The relationship of ALPK1, hyaluronic acid and M1 macrophage polarization in the temporomandibular joint synovitis.

M1 macrophage polarization and synovitis play an important role in the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Reduced molecular weight of hyaluronic acid (HA) in synovial fluid of patients with TMJOA. In addition, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) is often used clinically to treat TMJ inflammation. As a pattern recognition receptor of the cytoplasm, ALPK1 was found to be pro-inflammatory in a variety of diseases. However, the relationship of ALPK1, HA and M1 macrophage polarization in TMJ synovitis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of ALPK1 and HA in macrophage polarization and TMJ synovitis and the underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that ALPK1 was highly upregulated in the synovial macrophages in the inflamed TMJ synovium of patients. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) promoted the expression of ALPK1 and M1 macrophage-associated genes. Besides, rhALPK1 promoted the expression of M1 macrophage-associated factors and the nuclear translocation of PKM2. Furthermore, ALPK1 knockout mice exhibited limited infiltration of macrophages and decreased expression levels of M1 macrophage-associated genes in CFA-induced TMJ synovitis. While HMW-HA inhibited the expression of ALPK1 and M1 macrophage polarization. Our results elucidated that ALPK1 promoted TMJ synovitis by promoting nuclear PKM2-mediated M1 macrophage polarization, whereas HMW-HA inhibited the expression of ALPK1 as well as M1 macrophage polarization.

Factors influencing decent work among psychiatric nurses in China: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the current status of decent work among psychiatric nurses and analyze its influencing factors. METHODS: In February 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a cluster sample of 358 nurses from a tertiary Grade A psychiatric hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Data were collected using a custom-made nurse demographic scale to gather demographic information. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERIQ) was used to assess the imbalance between effort and reward through the effort-reward ratio (ERR). The Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) measured subjective support, objective support, and support utilization. The Decent Work Perception Scale (DWPS) was used to evaluate nurses' perceptions of decent work. T-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: The study found that the correlation between decent work and social support was positive (r = 0.360, p < 0.001), while it was negative for effort-reward imbalance (r = -0.584, p < 0.001). Factors influencing perceptions of decent work included years of work experience (ß = -0.164, p = 0.046 for < 5 years; ß = -0.157, p = 0.040 for > 25 years), social support (ß = 0.259, p < 0.001), and the effort-reward imbalance (ß=-0.458, p < 0.001). These factors collectively explained 40.2% of the variance in perceptions of decent work. Furthermore, social support plays a mediating role between effort-reward imbalance and decent work (ß=-0.062, Bootstrap 95% CI: -0.107, -0.023). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that years of work experience, social support, and the effort-reward imbalance are factors influencing decent work among psychiatric nurses. By offering career development opportunities, fostering supportive work environments, and ensuring fair compensation, we can empower psychiatric nurses to navigate job challenges effectively and sustain a sense of decency in their work.

Nurses' acceptance of nursing information systems: A multi-center cross-sectional study in China.

BACKGROUND: In China, nursing information systems (NIS) implementation can face numerous barriers to acceptance, including the attitudes of potential users. However, few studies have evaluated this acceptance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explain the acceptance of NIS utilizing a survey based on unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. METHODS: A multi-center cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey was conducted. SPSS AMOS was used to conduct a structural equation modelling analysis. This research followed the STROBE Checklist. RESULTS: A total of 3973 Nurses participated in the study between January 2023 and March 2023. The acceptance of NIS among nurses was overall moderate to high. The proposed model has been rigorously tested and validated using empirical data, ensuring its credibility and dependability. Performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), and attitude significantly and positively affected intentions to use NIS. Effort expectancy (EE) did not show any significant effects in the sample. Facilitating conditions (FCs) was found to have a negative relationship with the intention to use NIS. There was a statistically significant difference BI between the different age groups, working years, and computer training experience. The model demonstrates a good fit with the observed data. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified PE, SI, and attitude as facilitators of nurses' intentions to use NIS. The findings about EE indicates that the ease of using NIS does not seem to be a concern among nurses. Moreover, high FC might be perceived as indicative of a complex system or extensive usage, that can lead to increased workload and reduced behavioural intention (BI). The significant differences in BI among various demographic groups highlight the need for more studies understanding the preferences and barriers faced by different, levels of experience and training backgrounds. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Decent work, work engagement, and turnover intention among registered nurses: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nurses face substantial career challenges arising from global pandemics, economic crises, and their roles in conflict-ridden areas. In this context, the rights of nurses pertaining to decent work, such as freedom, fairness, safety, and dignity, are not adequately safeguarded. This study examines decent work status among Chinese nurses and its links to demographics, work engagement, and turnover intention. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used following STROBE guidelines. Through a convenient sampling method, a total of 476 nurses were surveyed. These participants were drawn from three esteemed tertiary Grade A hospitals in Hangzhou, with data collection spanning from June to August in 2023. We used a comprehensive set of assessment instruments, encompassing an evaluation of demographic characteristics, the Decent Work Perceptions Scale (DWPS), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UEWS), and turnover intention questionnaire. Bootstrapping procedures were used to ensure the robustness and reliability of the model. RESULTS: The study revealed that nurses' perceptions of decent work significantly impacted work engagement (ß = 0.603, p < 0.001) and turnover intention (ß = -0.275, p < 0.001). Work engagement operated as a mediator between decent work and turnover intention, decreasing the likelihood of nurses leaving their positions (ß = -0.062, p < 0.001). Factors such as age, years of working experience, professional title, job category, and attendance at professional conferences significantly influenced nurses' perceptions of decent work (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study examines factors affecting decent work among nurses and explores its connection with work engagement and the intention to leave. Despite limitations (sample, social desirability bias), the study offers valuable insights for nursing practice. This suggests managers improve decent work for young nurses through rational shift schedules and continuous education. Policymakers should consider adjusting nursing policies for better employment conditions.

Unveiling nurses' perspectives on decent work: A qualitative exploration.

AIM: This study explores nurses' perspectives on the concept of "decent work" and the factors influencing their viewpoints. DESIGN: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach using face-to-face interviews. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 registered nurses at two tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, China, from October to November 2023. FINDINGS: Decent work for nurses refers to their engagement in a profession within a secure, fair, and friendly practice environment where they could receive respect, support, reasonable compensation, social security, and opportunities for career development, all of which could enable nurses to recognize their intrinsic values and achieve a state of professional and personal fulfillment. Key factors that influence decent work for nurses include the work environment, societal perceptions, and individual characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of decent work holds paramount importance for nurses, necessitating collaborative efforts at the individual, family, institutional, and societal levels to promote the professional dignity of nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Policymakers should establish regional minimum wage standards for nurses, promote flexible scheduling, and support professional development through subsidized training programs. Additionally, national media campaigns and comprehensive mental health support can enhance the public image and resilience of nurses, respectively, improving their decent work perception.

Assessing the mediation pathways: How decent work affects turnover intention through job satisfaction and burnout in nursing.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the potential mediating roles of nurses' job satisfaction and burnout in the association between decent work and turnover intention. BACKGROUND: There is a global challenge of nursing shortages in healthcare systems worldwide. Decent work is crucial for safeguarding the rights and professional development outcomes of nurses. However, there is currently limited research on decent work among nurses, and there is a lack of studies exploring the relationships between nurses' decent work, job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 460 nurses from three hospitals: The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, and Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital. The STROBE checklist was used. Mediation analysis using the PROCESS Macro was used to examine the relationships between decent work, job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention. RESULTS: The results showed that nurses' perception of decent work directly influences their turnover intention. Additionally, these findings strongly support the role of job satisfaction and burnout as mediating factors in the relationship between decent work and turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: Decent work reduces nurse burnout and turnover intention of enhancing their job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: This study's findings have important implications for healthcare organizations and policymakers. Recognizing the pivotal role of decent work in nurses' job satisfaction and well-being can guide the development of strategies to improve working conditions and reduce turnover rates. It is imperative for healthcare institutions to prioritize creating safe, supportive, and equitable work conditions for nurses, as this can contribute to higher job satisfaction and, subsequently, lower turnover rates.

Clinical Application of CAD/CAM-Guided Modified Dautrey's Procedure in Recurrent Temporomandibular Joint Luxation.

This study aimed to introduce the clinical application of the CAD/CAM-guided modified Dautrey's procedure in recurrent anterior temporomandibular joint luxation and evaluate its clinical effects. Four selected patients were treated by the CAD/CAM-guided modified Dautrey's procedure and were followed-up to access their curative effect. Joint pain and sound, recurrence rate, mandibular function, maximum mouth opening (MMO), symptoms of facial nerve injury, and changes in zygomatic facial appearance were observed in postoperative follow-up. The followed-up period ranged from 3 months to 1 year with an average time of 7.5 months. There was no recurrence in all 4 patients, and no symptoms of facial nerve injury and zygomaticofacial appearance changes were found. All patients showed improvement in MMO, with a mean preoperative and postoperative MMO of 4.74 and 3.74 cm, respectively. All of them showed relief of joint pain or sound 3 months or more after the operation and could exercise mandibular normally. This results showed that the CAD/CAM-guided modified Dautrey's procedure was effective in the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint luxation and could be used as a good alternative treatment for it.

Moral distress, psychological capital, and burnout in registered nurses.

AIMS: This study aimed to explore the relationship among moral distress, psychological capital, and burnout in registered nurses. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University (Approval no. 2022001). METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 397 nurses from three Grade-A tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China. Participants completed demographic information, the Nurses' Moral Distress Scale, the Nurses' Psychological Capital Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The study found that moral distress and burnout are positively correlated, while psychological capital is negatively correlated with both moral distress and burnout. The path analysis in structural equation modeling revealed that moral distress has a significant direct effect on psychological capital, while psychological capital has a significant direct effect on burnout. In addition, moral distress also had a significant indirect effect on burnout through psychological capital. Moreover, both the direct effect of moral distress on burnout and the total effect of moral distress on burnout were significant. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that psychological capital plays an important role in the relationship between moral distress and burnout. Promoting psychological capital among nurses may be a promising strategy for preventing moral distress and burnout in the workplace.

Long noncoding RNA TUG1 induces angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells and dissolution of deep vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) essentially controls many physiological and pathological processes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Based on that, lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1)-involved angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and dissolution of DVT was explored. METHODS: In the in-vitro experiments, EPCs were engineered with mimic, inhibitor, siRNA, and plasmid, after which tube formation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were checked. In the in-vivo experiments, a DVT mouse model was established. Before the DVT operation, the mice were injected with agomir, antagomir, siRNA, and plasmid. Subsequently, thrombosis and damage to the femoral vein were pathologically evaluated. TUG1, miR-92a-3p, and 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) expression in the femoral vein was tested. The relationship between TUG1, miR-92a-3p, and Hmgcr was validated. RESULTS: DVT mice showed suppressed TUG1 and Hmgcr expression, and elevated miR-92a-3p expression. In EPCs, TUG1 overexpression or miR-92a-3p inhibition promoted cellular angiogenesis, whereas Hmgcr silencing blocked cellular angiogenesis. In DVT mice, elevated TUG1 or inhibited miR-92a-3p suppressed thrombosis and damage to the femoral vein whilst Hmgcr knockdown acted oppositely. In both cellular and animal models, TUG1 overexpression-induced effects could be mitigated by miR-92a-3p up-regulation. Mechanically, TUG1 interacted with miR-92a-3p to regulate Hmgcr expression. CONCLUSION: Evidently, TUG1 promotes the angiogenesis of EPCs and dissolution of DVT via the interplay with miR-92a-3p and Hmgcr.

Diverse Triterpenoids from Mastic Produced by Pistacia lentiscus and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Eight undescribed triterpenoids (1-8), including one apotirucallane-type triterpenoid (1), six tirucallane-type triterpenoids (2-7), and one oleanane-type triterpenoid (8), along with ten known compounds (9-18) were isolated from the resins of Pistacia lentiscus. Their structures were elucidated by integrating NMR spectroscopic analyses and ESI-HR-MS. Compounds 5, 11-17 exhibited moderate inhibitory abilities against NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 18.26-50.37 µM, compared to that of the positive control dexamethasone (IC50 =20.24 µM).