Developing stress-preventive management competencies: an evaluation of the mechanism and the process in a training experience

Purpose: Developing stress-preventive management behaviors is recommended to improve psychosocial working conditions and employee well-being. A learning and development intervention based on the UK “Management Competencies for Preventing and Reducing Stress at Work (MCPARS)” is effective for helping supervisors to develop a personal action plan for change. However, research is needed to understand the mechanism through which a satisfactory action plan is developed. Design/methodology/approach: A three-phase learning and development program based on the MCPARS framework was delivered to 50 supervisors in an Italian local health unit. We measured management competencies and development needs, the achievement of the intervention aims and two process variables. The Process Macro for SPSS was used to evaluate a moderated mediation model. Findings: Supervisors’ self-awareness of their competencies fully mediated the relationship between understanding the importance of their managerial role and the development of a satisfactory action plan for change. Process variables contributed to better explaining the outcome. Originality/value: These findings suggest that the order in which the intervention components are delivered and participants’ perceptions of the intervention are important. This knowledge is useful to inform the design and evaluation of future similar interventions

Smarter Pregnancy Coaching and Maternal Blood Pressure

IntroductionMaternal lifestyle behaviors can affect blood pressure with consequences for maternal and offspring health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Smarter Pregnancy digital lifestyle coaching program on maternal blood pressure during the first trimester.MethodsThe study was conducted on data of the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort from 2010 to 2019, and analysis was completed in 2024. The intervention group included 132 pregnant women using Smarter Pregnancy for 6–24 weeks within 30 months before the study entry. The control group included 1,091 pregnant women who did not use Smarter Pregnancy. Outcomes included changes in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures between baseline and first trimester. Lifestyle behaviors were tracked in the intervention group at 12 and 24 weeks of the program, using lifestyle risk score for vegetables, fruits, smoking, and alcohol.ResultsUsing multivariable analysis, the intervention group showed reductions in systolic (βadj= −2.34 mmHg, 95% CI= −4.67, −0.01), diastolic (βadj= −2.00 mmHg, 95% CI= −3.57, −0.45), and mean arterial (βadj= −2.22 mmHg, 95% CI= −3.81, −0.52) blood pressures compared with the control group. When stratifying for conception mode, reductions were observed in diastolic (βadj= −2.38, 95% CI= −4.20, −0.56) and mean arterial (βadj= −2.63, 95% CI= −4.61, −0.56) blood pressures only in women who underwent assisted reproduction (n=91). Smarter Pregnancy use was associated with a reduction in lifestyle risk score, indicating improved lifestyle behaviors, after 12 (β= −0.84, 95% CI= −1.19, −0.49) and 24 (β= −1.07, 95% CI= −1.44, −0.69) weeks. The lifestyle risk score was also significantly reduced in assisted reproduction and natural pregnancy subgroups.ConclusionsThe use of Smarter Pregnancy is associated with consistent but small reductions in maternal blood pressure during the first trimester, supporting further implementation in health care

Connecting the circular and drifted Rindler Unruh effects

In Minkowski spacetime quantum field theory, each stationary motion is associated with an effective, energy-dependent notion of temperature, which generalizes the familiar Unruh temperature of uniform linear acceleration. Motivated by current experimental interest in circular motion, we analyze the effective temperature for drifted Rindler motion, generated by a boost and a spacelike translation (drift), and the way in which drifted Rindler motion can be smoothly (and in fact real analytically) deformed to circular motion through a third type of motion known as parator. For an Unruh-DeWitt detector coupled linearly to a massless scalar field in 2+1 and 3+1 spacetime dimensions, we establish analytic results in the limits of large gap, small gap and large drift speed. For fixed proper acceleration, the drifted Rindler temperature remains bounded in the large gap limit, in contrast to the circular motion temperature, which can be arbitrarily large in this limit. Finally, in 2+1 dimensions, we trace the vanishing of the circular motion temperature in the small gap limit to the weak decay of the Wightman function, and we show that, among all types of stationary motion in all dimensions, this phenomenon is unique to 2+1 dimensions and therein to circular and parator motion

Teacher Practices and Student Understandings in 2D Drawings of 3D Shapes

Geometry holds a pivotal position within the realm of mathematics, yet many students struggle to grasp its concepts, posing challenges for their teachers. In the Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of National Education has recently recommended the adoption of constructivist approaches to teach geometry. To gauge the efficacy of this instructional approach in actual classrooms, we investigated the practices of Turkish middle school mathematics teachers and their students' experiences in constructing two-dimensional drawings of three-dimensional geometrical shapes during regular lessons. The study involved four teachers from two schools and 199 students aged 12 to 14 years. Multiple data sources, including lesson observations, student worksheets and interviews with teachers and students, were utilized to gain insights into student understandings and whether the pedagogical practices they encountered were associated with this. Based on these findings, we argue that teachers may require additional support for their classrooms to transition into student-centred environments to permit students to actively engage in enriching mathematical exercises, exercise agency, and have opportunities to utilize provided manipulatives and digital tools. Öz Geometri, matematik alanında önemli bir konumu kaplamakla birlikte, birçok öğrenci geometrik kavramları anlamakta zorlanmaktadır, bu da öğretmenler için zorluklar doğurmaktadır. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı, geometriyi öğretmek için yapılandırmacı yaklaşımların benimsenmesini önermiştir. Bu çalışmada, bu öğretim yaklaşımının sınıflardaki etkinliğini değerlendirmek amacıyla, Türk ortaokulu matematik öğretmenlerinin uygulamaları ve düzenli derslerde öğrencilerinin üç boyutlu geometrik şekillerin iki boyutlu çizimlerini oluştururken yaşadıkları deneyimler araştırılmıştır. Çalışmaya iki okuldan dört öğretmen ve 12-14 yaş arasındaki 199 öğrenci katılmıştır. Ders gözlemleri, öğrenci çalışma kağıtları ve öğretmenler ve öğrencilerle yapılan görüşmeler gibi çeşitli veri kaynakları, öğrenci anlayışlarına ve bu anlayışların ilişkilendirildiği pedagojik uygulamalara dair içgörüler elde etmek için kullanılmıştır. Bu bulgulara dayanarak, öğretmenlerin sınıflarında öğrenci odaklı ortamlara geçebilmeleri için ek desteklere ihtiyaç duyabilecekleri savunulmaktadır. Bu, öğrencilere matematiksel alıştırmalara etkin bir şekilde katılmalarına, etki alanı oluşturmalarına ve sağlanan manipülatifleri ve dijital araçları kullanma fırsatlarına sahip olmalarına izin vermek için gereklidir

Role of hepatocellular senescence in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and the potential for therapeutic manipulation

Accumulation of senescent hepatocytes is universal in chronic liver disease (CLD). This study investigates an association between hepatocyte senescence and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explores the therapeutic role of sirolimus. Background liver biopsies from 15 patients with cirrhosis and HCC and 45 patients with cirrhosis were stained for p16, a marker of cell senescence. STAM™ mice were randomized into 3 groups of 5 at 4 weeks of age and administered vehicle ± sirolimus intraperitoneally, thrice weekly, from 4 to 18 weeks of age. Placebo group was an administered vehicle, early sirolimus group was an administered vehicle with sirolimus, late sirolimus group was an administered vehicle from 4 to 12 weeks then vehicle with sirolimus from 12 to 18 weeks. The primary outcome was HCC nodule development. Senescent hepatocyte burden and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors were assessed in mice livers. In the human study, age (OR 1.282, 95% CI 1.086–1.513, p = 0.003) and p16 (OR 1.429, 95% CI 1.112–1.838, p = 0.005) were independently associated with HCC. In the animal study, all three groups exhibited similar MASLD activity scores (p = 0.39) and fibrosis area (p = 0.92). The number and the maximum diameter of HCC nodules were significantly lower in the early sirolimus group compared to placebo and late sirolimus group. The gene expression of SASP factors was similar in all groups. Protein levels of some SASP factors (TNFα, IL1β, IL-2, CXCL15) were significantly lower in sirolimus administered groups compared to placebo group. The study demonstrates an independent association between senescent hepatocyte burden and HCC. It indicates a potential chemoprophylactic role for sirolimus through SASP factor inhibition. These early results could inform a future human clinical trial

SLC1A5 is a key regulator of glutamine metabolism and a prognostic marker for aggressive luminal breast cancer

Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolism, often relying on glutamine (Gln) for growth. Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with varying clinical outcomes. We investigated the role of the amino acid transporter SLC1A5 (ASCT2) and its association with BC subtypes and patient outcomes. In large BC cohorts, SLC1A5 mRNA (n = 9488) and SLC1A5 protein (n = 1274) levels were assessed and correlated their expression with clinicopathological features, molecular subtypes, and patient outcomes. In vitro SLC1A5 knockdown and inhibition studies in luminal BC cell lines (ZR-75-1 and HCC1500) were used to further explore the role of SLC1A5 in Gln metabolism. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared tests, ANOVA, Spearman's correlation, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression. SLC1A5 mRNA and SLC1A5 protein expression were strongly correlated in luminal B, HER2 + and triple-negative BC (TNBC). Both high SLC1A5 mRNA and SLC1A5 protein expression were associated with larger tumour size, higher grade, and positive axillary lymph node metastases (P < 0.01). Importantly, high SLC1A5 expression correlated with poor BC-specific survival specifically in the highly proliferative luminal subtype (P < 0.001). Furthermore, SLC1A5 knockdown by siRNA or GPNA inhibition significantly reduced cell proliferation and glutamine uptake in ZR-75-1 cells. Our findings suggest SLC1A5 plays a key role in the aggressive luminal BC subtype and represents a potential therapeutic target. Further research is needed to explore SLC1A5 function in luminal BC and its association with Gln metabolism pathways

Interplay between genetics and epigenetics in lung fibrosis

Lung fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is a complex and devastating disease characterised by the progressive scarring of lung tissue leading to compromised respiratory function. Aberrantly activated fibroblasts deposit extracellular matrix components into the surrounding lung tissue, impairing lung function and capacity for gas exchange. Both genetic and epigenetic factors have been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis, with emerging evidence highlighting the interplay between these two regulatory mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the interplay between genetics and epigenetics in lung fibrosis. We discuss the genetic variants associated with susceptibility to lung fibrosis and explore how epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression contribute to disease. Insights from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) are integrated to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying lung fibrosis pathogenesis. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of genetics and epigenetics in lung fibrosis, including the development of novel therapeutic targets. Overall, this review highlights the importance of considering both genetic and epigenetic factors in the understanding and management of lung fibrosis

Practical paths towards quantifying and mitigating agricultural methane emissions

This review summarizes the rapid advances in direct practical methods to quantify and reduce agricultural methane emissions worldwide. Major tasks are location, identification, quantification and distinction between different specific sources (often multiple emitters such as manure pools, animal housing, biodigesters and landfills are co-located). Emission reduction, facilitated by developing methodologies for locating hot spots, is the least-cost choice for action, especially from manure stores, biodigesters and from controlling biomass burning. Agricultural methane can also be used to generate electricity or, in appropriate circumstances, can be destroyed by oxidation. It may be possible to cut North American, East Asian and European emissions sharply and rapidly. In Africa and South Asia, emissions from crop waste and food waste in landfills, also a source of air pollution, can be sharply and quickly reduced. Globally, cutting total annual agricultural and waste emissions by a third would demand reductions of very approximately 75 Tg yr-1. Apportioned by source type, notional cuts might be 30-40 Tg yr-1 from livestock and manure, 5-10 Tg yr-1 from rice cultivation and 20 Tg yr-1 or more from specifically agricultural waste

A mixed methods protocol for an impact and implementation evaluation of the Pharmacy First Services for management of common conditions in England

ObjectivesIn response to high levels of demand for primary medical services in England, characterized by longer appointment waiting times and delayed referrals, the Government developed its National Health Service (NHS) Primary Care Recovery Plan. A key component of the plan is Pharmacy First (PF), which involves participating community pharmacies supplying prescription-only medicine after consultation with a pharmacist for seven common conditions: earache, uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, sore throat, sinusitis, impetigo, shingles, and infected insect bites. The study aims to evaluate the implementation of the PF service and its impact on the volume of prescribing, case mix of General Practitioner consultations, accident and emergency department and other hospital use, equity of access, and cost for different groups of patients in different contexts, as well as its acceptability and fidelity.MethodsA 36-month, mixed methods evaluation with five elements, namely evidence synthesis, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, quantitative analysis of impacts before and after implementation (e.g. using interrupted time series analysis) using routine data, and an economic evaluation. Findings will be synthesized and interpreted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research supplemented by Proctor’s Implementation Outcomes Framework.ConclusionsThe evaluation should have service level, policy, professional, and research impact both in England and beyond. This includes generating evidence to show: whether PF contributes to improving primary healthcare access, assessing the quality of antimicrobial use, identifying the scope for refinements to PF, and, overall, informing better implementation of PF. The findings will also provide robust evidence to enable policymakers to determine how to enhance the role of community pharmacy in England in the future. Furthermore, the evaluation will develop a data dashboard, and the methods and codes used to interrogate it (though not the patient data), will be made publicly available that could support other similar evaluations in England and internationally