Search Results (43)

Background/Objectives: Men have historically contributed significantly to mental health nursing, particularly in inpatient settings, where their presence has supported patient recovery and safety. Despite this legacy, men remain under-represented in the nursing workforce, and addressing this imbalance is critical to workforce sustainability. This study offers a novel contribution by exploring the lived experiences, motivations, and professional identities of men in mental health nursing, an area that has received limited empirical attention. The aim of the study is to examine the characteristics, qualities, and attributes of mental health nurses who are male, which contributes to their attraction to and retention within the profession. Methods: A qualitative interpretive inquiry was conducted among nurses who were male and either currently or previously employed in mental health settings. Two focus groups were conducted using semi-structured questions to explore their career pathways, motivations, professional identities, and perceived contributions. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in their narratives. Results: Seven participants, with 10–30 years of experience, participated. They had entered the profession through diverse pathways, expressing strong alignment between personal values and professional roles. Five themes emerged and centred on mental health being the heart of health, personal and professional fulfillment, camaraderie and teamwork, a profound respect for individuals and compassion, and overcoming and enjoying the challenge. Conclusions: Mental health nurses who are male bring unique contributions to the profession, embodying compassion, resilience, and ethical advocacy. Their experiences challenge traditional gender norms and redefine masculinity in health care. Fostering inclusive environments, mentorship, and leadership opportunities is essential to support their growth. These insights inform strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, and the future of mental health nursing. Full article

The creation of transgenic chickens holds significant promise for the agricultural and biotechnological sectors, offering potential improvements in disease resistance and production efficiency. The preferred method for generating gene-edited chickens involves the genetic manipulation of primordial germ cells (PGCs), making the identification and isolation of these cells a growing focus of research. PGCs are the precursors to sperm and oocytes, responsible for transmitting genetic material to the next generation. In humans, PGCs are characterized by their large size, round nuclei, and refractive lipids in the cytoplasm, and can be identified using periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining and the surface marker stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA1). Similarly, chicken PGCs express SSEA1, but their most specific marker is the chicken vasa homologue (CVH), the avian equivalent of the RNA-binding factor gene vasa. However, SSEA1, along with other known surface markers, does not bind to all PGCs or lacks specificity, while CVH, although highly specific to PGCs, is intracellular and unsuitable for isolating viable cells. This study aims to develop an antibody targeting a PGC surface marker with the same specificity as CVH. Despite the importance of identifying surface markers for PGC characterization, to date, such reagents are limited. To address this, whole chicken PGCs were injected into mice, leading to the generation of a panel of monoclonal antibodies. One antibody was found to bind cultured chicken PGCs and showed reduced expression upon differentiation with retinoic acid, indicating its specificity to PGCs. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry identified the antigen as myosin heavy chain-like (MYH9) protein. The antibody, αMYH9, was further characterized and shown to bind circulating PGCs and embryonic gonadal PGCs (Hamburger Hamilton (H-H) stage 30, embryonic day 6.5–7). Whilst our primary aim was to determine the binding to PGCs, further investigation is required to determine potential binding to somatic cells. In conclusion, this study provides the characterization of a surface marker for chicken PGCs, with significant implications for advancements in avian genetic preservation, agriculture, and biotechnology. Full article

Background: Healthcare is a dynamic environment for nurses, with early career nurses (ECNs) needing to adapt and learn while also meeting care demands. Effective support systems, mentorship, and continuous professional development are vital in facilitating their transition while navigating competing demands. The aim of this study is to interpret and understand the meaning of ECNs’ professional experiences four years after completing their bachelor’s degree in Australia. Method: A qualitative descriptive design using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used as part of a longitudinal study. Follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted among twenty-five ECNs between 2022 and 2024 using purposive sampling to recruit ECNs who had graduated four years ago. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data while adhering to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: Four themes emerged among participants, which encompassed professional growth and unwavering commitment, ongoing professional adaptability, feeling stuck with limited choices, and continual learning amid career challenges and personal life demands. Conclusions: Change is needed to ensure professional learning becomes a shared responsibility among policy makers and healthcare leaders and to ensure that professional learning leads to more nurses taking up further study, thus increasing the safety and quality of care delivered in the healthcare environment. Full article

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a broad range of neurological birth defects, collectively named Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). We have previously shown that infection with the Puerto Rican isolate PRVABC59 (ZIKV-PR) results in abnormal oxygen transport in the placenta due to villous damage and uterine vasculitis in a nonhuman primate model. To investigate whether this type of damage occurs with endemically circulating strains in Thailand, we investigated a CZS case isolate, MU1-2017 (ZIKV-TH), in pregnant rhesus macaques. Pregnant animals (n = 3 per group) were infected subcutaneously with either ZIKV-PR or ZIKV-TH at ~50 days gestation (GD) and monitored for 40 days post-infection (GD90). Similar courses of viremia and immune activation were observed for both viruses when compared to uninfected controls. In addition, both viruses induced changes to the placental architecture, including spiral artery remodeling and the development of infarctions. Similar levels of viral RNA were detected at necropsy in maternal and fetal tissues. Overall, our results show that the ZIKV-TH strain MU1-2017 behaves similarly to the ZIKV-PR strain, and, importantly, provide evidence of in-utero infection with an additional contemporary strain of ZIKV. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nursing students encounter significant stress due to the demanding nature of their academic and clinical training, negatively impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing. Self-care strategies, such as yoga, have been suggested to effectively manage stress and promote resilience. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of self-care in nursing education, there is limited research on the specific benefits of yoga. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceived benefits associated with undergraduate nursing students’ participation in an 8-week yoga study. Methods: A qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted. Participants were Baccalaureate nursing students from an Australian university. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting methods followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results: Among the 14 students who participated, three main themes emerged: “Me Time”, highlighting the importance of prioritising self-care; “Slowing Down,” emphasising the psychological benefits of yoga; and “Self-Acceptance,” reflecting personal growth and improved self-awareness. Participants reported reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced physical and mental wellbeing. Conclusion: Students who participated in yoga were positively impacted through greater stress management and wellbeing. As nursing students transition into the workplace, the ability to manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing becomes even more critical. The high-pressure environment of healthcare settings can exacerbate stress, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. By incorporating self-care practices such as yoga into their routine, nursing students can develop resilience and coping mechanisms that will benefit them as students and throughout their careers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Historically, male nurses were predominant in mental health settings due to their perceived physical strength and ability to manage violent patients. However, societal changes and the evolution of nursing education have led to a decline in male participation. This study aims to explore the characteristics, qualities, and attributes of male mental health nurses, while aiming to identify factors that attract and retain, as well as that deter, men in this field, to inform male recruitment and retention strategies to grow the mental health nursing workforce. Methods: A scoping review was conducted across six databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest. The focus was on studies from 1970 to 2024. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria. Narrative synthesis was conducted, and the study follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews checklist. Results: Limited research exists on male mental health nurses. The data highlight the unique contributions of male nurses, including their resilience, teamwork, and emotional competence. They also identify challenges such as workplace violence, stigma, and lack of career development opportunities. The literature suggests that targeted recruitment strategies and supportive work environments are essential to increase the number of male mental health nurses and address the nursing shortage in this specialty. Positive academic experiences and professional development opportunities are crucial for retaining male nurses. Conclusions: Addressing stigma associated with mental health nursing is needed, starting with a positive public health education campaign. Addressing workplace violence needs to stem from improved organisational procedures that promote the safety and wellbeing of nurses and clients, combined with de-escalation education and training; mentoring are vital to improving attraction, job satisfaction, and the retention of male nurses. By understanding these factors, health care organisations can better support male mental health nurses and enhance the overall quality of mental health care. Full article

Background: Attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of nurses is an international challenge. The group most difficult to retain are newly qualified nurses within their first five years of practice or earlier. A recent US study reported that approximately 25 percent of nurses leave within the first year of graduation. Health organisations play a crucial role in providing workplace cultures where nurses feel empowered and can thrive. Research needs to focus on improving organisational culture, yet most approaches to supporting and retaining nurses have used top–down, management-designed interventions. This article describes a collaborative international programme of research. Methods: This innovative international theory-driven multi-site action research programme adopts a longitudinal co-design approach based on principles of appreciative inquiry to develop and implement organisational support for newly qualified nurses. It integrates the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI) Framework for Improving Joy at Work and the Thriving at Work model, both focused on improving the well-being of the healthcare workforce and health service outcomes. Each year, a new group of nurses during their first-year orientation is invited to participate. Over five years, each cohort will then participate in an annual survey, focus groups, and co-design meetings with nurse leaders/managers, generating new solutions developed through open dialogue for subsequent testing driven by these key stakeholders. Expected outcomes: This research will generate a new co-design management model to improve systems of support that may assist nurse retention and thriving that can be shared with other nursing organisations. It will provide an understanding of the effectiveness of current support for nurses by their employers from the perspective of those nurses whilst providing evidence about what extra support nurses would like from their employers. Conclusions: This international research programme gives agency to nurses and organisational nurse leaders/managers to co-design interventions for building positive work environments where early-career nurses can thrive. This programme will capture what works, where, how, and with whom, ultimately benefiting both individual nurses and the overall effectiveness and sustainability of healthcare systems. Full article

Background: Contemplative pedagogy, specifically yoga, introduced into the higher education curriculum has the potential to develop and entrain intellectual, emotional, and social development in relation to mental health among university students studying for medical and nursing degrees. The objective of the study is to determine the extent of the current literature on the prevalence of yoga as a contemplative practice that contributes to student well-being and self-knowledge in the first-year transition from high school to university. Methods: As part of the scoping review, CINAHL, EBSCO, Medline, Emerald, Eric, and PsycINFO were searched to identify the prevalence and connection of mind–body courses to student well-being between 2011 and 2022. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria and methodological quality assessment. Colaizzi’s method of data analysis enabled the phenomena of interest to be examined and follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Results: Seventeen studies were included with two themes emerging, which include physical practices and training and barriers to success. Conclusion: Yoga is a practice that supports undergraduate students in managing their stressful lives. Due to the experiential nature of yoga the participatory reflective processes established within the physicality of the students provided a framework to cope with the stress and challenges of higher education. Full article

Medical education escape rooms are emerging as a viable technological resource for pedagogy-first, learner-centric educational activities. This work presents the evaluation results of the first flipped classroom implementation in medical education, thus utilizing a mobile-driven augmented reality (AR) escape room. A total of 21 first-year medical students attended a flipped classroom educational activity that aimed to acclimate the students with the workflows of basic life support. Knowledge acquisition and user perceptions were evaluated. Knowledge acquisition was evaluated with an ad hoc relevant instrument at three timepoints: (a) baseline at recruitment, (b) preclass after students had prepared for the episode, and (c) after class. Learner perceptions about the activity and the AR escape room were recorded at the activity’s end using a previously designed evaluation instrument. The results demonstrated sufficient knowledge acquisition only after completing the whole educational activity, while learners found the experience interesting, and the AR escape room challenging, thus reflecting an activity that was well formulated in structure and content. The challenges identified were the limited out of class collaboration capacity of the digital application and the highly gamified approach that at points counteracted the educational scope of the activity. Overall, these positive initial results demonstrate the potential of collaborative, escape based, activities for self-directed, learner-centric medical education. Full article

Injury is the leading cause of death and disability amongst those between 0 and 16 years of age. Routinely associated with a social gradient of health, childhood injury is reportedly higher in rural and regional areas. A retrospective cross-sectional study collected deidentified emergency injury presentation data from nine health services in regional Victoria for children aged 0–14 years between 2017 and 2022. Emergency injury presentation incidence rates and predictor variables were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. Significance was determined at p < 0.05. Amongst the 15,884 emergency injury presentations, 35.2% (n = 5597) occurred at health services that did not routinely report data to government datasets. Although some findings are consistent with current research, this study highlights specific factors that are predictive of injury amongst 0–4-year-old children who require deeper investigation, including general practitioner access and health literacy-related elements such as preschool health assessment attendance rates, parent education levels, and overseas birth. These findings provide more comprehensive insights for healthcare workers and policymakers as they seek to support people with injuries and accurately address health inequities. Full article

A web-based clinical simulation program, known as FIRST²ACT (Feedback Incorporating Review and Simulation Techniques to Act on Clinical Trends), was designed to increase the efficacy of clinicians’ actions in the recognition and immediate response to a patient’s deterioration. This study, which was nested in a larger mixed method project, used ten focus groups (n = 65) of graduate, enrolled, registered nurses, associate nurse unit managers, and general managers/educators/coordinators from four different institutions to investigate whether nurses felt their practice was influenced by participating in either a face-to-face or web-based simulation educational programme about patient deterioration. The results indicate that individuals who were less “tech-savvy” appreciated the flexibility of web-based learning, which increased their confidence. Face-to-face students appreciated self-reflection through performance evaluation. While face-to-face simulations were unable to completely duplicate symptoms, they showed nurses’ adaptability. Both interventions enhanced clinical practice by improving documentation and replies while also boosting confidence and competence. Web learners initially experienced tech-related anxiety, which gradually subsided, demonstrating healthcare professionals’ resilience to new learning approaches. Overall, the study highlighted the advantages and challenges of web-based and face-to-face education in clinical practice, emphasising the importance of adaptability and reflective learning for healthcare professionals. Further exploration of specific topics is required to improve practice, encourage knowledge sharing among colleagues, and improve early detection of patient deterioration. Full article

Asthma is a key illness driving children to present to emergency departments, and although paediatric emergency asthma presentations have been examined, the temporal trends remain somewhat elusive. The aim is to highlight, describe, and model the temporal trends of emergency paediatric asthma presentations, using comprehensive hospital emergency presentation data. A retrospective cross-sectional study examined de-identified paediatric (0 to 14 years) emergency asthma presentation data over a three-year period. Data were obtained from nine healthcare facilities in Victoria, Australia. Episode-level data were collected through RAHDaR, a comprehensive emergency data register which includes missing data (35.0%) among rural health facilities not currently captured elsewhere. Monthly presentation rates demonstrate a significant difference in presentations between fall/autumn and spring, and males had higher presentation rates in February and June–August. Emergency presentations were more likely to occur Sunday–Tuesday, peaking in the time periods of 8–9 a.m., 11 a.m.–12 p.m., and 8–9 p.m. Significant differences were noted between all age groups. Examining previously unavailable rural data has highlighted patterns among emergency asthma presentations for children 0–14 years of age. Knowledge of these by season, month, and day of the week, in combination with time of day, offers scope for more focused workforce education and planning, and nuanced referral pathways, particularly in resource-limited settings. Full article

We examined device-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour at the time of diagnosis in people with inoperable lung cancer and investigated their associations with 12-month mortality. The people with inoperable lung cancer wore an accelerometer for seven days prior to the treatment commencement. The analysed PA/sedentary behaviour variables included light-intensity PA, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), step count, the total time spent sedentary, and the usual sedentary bout duration. The data on the disease stage, clinical covariates and 12-month mortality were extracted from medical records. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between the PA measures and 12-month mortality, and the sedentary behaviour measures and 12-month mortality. The models were adjusted for the stage and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. All the PA and sedentary behaviour variables were dichotomised at their medians for analysis. Eighty-nine participants (70 ± 10 years; 55 [62%] males) contributed valid data. The twelve-month mortality was 30% (n = 27). Compared to the participants who spent ≤4.6 min/day in MVPA (n = 45), those who spent >4.6 min/day (n = 44) had a relative risk of 12-month mortality reduced by 60% (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.96; 18 versus nine deaths, respectively). The other variables of PA/sedentary behaviour were not associated with 12-month mortality. Higher device-measured MVPA was associated with reduced 12-month mortality in people who were newly diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Full article

Illegal disposal of solid waste is a significant issue in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas. Because of unprecedented urbanization, these areas are crowded, putting pressure on the already inadequate municipal services such as waste management. As municipalities fail to provide adequate and effective waste management services, the expansion and proliferation of informal settlements contribute to the problem of illegal dumping. Apartheid spatial planning produced environmentally unsustainable cities characterized by glaring disparities in municipal resource allocation, disturbingly inefficient transportation systems, and widespread urban insecurity. Therefore, this study examines how the expansion of informal settlement at an unprecedented rate contributes to illegal dumping post-apartheid by conducting a systematic review. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search from 1994 to 2023 was conducted in the field of waste management. The review focuses on three key aspects: (1) factors that contribute to illegal dumping in townships; (2) waste management laws during apartheid and post apartheid; and (3) waste collection system in townships and spatial planning. South Africa’s inequality is a major contributor to environmental degradation. The situation was exacerbated by efforts to prevent urban migration and forcefully remove black people from cities; apartheid ideology justified the dormitory-like nature of urban townships. In the South African context, the literature reveals that there is a research gap in the application of technologies and effective waste management plans to keep up with the growing number of informal settlements. Furthermore, despite progressive environmental policies, implementation has been ineffective. This study offers valuable evidence on the spatial and temporal dynamics of informal settlements, addressing both the location and time aspects. A robust government-led Community Participation in Solid Waste Management program is required immediately. Full article

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in U.S. adults is over 30%, yet the role of lifestyle factors in the etiology of NAFLD remains understudied. We examined the associations of physical activity, by intensity and type, and television viewing with prevalent NAFLD. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample of 2726 Black (49%) and White (51%) adults (Mean (SD) age, 50 (3.6) years; 57.3% female) from the CARDIA study. Exposures were aerobic activity by intensity (moderate, vigorous; hours/week); activity type (aerobic, muscle-strengthening; hours/week); and television viewing (hours/week), examined concurrently in all models and assessed by validated questionnaires. Our outcome was NAFLD (liver attenuation < 51 Hounsfield Units), measured by non-contrast computed tomography, after exclusions for other causes of liver fat. Covariates were sex, age, race, study center, education, diet quality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and body mass index or waist circumference. Results: 648 participants had NAFLD. In the fully adjusted modified Poisson regression model, the risk ratios per interquartile range of each exposure were moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.97–1.26); vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, 0.72 (0.63–0.82); muscle-strengthening activity, 0.89 (0.80–1.01); and television viewing, 1.20 (1.10–1.32). Relative to less active participants with higher levels of television viewing, those who participated in ≥2 h/week of both vigorous-intensity aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity and <7 h/week of television viewing had 65% lower risk of NAFLD (risk ratio = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.23–0.51). Conclusion: Adults who follow public health recommendations for vigorous-aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, as well as minimize television viewing, are considerably less likely to have NAFLD than those who do not follow the recommendations and who have relatively high levels of television viewing. Full article