bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Cell Size MRI Differentiates Brain Tumors from Radiation Necrosis
Authors: Devan Sean P. , Jiang Xiaoyu , Luo Guozhen , Xie Jingping , Quirk James D. , Engelbach John A. , Harmsen Hannah , McKinley Eliot T. , Cui Jing , Zu Zhongliang , Attia Albert , Garbow Joel R. , Gore John C. , McKnight Colin D. , Kirschner Austin N. , Xu Junzhong
Published: July 2022

Brain metastasis is a common characteristic of late-stage lung cancers. High doses of targeted radiotherapy can control tumor growth in the brain but can also result in radiotherapy-induced necrosis. Current methods are limited for distinguishing whether new parenchymal lesions following radiotherapy are recurrent tumors or radiotherapy-induced necrosis, but the clinical management of these two classes of lesions differs significantly. Here, we developed, validated, and evaluated a new MRI technique termed selective size imaging using filters via diffusion times (SSIFT) to differentiate brain tumors from radiotherapy necrosis in the brain. This approach generates a signal filter that leverages diffusion time dependence to establish a cell size–weighted map. Computer simulations in silico, cultured cancer cells in vitro, and animals with brain tumors in vivo were used to comprehensively validate the specificity of SSIFT for detecting typical large cancer cells and the ability to differentiate brain tumors from radiotherapy necrosis. SSIFT was also implemented in patients with metastatic brain cancer and radiotherapy necrosis. SSIFT showed high correlation with mean cell sizes in the relevant range of less than 20 μm. The specificity of SSIFT for brain tumors and reduced contrast in other brain etiologies allowed SSIFT to differentiate brain tumors from peritumoral edema and radiotherapy necrosis. In conclusion, this new, cell size–based MRI method provides a unique contrast to differentiate brain tumors from other pathologies in the brain.

Significance:

This work introduces and provides preclinical validation of a new diffusion MRI method that exploits intrinsic differences in cell sizes to distinguish brain tumors and radiotherapy necrosis.
Decreased DNA Damage and Improved p53 Specificity of RITA Analogs
Authors: Zhan Yue , Zhou Xiaolei , Peuget Sylvain , Singh Madhurendra , Peyser Brian D. , Fan Zhimin , Selivanova Galina
Published: July 2022

Reactivation of p53 tumor-suppressor function by small molecules is an attractive strategy to defeat cancer. A potent p53-reactivating molecule RITA, which triggers p53-dependent apoptosis in human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, exhibits p53-independent cytotoxicity due to modifications by detoxification enzyme Sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1), producing a reactive carbocation. Several synthetic modifications to RITA's heterocyclic scaffold lead to higher energy barriers for carbocation formation. In this study, we addressed the question whether RITA analogs NSC777196 and NSC782846 can induce p53-dependent apoptosis without SULT1A1-dependent DNA damage. We found that RITA analog NSC782846, but not NSC777196, induced p53-regulated genes, targeted oncogene addiction, and killed cancer cells upon p53 reactivation, but without induction of DNA damage and inhibition RNA pol II. Our results might demonstrate a method for designing more specific and potent RITA analogs to accelerate translation of p53-targeting compounds from laboratory bench to clinic.
Cancer Prevention with Resistant Starch in Lynch Syndrome Patients in the CAPP2-Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial: Planned 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Mathers John C. , Elliott Faye , Macrae Finlay , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Möslein Gabriela , McRonald Fiona E. , Bertario Lucio , Evans D. Gareth , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Ho Judy W.C. , Lindblom Annika , Morrison Patrick J. , Rashbass Jem , Ramesar Raj S. , Seppälä Toni T. , Thomas Huw J.W. , Sheth Harsh J. , Pylvänäinen Kirsi , Reed Lynn , Borthwick Gillian M. , Bishop D. Timothy , Burn John ,   on behalf of the CAPP2 Investigators
Published: July 2022

The CAPP2 trial investigated the long-term effects of aspirin and resistant starch on cancer incidence in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS). Participants with LS were randomized double-blind to 30 g resistant starch (RS) daily or placebo for up to 4 years. We present long-term cancer outcomes based on the planned 10-year follow-up from recruitment, supplemented by National Cancer Registry data to 20 years in England, Wales, and Finland. Overall, 463 participants received RS and 455 participants received placebo. After up to 20 years follow-up, there was no difference in colorectal cancer incidence (n = 52 diagnosed with colorectal cancer among those randomized to RS against n = 53 on placebo) but fewer participants had non-colorectal LS cancers in those randomized to RS (n = 27) compared with placebo (n = 48); intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis [HR, 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33–0.86; P = 0.010]. In ITT analysis, allowing for multiple primary cancer diagnoses among participants by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRR) confirmed the protective effect of RS against non–colorectal cancer LS cancers (IRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32–0.84; P = 0.0075). These effects are particularly pronounced for cancers of the upper GI tract; 5 diagnoses in those on RS versus 21 diagnoses on placebo. The reduction in non–colorectal cancer LS cancers was detectable in the first 10 years and continued in the next decade. For colorectal cancer, ITT analysis showed no effect of RS on colorectal cancer risk (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.62–1.34; P = 0.63). There was no interaction between aspirin and RS treatments. In conclusion, 30 g daily RS appears to have a substantial protective effect against non–colorectal cancer cancers for patients with LS.

Prevention Relevance:

Regular bowel screening and aspirin reduce colorectal cancer among patients with LS but extracolonic cancers are difficult to detect and manage. This study suggests that RS reduces morbidity associated with extracolonic cancers.

See related Spotlight, p. 557
Impact of Salt Intake and Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade on Lung Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Host Factors
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Liping , Gaballa Mohamed M.S. , Hasan Ahmed A. , Xiong Yingquan , Xie Li , Klein Thomas , Delic Denis , Kleuser Burkhard , Krämer Bernhard K. , Li Jian , Hocher Berthold
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as well as the transmembrane protease serine type 2 (TMPRSS2) have been found to play roles in cell entry for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and severity of COVID-19 might be indicated by the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the lung. Methods: A high-salt diet rat model and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade were used to test whether these factors affect ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in the lung. A normal (0.3% NaCl), a medium (2% NaCl), or a high (8% NaCl) salt diet was fed to rats for 12 weeks, along with enalapril or telmisartan, before examining the lung for histopathological alteration. Using immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR, the localization as well as mRNA expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were investigated. Results: The findings provide evidence that both TMPRSS2 and ACE2 are highly expressed in bronchial epithelial cells as well as ACE2 was also expressed in alveolar type 2 cells. High-salt diet exposure in rats leads to elevated ACE2 expression on protein level. Treatment with RAAS blockers had no effect on lung tissue expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Conclusions: These findings offer biological support regarding the safety of these drugs that are often prescribed to COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular comorbidity. High salt intake, on the other hand, might adversely affect COVID-19 outcome. Our preclinical data should stimulate clinical studies addressing this point of concern.
Perspectives on Challenges in Cannabis Drug Delivery Systems: Where Are We?
Authors: Palrasu Manikandan , Wright Lillianne , Patel Manish , Leech Lindsey , Branch Scotty , Harrelson Shea , Khan Saeed
Published: July 2022

Cannabis and its natural derivatives have emerged as promising therapeutics for multiple pathological and nonpathological medical conditions. For example, cannabinoids, the most popular and biologically active chemicals in cannabis, aid in many clinical ailments, including pain, inflammation, epilepsy, sleep disturbances or insomnia, multiple sclerosis, anorexia, schizophrenia, neurodegenerative diseases, anti­nausea, and most importantly, cancer. Despite the comprehensive benefits, certain aspects of cannabis present unique challenges in the medical cannabis landscape. Recent studies have highlighted the inherent challenges associated with cannabinoids' formulation like low solubility, rapid metabolism, poor bioavailability, and erratic pharmacokinetics – all of which contribute to the limited efficacy of cannabinoids. Several efforts are underway to address the bottlenecks and modify the formulations along with the delivery systems to achieve greater solubility/bioavailability, potency, and efficacy in treatment settings while minding the necessary standards for purity associated with the pharmaceutical industry. The current article presents a perspective on (1) a working knowledge of cannabinoids and their mechanisms of action, (2) the landscape of using medicinal cannabis for cancer-related medical conditions along with adversities, (3) current approaches, formulations, and challenges in medicinal cannabis delivery systems (oral, transdermal, pulmonary, and transmucosal), and lastly, (4) emerging approaches to improve delivery systems.
Heritability and Risk Factors of Incident Small and Large Drusen in the Copenhagen Twin Cohort Eye Study: A 20-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Belmouhand Mohamed , Rothenbuehler Simon Paul , Bjerager Jakob , Dabbah Sami , Hjelmborg Jacob B. , Munch Inger Christine , Dalgård Christine , Larsen Michael
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The transition from a normal fundus to one with early drusen (≥20 small hard drusen) to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the form of drusen ≥63 μm in diameter is of interest, because small hard drusen may be precursors of large drusen. Study of AMD precursor lesions may provide valuable insight into factors that initiate AMD. Here, the progression of drusen was studied over an interval of 20 years in a population-based twin cohort. Methods: Single-center, 20-year follow-up of 138 twins include biometry, fundus optical coherence tomography, and fundus photography. Macular characteristics were hierarchically classified as (per eye) (1) <20 small hard drusen, (2) ≥20 small hard drusen, (3) drusen ≥63 μm, or (4) ≥20 small hard drusen combined with drusen ≥63 μm. Additive and dominant genetic effects as well as shared and nonshared environmental effects were analyzed in a bivariate biprobit model with a classic liability-threshold approach and polygenic modeling with random effects. Results: Median participant age was 59 (range 41–66) years. Of 25 (18%) cases of incident macular drusen, 7 had ≥20 small hard drusen, and 18 had drusen ≥63 μm at follow-up, whereas no participant had developed both traits simultaneously. Smoking was associated with incident ≥20 small hard drusen (p = 0.04) and incident drusen ≥63 μm (p = 0.003). Having ≥20 small hard drusen at baseline was associated with incident drusen ≥63 μm at follow-up (p = 0.02). Development of drusen ≥63 μm was attributable to 49% genetic effects and 51% environmental effects. Conclusion: The risk of progressing from 0 to 19 small hard macular drusen per eye to having ≥20 small hard drusen or drusen ≥63 μm at follow-up was associated with smoking and genetic predisposition. Having ≥20 small hard drusen in the absence of drusen ≥63 μm at baseline was associated with incident drusen ≥63 μm when examined 20 years later. The study confirms that small hard macular drusen is a forewarning of AMD and that progression to AMD may be hindered by avoidance of smoking.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Trauma-Related Nail Apparatus Melanoma: A Comparative Study according to the Presence of Trauma prior to Melanoma Development
Authors: Choi Myoung Eun , Cho Hyesoo , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Lee Woo Jin
Published: July 2022

Background: Nail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is a subtype of cutaneous melanoma occurring at nail units and belongs to the acral lentiginous melanoma subgroup. Due to its unique anatomical structure to protect the acral site, mechanical trauma may have a clinicoprognostic impact on NAM. Therefore, we investigated the clinicoprognostic and histopathological characteristics of NAM according to the presence of trauma history prior to melanoma development. Methods: Clinicopathological and follow-up data of patients with NAM according to trauma history were obtained. Results: We included 87 patients with NAM, 21.8% of whom had a previous trauma history. Trauma-related NAMs were more likely to involve the toenail (p = 0.040), include a high proportion of amelanotic melanomas (p = 0.038) as well as nail bed tumor (p = 0.013), and have a longer time interval between the onset of nail change and confirmed diagnosis (p = 0.012). Moreover, survival analysis revealed that trauma-related NAMs more frequently showed progression in general (p = 0.034) and nodal metastasis (p = 0.047) and had worse prognosis in terms of progression-free survival (p = 0.004). Conclusion: In conclusion, NAMs with previous trauma have unique clinicoprognostic characteristics. The specific clinicopathological features of NAMs according to trauma indicate that trauma may play a role in melanoma development.
Pulmonale Mycobacterium-avium-Infektion: Beeinflusst eine Koinfektion mit anderen Erregern die Effektivität einer antimikrobiellen Therapie?
Authors: Krüger Stefan
Published: July 2022

Background: The impact of co-infection with other pathogenic microorganisms after initiation of treatment for Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) has not been clearly described. This study sought to clarify the clinical outcomes of co-infection with MAC after antimycobacterial therapy for MAC. Methods: Co-infection status was defined as the detection of pathogenic microorganisms other than MAC in at least two consecutive sputum cultures 6–24 months after initiation of treatment. Chest computed tomography (CT) findings and culture results were compared between co-infection and MAC alone groups. Results: The co-infection and MAC alone groups comprised 12 and 36 patients, respectively. The proportion of patients with sputum culture positive for MAC after 24 months of therapy did not differ significantly between the two groups [25% (3/12) vs. 16.7% (6/36); p = 0.671]. The proportion of patients with improved chest CT score after 24 months of starting treatment compared to baseline was significantly lower for the co-infection group than for the MAC alone group [16.7% (2/12) vs. 79.4% (27/34); p < 0.001]. In the co-infection group, median CT score values at 12 and 24 months did not differ from baseline. However, the MAC alone group showed significant improvement at 12 and 24 months compared with baseline. Conclusions: In the patient group with co-infection of other pathogenic microorganisms after treatment initiation for MAC there was no impact on therapeutic efficacy compared to the MAC alone group. However, therapeutic intervention interfered with improvement in chest CT findings such as nodule formation, bronchiectasis, infiltration, and cavitary lesions.
Análise dos efeitos da marcha suspensa na atividade eletromiográfica dos membros inferiores e irradiação motora aos membros superiores em lesados medulares
Authors: Oliveira Ana Flávia Miquelutti , Paulo Matheus Furlan , Arruda Natasha Cordova , Silva Lorena Lataro Bernardes , Faiana Luis Eduardo , Affonso Giovanna , Fabrin Saulo Cesar Vallin , Regalo Simone Cecílio Hallak , Verri Edson Donizetti , Silva Gabriel Padua
Published: July 2022

A reabilitação na esteira com suporte parcial de peso (ESPP) nos indivíduos lesados medulares pode reproduzir de modo passivo a marcha, proporcionando-lhes a descarga de peso em membros inferiores (MMII) e a manutenção da postura ortostática. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar se, durante a marcha passiva na ESPP, existe irradiação motora de MMII aos membros superiores. Foram selecionados três indivíduos do gênero masculino, com diagnóstico de Traumatismo Raquimedular baixo (T10 e L1), classificados como ASIA A com preservação parcial de raízes nervosas. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a uma avaliação passiva da marcha na ESSP, utilizando a avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos: bíceps braquial (BB), reto femoral (RF) e gastrocnêmio lateral (GL) bilateralmente e a uma análise estatística, incluindo testes de Shapiro-Wilk e de Levene, One way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey HSD. Na condição clínica de repouso, observou-se menor ativação dos músculos BB bilateralmente, quando comparado aos músculos RF e GL, fato justificado pelos comprometimentos secundários advindos da lesão dos indivíduos. As condições clínicas do ciclo da marcha (CM) repetiram-se três vezes; no CM1 observou-se uma maior ativação eletromiográfica do músculo GL direito e uma menor ativação do músculo BB direito, e estatisticamente, GL direito e BB esquerdo demonstraram maior atividade média (resultados estatisticamente significantes). No CM2 o mesmo padrão de ativação do CM1 foi observado, no entanto o músculo RF direito reduziu seu limiar de ativação. No CM3 os níveis de ativação das condições anteriores mantiveram-se, no entanto, o músculo RF esquerdo apresentou aumento nos limiares de ativação eletromiográfica, quando comparado aos demais músculos. Com base nestes resultados, o músculo BB apresentou variações quantitativas na ativação eletromiográfica, determinando a presença de irradiação motora de MMII para superiores durante o CM. Em uma análise qualitativa, foi observado que durante as fases de apoio da marcha houve “picos” de ativação deste músculo.
Alterações oftalmológicas em pacientes com COVID-19: revisão narrativa de estudos e séries de casos
Authors: Arruda Gisele , Gardona Rodrigo Galvão Bueno , Vogt Alana Tainá Lazzaretti , Uszynski Diego D’Leon Dias , Pires Guilherme Machado , Martins Maria Auxiliadora , Aragão Matheus Todt , Prieto Lígia Machado , Vieira Ana Paula , Follador Franciele Aní Caovilla
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever casos clínicos e séries de casos relacionados a alterações oftalmológicas em pacientes com diagnóstico de COVID-19. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa/descritiva de casos clínicos e série de casos. A partir das buscas de dados com descritores pré-definidos, foram integrados na revisão, 17 estudos. Dentre os principais temas identificados, destacam-se: alterações conjuntivais, alterações retinianas e oftalmoparesias. O quadro de alterações da conjuntiva foi prevalente em relação aos demais. Essa revisão incluiu não apenas afecções oculares em adultos, mas também, em crianças e adolescentes. O estudo chama atenção para o fato de que as alterações oculares foram descritas como alteração isolada, alteração precipitante e alteração simultânea ao quadro respiratório. Conclui-se que as afecções oculares vão além de alterações conjuntivais, embora sejam essas preponderantes, havendo ainda alterações retinianas, quadro de oftalmoparesia e ainda a incomum síndrome de Miller Fisher. Novos ensaios irão poder avaliar, qual é de fato, a representatividade dos problemas oculares na cadeia epidemiológica da COVID-19.
Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Presenting With Non–ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Despite No Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: Results From the SWEDEHEART Registry
Authors: Figtree Gemma A. , Vernon Stephen T. , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Sundström Johan , Alfredsson Joakim , Nicholls Stephen J. , Chow Clara K. , Psaltis Peter , Røsjø Helge , Leósdóttir Margrét , Hagström Emil
Published: July 2022

Background

A significant proportion of patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (MI) have no standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) and have unexpected worse 30‐day outcomes compared with those with SMuRFs. The aim of this article is to examine outcomes of patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI in the absence of SMuRFs.

Methods and Results

Presenting features, management, and outcomes of patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI without SmuRFs (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking) were compared with those with SmuRFs in the Swedish MI registry SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web‐System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies; 2005–2018). Cox proportional hazard models were used. Out of 99 718 patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI, 11 131 (11.2%) had no SMuRFs. Patients without SMuRFs had higher all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% CI, 1.10–1.30],
P
<0.0001; and HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.13–1.38]), a difference that remained after adjustment for age and sex. SMuRF‐less patients were less likely to receive secondary prevention statins (76% versus 82%); angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockade (54% versus 72%); or β‐blockers (81% versus 87%,
P
for all <0.0001), with lowest rates observed in women without SMuRFs. In patients who survived to 30 days, rates of all‐cause and cardiovascular death were lower in patients without SMuRFs compared with those with risk factors, over 12 years.

Conclusions

One in 10 patients presenting with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI present without traditional risk factors. The excess 30‐day mortality rate in this group emphasizes the need for both improved population‐based strategies for prevention of MI, as well as the need for equitable evidence‐based treatment at the time of an MI.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Residual Adverse Events Despite Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation: Results From Phase II/III of the GLORIA‐AF Registry
Authors: Ding Wern Yew , Lane Deirdre A. , Gupta Dhiraj , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   the GLORIA‐AF Investigators
Published: July 2022

Background

Residual risk of ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant clinical issue that remains unaddressed. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for residual adverse events in AF.

Methods and Results

Using data from phase II/III of the prospective GLORIA‐AF (Global Registry on Long‐Term Oral Anti‐thrombotic Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) registry, we studied anticoagulated patients with newly diagnosed AF and an increased risk of stroke (CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc ≥1). The primary outcome of interest was ischemic stroke. Secondary outcomes were all‐cause death, cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction. A total of 22 410 patients were included; median age 65 (interquartile range 71–78) and 10 044 (44.8%) were female. During a median follow‐up period of 3.0 (interquartile range 2.2–3.1) years, the incidence of ischemic stroke was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.54–0.67) per 100‐PYs, all‐cause death 3.22 (95% CI, 3.08–3.37) per 100‐PYs, cardiovascular death 1.08 (95% CI, 1.00–1.16) per 100‐PYs and myocardial infarction 0.59 (95% CI, 0.53–0.66) per 100‐PYs. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, independent predictors of residual ischemic stroke were age (HR 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03–1.07]), diabetes (HR 1.42 [95% CI, 1.08–1.87]), prior thromboembolism (HR 2.27 [95% CI, 1.73–2.98]) and use of antiarrhythmic drugs (HR 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47–0.92]). The incidence of ischemic stroke was comparable among patients treated with nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonist; however, there were differences in the independent predictors between both groups.

Conclusions

Patients with AF remain at significant residual risk of developing complications including ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation therapy. Further efforts among these patients should be directed at the management of modifiable risk factors that contribute to this risk.

Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT01468701, NCT01671007 and NCT01937377.
Four genera of Limoniidae (Diptera) new to Japan with descriptions of new species
Authors: KATO DAICHI
Published: July 2022

Four limoniid genera are added to Japan for the first time. Four new species, Crypteria nippon sp. nov., Dasymallomyia tachii sp. nov., Eupilaria japonica sp. nov., and Protohelius japonicus sp. nov. are described, and Dasymallomyia ditenostyla Alexander, 1964 is recorded from Japan for the first time. Images of the habitus and wings and drawings of the male and female terminalia are provided.
Drivers of Biases in the CMIP6 Extratropical Storm Tracks. Part II: Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Priestley Matthew D. K. , Ackerley Duncan , Catto Jennifer L. , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: July 2022

The Southern Hemisphere storm tracks are commonly simulated too far equatorward in climate models for the historical period. In the latest generation of climate models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), the equatorward bias that was present in CMIP5 models still persists, although it is reduced considerably. A further reduction of the equatorward bias is found in atmosphere-only simulations. Using diagnostic large-scale fields, we propose that an increase in the midlatitude temperature gradients contributes to the reduced equatorward bias in CMIP6 and AMIP6 models, reducing the biases relative to ERA5. These changes increase baroclinicity in the atmosphere and are associated with a storm track that is situated farther poleward. In CMIP6 models, the poleward shift of the storm tracks is associated with an amelioration of cold midlatitude SST biases in CMIP5 and not through a reduction of the long-standing warm Southern Ocean SST bias. We propose that increases in midlatitude temperature gradients in the atmosphere and ocean are connected to changes in the cloud radiative effect. Persistent track density biases to the south of Australia are shown to be connected to an apparent standing-wave pattern originating in the tropics, which modifies the split jet structure near Australia and subsequently the paths of cyclones.
Analysis of Daytime Cloud Fraction Spatiotemporal Variation over the Arctic from 2000 to 2019 from Multiple Satellite Products
Authors: Liu Xinyan , He Tao , Sun Lin , Xiao Xiongxin , Liang Shunlin , Li Siwei
Published: July 2022

Insufficient understanding of complex Arctic cloud properties introduced large errors in estimating radiant energy balance parameters at the regional and global scales. Comprehensive and reliable cloud information is necessary for improving the accuracy of flux inversion. This study evaluated daytime cloud fraction (CF) uncertainties from 16 available satellite products and estimated the spatiotemporal distributions of Arctic daytime CF during 2000–19. Our results show that the differences among multiple products had significant temporal and spatial heterogeneities. Temporally, the maximum and minimum interproduct discrepancies occurred in April and the summer months, respectively. Spatially, the largest uncertainties were seen over Greenland. Substantial inconsistency also occurred on the central and Pacific sides of the Arctic Ocean. The active satellite product tended to capture more clouds in these two regions. We found that the inconsistencies caused by sensor differences were smaller than those caused by algorithm differences; that is, for MODIS based CF products, the inconsistencies caused by different sensors and different algorithms are ±2% and ±5%, while for AVHRR-based products, these inconsistencies are ±6% and ±15%, respectively. The annual average daytime CF in sunlit months was 70.9% ± 2.93% and increased over the Arctic during study periods. These upward trends might cool the Arctic by approximately 0.05–0.5 W m−2 decade−1. In terms of the spatiotemporal distributions, the CF over the ocean is higher than that over the land, and the former increased significantly while the latter decreased; the CF trends of most products are positive in June and July but are opposite in other months. From this study, the findings based on multiple products would be more robust than that based on a single or few datasets.

Significance Statement

This study aimed to comprehensively understand and obtain more robust general characteristics of the temporal and spatial distributions of Arctic daytime cloud fraction by comparing and analyzing the consistencies and discrepancies of multisource satellite products. It is important because the cloud fraction is a nonnegligible modulator of Earth’s energy budget and climate change. Although the Arctic is the most climate-sensitive region, existing studies lack a comprehensive assessment of the cloud fraction over the entire Arctic. We analyzed 16 different cloud products and found that although the inconsistencies were inevitable, most products showed similar spatiotemporal distribution and trend distribution of daytime CF. This study provided a new idea for Arctic CF research under the existing conditions.
Runoff Regime, Change, and Attribution in the Upper Syr Darya and Amu Darya, Central Asia
Authors: Huang Jingheng , Su Fengge , Yao Tandong , Sun He
Published: July 2022

The upper Syr Darya (USD) and Amu Darya (UAD) basins are the two biggest flow formation zones in central Asia and the only water supply sources for the Aral Sea. Upstream snow and ice reserves of those two basins, important in sustaining seasonal water availability, are highly sensitive and prone to climate change, but their importance and changes are still uncertain and poorly understood due to data scarcity, inaccessibility, harsh climate, and even geopolitics. Here, an improved forcing dataset of precipitation and temperature was developed and used to drive a physically based hydrological model, which was thoroughly calibrated and validated to quantify the contributions of different runoff components to total flow and the controlling factors for total runoff variations for 1961–2016. Our analysis reveals divergent flow regimes exist across the USD and UAD and an ongoing transition from nival–pluvial toward a volatile pluvial regime along with rising temperatures. Annual total runoff has weakly increased from 1961 to 2016 for the entire USD and UAD, while the subbasins displayed divergent flow changes. Spring runoff significantly increased in all the USD and UAD basins primarily due to increased rainfall and early snow melting, tending to shift the peak flow from June–July to April–May. In contrast, distinct runoff changes were presented in the summer months among the basins primarily due to the trade-off between the increase in rainfall and the decrease in snowmelt and glacier runoff. These findings are expected to provide essential information for policymakers to adopt strategies and leave us better poised to project future runoff changes in ongoing climate change.
Shear Instability in Internal Solitary Waves in the Northern South China Sea Induced by Multiscale Background Processes
Authors: Huang Siwei , Huang Xiaodong , Zhao Wei , Chang Zeyu , Xu Xing , Yang Qingxuan , Tian Jiwei
Published: July 2022

Instability within internal solitary waves (ISWs), featured by temperature inversions with vertical lengths of dozens of meters and current reversals in the upper shoreward velocity layer, was observed in the northern South China Sea at a water depth of 982 m by using mooring measurements between June 2017 and May 2018. Regions of shear instability satisfying Ri < 1/4 were found within those unstable ISWs, and some large ISWs were even possibly in the breaking state, indicated by the ratio of Lx (wave width satisfying Ri < 1/4) to λη/2 (wavelength at half amplitude) larger than 0.86. Wave stability analyses revealed that the observed wave shear instability was induced by strong background current shear associated with multiscale dynamic processes, which greatly strengthened wave shear by introducing sharp perturbations to the fine-scale vertical structures of ISWs. During the observational period, wave shear instability was strong in summer (July–September) while weak in winter (January–March). Sensitivity experiments revealed that the observed shear instability was prone to be triggered within large ISWs by the background current shear and sensitive to the pycnocline depth in the background stratification. However, shear instability within ISWs was observed to be promoted during mid-January, as the near-inertial waves trapped inside an anticyclonic eddy resulted in enhanced background current shear between 150 and 300 m. This work emphasizes the notable impacts of multiscale background processes on ISWs in the oceans.
A Deep Learning Model for Improved Wind and Consequent Wave Forecasts
Authors: Yevnin Yuval , Toledo Yaron
Published: July 2022

The paper presents a combined numerical–deep learning (DL) approach for improving wind and wave forecasting. First, a DL model is trained to improve wind velocity forecasts by using past reanalysis data. The improved wind forecasts are used as forcing in a numerical wave forecasting model. This novel approach, used to combine physics-based and data-driven models, was tested over the Mediterranean. The correction to the wind forecast resulted in ∼10% RMSE improvement in both wind velocity and wave height over reanalysis data. This significant improvement is even more substantial at the Aegean Sea when Etesian winds are dominant, improving wave height forecasts by over 35%. The additional computational costs of the DL model are negligible compared to the costs of either the atmospheric or wave numerical model by itself. This work has the potential to greatly improve the wind and wave forecasting models used nowadays by tailoring models to localized seasonal conditions, at negligible additional computational costs.

Significance Statement

Wind and wave forecasting models solve a set of complicated physical equations. Improving forecasting accuracy is usually achieved by using a higher-resolution, empirical coefficients calibration or better physical formulations. However, measurements are rarely used directly to achieve better forecasts, as their assimilation can prove difficult. The presented work bridges this gap by using a data-driven deep learning model to improve wind forecasting accuracy, and the resulting wave forecasting. Testing over the Mediterranean Sea resulted in ∼10% RMSE improvement. Inspecting the Aegean Sea when the Etesian wind is dominant shows an outstanding 35% improvement. This approach has the potential to improve the operational atmospheric and wave forecasting models used nowadays by tailoring models to localized seasonal conditions, at negligible computational costs.
Turbulent Thermal-Wind-Driven Coastal Upwelling: Current Observations and Dynamics
Authors: Lentz S. J.
Published: July 2022

A remarkably consistent Lagrangian upwelling circulation at monthly and longer time scales is observed in a 17-yr time series of current profiles in 12 m of water on the southern New England inner shelf. The upwelling circulation is strongest in summer, with a current magnitude of ∼1 cm s−1, which flushes the inner shelf in ∼2.5 days. The average winter upwelling circulation is about one-half of the average summer upwelling circulation, but with larger month-to-month variations driven, in part, by cross-shelf wind stresses. The persistent upwelling circulation is not wind-driven; it is driven by a cross-shelf buoyancy force associated with less-dense water near the coast. The cross-shelf density gradient is primarily due to temperature in summer, when strong surface heating warms shallower nearshore water more than deeper offshore water, and to salinity in winter, caused by fresher water near the coast. In the absence of turbulent stresses, the cross-shelf density gradient would be in a geostrophic, thermal-wind balance with the vertical shear in the along-shelf current. However, turbulent stresses over the inner shelf attributable to strong tidal currents and wind stress cause a partial breakdown of the thermal-wind balance that releases the buoyancy force, which drives the observed upwelling circulation. The presence of a cross-shelf density gradient has a profound impact on exchange across this inner shelf. Many inner shelves are characterized by turbulent stresses and cross-shelf density gradients with lighter water near the coast, suggesting turbulent thermal-wind-driven coastal upwelling may be a broadly important cross-shelf exchange mechanism.

Significance Statement

A remarkably consistent upwelling circulation at monthly time scales is observed in a 17-yr time series of current profiles in shallow water off southern New England. This is not the traditional wind-driven coastal upwelling; instead, it is forced by cross-shelf buoyancy (density) gradients, released by turbulent stresses in shallow water. The persistent upwelling circulation is strongest in summer, when wind and wave forcing are weak, and flushes the inner portion of the continental shelf in a few days. Consequently, this buoyancy-driven coastal upwelling is important for cooling the inner shelf and provides a reliable mechanism for cross-shelf exchange. Many inner shelves are characterized by cross-shelf density gradients and turbulent stresses, suggesting this may be a broadly important cross-shelf exchange mechanism.
“Bangin” at the Crossroads’: A Study of Rural Gangs
Authors: Brown Timothy C. , Baldwin Julie Marie , Buchanan Molly , Krohn Marvin D.
Published: July 2022

Previous research on rural gangs in America has found these groups not only to be relatively transitory in nature but also forming during periods of economic recovery. This qualitative study focuses on a community within the impoverished rural Mississippi Delta with an extended history of institutionalized Black gangs with ties to national gang nations. Through in-depth interviews with incarcerated members of the community, many of whom have/had gang ties, we seek to understand the unique conditions that fostered these non-traditional rural gangs. More specifically, we critically examine the relationship between social and structural factors that affected the origins, processes, and persistence of gangs in the area. Our findings highlight the social dislocations influenced by state-abandoned responsibilities and the corresponding adaptations by gangs and their members.
Stakeholders’ Views on Parental Involvement in the Schooling of Children in an Urban School: A Case Study
Authors: Cook Loraine D.
Published: July 2022

This study examined stakeholders’ views on parental involvement in students’ school experiences at Eagle’s Remedial School (a pseudonym). The school system has a diverse group of students, and stakeholders (such as teachers, parents, and principals) have varied parental involvement perceptions. The interactions between parents and other stakeholders were examined to determine how grounded parental involvement views were. The study examines the research question: How do stakeholders support parental involvement? A qualitative case study design was utilized to explore stakeholders’ and students’ views on parental involvement in school life. The study is significant because the findings can be used by the selected school to implement workshops for parents, teachers, and principals to close the gap between perceptions on parental involvement in students’ school experiences and strategies that parents, and school personnel can adopt to enhance the quality of students’ experiences at school.
Distribution Patterns of Primary Health Care Centers in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals and Containment of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Adeyemi Nurat Kehinde , Adepoju Ebenezer Gbenga , Adeyemi Moridiyah Adewumi
Published: July 2022

This article examines the distribution patterns of primary health care centers (PHCC) in the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State, Nigeria, using secondary data. The study focused on the problem of inequality and inadequacy in the distribution pattern of PHCCs among the population. The provision of PHCCs in the state was analyzed using three criteria: among the three senatorial districts; among the 30 LGAs; and on the basis of population per PHCC. Findings revealed that although PHCCs were almost equally distributed among senatorial districts, disparities exist in distribution patterns among the LGAs and within each senatorial district and in terms of population ratio per PHCC in the state. Sixty percent (60%) of the LGAs had fewer than 26 PHCCs, which is the expected average number of PHCCs in the state. The inequalities observed in the study favored rural areas against urban areas. The study further revealed inadequacies in the provision of PHCCs in terms of the population ratio per PHCCs. The study concluded that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030—and to contain the COVID-19 pandemic—there is a need for government intervention in the provision of PHCCs in Osun State for equal and adequate distribution.
Primitivist tensions in Caribbean-American literature: Claude McKay’s and Paule Marshall’s return to the island
Authors: Fernández Jiménez Mónica
Published: July 2022

Following Immanuel Wallerstein’s and Giovanni Arrighi’s world-systems perspective, this article undertakes a materialist analysis of the novels Banana Bottom (1933) by Claude McKay and The Chosen Place, The Timeless People (1969) by Paule Marshall as examples of Caribbean American writing that reflect what Aníbal Quijano and Wallerstein have termed “Americanity”. Rather than perpetuate colonial discourse, the novels’ engagements with primitivism in the description of their two female heroines replace the lush vegetation of the Caribbean often described in colonialists’ texts with a landscape dominated by agriculture. In this way, labour is at the centre of these two novels that capture the twentieth-century world-systemic change of cycle through their characters’ attempts to cling on to outdated agricultural structures. The novels thus portray the peripheral role of the Caribbean not only in the world-system but also in the American hemisphere, as derived from the authors’ diasporic conditions. American influence on the Caribbean, which was a crucial aspect in the ascendancy of the United States in the world-system, also resulted in the migration of many Caribbeans towards this country. McKay’s and Marshall’s return to their islands not only brings the focus to their archipelago’s peripherality; it also analyses the logics behind the diaspora.
Public Valuation of Direct Restorations: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Bailey O. , Stone S. , Ternent L. , Vernazza C.R.
Published: July 2022

Direct posterior dental restorations are commonly provided following management of dental caries. Amalgam use has been phased down and the feasibility of a phase-out by 2030 is being explored. Alternative direct restorative materials differ in their outcomes and provision. This research aimed to elicit the UK population’s preferences for different attributes of restorations and their willingness to pay (WTP) for restorative services and outcomes. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was designed with patient and public involvement and distributed to a representative sample of the UK general population using an online survey. Respondents answered 17 choice tasks between pairs of scenarios that varied in levels of 7 attributes (wait for filling, clinician type, filling color, length of procedure, likely discomfort after filling, average life span of filling, and cost). An opt-out (no treatment) was included. Mixed logit models were used for data analysis. Marginal WTP for attribute levels and relative attribute importance were calculated. In total, 1,002 respondents completed the DCE. Overall, respondents were willing to pay £39.52 to reduce a 6-wk wait for treatment to 2 wk, £13.55 to have treatment by a dentist rather than a therapist, £41.66 to change filling color from silvery/gray to white, £0.27 per minute of reduced treatment time, £116.52 to move from persistent to no postoperative pain, and £5.44 per year of increased restoration longevity. Ability to pay affected willingness to pay, with low-income respondents more likely to opt out of treatment and value restoration color (white) and increased longevity significantly lower than those with higher income. Clinicians should understand potential drivers of restoration choice, so they can be discussed with individual patients to obtain consent. It is important that policy makers consider general population preferences for restorative outcomes and services, with an awareness of how income affects these, when considering the potential phase-out of amalgam restorations.
Transnational Corporations and Capitalists from the Global South: Natura & Co. and the IEDI
Authors: Aguiar Thiago , Micussi Pedro
Published: July 2022

The Brazil-based company Natura & Co. became a transnational corporation, the world’s fourth-largest cosmetics corporation, by restructuring its Brazilian operations, becoming a publicly traded corporation, and expanding its international presence with the acquisition of the Australian company Aesop, the British company The Body Shop, and the iconic Avon International. The political action of one of the company’s founders, Pedro Passos, as president of Brazil’s most important business think tank, the Instituto de Estudos para o Desenvolvimento Industrial (IEDI), helped shift the stance of that institute toward transnationalization strategies, structural adjustment and economic opening policies that benefited transnational corporations, revealing tensions within the Brazilian capitalist class.

A Natura & Co. tornou-se uma corporação transnacional sediada no Brasil, a quarta maior empresa de cosméticos do mundo, após reestruturar suas operações brasileiras, abrir seu capital e expandir sua presença internacional com a aquisição da companhia australiana Aesop, da britânica The Body Shop e da icônica Avon International. A ação política de Pedro Passos, um dos fundadores da empresa, como presidente do mais importante think tank empresarial brasileiro, o Instituto de Estudos para o Desenvolvimento Industrial (IEDI), contribuiu para alterar a orientação desse instituto em favor da promoção de estratégias de transnacionalização, de políticas de ajuste estrutural do Estado e de abertura econômica que beneficiaram corporações transnacionais, revelando tensões no interior da classe capitalista brasileira.
Narratives Around Civil–Military Cooperation: How Institutionalized Discourses Influence Learning in Peace Operations
Authors: Jenne Nicole
Published: July 2022

This article is concerned with narratives about the relation between the military and civilians. Narratives, dominant institutionalized discourses, influence how individuals learn by providing frames of reference which moderate the acquisition of new knowledge. Although the importance of narratives for institutional behavior has been recognized in the field of security studies, little attention has been paid to how they influence learning. This article presents a framework to analyze narratives in the context of learning based on the case of peace operations. Using qualitative case studies for theory-building, I argue that narratives on the closeness between the military and “the people” ease pressures to improve the military’s engagement with civilians and render peacekeepers less inclined to learn. All else equal, the absence of entrenched ideas about military–society relations facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge and skills in civil–military cooperation.