Line Managers' Perspectives and Responses when Employees Burn Out

PURPOSE

Little is known about whether burnout can be stopped at an emerging stage. To develop this knowledge, we focus on line managers' perspectives and responses when an employee who seems to be heading for burnout is still at work.

METHODS

We interviewed 17 line managers working in the educational and health care sectors, who had been confronted with the sickness absence of at least one employee due to burnout in the past. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

During the period that the employee seemed to be developing burnout while still at work, line managers experienced three different, successive phases: picking up signals, role-taking, and re-evaluation. Line managers' personal frame of reference (e.g., having experience with burnout) seemed to influence whether and how they picked up signals of burnout. Line managers not picking up signals, did not take any action. When picking up the signals, the managers however generally took an active role: they started a conversation, changed work tasks, and - at a later stage - adapted the employee's job description, sometimes without consulting the employee. The managers felt powerless yet learned from the experience when subsequently re-evaluating the period during which employees developed symptoms of burnout. These re-evaluations resulted in an adapted personal frame of reference.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that improving line managers' frame of reference, e.g., by organizing meetings and/or training, may help them to detect early signals of burnout and take action. This is a first step to prevent the further development of early burnout symptoms.

Updating dataset of measurements for the experimental CEA-beam benchmark structure subjected to one stochastic broadband excitation with dataset of measurements for the CEA-beam system subjected to two correlated or uncorrelated broadband random excitations

This data article comprises data to investigate the non-linear dynamic behavior of the beam benchmark structure that is a clamped–clamped steel beam with non-ideal boundary conditions subjected to two broadband correlated or uncorrelated random excitations. Experiments have been performed on the CEA-CESTA laboratory.

The data provided include output measurements for the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the CEA-beam (i.e., the accelerations amplitudes for the three accelerometers on the beam), as well as the two input forces amplitudes. In comparison with the data provided in [4] which only considers the case of a single exitation, experimental results are extended for the CEA-beam system subjected to two correlated or uncorrelated broadband random excitations.

All the results from this data will help researchers and engineers in proper analysis of the nonlinearities of the clamped–clamped beam and the effects of the correlation between two broadband correlated or uncorelated random excitations on the nonlinear signature of this academic structure. One of the main original contributions is to share the data sets to give the opportunity to researchers for testing and validating analytical or numerical models of a nonlinear beam with non-ideal boundary conditions and subjected to multipoint correlated or uncorrelated random excitations.

This Data in Brief article is an additional item directly alongside the following paper published in the Elsevier journal: S. Talik, J-J. Sinou, M. Claeys and J-P. Lambelin, Nonlinear vibrations of a beam subjected to two broadband correlated or uncorrelated broadband random excitations - experiments, modeling and simulations, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 106328, 2022.

Hinge point fibrosis in athletes is not associated with structural, functional or electrical consequences: a comparison between young and middle-aged elite endurance athletes

Background

The health benefits of extensive endurance training have been debated due to the report of myocardial fibrosis (MF), arrhythmias and temporary post-race cardiac impairment in middle-aged and veteran athletes. The extent of these changes is unknown in elite young athletes.

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of MF and its structural, functional and electrical impact in highly trained young endurance athletes (YA, 15–23 years) as compared to middle-aged athletes (MA, 30–50 years). We hypothesised that MF would be more frequent in MA and associated with more structural, functional and electrical abnormalities.

Methods

We prospectively assessed 197 YA and 34 MA. All had ECG, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) testing, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), echocardiography and 24h-holter. Indexed left ventricular and right ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDVi, RVEDVi), ejection fraction (LVEF, RVEF), left ventricular mass (LVMi), and MF defined as delayed gadolinium enhancement were assessed by CMR. LV and RV free wall strain (LVSL, RVfwSL) were assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Ventricular premature beats (VPB) and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) were assessed by 24h-holter.

Results

YA and MA (18±2 vs 38±5 years [p<0.01]; 78% vs 80% male [p=0.99]) with an elite level of fitness (VO2max 61±8 vs 54±10 mL/min/kg [p<0.01]; % predicted VO2max 150±20 vs 158±30 [p=0.02]) had a large variance in LV and RV remodelling (Figure 1). MF was seen in 28 athletes (12.5%) and more prevalent in MA than in YA (23.5 vs 10.5%, p=0.048). MF was limited to the hinge points in all 8 MA with MF and 17 YA. 3 YA had LV lateral wall subepicardial MF. 27 of 187 (14.4%) male athletes had MF compared to 1 of 50 (2%) female athletes (p=0.01).

MF+ MA(A) and YA(B) as well as MF− MA(C) and YA(D) had similar structural remodelling (LVEDVi 110±14 vs 118±14 vs 113±19 vs 110±16 mL/m2; RVEDVi 120±14 vs 128±17 vs 117±19 vs 125±23mL/m2; LVMi 77±11 vs 83±14 vs 81±14 vs 77±15g/m2, p>0.05). LVEF, LVSL and RVSL were similar (59±3 vs 58±5 vs 61±6 vs 58±6%; −18.8±2 vs −18.8±2 vs −19.8±2 vs −19.3±2%; −26.3±2.4 vs −24.4±2.4; −26.3±3 vs −25.8±3.5% respectively, p>0.05). LVEF <50% was seen in 19 (8.2%) athletes (0 [0%] vs [5%] 1 vs 1 [3.8%] vs 17 [9.6%]; p=0.51). RVEF was higher in D compared to C without further differences between groups (54±4 vs 54±6 vs 53±6 vs 57±5, p=0.005). RVEF<45% was seen 21 (9.1%) athletes (0 [0%] vs 1 [5%] vs 0 [0%] vs 20 [11.3%]; p=0.14). Abnormal T-wave inversion was similar (12.5 vs 5 vs 7.4 vs 6.2%, p=0.93) as was the prevalence of >100VPB/24h (12.5 vs 5 vs 11.1 vs 5.1%, p=0.42). 2 athletes had nsVT, both in D. All had similar exercise capacity (% predicted VO2max 157±26 vs 152±15 vs 147±24 vs 158±32%; p=0.11).

Conclusion

Hinge-point fibrosis was more prevalent in MA, possibly due to repeated hemodynamic stress during exercise, but is not associated with structural, functional or electrical consequences.

Figure 1. Cardiac remodelling in elite athletes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO)

Dataset of multi-harmonic measurements for the experimental CEA-beam benchmark structure

This data article comprises post-processed data to investigate the non-linear dynamic behavior of the CEA-beam benchmark structure that is a clamped–clamped steel beam with non-ideal boundary conditions. Experiments have been performed on the CEA-CESTA laboratory.

The data provided include output measurements for the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the CEA-beam (i.e. the displacement amplitudes for each harmonic component at the middle of the beam), as well as the complete input acceleration signal harmonics amplitude.

All the results from this data will help researchers and engineers in proper analysis of the nonlinearities of the clamped–clamped beam and the effect of the non-ideal input signal and advanced understanding of links between different excitation signal and the multi-harmonic responses of the CEA-beam. One of the main original contribution is to share the data sets to give the opportunity to researchers for testing and validating analytical or numerical models of a nonlinear beam with non-ideal boundary conditions and subjected to low and high levels of excitation signal.

This Data in Brief article is an additional item directly alongside the following paper published in the Elsevier journal Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation: M. Claeys, J-J. Sinou, J-P. Lambelin and B. Alcoverro, Multi-harmonic measurements and numerical simulations of nonlinear vibrations of a beam with non-ideal boundary conditions, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 19(12), 4196–4212, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnsns.2014.04.008.

P1878Long-term effect of atrial fibrillation on the evolution of mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation

Background

While severe mitral regurgitation is a well-established risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), it is less known whether atrial fibrillation induces mitral/tricuspid valve regurgitation (MR/TR). The present study aims to identify the long-term effects of permanent or non-permanent AF on atrial remodelling and on the progression of MR/TR.

Methods

The severity of MR/TR was assessed at baseline and after a period of 65±10 months in 37 patients with permanent AF, in 80 patients with non-permanent AF (of whom 43 were treated with ablation) and in 53 control patients with persistent sinus rhythm. MR/TR was qualitatively assessed by the multi-integrative approach, and quantitatively by measurement of the colour jet area.

Results

At baseline, AF patients had larger MR jet areas than control patients. At follow up, progression of MR, expressed as delta MR jet area, was 0.05±1.3 cm2 in the control group, 0.73±2.1 cm2 in the non-permanent AF group and 1.95±3.6 cm2 in the permanent AF group (p=0.001). Severe MR at follow up was observed in 0%, 2.5%, 8%, respectively. After adjustment for baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters, permanent AF remained independently associated with the progression of MR. There was a significant positive correlation between a progression of MR and an increase in left atrial volume index (r=0.31, p<0.001). Although rhythm control in non-permanent AF patients was better with AF ablation than with medical treatment only, the MR evolution was similar (delta MR jet area: 0.85±2.05 cm2 vs 0.61±2.12 cm2, p=0.6). Comparable findings, albeit less pronounced, were observed for the association between of AF and TR progression.

MR jet area

Conclusions

The presence of longstanding AF is associated with a significant progression of MR/TR mainly due to atrial remodelling. Our data showed a beneficial effect of sustained rhythm control, either medically or by ablation, on MR/TR progression.

[Psychometric properties of the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey: a cross-sectional study among Belgian psychiatric nurses]

BACKGROUND

The task of caring for psychiatric patients is so complex that it often leads to ethical dilemmas. The ethical climate on a ward is a crucial factor. This is the first study about the ethical climate in mental healthcare.

AIM

To investigate whether the only instrument currently available for measuring the ethical climate in general hospitals, namely the 'Hospital Ethical Climate Survey' (HECS), is a reliable and valid instrument for use on psychiatric wards.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was performed in a psychiatric hospital in Belgium. All 320 nurses were invited to participate (response rate = 265). The factor structure of the HECS was examined by means of explorative principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of the constructed scale and subscales was investigated.

RESULTS

Five factors were identified. The structure of these factors in the translated list was almost identical to the structure obtained with the original instrument and its underlying theoretical basis. Items relating to several other allied healthcare professions were added. This addition widened the subscale 'relationship with physician' so that it included 'relationship with other disciplines' (medical and allied healthcare workers).

CONCLUSION

The reliability of the instrument appeared to be good and yielded scores comparable to those obtained as a result of earlier research performed in general hospitals. The setting for our investigation produced a significantly higher main score for the ethical climate than did previous studies.

Overexpression of arginase in Arabidopsis thaliana influences defence responses against Botrytis cinerea

Arabidopsis possesses two arginase-encoding genes, ARGAH1 and ARGAH2, catalysing the catabolism of arginine into ornithine and urea. Arginine and ornithine are both precursors for polyamine biosynthetic pathways. We observed an accumulation of ARGAH2 mRNA in Arabidopsis upon inoculation with the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Transgenic lines displaying either overexpression of ARGAH2 or simultaneous silencing of both Arabidopsis arginase-encoding genes were created and their resistance to B. cinerea infection evaluated. Overexpression of arginase resulted in changes in amino acid accumulation, while polyamine levels remained largely unaffected. Silencing lines were affected in both amino acid and putrescine accumulation. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the arginase gene were less susceptible to B. cinerea, whereas silencing lines remained as susceptible as the wild type. We discuss how arginase might interact with plant defence mechanisms. These results provide new insights into amino acid metabolic changes under stress.

An extensin-rich matrix lines the carinal canals in Equisetum ramosissimum, which may function as water-conducting channels

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The anatomy of Equisetum stems is characterized by the occurrence of vallecular and carinal canals. Previous studies on the carinal canals in several Equisetum species suggest that they convey water from one node to another.

METHODS

Cell wall composition and ultrastructure have been studied using immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, respectively. Serial sectioning and X-ray computed tomography were employed to examine the internode-node-internode transition of Equisetum ramosissimum.

KEY RESULTS

The distribution of the LM1 and JIM20 extensin epitopes is restricted to the lining of carinal canals. The monoclonal antibodies JIM5 and LM19 directed against homogalacturonan with a low degree of methyl esterification and the CBM3a probe recognizing crystalline cellulose also bound to this lining. The xyloglucan epitopes recognized by LM15 and CCRC-M1 were only detected in this lining after pectate lyase treatment. The carinal canals, connecting consecutive rings of nodal xylem, are formed by the disruption and dissolution of protoxylem elements during elongation of the internodes. Their inner surface appears smooth compared with that of vallecular canals.

CONCLUSIONS

The carinal canals in E. ramosissimum have a distinctive lining containing pectic homogalacturonan, cellulose, xyloglucan and extensin. These canals might function as water-conducting channels which would be especially important during the elongation of the internodes when protoxylem is disrupted and the metaxylem is not yet differentiated. How the molecularly distinct lining relates to the proposed water-conducting function of the carinal canals requires further study. Efforts to elucidate the spatial and temporal distribution of cell wall polymers in a taxonomically broad range of plants will probably provide more insight into the structural-functional relationships of individual cell wall components or of specific configurations of cell wall polymers.

Non-lignified helical cell wall thickenings in root cortical cells of Aspleniaceae (Polypodiales): histology and taxonomical significance

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extraxylary helical cell wall thickenings in vascular plants are not well documented, except for those in orchid velamen tissues which have been studied extensively. Reports on their occurrence in ferns exist, but detailed information is missing. The aim of this study is to focus on the broad patterns of structure and composition and to study the taxonomic occurrence of helical cell wall thickenings in the fern family Aspleniaceae.

METHODS

Structural and compositional aspects of roots have been examined by means of light, electron, epifluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy. To assess the taxonomical distribution of helical cell wall thickenings a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on rbcL sequences of 64 taxa was performed.

KEY RESULTS

The helical cell wall thickenings of all examined species showed considerable uniformity of design. The pattern consists of helical, regularly bifurcating and anastomosing strands. Compositionally, the cell wall thickenings were found to be rich in homogalacturonan, cellulose, mannan and xyloglucan. Thioacidolysis confirmed our negative phloroglucinol staining tests, demonstrating the absence of lignins in the root cortex. All taxa with helical cell wall thickenings formed a monophyletic group supported by a 100 % bootstrap value and composed of mainly epiphytic species.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of non-lignified pectin-rich secondary cell walls in ferns. Based on our molecular analysis, we reject the hypothesis of parallel evolution of helical cell wall thickenings in Aspleniaceae. Helical cell wall thickenings can mechanically stabilize the cortex tissue, allowing maximal uptake of water and nutrients during rainfall events. In addition, it can also act as a boundary layer increasing the diffusive pathway towards the atmosphere, preventing desiccation of the stele of epiphytic growing species.

A new preparation method to study fresh plant structures with X-ray computed tomography

Since the development of X-ray computed tomography as a medical diagnostic tool, it was adapted and extended for many scientific applications, including plant structure research. As for many biological studies, sample preparation is of major importance to obtain good-quality images. Therefore, we present a new preparation method for fresh material which includes critical point drying and heavy metal staining. This technique enhances the contrast of fresh tissues, prevents artefacts such as tissue compression, and requires no embedding.

Determination of isoprene and alpha-/beta-pinene oxidation products in boreal forest aerosols from Hyytiälä, Finland: diel variations and possible link with particle formation events

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as isoprene and alpha-/beta-pinene, are photo-oxidized in the atmosphere to non-volatile species resulting in secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The goal of this study was to examine time trends and diel variations of oxidation products of isoprene and alpha-/beta-pinene in order to investigate whether they are linked with meteorological parameters or trace gases. Separate day-night aerosol samples (PM(1)) were collected in a Scots pine dominated forest in southern Finland during 28 July-11 August 2005 and analyzed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, inorganic trace gases (SO(2), CO, NO(x), and O(3)), meteorological parameters, and the particle number concentration were monitored. The median total concentration of terpenoic acids (i.e., pinic acid, norpinic acid, and two novel compounds, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid and 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyladipic acid) was 65 ng m(-3), while that of isoprene oxidation products (i.e., 2-methyltetrols and C(5) alkene triols) was 17.2 ng m(-3). The 2-methyltetrols exhibited day/night variations with maxima during day-time, while alpha-/beta-pinene oxidation products did not show any diel variation. The sampling period was marked by a relatively high condensation sink, caused by pre-existing aerosol particles, and no nucleation events. In general, the concentration trends of the SOA compounds reflected those of the inorganic trace gases, meteorological parameters, and condensation sink. Both the isoprene and alpha-/beta-pinene SOA products were strongly influenced by SO(2), which is consistent with earlier reports that acidity plays a role in SOA formation. The results support previous proposals that oxygenated VOCs contribute to particle growth processes above boreal forest.

The comparative cellular architecture of the female gonoduct among tylenchoidea (nematoda: tylenchina)

The cellular architecture of the female gonoduct of 68 nematode populations representing 42 species belonging to Tylenchidae, Belonolaimidae, Hoplolaimidae and Meloinema is shown to have an overall similarity in cellular gonoduct structure. The oviduct consists of two rows of four cells; the spermatheca is comprised of 10 to 20 cells, and the uterus cells, except in the case of Psilenchus, are arranged in four (Tylenchidae) or three (Belonolaimidae, Hoplolaimidae and Meloinema) regular rows. Although the genus Meloinema is classified within Meloidogynidae, its spermatheca is clearly hoplolaimid-like and lacks the spherical shape with lobe-like protruding cells typical of Meloidogyne. Detailed morphology of expelled gonoducts may provide a valuable character set in phylogenetic analysis, and the cellular morphology of the spermatheca appears to be a distinguishing feature at species level, especially in the genera Tylenchus and Geocenamus. Ultrastructural data on the oviduct-spermatheca region of Meloidogyne incognita complement light-microscopic (LM) results. The combination of LM of expelled organs and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on selected sections is put forward as a powerful tool to combine three-dimensional knowledge with ultrastructural detail.

[Duplication of the inferior vena cava: anatomical dissection and clinical implications]

The duplication of the inferior vena cava is often incidentally discovered during radiological studies. The presence of this anomaly can be mistaken for retroperitoneal adenopathy. Its knowledge allows to avoid hemorrhagic complications during retroperitoneal surgery. An anatomical dissection of a duplication of the inferior vena cava is presented. Embryogenesis and variations are described. Radiological and clinical implications are discussed.

[Exhaled nitric oxide: a new biomarker for respiratory pathologies]

There has been a growing interest for exhaled biomarkers. We review studies examining NO as a potential marker of airway inflammation, enabling noninvasive repeated monitoring of airway inflammation. The measurement technique has been standardized. We have determined the local normal levels for the Liège region. The exhaled NO level is elevated in asthma, and can predict asthma exacerbation. Exhaled NO has a value for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Biologically active bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from the root bark of Epinetrum villosum

Methanol and water extracts of the root of Epinetrum villosum (Exell) Troupin (Menispermaceae) were found to exhibit antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities. Investigation of the active methanol fraction led to the isolation of four bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, i.e., cycleanine, cycleanine N-oxide, isochondodendrine and cocsoline. Structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Cocsoline displayed antibacterial and antifungal activities (MIC values of 1000-15.62 and 31.25 microg/ml, respectively). Isochondodendrine was found to have the most potent antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 0.10 microg/ml), whereas the IC50 on HCT-116 human colon carcinoma cells was 17.5 microg/ml (selectivity index 175). Cycleanine acted against HIV-2 (EC50=1.83 microg/ml) but was at least 10-fold less active against HIV-1. Cycleanine N-oxide showed no activity towards all tested microorganisms.

[Practical considerations for the treatment of acute rhythm disturbances. Report of Belgium Interdisciplinary Working Group on Acute Cardiology]

Acute arrhythmia is a condition covering a wide variety of rhythm disturbances. The aim of the article is to give practical recommendations for the approach and the treatment of the patient presenting with an acute arrhythmia. We discuss bradycardia and tachycardia. Tachycardias are divided into the small QRS complex tachycardias and the wide QRS complex tachycardias. Another important distinction with immediate therapeutic consequences is that between the hemodynamic stable and unstable patient. Flowcharts with diagnostic means and therapeutic schemes are added and a table with practical considerations for electrical cardioversion.

Structure characterization of flavonoid O-diglycosides by positive and negative nano-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

Isomeric flavonoid O-diglycosides were analyzed by positive and negative nano-electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) in order to evaluate whether the two most common interglycosidic linkage types, i.e. 1 --> 2 and 1 --> 6, found for glycosides containing a rhamnosylglucose glycan part can be differentiated. In the positive ion mode the degree of internal glucose residue loss was found to be strongly dependent on the aglycone type and was very pronounced for aglycones of the flavanone type. The relative abundance of the Y-type ions formed by fragmentation at glycosidic bonds only allows one to infer the interglycosidic linkage types in the case of flavone O-diglycosides. In contrast, the negative ion mode makes a clear differentiation between a rutinoside (1 --> 6) and a neohesperidoside (1 --> 2) glycan residue possible for all aglycone types. The neohesperidose-containing compounds could be characterized by additional product ions. When the compounds were dissolved in pure methanol a molecular radical ion was found to be the base peak in nano-ESI.