An exploratory case study of the social interactions among baccalaureate nursing students in a cooperative group learning environment

The purpose of this research was to explore the social interactions among baccalaureate nursing students in a cooperative group learning environment. The following research questions were formulated to guide the research: (1) In a cooperative group learning environment, how do the social interactions among baccalaureate nursing students influence their course content learning? (2) In a cooperative group learning environment, how do the social interactions among baccalaureate nursing students influence their professional development? Students enrolled in an upper division nursing program were selected for this study. Age, gender, and ethnicity were considered in placing students in five groups. Data included student journals, interviews, and observations using protocols to form a case study database. Using grounded theory, data were analyzed using Lincoln and Guba\u27s (1985) constant comparative method and Spradley\u27s (1980) componential analysis method. Using Moreno\u27s (1934/1953) network analyses, sociometric indices were done on the social interactions. The mean numerical final exam scores for each group were used to triangulate data quantitatively. Sociometric indices revealed that social interactions of students working in groups have a moderate to high influence on learning of the course content and a moderate influence on professional development. Themes influencing students\u27 learning of the course content related to shared knowledge, teamwork, group structure, and group activity. Themes impeding students\u27 learning related to student relationships, ineffective group activities, and lack of student involvement. Themes influencing professional development related to role development, interpersonal relationship skills, teamwork, and shared knowledge. Themes hindering professional development related to ineffective group activities, inappropriate interpersonal relationship skills, and lack of student involvement. Final course grades were not significantly different. Results of this study indicate some students\u27 professional development is promoted by working in groups. Future studies focusing on the outcome measurements of knowledge development and professional socialization from other learning theories, such as problem-based learning and web-based learning, are recommended

'They Survive Despite The Organizational Culture, Not Because Of It': A Longitudinal Study Of New Staff Perceptions Of What Constitutes Support During The Transition To An Acute Tertiary Facility

Increasing difficulties of recruitment and retention of nursing staff strongly indicate that organizations should identify factors that contribute to successful transition of new staff to the workplace. Although many studies have identified problems facing new staff, fewer studies have articulated best practices. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to ascertain what new staff perceived as supportive elements implemented by the organization to assist their integration. Sixteen staff in Phase I and 12 staff in Phase II attended focus groups. The focus groups at 2-3 months provided specific information, with particular emphasis on negative interactions with other staff members and inadequate learning assistance and support. Different themes emerged within the focus groups at 6-9 months. Staff discussed being "self-reliant" and "getting to know the system". Participants indicated that these skills might be beneficial to new staff in the development of organizational "know how" and resourcefulness, rather than relying on preceptor support that, unfortunately, cannot be always guaranteed

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutant VAPBP56S perturbs calcium homeostasis to disrupt axonal transport of mitochondria

A proline-to-serine substitution at position 56 in the gene encoding vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB; VAPBP56S) causes some dominantly inherited familial forms of motor neuron disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) type-8. Here, we show that expression of ALS mutant VAPBP56S but not wild-type VAPB in neurons selectively disrupts anterograde axonal transport of mitochondria. VAPBP56S-induced disruption of mitochondrial transport involved reductions in the frequency, velocity and persistence of anterograde mitochondrial movement. Anterograde axonal transport of mitochondria is mediated by the microtubule-based molecular motor kinesin-1. Attachment of kinesin-1 to mitochondria involves the outer mitochondrial membrane protein mitochondrial Rho GTPase-1 (Miro1) which acts as a sensor for cytosolic calcium levels ([Ca2+]c); elevated [Ca2+]c disrupts mitochondrial transport via an effect on Miro1. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the VAPBP56S effect on mitochondrial transport, we monitored [Ca2+]c levels in VAPBP56S-expressing neurons. Expression of VAPBP56S but not VAPB increased resting [Ca2+]c and this was associated with a reduction in the amounts of tubulin but not kinesin-1 that were associated with Miro1. Moreover, expression of a Ca2+ insensitive mutant of Miro1 rescued defective mitochondrial axonal transport and restored the amounts of tubulin associated with the Miro1/kinesin-1 complex to normal in VAPBP56S-expressing cells. Our results suggest that ALS mutant VAPBP56S perturbs anterograde mitochondrial axonal transport by disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis and effecting the Miro1/kinesin-1 interaction with tubulin

P–016 Using artificial intelligence to predict semen upgrading after microsurgical varicocele repair

Abstract Study question Can we use artificial intelligence models to predict semen upgrading after microsurgical varicocele repair? Summary answer A machine learning model performed well in predicting clinically meaningful post-varicocelectomy semen upgrade using pre-operative hormonal, clinical, and semen analysis data. What is known already Varicocele repair is recommended in the presence of a clinical varicocele together with at least one abnormal semen parameter, and male infertility. Unfortunately, up to 50% of men who meet criteria for repair will not see meaningful benefit in outcomes despite successful surgery. Nomograms exist to help predict success, but these are based out of single-center databases, do not incorporate hormonal data, and are rarely designed to predict pre-defined, clinically meaningful improvements in semen parameters. Study design, size, duration Data were collected from an international, multi-center retrospective cohort. A total of 240 men were identified. Data from 160 men from Miami, USA and 80 men from Toronto, Canada were included. Data was collected from 2006 to 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods We collected pre and postoperative clinical data following varicocele surgery. Clinical upgrading was defined as an increase in sperm concentration that would allow a couple to access new reproductive technologies/techniques. The tiers used for upgrading were 0–1million/cc (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), 1–5 million (In Vitro Fertilization), 5–15 million (Intrauterine Insemination), and >15 million (Natural conception). Artificial intelligence models were trained and tested using R to predict which patients upgraded after surgery. Main results and the role of chance 51% of men underwent bilateral varicocele repair. The majority of men had grade 2 varicocele on the left, and (when present) a grade 1 varicocele on the right. Overall, 47% of men experienced an upgrade following varicocele surgery, 47% did not change, and 6% downgraded. The data from Miami were used to create a random forest model for predicting clinically significant upgrade in sperm concentration. The most informative model parameters were preoperative FSH, sperm concentration, and surgical laterality. The model identified three clinical categories: men with unfavorable, intermediate, and favorable features to predict varicocele upgrade. On external validation using data from Toronto, the model accurately predicted upgrade in 87% of men with favorable features, and in 49% and 36% of men with intermediate and unfavorable features, respectively. Overall, the model performed well on external validation with an AUC of 0.72 and good calibration. Calibration plots, using cross-validation, define how well the predicted probabilities match the actual probability of sperm concentration upgrade. The random forest model was run twelve times. All model characteristics are the mean of ten model runs with the highest and lowest performing runs removed. The model was translated to an online calculator that can be used by clinicians. Limitations, reasons for caution One limitation to our study is that we were not able to predict total motile sperm count (TMSC), which has been shown to perform slightly better than concentration at predicting assisted reproduction outcomes. By focusing on clinically significant upgrading, this difference should be minimized. Wider implications of the findings: Predicting the chances of clinically significant semen upgrading after varicocele repair is essential for patients and clinicians to understand. Several men undergo surgery with no subsequent benefit, which may lead to a delay in definitive treatment with IVF/IUI. Understanding their chances will help couples make better informed decisions moving forward. Trial registration number Not applicabl