bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La météorite de L’Aigle (1803) : un étrange météore élucidé
Authors: Vasak Anouchka
Published: May 2024

Le rapport de Jean-Baptiste Biot, alors plus jeune membre de l’Académie des sciences, Relation d’un voyage fait dans le département de l’Orne, Pour constater la réalité d’un météore observé à L’Aigle le 6 floréal an 11, est un modèle en matière de démarche scientifique. A partir d’une véritable enquête de terrain, au terme d’un voyage de dix jours sur les lieux (7-16 messidor, 26 juin-5 juillet), dont l’objet est l’étrange « météore » tombé d’un « petit nuage noir » dans un ciel serein un beau jour de printemps (26 avril 1803), Biot démontre la nature extraterrestre des météorites. Les habitants de ce territoire de l’Orne précisément circonscrit et cartographié se sont presque tous présentés comme « témoins oculaires […] d’une épouvantable pluie de pierres […] lancée par le météore ». Le mot « météore », employé dans le rapport, jette en ce sens ses derniers feux : c’est que le phénomène de Laigle n’est pas un météore, mais une météorite. Quelques années plus tard, le mot « météorite » se singularisera dans le sens actuel de « pierre extraterrestre trouvée à la surface terrestre ». Les témoignages visuels et sonores des habitants, paysans pour la plupart, font alors état d’un « météore » parti d’un petit nuage noir crépitant. Domine la croyance en un phénomène météorologique exceptionnel et effrayant. Jusque là, les « pluies de pierres » relevaient de la catégorie des « météores prodigieux », au même titre que les pluies de crapauds ou de sang. Si l’Encyclopédie de Diderot, à l’article « Météore », prend ses distances avec le discours du merveilleux en supposant une cause naturelle à certains de ces phénomènes, il faudra attendre le rapport de Biot pour que soit formellement affirmée la réalité de ces « masses minérales » arrivées « du dehors de notre atmosphère », comme le supposa dès 1794 le grand physicien allemand Chladni, se heurtant à l’incrédulité de la communauté savante. On s’efforcera de montrer comment le rapport de Biot, mettant fin, sur le plan scientifique, à certaines croyances et superstitions que le mot « météore » a longtemps charriées, a contribué à démarquer la météorologie de l’astronomie ; il a également permis d’opérer une « distinction » (Matthieu Gounelle) entre prodige et objet de connaissance. C’est grâce à une démarche nourrie par la philosophie sensualiste qui le conduit à prendre en considération les témoignages des sens, au plus proche aussi de la réalité sociale des campagnes françaises, que Biot parvient à élucider un objet jusqu’alors perçu comme sacré. Peu après, étape suivante du processus, l’objet désormais scientifique qu’est la météorite entrera dans les musées : cette « capture » reviendra à séparer finalement le monde des choses et celui des hommes. Mais cette séparation que la science du XIXe siècle pense nécessaire ne relève-t-elle pas d’une nouvelle croyance ?
La liberté de l’enseignement, constante historique ou fragilité actuelle ?
Authors: Camby Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2024

La remise en cause législative de la liberté d’enseigner en famille, validée par le Conseil constitutionnel le 13 août 2021 qui refuse d’y voir une composante de la liberté d’enseignement et n’en fait qu’une modalité de l’obligation d’instruction permet à l’État d’exiger des familles de strictes motivations quant à leurs choix d’éducation. Ce changement de régime administratif, qui passe de la déclaration préalable à l’autorisation préalable, pourrait affecter les établissements d’enseignement privés en rendant plus strictes les conditions d’ouverture ou en prévoyant des contrôles des motivations des parents.
Le « caractère propre » des établissements privés sous contrat
Authors: Larzul Tanneguy
Published: May 2024

Selon le Conseil constitutionnel, le principe fondamental reconnu par les lois de la République de la liberté de l’enseignement implique l’existence de l’enseignement privé, le droit de créer des établissements d’enseignement privés et le respect de leur « caractère propre ». Fruit d’un long processus historique et juridique qui trouve son achèvement dans la rédaction de l’article 1er de la loi du 31 décembre 1959, la notion de caractère propre apparaît comme le point d’équilibre entre la liberté accordée aux établissements privés de contribuer à l’instruction des enfants et l’affirmation du nécessaire contrôle de l’État. Le caractère propre des établissements résiste à l’usure du temps au bénéfice de l’approche essentiellement pragmatique que lui consacre la jurisprudence.
Gestion intégrée de l’eau et changements globaux face aux logiques de l’action administrative locale
Authors: Ganivet Elias , Tilbeurgh Véronique Van , Congretel Mélanie , Longuevergne Laurent
Published: May 2024

En France, la volonté affichée par les pouvoirs publics, à travers l’orientation des textes réglementaires, semble orienter la gestion de l’eau vers une approche dite « intégrée ». La mise en œuvre de cette gestion s’est traduite, en particulier, par le transfert de nombreuses compétences auprès des services dédiés des collectivités territoriales et de leurs groupements. Dans le même temps, la ressource en eau se trouve de plus en plus menacée du fait de multiples pressions d’origine anthropique ‒ autrement nommées « changements globaux ». Dans ce contexte, cet article vise à explorer l’articulation entre une territorialisation de la gestion de l’eau ‒ s’étant traduite en une approche segmentée ‒ et une gestion sous contrainte des changements globaux. Cette articulation a été explorée dans le cas d’une intercommunalité (celle de Lorient Agglomération). Entre la prise en compte des spécificités du territoire, de ses évolutions hydro-climatiques, et les logiques de l’action administrative locale, il ressort que la gestion de l’eau reste majoritairement organisée en filières et marquée par une approche technico-administrative ‒ orientée par l’application des procédures réglementaires, au détriment d’une approche transversale intégrant l’ensemble des acteurs locaux. Ce constat est d’autant plus problématique que les pressions d’origine climatique ont jusqu’à présent été trop peu prises en compte dans les différents outils de planification. Or, si l’absence de transversalité ne semblait pas poser de problème majeur dans un contexte d’abondance, il se révèle particulièrement inadapté au nouveau contexte hydro-climatique – imposant une transversalité sous contrainte.
The Wendy's Retweet Challenge
Authors: Stephens David F.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the strategies the Wendy's food brand implements during their viral Retweet Challenge in which they wager a year's worth of chicken nuggets in exchange for teenager Carter Wilkerson to achieve 18 million retweets. This chapter argues for the effectiveness of this campaign due to Wendy's utilizing neoliberal strategies of gamification, individualism, and positivity, positioning the brand as antagonist to Wilkerson's efforts, and thus, encouraging the support from other Twitter users, only to revert back to a supportive role once the challenge commences. This, while possessing some possible drawbacks, Wendy's is framed not as corporate oppressor but as a supporter of not only Wilkerson's goal but of the creative exchange that often characterizes the relationship between producers and consumers via new media.
Doug the Pug, Eggnog, and Boo
Authors: Haigh Michel M , Wigley Shelley
Published: May 2024

There are more than 64 million social media influencer accounts as of June 2023, evidence influencers are not a passing trend (trendHERO, 2023). Influencers have shifted the way information is disseminated, how public opinion is swayed, and how brands are promoted. However, pet influencers are an under-researched type of influencer. These influencers create content that shares their pets' personalities and adventures with others. The pet is the star of the social media account – not the owner. Millions of social media users follow the pet influencers such as Grumpy Cat, Smudge – Table Cat, and Doug the Pug (Feedspot, 2023).Pets with large followings such as Venus the Cat or JiffPom can earn thousands to millions of dollars for their promotional efforts (Myers et al., 2022). A survey of more than 400 followers of pet influencers found they deem pet influecers credible and likeable. They also find the brands being promoted credible and have high purchase intent. The more time one spends on social media influences perceptions of pet influencers.
AN Identification and Prediction Model Based on PSO
Authors: Wang Hui , Cai Tie , Cheng Dongsheng , Li Kangshun , Zhou Ying
Published: May 2024

According to the spectral characteristics of different Chinese medicinal materials, the types of Chinese medicinal materials and the origin of Chinese medicinal materials are identified. Construct a fragmented clustering model. Firstly, the mid-infrared sample data is preprocessed, the Laida criterion model is established, and the abnormal data is eliminated; then the slicing model is used to divide the spectral wave into different regions according to the spectral characteristics. The data of each slice is clustered through the k-means clustering model. The origin of Chinese medicinal materials is identified by the support vector machine model. The data of Chinese medicinal materials with a known origin of a certain type of Chinese medicinal materials is used as the training sample set, and the data of Chinese medicinal materials with unknown origin is used as the test set.
Deep Learning-Driven E-Commerce Marketing Communication for Recommending Shopping System and Optimizing User Experience
Authors: Liu Qian , Tang Haibing , Wu Lufei , Chao Zheng
Published: May 2024

As competition in the realm of e-commerce escalates, the provision of personalized and precise shopping recommendations emerges as a pivotal strategy for e-commerce platforms striving to engage users effectively. Traditional recommendation systems often grapple with challenges such as the inability to capture intricate relationships, limited personalization, and issues concerning diversity. In response to these challenges, this study introduces cutting-edge deep learning techniques, namely Transformer models, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and reinforcement learning, with the aim of bolstering the recommendation accuracy and user experience within e-commerce shopping systems.Initially, we harness Transformer models, capitalizing on their exceptional performance in processing sequential data to adeptly extract and learn representations of both product and user features. This facilitates a more profound understanding of the correlations between products and user shopping behaviors, thus empowering the system to offer more tailored recommendations.
Computer-aided drug design to discover DNMT inhibitors from phytochemicals
Authors: Kumari L. R. L. S. , Wijesinghe W. R. P.
Published: May 2024

Inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) are now a major family of epigenetic targets with therapeutic interest. However, only two cytosine analogues 5-azacytosine (azacytidine) and 20-deoxy-5-azacytidine (decitabine), have been approved as the most cutting-edge medications for treating epigenetic cancer with some restrictions. In this context, computational methods that rely on quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) play a crucial role allowing us to predict the biological activity of potential molecules based on the theoretically calculated physicochemical properties of these compounds. When coupled with machine learning (ML), QSAR approaches create an ideal platform for discovering potential drug candidates. In this study, three Machine Learning (ML) models; Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network, were trained using modified TeachOpenCADD KNIME workflows and applied it to the identification of plant molecules that are structurally similar to the active pharmaceuticals of current DNMT inhibitors. Then molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina, employing two human DNMT structures (PDB codes: 4WXX and 2QRV) as target proteins and the predicted phytochemicals as ligands. Additionally, we focused on the R882H mutation hotspot in the catalytic domain of DNMT3A, which is associated with aberrant DNA methylation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consequently, the structure of R882H DNMT3A (PDB code: 6W8J) was docked with the identified novel ligands. As a result of our computational analysis, eight phytochemicals were predicted as potential DNMT inhibitors through the ML approaches from KNIME. Subsequently, three of these phytochemicals, namely Herbacetin, Kaempferide, and Morin were identified as virtual hits against DNMTs following the molecular docking simulations. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of this computational strategy in identifying DNMT inhibitors. These findings hold promise for the discovery of potent and selective anticancer drugs targeting DNMTs.
Spinosin ameliorates osteoarthritis through enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Peipei , Li Shuxiang , Zhang Caoyang , Jiang Xinyi , Xiang Jinghua , Xu Hong , Dong Jian , Wang Kun , Shi Yuhua
Published: May 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in the elderly, while oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte degeneration plays a key role in the pathologic progression of OA. One possible reason is that the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which acts as the intracellular defense factor against oxidative stress, is significantly inhibited in chondrocytes. Spinosin (SPI) is a potent Nrf2 agonist, but its effect on OA is still unknown. In this study, we found that SPI can alleviate tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced extracellular matrix degradation of chondrocytes. Additionally, SPI can effectively activate Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in chondrocytes under the TBHP environment. When Nrf2 was silenced by siRNA, the cartilage protective effect of SPI was also weakened. Finally, SPI showed good alleviative effects on OA in mice. Thus, SPI can ameliorate oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte dysfunction and exhibit a chondroprotective effect through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which may provide a novel and promising option for the treatment of OA.
Dirk Pette, remembered for his pioneering muscle research
Authors: Ohlendieck Kay , Mayr Winfried , Kern Helmut , Reggiani Carlo , Fanò-Illic Giorgio , Carraro Ugo
Published: May 2024

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dirk Pette passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 4, 2022. Dirk was an outstanding professor of biochemistry at the University of Konstanz, Germany and an internationally renowned researcher in the field of skeletal muscle biology. His research on electrical stimulation has had a profound impact on our understanding of myofiber type specification and the enormous adaptive potential of skeletal muscle. Under Dirk's leadership, new biological questions in the field of neuromuscular biology have developed into multidisciplinary approaches using advanced physiological, cell biological, and biochemical techniques. Dirk's research laboratory was frequently visited by a large number of national and international collaborators who familiarized themselves with the technically demanding stimulation protocols and bioanalytical techniques to study the intricate details of the highly complex process of fast-to-slow muscle transitions. Importantly, fundamental studies on the physiological effects of changes in innervation patterns on muscle phenotype have provided the scientific evidence base for a variety of innovative clinical applications. The skeletal muscle research community has lost one of its leading figures and an outstanding teacher of protein biochemistry. He leaves an inspiring legacy in the field of basic and applied myology. Dirk will be missed by his colleagues and by many students of neuromuscular biology and beyond.
Progress of Labor and Obstetric Outcome in Parturients with Combined Spinal–epidural Analgesia for Labor
Authors: Shivanagappa Mamatha , Kumararadhya Girish Bandigowdanahalli , Thammaiah Srinivas Hebbal , Swamy Akshay Hiruyur Manjunatha , Suhas Nagashree
Published: May 2024

Background:

Alleviation of labour pain is known to improve maternal and fetal outcome. Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) analgesia is an excellent method.

Aim and objectives:

In view of reports of its concerns on labour, this study was conducted to evaluate the progress of labour, obstetric outcome in cases with and without CSE analgesia, the maternal pain relief and fetomaternal adverse effects.

Materials and methods:

In this comparative study, 60 parturients were allocated into case and control groups of 30 each. CSE analgesia was administered utilizing 0.5 ml of 0.125% Levobupivacaine / 0.2% Ropivacaine with 2 mcg/ml fentanyl. Progress of labour was recorded in partogram including duration of labour, mode of delivery, pain relief - Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, development of motor block, maternal satisfaction and Apgar score. Data was analyzed by Descriptive and Inferential statistics.

Results:

Mean duration of first and second stage of labour among cases was 530±44.1 minutes, 61.5±12.7 minutes respectively and that of control was 526.6±64.9 minutes, 60±10.8 minutes respectively with no prolongation of labour P > 0.05. CSE analgesia did not alter the mode of delivery P=0.145 with rapid onset of pain relief. Apgar score was normal in both groups. Total 29 (97%) parturients experienced effective labour analgesia following CSE analgesia with VAS score 0. Maternal adverse effects included pruritus, transient initial motor blockade and post spinal headache.

Conclusion:

CSE analgesia did not affect the duration of labour, mode of delivery with minimal fetomaternal adverse effects and provides rapid onset of pain relief. CSE analgesia can be considered for safe and effective labour analgesia.
Visual Outcome of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Oluleye Tunji Sunday , Babalola Yewande Olubunmi , Majekodunmi Oluwole , Ijaduola Modupe , Adewole Adeyemi Timothy
Published: May 2024

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the 1-year outcome of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in an eye unit in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methodology:

This retrospective study included 182 eyes of 172 patients managed in the vitreoretinal unit between 2016 and 2019 who were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) with at least 1 year of follow-up. The outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over 1 year of follow-up, the number of injections taken, and complications.

Results:

The mean age was 61.1 ± 16.3 years (male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1) and about 62.1% above >60 years. A total of 330 injections were given during the period audited. The mean number of injections was 1.8 ± 0.93. Ninety-four (51.7%) eyes had only one injection, while 33 (18.1%), 50 (27.5%), and 5 (2.7%) had 2, 3, and 4 injections, respectively. About 78.5% had moderate-to-severe visual impairment at baseline and 44.5%, 16.4%, 12.6%, and 7.1% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post injections, respectively. The mean BCVA improved for all eyes from 1.67 ± 0.91 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 1.50 ± 1.27 logMAR at 1 year. The logMAR letters gained was 23 at 1 month and 8.25 at 1 year; the eyes that had three injections gained 10 letters, while those that had one injection gained three letters. Eyes with age-related macular degeneration and idiopathic polypoidal choroidopathy gained 7.5 and 9 letters, respectively, at 1 year after at least three injections. There was a statistically significant association between an increasing number of injections and improved visual outcome (P = 0.043). One patient each developed endophthalmitis (0.6%) and inferior retinal detachment (0.6%) post injection.

Conclusion:

Visual acuity gain was recorded in patients who had intravitreal anti-VEGF injections in 1 year. It is recommended that patients should have more than one injection.
Effectiveness of the chAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in preventing COVID-19 infection
Authors: Sarwat Tarana , Singh Devendra Kumar , Singh Neeraj Pal , Singh Satendra Pal , Kakru Dalip Kumar
Published: May 2024

AIM:

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19.

METHODS:

It was a test-negative, case[FIGURE DASH]control study conducted at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, India, between March 2021 and May 2021. An equal number of cases and controls were included in the study after taking proper informed consent. The individuals with positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test reports were taken as cases, whereas those with negative reports were included as controls. Data were analyzed and the groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR), with adjustment for gender and presence or absence of comorbidities. The effectiveness of vaccine was calculated by the formula (1-adjusted OR) ×100%.

RESULTS:

On analyzing the data from 560 case[FIGURE DASH]control pairs, the vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 57.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.85–61.02) and 60.09% (95% CI: 56.32–63.77) for single dose and two doses, respectively. The effectiveness of complete and single-dose vaccination against the moderate-to-severe disease was calculated as 63.79% (95% CI: 58.58–68.77) and 56.19% (95% CI: 51.30–61.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine was found to be effective against COVID-19, with protection after two doses being a little more than that after a single dose. It also proved effective in protecting against the severe form of the disease.
Allergen sensitivity profile among symptomatic children: A descriptive study from North India
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Anand Mugdha , Sharma Vibha , Goyal Ritika , Gupta Neeraj , Gupta Dhiren
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

As allergic disorders are increasing across all age groups, we aim to detect the common offending allergens in various allergic disorders with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or skin manifestations in children between the age group of 2 months and 18 years from the northern part of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted in patients aged between 2 months and 18 years residing in North India having allergic symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, the combination of allergic rhinitis and asthma, eczema, urticaria, or gastrointestinal symptoms. All the patients underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) for different allergens, which were selected on the basis of history.

RESULTS:

A total of 458 patients were enrolled in the study with male: female ratio of 1.7:1. Based on the results of SPT, the most common offending allergens in different allergic manifestations were shortlisted. Patients with respiratory system involvement, the common allergens were house dust mites (HDM) and cockroaches, followed by mosquitoes. Most of the patients with gastrointestinal symptoms have sensitization due to egg white, followed by soybean flour. In children having skin manifestations, sensitization to HDM was most commonly seen. HDM is also responsible in patients having two system involvement such as respiratory with skin and respiratory with gastrointestinal whereas the groundnut was responsible in patients having gastrointestinal along with skin manifestations.

CONCLUSION:

This study contributed in delineating the most prevalent offending allergens in children of North India with various allergic disorders.
Emotional and Social Dimensions of the Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Survey-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Krishnan Gopika , Saboo Banshi , Ghosh Sujoy , Chandran Vysakh , Raj Sourav , Basanth Anjana , Jothydev Sunitha , Kesavadev Jothydev
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially in children, demands continuous attention and support from parents. Managing T1D can be a herculean task, which could even affect parenting. These challenges could become intense when the child reaches adulthood. In this study, we aim to understand the emotional and social dimensions experienced by parents raising children diagnosed with T1D, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges they encounter in fulfilling this crucial caregiving role.

Methods:

As part of the Kesavadev Trust Type 1 Diabetes Project Sweet Stars initiative, an ongoing project since 2016, a T1D education camp was organized in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, in November 2022. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed using a prestructured questionnaire. A set of 12 questions were assessed on a scale ranging from “not at all” to “to a greater extent.” The camp attendees who were willing to participate were included in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the survey. Categorical variables were presented as frequency (%), while continuous variables were summarized as mean (standard deviation) or median (Q1, Q3) based on the results of the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. SPSS version 27 was used for all the analyses.

Results:

A total of 64 parents participated in the study. Nearly half of the survey participants did not experience it to be challenging to be the parent of a child with diabetes 46.9%, while 23.4% expressed that to a greater extent, they found it to be challenging. 55.6% of parents stated that their child’s diabetes did not affect their work life, while 20.6% expressed that it affected their work life to a lesser extent. 36.7% of the parents expressed that they were concerned about their child’s risk of low blood sugar to a greater extent. The parent-school relationship was reported as great (50%). The parents expressed that their peers at school are sympathetic to their children to a greater extent (26.7%). 38.1% of the parents reported their child has access to a dietitian during hospital visits. More than half of the parents were satisfied with the doctor’s care and support (51.7%). The majority (37.7%) of parents were also worried to a greater extent regarding the child’s future complications.

Conclusion:

The study sheds light on the emotional and social dimensions experienced by parents raising children with T1D. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for parents who are facing the challenges of raising a child with T1D.
Analysis the Effect of Job Strain on Nurses' Quality of Work-Life
Authors: Mohammadi Sara , Bavarsad Belghis , Hendighomashi Amin
Published: May 2024

Background:

One of the most important issues in all organizations is to improve performance of human resources to achieve goals. Therefore, it is necessary plans and solutions to reduce Job Strain (JS) and then increase Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCB), and Quality of Work-Life (QWL). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of JS on QWL with mediating role of OCB and moderator of employment status.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 nurses who were non-randomly voluntary selected among nurses working in seven educational hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Data were collected using demographic and occupational characteristics questionnaire and JS questionnaire with 12 items, OCB with 16 items & QWL with 26 items in the 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed in SPSS22 using descriptive and inferential statistics, and structural equation modeling with SmartPLS3.

Results:

The results indicated the mean (SD) score of 49.56 (6.68) for JS (more than normal) and 58.84 (5.94) and 49.88 (7.69) for QWL and OCB, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients show that JS has a negative relationship with QWL (r = -0.69, p < 0.001) and OCB (r = -0.54, p = 0.008). Also, nurses' employment status (Formal and Contractual) moderates the relationship between JS, QWL, and OCB.

Conclusions:

According to the results, job stress in nurses of Ahvaz hospitals was high and QWL was moderate (or less). Therefore, increased job stress leads to reduced QWL and OCBs of nurses. Also the employment Status and job security that it provides can modify this impact.
Simulation and Skill Training Facilities in Nursing Institutes at Uttarakhand
Authors: Goswami Garima , Sharma Suresh K. , Sharma Rakesh , Rani Ritu
Published: May 2024

Background:

Simulation and skill development facilities are essential for the training and preparation of nursing students, which aids in their clinical readiness and professional development. The aim of the study was to assess simulation and skill training facilities, their utility in selected nursing institutes at Uttarakhand.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in conveniently selected 16 nursing institutes at Uttarakhand (India). Data were collected from Nov. to Dec. 2019, through a face-to-face interview using a validated self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results:

There were 16 institutes from four districts that participated in the study. Of these, five (31%) were government, and 11 (69%) were private. All nursing institutes (100%) had a nursing foundation lab, midwifery, and child health nursing lab, while only 44% of institutes had a medical surgical nursing skill lab. Among skill development facilities, the overall average number [mean (SD)] of mannequins was 3.90 (7.10); and high-fidelity simulators were 2.47 (7.1). In private institutes, the average period [mean (SD)] of laboratory usage was significantly higher than in government institutes [35.82 (6.57) vs 27.40 (5.22); p = 0.025]. The duration of lab usages was significantly associated with the age of the institute (p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

This study found inadequate simulation and skills training facilities and less utilization of those facilities. There is a great need to find out the key issues that lead to the unavailability and limited use of the required nursing skill development facilities.
Prevention Strategy for Ulcer Recurrence in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Suriadi  , Pratama Kharisma , Fahrain Jerry , Junaidi  , Herman  , Pradika Jaka , Kardiatun Tutur , Bhakti Wida Kuswida , Haryanto  , Suyasa Putu Dharma
Published: May 2024

Background:

Many strategies exist to prevent diabetic ulcer recurrence, yet an effective method does not currently exist. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a prevention strategy to reduce ulcer recurrence in patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental, two group study was undertaken with 60 participants with type 2 DM. Two trained nurses participated in this study as study assistants. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group received preventive treatment, including examination and assessment, foot care, and an educational program; the control group received standard care using the five pillars of DM management in Indonesia.

Results:

An equal number of men (n = 30) and women (n = 30) participated in this study. Neuropathy was noted in 76.70% and 56.70% of patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Furthermore, 63.30% of patients in the control group and 56.70% in the intervention group had foot deformities. The recurrence rate was lower in the intervention group (13.30%) than in the control group (33.30%). Moreover, 83.30% in the control group and 76.70% in the intervention group did not smoke. The duration of DM in both groups was >9 years (50% in the intervention and 43.30% in the control group). There were no significant differences between the two groups, with mean (SD) in age (t29 = −0.87, p = 0.389), ankle-brachial index (t29 = −1.05, p = 0.144), and HbA1C (t26 = −0.35, p = 0.733).

Conclusions:

Prevention strategies combining examination and assessment, foot care, and educational programs can reduce ulcer recurrence in diabetic patients.
Experiences of Mothers Receiving Donated Embryos
Authors: Zandi Mitra , Dabaghi Sahar , Salimi Akinabadi Atefe , Bagheri-Lankarani Narges , Omani-Samani Reza , Abdolmaleki Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Background:

The efficacy of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs) or technologies used to treat infertile couples has been approved. One such technique is embryo donation. However, there is insufficient knowledge of the experiences of mothers receiving donated embryos. Thus, the present study was conducted with the aim to determine the experiences of mothers receiving donated embryos.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative conventional content analysis study was conducted in 2018 for 8 months (from February to September). The research setting was Royan Institute. Mothers receiving donated embryos were selected from among those who were pregnant or were at the postpartum stage using the purposive sampling method. A total of 15 interviews were performed with 13 participants. The qualitative data were collected using deep unstructured interviews and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman (2004) method in (version 10; VERBI GmbH, Berlin, Germany) software.

Results:

Data analysis resulted in 412 open codes that were then categorized into 7 main categories and their subcategories. The main categories were as follows: sociocultural constraint, feeling of insecurity in personal and family identity, protection of personal and family identity, confounded support, pressure and hardship, and achieving relative tranquility.

Conclusions:

The results of this study showed that the mothers who underwent embryo donation experienced feelings of insecurity regarding both individual and family identities, were confronted with sociocultural difficulties, and faced various pressures. It is suggested that future care plans be focused on the identity crisis of these families and the children resulting from these methods, and that future plans balance the socioeconomic pressures resulting from the use of these methods.
The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Nausea, Vomiting, and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section with Spinal Anesthesia: A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Golmakani Nahid , Mohebbi-Dehnavi Zahra , Barzanooni Somayeh , Hormati Ahmad , Abdi Hamid
Published: May 2024

Background:

Nausea, vomiting, and anxiety are common complications during and after spinal anesthesia. Auriculotherapy as a complementary medicine can be useful for reducing nausea, vomiting, or anxiety. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of auriculotherapy on nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in patients undergoing elective Cesarean Section (CS) with spinal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a clinical trial study that was performed on 56 pregnant women selected as CS candidates in Ommolbanin Hospital in Mashhad during the years 2016–2017. In the intervention group, 1 h before spinal anesthesia, auricular acupoint stimulation was performed at four points bilaterally, for 20–30 seconds at each point. Evaluations were done by the following questionnaires: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Vomiting Assessment Form.

Results:

The mean anxiety (SD) before the intervention in the intervention group and the control group was 47.88 (8.67) and 47.84 (10.49), respectively, and 4 h after the intervention, it was 40.23 (10.19) and 42.88 (12.18) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. These results were significant in the intervention group (p = 0.008). 30–40 min before and 4 h after the surgery, the severity of nausea and vomiting was low in both groups and no significant difference was observed between the two groups during the surgery and in the recovery room (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

According to the results, auriculotherapy could reduce anxiety in CS patients with spinal analgesia. The results also showed that auriculotherapy reduced the severity of nausea and vomiting, but these changes were not significant.
Organizational Ethics Indicators in Iranian Hospital: An Importance-Performance Analysis
Authors: Shojaei Amir Ahmad , Mahbanooei Bahareh , Farahani Amin , Pourezzat Ali Asghar
Published: May 2024

Background:

Organizational ethics focuses on the importance of how organizations behave when faced with specific situations and decisions. This study aims to identify and prioritize organizational ethics indicators in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC) in Iran.

Materials and Methods:

This was a mixed-method research project. To recognize hospital ethics indicators, 18 semistructured interviews were conducted and 38 indicators were identified through thematic analysis. In the next stage, a quantitative approach was adopted to use the importance-performance matrix for data analysis. This part was a descriptive survey with a statistical population consisting of nurses, medical, clinical, and administrative staff. The questionnaire was distributed using the random sampling method, and a total of 349 samples were collected.

Results:

Based on the interviews and open coding, 73 themes were identified for organizational ethics indicators and classified into two main groups: “ethics drivers in hospital” and “personal ethics.” After measuring content validity, 35 indicators of organizational ethics in IKHC were examined in terms of importance and performance. The results showed that nine indicators had high importance and poor performance, 11 had high importance and performance, nine had low importance and performance, and finally six indicators had low importance and high performance, and according to these findings, practical suggestions were put forward.

Conclusions:

Based on the identified indices and by applying importance-performance analysis, it is recommended to continually assess the status of ethics in hospitals and offer strategies for improving organizational ethics.
Exploring the Impacts of Caring for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients on Nurses: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Hosseini Meimanat , Ghasemi Saeed , Hejazi Sima
Published: May 2024

Background:

The impacts of caring for hospitalized COVID-19 patients on nurses are wide and varied and have not been comprehensively explained in the existing literature. The aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perception of the impacts of caring for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this qualitative descriptive study, data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 nurses and head nurses of emergency/internal wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of 2 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The purposive sampling method was used, and data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach.

Results:

After data analysis, 12 subcategories, 3 main categories, and 1 theme (professional resilience) were extracted. The three main categories included “complex care,” “professional development,” and “caring self-efficacy.” Caring for hospitalized COVID-19 patients was complex for nurses; however, the care provided to these patients could also lead to the nurses’ professional development and caring self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

Health organizations and nursing managers can better manage the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar future crises through strategies such as providing nurses with adequate and diverse resources and facilities, encouraging and supporting nurses in various dimensions, providing positive media advertisements for the nursing profession and nurses, and providing nurses with necessary and applicable knowledge and skills.
Intractable headaches secondary to a solitary lateral ventricle lesion of neurocysticercosis
Authors: Nisson Peyton Lubbock , Schievink Wouter I. , Chu Ray
Published: May 2024

Taenia soliumis a parasitic tape worm that causes neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is classically characterized by scattered, intraparenchymal brain lesions. However, in very rare cases, a solitary, lateral ventricle lesion may be all that is present, which can make diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report the case of a 34-year-old female from Western Europe who presented with 12 days of intractable headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a single, heterogeneous appearing intraventricular mass with mild enhancement located in the left lateral ventricle near the foramen of Monro. Using a minimally invasive image-guided tubular retractor system for surgical biopsy and resection, NCC was identified on histological analysis. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and her headaches improved. Although NCC is associated with exposure to raw pork and/or prior residence in an endemic location, these are not always present. This case highlights the unusual radiographic findings and benign clinical history providers may encounter with NCC.
Anxiety and Depression among patients with melasma: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kour Preeti , Soodan Puneet Singh , Singh Manmeet , Arora Raghav , Gupta Urvi
Published: May 2024

Aim:

We aimed to study the frequency of anxiety and depression among melasma patients and its association with demographic variables.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 94 melasma patients attending a dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. The sociodemographic variables were collected using semi-structured pro forma. Information regarding anxiety and depression was gathered using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data obtained were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.

Results:

The majority of melasma patients were female (81.9%). The mean age of the individuals was 32.32 ± 11.42 years. Mild, moderate, and moderately severe anxiety was reported by 34%, 39.4%, and 1.1% of the patients, respectively, using the GAD-7 questionnaire. 25.5% of the patients had no anxiety. PHQ-9 revealed that mild, moderate, and moderately severe depression was reported by 30.9%, 23.4%, and 17% of the respondents, respectively. 28.7% of patients had no depression. None of the individuals had severe depression. In both questionnaires, the association was statistically significant with age, gender, and education.

Conclusion:

There is a presence of anxiety and depression among patients with melasma that needs early detection and management.
Chest and upper abdominal computed tomography scan findings in patients with established breast cancer
Authors: Obike Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Omidiji Olubukola Abeni Titilayo , Irurhe Nicholas Kayode , Olowoyeye Omodele Abosede , Adeyomoye Adekunle Olakunle , Ihekuna Ogechi Augustina , Odukoya Olukemi Ololade
Published: May 2024

Background:

Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and/or abdomen is usually done in patients with breast cancer for staging regardless of their grade, size, lymph node, or clinical signs/symptoms in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of chest and upper abdominal CT for metastasis, metastatic pattern, and incidental findings in patients with breast cancer in our environment.

Methodology:

A retrospective study of all 300 confirmed breast cancer patients who reported for chest/abdominal computed tomographic scans in a tertiary diagnostic center in Lagos between October 2021 and December 2021. Data were extracted from their CT images/radiological reports and analyzed using SPSS version 23 for Windows, P <0.05.

Results:

Three hundred patients with established breast cancer were examined, within the age range of 24–83 years, median of 51 years, and mean of 50.91 ± 11.9 years. The majority were female 298 (99.3%) and within the 50–59-year (101, 33.7%) age group. Most had unilateral breast cancer 286 (95%) with left-sided predominance (146, 49%). Metastasis was seen in 183 (61%) patients with nodes being the most common site 158 (52.7%). Solitary metastasis was seen in 91 (30.3%) of the participants, predominating in the lymph nodes 69 (23%), followed by lungs 17 (5.7%), P < 0.01. Two-organ involvement was in 59 (19.7%), and the most common combination was lung and node 32 (10.7%), followed by liver and node 8 (2.7%). Metastasis was most common in the 50–59-year age group, 64 (21.3%).

Conclusion:

Chest and abdominal CT yielded a definitive diagnosis of metastasis in more than 50% of the patients. The most common structure affected was the lymph nodes. Chest CT is therefore imperative in patients with late presentation of breast cancer.
Relationship between computed tomography and histological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Gunduz Nesrin , Dogan Mahmut Bilal , Seneldir Hatice , Ekinci Ozgur , Leblebici Ihsan Metin , Alimoglu Orhan
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim:

Histomorphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) properties of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) allow for accurate diagnosis and determine the prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the computed tomography (CT) features, histomorphological properties, and IHC markers.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study comprised patients with pathologically confirmed GISTs between 2016 and 2021. The predefined CT characteristics comprised tumor size, hemorrhage and calcification, CT-growth pattern (exophytic/endophytic), and contrast enhancement pattern of the solid component (homogeneous/heterogeneous). The GISTs were divided into groups according to the National Institutes of Health risk category, cell type, presence of necrosis, CD117 and α-SMA positivity, and Ki-67 index. The frequencies of CT phenotypes were compared between groups.

Results:

Overall 24 (14 [58.3%] males) patients with a median age of 64 (59.5–75.5) having 25 GISTs were included. Of 25 GISTs, 16 (64%) were gastric and 9 (36%) were intestinal in origin. Among CT features, the maximum diameter was higher in epithelioid, infiltrative, a mitotic count ≥5/50, necrotic, high-risk GISTs (P < 0.05 for all). The median tumor size was higher in Ki-67 >8 than Ki-67 <6 subjects (112.5 [39.25–153.75] vs. 22.5 [16.75–57.5] mm, P = 0.014). A heterogeneous enhancement was also more frequent in Ki-67 >8 tumors (P = 0.04). The enhancement pattern did not differ according to CD-117 or SMA positivity. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the only independent predictor of a Ki-67 >8 status was the tumor size (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.001–1.046, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Heterogeneously enhanced large GISTs at CT imaging strongly suggest the presence of poor prognostic factors including a high Ki-67 index and/or high-risk category.
Choriocarcinoma syndrome in a case of abdominal testicular germ cell tumor with long-standing bilateral gynecomastia
Authors: Mandava Anitha , Reddy Arvind K. , Mallavarapu Krishna Mohan , Koppula Veeraiah
Published: May 2024

Choriocarcinoma syndrome is an extremely rare, life-threatening condition seen in patients having advanced choriocarcinomas with large tumor burden. We report an unusual case of choriocarcinoma syndrome wherein a long-standing bilateral gynecomastia was ignored and an underlying testicular malignancy undiagnosed.