bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old‐Old is non‐inferior to the Kihon Checklist in screening frailty among independent older adults aged 75 years and older: The Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Deguchi Naoki , Osuka Yosuke , Kojima Narumi , Motokawa Keiko , Iwasaki Masanori , Inagaki Hiroki , Miyamae Fumiko , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Hirano Hirohiko , Awata Shuichi , Sasai Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Aim

The Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old‐Old (QMCOO) is a 15‐item dichotomous questionnaire developed for the early detection and intervention of frailty in a nationwide health checkup program targeting the old‐old (i.e. aged ≥75 years). The Kihon Checklist (KCL) is a 25‐item questionnaire widely used for screening and self‐monitoring frailty status in administrative settings. With fewer items than the KCL, the QMCOO might expedite the frailty screening process. This study tested whether the QMCOO shows noninferiority in detecting frailty compared with the KCL.

Methods

Overall, 645 participants aged ≥75 years in the Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging were assessed for their frailty status according to the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. They also completed the QMCOO and the KCL simultaneously. We compared the discriminative performance of the two questionnaires using non‐inferiority testing with an operationally defined non‐inferiority margin of 10% of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve computed from the KCL.

Results

The prevalence of frailty was 8.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the QMCOO in determining frailty was 0.76 (95% CI 0.70, 0.82), and the corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the KCL was 0.77 (95% CI 0.69, 0.84). The QMCOO was not inferior to the KCL for frailty discrimination (P for non‐inferiority = 0.006).

Conclusions

The accuracy of the QMCOO for determining frailty was not inferior to that of the KCL. The QMCOO might be more acceptable and useful, as it can be applied in a shorter time with fewer questions than the KCL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 176–181.
Teratoma‐associated and so‐called pure Wilms tumour of the ovary represent two separate tumour types with distinct molecular features
Authors: Kommoss Felix K F , Chong Anne‐Sophie , Apellaniz‐Ruiz Maria , Turashvili Gulisa , Park Kay J , Hanley Krisztina , Valera Elvis Terci , von Deimling Andreas , Vujanic Gordan , McCluggage W Glenn , Foulkes William D
Published: December 2023

Aims

Ovarian Wilms tumour (WT)/nephroblastoma is an extremely rare neoplasm that has been reported to occur in pure form or as a component of a teratomatous neoplasm. We hypothesized that teratoma‐associated and pure ovarian WT may represent different tumour types with diverging molecular backgrounds. To test this hypothesis, we comprehensively characterized a series of five tumours originally diagnosed as ovarian WT.

Methods and Results

The five cases comprised three teratoma‐associated (two mature and one immature) and two pure WTs. Two of the teratoma‐associated WTs consisted of small nodular arrangements of “glandular”/epithelial structures, while the third consisted of both an epithelial and a diffuse spindle cell/blastemal component. The pure WTs consisted of “glandular” structures, which were positive for sex cord markers (including inhibin and SF1) together with a rhabdomyosarcomatous component. The two pure WTs harboured DICER1 pathogenic variants (PVs), while the three associated with teratomas were DICER1 wildtype. Panel‐based DNA sequencing of four of the cases did not identify PVs in the other genes investigated. Analysis of the HA19/IGF2 imprinting region showed retention of imprinting in the pure WTs but loss of heterozygosity with hypomethylation of the ICR1 region in two of three teratoma‐associated WTs. Furthermore, copy number variation and clustering‐based whole‐genome DNA methylation analyses identified divergent molecular profiles for pure and teratoma‐associated WTs.

Conclusion

Based on the morphological features, immunophenotype, and molecular findings (DICER1 PVs, copy number, and DNA methylation profiles), we suggest that the two cases diagnosed as pure primary ovarian WT represent moderately to poorly differentiated Sertoli Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs), while the tumours arising in teratomas represent true WTs. It is possible that at least some prior cases reported as pure primary ovarian WT represent SLCTs.
In vitro diffusion of plant phenolics through the skin: A review update
Authors: Silva Gisláine C. , Rodrigues Rodney A. F. , Bottoli Carla B. G.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Excessive skin exposure to deleterious environmental variables results in inflammation as well as molecular and cellular impairments that compromise its functionality, aesthetic qualities, and overall well‐being. The implementation of topical administration of antioxidants and other compounds as a method for preventing or reversing damage is a rational approach. Numerous phenolic compounds derived from plants have demonstrated capabilities such as scavenging free radicals and promoting tissue healing. However, the primary obstacle lies in effectively delivering these compounds to the specific place on the skin, and accurately forecasting their diffusion through the skin can assist in determining the most effective tactics. Hence, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of recent literature pertaining to the in vitro skin diffusion characteristics of plant phenolics. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour when present in various forms such as solutions, suspensions, and formulations.

Method

The data on plant extracts and isolated plant phenolic compounds in vitro skin diffusion assays published over the last six years were compiled and discussed.

Results

Even though the gold standard Franz diffusion cell is the most commonly used in the assessment of in vitro plant phenolic skin diffusion profiles, a plethora of skin models and assay conditions are reported for a variety of compounds and extracts in different vehicles.

Conclusion

The presence of numerous models and vehicles poses a challenge in creating correlations among the existing data on plant phenolic compounds. However, it is possible to draw some general conclusions regarding molecular, vehicle, and skin characteristics based on the gathered information.
Study on microstructures and mechanical strength of MgO–C refractories with cobalt‐loaded expanded graphite
Authors: Wang Yilong , Zhang Wenli , Zeng Xiongfeng , Huang Jiankun , Chen Yuejun , Wei Hengyong , Tu Junbo
Published: December 2023

Herein, MgO–C refractories were prepared using fused magnesite, aluminum powder, and silicon powder as antioxidants and different kinds of graphite as carbon sources at 1200°C–1600°C. The microstructure and mechanical strength of MgO–C refractories were studied. The results showed that using cobalt‐loaded expanded graphite as partial carbon source, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were formed in situ in MgO–C refractories at 1200°C, and the CNTs gradually reacted with Si to form SiC fibers over 1400°C. Consequently, the mechanical strength of MgO–C refractories was significantly improved.
Never cross the red line? Analysing employment relations practices and the behaviour of front‐line managers in Chinese McDonald's stores
Authors: Wei Wei
Published: December 2023

Based on a qualitative case study of McDonald's stores in China, this article examines the behaviour of front‐line managers (FLMs) in employment relations practices. The findings first identify different types of FLMs' behaviours, taking into account the degree of role conflict in their managerial work and the varying pressure to respond to corporate human resource management/employment relations (HRM/ERs) policies. Second, the findings illustrate that the behaviours of FLMs are also shaped by the external ER regulatory context, which is related to regulatory constraints (or voids) and their implementation (or not) and third, that FLMs tend to exert their own agency in responding to HRM/ER policies when facing increased role conflict.
RETRACTED: Influence of continuous nursing on surgical site wound infection and postoperative complication for colorectal cancer patients with stoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xin‐Ju , Han Jing , Su Xia
Published: December 2023

We systematically evaluated the effect of continuous nursing on surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with stomas. Computerised searches of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were conducted to collect clinical studies on CRC patients receiving continuous nursing interventions after colorectal stoma surgery; the search period was from the establishment of each database to August 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and completed a literature quality assessment. The meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 and included 20 studies with 1759 patients. The meta‐analysis showed that continuous nursing significantly lowered the rates of surgical site wound infection (risk ratio [RR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.43, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.23–0.39, p < 0.001) for CRC stoma patients compared with the control group. Therefore, continuous nursing intervention should be promoted for use in clinical care.
Impact of surgical site infection after open and laparoscopic surgery among paediatric appendicitis patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Qian
Published: December 2023

Operative site wound infection is one of the most frequent infections in surgery. A variety of studies have shown that the results of laparoscopy might be superior to those of an open procedure. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of clarity as to whether there is a difference between open and laparoscopy with respect to the occurrence of wound infections in different paediatric operations. In this review, we looked at randomized, controlled studies that directly measured the rate of wound infection following an appendectomy with a laparoscope. We looked up four main databases for randomized, controlled studies that compare the treatment of paediatric appendicitis with laparoscopy. The surgeries included appendectomy. Through our search, we have determined 323 related papers and selected five qualified ones to be analysed according to the eligibility criteria. Five trials were also assessed for the quality of the documents. In the 5 trials, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post‐operative wound infection among the paediatric appendectomy and the open‐access group (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–1.15, p = 0.13). The four trials did not show any statistically significant difference in abdominal abscesses among the laparoscopic and open‐access treatment groups (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.90–3.01, p = 0.11). The four trials did not reveal any statistically significant difference in operating time (mean difference, −4.36; 95% CI, −17.31 to 8.59, p = 0.51). In light of these findings, the use of laparoscopy as compared with the open‐approach approach in paediatric appendectomies is not associated with a reduction in the risk of wound infection.
Barriers and facilitators to opioid deprescribing among Advanced Nurse Practitioners: A qualitative interview study
Authors: McCann Claire , McCauley Claire Odile , Harkin Deirdre
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore the experiences primary care Advanced Nurse Practitioners have had in relation to deprescribing opioids in chronic non‐malignant pain.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

Primary care Advanced Nurse Practitioners were recruited from across the Northern Ireland GP Federations. Data collection for this study took place between April and June 2022. In total, 10 semi‐structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio and visually recorded, transcribed verbatim and interpreted using a thematic analysis framework. The COREQ criteria were used to guide the reporting of this study.

Results

The Advanced Nurse Practitioners experienced several challenges associated with opioid deprescribing and the implementation of current chronic pain guidelines. The main barriers identified were difficulties engaging patients in deprescribing discussions, a lack of availability of supportive therapies and poor access to secondary care services. The barriers identified directly impacted on their ability to deliver best practice which resulted in a sense of professional powerlessness.

Conclusion

The experiences of the Advanced Nurse Practitioners demonstrate that opioid deprescribing in patients with chronic pain is challenging, and implementation of current chronic pain guidelines is difficult.

Impact

This study contributes to existing literature on the topic of reducing opioid prescribing and as far as the authors are aware, is the first study to examine the experiences of primary care advanced nurse practitioners in this context. These findings will be of interest to other primary care practitioners, and prescribers involved in the management of chronic non‐malignant pain.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Debt capacity, cash holdings and financial constraints
Authors: Lu Chien‐Lin , Chen Hsuan‐Chi , Chou Robin K. , Lin Chih‐Yung
Published: December 2023

In this study, we explore the relationship among debt capacity, cash holdings and financial constraints by using the deviation in leverage as a proxy for debt capacity. Our findings show a positive relationship between cash holdings and debt capacity. Furthermore, financially constrained firms benefit more from holding cash that leads to larger increases in debt capacity and easier access to bank loans and credit lines by reducing the heterogeneous beliefs of creditors. Our results indicate that cash holdings complement debt capacity for financially constrained firms.
Experimenting with computational thinking for knowledge transfer in engineering robotics
Authors: Chichekian Tanya , Trudeau Joel , Jawhar Tawfiq , Corliss Dylan
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite its obvious relevance to computer science, computational thinking (CT) is transdisciplinary with the potential of impacting one's analytical ability. Although countless efforts have been invested across K‐12 education, there is a paucity of research at the postsecondary level about the extent to which CT can contribute to sustainable learning outcomes.

Objectives

The current study examines how a series of Arduino‐based robotics learning activities capture the fuller essence of concepts related to CT.

Methods

College students (n = 50) completed a series of six robotics learning activities. Think‐alouds, student reflections and performance scores were used to assess students' CT through a robotics challenge in virtual and physical learning environments.

Results and Conclusions

Students verbalized CT concepts related to algorithmic thinking much more than abstraction, problem decomposition and testing and debugging. Students exposed to active learning performed better in a virtual robotics challenge compared to their peers in a traditional‐oriented classroom. Students' scores on the physical robotics challenge increased as a function of the number of references they made to CT concepts during the think‐alouds. It is possible to design pedagogical experiences that tap into various dimensions of CT at incremental levels of complexity through a series of Arduino‐based robotics activities. With the integration of an online simulation, students can visualize and transfer their CT skills between a virtual and physical learning environment, thus leading to more sustainable learning outcomes.
The perception of lip aesthetics in the context of facial proportions—An eye‐tracking‐based analysis
Authors: Kempa Joanna , Alfertshofer Michael , Swift Arthur , Green Jeremy B. , Antoszewski Boguslaw , Timler Wojciech , Cotofana Sebastian , Kasielska‐Trojan Anna
Published: December 2023

Background

Minimally invasive lip volumizing and contouring soft tissue filler procedures are frequently requested by both female and male aesthetic patients. Guidance on how to achieve the most beautiful outcome is inconsistent.

Objective

To investigate what the most beautiful proportions are in relation to vermillion thickness, the distance of the upper and lower lip in relation to nose and chin, and relation to the bigonial distance.

Methods

This study included a total of n = 101 volunteers (52 females, 49 males, 100% Caucasian) who inspected frontal images of modified facial proportions and answered a related questionnaire showcasing the same images. Image presentation followed a randomized sequence both for the eye tracking and for the survey component of this study but was equal for all observers.

Results

The most attractive vertical position of lips was the 1:2 ratio in which the distance between lips and chin is double the length as the distance between lips and nose. For the ratio between the width of the lips and the bigonial distance, it was the 1:2.5 ratio, whereas for the thickness of the upper lip vermilion in relation to the upper lip ergotrid it was the 1:3/1:2 (male/female) ratio and for the lower lip vermilion and lower lip ergotrid it was the 1:4 ratio for both genders.

Conclusion

The results of this eye tracking and survey‐based investigation revealed that instead of one single universal ratio, multiple facial proportions exist that are perceived as most attractive/masculine/feminine. Regarding the perception of facial aesthetics, it appears there is a distinction between attractiveness and masculinity/femininity: the most attractive male/female face is not necessarily the most masculine or feminine.
Prevalence of the endoparasitoid Verrallia aucta in Central Scotland: A potential biocontrol for Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae), an important vector of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: McCaw Beth A. , Cairns Rebecca , Rogerson Samuel P. , Lester Katherine
Published: December 2023

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial plant pathogen transmitted by xylem‐feeding insect vectors such as the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, family Aphrophoridae). Although X. fastidiosa is not currently found in the UK, methods for reducing vector populations will play an important role in controlling the spread of disease in the event X. fastidiosa is introduced. The endoparasitoid big‐headed fly, Verrallia aucta Fallén 1817 (Diptera, Pipunculidae), is a parasite specific to Aphrophoridae and has the potential to be used as a biological control agent; however, there is limited information available on its current presence and prevalence in Scotland. This study used Sanger sequencing and morphology to identify V. aucta within Central Scotland. Additionally, four species of adult Auchenorrhyncha collected during Summer 2021 from sites across Central Scotland were molecularly screened for presence of V. aucta parasitism. Sex and habitat prevalence in V. aucta parasitism in P. spumarius was also examined. Findings from this study demonstrate V. aucta is present in Scotland and specifically parasitizes Aphrophoridae. Parasitism rates of P. spumarius ranged between 17% and 57%, with both male and female adult P. spumarius parasitized equally and rates differing according to habitat. Together, this study improved our knowledge and understanding of the parasitism rate, distribution and nature of V. aucta parasitism in Scotland. Further work is required to strengthen our understanding of the host–parasite relationship and take the first steps towards using V. aucta as a natural biocontrol agent to protect plants against transmission of X. fastidiosa.
Recent advances in cholinergic mechanisms: A preface for the ISCM2022 special issue
Authors: Kovarik Zrinka , Soreq Hermona
Published: December 2023

This preface introduces the Journal of Neurochemistry special issue on Cholinergic Mechanisms that highlights the progress in the molecular, structural, neurochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of the cholinergic system which underline its complexity and impact on health and disease. This issue comprises of (systematic) reviews and original articles, the majority of which have been presented at the 17th International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms (ISCM2022) held in Dubrovnik, Croatia in May 2022. The symposium brought together leading “Cholinergikers” to shed new light on cholinergic transmission, ranging from the molecular to the clinical and cognitive mechanisms.

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The empirics of technology, employment and occupations: Lessons learned and challenges ahead
Authors: Montobbio Fabio , Staccioli Jacopo , Virgillito Maria Enrica , Vivarelli Marco
Published: December 2023

This paper is a critical review of the empirical literature resulting from recent years of debate and analysis regarding technology and employment and the future of work as threatened by technology, outlining both lessons learned and challenges ahead. We distinguish three waves of studies and relate their heterogeneous findings to the choice of technological proxies, the level of aggregation, the adopted research methodology and to the relative focus on robots, automation and AI. The challenges ahead include the need for awareness of possible ex‐ante biases associated with the adopted proxies for innovation; the recognition of the trade‐off between microeconometric precision and a more holistic macroeconomic approach; the need for granular analysis of the reallocation and transformation of occupations and tasks brought about by different types of new technologies; the call for a closer focus on impacts on labor quality, in terms of types of jobs and working conditions.
Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship
Authors: GOFMAN MICHAEL , JIN ZHAO
Published: December 2023

We document an unprecedented brain drain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) professors from universities from 2004 to 2018. We find that students from the affected universities establish fewer AI startups and raise less funding. The brain‐drain effect is significant for tenured professors, professors from top universities, and deep‐learning professors. Additional evidence suggests that unobserved city‐ and university‐level shocks are unlikely to drive our results. We consider several economic channels for the findings. The most consistent explanation is that professors' departures reduce startup founders' AI knowledge, which we find is an important factor for successful startup formation and fundraising.
Calibration improves the agreement in grading oral epithelial dysplasia—Findings from a National Workshop in Malaysia
Authors: Kallarakkal Thomas George , Zaini Zuraiza Mohamad , Ghani Wan Maria Nabillah , Karen‐Ng Lee Peng , Siriwardena B. S. M. S. , Cheong Sok Ching , Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage
Published: December 2023

Introduction

A major pitfall of many of the established oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) grading criteria is their lack of reproducibility and accuracy to predict malignant transformation. The main objective of this study was to determine whether calibration of practicing oral pathologists on OED grading could improve the reproducibility of the WHO 2017 and the binary OED grading systems.

Methods

A nationwide online exercise was carried out to determine the influence of calibration on the reproducibility of the WHO 2017 and the binary OED grading systems.

Results

A significant improvement was observed in the inter‐observer agreement for the WHO 2017 OED grading system (K0.196 vs. 0.448;Kw0.357 vs. 0.562) after the calibration exercise. The significant difference (p = 0.027) in the level of agreement between those with five or more years and less than 5 years of experience was no more observed (p = 0.426) after the calibration exercise. The percent agreement for binary grading was significantly higher (91.8%) for buccal mucosal lesions as compared to lesions on the tongue after the calibration exercise.

Conclusion

This study validates the significance of calibration in improving the reproducibility of OED grading. The nationwide exercise resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the inter‐observer agreement for the WHO 2017 OED grading system among a large number of oral pathologists. It is highly recommended that similar exercises should be organized periodically by professional bodies responsible for continuing education among oral pathologists to improve the reliability of OED grading for optimal treatment of oral potentially malignant disorders.
Persistent pruritus associated with worse quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis
Authors: Lu Mei , Rupp Loralee B. , Melkonian Christina , Trudeau Sheri , Daida Yihe G. , Schmidt Mark A. , Gordon Stuart C.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Prevalence and severity of pruritus among US patients with chronic hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV) are not well‐documented. Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS) patients were surveyed to examine pruritus prevalence and impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Patients who reported experiencing pruritus ≥3 on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) within the past 30 days were invited to participate in a 6‐month study using the SF‐36 questionnaire. General regression (univariate followed by multivariable modelling) was used to analyse pruritus intensity and eight QoL dimensions.

Results

Among 1654 patients (HBV = 358, HCV = 1296, HBV/HCV = 6), pruritus prevalence was significantly higher among patients with HCV than those with HBV (44% vs. 35%; p < .05). One hundred and twenty‐three patients (21 HBV and 102 HCV) participated in the QoL study (72% ≥60 years; 50% men; 25% Black; 37% with cirrhosis; 66% had BMI > 25). Mean NRS was 4.9–5.3. QoL responses for social functioning and emotional well‐being were higher (70–72 points) than responses for energy/fatigue (50–51). Antiviral treatment rates were higher in HCV (92%, SVR 99%) than HBV (71% ever, 43% ongoing). Multivariable analyses showed no significant effect of hepatitis type or antiviral treatments on itch. Antihistamines were associated with severe itch. Higher NRS was associated with significantly reduced QoL. Each unit increase in NRS was associated with a 2–3 unit decline in emotional well‐being, general health, physical function, energy/fatigue, social functioning and emotional health.

Conclusion

Pruritus negatively affects many viral hepatitis patients, regardless of antiviral treatment status. Improved treatment options are needed to address its impact on QoL.
Habitat suitability as an indicator of urbanisation potential in four UK mammals
Authors: Fung Uva Yu Yan , Carbone Chris , Scott‐Gatty Kate , Freeman Robin , Ewers Robert M. , Turner Jessica
Published: December 2023

Urban environments provide opportunities for some species but are inhospitable for others. However, those which thrive can be found at higher densities in human‐dominated landscapes than in more rural habitats. This highlights the importance of understanding species responses to human environments. It is not only important for the conservation of urban wildlife but also may provide fundamental insights into human‐wildlife coexistence globally.

Here, we use citizen science data to predict the habitat suitability of Greater London for the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the European badger (Meles meles) and the Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

Results indicate that the four target species prefer different urban habitats, indicating different levels of urbanisation potential. Foxes and grey squirrels are able to thrive in inner urban areas, with the highest values of habitat suitability for these species found in central London, whereas for hedgehogs and badgers, the highest habitat suitability occurs in suburban and more rural habitats in outer London, respectively.

These results highlight a gradient in urban tolerance, from squirrels and foxes to hedgehogs and badgers. This work also shows the importance of urban green spaces as habitats for wildlife.
Compassion in action: Exploring the relationship between nurse conscientious intelligence and palliative care
Authors: Özden Gürkan , Parlar Kılıç Serap
Published: December 2023

Backgorund

Conscience is a concept that is the foundation of nursing, guiding nurses to ethical practices, and helping them to provide the best professional care possible. Conscience enables nurses to be understanding and careful in patient care.

Aim

The study had three aims: (1) to determine the level of conscientious intelligence and palliative care practice of intensive care nurses; (2) to determine the effect of sociodemographic and occupational variables on conscientious intelligence and palliative care practices; and (3) to examine the relationship between conscientious intelligence and palliative care practice.

Methods

This study was designed as a descriptive–correlative study. The sample consisted of 157 nurses from a university hospital. The data were collected using questionnaire form, Conscientious Intelligence Scale and the Palliative Care Self‐Reported Practices Scale between February and March 2021.

Results

By the general multivariate linear model, while age, educational level, professional experience, total term of employment in the clinic, and training in palliative care were important predictors of palliative care practices, age and gender were significant predictors of conscientious intelligence. It was concluded that the level of palliative care practice of intensive care nurses with a high level of conscientiousness was also higher.

Conclusion

The conscientious intelligence levels of intensive care nurses positively affected palliative care practices. It can be said that it is important for nurses to combine their conscience with their professional knowledge and skills while providing care services.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

In the realm of nursing, it is imperative for professionals to not only possess knowledge and competence, but also to act with conscience when caring for patients. This study demonstrated that nurses with heightened conscientious awareness are more adept at providing palliative care. Consequently, it is vital to support practices and training that foster conscientiousness among nurses, who must exercise patience and diligence in their careers.
Pollination biology of a rare serpentine plant, Japonolirionosense (Petrosaviaceae)
Authors: Funamoto Daichi
Published: December 2023

Petrosaviales is an early diverging monocot order that includes only two genera with distinct nutritional modes, namely the autotrophic Japonolirion and mycoheterotrophic Petrosavia. A rare serpentine plant endemic to Japan, Japonolirion osense is the only species of this genus. Although Petrosavia species are known to produce seeds by autonomous self‐pollination, the mating system and flower visitors of J. osense remain unknown. In this study, the pollination biology of J. osense was investigated on a serpentine slope in northern Hokkaido, Japan. Pollination experiments suggested that J. osense predominantly depends on cross‐pollination by insect pollinators for seed production. Ants and dipterans were the main flower visitors to this species. This study showed that the two genera in Petrosaviales with distinct nutritional modes also have contrasting mating systems, which provides insights into the evolution of pollination biology in this early diverging monocot order.
The translocon protein FtsHi1 is an ATP‐dependent DNA/RNA helicase that prevents R‐loop accumulation in chloroplasts
Authors: Chai Xin , Wang Xiushun , Rong Liwei , Luo Manfei , Yuan Li , Li Qiuxin , He Baoye , Jiang Jingjing , Ji Daili , Ouyang Min , Lu Qingtao , Zhang Lixin , Rochaix Jean‐David , Chi Wei
Published: December 2023

R‐loops, three‐stranded nucleic acid structures consisting of a DNA: RNA hybrid and displaced single‐stranded DNA, play critical roles in gene expression and genome stability. How R‐loop homeostasis is integrated into chloroplast gene expression remains largely unknown.

We found an unexpected function of FtsHi1, an inner envelope membrane‐bound AAA‐ATPase in chloroplast R‐loop homeostasis of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Previously, this protein was shown to function as a component of the import motor complex for nuclear‐encoded chloroplast proteins. However, this study provides evidence that FtsHi1 is an ATP‐dependent helicase that efficiently unwinds both DNA–DNA and DNA–RNA duplexes, thereby preventing R‐loop accumulation. Over‐accumulation of R‐loops could impair chloroplast transcription but not necessarily genome integrity. The dual function of FtsHi1 in both protein import and chloroplast gene expression may be important to coordinate the biogenesis of nuclear‐ and chloroplast‐encoded subunits of multi‐protein photosynthetic complexes.

This study suggests a mechanical link between protein import and R‐loop homeostasis in chloroplasts of higher plants.
The pediatric anesthesiology publication activity and landscape over the past two decades: A longitudinal scientometric analysis
Authors: Miller Clemens , Dejaco Alexander , Gumz Nora , Nemeth Marcus
Published: December 2023

Background

Scientometric analyses characterize the output of research publications using quantitative methods. While it has been reported that the number of publications in anesthesiology has been increasing for years, the global research activity in pediatric anesthesiology and its landscape is largely unknown.

Aims

To examine the activity, developmental dynamics, and collaboration landscape of research publications in pediatric anesthesiology over the past two decades.

Methods

PubMed and WebOfScience were searched for pediatric anesthesiology publications published between 2001 and 2020. The identified publications were exported into a database, matched, curated, and then assigned to one or more countries according to their affiliation field(s). The primary outcome was the publication activity and its growth rate. Secondary outcomes included the geographical distribution, the evolution of international collaborations (as indicated by articles affiliated with more than one country), and the main sources.

Results

Thirty‐four thousand, three hundred and forty‐three pediatric anesthesiology publications were retrieved. The compound annual growth rate over the study period was +7.6%. The highest annual growth rate was +20.6% from 2019 to 2020. Corresponding authors were most often affiliated with USA (32.5%), Germany (5.5%), and China (5.5%). China (+22.9%), Iran (+21.7%), and India (+16.1%) had the highest compound annual growth rates. 6001 (17.5%) articles involved international collaboration, with a compound annual growth rate of +13.1%. The most frequent collaboration was between USA and Canada (716 articles together). The most prominent source was Pediatric Anesthesia (10.0%).

Conclusions

Publication activity in pediatric anesthesiology has increased from 2001 to 2020 and has become more geographically diverse. With the volume of international collaborations even outpacing this growth, it is hoped that this will gradually lead to a larger evidence base in pediatric anesthesia.
A potential approach toward the management of sepsis: The extracorporeal cytokine hemadsorption therapy
Authors: Yildiz Abdullah Burak , Copur Sidar , Tanriover Cem , Yavuz Furkan , Vehbi Sezan , Hasbal Nuri Baris , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Infectious diseases are among the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients while systemic inflammatory response syndrome is primarily attributed to the imbalance between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Despite the improvements in the antibiotherapy alternatives and diagnostic modalities, the morbidity and mortality rates of sepsis and septic shock are relatively high among patients admitted to the intensive care units. Extracorporeal cytokine hemadsorption therapies are therapeutic approaches for such patient group with promising early results that especially have grown during COVID‐19 pandemic. In this narrative review, our aim is to evaluate the current pre‐clinical and clinical knowledge regarding the use of cytokine filtration systems among patients with septic shock.
Hold your fire! Influence of female legislators on gun legislation in the United States
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

This article considers the influence of female legislators on gun legislation across U.S. states. Females have behavioral differences with males and likely different exposure to gun‐related violence.

Method

Using data from 1991 to 2020, we estimate the drivers of gun legislation across U.S. states. The dependent variables are alternately the total number of gun laws enacted and 5‐year differences in gun laws.

Results

We find that female legislators in state houses significantly increase the supply of gun laws. Female senators, on the other hand, were no different from their male counterparts. In other results, states with greater population density had more gun laws, while economic prosperity, race, and the elderly population did not generally have significant effects. Finally, when special interest aspects, involving gun ownership, mass shooting episodes, and states with single‐party control of the legislative and executive branches are considered, mass shootings and single‐party control increase laws, while gun owners have the opposite effect. These findings show significance when 5‐year differences in gun laws are used.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that when it comes to gun legislation and female legislator representation, it matters which chamber of the legislature females are elected to. Furthermore, different interest groups can significantly bear upon gun legislation.
The personalization of the Likud in the era of Netanyahu
Authors: Kenig Ofer , Rahat Gideon
Published: December 2023

Objective

Under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud—Israel's most successful political party in the past 50 years—transformed from a highly institutionalized leader party into a personal party. This study explores the personalization of Likud and its various manifestations and analyses the causes of this process and its consequences.

Methods

A case study. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Results

Although the Likud party leader's formal roles, powers, and authorities did not change significantly, many informal developments enhanced the firm grip Netanyahu held on the party. Netanyahu manipulated leadership contests, and they became uncompetitive; the party's internal institutions were almost nullified and became no more than a rubber stamp to Netanyahu's interests; and Likud's representatives in the Knesset were transformed into a group of submissive cheerleaders.

Conclusions

We conclude that essential, routinized procedures within Likud were abandoned in favor of personalization of decision making; the “value” of the party organization was replaced with that of a single leader as perceived by important internal party actors and the electorate; and that other parties perceived Likud as personalized. On all fronts, the Likud underwent a personalization process. Moreover, the personalization of Likud, the ruling party, contributed to Israel's democratic backsliding.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*12:391 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Liu Zheng , Kang Yiqing , Sun Yamin , Wang Ziqing , Li Jianbin
Published: December 2023

The HLA‐C*12:391 allele has three nucleotide substitutions in exon 3 compared to HLA‐C*12:44 allele.
Homoharringtonine induces apoptosis of mammary carcinoma cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xue , Mei Chen , Liang Zhixuan , Zhi Yan , Xu Haojun , Wang Hongjun , Dong Hong
Published: December 2023

Mammary tumour is the most common type of tumour in dogs, especially in unneutered female dogs. Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a natural alkaloid that can be used to treat various types of human tumour. However, the inhibitory effect and mechanism of HHT on canine mammary carcinomas (CMC) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of HHT on CMC in vitro and determine its underlying molecular mechanism. The effects of HHT on the cytotoxicity of CMC U27 cells were evaluated by the cell counting kit‐8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. HHT‐induced apoptosis of U27 cells was detected by JC‐1 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Moreover, the gene expression of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) and Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax) were analysed using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and the protein expression of protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) and mitochondrial apoptosis proteins were determined by western blotting. Furthermore, mammary tumour‐bearing mouse models were established using 4T1 cells to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HHT. It was found that HHT could significantly down‐regulated the protein expression of p‐AKT, p‐mTOR, and Bcl‐2, and up‐regulated the protein expression of P53, Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved caspase‐9. In addition, HHT significantly suppressed both tumour volume and mass in mammary tumour mice. In conclusion, HHT damages CMC cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis. Such findings lay a theoretical foundation for the clinical treatment of CMC and provide more options for clinical medication.
Assessment of owner perceptions of caregiver burden, veterinarian–client relationship and satisfaction with the provider in canine pruritus: An experimental vignette study
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Martin John , Updegraff John , Hillier Andrew , Gober Margaret
Published: December 2023

Background

Complicated treatments for skin disease are linked to owner‐caregiver burden and poorer perception of the veterinarian–client relationship, regardless of disease severity.

Hypotheses/Objectives

Using experimental vignettes, we explored the impact on owner perception of the interaction of treatment complexity and skin disease outcomes. We hypothesised that: (i) vignette conditions involving injection therapy would result in lower burden, better veterinary–client relationship and greater satisfaction relative to multimodal therapy conditions; (ii) the vignette condition of injection therapy with a completely effective outcome would be superior to all other conditions; (iii) ineffective vignette conditions would be inferior to all other conditions; and (iv) the vignette condition injection with a mostly effective outcome would be similar or superior to the multimodal therapy with a completely effective outcome condition.

Participants

Three hundred and nine owners of pruritic dogs recruited from a general veterinary practice, pet‐related podcast, or social media dog allergy group.

Materials and Methods

Participants were presented with six counterbalanced online vignettes representing three levels of treatment effectiveness (Completely Effective, Mostly Effective, Ineffective) and two treatment regimens (Multimodal, Injection). Measurements of participant perceptions of caregiver burden, veterinarian–client relationship and satisfaction were recorded.

Results

Injection with perfect outcome was superior to other conditions (p < 0.001). Conditions with poor effectiveness were inferior (p < 0.001). Comparison of Injection with a mostly effective outcome to Multimodal treatment with perfect outcome yielded small‐to‐medium effects of preference for the latter in veterinarian–client relationship and satisfaction (p < 0.01); no difference was observed for caregiver burden. When good effectiveness was assured, injection was preferred (p < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Owners preferred a Completely Effective outcome and were prepared to select the Injection regimen or Multimodal therapy to achieve this; Injection was preferred when effectiveness was assured.
The use of the evidence‐based practice process by experienced registered nurses to inform and transform clinical practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal national cohort study
Authors: Rudman Ann , Boström Anne‐Marie , Wallin Lars , Gustavsson Petter , Ehrenberg Anna
Published: December 2023

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many registered nurses (RNs) worked on the frontline caring for severely ill patients. They did so with limited knowledge of how to treat and prevent the disease. This extreme situation puts pressure on RNs to find evidence on which to base the care of their patients.

Aims

To examine: (1) the extent to which evidence‐based practice (EBP) process was applied by Swedish RN cohorts 15–19 years after graduation during the pandemic, (2) whether there was any change to their EBP process from pre‐pandemic to late pandemic, (3) the relationship between RNs' use of the EBP process and the duration of exposure to work situations severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and (4) whether level of education, position and care setting were associated with the extent of RNs' EBP process.

Methods

In 2021, the level of EBP activities was investigated among 2237 RNs 15–19 years after graduation. The scale used to measure EBP consisted of six items of the EBP process. Unpaired t‐tests or one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis.

Results

RNs used the EBP process to a moderate extent to inform and transform their clinical practice. There was a minor but significant decrease in practicing the EBP process from pre‐pandemic to late in the pandemic. RNs who were most affected by the pandemic scored higher on the scale than less‐affected colleagues. RNs in nonclinical positions reported more EBP activities, as did RNs in management positions. RNs working in outpatient settings reported more EBP activities than their colleagues in hospitals.

Linking Evidence to Action

It is imperative that RNs hone their skills in EBP if they are to be prepared for future healthcare crises. Healthcare providers have a duty to facilitate the development of EBP and, in this regard, RNs in clinical positions in hospitals need particular support.
The effect of a mindfulness‐based intervention on stress overload, depression, and mindfulness among nurses: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alfurjani Aida M. , Al‐Hammouri Mohammed Munther , Rababah Jehad A. , Alhawatmeh Hossam N. , Hall Lynne A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Nurses experience various health‐related issues due to the nature of their work.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the effect of a mindfulness‐based intervention on stress overload, depression and mindfulness among nurses. A secondary objective was to examine the role of the setting (i.e., in and out of the hospital as a natural setting) on mindfulness‐based intervention effectiveness.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with three groups' pretest–posttest design was used in this study. A total of 195 nurses were recruited—65 intervention‐inside hospital, 60 intervention‐outside hospital, and 63 control. The mindfulness‐based intervention was delivered by a certified mindfulness practitioner over 4 weeks in Jordan. Data were collected using a demographics questionnaire, the Stress Overload Scale Short, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale‐Revised, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant effect of the intervention on the linear combination of the dependent variables V = 0.44, F[6, 368] = 17.56, p < .001. Follow‐up analyses showed that a mindfulness‐based intervention significantly decreased stress overload, depression, and increased mindfulness levels among nurses in intervention groups compared with the control group. In addition, conducting a mindfulness‐based intervention outside the hospital has a better effect on mindfulness levels than the inside hospital.

Linking Evidence to Action

The effect of a mindfulness‐based intervention on stress overload, depression, and mindfulness should be considered when planning for nurses' well‐being and the quality of care provided. Nurse managers are encouraged to use the study's findings to promote nurses' well‐being.