bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing competence development of lecturers in library and information science in Vietnam
Authors: Ninh Thi Kim Thoa , Nguyen Hong Sinh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This article aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing lecturers’ need to develop their competencies in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS), with a specific focus on the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs an interview method to collect data from lecturers on LIS at USSH, VNU-HCM. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to the qualitative methodology of content analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that individual, organizational, disciplinary and professional factors significantly impact the competence development of LIS lecturers. Detailed information about the components of each factor, particularly the roles of professional awareness, career goals, motivation and time management skills is also provided.

Research limitations/implications

This article is limited by a restricted interview participant pool and a sole focus on one university. The study recommends expanding the inclusion of participants to ensure a more diverse perspective and enhance the applicability of the findings.

Practical implications

The research findings offer valuable insights for designing policies, training programs and work environments for lecturers within educational and training institutions in the LIS field.

Originality/value

This study provides a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities for developing human resources in the LIS sector in Vietnam.
Analyzing research data repositories (RDR) from BRICS nations: a comprehensive study
Authors: Naheem K.T. , Mir Aasif Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the current status and different characteristic features of research data repositories established by BRICS nations in order to understand the research data infrastructure within BRICS countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from the re3data repository (http://www.re3data.org/), focusing specifically on BRICS nations. The data were analyzed to grasp the current status of research data repositories in BRICS countries. The dataset was retrieved on March 2, 2024. A total of 195 Research Data Repositories (RDRs) originating from BRICS countries were identified and selected for comprehensive analysis.

Findings

As of March 2, 2024, re3data.org indexes a total of 3,192 Research Data Repositories (RDRs) worldwide, with BRICS nations contributing 195. China leads among BRICS nations, followed by India, Russia, and Brazil. Scientific and Statistical Formats are the most shared content categories, followed closely by Standard Office Documents. There is notable diversity in the subjects covered by RDRs across BRICS nations. English is the primary interface language, followed by Chinese and Portuguese. “House, tailor-made” software is widely used for creating RDRs, followed by Dataverse and DSpace. Fourteen metadata standards are found, with Dublin Core metadata being the most prevalent, followed by the DataCite Metadata Scheme. Most repositories are disciplinary, followed by institutional ones. Most repositories specify data upload types, with “restricted” being the most common, followed by closed types. Open access is predominant in data access, followed by restricted access and embargo periods, while a small number restrict access entirely.

Originality/value

The present study will help gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the RDRs of BRICS nations and also learn how open these RDRs are for data access and upload provisions. The study contributes to a broader comprehension of the accessibility and usability of research data within the BRICS community, ultimately fostering greater transparency, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination within the scientific community, thus fostering greater innovation and advancement in research endeavors. The study provides a nuanced understanding of the research data infrastructure within BRICS nations, highlighting key trends, strengths, and areas for potential improvement.
Financial well-being in supported accommodation: an analysis of the nature and extent of clients’ financial problems and support strategies
Authors: Albers Wendy , Roeg Diana
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Due to the deinstitutionalization, many individuals with severe mental illness are able to live independently nowadays, by making use of supported accommodation. The financial well-being of these individuals significantly influences their overall quality of life, yet this aspect remains underexplored. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the financial circumstances of supported accommodation clients and the specific support mechanisms they rely on.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation involved an examination of electronic patient records from a large supported accommodation organization. Additionally, an online questionnaire was distributed to staff members to elucidate the prevalence of financial support among clients, the nature of such support and the extent of financial challenges they face.

Findings

In total, 25% of clients were found to be in debt, with a majority carrying debts exceeding €5,000. Financial support was extended to over half of the supported accommodation clients. Notably, 17% of clients with intricate financial issues were assigned to a budget coach. The most common forms of support included assistance with financial administration and protective guardianship, whereas clients with more complex problems primarily received support in budget management and financial skill development.

Originality/value

This study highlights a significant prevalence of financial challenges among supported accommodation clients. Recommendations include investing in staff training programs to further develop knowledge and skills. Additionally, the effectiveness of current financial support initiatives requires further investigation.
Exploring innovativeness, need for uniqueness and brand tiers in the sharing economy
Authors: Espinosa Sáez Daniel , Delgado-Ballester Elena , Munuera Alemán José Luis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In a context where the sharing economy (SE) plays an important role in the transformation of today’s business landscape, profoundly changing the behavior of consumers and many established companies, some companies have begun to adapt to SE by incorporating its value propositions into their business models. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study the role of consumer innovativeness, brand levels and the need for uniqueness on the way to attitudes and intentions to participate in SE.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the data through an online user survey, achieving a total sample of 717. The data were first analyzed using structural equation modeling and then combined with the use of the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings provide empirical evidence of the antecedents of consumer innovativeness in a SE context and its role in explaining consumer attitudes and intentions to participate in non-ownership consumption. Furthermore, they also demonstrate that brand tiers and the need for uniqueness moderate the relationship between intentions and participation.

Originality/value

The results of this study contribute to the theoretical development of the SE by presenting the first conceptual model that considers including the brand tiers effect and connects it to two leading theories on consumer behavior (diffusion of innovations theory and uniqueness theory). In addition, the study’s findings provide valuable insights for sharing platforms and traditional companies that choose to participate in the collaborative economy.
How do technological media accelerate sustainable development? Mediating role of good governance and empowerment
Authors: Nasrolahi Vosta Leila , Jalilvand Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how technological media accelerates sustainable development. Further, the mediating role of good governance and society empowerment would be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 450 students at the level of higher education using stratified sampling plan. Following a two-step approach, a measurement model was estimated and then a structural model was analyzed to evaluate five proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The research results indicate that technological media has a direct and positive effect on good governance, empowerment and sustainable development; technological media has an indirect and positive influence on sustainable development via good governance and empowerment as mediating variables; good governance and empowerment are significant antecedents of sustainable development.

Originality/value

The research examines the relationship among technological media, good governance, empowerment and sustainable development, thus contributing to sustainable development literature theoretically. In addition, relevant implications are provided for policymakers as to how to accelerate development sustainably across their countries.
Comparative study of efficacy and safety: Biosimilar rituximab versus originator rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus
Authors: Shin Sang Heon , Kim Jae Yeon , Kim Soo‐Chan , Kim Jong Hoon
Published: June 2024

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 antigen in B cells. For pemphigus, rituximab has been highly effective in steroid‐sparing therapy for moderate to severe cases. Originator rituximab has demonstrated favorable treatment effects in patients with pemphigus, but its high cost remains a challenge. Biosimilar rituximab is expected to offer a potential solution. However, it is required for the comparative study of efficacy and safety between biosimilar and originator because all biosimilars may not be identical to the originator. In this study, we compared the treatment effects and safety of biosimilar (Truxima) and originator (MabThera) rituximab in patients with pemphigus. A final cohort of 52 patients in the MabThera group and 72 patients in the Truxima group was enrolled. Except for the intravenous immunoglobulin administration rate, there were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, and for the purpose of comparing efficacy, investigations into time to complete remission, total steroid intake to complete remission, and total steroid intake for 6 months following rituximab treatment revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Truxima can be considered a relatively affordable alternative treatment option for pemphigus, offering cost‐effectiveness to patients who are indicated for the treatment with MabThera.
International ownership and SMEs in Middle Eastern and African economies
Authors: Baliamoune‐Lutz Mina , Basuony Mohamed A. K. , Lutz Stefan H. H. , Mohamed Ehab K. A.
Published: June 2024

Empirical evidence on the benefits of international ownership for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) financial performance is either not available for most African and Middle Eastern countries or presents mixed results. In this paper, we investigate this further by examining the effects of ownership structure on firm performance, using financial data covering SMEs in 60 African and Middle Eastern countries, for the years 2006–2015. Results from pooled ordinary least squares and random‐effects estimations indicate that international ownership is significantly positively correlated with firm performance for (most of) Africa and the Middle East. Examining the interaction of international ownership with capital resources, we find that internationally owned firms do not use capital more efficiently than locally owned firms, implying that internationally owned firms use international resources—other than capital—more efficiently.
Big‐brained alien birds tend to occur climatic niche shifts through enhanced behavioral innovation
Authors: JIN Long , JIANG Ying , HAN Lixia , LUAN Xiaofeng , LIU Xuan , LIAO Wenbo
Published: June 2024

Identifying climatic niche shift and its influencing factors is of great significance in predicting the risk of alien species invasions accurately. Previous studies have attempted to identify the factors related to the niche shift of alien species in their invaded ranges, including changes in introduction history, selection of exact climate predictors, and anthropogenic factors. However, the effect of species‐level traits on niche shift remains largely unexplored, especially those reflecting the species' adaptation ability to new environments. Based on the occurrence data of 117 successful alien bird invaders at a global scale, their native and invaded climatic niches were compared, and the potential influencing factors were identified. Our results show the niche overlap was low, with more than 75% of the non‐native birds representing climatic niche shift (i.e. >10% niche expansion). In addition, 85% of the species showed a large proportion (mean ± SD, 39% ± 21%) of niche unfilling. Relative brain size (RBS) after accounting for body size had no direct effect on niche shift, but path analysis showed that RBS had an indirect effect on niche shift by acting on behavioral innovation primarily on technical innovation rather than consumer innovation. These findings suggested the incorporation of species’ important behavioral adaptation traits may be promising to develop future prediction frameworks of biological invasion risk in response to the continued global change.
Communication and collaboration skills training in radiation oncology: A quantitative validation survey
Authors: Knox Matthew Charles , Naehrig Diana , Chin Yaw Sinn
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Communication and collaboration are integral in radiation oncology practice. A recently published qualitative study identified several deficiencies in skills development for Australian/New Zealand trainees. We aim to validate these findings to guide curriculum development.

Methods

A quantitative survey was developed through an iterative process, using themes identified in the previous qualitative investigation. This survey was distributed to radiation oncologists and trainees across Australia and New Zealand via email. Data collection and management utilised the REDCap system. Question types varied to maximise richness of data, including ranking, likert‐scales and free‐text questions. Results are primarily reported descriptively.

Results

Totally 35 participants submitted completed survey responses with broad representation across geography, gender and clinician seniority. To learn communication, participants reported strong preferences towards informal observation (60% agreement) and self‐reflection (49% agreement), and against online learning (77% disagreement) methodologies. Nearly 35% acknowledge poor communication at least weekly, with time pressure being a major barrier (63% agreement). Clinical uncertainty and existing patient/family assumptions (both 74% agreement) contribute to difficulties in breaking bad news, with online learning being the only negatively perceived training modality (23% agreement). No participants reported any formal training/mentoring in multi‐disciplinary team (MDT) engagement. Conflict was commonly witnessed/experienced (97%) and 26% of participants avoid MDTs due to difficulties experienced.

Conclusions

This study validates the themes previously identified. We identified a strong preference for informal learning methodologies and against online modules, discordant to published literature. Effective collaboration within MDTs is identified as a particular area of need. We recommend future curriculum modification considers these results to maximise efficacy.
Slovakia: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: LÁŠTIC ERIK
Published: June 2024

Two interim cabinets extended the legitimacy crisis that began in December 2022, after the Heger II Cabinet lost a no‐confidence vote. The early parliamentary election in September 2023 underscored public dissatisfaction with the coalition's management of domestic and global challenges, propelling Robert Fico's Direction‐Social Democracy (SMER–Sociálna demokracia) back into power for the fourth time.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of chemotherapy‐induced mucositis: Physiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Heindryckx Femke , Sjöblom Markus
Published: June 2024

Chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment for cancer, but these drugs are also associated with significant side effects affecting patients' well‐being. One such debilitating side effect is mucositis, characterized by inflammation, ulcerations, and altered physiological functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract's mucosal lining. Understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy‐induced intestinal mucositis (CIM) is crucial for developing effective preventive measures and supportive care. Chemotherapeutics not only target cancer cells but also rapidly dividing cells in the GI tract. These drugs disrupt endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, leading to ER‐stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in various intestinal epithelial cell types. The UPR triggers signaling pathways that exacerbate tissue inflammation and damage, influence the differentiation and fate of intestinal epithelial cells, and compromise the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. These factors contribute significantly to mucositis development and progression. In this review, we aim to give an in‐depth overview of the role of ER‐stress in mucositis and its impact on GI function. This will provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and highlighting potential therapeutic interventions that could improve treatment‐outcomes and the quality of life of cancer patients.
Perspectives of primary school teachers on the capacity of schools to support post‐pandemic health needs emerging among school‐age children
Authors: Bennett Annemarie E.
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on capacity building for health promotion in primary schools from the perspectives of primary school teachers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted via an anonymous online survey between February and May 2022. Three‐quarters (n2460) of all schools in the Republic of Ireland were invited to participate. Demographics such as gender, teaching experience, school type and delivering equality of opportunity in schools (DEIS) designation were collected. Perceived capacity for health promotion was measured on a 10‐point Likert scale. Facilitators and barriers related to health promotion and aspects of child health prioritised for health promotion in the 2 years after restrictions eased were explored via closed‐ and open‐ended questions.

Results

Of the 595 responses, 493 were eligible for analysis. Participants were based in schools in every county in the Republic of Ireland, with most (85.4%, n421) being female. Almost a third (30.5%, n150) were 11–20 years post‐qualification, and a quarter (25.2%, n124) had over 30 years' teaching experience. Mean capacity for school‐based health promotion pre‐pandemic was moderate, at 6.6 ± 2.2 on a 10‐point scale. Mean capacity in spring 2022 decreased significantly (p < 0.001) to 4.1 ± 2.4, indicating poor capacity. Capacity ratings did not significantly differ by school type (p = 0.31), socioeconomic designation (p = 0.27) or years post‐qualification (p = 0.08). Capacity decrements were most frequently (49.7%, n245) attributed to organisational factors, while individual and community‐level factors were cited by 27.6% (n136) and 21.5% (n106) of respondents, respectively. Healthy eating significantly (p < 0.001) decreased as a priority for health promotion between pre‐pandemic times (76.3%, n376) and spring 2022 (23.1%, n114). Mental health significantly (p < 0.01) increased as a priority, being listed by 38.1% (n188) as a priority pre‐pandemic and doubling to 72.6% (n358) in spring 2022.

Conclusions

Fostering a holistic approach to health promotion in schools remains a challenge. Further efforts are needed to support schools to implement sustainable and balanced systems of health promotion.
“Intuitive districts”: Agentive images in a post‐socialist city
Authors: Humphrey Caroline
Published: June 2024

Anyone who has lived in a city knows that, separately from the administrative or electoral districts, there are districts that exist in the imagination. Areas of the city seem to have a distinctive character and ethos. The article suggests that such notional place‐forming occurs spontaneously through everyday sensations, life activities, and events and is spontaneously evaluative and comparative. In these ways, a notion of “intuitive district” differs from externally given analytical concepts commonly used in the literature to categorize urban divisions, such as neighborhood or quartier. Intuitive districts are subjective but also widely shared in urban communications. The article argues that they have an objective agency: They influence people's decisions, what they care about, how they move around the city, and interact (or do not interact) with other residents. Using the example of one post‐socialist city in Russia (Ulan‐Ude), the article explores how intuitive directs have formed and shows how their existence can have effect on highly diverse urban processes and actions, from the formation of gangland territories to house prices, from religious intensification to providing the foundation for public protest.
Perspectives on forestry management: How do bats fit in?
Authors: Hohoff Tara , Rogness Brittany , Davis Mark
Published: June 2024

In the last decade, bat conservation guidance has received increasing attention, as many United States bat species are in decline due to white‐nose syndrome and have been listed or considered for federal endangered species status. Research on how these species are impacted by forestry management decisions has advanced to provide specific conservation actions for these imperiled species. We set out to better understand the level of knowledge land managers had in relation to forestry techniques and their impact on wildlife conservation in order to more effectively strategize how we can efficiently provide educational resources. We surveyed 78 land managers in Illinois to identify their priorities for management and how familiar they were with forestry management guidelines for bat conservation. We followed up with a subset of voluntary participants with semistructured phone interviews to generate more in‐depth responses. Using these tools, we reveal that a top priority for most managers in Illinois is invasive species management. Most have some familiarity with bat conservation actions, but few were confident in their knowledge of threatened and endangered species. Thirteen of the twenty phone interviews identified a preference for talking to/hearing from experts to receive information on bat conservation. These results highlighted where there are information gaps on best practices for forestry management from a conservation perspective, and identified how we can best address these through partnerships with land managers. Implementation of these practices is likely how recovery of these vulnerable species will happen—through protection of their basic needs, including availability of roosts, abundance of prey, and access to uncontaminated water resources.
Ecological scales of effect vary across space and time
Authors: Pease Brent S.
Published: June 2024

The spatial scale at which an environmental variable is summarized can have considerable impacts on ecological inference of species distribution and abundance. While several analytical approaches have emerged to determine biologically relevant spatial scales – the spatial scale that most strongly influences the ecological patterns observed – identifying key ecological drivers of scale of effect is still underway. Additionally, several predicted ecological drivers of scale of effect can vary across space and time, but little research on spatiotemporal patterns has occurred. Here, I assessed spatial and temporal variation in scales of effect across 32 North American bird species using 18 years of empirical data from the North American breeding bird survey. Scale estimation was then coupled with trait‐based analyses and hypotheses testing of underlying processes of spatial and temporal variation in scales of effect. All 32 species tested exhibited varied scales of effect across years (average annual scales of effect ranging from 0.2 to 4.97 km) and Bird Conservation Regions (BCR), with spatial variability being the most pronounced. Trait‐based analyses revealed a contrary relationship between hand‐wing index, body size, and scale of effect, though the strength of this relationship was contingent on migratory status. Temporal variation in scales of effect was best explained by changes in human development over time, indicating that avian space use can be explained by an increasing human footprint. Additionally, relative population size, consistent with theoretical predictions stemming from density‐dependent population dynamics, explained notable variation in spatial and temporal scales of effect. These findings contribute to the growing landscape ecology literature by providing empirical evidence for hypothesized drivers of scales of effect. By delineating species‐specific scales of effect and elucidating their ecological drivers, this study enhances our understanding of spatial and temporal scales in ecological processes, aiding conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
Pronounced changes of subterranean biodiversity patterns along a Late Pleistocene glaciation gradient
Authors: Knüsel Mara , Alther Roman , Altermatt Florian
Published: June 2024

Understanding spatial patterns of biodiversity within the context of long‐term climatic shifts is of high importance, particularly in the face of contemporary climate change. In comparison to aboveground taxa, subterranean organisms respond to changing climates with generally much lower dispersal and recolonization potential, yet possible persistence in refugial groundwater habitats under ice‐shields. However, knowledge on general and geographically large‐scale effects of glaciation on contemporary groundwater biodiversity patterns is still very limited. Here, we tested how Late Pleistocene glaciation influenced the diversity and distribution of 36 groundwater amphipod species in Alpine and peri‐Alpine regions, characterized by extensive glaciation cycles, and how its legacy explains contemporary diversity patterns. We based our analysis on an unprecedented density of ~ 1000 systematic sampling sites across Switzerland. Using presence–absence data, we assessed biodiversity and species' ranges, and calculated for each site within‐catchment distance to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) glacier extent. We then applied a sliding window approach along the obtained distance gradient from LGM ice‐covered to ice‐free sites to compute biodiversity indices reflecting local richness, regional richness, and differentiation, respectively. We found a strong signal of the LGM ice extent on the present‐day distribution of groundwater amphipods. Our findings revealed pronounced species turnover and spatial envelopes of individual species' occurrences in formerly ice‐covered, ice‐free, or transitional zones, respectively. While local richness remained constant and low along the LGM distance gradient, groundwater communities in LGM ice‐covered areas were more similar to each other and had lower gamma diversities and decreased occurrence probabilities per sliding window compared to communities in Pleistocene ice‐free areas. These results highlight the significant impact of Pleistocene glaciation on shaping biodiversity patterns of subterranean communities and imprinting contemporary distribution of groundwater organisms.
Micromechanical modeling of longitudinal compression behavior and failure mechanism of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced aluminum composites involving initial fiber misalignment
Authors: Jiang Wengang , Wang Zhenjun , Liu Qipeng , Gao Yuehua , Wu Zhiyong , Xiong Bowen , Wang Fang , Yao Yufeng
Published: June 2024

A micromechanical model with realistic initial fiber misalignment (IFM) was developed to simulate the longitudinal compression behavior of unidirectional carbon fiber/aluminum composites. The matrix and fiber were modeled using ductile damage law and brittle fracture model, respectively. The interfacial properties were firstly determined by the single‐fiber push‐out and transverse tensile tests, and the cohesive zone model was adopted to capture the interfacial behavior. The calculated compressive response curve is in alignment with the experimental data. Compression failure can be attributed to fiber kinking, possibly triggered by the matrix shear damage. The increase of IFM angle makes the failure mode being transformed from fiber crushing to fiber kinking, along with a significant decrease in compressive strength. With the fiber content increasing, the compressive strength increases first and then decreases, while the compressive modulus increases monotonically. Increasing interfacial strength significantly improves the compressive strength, but this is limited by the matrix properties.
Rationalizing the Influence of Co‐Design on Distress, Clinical Decision‐Making and Disease Self‐Management of Cancer Patients‐as‐Partners: A Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Alrayshouni Zahraa , Dayekh Alaa , El‐Tassi Ahmad , Pakai Annamária
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cancer is regarded as a major worldwide burden. Patient distress has been linked to disease progression. Studies show that engagement strategies affect clinical decision‐making and patient outcomes. The optimal engagement method is a partnership that integrates the patient's expertise into the comprehensive co‐design of the healthcare system.

Objectives

This is the first study to investigate cancer patient‐as‐partner experience and its impact on distress levels, decision‐making and self‐management.

Methods

It is a quantitative and quasi‐experimental study that adopted a partnership committee at a Lebanese hospital. A stratified random sampling approach was used, and data were collected by self‐administered questionnaires. We utilized the standardized distress thermometer and PPEET.

Results

We recruited 100 patient partners. Cancer patients‐as‐partners had optimal engagement experience in QI projects (mean = 4; SD = 0.4). The main partnership benefit was improved hospitalization experience (49%). Almost half of PP reported no challenges faced (49%). Recommendations for improvement were training (19%), team dynamics management (12%) and proper time allocation (7%). The distress level post‐partnership was significantly reduced (t = 12.57, p < 0.0001). This study highlights the importance of partnership and ‎its ability to influence shared decision‐making preference [χ2(2) = 13.81, p = 0.025] and self‐management practices [F(3, 11.87) = 7.294, p = 0.005].

Conclusion

Research findings suggest that partners from disadvantaged groups can have optimal partnership experience. A partnership model of care can shape the healthcare system into a people‐oriented culture. Further research is needed to explore diverse PP engagement methodologies and their effect on organizational development.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and family members were engaged in the co‐design of the study methodology, especially the modification of a research instrument. Patient partners with lived experience were involved in the patient partnership committee as core members to improve healthcare system design and evaluation.
Intersection of the microbiome and immune metabolism in lupus
Authors: Garcia Abigail Castellanos , Six Natalie , Ma Longhuan , Morel Laurence
Published: June 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease resulting from a dysregulation of the immune system that involves gut dysbiosis and an altered host cellular metabolism. This review highlights novel insights and expands on the interactions between the gut microbiome and the host immune metabolism in lupus. Pathobionts, invasive pathogens, and even commensal microbes, when in dysbiosis, can all trigger and modulate immune responses through metabolic reprogramming. Changes in the microbiota's global composition or individual taxa may trigger a cascade of metabolic changes in immune cells that may, in turn, reprogram their functions. Factors contributing to dysbiosis include changes in intestinal hypoxia, competition for glucose, and limited availability of essential nutrients, such as tryptophan and metal ions, all of which can be driven by host metabolism changes. Conversely, the accumulation of some host metabolites, such as itaconate, succinate, and free fatty acids, could further influence the microbial composition and immune responses. Overall, mounting evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between host immunometabolism and the microbiota in lupus pathogenesis.
Perspectives of Mental Health Nurses About Sexual Safety in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Units
Authors: Olasoji Michael , Taylah Powell , Megan Layne , Hui Ting Ting , Nathan Adamson , Caroline Buultjens , Anderson Shelley , Sue Belmore , Joseph Bindu
Published: June 2024

The overall aim of this study is to explore the views of mental health nurses (MHNs) about the sexual safety of consumers receiving care in acute inpatient units. In Australia, people accessing mental health inpatient units have reported feeling unsafe while receiving care including experiences of sexual harassment and abuse from other patients. There has been no study to date that has explored the views of the MHNs providing care. An explorative descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews involving n = 8 MHNs working on a metropolitan acute inpatient unit recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study highlighted the themes of ‘It's everyone's job to keep the patient safe’, ‘Going over expectations’, ‘Impact on patients’ and ‘Built environment’. Participants in this study believed that the sexual safety of patients in the inpatient unit is everyone's responsibility and that it was important during the admission process to ensure patients are aware of how to both seek help if needed and ensure that their actions or behaviours do not pose sexual safety concerns in others. Ensuring sexual safety in the mental health inpatient units is a complex issue that requires evidence‐based multipronged interventions involving all key stakeholders within the units.
Antimicrobial efficacy of select medicinal plant extracts from Bangladesh against food‐borne bacterial pathogens
Authors: Ghosh Alokesh Kumar , Dewaele Pieter , Hu Haibo , Panda Sujogya Kumar , Luyten Walter
Published: June 2024

We assessed the antimicrobial activity of extracts prepared with four solvents (hexane, acetone, ethanol, water) from 45 medicinal plants used in Bangladesh. Food pathogenic bacteria (Gram‐positive: Bacillus cereus, Listeria innocua, Streptococcus faecalis, and Gram‐negative: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Shigella sonnei) were tested using a broth microdilution method. The extraction yield was highest (26%) for the water extract of Carica papaya and lowest (0.4%) for the acetone extract of Cynodon dactylon. In general, acetone extracts exhibited much more antibacterial activity than those obtained with the other three solvents (hexane, ethanol, and water). Gram‐positive bacteria were more sensitive than Gram‐negatives. Streptococcus faecalis was the most susceptible to inhibition by examined extracts, whereas E. coli and P. aeruginosa were the most resistant. Most inhibitory concentration‐50 (IC50) values ranged between 101 and 500 μg/mL (64 extracts, 35.5%), followed by the range of 501–1000 μg/mL (40 extracts, 22.2%). Based on IC50, the most effective plants were three species of Piper (Piper nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper chaba), followed by Nigella sativa, Psidium guajava, Syzygium cumini, C. dactylon, and Phyllanthus emblica. In addition, the toxicity of chosen extracts against normal and malignant cell lines was tested; the most effective extracts were toxic against the human lung carcinoma cell line A549, but less toxic against the human Caucasian foetal lung cell line WI26VA4. These findings suggest that some plant extracts could be employed to treat food‐borne bacterial infections, or as herbal preservatives in the food sector.
Zygotic Exposure to Venlafaxine Disrupts the Circadian Locomotor Activity Behaviour in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Thompson W. Andrew , Vijayan Mathilakath M.
Published: June 2024

The antidepressant venlafaxine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and is found at high concentrations in the aquatic environment. Concerns have been raised related to the health of aquatic organisms in response to this nontargeted pharmaceutical exposure. For instance, we previously demonstrated that exposure to venlafaxine perturbs neurodevelopment, leading to behavioural alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio). We also observed disruption in serotonin expression in the pineal and raphe, regions critical in regulating circadian rhythms, leading us to hypothesize that zygotic exposure to venlafaxine disrupts the circadian locomotor rhythm in larval zebrafish. To test this, we microinjected zebrafish embryos with venlafaxine (1 or 10 ng) and recorded the locomotor activity in 5‐day‐old larvae over a 24‐h period. Venlafaxine deposition reduced larval locomotor activity during the light phase, but not during the dark phase of the diurnal cycle. The melatonin levels were higher in the dark compared to during the light photoperiod and this was not affected by embryonic venlafaxine deposition. Venlafaxine exposure also did not affect the transcript abundance of clock genes, including clock1a, bmal2, cry1a and per2, which showed a clear day/night rhythmicity. A notable finding was that exposure to luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, decreased the locomotor activity in the control group in light, whereas the activity was higher in larvae raised from the venlafaxine‐deposited embryos. Overall, zygotic exposure to venlafaxine disrupts the locomotor activity of larval zebrafish fish during the day, demonstrating the capacity of antidepressants to disrupt the circadian rhythms in behaviour. Our results suggest that disruption in melatonin signalling may be playing a role in the venlafaxine impact on circadian behaviour, but further investigation is required to elucidate the possible mechanisms in larval zebrafish.
Metrology of two wearable sleep trackers against polysomnography in patients with sleep complaints
Authors: Frija Justine , Mullaert Jimmy , Abensur Vuillaume Laure , Grajoszex Mathieu , Wanono Ruben , Benzaquen Hélène , Kerzabi Fedja , Geoffroy Pierre Alexis , Matrot Boris , Trioux Théo , Penzel Thomas , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia
Published: June 2024

Sleep trackers are used widely by patients with sleep complaints, however their metrological validation is often poor and relies on healthy subjects. We assessed the metrological validity of two commercially available sleep trackers (Withings Activité/Fitbit Alta HR) through a prospective observational monocentric study, in adult patients referred for polysomnography (PSG). We compared the total sleep time (TST), REM time, REM latency, nonREM1 + 2 time, nonREM3 time, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). We report absolute and relative errors, Bland–Altman representations, and a contingency table of times spent in sleep stages with respect to PSG. Sixty‐five patients were included (final sample size 58 for Withings and 52 for Fitbit). Both devices gave a relatively accurate sleep start time with a median absolute error of 5 (IQR −43; 27) min for Withings and −2.0 (−12.5; 4.2) min for Fitbit but both overestimated TST. Withings tended to underestimate WASO with a median absolute error of −25.0 (−61.5; −8.5) min, while Fitbit tended to overestimate it (median absolute error 10 (−18; 43) min. Withings underestimated light sleep and overestimated deep sleep, while Fitbit overestimated light and REM sleep and underestimated deep sleep. The overall kappas for concordance of each epoch between PSG and devices were low: 0.12 (95%CI 0.117–0.121) for Withings and VPSG indications 0.07 (95%CI 0.067–0.071) for Fitbit, as well as kappas for each VPSG indication 0.07 (95%CI 0.067–0.071). Thus, commercially available sleep trackers are not reliable for sleep architecture in patients with sleep complaints/pathologies and should not replace actigraphy and/or PSG.
The lncRNA1‐miR6288b‐3p‐PpTCP4‐PpD2 module regulates peach branch number by affecting brassinosteroid biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Xiaobei , Yan Lixia , Li Tianhao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yajia , Zhang Junjie , Lian Xiaodong , Zhang Haipeng , Zheng Xianbo , Hou Nan , Cheng Jun , Wang Wei , Zhang Langlang , Ye Xia , Li Jidong , Feng Jiancan , Tan Bin
Published: June 2024

Branch number is one of the most important agronomic traits of fruit trees such as peach. Little is known about how LncRNA and/or miRNA modules regulate branching through transcription factors.

Here, we used molecular and genetic tools to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying brassinosteroid (BR) altering plant branching.

We found that the number of sylleptic branch and BR content in pillar peach (‘Zhaoshouhong’) was lower than those of standard type (‘Okubo’), and exogenous BR application could significantly promote branching. PpTCP4 expressed great differentially comparing ‘Zhaoshouhong’ with ‘Okubo’. PpTCP4 could directly bind to DWARF2 (PpD2) and inhibited its expression. PpD2 was the only one differentially expressed key gene in the path of BR biosynthesis. At the same time, PpTCP4 was identified as a target of miR6288b‐3p. LncRNA1 could act as the endogenous target mimic of miR6288b‐3p and repress expression of miR6288b‐3p. Three deletions and five SNP sites of lncRNA1 promoter were found in ‘Zhaoshouhong’, which was an important cause of different mRNA level of PpTCP4 and BR content. Moreover, overexpressed PpTCP4 significantly inhibited branching.

A novel mechanism in which the lncRNA1‐miR6288b‐3p‐PpTCP4‐PpD2 module regulates peach branching number was proposed.
Intercropping enhances maize growth and nutrient uptake by driving the link between rhizosphere metabolites and microbiomes
Authors: Jiang Pan , Wang Yizhe , Zhang Yuping , Fei Jiangchi , Rong Xiangmin , Peng Jianwei , Yin Lichu , Luo Gongwen
Published: June 2024

Intercropping leads to different plant roots directly influencing belowground processes and has gained interest for its promotion of increased crop yields and resource utilization. However, the precise mechanisms through which the interactions between rhizosphere metabolites and the microbiome contribute to plant production remain ambiguous, thus impeding the understanding of the yield‐enhancing advantages of intercropping.

This study conducted field experiments (initiated in 2013) and pot experiments, coupled with multi‐omics analysis, to investigate plant–metabolite–microbiome interactions in the rhizosphere of maize.

Field‐based data revealed significant differences in metabolite and microbiome profiles between the rhizosphere soils of maize monoculture and intercropping. In particular, intercropping soils exhibited higher microbial diversity and metabolite chemodiversity. The chemodiversity and composition of rhizosphere metabolites were significantly related to the diversity, community composition, and network complexity of soil microbiomes, and this relationship further impacted plant nutrient uptake. Pot‐based findings demonstrated that the exogenous application of a metabolic mixture comprising key components enriched by intercropping (soyasapogenol B, 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid, lycorine, shikimic acid, and phosphocreatine) significantly enhanced root activity, nutrient content, and biomass of maize in natural soil, but not in sterilized soil.

Overall, this study emphasized the significance of rhizosphere metabolite–microbe interactions in enhancing yields in intercropping systems. It can provide new insights into rhizosphere controls within intensive agroecosystems, aiming to enhance crop production and ecosystem services.
Description of a new method to calculate the equator of the crystalline lens using AS‐OCT images: Accuracy in non‐dilated measurements
Authors: Arizcuren Ana R. , Jiménez‐García Marta , Castro‐Alonso Francisco J. , Consejo Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Objective

To establish a methodology for objectively estimating the Lens Equatorial Plane (LEP) from clinical images, comparing LEP with dilated versus non‐dilated pupils.

Methods

A cohort of 91 eyes from 60 patients undergoing preoperative assessments for cataract surgery was evaluated. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS‐OCT) images were analysed under conditions of pharmacologically induced pupil dilation versus a non‐dilated pupil. Geometrical parameters, including LEP, intersection diameter (ID), lens thickness (LT), anterior and posterior lens thickness were automatically calculated by applying standard image processing techniques to clinical AS‐OCT images.

Results

Significant differences in lens parameters, including LEP, were observed between dilated and non‐dilated conditions (all p < 0.001). A strong linear correlation was found across all geometrical variables under both conditions (r[LEP] = 0.64, r[ID] = 0.78, r[LT] = 0.99, all p < 0.001); enabling reliable correction of these differences.

Conclusion

The study introduces an objective methodology for LEP calculation, emphasising the need to consider the eye's physiological state during preoperative measurements. Incorporating LEP into future intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas and replacing the habitual effective lens position may potentially improve the accuracy of IOL power estimation and thus postoperative visual outcomes.
Two cases of silent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator electrode displacement
Authors: Wharmby Amy , Butcher Charles , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Monkhouse Christopher , Hunter Ross J
Published: June 2024

We describe two cases of secondary prevention subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation and subsequent S‐ICD electrode displacement which initially went undetected. One presentation was a result of a coincidental chest x‐ray for respiratory exacerbation and another with an untreated episode highlighted via remote monitoring, both patients were booked to clinic for further investigation. Our findings highlighted had there been a comparison of the existing subcutaneous electrogram (S‐ECG) to captured S‐ECGs at time of implant the electrode displacement would have been detected beforehand. This underpins the importance of introducing the simple management strategy into routine follow‐up.