bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The battle against screen time: a systematic review of hedonic information systems use reduction
Authors: Nascimento Pedro , Oliveira Tiago , Neves Joana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In the 21st century, excessive use of hedonic information systems (HIS) has become commonplace, making HIS use reduction a more viable option for many users than complete discontinuation. Even so, there is no systematic revision on this matter. This systematic literature review aims to examine previous studies on HIS use reduction, identify their limitations and point out future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

We adhered to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, ultimately analyzing 52 papers published between 2010 and 2024, with the majority disseminated after 2021.

Findings

The primary findings indicate a gradual shift from focusing on internet research to exploring social networking sites, with consistent attention on gaming and mobile device usage. Moreover, there is notable diversity in the theoretical foundations of scholarly research in this area as well as in the antecedents, consequences and control factors. Additionally, factors such as awareness, social norms, fatigue, privacy concerns and self-efficacy play the most significant roles in reducing the use of HIS. Finally, this article identifies gaps and opportunities in the field and employs science mapping to uncover the four predominant themes that form the basis of this research domain.

Originality/value

As far as we know, this article marks the inaugural comprehensive systematic review of current research on reducing HIS use, intending to make a dual impact. Initially, the authors meticulously outline HIS use reduction systematically and thoroughly, offering theoretical insights. Second, they delve into potential research areas and contributions concerning this phenomenon to address the gap in understanding the effects of reducing HIS usage on individuals.
Risk management committee and earnings management: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Musa Auwalu , Abdul Latif Rohaida , Abdul Majid Jamaliah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether the risk management committee (RMC) mitigates earnings management (EM) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample of 365 firm-year observations of Nigerian-listed nonfinancial companies from 2018 to 2022. Driscoll and Kraay’s fixed-effect standard error regression model is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study finds that RMC size, expertise, meeting frequency and membership overlapping with the audit committee have a negative effect on both accrual earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM). While RMC independence is found to have a negative effect on REM. Moreover, additional tests reveal that RMC effectiveness is significantly associated with lower EM practices. Further analysis using the industry level finds that RMC attributes mitigate EM practices in some industries. The results remain after rigorous, robust analysis for endogeneity and alternative regressions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample of Nigerian-listed nonfinancial service companies for a period of five years, resulting in the non-generalizability of the findings to different contexts as the countries’ internal policies and regulations varied.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for regulators, policymakers and investors that a stand-alone RMC can effectively help to evaluate potential risk activities and implement a proper risk management system, thereby mitigating EM practices. The result can help investors, analysts and other stakeholders across the international community in considering RMC information to evaluate potential risk and earnings management practices.

Originality/value

Following the NCCG 2018 reform in Nigeria that requires listed firms to create a standalone RMC, this study is among the earliest that examines the effect of RMC attributes on EM practices and emerging markets. As such, the findings may draw the attention of regulators and policymakers across the African market and the international community to the monitoring role of RMC attributes in mitigating EM practices.
Flexural behaviour and shear capacity of RC flat plate sections during fire exposure
Authors: Hesien Mohamed , Youssef Maged A. , El-Fitiany Salah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Fire safety is a pivotal requirement in building codes. Prescribed design criteria have been the norm to achieve it, which imposes limitations on engineers, including the inability to accommodate new solutions/materials. The shift towards performance-based design offers the potential to address shortcomings of the prescribed design. However, this shift also significantly increases the workload on structural engineers without a corresponding increase in their engineering fees. Simplified design tools are needed to assist engineers in this transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is divided into sections investigating equivalent standard fire duration, thermal deformations, flexural behaviour and shear capacity of flat slabs when exposed to fire. The first section conducts a parametric study correlating equivalent and realistic fire durations using the average internal temperature profile (AITP) method, resulting in statistical equations estimating equivalent fire duration. The second section evaluates thermal deformations and flexural behaviour through a parametric study considering various parameters. This section results in statistical equations estimating thermal deformations and flexural behaviour of flat slab sections during fire exposure. The final section focuses on shear capacity, developing simplified heat transfer formulas and statistical equations predicting compression zone depth reduction. The section presents methodologies predicting flat slab sections' one-way and two-way shear capacities during fire exposure.

Findings

Structural engineers can use the proposed methods for daily design work without applying complex heat transfer calculations. When the equivalent standard fire duration is utilized, a flat slab’s thermal deformations, flexural behaviour and shear capacity under an actual fire condition can be calculated. As such, the methods would be highly beneficial in assessing the structural integrity of a building during an active fire incident.

Originality/value

The paper provides engineers with the tools required to evaluate the safety of flat slab sections during fire exposure. The methodologies presented in the paper enable engineers to use performance-based design for slab sections by (1) converting any real fire scenario to a standard fire with an equivalent duration, (2) assessing their thermal behaviour, (3) evaluating their flexural behaviour and (4) evaluating their flexural and shear capacities. The paper concludes with a case study example demonstrating the detailed application of the developed methods.
The person behind the mask: supervisor-subordinate relationships and well-being at work
Authors: Cabral-Cardoso Carlos , Santos Reinaldo Sousa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Taking the subordinates’ perspective, this paper aims to explore the supervisor-subordinate relationships and how daily interactions, personal ties and connections with the supervisors contribute more significantly, positively or negatively, to the subordinates’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on the thematic analysis of data collected from two rounds of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 21 participants in a Portuguese utility company.

Findings

The subordinates’ perceptions of the nature and quality of their relationships with supervisors were found to have considerable effects on well-being. Positive effects were identified when subordinates feel emotionally supported and believe that supervisors truly care about them and are genuinely willing to listen to their concerns, but the most significant effects on the subordinates’ well-being are produced when the perceived authenticity of the supervisor allows the relationship to evolve into a state of relational closeness, and the subordinates connect with the person-as-real, the human being behind the mask who is playing the supervisory role. These findings reflect features of the cultural setting where the study was conducted.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence to support the argument that a better understanding of supervisor-subordinate relationships and their effects on well-being requires an integrated approach that considers the valuable contributions of different literatures and theoretical frameworks and the multiple dimensions of that relationship, including personal and non-work dimensions. This approach is particularly relevant in cultural contexts where these dimensions might play a critical role in work relations.
The philosophical foundations of participatory action research: pragmatism, critical theory, constructivism, feminist epistemology and participatory democracy
Authors: De Oliveira Bruno
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper provides a needed viewpoint discussion on Participatory Action Research's (PAR) foundations. It allows for reflections on how PAR enables the investigation of social issues and takes action to bring about social change.

Design/methodology/approach

What are the conceptual foundations of Participatory Action Research (PAR)? This article aims to review some of PAR's cornerstones as a research approach. It will first briefly describe PAR and consider this approach's particular features. The paper will then explore some foundations of this approach to research.

Findings

The aim of PAR is to systematically collect and analyse data to take action and make a change by generating practical knowledge. However, PAR as an approach to research has philosophical roots. There is a need to reflect on its foundation, and it reflects on how practice.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the foundations of PAR, seeking to bring academics, researchers, community organisations and practitioners closer to this approach's way of thinking. As PAR becomes more used, reflecting on its origins and importance to research and knowledge production is key.
Transpiration and plant hydraulics of Abies veitchii under fluctuating environmental conditions in cool montane forest
Authors: Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Sugiura Daisuke , Sugiyama Taichi , Iwamoto Kojiro , Taneda Haruhiko
Published: October 2024

In subalpine fir wave forests, strips of dead and weakened trees occur perpendicular to the slope next to strips of healthy trees. To reveal the transpiration by weakened Abies veitchii trees exposed to increased atmospheric evaporative demand, we investigated the ecophysiological traits closely related to the growth and transpiration, comparing them with those of the healthy trees and saplings in the fir wave of Mt. Shimagare in central Japan. The transpiration rate (E) was investigated using sap flux sensors to measure heat pulse velocity and compared with the surrogate for the needle water demand, which was computed using a multilayered gas and energy transfer model (modeled E, Emod). Weakened trees exhibited smaller diameter growth and narrower sapwood than healthy trees, as well as lower heat pulse velocity compared with healthy saplings. However, needle‐level traits did not differ significantly between weakened and healthy trees. Needle water potential at midday was as negative as the needle turgor loss point, and the measured heat pulse velocity increased linearly with Emod but leveled off above a certain Emod value in weakened trees and healthy saplings, suggesting that trees restricted E to balance the needle water budget. Heat pulse velocity of weakened trees leveled off at Emod lower than that of healthy saplings, probably due to lower capacity for water supply to the needles. Restriction of E would occur less frequently but be necessary for both weakened and healthy A. veitchii on Mt. Shimagare to avoid hydraulic failure, sacrificing photosynthetic carbon assimilation.
EVE‐X: Software to Identify Novel Viral Insertions in Wild‐Caught Arthropod Hosts From Next‐Generation Short Read Data
Authors: Havill Jessen , Strasburg Olivia , Udoh Tessy , Crawford Jacob E. , Gloria‐Soria Andrea
Published: October 2024

Eukaryotic genomes harbour sequences derived from non‐retroviral RNA viruses, known as endogenous viral elements (EVEs) or non‐retroviral integrated RNA virus sequences (NIRVS). These sequences represent a record of past infections and have been implicated in host anti‐viral response. We have created a program to identify viral sequences integrated in a host genome. It begins with a specimen BAM file and outputs candidate NIRVS, along with putative host insertion sites and overlapping genomic features of the host genome in XML and visual formats, with minimal intermediary intervention. We ran through this software short‐read data derived from the genomes of 222 wild‐caught A. aegypti mosquitoes, from a dozen geographical regions, and located putative NIRVS from seven virus families. This program is as accurate as currently available software for NIRVS detection, and represents a significant improvement in adaptability and user‐friendliness. Furthermore, the flexibility of this pipeline allows the user to search for sequence integrations across the genome of any organism, as long as a query sequence database and a reference genome is provided. Potential extended applications include identification of integrated transgenic sequences used for research or vector control strategies.
Precision emergency medicine in health care delivery and access: Framework development and research priorities
Authors: Salhi Rama A. , Kocher Keith E. , Greenwood‐Ericksen Margaret , Khakhkhar Rishi , Lydston Melis , Vogel Jody A. , Zachrison Kori S.
Published: October 2024

Background

The integration of precision emergency medicine (EM) into our conceptualization of the health care system affords the opportunity to improve health care access, delivery, and outcomes for patients. As part of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Consensus Conference, we conducted a rapid literature review to characterize the current state of knowledge pertaining to the intersection of precision EM (defined as the use of big data and technology to deliver acute care for individual patients and their communities) with health care delivery and access. We then used our findings to develop a proposed conceptual model and research agenda.

Methods

We completed a rapid review of the existing literature on the utilization of big data and technology to ensure and enhance access to acute/unscheduled care for individual patients and their communities. Literature searches were conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, Cochrane CENTRAL via Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2023. Using the identified articles, we determined core domains, developed a framework to guide the conceptualization of precision EM in health care delivery and access, and used these to identify a research agenda.

Results

Of the 815 studies identified for initial screening, 60 underwent full‐text review by our technical expert panel and 21 were included in the evaluation. Core domains identified included expedited/personalized prehospital care, delivery to the right level of care, personalized ED care, alternatives to ED care/post‐ED care, prediction tools for system readiness, and creation of equitable systems of care. A research agenda with four priority research questions was defined following identification of the core domains.

Conclusions

Precision EM includes consideration of the health care delivery system as a mechanism for improving access to emergency care using data‐driven strategies. This provides a unique opportunity to use data and technology to advance systems of care while also centering patients, communities, and equity in these advances.
Alcohol use and intimate partner violence victimization among young adults with a history of perpetration: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Grocott Lauren R. , Brick Leslie A. , Armey Michael F. , Stuart Gregory L. , Shorey Ryan C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern among young adults and has shown a consistent association with alcohol use. However, previous research has used cross‐sectional and daily diary designs that may fail to pinpoint the effects of alcohol use within several hours of IPV occurring. The present study used novel ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods to investigate the bidirectional effect of alcohol use and IPV victimization among young adults with a history of IPV perpetration.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐eight young adults (age 18–25 years) in a dating relationship who reported IPV perpetration in the past year completed 28 days of randomly prompted EMA surveys (four surveys daily). The effect of alcohol use on IPV victimization and the effect of IPV victimization on alcohol use were examined.

Results

The results indicated that alcohol use co‐occurs with psychological and physical IPV victimization. Further, alcohol use significantly increased the odds of physical (OR = 4.94; 95% CI = 2.24–10.87) and sexual (OR = 4.66; 95% CI = 1.64–13.22) IPV victimization, but not psychological IPV victimization, in the subsequent EMA survey. Finally, IPV victimization did not significantly increase the odds of reporting alcohol use in the subsequent EMA survey.

Conclusions

Using alcohol is proximally related to IPV victimization among those with a history of IPV perpetration. Intervention efforts would benefit from adapting EMA methods to provide resources the moment they are needed.
Comparison of waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes in patients supported with total artificial heart versus continuous biventricular assist devices
Authors: Ferrall Joel , Vaidya Ajay S. , Kawaguchi Eric S. , Patel Sanjeet G. , Lee Raymond C. , Lee Emily S. , Wolfson Aaron M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Durable biventricular support may be necessary to bridge patients with end‐stage biventricular failure to heart transplantation. This study compares waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes between patients supported with continuous flow, durable biventricular assist devices (BiVAD), and total artificial heart (TAH).

Methods

Using the UNOS registry, we analyzed adult (≥18 years old), first‐time transplant candidates with TAH or BiVAD at the time of listing or transplantation from 10/1/2010–10/31/2020, with follow‐up through 3/31/2022. Multivariable proportional subdistribution hazards models and cause‐specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare death/deterioration or heart transplantation on the waitlist between cohorts. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate one‐year post‐transplant survival and evaluate difference in outcomes based on annual transplant center volume.

Results

The waitlist cohort included a total of 228 patients (25% BiVAD). Waitlist outcomes between device types were similar. The transplanted cohort included a total of 352 patients (25% BiVAD). There was a trend towards worse one‐year post‐transplant survival in patients bridged with TAH versus BiVAD (log‐rank p‐value = 0.072) that persisted after adjusting for age, gender, policy, and removing dual‐organ recipients (HR 1.94 (0.94, 3.98) p‐value = 0.07). There was a difference in one‐year post‐transplant survival amongst TAH‐bridged patients when stratified by annual transplant center volume (log‐rank p‐value = 0.013). One‐year post‐transplant survival between TAH‐supported patients from high annual transplant volume centers and BiVAD‐supported patients was similar (p‐value = 0.815).

Conclusions

BiVAD and TAH are reasonable support strategies with TAH implantation at high‐volume transplant centers (51+ transplants/year) having similar 1‐year post‐transplant survival to BiVAD‐supported patients.
Parent–Child Relationship, Resilience Beliefs, Relationship Quality and Stress During the Pandemic in American Families: A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Brik Anis Ben , Wang Yunqi
Published: October 2024

The study aims to investigate factors within the double ABC‐X model to explain parents' stress during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, with a focus on adaptive resources (i.e., parent–child relationship and relationship quality) and the moderating effect of appraisal (i.e., family resilience beliefs). Drawing on a sample of 1386 American parents, this study examines the moderated mediation effects to test the conditional indirect influence of a moderating variable (i.e., family resilience beliefs) on the relationship between a predictor (i.e., stressor pile‐up) and an outcome variable (i.e., stress) through potential mediators (i.e., family satisfaction and relationship quality). The results indicate that the relationship between stressor pile‐up and parent stress was mediated by both parent–child relationship and relationship quality. In addition, the direct association between the parent–child relationship and parent stress was moderated by family resilience beliefs. However, the moderation effects of family resilience beliefs on relationship quality and stress were not supported. Family resilience beliefs moderated the indirect effect of stressor pile‐up on parent stress through the parent–child relationship, but not through relationship quality. The study emphasized the contribution of stressors and adaptive resources in understanding parental adaptation and the role of the family system in maintaining well‐being during unprecedentedly challenging times.
Significant Links Between Photosynthetic Capacity, Atmospheric CO2 and the Diversification of C3 Plants During the Last 80 Million Years
Authors: Schweiger Andreas H. , Schweiger Julienne M.‐I.
Published: October 2024

Changing CO2 concentrations will continue to affect plant growth with consequences for ecosystem functioning. The adaptive capacity of C3 photosynthesis to changing CO2 concentrations is, however, insufficiently investigated so far. Here, we focused on the phylogenetic dynamics of maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax)—two key determinants of photosynthetic capacity in C3 plants—and their relation to deep‐time dynamics in species diversification, speciation and atmospheric CO2 concentrations during the last 80 million years. We observed positive relationships between photosynthetic capacity and species diversification as well as speciation rates. We furthermore observed a shift in the relationships between photosynthetic capacity, evolutionary dynamics and prehistoric CO2 fluctuations about 30 million years ago. From this, we deduce strong links between photosynthetic capacity and evolutionary dynamics in C3 plants. We furthermore conclude that low CO2 environments in prehistory might have changed adaptive processes within the C3 photosynthetic pathway.
Establishing the minimum clinically important difference of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire
Authors: Leda Mariela , Puka Klajdi , Bax Karen , Gagnier Joel J. , Tassiopoulos Karina , Speechley Kathy Nixon
Published: October 2024

Objective

To estimate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the parent‐reported 55‐item Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐55) and its shortened 16‐item version, QOLCE‐16.

Methods

Data came from 74 children with epilepsy (CWE) (ages 4–10, mean age = 8 [SD = 1.8]) enrolled in the Making Mindfulness Matter in Epilepsy (M3‐E) trial, a pilot, parallel randomized‐controlled trial of a mindfulness‐based intervention. Both anchor‐based and distribution‐based methods were used to estimate MCID values for the QOLCE‐55 and QOLCE‐16. For the anchor‐based approach, the Patient Centered Global Ratings of Change (PCGRC) scale and linear regression analysis were used to estimate the MCID. For the distribution‐based approach, .5 SD of the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) change score distribution was used to estimate the MCID.

Results

For the QOLCE‐55, the MCID obtained using an anchor‐based approach was 10 points and using a distribution‐based method was 6 points. For the QOLCE‐16, the MCID obtained using an anchor‐based method was 13 points and using a distribution‐based method was 7 points.

Significance

This is the first study to estimate MCID values for the QOLCE‐55 and the QOLCE‐16. It has been well documented that CWE are at risk of experiencing psychological, behavioral, and cognitive impairments, which can negatively impact their HRQOL. Reporting MCID values for the QOLCE‐55 and QOLCE‐16 is important in determining whether changes in HRQOL observed are meaningful to CWE themselves, as a key factor in shaping the nature of epilepsy care delivered.
Study on the Deformation and Energy Evolution of Skarn With Marble Band of Different Orientations Under Cyclic Loading: A Lab‐Scale Study
Authors: Wu Yunfeng , Wang Yu , Zhou Baokun , Li Changhong , Zhu Youdong , Sun Changkun , Tian Zicheng
Published: October 2024

The aim of this work is to investigate the deformation and energy characteristics of skarn with different interlayer inclination angles under cyclic loading. The skarn samples with marble bands of various orientations (i.e., 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°) were chosen as the test material. It is revealed from the testing results that the presence of interlayers changes the geomechanical properties of the rock, rock peak strength, and elastic modulus increases with increasing the interlayer inclination angle. Additionally, the growth rate of input energy exhibits an inverted “V” pattern with respect to the interlayer inclination angle. In terms of damage modes, intact marble and skarn predominantly exhibit tensile damage, whereas interlayered rocks exhibit a combination of tensile and shear failure pattern. Finally, a damage evolution model defined by axial strain is proposed and expressed to fit the experimental data. The results in this work would provide a crucial theoretical basis for the safety assessment of underground engineering constructions.
Fatal osmotic demyelination following urgent start hemodialysis in a patient with normal serum sodium
Authors: Sathiavageesan Subrahmanian
Published: October 2024

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients in the developing countries often present late for dialysis initiation with advanced uremia and life‐threatening complications. Urgent start dialysis in such emergent situations exposes the patient to risk of uremia related complications as well as iatrogenic insults. We report the case of a middle‐aged man with ESKD who presented late with acute pulmonary edema and hyperkalemia and developed osmotic demyelination syndrome following urgent start hemodialysis. Osmotic demyelination syndrome in this patient is noteworthy since there was no accompanying hyponatremia, the most commonly recognized antecedent. We propose that rapid lowering of serum osmolality by aggressive hemodialysis is sufficient to incite osmotic demyelination syndrome in patients who have long‐standing uremia and high blood urea level. Malnutrition resulting from uremia might be a compounding factor in this scenario. Our patient had a characteristic initial presentation of osmotic demyelination syndrome with locked‐in‐state which later progressed to respiratory failure and death.
Synergistic effects of alkaline and heat treatments on structural and functional properties of mung bean protein isolate: improving physicochemical stability of plant‐based emulsions
Authors: Limpisophon Kanokrat , Ma Xingfa , Sagis Leonard M. C. , Nonthakaew Athiya , Hirunrattana Pattariga
Published: October 2024

Plant‐based meat alternatives often require fat replacers to mimic the texture of traditional products. This study aimed to develop plant‐based emulsion gels using mung bean protein isolate (MBPI) as a potential fat substitute. However, creating these gels via heat setting requires a high protein concentration, which demands modification of the MBPI structure to enhance emulsifying properties. This study investigated synergistic effects of alkaline treatment (0.3 or 3.5% Na2CO3) and heat treatments (40 or 70 °C) on the functional properties of MBPI at high protein levels, for potential application as a plant‐based emulsion. The combined treatments reduced the zeta potential of protein suspensions from −9 to −19 mV and altered the protein conformation to form smaller particles (from 426 to 166 μm) with increased β‐sheet content. These treatments improved dispersibility of 8% MBPI suspension (58 to 86%), emulsifying activity index (6.34–10.89 m2 g−1), and stability coefficient (43 to 96%). Notably, MBPI samples treated with 0.3% Na2CO3 at 40 and 70 °C exhibited excellent emulsifying properties, forming stable monolayers at the oil–water interface, likely due to the increased surface activity of MBPI. Increasing protein concentration to 11% facilitated heat‐set gel formation; however, addition of 3.5%‐Na2CO3 induced premature gelation, limiting its application in emulsions. At 0.3%‐Na2CO3, increasing the protein content from 8% to 11% and the oil content from 10% to 30% further reduced emulsion droplet size, especially for MBPI treated with 0.3% Na2CO3 at 70 °C (MB‐0.3%‐70 °C) from 5.10 to 2.61 μm, likely due to decreased coalescence. This treatment yielded superior MBPI‐stabilised emulsion gels with enhanced penetration, fluid retention, and stability by possibly reducing protein aggregation. These findings demonstrate the potential of MBPI modified by combined addition of 0.3% Na2CO3 and heat treatment, particularly MB‐0.3%‐70 °C, as a promising ingredient for producing plant‐based emulsions.
Decision regret after curative treatment and its association with the decision‐making process and quality of life for prostate cancer patients
Authors: Sato Miho , Osawa Takahiro , Nishioka Kentaro , Miyazaki Tomohiko , Takahashi Shuhei , Mori Takashi , Hashimoto Takayuki , Miyata Haruka , Matsumoto Ryuji , Abe Takashige , Ohashi Kazuki , Murai Sachiyo , Ito Yoichi M. , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To determine how the treatment decision‐making process and posttreatment health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) are related to regret about treatment choice for prostate cancer patients in Japan.

Methods

We invited a total of 614 patients who were treated with radiation therapy (RT), radical prostatectomy (RP), or active surveillance/watchful waiting (AS/WW) from April 2007 to March 2021. Posttreatment regret was evaluated by the Decision Regret Scale. HRQOL was evaluated by the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and the 12‐item Short Form Survey. The decision‐making process was assessed by patient evaluation of the decision‐making process. We compared the decision regret scale scores across treatment types, HRQOL, and decision‐making processes.

Results

Data from 371 patients were analyzed (RT: 202, RP: 149, AS/WW: 20). The median length of time since treatment was 64 (IQR: 43–93) months. The decision regret scale scores were not significantly different among the treatment groups but were significantly greater (strong regret) in patients with poor urinary summary scores, bowel summary scores, and hormonal summary scores. The decision regret scale scores were significantly lower (less regret) for patients who reported being adequately informed at the time of the treatment decision and who had adequately communicated their questions and concerns to physicians than for patients who reported less adequate communication. This result was also observed among patients who reported low HRQOL scores.

Conclusions

These findings underline the important influence of posttreatment HRQOL and decision‐making as an interactive process between physicians and their patients on posttreatment regret in prostate cancer patients.
Characterisation of the bacteriomes harboured by major wireworm pest species in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Drahun Ivan , Morrison Keagan , Poole Elise A. , van Herk Willem G. , Cassone Bryan J.
Published: October 2024

Nearly all insects harbour bacterial communities that can have a profound effect on their life history, including regulating and shaping host metabolism, development, immunity and fitness. The bacteriomes of several coleopterans have been described; however, very little has been reported for wireworms. These long‐lived larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are major agricultural pests of a variety of crops grown in the Canadian Prairies. Consequently, the goal of this study was to characterise the bacteriomes of five of the most significant pest species within the region: Limonius californicus, Hypnoidus abbreviatus, H. bicolor, Aeolus mellillus and Dalopius spp. To do this, we collected larvae from southern Manitoba fields (pre‐seeding) and carried out 16S rRNA sequencing on individual specimens. Our results indicate wireworms have diverse and taxon‐rich bacterial communities, with over 400 genera identified predominately from the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes. However, each species had nine or fewer genera comprising >80% of their bacteriome. Network analyses revealed some community structuring consistent among species, which may culminate in shaping/regulating host biology. Moreover, the microbial signatures were influenced by both ontogeny (early vs. late stage larvae) and reproductive strategy (sexual vs. parthenogenetic), with a myriad of other factors likely contributing to bacterial diversity that are impossible to resolve from our study. Overall, this metagenomics study represents the first to characterise the bacteriomes of wireworms in the Canadian Prairies and the findings could assist in the development of sustainable management strategies for these important agricultural pests.
SUN1 inhibits osteogenesis and promotes adipogenesis of human adipose‐derived stem cells by regulating α‐tubulin and CD36 expression
Authors: Fan Tingyu , Zhu Jinhui , Liu Wenqing , Qu Rongmei , Khan Asmat Ullah , Shi Yulian , Liu Jiaxuan , Zhou Zhitao , Xu Chujiang , Dai Jingxing , Ouyang Jun
Published: October 2024

Sad and UNC84 domain 1 (SUN1) is a kind of nuclear envelope protein with established involvement in cellular processes, including nuclear motility and meiosis. SUN1 plays an intriguing role in human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs) differentiation; however, this role remains largely undefined. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of SUN1 in hASCs differentiation, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Employing siRNAs, we selectively downregulated SUN1 and CD36 expression. Microtubules were depolymerized using nocodazole, and PPARγ was activated using rosiglitazone. Western blotting was performed to quantify SUN1, PPARγ, α‐tubulin, CD36, OPN, and adiponectin protein expression levels. Alkaline phosphatase and Oil red O staining were used to assess osteogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively. Downregulated SUN1 expression increased osteogenesis and decreased adipogenesis in hASCs, concomitant with upregulated α‐tubulin expression and downregulated CD36 expression, alongside reduced nuclear localization of PPARγ. Microtubule depolymerization increased CD36 expression. Rescue experiments indicated that microtubule depolymerization counteracted the downregulated SUN1‐induced phenotypic changes. This study demonstrates that SUN1 influences the differentiation of hASCs towards osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, indicating its essential role in cell fate.
Can Monitoring Data of Forensically Important Blow Flies Be Transferred Between Cities?
Authors: Lutz Lena , Amendt Jens , Reckel Frank , Krebs Oliver , Klimpel Sven , Cunze Sarah
Published: October 2024

The use of monitoring data to build prediction models for the abundance and activity of necrophagous blow flies is common practice in forensic entomology, but its advantages and disadvantages are still debated. A frequently asked question is the transferability of such species prediction models. So far no study has examined whether the assumption of low transferability of these data between cities and seasons holds true. In the present study, we evaluate whether models calibrated with a specific training data set from a specific place and time can be transferred to other data sets for different time periods and locations. We developed models using five different algorithms to predict the activity and abundance of four forensically relevant blow fly species (Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy, Lucilia ampullacea Villeneuve, Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus), Lucilia sericata (Meigen)). The training data set was obtained from a single city, and the transferability of the models was evaluated using monitoring data from this and three other cities. The geographic transferability of the models was confirmed for all algorithms, but only for two species, C. vicina and L. sericata, and for two of the four cities. Lucilia caesar and L. ampullacea were rare in the test data set, and their species‐specific adaptation to environmental parameters was not captured by the models. Cities that did not work differed from the training data set in terms of climate and habitat features. To build generalised predictive models of blow fly abundance and activity, we need training data sets based on monitoring data from different regions, seasons and years to cover a wide range of environmental conditions. This is essential for describing and predicting natural variability.
What Are the Phylogenetic Limits to Pollinator Diversity?
Authors: Ollerton Jeff
Published: October 2024

Although huge progress has been made over the past 200 years in identifying the diversity of pollinators of angiosperms and other plants, new discoveries continue to be made each year, especially in tropical areas and in the fossil record. In this perspective article I address the following questions: Just how diverse are the pollinators and what are the phylogenetic limits to that diversity? Which other groups of animals, not currently known to regularly engage with flowers, might be found to be pollinators in the future? Can we predict, from the fossil record and from discoveries in under‐researched parts of the world, which animal groups might turn out in the future to contain pollinators? I also discuss why adding to our knowledge of plant–pollinator interactions is important, but also stress that an incomplete knowledge may not be a bad thing if it means that remote, inaccessible and relatively pristine parts of the world remain that way.
Use of a Novel Artificial Intelligence Approach for a Faster and More Precise Computerized Facial Evaluation in Aesthetic Dentistry
Authors: Maniega‐Mañes Irene , Monterde‐Hernández Manuel , Mora‐Barrios Karla , Boquete‐Castro Ana
Published: October 2024

Introduction

AI is based on automated learning algorithms that use large bodies of information (big data). In the field of dentistry, AI allows the analysis of radiographs, intraoral images and other clinical recordings with unprecedented precision and speed. Facial analysis is known for helping dentists and patients achieve a satisfactory result when a restorative treatment must be realized. The objective of this study is to conduct a neural network‐based computerized facial analysis using Python programming language in order to valuate its efficacy in facial point detection.

Methods

The neural network was trained to identify the main facial and dental points: smile line, lips, size and for of the teeth, etc. A facial analysis was carried out using AI. A descriptive analysis was made with calculation of the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the precision and accuracy in each group. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the comparison of means between groups.

Results

At the intersecting point between dentistry and technology, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are producing a change in the way modern dentistry is performed. The present study evidenced lesser variability in the execution times of the neural network compared with the DSD system. This indicates that the neural network affords more consistent and predictable results, representing a significant advantage in terms of time and efficacy.

Conclusion

The neural network is significantly more efficient and consistent in performing facial analyses than the conventional DSD system. The neural network reduces the time needed to complete the analysis and shows lesser variability in its execution times.
Analysis of palatal marginal alveolar exostosis and palatal torus using cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Bittencourt Alexandre Pena Corrêa , Borba Alexandre Meireles , Gialain Ivan Onone , Volpato Luiz Evaristo Ricci
Published: October 2024

The aim of the present study was to analyze palatal marginal alveolar exostosis (PMAE) and palatal torus (PT). Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the maxilla in multiplanar sections and volumetric renderings were used to assess this. PT and PMAE were classified according to location and morphology. Height, width, length, and thickness of the overlying mucosa were determined. The prevalence of PT and PMAE was assessed according to sex and age group. The correlation between the occurrence of PMAE and PT was also evaluated. A total of 385 CBCT scans were examined. PT was found in 38.70% of the sample and located more frequently in the middle third of the maxilla (52.35%) with a flat shape (42.95%). PMAE was found in 54.80% of the sample, bilaterally in 56.40% of the cases, and located more frequently in the molar region (62.42%) in the form of small nodules (36.97%). The mucosa covering PMAE was generally thicker than that over PT. The use of CBCT for the identification of PT and PMAE in vivo showed high frequencies of both conditions. The occurrence of PMAE was independent of the presence of PT.
Aromatherapy for Sleep Promotion in the ICU: Insights and Future Directions
Authors: Peng Chung‐hua , Wei Lien‐Chung
Published: October 2024

Background

The effects of inhaled aromatherapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been widely studied. Specific essential oil combinations have been highlighted for their potential to promote sleep in these patients.

Aim

To offer additional insights and future directions for the application of aromatherapy in improving sleep quality among critically ill patients, considering the current evidence and addressing gaps in research.

Discussion

While certain blends of essential oils, such as lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli, have shown promise, other studies have produced mixed results regarding the optimal aromatherapy interventions. Integrating aromatherapy with other non‐pharmacological approaches, such as earplugs, eye masks, or music, may offer enhanced sleep benefits. Further research is needed to evaluate aromatherapy's effects on specific populations, such as intubated patients, and to assess feasibility, cost‐effectiveness, and potential adverse effects.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy shows promise for improving sleep quality in critically ill patients but should be integrated with other evidence‐based, non‐pharmacological interventions. Addressing research gaps is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to enhance sleep quality in ICU settings.
Characteristics of Clinical Supervision for Mental Health Nurses: A Survey Study Using the MCSS‐26
Authors: Ryu Hosu , Buus Niels , Naccarella Lucio , Gonge Henrik , Prematunga Roshani , Hamilton Bridget
Published: October 2024

Aim(s)

To describe the characteristics and perceived effectiveness of clinical supervision mental health nurses are receiving and further explore any statistical correlations between the perceived effectiveness and satisfaction with the supervisee, supervisor and supervision characteristics.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to nurses working in public mental health services in Victoria, Australia. A universal recruitment approach was used, and 422 nurses participated in the survey. Of these, 220 nurses who are participating in clinical supervision were eligible for the MCSS‐26 survey.

Data Source

A licensed MCSS‐26 questionnaire.

Results

Mental health nurses in the studied environment were likely to receive individual supervision from a senior mental health nurse, with the most common frequency being monthly for 31–60 min, and half receiving it within their workplace location. Half of the participants chose their own supervisor. Our findings indicate that nurses who engage in clinical supervision outside of their immediate workplace and receive individual supervision from a nurse of the same grade perceive higher effectiveness. We also found that clinical nurses may find it most difficult to engage in effective clinical supervision due to time constraints.

Conclusion

This study uniquely contributes to the current clinical supervision literature by reporting the uptake and detailed characteristics of supervision, a facet often overlooked in existing research.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study reported the characteristics of the supervision, supervisor and the supervisee that are associated with the effective clinical supervision. These insights can lead to tailored implementation strategies that consider the specific roles and settings of nurses.

Reporting Method

CROSS (Sharma et al. 2021).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Senegenin regulates the mechanism of insomnia through the Keap1/Nrf2/PINK1/Parkin pathway mediated by GAD67
Authors: Jia Honglin , Chen Xu , Liang Zhengting , Liang Ruining , Wu Jinhong , Hu Yanling , Cui Wenjun , Zhang Xingping
Published: October 2024

GAD67 impacts insomnia as a key enzyme catalysing the conversion of glutamate (Glu) to gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Senegenin enhances neuroprotection and is used widely to treat insomnia and other neurological diseases. This study aimed to investigate how senegenin regulates insomnia through a GAD67‐mediated signalling pathway. We measured GAD67 expression levels in insomnia patients and evaluated the expression levels of GAD67 and Keap1/Nrf2/Parkin/PINK1‐related cytokines following GAD67 lentiviral transfection in PC12 cells and in rat models. We also assessed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential levels. Additionally, EEG/EMG was used to analyse the sleep phases of rats and to assess memory and exploration functions. Pathological changes and the expression of GAD67 and sleep‐related proteins in the hippocampus were examined. The results showed that GAD67 expression was increased in insomnia patients, ROS levels were elevated, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in the GAD67‐KD group. Insomnia rats exhibited changes in sleep rhythm, learning, and exploration dysfunction, pathological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and differential expression of GAD67 and sleep‐related factors. Inhibitory neurofactor expression levels were decreased in insomnia rats, showing a positive correlation in the GAD67‐KD group and a negative correlation in the GAD67‐OE group. Conversely, excitatory factor expression levels were increased in insomnia rats, showing a positive correlation in the GAD67‐KD group and a negative correlation in the GAD67‐OE group. Senegenin intervention modulated cytokine expression levels. In conclusion, GAD67 negatively regulates insomnia, and senegenin can regulate insomnia by mediating the expression of cytokines in the GAD67‐regulated Keap1/Nrf2/Parkin/PINK1 pathway.