bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cataracta, a new monotypic genus segregated from Physalis (Solanaceae)
Authors: ZAMORA-TAVARES PILAR , MARTÍNEZ MAHINDA , VARGAS-PONCE OFELIA
Published: September 2023

We describe a new monotypic genus Cataracta based on Physalis microphysa. From 1896 to 2016, five different authors have pointed out that removing P. microphysa from Physalis may contribute to the monophyly of the genus. Recent phylogenetic analyses showed that P. microphysa does not share the most recent common ancestor with Physalis, and its taxonomic position remained uncertain. Therefore, this taxonomic change is necessary. The diagnostic traits of Physalis microphysa are the fruiting calyx that loosely covers the fruit, remaining open apically, with lobes as long as, or longer than the tube, a dry berry with thin pericarp, and a dehiscent epicarp covered by a thick cuticle. In contrast, Physalis species with typical morphologies have an inflated and completely closed fruiting calyx at the apex that fully envelopes the fleshy berry. The anatomical evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis with six cpDNA and three nDNA regions performed with Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference confirm that P. microphysa can be recognized as a distinct genus from Leucophysalis, Physalis and Quincula. Cataracta gen. nov. is sister to Chamaesaracha and along with the closely related Quincula grows in arid to semi-arid environments in Mexico and North America. An artificial key to Physalidinae genera is included.
Wongia suae sp. nov., a lignicolous freshwater fungus from Yuanjiang (Red River) Basin, China
Authors: ZHANG LIANG , SHEN HONG-WEI , BAO DAN-FENG , LI LONG-LI , SU XI-JUN , LUO ZONG-LONG
Published: September 2023

Diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi in Yuanjiang (Red River) basin, Yunnan, China is currently being studied. Three fresh collections of Papulosaceae were collected. Wongia suae sp. nov. and W. fusiformis were identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, rpb2, SSU and tef1-α sequence data. The detailed descriptions and illustrations of these two species are provided, as well as the morphological comparison with similar taxa.
Two new species of Scotinella Banks, 1911 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from Mexico, with a discussion on the female genitalic morphology and intraspecific variation
Authors: CHAMÉ-VÁZQUEZ DAVID , GUZMÁN-GARCÍA CARLOS ERNESTO , CARRIZALES JUAN MALDONADO-
Published: September 2023

The taxonomy of the spider family Phrurolithidae in western Mexico remains poorly investigated. In this work, based on both sexes, we describe Scotinella garman sp. nov. and S. poncei sp. nov. from Michoacán. Specimens of the two new species were collected using pitfall traps in a pine forest, organic avocado orchard, and tropical deciduous forest. The two species seem to be sister species as they resemble each other in several morphological characteristics. Females of Scotinella poncei sp. nov. display a striking variability in the size and depth of the atrium and copulatory openings. Moreover, we discuss the female genitalia conformation of Scotinella, specifically the homology of the secondary spermathecae, and record the genus Phonotimpus Gertsch & Davis, 1940 in western Mexico for the first time.
The Development and Initial Capabilities of ThunderCast, a Deep Learning Model for Thunderstorm Nowcasting in the United States
Authors: Ortland Stephanie M. , Pavolonis Michael J. , Cintineo John L.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the Thunderstorm Nowcasting Tool (ThunderCast), a 24-h, year-round model for predicting the location of convection that is likely to initiate or remain a thunderstorm in the next 0–60 min in the continental United States, adapted from existing deep learning convection applications. ThunderCast utilizes a U-Net convolutional neural network for semantic segmentation trained on 320 km × 320 km data patches with four inputs and one target dataset. The inputs are satellite bands from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) in the visible, shortwave infrared, and longwave infrared spectra, and the target is Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) radar reflectivity at the −10°C isotherm in the atmosphere. On a pixel-by-pixel basis, ThunderCast has high accuracy, recall, and specificity but is subject to false-positive predictions resulting in low precision. However, the number of false positives decreases when buffering the target values with a 15 km × 15 km centered window, indicating ThunderCast’s predictions are useful within a buffered area. To demonstrate the initial prediction capabilities of ThunderCast, three case studies are presented: a mesoscale convective vortex, sea-breeze convection, and monsoonal convection in the southwestern United States. The case studies illustrate that the ThunderCast model effectively nowcasts the location of newly initiated and ongoing active convection, within the next 60 min, under a variety of geographical and meteorological conditions.

Significance Statement

In this research, a machine learning model is developed for short-term (0–60 min) forecasting of thunderstorms in the continental United States using geostationary satellite imagery as inputs for predicting active convection based on radar thresholds. Pending additional testing, the model may be able to provide decision-support services for thunderstorm forecasting. The case studies presented here indicate the model is able to nowcast convective initiation with 5–35 min of lead time in areas without radar coverage and anticipate future locations of storms without additional environmental context.
Atmospheric Drivers Associated with Extreme Snow Ablation and Discharge Events in the Susquehanna River Basin: A Climatology
Authors: Suriano Zachary J. , Henderson Gina R. , Arthur Julia , Harper Kricket , Leathers Daniel J.
Published: September 2023

Extreme snow ablation can greatly impact regional hydrology, affecting streamflow, soil moisture, and groundwater supplies. Relatively little is known about the climatology of extreme ablation events in the eastern United States, and the causal atmospheric forcing mechanisms behind such events. Studying the Susquehanna River basin over a 50-yr period, here we evaluate the variability of extreme ablation and river discharge events in conjunction with a synoptic classification and global-scale teleconnection pattern analysis. Results indicate that an average of 4.2 extreme ablation events occurred within the basin per year, where some 88% of those events resulted in an increase in river discharge when evaluated at a 3-day lag. Both extreme ablation and extreme discharge events occurred most frequently during instances of southerly synoptic-scale flow, accounting for 35.7% and 35.8% of events, respectively. However, extreme ablation was also regularly observed during high pressure overhead and rain-on-snow synoptic weather types. The largest magnitude of snow ablation per extreme event occurred during occasions of rain-on-snow, where a basinwide, areal-weighted 5.7 cm of snow depth was lost, approximately 23% larger than the average extreme event. Interannually, southerly flow synoptic weather types were more frequent during winter seasons when the Arctic and North Atlantic Oscillations were positively phased. Approximately 30% of the variance in rain-on-snow weather type frequency was explained by the Pacific–North American pattern. Evaluating the pathway of physical forcing mechanisms from regional events up through global patterns allows for improved understanding of the processes resulting in extreme ablation and discharge across the Susquehanna basin.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to better understand how certain weather patterns are related to extreme snowmelt and streamflow events and what causes those weather patterns to vary with time. This is valuable information for informing hazard preparation and resource management within the basin. We found that weather patterns with southerly winds were the most frequent patterns responsible for extreme melt and streamflow, and those patterns occurred more often when the Arctic and North Atlantic Oscillations were in their “positive” configuration. Future work should consider the potential for these patterns, and related impacts, to change over time.
Assessment of CMIP5 and CMIP6 AMIP Simulated Clouds and Surface Shortwave Radiation Using ARM Observations over Different Climate Regions
Authors: Zheng Xiaojian , Tao Cheng , Zhang Chengzhu , Xie Shaocheng , Zhang Yuying , Xi Baike , Dong Xiquan
Published: September 2023

The simulations of clouds and surface radiation from 10 CMIP6 models and their CMIP5 predecessors are compared to the ARM ground-based observations over different climate regions. Compared to the ARM radar-lidar derived total cloud fractions (CFT) and cloud fraction vertical distributions over the six selected sites, both CMIP5 and CMIP6 significantly underestimated CFT and low-level CF over the Northern Hemispheric midlatitude sites (SGPC1 and ENAC1), although the biases are generally smaller in CMIP6. Over the tropical oceanic site (TWPC2), 5 out of 10 CMIP6 models better simulated low-level CF than their CMIP5 predecessors. CMIP6 simulations generally agreed well with the ARM observations in CFT and cloud fraction vertical distributions over the tropical continental (MAOM1) and coastal (TWPC3) sites but missed the transitions between dry and wet seasons, similar to CMIP5 simulations. The improvements in downwelling shortwave fluxes (SWdn) at the surface from the majority of CMIP6 compared to CMIP5 primarily resulted from the improved cloud fraction simulations, especially over the SGPC1, ENAC1, and TWPC3 sites. By contrast, both CMIP5 and CMIP6 models exhibited diverse performances of clouds and shortwave radiation over the Arctic site (NSAC1), where CMIP6 models produced more clouds than CMIP5 models, especially for the low-level clouds. The comparisons between observations and CMIP5 and CMIP6 simulations provide valuable quantitative assessments of the accuracy of mean states and variabilities in the model simulations and shed light on general directions to improve climate models in different regions.
The Current Feedback on Stress Modifies the Ekman Buoyancy Flux at Fronts
Authors: Wenegrat Jacob O.
Published: September 2023

Ocean surface currents introduce variations into the surface wind stress that can change the component of the stress aligned with the thermal wind shear at fronts. This modifies the Ekman buoyancy flux, such that the current feedback on the stress tends to generate an effective flux of buoyancy and potential vorticity to the mixed layer. Scaling arguments and idealized simulations resolving both mesoscale and submesoscale turbulence suggest that this pathway for air–sea interaction can be important both locally at individual submesoscale fronts with strong surface currents—where it can introduce equivalent advective heat fluxes exceeding several hundred watts per square meter—and in the spatial mean where it reduces the integrated Ekman buoyancy flux by approximately 50%. The accompanying source of surface potential vorticity injection suggests that at some fronts the current feedback modification of the Ekman buoyancy flux may be significant in terms of both submesoscale dynamics and boundary layer energetics, with an implied modification of symmetric instability growth rates and dissipation that scales similarly to the energy lost through the negative wind work generated by the current feedback. This provides an example of how the shift of dynamical regimes into the submesoscale may promote the importance of air–sea interaction mechanisms that differ from those most active at larger scale.
The relationship between air pollution and depression and anxiety disorders – A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of a cohort-based study
Authors: Cao Tingting , Tian Meichen , Hu Han , Yu Qingqing , You Jing , Yang Yishu , An Zhen , Song Jie , Zhang Guofu , Zhang Guicheng , Wu Weidong , Wu Hui
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To explore the correlation between air pollution and the onset of depression and anxiety disorders, to draw more comprehensive and integrated conclusions, and to provide recommendations for maintaining mental health and developing policies to reduce mental health risks caused by air pollution.

Methods:

Meta-analysis of cohort study articles exploring the relationship between air pollution and depression or anxiety disorders included in Pubmed, Web Of Science, CNKI, and Wan Fang database before October 31, 2022, and subgroup analysis of the association between air pollution and depression and anxiety disorders regarding the air pollutants studied, the study population, and Publication bias analysis and sensitivity analysis.

Results:

A total of 25 articles meeting the criteria were included in this study, including 23 articles examining the relationship between air pollution and depression and 5 articles examining the relationship between air pollution and anxiety disorders. The results of the meta-analysis were based on the type of pollutant and showed that there was a high degree of heterogeneity among the studies on the relationship between air pollution and depression and a significant heterogeneity among the studies on PM2.5 and the risk of anxiety disorders ( I2 = 71%, p < .01), so a random-effects model was selected for the analysis. CO, O3, and SO2 and depression onset had combined RR values of 1.10 (1.00, 1.20), 1.06 (0.87, 1.29), 1.17 (1.06, 1.31), 1.19 (0.90, 1.58), 1.03 (0.99, 1.07), and 1.09 (0.97, 1.24), respectively, and PM2.5 and anxiety The combined RR value for morbidity was 1.10 (0.99, 1.22). The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the combined results were stable and reliable. The results of Egger regression method test showed that none of them had significant publication bias ( p > .05).

Limitation:

Combined exposure to air pollutants on depression and anxiety, further studies by other researchers are needed in the future.

Conclusions:

PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, especially long-term exposure, may be associated with the onset of depression, and no association was found for the time being between PM10, CO, O3, SO2 exposure and depression and PM2.5 exposure and anxiety disorders.
Multi-objective optimization design of the Hinge Sleeve of Cubic based on Kriging
Authors: Sun Xuan , Liu Ting , Jia Jiguang , Chen Zhihui , Shang Jing
Published: September 2023

In this study, the multi-objective optimal design of the Hinge Sleeve of Cubic (HSC) was achieved by combining the central composite design (CCD), Kriging and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) approaches. Firstly, the model of the HSC was established and the appropriate design variables were selected. The mass, the maximum deformation and the maximum equivalent stress of the HSC were taken as the optimization objectives. After comparative analysis of the parameters, the parameter with the greatest influence on the optimization objectives was selected as the geometric constraint. Subsequently, according to the results of the experimental design, the Kriging model was used to establish the response surface optimization model of the objective function. And finally the best optimization results were obtained by using MOGA. The experimental results show that the optimization strategy is reliable and the mass of the optimized model is reduced by 24.84%, which achieves the lightweight design of the HSC while meeting the actual production requirements, saves the design cost and improves the material utilization.
Integrative Stress Reduction Program for Family Caregivers of Persons With Advanced Dementia: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Sanprakhon Panawat , Chaimongkol Nujjaree , Lach Helen W.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Older adults with advanced dementia require significant care, leading to high stress levels in caregivers.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of an Integrative Stress Reduction Program on Thai caregiver’s outcomes of stress, sleep quality, and caregiver-assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia.

Methods:

A single-blind randomized-controlled trial was conducted. A sample of family caregivers of people with dementia was recruited from memory clinics at outpatient community health centers in Thailand and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group were enrolled in 5 intervention sessions over 4 weeks, while the control group received usual care. Outcome variables were collected at baseline, 4 weeks postintervention, and 8 weeks of follow-up.

Results:

Compared with the control group, caregivers in the experimental group (n = 27) had significantly decreased stress ( p < .01) and better sleep quality ( p < .01), and caregivers reported that their family members with dementia (n = 27) had decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms ( p < .01) after the intervention (week 4) and at the 8-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

The Integrative Stress Reduction Program improved outcomes for caregivers and decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia.
A World on Fire: Observations and Speculations in a Crottyian Vein
Authors: Grabel Ilene
Published: September 2023

I offer this article as a small way of honoring my friend, mentor, and role model Jim Crotty, whose intellectual legacy, commitment to engaged scholarship, lived experience, and warmth and generosity continue to influence me profoundly. Here, I offer several observations and speculations on the state of play in the global and US financial systems in a Crottyian vein. These include several 1980s throwbacks—bank failures in the United States; rentier-driven tight monetary policies across the world with attendant negative effects; and, debt distress and the likelihood of a (new) “lost decade” in the Global South. These familiar experiences are unfolding against the backdrop of an interregnum in which a “post-American global financial order” is emerging in an environment marked by “productive and destructive incoherence.”

JEL Classification: F02, F33, O23, E44, E58
‘Huge fan of the drama’: Politics as an object of fandom
Authors: Allen Peter , Moon David S
Published: September 2023

On June 12th 2019, in the middle of the UK Conservative party’s leadership contest, journalist Marie le Conte tweeted ‘so this is my first proper leadership contest as an actual Westminster person and honestly it’s such a hoot…huge fan of the drama’. This tweet is exemplary of a wider phenomenon. Politics is the activity through which power and resources are allocated across society – who gets what, when and how. Politics, and what it does to all of our lives, is consequential. Yet, despite this, many of those who pay the most attention to politics do so from the position of a fan, engaging with it in the way that others engage with entertainment forms like sport and television shows. Previous studies have paid attention to the fandoms and anti-fandoms that develop around individual politicians and movements – in other words, they maintain a focus on the behaviours and actions of these fans of politics. By contrast, in this paper we explore the construction of politics itself as an object of fandom, asking what happens to politics when it is treated in this way. The activity of politics can be socially constructed by humans to serve some purpose. Thus, who does the constructing and how they do this, affects what it becomes. Our claim is that constructing politics as an object of fandom (i.e. constructing it as ‘the drama’) affects politics itself.
Effectiveness of an algorithm-driven home telemonitoring system on the metabolic control and self-care behaviour of Asian adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Tyagi Shilpa , Lee Cia Sin , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Goh Kuan Liang Shawn , Gong Pei Pei , Ang Seng Bin , Koh Choon Huat Gerald
Published: September 2023

Aim

Healthcare professionals are leveraging on telehealth to manage patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of patients using a novel tele-monitoring system (OPTIMUM) as compared to the standard of care.

Methods

An open-labelled randomised controlled trial involving 330 Asian patients with T2DM, aged 26–65 years, and suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c = 7.5–10%) was conducted in a Singapore public primary care clinic. The patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio by block randomization to the intervention group to receive: in-app video-based tele-education, tele-monitoring of the blood pressure (BP), capillary glucose and weight via Bluetooth devices and mobile application, followed by algorithm-based tele-management by the OPTIMUM telehealth care team for abnormal parameters. Patients received usual care in the control group. Clinical assessments and self-care-related questionnaires were administered for both groups at baseline and 6 months.

Results

Complete data of 159 (intervention) and 160 (control) patients with comparable demographic profiles were analysed. Those in the intervention group showed significantly lower HbA1c by 0.34% (95%CI = −0.57 to −0.11; p = 0.004); first measurement of systolic BP decreased by 2.98 mmHg (95%CI:−5.8 to −0.08; p = 0.044) and diastolic BP by 4.24 mmHg (95%CI = −6.0 to −2.47; p = 0.001); and total cholesterol by 0.18 mmol/L (95%CI:  −0.34 to −0.01; p = 0.040) compared to the control group, after adjusting for baseline variables. Questionnaire scores showed significant improvements in medication adherence and self-care behaviour in the intervention group. No significant weight change was noted between groups.

Conclusion

The OPTIMUM tele-monitoring system improved the glycaemic, BP and total cholesterol control in patients with suboptimal T2DM control by enhancing their medication adherence and self-care over 6 months.
Analysis of the Factors of Wound Healing Problems After Transtibial Amputation in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Lee Sang Yoon , Lee Myoung Jin , Byun Sung Bin
Published: September 2023

Diabetes mellitus has a global impact, necessitating surgical intervention when conservative methods fail. Transtibial amputation (TTA) is commonly performed on diabetic patients, yet surgical site complications can lead to more procedures. This study aimed to identify factors linked to wound healing issues post-TTA in diabetics.

A total of 181 patients who underwent TTA between 2004 and 2021 at a single hospital were included in the study. Exclusion criteria comprised trauma, non-diabetic mellitus, follow-up duration of less than 1 year, incomplete medical records, and surgeries performed by different surgeons. The comparison focused on underlying diseases other than diabetes between the group with wound problems and the group without. Additionally, factors impacting blood flow, such as presurgery hemoglobin levels, intraoperative blood transfusion, the use of antithrombotic or anticoagulant drugs, and the presence of procedures like percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bypass surgery, were analyzed.

Among the 181 cases, 22.1% experienced problems at the surgical site while 77.9% did not. Statistical analysis revealed that age was a significant variable affecting wound healing problems after TTA in diabetic patients ( p = .007). However, there were no significant differences in wound problems based on comorbidities other than diabetes ( p = .209), gender ( p = .677), preoperative anemia ( p = .102), intraoperative blood transfusion ( p = .633), the use of antithrombotic or anticoagulant medications ( p = .556), and the performance of PTA or bypass surgery ( p = .6).

In conclusion, this study found that age was a significant variable affecting wound healing problems after TTA in diabetic patients. Although no association was observed between underlying diseases and wound healing problems, further investigation and cautious management of factors such as preoperative anemia, intraoperative blood transfusion, the use of antithrombotic or anticoagulant drugs, and the performance of PTA or bypass surgery are warranted to prevent complications and optimize wound healing outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing TTA.
Stakeholders’ perspectives on safety-related human–robot collaborative scenarios
Authors: Berx Nicole , Brescia Anita , Aqamarina Rhea , Curcio Elio Matteo , Pintelon Liliane , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Safety plays a key role when implementing collaborative robots (cobots) in human-shared workspace scenarios. Nevertheless, the significance and understanding of safety-related aspects may significantly vary with different stakeholders’ perspectives. In particular, there is often a misconception that cobots are inherently safe with the result of significantly underestimating the need of adopting adequate safety measures and features for the deployment of collaborative robots in industrial and non-industrial frames. Accordingly, this article develops an in-depth analysis of the stakeholders and their stakes in human–robot collaboration in the manufacturing industry with particular attention to the safety aspects. The proposed approach consists of a field study, with an online questionnaire and structured interviews, directed at the main stakeholders. The field study results are presented and compared with insights from two recent explorative studies. Finally, careful analysis and discussion is provided. This research focuses on three topics: (i) the specific phases in the collaborative robot application cycle, (ii) the stakeholders that are involved in each phase, and (iii) the stakes that affect the stakeholders in general, and specifically the role of safety within these stakes. The findings show that awareness of safety issues is still jeopardized between stakeholders. In addition, key stakeholders still significantly underestimate safety-related issues when implementing cobots in new production lines. This implies the need for objective assessment tools that can systematically address and assess all safety-related aspects. This study provides industry practitioners with a broader view of how different stakeholders regard safety-related aspects in the cobot life cycle. This will enable more informed decision-making when implementing cobot solutions and potentially avoid unconsidered safety risks later on. This article also adds to the scant research on the role of each stakeholder in human–robot collaboration.
Germ line variant GFI1-36N affects DNA repair and sensitizes AML cells to DNA damage and repair therapy
Authors: Frank Daria , Patnana Pradeep Kumar , Vorwerk Jan , Mao Lianghao , Gopal Lavanya Mokada , Jung Noelle , Hennig Thorben , Ruhnke Leo , Frenz Joris Maximillian , Kuppusamy Maithreyan , Autry Robert , Wei Lanying , Sun Kaiyan , Mohammed Ahmed Helal Mohammed , Künstner Axel , Busch Hauke , Müller Heiko , Hutter Stephan , Hoermann Gregor , Liu Longlong , Xie Xiaoqing , Al-Matary Yahya , Nimmagadda Subbaiah Chary , Cano Fiorella Charles , Heuser Michael , Thol Felicitas , Göhring Gudrun , Steinemann Doris , Thomale Jürgen , Leitner Theo , Fischer Anja , Rad Roland , Röllig Christoph , Altmann Heidi , Kunadt Desiree , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Hüve Jana , Neumann Felix , Klingauf Jürgen , Calderon Virginie , Opalka Bertram , Dührsen Ulrich , Rosenbauer Frank , Dugas Martin , Varghese Julian , Reinhardt Hans Christian , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Möröy Tarik , Lenz Georg , Batcha Aarif M. N. , Giorgi Marianna , Selvam Murugan , Wang Eunice , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Stölzel Friedrich , Mann Matthias , Jayavelu Ashok Kumar , Khandanpour Cyrus
Published: September 2023

Growth factor independence 1 (GFI1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor and a key regulator of hematopoiesis. GFI1-36N is a germ line variant, causing a change of serine (S) to asparagine (N) at position 36. We previously reported that the GFI1-36N allele has a prevalence of 10% to 15% among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 5% to 7% among healthy Caucasians and promotes the development of this disease. Using a multiomics approach, we show here that GFI1-36N expression is associated with increased frequencies of chromosomal aberrations, mutational burden, and mutational signatures in both murine and human AML and impedes homologous recombination (HR)–directed DNA repair in leukemic cells. GFI1-36N exhibits impaired binding to N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (Ndrg1) regulatory elements, causing decreased NDRG1 levels, which leads to a reduction of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) expression levels, as illustrated by both transcriptome and proteome analyses. Targeting MGMT via temozolomide, a DNA alkylating drug, and HR via olaparib, a poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1 inhibitor, caused synthetic lethality in human and murine AML samples expressing GFI1-36N, whereas the effects were insignificant in nonmalignant GFI1-36S or GFI1-36N cells. In addition, mice that received transplantation with GFI1-36N leukemic cells treated with a combination of temozolomide and olaparib had significantly longer AML-free survival than mice that received transplantation with GFI1-36S leukemic cells. This suggests that reduced MGMT expression leaves GFI1-36N leukemic cells particularly vulnerable to DNA damage initiating chemotherapeutics. Our data provide critical insights into novel options to treat patients with AML carrying the GFI1-36N variant.
Atypical imaging patterns during lung invasive mould diseases: lessons for clinicians
Authors: Casutt Alessio , Lamoth Frédéric , Lortholary Olivier , Prior John O. , Tonglet Andrea , Manuel Oriol , Bergeron Anne , Beigelman-Aubry Catherine
Published: September 2023

Imaging of pulmonary invasive mould diseases (IMDs), which represents a cornerstone in their work-up, is mainly based on computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this review is to discuss their CT features, mainly those related to aspergillosis and mucormycosis. We will especially focus on atypical radiological presentations that are increasingly observed among non-neutropenic emerging populations of patients at risk, such as those receiving novel anticancer therapies or those in the intensive care unit. We will also discuss the interest of other available imaging techniques, mainly positron emission tomography/CT, that may play a role in the diagnosis as well as evaluation of disease extent and follow-up. We will show that any new airway-centred abnormality or caveated lesion should evoke IMDs in mildly immunocompromised hosts. Limitations in their recognition may be due to potential underlying abnormalities that increase the complexity of interpretation of lung imaging, as well as the non-specificity of imaging features. In this way, the differentials of all morphological/metabolic aspects must be kept in mind for the optimal management of patients, as well as the benefit of evaluation of the vascular status.
Hypersensitive C-reactive protein as a potential indicator for predicting left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly community-dwelling patients with hypertension
Authors: Song Wei , Zhang Chunsheng , Tang Jiamei , Li Yan , Jiao Tiantian , Lin Xueqi , Wang Yuanqi , Fang Jialiang , Sha Jingjing , Ding Tongjiu , Cheng Jiayue , Li Jiming
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in elderly community-dwelling patients with hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving the recruitment of 365 elderly hypertensive residents ≥ 65 years of age from five communities. The participants were divided into two groups: an LVH group (n = 134) and a non-LVH group (n = 231), based on the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) determined by echocardiography. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between hs-CRP and LVH. Univariate and Multivariate analysis was performed to detect variables associated with LVH. The diagnostic value of hs-CRP for LVH was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The incidence of LVH in elderly hypertension patients in the community was 36.7%. The hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with LVH compared to those without LVH (1.9 [0.8, 2.9] vs. 0.7 [0.4, 1.4], P = 0.002). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between hs-CRP and LVMI (r = 0.246, P < 0.001), as well as with IVST (r = 0.225, P < 0.001) and LVPWT (r = 0.172, P = 0.001). Among elderly hypertensive residents in the community, the cut-off value of hs-CRP for diagnosing LVH was 1.25 mg/L (sensitivity: 57.5%; specificity: 78.4%), and the area under the ROC curve for hs-CRP to predict LVH was 0.710 (95%CI: 0.654–0.766; P < 0.001). In the final model, hs-CRP ≥ 1.25 mg/L (OR = 3.569; 95%CI, 2.153–5.916; P<0.001) emerged as an independent risk factor for LVH. This association remained significant even after adjusting for various confounding factors (adjusted OR = 3.964; 95%CI, 2.323–6.765; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This community-based cohort of elderly hypertensive individuals demonstrates a strong association between hs-CRP levels and the presence of LVH. The hs-CRP ≥ 1.25 mg/L may serve as an independent predictor for LVH in hypertensive subjects and exhibit good diagnostic efficacy for LVH.
Validation of the vaccination attitudes examination scale in a South African context in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine: quantifying dimensionality with bifactor indices
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita , Pretorius Tyrone Brian , Isaacs Serena Ann
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a global public health emergency. Existing studies support the view that vaccination and mass immunization are among the most effective means of containing the outbreak and promoting health. However, negative attitudes toward vaccination and the related vaccine hesitancy among many groups have created a significant barrier to effectively managing the health crisis. Having a valid and reliable tool to assess attitudes toward vaccination remains imperative so that factors underlying vaccine refusal can be identified and public health interventions can be facilitated. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale (VAX) in South Africa.

Methods

Participants (n = 322) completed the VAX. Confirmatory factor analysis and ancillary bifactor indices were used to examine the hypothesized factor structure (a total scale and four subscales) of the scale. Inter-item correlations, factor loadings, and average variance extracted were used to examine the validity of the scale. Predictive validity was examined by comparing those who had received the COVID-19 vaccine and those who had not. The reliability of the scale was examined in terms of both Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the conceptualization of the scale as consisting of a total scale and four subscales, and ancillary bifactor indices indicated that the subscales accounted for a sufficient amount of variance (44%) after the variance explained by the total scale was considered. Overall, the analysis indicated that the scale had satisfactory reliability (alpha and composite reliability = 0.70) and provided evidence for the construct, convergent, and predictive validity of the VAX.

Conclusions

The sound psychometric qualities of the scale, when used in a low- to middle-income country, have the potential to advance research and immunization policy within these settings and facilitate more targeted interventions to promote vaccine uptake.
Cytotoxicity, acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the leaves of Bauhinia thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. (Caesalpiniaceae)
Authors: Matieta Valaire Y. , Mbaveng Armelle T. , Nouemsi Guy R. Sado , Tankeo Simplice B. , Kamsu Gabriel T. , Nayim Paul , Lannang Alain M. , Çelik İlhami , Efferth Thomas , Kuete Victor
Published: September 2023

Background

Bauhinia thonningii is a plant traditionally used against many human diseases such as gastric ulcers, fever, inflammations, coughs, dysentery, diarrhea, and malaria. In the present investigation, the cytotoxicity of methanol extract of Bauhinia thonningii leaves (BTL), fractions and the isolated phytoconstituents was determined in a panel of 9 human cancer cell lines including drug sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. The acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of BTL was investigated as well.

Methods

Compounds were isolated using chromatographic techniques while their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic methods. The resazurin reduction assay (RRA) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of samples, propidium iodide (PI) for apoptosis, 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis, 2´,7´-dichlorodihydrofluoresceine diacetate (H2DCFH-DA) staining for the quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas Caspase Glo assays were combined by means of flow cytometry. Furthermore, the toxicological investigations were performed as recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Results

The botanicals as well as 6-C-methylquercetin-3,7-dimethyl ether (2), quercetin-3-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (6), 6,8-C-dimethylkaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether (7), and 6,8-C-dimethylkaempferol-3-methyl ether (8) had promising cytotoxic effects in the 9 tested cancer cell lines. The IC50 values below 20 µg/mL (botanicals) or 10 µM (compounds) on at least 1/9 tested cancer cell lines were considered. The best cytotoxic effects with IC50 values below 5 µM were achieved with compounds 7 against CEM/ADR5000 leukemia cells (2.86 µM) and MDA-MB-231-pcDNA breast adenocarcinoma cells (1.93 µM) as well as 8 against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells (3.03 µM), CEM/ADR5000 cells (2.42 µM), MDA-MB-231-pcDNA (2.34 µM), and HCT116 p53−/− cells (3.41 µM). BTL and compound 8 induced apoptotic cell death in CCRF-CEM cells through caspase activation, alteration of MMP, and increased ROS production. BTL did not cause any adverse effects in rats after a single administration at 5000 mg/kg or a repeated dose of 250 mg/kg body weight (b. w.).

Conclusion

Bauhinia thonningii and its constituents are sources of cytotoxic drugs that deserve more in-depth studies to develop novel antiproliferative phytomedicine to fight cancer including resistant phenotypes.
Developing the better and effective nursing education for improving transcultural nursing skills cultural competence and cultural sensitivity assessment tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT)
Authors: Yava Ayla , Tosun Betül , Papp Katalin , Tóthová Valérie , Şahin Eda , Yılmaz Emel Bahadir , Dirgar Ezgi , Hellerová Věra , Tricas-Sauras Sandra , Prosen Mirko , Ličen Sabina , Karnjus Igor , Tamayo M. Dolors Bernabeu , Leyva-Moral Juan M.
Published: September 2023

Background

A clear need for the development of new comprehensive, reliable, sensitive and valid measurement tools to adequately asses the cultural competence and cultural sensitivity of nursing students exists. This study aimed to develop a new measurement tool to assess the nursing students’ cultural competence and sensitivity.

Methods

This cross-sectional, instrument development study’s first phase included postgraduate nursing students (n = 60) for the piloting study, and the second one included undergraduate nursing students (n = 459) for the main survey. This study used two data collection forms: The Student Descriptive Information Form and the Better and Effective Nursing Education for Improving Transcultural Nursing Skills Cultural Competence and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT) draft. The content validity index was calculated using the Davis method. Cronbach’s α coefficient and the item total correlation were calculated during the reliability analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient test, Bartlett significance test, and explanatory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the validity of the assessment tool.

Results

Scale validity and reliability analyses showed that the BENEFITS-CCCSAT included 26 items and five sub-dimensions: respect for cultural diversity; culturally sensitive communication; achieving cultural competence; challenges and barriers in providing culturally competent care; and perceived meaning of cultural care.

Conclusion

The BENEFITS-CCCSAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the cultural sensitivity and cultural competence of nursing students. This can be of great use, especially before attending clinical areas, and can offer both students and faculty reliable information to promote reflective and critical thinking, especially in areas where improvement is needed.
Teaching to prepare undergraduate nursing students for palliative care: nurse educators’ perspectives
Authors: Schenell Ramona , Österlind Jane , Browall Maria , Melin-Johansson Christina , Hagelin Carina Lundh , Hjorth Elin
Published: September 2023

Background

Education in palliative care for undergraduate nursing students is important for the competence of general nurses. Newly graduated nurses have reported challenges in coping with their own emotions when encountering dying persons. They express a wish for more education before they graduate, particularly in psychosocial and existential areas, such as having difficult conversations and supporting grieving persons. Despite awareness of the importance of palliative care education for nurses, there is a lack of knowledge on how to effectively convey this knowledge to students. The aim of the present study was to explore how teaching to prepare undergraduate nursing students for palliative care practice is conducted in Sweden.

Methods

Educators from 22 Bachelor of Science nursing programmes in Sweden were interviewed about how they conducted palliative care education, with a focus on teaching situations that have been successful or less successful. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis.

Results

Educators described that they play a crucial role in preparing undergraduate nursing students to face death and dying and to care for persons at the end of life. In the main theme, “Transforming person-centred palliative care into student-centred education”, educators described how they incorporated the person-centred palliative approach into their teaching. Educators used a dynamic style of teaching where they let the students’ stories form the basis in a co-constructed learning process. The educators trusted the students to be active partners in their own learning but at the same time they were prepared to use their expert knowledge and guide the students when necessary. Discussion and reflection in small groups was described as being essential for the students to achieve a deeper understanding of palliative care and to process personal emotions related to encountering dying and grieving individuals.

Conclusions

This study suggests that palliative care education for undergraduate nursing students benefits from teaching in smaller groups with room for discussion and reflection. Furthermore, gains are described relating to educators taking the role of facilitators rather than traditional lecturers, being flexible and ready to address students’ emotions. Educators also draw on their experiences as palliative care nurses in their teaching practices.
Prevalence of atherosclerosis in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes compared to normoglycaemic individuals—a Swedish population-based study
Authors: Östgren Carl Johan , Otten Julia , Festin Karin , Angerås Oskar , Bergström Göran , Cederlund Kerstin , Engström Gunnar , Eriksson Maria J. , Eriksson Mats , Fall Tove , Gummesson Anders , Hagström Emil , Hellman Urban , James Stefan K. , Jernberg Tomas , Kihlberg Johan , Kylhammar David , Markstad Hanna , Nilsson Peter , Persson Anders , Persson Margaretha , Pirazzi Carlo , Renklint Rebecka , Rosengren Annika , Söderberg Stefan , Sundström Johan
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of death and cardiovascular events and people with diabetes or prediabetes have been found to have increased atherosclerotic burden in the coronary and carotid arteries. This study will estimate the cross-sectional prevalence of atherosclerosis in the coronary and carotid arteries in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, compared with normoglycaemic individuals in a large population-based cohort.

Methods

The 30,154 study participants, 50–64 years, were categorized according to their fasting glycaemic status or self-reported data as normoglycaemic, prediabetes, and previously undetected or known diabetes. Prevalence of affected coronary artery segments, severity of stenosis and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were determined by coronary computed tomography angiography. Total atherosclerotic burden was assessed in the 11 clinically most relevant segments using the Segment Involvement Score and as the presence of any coronary atherosclerosis. The presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid arteries was determined by ultrasound examination.

Results

Study participants with prediabetes (n = 4804, 16.0%) or diabetes (n = 2282, 7.6%) had greater coronary artery plaque burden, more coronary stenosis and higher CACS than normoglycaemic participants (all, p < 0.01). Among male participants with diabetes 35.3% had CACS ≥ 100 compared to 16.1% among normoglycaemic participants. For women, the corresponding figures were 8.9% vs 6.1%. The prevalence of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries was higher in participants with previously undetected diabetes than prediabetes, but lower than in patients with known diabetes. The prevalence of any plaque in the carotid arteries was higher in participants with prediabetes or diabetes than in normoglycaemic participants.

Conclusions

In this large population-based cohort of currently asymptomatic people, the atherosclerotic burden in the coronary and carotid arteries increased with increasing degree of dysglycaemia. The finding that the atherosclerotic burden in the coronary arteries in the undetected diabetes category was midway between the prediabetes category and patients with known diabetes may have implications for screening strategies and tailored prevention interventions for people with dysglycaemia in the future.