bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐standard employment, low standard of living? The role of labour market and social policy measures in preventing material deprivation in different employment trajectories in Europe
Authors: Wolf Fridolin
Published: July 2024

While the poverty risks of non‐standard employment have been explored extensively, this study focuses on the role of activation‐oriented social policy in alleviating material deprivation for persons with non‐standard employment histories. Using EU‐SILC data, individuals over a four‐year period were analysed. I focused on substantial earners and distinguished between six non‐standard employment histories expected to benefit from activation measures. Multi‐level models revealed that compared to standard employment histories, all non‐standard employment histories had higher material deprivation risks but to substantially different extents. At the macro level, participation in activation measures, expenditures in formal childcare and minimum income protection reduced material deprivation. Participation in training can be interpreted as an equaliser, as the deprivation gap between standard and most non‐standard employment history types diminished. As expenditure‐ and participation‐based measures differed significantly, evaluating the success of activation strategies in reducing inequalities and alleviating poverty highly depends on the measurement of activation.
Characterization of the UDP‐glycosyltransferase UGT33D1 in silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhu Feifei , Han Jinying , Hong Jingdie , Cai Fuchuan , Tang Qi , Yu Qian , Ma Shangshang , Liu Xiaoyong , Huo Shuhao , Chen Keping
Published: July 2024

Uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are important metabolizing enzymes functioning by adding a sugar moiety to a small lipophilic substrate molecule and play critical roles in drug/toxin metabolism for all realms of life. In this study, the silkworm Bombyx mori UGT33D1 gene was characterized in detail. UGT33D1 was found localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment just like other animal UGTs and was mainly expressed in the silkworm midgut. We first reported that UGT33D1 was important to BmNPV infection, as silencing UGT33D1 inhibited the BmNPV infection in silkworm BmN cells, while overexpressing the gene promoted viral infection. The molecular pathways regulated by UGT33D1 were analysed via transcriptome sequencing upon UGT33D1 knockdown, highlighting the important role of the gene in maintaining a balanced oxidoreductive state of the organism. In addition, proteins that physically interact with UGT33D1 were identified through immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, which includes tubulin, elongation factor, certain ribosomal proteins, histone proteins and zinc finger proteins that had been previously reported for human UGT‐interacting proteins. This study provided preliminary but important functional information on UGT33D1 and is hoped to trigger deeper investigations into silkworm UGTs and their functional mechanisms.
Relationship between shift type and sleep quality in rotating‐shift nurses with chronotype as a moderator variable
Authors: Weng Pei‐Wei , Chang Wen‐Pei
Published: July 2024

Background

Rotating‐shift nurses are susceptible to sleep disorders due to numerous factors, such as their biological clock, emotions, and age. At present, a lack of research exists on whether chronotype and shift type jointly influence the sleep quality of nurses.

Aim

To verify whether chronotype is a moderator variable of the relationship between shift type and sleep quality in nurses in order to provide empirical evidence for future mental and physical health improvement.

Method

Clinical rotating‐shift nurses at a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited as participants between November 1, 2023, and December 13, 2023. All of the nurses were working a monthly rotating shift schedule. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate whether the influence of shift type on sleep quality in nurses varied with chronotype. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study.

Results

The participants were 255 rotating‐shift nurses in this study. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that rotating‐shift nurses who were older (B = 0.19, p = 0.029), had greater physical fatigue (B = 0.27, p = 0.016), and had more negative emotions (B = 0.17, p = 0.011) suffered from poorer sleep quality. After controlling the above factors, we further found that chronotype indeed had moderating effects on the influence of shift type on sleep quality (B = −1.83, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that early‐ and intermediate‐type nurses are more suitable for working the day and evening shifts, whereas late‐type nurses are more suitable for working the night shift.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Coordinating chronotype with shift type will ensure that shift schedules better match the biological clocks of nurses; such individual considerations could help to improve their sleep quality.
Taiwanese nurse educators’ behaviour or intention to teach LGBT health content: A qualitative study
Authors: Wang Ya‐Ching , Miao Nae‐Fang , You Mei‐Hui
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore factors associated with Taiwanese nurse educators’ behaviour or intention to teach lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health content.

Background

Nurse educators were found to have limited experiences and readiness to teach LGBT health content. However, limited evidence exists to comprehensively understand factors associated with nurse educators’ behaviour and intentions to teach LGBT health content.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted. A total of 24 nurse educators were interviewed. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted employing a semi‐structured topic guide and were audio‐recorded. Interview data were analysed using the socio‐ecological model and constant comparative technique. This article was reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Findings

Most nurse educators had no experience of teaching LGBT health content and expressed their low or no intention to teach it. Factors associated with nurse educators’ behaviour and intention to teach LGBT content were categorised by the socio‐ecological model level: intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, community factors and societal and policy factors.

Conclusion

This study identified multilevel factors associated with Taiwanese nurse educators’ behaviour and intention to teach LGBT health content. Recommendations were provided to address multilevel barriers to diminish nurse educators’ challenges in teaching LGBT health content.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Supervisors of nurse educators should assess and discuss nurse educators’ concerns and competencies regarding teaching LGBT health content. To address schools’ or organisations’ adverse climates and conventional societal atmosphere, related policies and regulations should be developed and implemented.
Why are Turkish nurses migrating? A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Yürümezoğlu Havva Arslan , Çamveren Hatice
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing nurses’ migration patterns in Turkey.

Background

The flow of nurse migration from developing countries to developed countries is steadily increasing. As a result, countries that are sources of migration tend to develop domestic inequities with respect to the population's ability to access health services. In particular, fragile economic conditions and the pandemic triggered the migration of nurses from Turkey, a developing country.

Methods

This study employed a mixed‐method explanatory sequential design and was conducted in Turkey between April and November 2022. The decision to migrate was the focus of both the quantitative aspect, involving 237 participants, and the qualitative aspect, with 20 participants. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire, and qualitative data were obtained using open‐ended questions during in‐depth individual interviews. We followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist in the quantitative phase and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist in the qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results

In the quantitative stage of the study, nurses’ reasons for deciding to migrate were identified as economic conditions, working conditions, society's outlook on the profession, political factors, and professional growth opportunities. In the qualitative stage, four major themes influencing nurse migration patterns emerged: devaluation and poor collegiality in nursing; inadequate management support; negative work environment; and health, social, and economic policies.

Conclusion

The results of the study showed that the three factors most influential in the decision to migrate were economic issues, a negative work environment, and political climate.

Implications for nursing and health policy

In developing countries, there is an urgent need for nurse administrators and health workforce decision‐makers to create healthy working conditions and manage resources efficiently, focusing on improving nurses’ economic situations while developing appropriate nationwide and international strategies.
Dialogic feedback at scale: Recommendations for learning analytics design
Authors: Maheshi Bhagya , Dai Wei , Martinez‐Maldonado Roberto , Tsai Yi‐Shan
Published: July 2024

Background

Feedback is central to formative assessments but aligns with a one‐way information transmission perspective obstructing students' effective engagement with feedback. Previous research has shown that a responsive, dialogic feedback process that requires educators and students to engage in ongoing conversations can encourage student active engagement in feedback. However, it is challenging with larger student cohorts. Learning Analytics (LA) provides promising ways to facilitate timely feedback at scale by leveraging large datasets generated during students' learning. However, current LA design and implementation tend to treat feedback as a one‐way transmission rather than a two‐way process.

Objectives

This case study aims to improve LA design and practice to align with dialogic feedback principles by exploring an authentic dialogic feedback practice at scale.

Methods

We explored a dialogic feedback practice of a course having 700 undergraduate students. The case study used quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to investigate what students expect from feedback, how educators respond to students' feedback requests, and how students experience feedback.

Results and Conclusions

The results emphasise the need to focus on cognitive, relational and emotional aspects of the feedback process. In aligning LA with dialogic feedback principles, we propose that LA should promote the following objectives: reflection, adaption, personalisation, emotional management, and scaffolding feedback provision.
Identification and validation of miR‐29b‐3p and LIN7A as important diagnostic markers for bone non‐union by WGCNA
Authors: Jian Guojian , Xie Desheng , Kuang Ximu , Zheng Peihuang , Liu Haoyuan , Dong Xuehong
Published: July 2024

Bone non‐union is a common fracture complication that can severely impact patient outcomes, yet its mechanism is not fully understood. This study used differential analysis and weighted co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify susceptibility modules and hub genes associated with fracture healing. Two datasets, GSE125289 and GSE213891, were downloaded from the GEO website, and differentially expressed miRNAs and genes were analysed and used to construct the WGCNA network. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed enrichment in cytokine and inflammatory factor secretion, phagocytosis, and trans‐Golgi network regulation pathways. Using bioinformatic site prediction and crossover gene search, miR‐29b‐3p was identified as a regulator of LIN7A expression that may negatively affect fracture healing. Potential miRNA‐mRNA interactions in the bone non‐union mechanism were explored, and miRNA‐29‐3p and LIN7A were identified as biomarkers of skeletal non‐union. The expression of miRNA‐29b‐3p and LIN7A was verified in blood samples from patients with fracture non‐union using qRT‐PCR and ELISA. Overall, this study identified characteristic modules and key genes associated with fracture non‐union and provided insight into its molecular mechanisms. Downregulated miRNA‐29b‐3p was found to downregulate LIN7A protein expression, which may affect the healing process after fracture in patients with bone non‐union. These findings may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for bone non‐union.
Hsa‐miR‐134‐5p predicts cardiovascular risk in circulating mononuclear cells and improves angiogenic action of senescent endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Tien Ting‐Yi , Wu Yih‐Jer , Chang Chiung‐Yin , Hung Chung‐Lieh , Lee Yi‐Nan , Lee Hsin‐I , Chou Yen‐Hung , Lin Chao‐Feng , Lee Chun‐Wei , Su Cheng‐Huang , Yeh Hung‐I
Published: July 2024

This research explores the role of microRNA in senescence of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) induced by replication. Hsa‐miR‐134‐5p was found up‐regulated in senescent EPCs where overexpression improved angiogenic activity. Hsa‐miR‐134‐5p, which targeted transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1‐binding protein 1 (TAB1) gene, down‐regulated TAB1 protein, and inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38) in hsa‐miR‐134‐5p‐overexpressed senescent EPCs. Treatment with siRNA specific to TAB1 (TAB1si) down‐regulated TAB1 protein and subsequently inhibited p38 activation in senescent EPCs. Treatment with TAB1si and p38 inhibitor, respectively, showed angiogenic improvement. In parallel, transforming growth factor Beta 1 (TGF‐β1) was down‐regulated in hsa‐miR‐134‐5p‐overexpressed senescent EPCs and addition of TGF‐β1 suppressed the angiogenic improvement. Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) disclosed expression levels of hsa‐miR‐134‐5p altered in adult life, reaching a peak before 65 years, and then falling in advanced age. Calculation of the Framingham risk score showed the score inversely correlates with the hsa‐miR‐134‐5p expression level. In summary, hsa‐miR‐134‐5p is involved in the regulation of senescence‐related change of angiogenic activity via TAB1‐p38 signalling and via TGF‐β1 reduction. Hsa‐miR‐134‐5p has a potential cellular rejuvenation effect in human senescent EPCs. Detection of human PBMC‐derived hsa‐miR‐134‐5p predicts cardiovascular risk.
Prorocentrum canariense sp. nov., a case of pseudo‐cryptic speciation in the cosmopolitan dinoflagellate P. compressum (Prorocentrales, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Gómez Fernando , Martel Quintana Antera , Rodríguez Coello Eduvigis , Raymond Eugenio , Salas Rafael , McClimon Jillian F. , Gómez Pinchetti Juan Luis
Published: July 2024

The planktonic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum compressum is widespread in warm and temperate seas. A strain identified as P. cf. compressum BEA 0681B isolated from the island of Gran Canaria, NE Atlantic Ocean, showed a divergence in rDNA/ITS phylogenies with respect to P. compressum. The Canarian strain was oval, with an average length‐to‐width ratio of 1.35, smooth thecal surface with less than 150 thecal pores, including oblique pores, sometimes with a bifurcated opening. In contrast, P. compressum was rounder, with a length‐to‐width ratio < 1.2, with reticulate‐foveate ornamentation and 200–300 pores per valve. We propose Prorocentrum canariense sp. nov. These species clustered as the most early‐branching lineage in the clade Prorocentrum sensu stricto. Although this clade mainly contains planktonic species, the closer relatives were the benthic species P. tsawwassenense and P. elegans. Interestingly, P. compressum and P. canariense sp. nov. are widely distributed in temperate and warm seas without an apparent morphological adaptation to planktonic life. The formation of two concentric hyaline mucilaginous walls could contribute to this success. We discuss the use of Prorocentrum bidens to solve the nomenclature issue of P. compressum that was described citing a diatom as basionym.
Modeling the growth behavior of Salmonella spp. in grated carrots inoculated with different inoculum levels stored at various temperatures
Authors: Omac Basri
Published: July 2024

The consumption of fresh and fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, has increased for the last decades for a healthy life and an adequate diet, but concerns regarding the microbial safety of them have been raised. The present study was conducted to develop predictive models for Salmonella spp. in grated carrots. The results showed that Salmonella spp. did not display growth at 5°C, but it grew in grated carrots at other temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 37°C) for both inoculum levels. Also, the inoculum levels affected the growth of this pathogen in grated carrots when the storage temperatures ranged from 15 to 25°C. The theoretical minimum temperatures calculated using the Huang model were 3.48 and 5.79°C for inoculum levels of 101 and 102 CFU/g, respectively. The primary and secondary models performed well in terms of agreement between experimental and estimated values. Furthermore, compared to the Ratkowsky model, the theoretical minimum temperature was given a more reasonable value using the Huang model. The models developed in the present study will be a useful input for future quantitative microbial risk assessment to appraise the proliferation of Salmonella spp. in grated carrots throughout the production process, storage, and distribution.
A single institutional clinical outcome for stages III and IV ovarian cancer patients treated with dose‐dense TC therapy in the frontline or first platinum‐sensitive relapse setting
Authors: Sueoka Kotaro , Kajimura Takuya , Sakai Takahiro , Tamehisa Tetsuro , Okada Maki , Tamura Isao , Taketani Toshiaki , Sugino Norihiro
Published: July 2024

Aim

Dose‐dense paclitaxel /carboplatin (ddTC) therapy was shown to be more effective against ovarian cancer than conventional tri‐weekly TC in the JGOG3016 study. However, two phase III studies performed after JGOG3016 did not show the same positive results. Because we have been using ddTC in the frontline or first platinum‐sensitive relapse of ovarian cancer, we investigated the clinical outcome of the patients treated with ddTC.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the response rate (RR), progression free survival (PFS) and adverse events of the patients who were treated with ddTC for stage III and IV epithelial ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer from January 2012 to December 2018.

Results

We analyzed 50 patients for frontline treatment and 11 patients for first platinum‐sensitive relapse treatment, excluding those receiving maintenance therapy. Among the patients that received frontline ddTC treatment, RR was 82.9% for those in a neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) setting and 85.0% for those in an adjuvant setting. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 20 months after initial therapy. Among 31 cases that achieved remission by frontline surgery and the following ddTC, 22 had a platinum‐sensitive relapse. RR of 11 patients treated with ddTC therapy alone for the first platinum‐sensitive relapse was 81.8%, and the median PFS of these patients was 22 months after the first recurrence.

Conclusions

ddTC therapy for advanced ovarian cancer achieved high response rates in all settings (NACT, adjuvant or platinum‐sensitive relapse). ddTC therapy was effective for improving the prognosis of patients with stages III and IV of ovarian cancer.
Performance of novel collagen turnover biomarkers to detect increased liver stiffness in MASLD
Authors: Hegmar Hannes , Wiggers Thomas , Nasr Patrik , Vessby Johan , Kechagias Stergios , Nyhlin Nils , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Borssén Åsa Danielsson , Strandberg Rickard , Karsdal Morten , Leeming Diana Julie , Ekstedt Mattias , Hagström Hannes
Published: July 2024

Background

Cleavage products from collagen formation and degradation hold potential as first‐line biomarkers for the risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we evaluated the performance of PRO‐C3, PRO‐C6, C4M, PRO‐C18L, and the clinical score ADAPT (age, diabetes, PRO‐C3, and platelet count) to detect patients with an LSM >8 kPa or >12 kPa in comparison to the Fibrosis‐4 Index (FIB‐4).

Methods

Serum from patients with MASLD (n = 269) from six Swedish University Hospitals was analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based methods. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration‐controlled transient elastography was performed. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and net benefit analysis were used.

Results

An LSM >8 kPa was found in 108 (40.1%) patients. PRO‐C3, PRO‐C6, C4M, and PRO‐C18L had AUCs ranging from 0.48 to 0.62. ADAPT had the highest AUC (0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67–0.79) to detect patients >8 kPa, compared to FIB‐4 (0.71, (95%CI = 0.64–0.77, p = 0.35), and had a higher net benefit compared to FIB‐4 from a probability threshold of 15%. FIB‐4 and ADAPT performed equally well to detect patients with an LSM >12 kPa, AUC 0.76 versus 0.76, p = 0.93.

Conclusions

ADAPT seems to be marginally better than FIB‐4 in identifying patients with an LSM >8 kPa. However, the clinical utility of ADAPT as a first line test is uncertain, especially in low‐risk populations. The overall performance of FIB‐4 was similar to that of ADAPT in detecting patients with an LSM of >12 kPa. Altogether, the results suggest that ADAPT might be useful to detect earlier stages of fibrosis in MASLD, but that FIB‐4 remains a first‐line test for advanced fibrosis.
Assessing the environmental performance of green mortgage‐backed securities
Authors: Devine Avis , McCollum Meagan
Published: July 2024

The green bond market is growing substantially, bringing with it a focus on economic and environmental performance. Yet while extensive work exists examining the former, there is little concrete evidence regarding the efficacy of green bond use‐of‐proceeds. Concurrently, the demand for ESG‐compliant investments provides an opportunity to direct capital toward the rehabilitation of one of the most energy‐intensive asset classes: real estate. One program in this space, the Fannie Mae Green Rewards green bond program, offers incentives to borrowers to increase multifamily building energy and water efficiency. Although all program participants must complete a set of preapproved projects targeting energy and water efficiency within 12 months of loan origination, there exists substantial variation in the realization of postorigination efficiency outcomes, and in the variation between projected and actual efficiency improvements. We find that fixed interest rates and supplemental financing loan structures are associated with postorigination energy efficiency improvements, as are newer, larger, and high‐quality assets. However, the ex ante estimates of efficiency savings provided to prospective investors prove unrelated to the efficiency outcomes. These findings highlight opportunities to improve program transparency and calibration across the green bond universe.
Workplace factors related to health care leader well‐being in rural settings
Authors: Sullivan Erin E. , Stephenson Amber L. , DePuccio Matthew J. , Anderson Benjamin , Auxier Bill , Henderson John , Linzer Mark
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To examine which workplace factors contribute to health care leader well‐being in rural settings.

Methods

Working with two rurally focused organizations, we administered a Rural Leader Burnout survey to executive leaders. The survey contained 25 questions; 24 were closed‐item multiple choice and 1 open‐ended question. The survey was based on the Mini Z 10 item burnout survey with 5 additional items for leaders. Logistic regression and qualitative content analysis determined factors associated with job satisfaction, burnout, and intent to leave (ITL).

Findings

There were 288 respondents (response rate 22%). Of 272 with complete data, 61.4% were women and 51.8% had worked > 10 years. About 81% reported job satisfaction, 40.2% were burned out, and 49.8% intended to leave their administrative roles within 2 years. Factors statistically associated with satisfaction were work control (OR = 3.0), values alignment with leadership (OR = 2.1), and trust in organization (OR = 2.0). Work control (OR = 0.3), trust in organization (OR = 0.4), and stress (OR = 4.1) were associated with burnout. Trust in organization (OR = 0.5), feeling valued (OR = 0.6), and stress (OR = 1.8) associated with ITL. Qualitative data revealed three themes relevant to rural leaders: (1) industry challenges, (2) daily operational issues, and (3) difficult relationships.

Conclusions

These exploratory analyses demonstrate practical ways to improve work conditions to mitigate burnout and turnover in rural leaders. Promoting thriving in leaders would be an important step in maintaining the rural health care workforce.
Narcolepsy and rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Biscarini Francesco , Barateau Lucie , Pizza Fabio , Plazzi Giuseppe , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: July 2024

Since the first description of narcolepsy at the end of the 19th Century, great progress has been made. The disease is nowadays distinguished as narcolepsy type 1 and type 2. In the 1960s, the discovery of rapid eye movement sleep at sleep onset led to improved understanding of core sleep‐related disease symptoms of the disease (excessive daytime sleepiness with early occurrence of rapid eye movement sleep, sleep‐related hallucinations, sleep paralysis, rapid eye movement parasomnia), as possible dysregulation of rapid eye movement sleep, and cataplexy resembling an intrusion of rapid eye movement atonia during wake. The relevance of non‐sleep‐related symptoms, such as obesity, precocious puberty, psychiatric and cardiovascular morbidities, has subsequently been recognized. The diagnostic tools have been improved, but sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods on polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Test remain key criteria. The pathogenic mechanisms of narcolepsy type 1 have been partly elucidated after the discovery of strong HLA class II association and orexin/hypocretin deficiency, a neurotransmitter that is involved in altered rapid eye movement sleep regulation. Conversely, the causes of narcolepsy type 2, where cataplexy and orexin deficiency are absent, remain unknown. Symptomatic medications to treat patients with narcolepsy have been developed, and management has been codified with guidelines, until the recent promising orexin‐receptor agonists. The present review retraces the steps of the research on narcolepsy that linked the features of the disease with rapid eye movement sleep abnormality, and those that do not appear associated with rapid eye movement sleep.
Efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate: A single‐center prospective randomized controlled trial (VAPOR TRIAL)
Authors: Seki Narihito , Masaoka Hiroyuki , Song Yoohyun , Dejima Takashi , Sato Yoshiaki , Maeda Shotaro
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate (photo‐selective vaporization of the prostate, contact laser vaporization of the prostate, and thulium laser vaporization).

Methods

This randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, single‐center superiority trial with a 12‐week observation (jRCTs071190040) enrolled male patients with OAB aged 40 years or older who had undergone laser vaporization of the prostate for not less than 12 weeks and not more than 1 year earlier. Patients were allocated to receive Vibegron 50 mg once daily or follow‐up without treatment for 12 weeks.

Results

Forty‐seven patients were enrolled between January 2020 and March 2023. The median age (interquartile range) was 75.5 (72.5–78.5) years for the Vibegron group and 76.5 (71.0–81.0) years for the control group. The intergroup difference in the mean change (95% confidence interval) in the 24‐hour urinary frequency at 12 weeks after randomization was −3.66 (−4.99, −2.33), with a significant decrease for the Vibegron group. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS storage score, and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire score significantly improved for the Vibegron group. Voided volume per micturition also increased for the Vibegron group.

Conclusions

The administration of 50 mg of Vibegron once daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvement compared with follow‐up without treatment in bladder storage (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
African philosophy cannot be a thing
Authors: Odeyemi Idowu
Published: July 2024

This essay unpacks several arguments about the metaphilosophic nature of African philosophy and charts a way through the problems these arguments encounter. It argues that we must be careful in our attempt to define African philosophy conceptually. Because to define it is to limit it—and to limit it is to conserve it and lead it to a cesspool. It also argues that finding a single meaning for African philosophy is not a rich endeavour, because, just like Western philosophy, African philosophy should not be a thing but be a vast array of things. The argument, one hopes, is taken as a normative rather than a merely prescriptive enterprise.
Predicting symptom severity in PSTVd‐infected tomato plants using the PSTVd genome sequence
Authors: Sun Jianqiang , Matsushita Yosuke
Published: July 2024

Viroids, one of the smallest known infectious agents, induce symptoms of varying severity, ranging from latent to severe, based on the combination of viroid isolates and host plant species. Because viroids are transmissible between plant species, asymptomatic viroid‐infected plants may serve as latent sources of infection for other species that could exhibit severe symptoms, occasionally leading to agricultural and economic losses. Therefore, predicting the symptoms induced by viroids in host plants without biological experiments could remarkably enhance control measures against viroid damage. Here, we developed an algorithm using unsupervised machine learning to predict the severity of disease symptoms caused by viroids (e.g., potato spindle tuber viroid; PSTVd) in host plants (e.g., tomato). This algorithm, mimicking the RNA silencing mechanism thought to be linked to viroid pathogenicity, requires only the genome sequences of the viroids and host plants. It involves three steps: alignment of synthetic short sequences of the viroids to the host plant genome, calculation of the alignment coverage, and clustering of the viroids based on coverage using UMAP and DBSCAN. Validation through inoculation experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the algorithm in predicting the severity of disease symptoms induced by viroids. As the algorithm only requires the genome sequence data, it may be applied to any viroid and plant combination. These findings underscore a correlation between viroid pathogenicity and the genome sequences of viroid isolates and host plants, potentially aiding in the prevention of viroid outbreaks and the breeding of viroid‐resistant crops.
Are Rattus rattus fleas invasive? Evaluation of flea communities in invasive and native rodents in Chile
Authors: Lizama‐Schmeisser Nicol , de Castro Elaine Serafin , Espinoza‐Carniglia Mario , Herrera Yessica , Silva‐de La Fuente María Carolina , Lareschi Marcela , Moreno Lucila
Published: July 2024

Co‐invasion, characterized by the simultaneous introduction of hosts and parasites with the latter establishing themselves in native hosts, is a phenomenon of ecological concern. Rattus rattus, a notorious invasive species, has driven the extinction and displacement of numerous avian and mammalian species and serves as a key vector for diseases affecting both humans and wildlife. Among the parasites hosted by R. rattus are fleas, which exhibit obligate parasitic behaviour, a generalist nature and high prevalence, increasing the likelihood of flea invasion. Simultaneously, invasive species can serve as hosts for native parasites, leading to potential amplification or dilution of parasite populations in the environment. In Chile, R. rattus has been present since the 17th century because of the arrival of the Spanish colonizers through the ports and has spread throughout urban, rural and wild Chilean territories. This study aims to evaluate whether co‐invasion of native fleas of invasive rats occurs on native rodents in Chile and to determine whether black rats have acquired flea native to Chile during their invasion. For this, we captured 1132 rodents from 26 localities (20° S–53° S). Rattus rattus was found coexisting with 11 native rodent species and two species of introduced rodents. Among the native rodents, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus exhibited more extensive sympatry with R. rattus. We identified 14 flea species associated with R. rattus, of which only three were native to rats: Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. These three species presented a higher parasite load in black rats compared to native fleas. Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were also found associated with native rodent species that cohabit with R. rattus. The remaining species associated with R. rattus were fleas of native rodents, although they were less abundant compared to those associated with native rodents, except for Neotyphloceras pardinasi and Sphinctopsylla ares. Although there has been evidence of flea transmission from rats to native species, the prevalence and abundance were relatively low. Therefore, it cannot be definitively concluded that these fleas have established themselves in native rodent populations, and hence, they cannot be classified as invasive fleas. This study underscores R. rattus’ adaptability to diverse environmental and geographical conditions in Chile, including its capacity to acquire fleas from native rodents. This aspect has critical implications for public health, potentially facilitating the spread of pathogens across various habitats where these rats are found.
The Last Bastion is Falling: Survey Evidence of the New Family Reality in Italy
Authors: Aassve Arnstein , Mencarini Letizia , Pirani Elena , Vignoli Daniele
Published: July 2024

The study makes use of the 2016 Household Multipurpose Survey of Family, Social Subjects, and Life Cycle to demonstrate that family‐related behavior is now rapidly changing in Italy. The country is often taken as a stronghold of traditionalism. We, instead, highlight recent and substantial changes in cohabitation, dissolution, and nonmarital fertility in the country. In doing so, we carefully assess the predictions made by the Second Demographic Transition (SDT) and show that trends in Italy are monotonically moving in the direction of the SDT. There are, though, important differences across educational groups and regions, that is, family‐related behavior is also changing in the South of Italy in much the same way but not at the same speed as in the rest of the country.
Investigating perceived core disaster competencies of nurses in Iran: A case study of northwest hospitals
Authors: Ziapour Arash , Darabi Fatemeh , Rostami Fatemeh , Motevaseli Sayeh , Sharma Manoj , Chaboksavar Fakhreddin , Yildirim Murat , Kianipour Neda
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study was carried out to investigate the perception of the main competencies of disaster management in Iranian emergency department nurses in 2023 in hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.

The present study was conducted to explore the perceived core disaster competencies in nurses of hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2023.

Background

Due to the rise in natural disasters, their escalating severity and associated regulatory response necessitate a closer look at the preparedness and core competencies of nursing personnel. The main competencies of nurses are necessary to deal with disasters in unexpected events, and they are expected to use their professional expertise to provide the required nursing services to reduce the risks caused by disasters.

Methodology

This descriptive‐analytical study was conducted cross‐sectionally between May and September 2023. In the study, a sample of 384 nurses working in the departments of four hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences was selected through a random stratification. The data collection instrument was a 45‐item scale of nursesʼ perceived core competencies (NPDCC) in handling disasters. The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and independent samples t‐test. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

The mean total score of perceived core disaster competencies was 139.11 ± 37.65. The technical skills subscale got the highest score (51.81 ± 11.28) and critical thinking skills received the lowest (9.74 ± 3.92). Also, “technical skills” had the highest average and “critical thinking skills” had the lowest average in all three age groups. The results found a significant difference between the scores of nurses in perceived core disaster competencies in age groups, work environments, education degrees, marital statuses, and experiences of attending disaster workshops (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The results showed that nurses had different levels of core disaster competencies in the department. There are gaps in the core disaster nursing competencies that need to be filled. Nursing managers should consistently evaluate the core nursing competencies to achieve efficacious disaster preparedness. To this aim, it is recommended that authorities implement training courses and programs to enhance the preparedness of nurses in responding to disasters.
Phenotypic plasticity rather than ecotypic differentiation explains the broad realized niche of a Neotropical orchid species
Authors: de Lima T. M. , da Silva S. F. , Sánchez‐Vilas J. , Júnior W. L. S. , Mayer J. L. S. , Ribeiro R. V. , Pinheiro F.
Published: July 2024

Local adaptation is common in plant species, and knowing whether a population is locally adapted has fundamental and applied relevance. However, local adaptation in tropical plants remains largely less studied, and covering this gap is not simple since reciprocal transplantation – the gold standard for detecting local adaptation – is not feasible for most species. Here, we combined genetic, climatic and phenotypic data to investigate ecotypic differentiation, an important aspect of local adaptation, in coastal and inland populations of the orchid Epidendrum fulgens Brongn., a long‐lived tropical plant for which reciprocal transplantation would not be feasible.

We used nine microsatellite markers to estimate genetic divergence between inland and coastal populations. Moreover, occurrence data and climate data were used to test for differences in the realized niche of those populations. Finally, we assessed saturated water content, leaf specific area, height, and stomatal density in common garden and in situ to investigate the effects of ecotypic differentiation and plasticity on the phenotype.

Coastal and inland groups' niches do not overlap, the former occupying a wetter and warmer area. However, this differentiation does not seem to be driven by ecotypic differentiation since there was no positive correlation between genetic structure and climate dissimilarity. Moreover, specific leaf area and leaf saturated water content, which are important phenotypic traits related to soil fertility and drought stress, were rather plastic.

We conclude that ecotypic differentiation is absent, since phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism explaining the niche broadness of this species.
Improved livestock production system and welfare in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Musa Hasen , Tesfaye Wondimagegn Mesfin
Published: July 2024

While a lot has been written on the socio‐economic and welfare impacts of agricultural technologies, there has been a bias toward crop production systems to the neglect of improved livestock production methods and technologies. This paper explores the welfare impacts of improved livestock production practices and technologies using data from a low‐income country. Using an econometrics technique that corrects selection bias, the paper shows that the adoption of improved livestock production practices has a positive impact on household welfare, measured by consumption expenditure and diet quality. The study also identified increased consumption of animal source foods, reducing animal death and income from the sale of animals as potential mechanisms through which such improvements in livestock production affect family welfare.
Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations can affect the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Miyamoto Tatsuki , Fukunaga Yuki , Munakata Ai , Murai Katsushi
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) contain various autoantibodies, including those against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADAb), a valuable biomarker of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Passive transfer of GADAb from IVIgs to patients poses a risk of misdiagnosis, and information on the specific titres of GADAb and their impact on diagnostic accuracy remains limited. This study aimed to provide further insights into the origin of GADAb detected in patient serum following IVIg infusion.

Materials and Methods

GADAb titres in IVIg products from Japan and the United States were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based assays. For reliable quantification, GADAb titres in pooled plasma were quantified and compared with those in the IVIg products. The determined titres were used to estimate the likelihood of passively detecting acquired GADAb in individuals receiving IVIgs.

Results

GADAbs were prevalent in IVIg products; however, the titres varied significantly among different lots and products. Importantly, IVIg‐derived GADAb was estimated to remain detectable in patient serum for up to 100 days following a dosage of 2000 mg/kg.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider that IVIg preparations may contain GADAb, which can lead to false‐positive results in serological assays. Careful interpretation of the assay results is key to the definitive diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Extent, range, and nature of studies examining sleep in nurses: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Baljak Gabriele Raine , Marnie Casey , Clarke Jarrod , Peters Micah D.J. , Matricciani Lisa
Published: July 2024

Objective:

This scoping review aims to comprehensively map the extent, range, and nature of studies that examine the various dimensions of nurses’ sleep across all health care settings or countries.

Introduction:

Over the past 2 decades, the importance of sleep for nurses has gained increasing attention from health care administrators, researchers, and policymakers. Despite growing research in the area, it remains unclear as to how research on sleep in nurses aligns with emerging concepts in sleep medicine more broadly, particularly in terms of how outcomes and predictors are associated with different dimensions of sleep.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider sources of evidence reporting on nurses who hold professional accreditation, such as a registered nurse or equivalent, regardless of career stage or specialty. This review will include primary studies that examine nurses’ sleep. All dimensions of sleep (eg, duration, timing, variability, quality, common disorders) reported objectively or subjectively will be considered for inclusion.

Methods:

This review will follow a modified version of the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), Emcare (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Scopus. A 3-step search strategy will be undertaken to identify primary studies published in English, with no date limit. Both double-screening and single-screening of titles and abstract records and of full-text reports will be used, with discussion to resolve any conflicts prior to single-screening. Data extraction will similarly involve duplicate extraction, followed by single extraction, with discrepancies resolved in a group meeting as needed. The data extracted will include specific details about the nursing population, sleep dimension, outcome measures, methodology, and key findings. Figurative, tabular, and accompanying narrative synthesis will be used to present the results in line with the review questions.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/rzc4m
Participatory research in mental health care services in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Krishnan Naveen , Sunder Poornima , Lalachan Nithin , Mohan Monisha , Venkateswaran Chitra , John Denny
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the characteristics of participatory research approaches in mental health care services conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Introduction:

Developing countries have a treatment gap of 76% to 85% for mental disorders. Participatory research can help understand community perspectives, which, in turn, helps develop sustainable, contextually specific services. Although participatory research appears promising, especially in the context of LMICs, the field is heterogeneous in terms of the methods used; the various stakeholders; the design, implementation, and evaluation of services; and outcome measures.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include all studies on participatory research in mental health care services in LMICs. All types of participants (eg, children/adolescent/adults, gender, rural/urban) and settings will be considered.

Methods:

The proposed review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and unpublished studies will be searched for in PubMed, Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Google Scholar (first 10 pages). We will also search for gray literature and screen reference lists of relevant systematic and scoping reviews. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts of the studies, followed by full-text screening. Data will be extracted using a predefined form. The findings will be descriptively presented with supporting tables and diagrams, accompanied by a narrative summary.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/cn54r