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction. Outcomes from the knowledge test were evaluated with paired-samples proportions tests, and confidence survey data was evaluated with paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests in a pre-post study design.

Results

Students demonstrated a significant increase in prescription writing knowledge and confidence after completing the workshop. On the pre-test, 7% of students (21/284) completed the electronic prescribing assessment correctly and 51% of students (149/295) completed it correctly on the post-test. All items on the confidence survey showed a significant increase in pre- versus post-survey comparisons (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This interprofessional prescription writing workshop facilitated by pharmacy students shows promise for improving the knowledge and confidence of prescription writing and electronic prescribing practices in preclerkship medical students.
Development of an index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff: a modified Delphi study in China
Authors: Liang Shuyu , Zhai Ziyan , Feng Xingmiao , Sun Xiaozhi , Jiao Jingxuan , Gao Yuan , Meng Kai
Published: April 2024

Background

Scientific research activity in hospitals is important for promoting the development of clinical medicine, and the scientific literacy of medical staff plays an important role in improving the quality and competitiveness of hospital research. To date, no index system applicable to the scientific literacy of medical staff in China has been developed that can effectively evaluate and guide scientific literacy. This study aimed to establish an index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff in China and provide a reference for improving the evaluation of this system.

Methods

In this study, a preliminary indicator pool for the scientific literacy of medical staff was constructed through the nominal group technique (n = 16) with medical staff. Then, two rounds of Delphi expert consultation surveys (n = 20) were conducted with clinicians, and the indicators were screened, revised and supplemented using the boundary value method and expert opinions. Next, the hierarchical analysis method was utilized to determine the weights of the indicators and ultimately establish a scientific literacy indicator system for medical staff.

Results

Following expert opinion, the index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff featuring 2 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators, and 38 third-level indicators was ultimately established, and the weights of the indicators were calculated. The two first-level indicators were research literacy and research ability, and the second-level indicators were research attitude (0.375), ability to identify problems (0.2038), basic literacy (0.1250), ability to implement projects (0.0843), research output capacity (0.0747), professional capacity (0.0735), data-processing capacity (0.0239), thesis-writing skills (0.0217), and ability to use literature (0.0181).

Conclusions

This study constructed a comprehensive scientific literacy index system that can assess medical staff's scientific literacy and serve as a reference for evaluating and improving their scientific literacy.
Impact of clinical clerkship integrated with clinical ladder on attending physicians’ teaching self-efficacy
Authors: Arai Yuto , Yoshino Go , Ohta Kento , Okanishi Tohru , Kakee Sosuke , Mino Yoichi , Komatsu Hiroaki , Yamada Nanako , Ueki Masaru , Maegaki Yoshihiro
Published: April 2024

Background

Self-efficacy plays an important role in enhancing the teaching capabilities of attending physicians (APs). The clinical ladder (CL) is an educational approach developed in the field of nursing education that increases difficulty in an incremental manner. However, no previous study has confirmed the effectiveness of CL in medical education. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of clinical clerkship integrated with clinical ladder (CC-CL) on the self-efficacy of APs.

Methods

Sixth-year medical students participated in CC-CL for 6 months starting from April 2023, and the changes in the self-efficacy of APs were retrospectively evaluated. The students were trained by the APs concurrently, and the achievement levels of each student were shared. The primary outcome measure was the physician teaching self-efficacy questionnaire (PTSQ) score. The PTSQ scores before and after CC-CL were analyzed using the Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test.

Results

Fifteen APs from the Department of Pediatric and Child Neurology were included in this study. No significant difference was observed in the total PTSQ scores of the APs before and after CC-CL. However, a significant increase was observed in the PTSQ score of APs who participated for at least 2 h per week over a period of more than 3 months (n = 8) after CC-CL (p = 0.022). Furthermore, APs who had received their pediatrician certification < 10 years ago (n = 8) showed a significant increase in the total PTSQ score after CC-CL (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

CC-CL may play an important role in cultivating the self-efficacy of less experienced APs. Further comparative studies must be conducted in the future to validate the findings of this study.
Missed nursing care in surgical care– a hazard to patient safety: a quantitative study within the inCHARGE programme
Authors: Edfeldt Katarina , Nyholm Lena , Jangland Eva , Gunnarsson Anna-Karin , Fröjd Camilla , Hauffman Anna
Published: April 2024

Background

Missed nursing care occurs globally, and the consequences are severe for the patients when fundamental care needs are not fulfilled, nor delivered in a person-centred way. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and cause of missed nursing care, and the relationship between registered nurses’ and nursing assistants’ perceptions of missed nursing care, in a surgical care context.

Methods

A quantitative study was performed using the MISSCARE survey, measuring missed nursing care and associated reasons, in three surgical wards with registered nurses and nursing assistants as the participants (n = 118), during May-November in 2022. The MISSCARE survey also covers background data such as job satisfaction and intention to leave. The survey was distributed paper-based and the response rate was 88%.

Results

Aspects of nursing care rated to be missed the most were ‘attending interdisciplinary care conferences’, ‘turning patient every 2 h’, ‘ambulation 3 times per day or as ordered’, and ‘mouth care’. Differences between registered nurse and nursing assistant ratings were detected for eight out of 24 items, where registered nurses rated more missed nursing care. The uppermost reasons for missed nursing care were ‘inadequate number of staff’ and ‘unexpected rise in patient volume and/or acuity on the unit’. Registered nurses and nursing assistants rated differently regarding six of 17 items. Almost every fourth staff member (24.6%, n = 29) had the intention to leave within a year in the present department.

Conclusions

The occurrence of missed nursing care is frequent in the surgical context, and in combination with a high number of staff members intending to leave their employment, poses a hazard to patient safety. Registered nurses, holding higher educational levels, reported more missed care compared with the nursing assistants. The main reason for missed nursing care was an inadequate number of staff. These findings support a warranted investment in nursing within the organisation. The results can be used to form strategies and interventions, to reduce nurse attrition and optimise competence utilisation, and to achieve safe person-centered fundamental care.
The impact of perceived organizational justice on young nurses’ job performance: a chain mediating role of organizational climate and job embeddedness
Authors: Song Jiamei , Shi Xindi , Zheng Xiaojia , Lu Guangli , Chen Chaoran
Published: April 2024

Background

The level of nurses’ job performance has always been of great concern, which not only represents the level of nursing service quality but is also closely related to patients’ treatment and prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between perceived organizational justice and job performance and to explore the mediating role of organizational climate and job embeddedness among young Chinese nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 1136 young nurses was conducted between March and May 2023 using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Job Performance Scale, Organizational Justice Assessment Scale, Nursing Organizational Climate Scale, and Job Embeddedness Scale, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 26.0.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between job performance and perceived organizational justice (r = 0.477,p < 0.01), organizational climate (r = 0.500,p < 0.01), and job embeddedness (r = 0.476,p < 0.01). Organizational climate and job embeddedness acted as chain mediators between perceived organizational justice and job performance. The total effect of perceived organizational justice on job performance (β = 0.513) consisted of a direct effect (β = 0.311) as well as an indirect effect (β = 0.202) mediated through organizational climate and job embeddedness, with the mediating effect accounting for 39.38% of the total effect.

Conclusions

Organizational climate and job embeddedness play a chain mediating role between perceived organizational justice and job performance, so hospital managers should pay attention to the level of perceived organizational justice among young nurses, and develop a series of targeted measures to improve their job performance using organizational climate and job embeddedness as entry points.
Efficacy of a virtual nursing simulation-based education to provide psychological support for patients affected by infectious disease disasters: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ko Eunjung , Choi Yun-Jung
Published: April 2024

Background

Virtual simulation-based education for healthcare professionals has emerged as a strategy for dealing with infectious disease disasters, particularly when training at clinical sites is restricted due to the risk of infection and a lack of personal protective equipment. This research evaluated a virtual simulation-based education program intended to increase nurses’ perceived competence in providing psychological support to patients affected by infectious disease disasters.

Methods

The efficacy of the program was evaluated via a randomized controlled trial. We recruited 104 nurses for participation in the study and allocated them randomly and evenly to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was given a web address through which they could access the program, whereas the control group was provided with a web address that directed them to text-based education materials. Data were then collected through an online survey of competence in addressing disaster mental health, after which the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(version 23.0).

Results

The analysis showed that the experimental group’s disaster mental health competence (F = 5.149, p =.026), problem solving process (t = 3.024, p =.003), self-leadership (t = 2.063, p =.042), learning self-efficacy (t = 3.450, p =.001), and transfer motivation (t = 2.095, p =.039) significantly statistically differed from those of the control group.

Conclusions

A virtual nursing simulation-based education program for psychological support can overcome limitations of time and space. The program would also be an effective learning resource during infectious disease outbreaks.

Clinical trial registration

This Korean clinical trial was retrospectively registered (21/11/2023) in the Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr) with trial registration number KCT0008965.
Experiences of receiving an mHealth application with proactive nursing support among community-dwelling older adults: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Bayuo Jonathan , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Chow Karen Kit Sum , Wong Siu Man , Wong Bonnie Bo , Law Khloe Hau Yi
Published: April 2024

Background

As the population ages, a plethora of digital and mobile health applications for assistance with independent living have emerged. Still unknown, however, is how older adults sustain the use of these applications.

Aim

This study sought to explore the experiences of older adults following their participation in a programme that combined the use of an mHealth application with proactive telecare nursing support.

Methods

We employed a concurrent mixed-methods design for this study. The quantitative strand included a survey, whereas the qualitative strand included open-ended questions as part of the survey to understand the participants’ experiences. Participants for this study were community-dwelling older adults who had taken part in an interventional study that sought to examine the effects of mHealth and nurse support. A convenience sampling approach was employed to recruit potential participants for this study.

Findings

: Fifty-five older adults participated. The majority expressed positive attitudes and satisfaction with the app and the nurses’ support. The app and nurses’ support helped participants to understand their health status and obtain health information. Reasons to halt app usage included technical issues and limited social support.

Conclusion

Mobile apps with professional follow-up support could potentially support older adults in the community, although emerging concerns need to be addressed to sustain long-term usage of these apps.
Identification of fatty acids synthesis and metabolism-related gene signature and prediction of prognostic model in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhengdong Ai , Xiaoying Xing , Shuhui Fu , Rui Liang , Zehui Tang , Guanbin Song , Li Yang , Xi Tang , Wanqian Liu
Published: April 2024

Background

Fatty acids synthesis and metabolism (FASM)-driven lipid mobilization is essential for energy production during nutrient shortages. However, the molecular characteristics, physiological function and clinical prognosis value of FASM-associated gene signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database were utilized to acquire transcriptome data and clinical information of HCC patients. The ConsensusClusterPlus was employed for unsupervised clustering. Subsequently, immune cell infiltration, stemness index and therapeutic response among distinct clusters were decoded. The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm was utilized to anticipate the response of patients towards immunotherapy, and the genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer (GDSC) tool was employed to predict their response to antineoplastic medications. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were employed to construct prognostic model and identity hub gene. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and CellChat were used to analyze cellular interactions. The hub gene of FASM effect on promoting tumor progression was confirmed through a series of functional experiments.

Results

Twenty-six FASM-related genes showed differential expression in HCC. Based on these FASM-related differential genes, two molecular subtypes were established, including Cluster1 and Cluster2 subtype. Compared with cluster2, Cluster1 subtype exhibited a worse prognosis, higher risk, higher immunosuppressive cells infiltrations, higher immune escape, higher cancer stemness and enhanced treatment-resistant. PPI network identified Acetyl-CoA carboxylase1 (ACACA) as central gene of FASM and predicted a poor prognosis. A strong interaction between cancer stem cells (CSCs) with high expression of ACACA and macrophages through CD74 molecule (CD74) and integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1) signaling was identified. Finally, increased ACACA expression was observed in HCC cells and patients, whereas depleted ACACA inhibited the stemness straits and drug resistance of HCC cells.

Conclusions

This study provides a resource for understanding FASM heterogeneity in HCC. Evaluating the FASM patterns can help predict the prognosis and provide new insights into treatment response in HCC patients.
A thermoresponsive nanocomposite integrates NIR-II-absorbing small molecule with lonidamine for pyroptosis-promoted synergistic immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Zhang Chi , He Liuliang , Li Mingfei , Rong Jie , Sun Pengfei , Chen Yingying , Li Daifeng
Published: April 2024

Photothermal immunotherapy is regarded as the ideal cancer therapeutic modality to against malignant solid tumors; however, its therapeutic benefits are often modest and require improvement. In this study, a thermoresponsive nanoparticle (BTN@LND) composed of a photothermal agent (PTA) and pyroptosis inducer (lonidamine) were developed to enhance immunotherapy applications. Specifically, our “two-step” donor engineering strategy produced the strong NIR-II-absorbing organic small-molecule PTA (BTN) that exhibited high NIR-II photothermal performance (ε1064 = 1.51 × 104 M−1 cm−1, η = 75.8%), and this facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of deep tumor tissue. Moreover, the fabricated thermally responsive lipid nanoplatform based on BTN efficiently delivered lonidamine to the tumor site and achieved spatiotemporal release triggered by the NIR-II photothermal effect. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the NIR-II photothermal therapy (PTT)-mediated on-demand release of cargo effectively faciliated tumor cell pyroptosis, thereby intensifying the immunogenic cell death (ICD) process to promote antitumor immunotherapy. As a result, this intelligent component bearing photothermal and chemotherapy can maximally suppress the growth of tumors, thus providing a promising approach for pyroptosis/NIR-II PTT synergistic therapy against tumors.

Graphical Abstract