bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological profiling identifies divergent chemosensitivities of differentiating and maturingiPSC‐derived human cortical neuron populations
Authors: Sharlow Elizabeth R. , Llaneza Danielle C. , Tewari Bhanu P. , Mingledorff Garnett A. , Mendelson Anna J. , Sontheimer Harald , Bloom George S. , Lazo John S.
Published: July 2023

Neuronal differentiation and maturation are extended developmental processes. To determine whether neurons at different developmental stages have divergent chemosensitivities, we screened differentiating and maturing neuronal populations using a small compound library comprising FDA‐approved and investigational drugs. Using a neurotoxicity assay format, both respective neuronal population‐based screening campaigns performed robustly (Z‐factors = 0.7–0.8), although the hit rate for the differentiating neurons (2.8%) was slightly higher than for maturing neurons (1.9%). While the majority of hits were toxic to both neuronal populations, these hits predominantly represented promiscuous drugs. Other drugs were selectively neurotoxic, with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors disproportionally represented after confirmation. Ponatinib and amuvatinib were neuroinhibitory for differentiating and maturing neurons, respectively. Chemoinformatic analyses confirmed differences in potential drug targets that may be differentially expressed during neuronal development. Subsequent studies demonstrated neuronal expression of AXL, an amuvatinib target, in both neuronal populations. However, functional AXL activity was confirmed only in the maturing neuronal population as determined by AXL phosphorylation in response to GAS6, the cognate ligand of AXL, and concurrent STAT3Y705phosphorylation. Differentiating neurons were unresponsive to the effects of GAS6 suggesting that the AXL‐STAT3 signaling axis was nonfunctional. Amuvatinib treatment of maturing neuronal cultures significantly reduced pAXL levels. These studies indicate that neuronal developmental states may exhibit unique chemosensitivities and that drugs may have different neuro‐inhibitory effects depending upon the developmental stage of the neuronal population.
Roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration: A qualitative study
Authors: Paulis Simone J. C. , Everink Irma H. J. , Huppertz Vivienne A. L. , Lohrmann Christa , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

Examining the perspectives of formal and informal caregivers and residents on roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration.

Design

Qualitative study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 16 care professionals, three residents and three informal caregivers were conducted between October and November 2021. A thematic analysis was performed on the interviews.

Results

Three topic summaries contributed to a comprehensive view on the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration: role content, mutual expectations and needs for improvement. Many overlapping activities were found among care professionals, informal caregivers and allied care staff. While nursing staff and informal caregivers are essential in observing changes in the health status of residents, and medical staff in diagnosing and treating dehydration, the role of residents remains limited. Conflicting expectations emerged regarding, for example, the level of involvement of the resident and communication. Barriers to multidisciplinary collaboration were highlighted, including little structural involvement of allied care staff, limited insight into each other's expertise and poor communication between formal and informal caregivers. Seven areas for improvement emerged: awareness, resident profile, knowledge and expertise, treatment, monitoring and tools, working conditions and multidisciplinary working.

Conclusion

In general, many formal and informal caregivers are involved in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration. They depend on each other's observations, information and expertise which requires an interprofessional approach with specific attention to adequate prevention. For this, educational interventions focused on hydration care should be a core element in professional development programs of nursing homes and vocational training of future care professionals.

Impact

The care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration has multiple points for improvement. To be able to adequately address dehydration, it is essential for formal and informal caregivers and residents to address these barriers in clinical practice.

Reporting Method

In writing this manuscript, the EQUATOR guidelines (reporting method SRQR) have been adhered to.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Ivabradine in a 15‐day‐old male neonate with refractory focal atrial tachycardia
Authors: Tasci Onur , Karadeniz Cem
Published: July 2023

Ivabradine is used to reduce heart rate in children with chronic heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, it has recently been used off‐label to treat tachyarrhythmias such as ectopic atrial tachycardia and junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) in children. We report a successful ivabradine experience in a male neonate with refractory focal atrial tachycardia (FAT).
Positive emotion up‐regulation is resistant to working memory load: An electrocortical investigation of reappraisal and savoring
Authors: Cheng Yuhan , Peters Blaine R. , MacNamara Annmarie
Published: July 2023

Studies of emotion regulation to‐date have mostly focused on negative emotion down‐regulation, leaving positive emotion up‐regulation poorly understood, particularly regarding factors that may modulate its success. While reappraisal and savoring have been shown to be effective at increasing electrocortical and subjective response to pictures in controlled laboratory settings, it remains unclear whether individuals can effectively enact these techniques to willfully increase positive emotions in everyday life when faced with other concurrent distractions/demands. Here, we used the late positive potential (LPP), an electrocortical measure that is larger for emotional compared to neutral stimuli, to assess the effect of working memory (WM) load on individuals' ability to reappraise or savor positive pictures. Seventy‐six participants were randomly assigned to use either reappraisal or savoring to up‐regulate positive emotion to pictures. Following training, participants engaged in a positive emotion up‐regulation task interspersed with high and low WM load trials, while EEG was recorded. Frequentist and Bayesian statistics showed that although high WM load seemed to consume resources and reduced picture processing overall, it did not interfere with the enhancement of the LPP via positive emotion up‐regulation. Nonetheless, WM performance (especially on high‐load trials) was worse when participants were engaged in positive emotion up‐regulation. Therefore, while both techniques appear to be effective under concurrent WM load, positive emotion up‐regulation may interfere with other ongoing tasks.
Leukoreduction of red blood cell units decreases dysregulatory micro RNAs during routine storage: An observational study with In‐silico analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Somnath , Das Potnuru Gouri Shankar , Prakash Satya , Ghosh Amit , Priyadarshini Trishna , Purkait Suvendu
Published: July 2023

Background

Red Blood cells (RBCs) bring about harmful consequences during storage. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation in stored RBCs could represent potential biomarkers of storage lesions. Although leukoreduction prevents damage to RBCs, it is uncertain whether leukoreduction of RBCs would impact the dysregulation of miRNAs during storage. This study evaluated the potential role of miRNAs for any alteration of leukoreduced (LR) and non‐leukoreduced (NLR) RBCs till 21 days of storage.

Study Design and Methods

In this prospective study, thirty male volunteers' blood was equally divided into leukoreduced RBCs (LR) and NLR RBC (NLR) bags and stored till Day 21 at 4‐60c. Selected miRNAs were quantified on Days 0 and 21. Further, bioinformatic tools were used to analyze the selected miRNAs and their predicted target genes (mRNAs) and identify the miRNA‐mRNA regulatory relationships.

Results

A significantly higher fold change values of three miRNAs (miR‐96‐5p, miR‐197‐3p, miR‐769‐3p) were observed in NLR RBCs (p < .05). A significantly higher (p < .05) expression levels of miR‐150‐5p and miR‐197‐3p were observed in NLR RBCs till 21 days of storage. Further, the correlation with mRNA quantification confirmed the regulatory role of these miRNAs upon functional pathway enrichment analysis.

Discussion

A higher level of dysregulation of miRNAs was observed in NLR RBCs. Validation from In‐Silico analysis suggested the regulatory role of miRNAs in cell apoptosis, senescence, and RBC‐related signaling pathways. This indicated that stored LR RBCs would likely have better in vivo survival and function following transfusion. However, an in vivo study of miRNA in RBCs is warranted for conclusive evidence.
Unlocking the Power of Online Gaming: Exploring Its Potential as a Language and Communication Tool in the English Classroom - A Survey
Authors: Darvenkumar T , Rajasekaran W Christopher
Published: July 2023

Online games are believed to have excellent potential because they can hold students’ attention for long durations. It empowers the learners to participate more actively in the whole learning process. Communication is crucial in industry and higher education, so students must be proficient in LSRW (listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) skills. This study used a quantitative research method, a survey questionnaire, to gather tertiary-level students' perspectives on utilising online games to strengthen language and communication abilities. The participants in this study were tertiary-level students, and their ages ranged between 17 and 24 years. Google Forms was used to gather the responses to the survey. The collected data has been analysed using the SPSS (Statistical software for the social sciences). The result of the study shows that the use of online games in English language learning is becoming more popular, and learners are more interested to learn and practice the language through online games.
Draft Genome Sequences of Heavy Metal-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes Strains of Sequence Type 14 (Clonal Complex 14) from Human Listeriosis Cases in Sweden
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Tham Wilhelm , Danielsson-Tham Marie-Louise , Lopez-Valladares Gloria , Chen Yi , Brown Phillip , Kathariou Sophia
Published: July 2023

Listeria monocytogenes
of clonal complex 14 (CC14) is a potentially hypervirulent clone of serotype 1/2a but remains poorly characterized. We report the genome sequences of five sequence type 14 (ST14) (CC14) strains from human listeriosis cases in Sweden, which harbor a chromosomal heavy metal resistance island that is generally uncommon in serotype 1/2a.
Quantitative differences in synthetic gut microbial inoculums do not affect the final stabilized
in vitro
community compositions
Authors: Gnanasekaran Thiyagarajan , Sarathi Arjun , Fang Qing , Azarm Asieh , Assis Geraldo Juliana , Nigro Eleonora , Arumugam Manimozhiyan
Published: July 2023

In vitro
studies of synthetic gut microbial communities (SGMCs) can provide valuable insights into the ecological structure and function of gut microbiota. However, the importance of the quantitative composition of an SGMC inoculum and its effect on the eventual stable
in vitro
microbial community has not been studied. To address this, we constructed two 114-member SGMCs differing only in their quantitative composition—one reflecting the average human fecal microbiome and another mixed in equal proportions based on cell counts. We inoculated each in an automated anaerobic multi-stage
in vitro
gut fermentor simulating two different colonic conditions, mimicking proximal and distal colons. We replicated this setup with two different nutrient media, periodically sampled the cultures for 27 days, and profiled their microbiome compositions using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. While nutrient medium explained 36% of the variance in microbiome composition, initial inoculum composition failed to show a statistically significant effect. Under all four conditions, paired fecal and equal SGMC inoculums converged to reach stable community compositions resembling each other. Our results have broad implications for simplifying
in vitro
SGMC investigations.

IMPORTANCE

In vitro
cultivation of synthetic gut microbial communities (SGMCs) can provide valuable insights into the ecological structure and function of gut microbiota. However, it is currently not known whether the quantitative composition of the initial inoculum can influence the eventual stable
in vitro
community structure. Hence, using two SGMC inoculums consisting of 114 unique species mixed in either equal proportions (Eq inoculum) or resembling proportions in an average human fecal microbiome (Fec inoculum), we show that initial inoculum compositions did not influence the final stable community structure in a multi-stage
in vitro
gut fermentor. Under two different nutrient media and two different colon conditions (proximal and distal), both Fec and Eq communities converged to resemble each other’s community structure. Our results suggest that the time-consuming preparation of SGMC inoculums may not be needed and has broad implications for
in vitro
SGMC studies.
Possible ameliorative role of Spirulina platensis on coagulation factors, lymphocytopenia, and malnutrition in ICU patients with COVID-19
Authors: Hatami Monireh , Mojani-Qomi Mansooreh Sadat , Javid Zeinab , Taghavi Mohsen , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Sanaei Delir Zavaragh Davood , Mikaniki Fatemeh , Nazari Mojgan , Seyedmehdi Seyed Ahmad , Rahmani Jamal , Norouzi Mehdi , Shadnoush Mahdi
Published: July 2023

Considering the anti-viral effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp), this study investigated the impact of Sp on impaired blood biomarkers of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19. Therefore, 104 patients (aged 48–66; 61.5% male) were randomly assigned to the Sp (daily consumption of 5 g) or placebo group for 2 weeks. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the differences in blood test results between the control and intervention groups among patients with COVID-19. Our results showed significant differences in certain hematological tests, including a higher level of hematocrit (HCT) and a lower platelet count (PLT) in the intervention group ( p < 0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes (Lym%) in serology testing was significantly different between the control and intervention groups ( p = 0.03). In terms of biochemical test analyses, Sp supplementation was associated with reduced levels of both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( p = 0.01). Furthermore, on day 14, the intervention group displayed significantly higher medians of serum protein, albumin, and zinc compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, patients supplemented with Sp had a lower BUN–albumin ratio (BAR) ( p = 0.01). No immunological and hormonal differences were observed between groups following 2 weeks. Our analysis indicates that Sp supplementation may be effective in regulating some blood test abnormalities associated with COVID-19. This study was registered at ISRCTN as IRCT20200720048139N1.
Data from Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Clonal Evolution Induced by HPV Integration
Authors: Akagi Keiko , Symer David E. , Mahmoud Medhat , Jiang Bo , Goodwin Sara , Wangsa Darawalee , Li Zhengke , Xiao Weihong , Dunn Joe Dan , Ried Thomas , Coombes Kevin R. , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Gillison Maura L.
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) genome is integrated into host DNA in most HPV-positive cancers, but the consequences for chromosomal integrity are unknown. Continuous long-read sequencing of oropharyngeal cancers and cancer cell lines identified a previously undescribed form of structural variation, “heterocateny,” characterized by diverse, interrelated, and repetitive patterns of concatemerized virus and host DNA segments within a cancer. Unique breakpoints shared across structural variants facilitated stepwise reconstruction of their evolution from a common molecular ancestor. This analysis revealed that virus and virus–host concatemers are unstable and, upon insertion into and excision from chromosomes, facilitate capture, amplification, and recombination of host DNA and chromosomal rearrangements. Evidence of heterocateny was detected in extrachromosomal and intrachromosomal DNA. These findings indicate that heterocateny is driven by the dynamic, aberrant replication and recombination of an oncogenic DNA virus, thereby extending known consequences of HPV integration to include promotion of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.
Significance:
Long-read sequencing of HPV-positive cancers revealed “heterocateny,” a previously unreported form of genomic structural variation characterized by heterogeneous, interrelated, and repetitive genomic rearrangements within a tumor. Heterocateny is driven by unstable concatemerized HPV genomes, which facilitate capture, rearrangement, and amplification of host DNA, and promotes intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.

See related commentary by McBride and White, p. 814.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 799
Figure S7 from β-Catenin Drives Butyrophilin-like Molecule Loss and γδ T-cell Exclusion in Colon Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyasu , Kilbey Anna , Casa-Rodríguez Nuria , Lawlor Amy , Georgakopoulou Anastasia , Hayman Hannah , Yin Swe Kyi Lai , Nordin Anna , Cantù Claudio , Vantourout Pierre , Ridgway Rachel A. , Byrne Ryan M. , Chen Lei , Verzi Michael P. , Gay David M. , Gil Vázquez Ester , Belnoue-Davis Hayley L. , Gilroy Kathryn , Køstner Anne Helene , Kersten Christian , Thuwajit Chanitra , Andersen Ditte K. , Wiesheu Robert , Jandke Anett , Blyth Karen , Roseweir Antonia K. , Leedham Simon J. , Dunne Philip D. , Edwards Joanne , Hayday Adrian , Sansom Owen J. , Coffelt Seth B.
Published: July 2023

Impact of Btnl1 and Btnl6 expression on Vgamma7+ cells and the tumor microenvironment
Supplementary Figure S9 from Immunologic assessment of tumors from a race-matched military cohort identifies mast cell depletion as a marker of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A , Chesnut Gregory T , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Figure S9 shows BCR-free and Metastasis-free survival for Total TILs scores dichotomized by median as well as Youden index cutoffs.
TABLE 1 from Phase Ib/II Study of a Liposomal Formulation of Eribulin (E7389-LF) plus Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Results from Phase Ib
Authors: Ida Hanae , Shimizu Toshio , Nishino Makoto , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Yazaki Shu , Katsuya Yuki , Sato Jun , Koyama Takafumi , Iwasa Satoru , Sudo Kazuki , Kondo Shunsuke , Yonemori Kan , Shitara Kohei , Shiono Satoshi , Matsuoka Daiko , Yasuda Keisuke , Otake Yohei , Suzuki Takuya , Takase Takao , Takashima Shuya , Yamaguchi Kohei , Semba Taro , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: July 2023

Baseline patient characteristics
COGITO COMO ENCONTRO ENTRE PENSAR E SER
Authors: Borges Marcos Alexandre
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo visa investigar se a afirmação eu sou, eu existo, presente no quarto parágrafo da Segunda Meditação, expressa única e exclusivamente uma existência, ou se é a expressão, também, do conhecimento sobre o que é o Eu que se descobre existente. Para tanto, além dos textos cartesianos, serão abordadas algumas linhas interpretativas que se ocupam desta questão sobretudo as teses de Alquié, Frankfurt e Marion. A partir da discussão realizada, pretende-se defender que o eu sou, eu existo expressa, concomitantemente, o conhecimento da existência do Eu e o conhecimento de que o Eu existe como ser pensante.
COMPARAÇÃO DA NOÇÃO DE MORTE ENTRE SPINOZA E FILÓSOFOS JUDEUS
Authors: Souza Nei Ricardo de
Published: July 2023

As influências da filosofia judaica na obra de Spinoza têm sido recorrentemente pesquisadas, mas nenhum trabalho abordou especificamente o tema da morte. O objetivo deste artigo, portanto, é descrever as concepções de morte nos filósofos judeus lidos por Spinoza e compará-las com a noção de morte concebida por ele. O método utilizado foi a revisão bibliográfica das principais obras dos autores aqui considerados, como Maimônides, Gersonides, Hasdai Crescas, Ibn Ezra e Ibn Gabirol, seguida da comparação com Spinoza. Concluímos que Spinoza realizou uma análise crítica das ideias desses autores fundamentada na lógica de suas proposições e apresentou a noção de morte depurada de referências aristotélicas que ainda estavam presentes na filosofia judaica.
ESSÊNCIA E EXISTÊNCIA: DUAS ORDENS DE CAUSALIDADE, DEDUÇÃO DOS MODOS FINITOS E A LIBERDADE EM ESPINOSA
Authors: Ferreira Giorgio
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo tem por meta analisar a possibilidade de conciliação entre a determinação e a liberdade em Espinosa. Dessa maneira, o artigo iniciará tratando das duas séries causais indicadas por Espinosa no §100 do TIE: a “série das coisas fixas e eternas” e a “série das coisas singulares mutáveis”. A abordagem dessas duas séries causais tem por meta compreender o que as distingue e as implicações dessa distinção para a filosofia de Espinosa. Em seguida analisar-se-ão as noções de essência objetiva e essência formal evidenciando que o que está em jogo em EIIP7 é a adequação entre essas duas essências, e não uma adequação entre a essência e a existência. Nesse momento também será evidenciado que o tipo de causalidade que está em jogo em EIIP7 e EIIP8 é uma causalidade imanente, do tipo todo-parte, a qual se faz entre o conjunto e seus subconjuntos: ser parte é ser um subconjunto de Deus. Feito isso, mostrar-se-á que no âmbito da existência dos subconjuntos — e não no âmbito de sua essência — é possível autonomia relativa interpares, desde que essa autonomia seja concebida como subordinada aos conjuntos anteriores. Nesse momento também será evidenciado em que medida os modos finitos podem ser deduzidos da substância infinita sem que isso implique a negação de sua liberdade.
ESPINOSISMO DA FÍSICA DE SCHELLING
Authors: Rincon Mariana Alkimin
Published: July 2023

O seguinte texto analisa uma passagem da Introdução ao esboço do sistema da filosofia da natureza de 1799 escrito por Schelling, em que este equipara o projeto de sua filosofia da natureza à realização de um “espinosismo da física”. A compreensão de tal designação passa por, pelo menos, dois momentos. O primeiro se refere à sistematicidade pressuposta da forma de sua filosofia, que, por sua vez, se propõe rigorosamente científica. O segundo apresenta sua oposição à compreensão materialista e mecanicista da natureza, com a descrição desta a partir do primado do orgânico em relação ao inorgânico.
EXCERTO DE UMA CARTA ESCRITA DA BATÁVIA NAS ÍNDIAS ORIENTAIS, DE 27 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1684, EXTRAÍDO DE UMA CARTA DO SR. FONTENELLE RECEBIDA EM ROTERDÃ PELO SR. BASNAGE
Authors: Loque Flavio Fontenelle
Published: July 2023

Tradução de "Excerto de uma Carta escrita da Batávia nas Índias Orientais, de 27 de novembro de 1684, extraído de uma carta do Sr. Fontenelle recebida em Roterdã pelo Sr. Basnage" publicado nas Nouvelles de la Républiques des Lettres.
INDIVIDUAÇÃO DAS MERAS ENTELÉQUIAS EM LEIBNIZ
Authors: Marques Edgar
Published: July 2023

Analiso e critico neste artigo a solução apresentada por Robert Brandom para o problema por ele formulado acerca do critério de distintividade das percepções presentes nas meras enteléquias. Brandom considera ser problemática a vinculação entre distinção e consciência feita por vários intérpretes de Leibniz com o propósito de dar conta dos diferentes graus de distinção das percepções, pois tal vinculação somente pode ser válida para almas e espíritos,não se aplicando às enteléquias, as quais não são dotadas de nenhum tipo de senciência ou de reflexão. Em função disso, Brandom propõe uma interpretação que não apresentaria essa difculdade. Segundo essa proposta, uma percepção será tão mais distinta quanto maior for seu domínio expressivo, isto é, seu grau de distinção será determinado pela quantidade de inferências que se deixam realizar a partir dela. Torna-se possível, assim, de acordo com ele, a comparação de diferentes percepções e a ordenação delas em uma série que vai das menos distintas às mais distintas tomando como base seus respectivos domínios expressivos. Mostro neste artigo que tanto esse – a meu ver, aparente – problema levantado por Brandom quanto a solução por ele proposta decorrem de uma compreensão parcial e equivocada da teoria leibniziana das mônadas, de tal forma que estaríamos aqui diante de uma solução equivocada para um problema inexistente.
DERRADEIRA PROPOSIÇÃO DA ÉTICA
Authors: Vieira Neto Paulo
Published: July 2023

A última proposição da Ética exige, para sua compreensão, a anamnese de todas as partes anteriores da Ética, de uma forma tal que o leitor possa compreender a convergência entre os conceitos de ação, de felicidade e de virtude. Para tanto é necessária uma análise pontual da Proposição 42 da Quinta Parte da Ética e de seu corolário, especificando a diferença entre o sábio e o ignorante a partir do conatus e do poder de ação inerente a cada um.
INVESTIGAÇÃO POLÍTICA: UMA QUESTÃO DE MÉTODO
Authors: Morais Matheus Romero de
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo visa discutir a função introdutória do capítulo I do Tratado Político de Espinosa. Para tanto, ressaltaremos alguns aspectos fundamentais presentes no movimento argumentativo do texto, como a centralidade dos afetos para o raciocínio político e a necessidade de um método investigativo que articule experiência e razão.
Person-Centered Models for Cardiovascular Care: A Review of the Evidence: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Rossi Laura P. , Granger Bradi B. , Bruckel Jeffrey T. , Crabbe Deborah L. , Graven Lucinda J. , Newlin Kimberly S. , Streur Megan M. , Vadiveloo Maya K. , Walton-Moss Benita Jeanne , Warden Bruce A. , Volgman Annabelle Santos , Lydston Melissa ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Complex Cardiovascular Patient and Family Care Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and globally. Disease burden continues to escalate despite technological advances associated with improved life expectancy and quality of life. As a result, longer life is associated with multiple chronic cardiovascular conditions. Clinical guidelines provide recommendations without considering prevalent scenarios of multimorbidity and health system complexities that affect practical adoption. The diversity of personal preferences, cultures, and lifestyles that make up one’s social and environmental context is often overlooked in ongoing care planning for symptom management and health behavior support, hindering adoption and compromising patient outcomes, particularly in groups at high risk. The purpose of this scientific statement was to describe the characteristics and reported outcomes in existing person-centered care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a scoping review using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through Ovid, and
ClinicalTrials.gov
from 2010 to 2022. A range of study designs with a defined aim to systematically evaluate care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions were included. Models were selected on the basis of their stated use of evidence-based guidelines, clinical decision support tools, systematic evaluation processes, and inclusion of the patient’s perspective in defining the plan of care. Findings reflected variation in methodological approach, outcome measures, and care processes used across models. Evidence to support optimal care delivery models remains limited by inconsistencies in approach, variation in reimbursement, and inability of health systems to meet the needs of patients with chronic, complex cardiovascular conditions.
Notes on the Eneopterinae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Gryllidae) from eastern Sabah
Authors: ROBILLARD TONY , TAN MING KAI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y.C.
Published: July 2023

Based on material collected during recent fieldwork in eastern Sabah, the males of Nisitrus danum Robillard & Tan and Cardiodactylus variegatus Gorochov & Robillard are described for the first time, along with their calling songs. New locality records of N. danum, N. vittatus (Haan), Falcerminthus sandakan (Tan et al.), Cardiodactylus borneoe Robillard & Gorochov and C. variegatus are also presented. New material of Nisitrus species—N. danum and N. vittatus—allowed us to compare these syntopic species.
Evidence of Urban Blending in Homogenized Temperature Records in Japan and in the United States: Implications for the Reliability of Global Land Surface Air Temperature Data
Authors: Katata Genki , Connolly Ronan , O’Neill Peter
Published: July 2023

To reduce the amount of nonclimatic biases of air temperature in each weather station’s record by comparing it with neighboring stations, global land surface air temperature datasets are routinely adjusted using statistical homogenization to minimize such biases. However, homogenization can unintentionally introduce new nonclimatic biases due to an often-overlooked statistical problem known as “urban blending” or “aliasing of trend biases.” This issue arises when the homogenization process inadvertently mixes urbanization biases of neighboring stations into the adjustments applied to each station record. As a result, urbanization biases of the original unhomogenized temperature records are spread throughout the homogenized data. To evaluate the extent of this phenomenon, the homogenized temperature data for two countries (Japan and the United States) are analyzed. Using the Japanese stations in the widely used Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) dataset, it is first confirmed that the unhomogenized Japanese temperature data are strongly affected by urbanization bias (possibly ∼60% of the long-term warming). The U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) dataset contains a relatively large amount of long, rural station records and therefore is less affected by urbanization bias. Nonetheless, even for this relatively rural dataset, urbanization bias could account for ∼20% of the long-term warming. It is then shown that urban blending is a major problem for the homogenized data for both countries. The IPCC’s estimate of urbanization bias in the global temperature data based on homogenized temperature records may have been low as a result of urban blending. Recommendations on how future homogenization efforts could be modified to reduce urban blending are discussed.

Significance Statement

Most weather station–based global land temperature datasets currently use a process called “statistical homogenization” to reduce the amount of nonclimatic biases. However, using temperature data from two countries (Japan and the United States), we show that the homogenization process unintentionally introduces new nonclimatic biases into the data as a result of an “urban blending” problem. Urban blending arises when the homogenization process inadvertently mixes the urbanization (warming) bias of the neighboring stations into the adjustments applied to each station record. As a result, the urbanization biases of the unhomogenized temperature records are spread throughout all of the homogenized data. The net effect tends to artificially add warming to rural stations and subtract warming from urban stations until all stations have about the same amount of urbanization bias.
Intensification Rates of Tropical Cyclone–Like Vortices in a Model with Downtilt Diabatic Forcing and Oceanic Surface Drag
Authors: Schecter David A.
Published: July 2023

Tropical cyclones are commonly observed to have appreciable vertical misalignments prior to becoming full-strength hurricanes. The vertical misalignment (tilt) of a tropical cyclone is generally coupled to a pronounced asymmetry of inner-core convection, with the strongest convection tending to concentrate downtilt of the surface vortex center. Neither the mechanisms by which tilted tropical cyclones intensify nor the time scales over which such mechanisms operate are fully understood. The present study offers some insight into the asymmetric intensification process by examining the responses of tilted tropical cyclone–like vortices to downtilt diabatic forcing (heating) in a 3D nonhydrostatic numerical model. The magnitude of the heating is adjusted so as to vary the strength of the downtilt convection that it generates. A fairly consistent picture of intensification is found in various simulation groups that differ in their initial vortex configurations, environmental shear flows, and specific positionings of downtilt heating. The intensification mechanism generally depends on whether the low-level convergence σb produced in the vicinity of the downtilt heat source exceeds a critical value dependent on the local velocity of the low-level nondivergent background flow in a reference frame that drifts with the heat source. Supercritical σb causes fast spinup initiated by downtilt core replacement. Subcritical σb causes a slower intensification process. As measured herein, the supercritical intensification rate is approximately proportional to σb. The subcritical intensification rate has a more subtle scaling, and expectedly becomes negative when σb drops below a threshold for frictional spindown to dominate. The relevance of the foregoing results to real-world tropical cyclones is discussed.
Large-Scale Stability and the Greater Horn of Africa Long and Short Rains
Authors: Schwarzwald Kevin , Seager Richard , Ting Mingfang , Giannini Alessandra
Published: July 2023

The societies of the coastal regions of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) experience two distinct rainy seasons: the generally wetter “long” rains in the boreal spring and the generally drier “short” rains in the boreal fall. The GHA rainfall climatology is unique for its latitude in both its aridity and for the dynamical differences between its two rainy seasons. This study explains the drivers of the rainy seasons through the climatology of moist static stability, estimated as the difference between surface moist static energy hs and midtropospheric saturation moist static energy . In areas and at times when this difference, , is higher, rainfall is more frequent and more intense. However, even during the rainy seasons, on average and the atmosphere remains largely stable, in line with the GHA’s aridity. The seasonal cycle of , to which the unique seasonal cycles of surface humidity, surface temperature, and midtropospheric temperature all contribute, helps explain the double-peaked nature of the regional hydroclimate. Despite tropospheric temperature being relatively uniform in the tropics, even small changes in can have substantial impacts on instability; for example, during the short rains, the annual minimum in GHA lowers the threshold for convection and allows for instability despite surface humidity anomalies being relatively weak. This framework can help identify the drivers of interannual variability in GHA mean rainfall or diagnose the origin of biases in climate model simulations of the regional climate.
Ukrainian refugee crisis management in the Local Health Authority Roma 1: the challenges of implementing public health policies and lessons learned
Authors: Parente Paolo , Melnyk Andriy , Barone Lavinia Camilla , Kohut Maryana , Messina Rosaria , Lombardo Paolo , Villani Leonardo , Riccardi Maria Teresa , Martelli Maria Grazia , Grossi Adriano , Barbara Andrea , Mogini Valerio , Santone Giancarlo , Goletti Mauro
Published: July 2023

Background

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has strained the health systems of countries that welcome war refugees on all levels, from national to local. Despite the Public Health guidelines regarding assistance being published on the topic, the scientific literature currently lacks evidence on the experience of applying theory in practice. This study aims to describe evidence-based practices that were implemented and to provide a detailed description of emerging problems and solutions pertaining Ukrainian refugee assistance in the context of one of the biggest Local Health Authorities in Italy (LHA Roma 1).

Methods

LHA Roma 1 developed a strategic plan based on local expertise, national and international guidelines to ensure infectious disease prevention and control, as well as continuity of care for non-communicable diseases and mental health.

Results

The insertion of Ukrainian refugees in the National Health System through an identification code assignment and other services such as COVID-19 swab and vaccination were provided either in one of the three major assistance hubs or in local district level ambulatories spread throughout the LHA. Many challenges were faced during the implementation phase of the outlined practice guidelines, which required sensible and timely solutions. These challenges include the necessity of rapid resource provision, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, guaranteeing a standard of care across multiple sites and coordination of interventions. Public Private Partnerships, the creation of a centralized multicultural and multidisciplinary team and the mutually beneficial collaboration with the local Ukrainian community were essential to guarantee the success of all operations.

Conclusions

The experience of LHA Roma 1 helps shed light on the importance of leadership in emergency settings and how a dynamic relationship between policy and practice would allow each intervention to be modulated according to the local environment, to better realize the potential of local realities to provide appropriate health interventions to all those in need.
If we should remove internal fixation devices for rib fractures?
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang kaile , Zhao Tiancheng , Guo Xiang , Liu Kaibin , Zhao Yonghong
Published: July 2023

Background

Internal fixation for rib fractures has been widely carried out worldwide, and its surgical efficacy has been recognized. However, there is still controversy about whether implant materials need to be removed. At present, the research on this topic is still lacking at home and abroad. Therefore, in this study, the patients undergoing removal of internal fixation for rib fractures in our department within one year were followed up, to statistically analyze implant-related complications, postoperative complications and postoperative remission rate.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 143 patients undergoing removal of internal fixation for rib fractures from 2020 to 2021 in our center. The implant-related complications, postoperative complications and postoperative remission rate of patients with internal fixation were analyzed.

Results

In this study, a total of 143 patients underwent removal of internal fixation, among which 73 suffered from preoperative implant-related complications (foreign-body sensation, pain, wound numbness, sense of tightness, screw slippage, chest tightness, implant rejection), and 70 had no post operative discomfort but asked for removal of internal fixation. The average interval between rib fixation and removal was 17 ± 9.00 (months), and the average number of removed materials was 5.29 ± 2.42. Postoperative complications included wound infection (n = 1) and pulmonary embolism (n = 1). of the 73 patients with preoperative implant-related complications, the mean postoperative remission rate was 82%. Among the 70 patients without preoperative discomfort, the proportion of discomforts after removal was 10%. No perioperative death occurred.

Conclusion

For patients with internal fixation for rib fractures, removal of internal fixation can be considered in the case of implant-related complications after surgery. The corresponding symptoms can be relieved after removal. The removal presents low complication rate, and high safety and reliability. For patients without obvious symptoms, it is safe to retain the internal fixation in the body. For the asymptomatic patients who ask for removal of internal fixation, the possible risk of complications should be fully informed before removal.
Universal use of face mask for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in community settings in a South-western State of Nigeria: willingness and barriers
Authors: Ogunsola Folasade T. , Ejekam Chioma S. , Balogun Mobolanle , Ugonna Igwilo , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Oduyebo Oyinlola , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Oladele Rita O. , Akanmu Sulaimon A.
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

One of the major drivers of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is community transmission. Nigeria, like other countries globally, took to strict preventive public health measures including good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing, and the use of face mask to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the government of Lagos State in Nigeria made a pronouncement on the universal use of face mask in the community. While the use of face masks has proven to be an effective barrier to the transmission of respiratory diseases, its use in the community is uncommon. This study assessed the willingness and compliance with wearing face masks for the reduction of the community spread of COVID-19 and identified possible barriers to use of mask among residents in Lagos State.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, that surveyed 552 respondents who were adult residents of Lagos State. Data collection was quantitative, using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, and findings were presented in frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between variables. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

A majority (75.7%) of the respondents were willing to wear a face mask in public areas but only 21.9% of the respondents were willing to wear a mask at all times. The most identified barriers to wearing mask were discomfort (72.5%) and inconvenience (77.7%). Two-thirds of the respondents reported they were compliant with always wearing a face mask when leaving home. Only 15.0% of the respondents wore the mask continuously and appropriately, covering the nose and mouth. Having a post-secondary education and being older (40 years and above) were found to be positive predictors of both willingness to wear a mask and compliance with universal mask policy (wearing masks continuously and appropriately).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that willingness to wear a face mask influences compliance, and that having a post-secondary education and being older (> 40 years) were positive predictors of both willingness to wear a mask and compliance with universal mask policy (wearing it continuously and correctly). The major barriers to wearing masks were discomfort and inconvenience. Effective risk communication strategies to reach diverse groups for better compliance with public health measures are urgently needed even for the future.
Incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Misgana Solomon , Asemahagn Mulusew Andualem , Atnafu Desta Debalkie , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil
Published: July 2023

Background

Globally, one in three adults has hypertension, a condition that causes 51% of all deaths from stroke. Stroke is becoming a major public health problem and the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases in the world and Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assesses the incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2021.

Methods

A hospital-based retrospective follow-up study design was used, simple random sampling technique was used to select 583 hypertensive patients that had follow-up registration between January 2018 and December 30th, 2020. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14. The adjusted hazard ratio for each predictor with a 95% confidence interval was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and a P-value ≤  0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.

Results

From 583 hypertensive patients 106(18.18%) [95% CI 15–20] were developed stroke. The overall incidence rate was 1 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.79–1.19). Comorbidities (Adjusted hazard ratio(AHR): 1.88, 95% CI 1.0–3.5), stage two hypertension (AHR = 5.21, 95%CI 2.75–9.8), uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (AHR: 2, 95% CI 1.21–354), uncontrolled diastolic blood pressure (AHR:1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.57), alcohol consumption (AHR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.2–3.49), age 45–65 (AHR = 10.25, 95%CI 7.47–11.1); and drug discontinuation (AHR = 2.05,95% CI 1.26–3.35) were independent predictors for the incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients.

Conclusion

The incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients was high and various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors highly contributed to its incidence. This study recommends early screening of blood pressure, giving priority to comorbid patients and patients with advanced stage hypertension, and giving health education about behavioral risks and drug adherence.
Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic individuals visiting Denan health center, southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ismail Ahmed , Yared Solomon , Dugassa Sisay , Abera Adugna , Animut Abebe , Erko Berhanu , Gebresilassie Araya
Published: July 2023

Background

In the Somali region of Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern. However, VL epidemiology and sand fly vectors have not been well studied in various areas of the regional state, including Denan district. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence, associated factors, and distribution of sand fly vectors of VL in Denan district, south-eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2021 among VL patients with classic signs and symptoms visiting Denan Health Center in south-eastern Ethiopia. Using a convenience sampling method, 187 blood samples were collected from individuals who visited Denan Health Center during the study period. Blood samples were subjected to Direct Agglutination Test for the detection of antibodies to VL. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was also used to gather information on risk factors and other characteristics of knowledge and attitude assessment. Sand flies were also collected from indoor, peri-domestic, mixed forest, and termite mounds using light and sticky traps to determine the fauna and abundance.

Results

The overall sero-prevalence rate was 9.63% (18/187). The sero-prevalence was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping (OR = 2.82), the presence of damp floors (OR = 7.76), and sleeping outdoor near animals (OR = 3.22). Around 53.48% of the study participants had previously heard about VL. Study participants practiced different VL control methods, including bed nets (42%), insecticide spraying (32%), smoking plant parts (14%), and environmental cleaning (8%). In total, 823 sand fly specimens, comprising 12 species in two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), were trapped and identified. The most abundant species was Sergentomyia clydei (50.18%), followed by Phlebotomus orientalis (11.42%). Also, a higher proportion of P. orientalis was found in termite mounds (65.43%), followed by mixed forest (37.8%) and peri-domestic (20.83%) habitats.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a 9.63% sero-positivity of VL and a remarkable gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices towards VL. P. orientalis was also detected, which could be a probable vector in this area. Thus, public education should be prioritized to improve the community’s awareness of VL and its public health impact. In addition, detailed epidemiological and entomological studies are recommended.