bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-Coated Balloons in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Korjian Serge , McCarthy Killian J. , Larnard Emily A. , Cutlip Donald E. , McEntegart Margaret B. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: May 2024

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are specialized coronary devices comprised of a semicompliant balloon catheter with an engineered coating that allows the delivery of antiproliferative agents locally to the vessel wall during percutaneous coronary intervention. Although DCBs were initially developed more than a decade ago, their potential in coronary interventions has recently sparked renewed interest, especially in the United States. Originally designed to overcome the limitations of conventional balloon angioplasty and stenting, they aim to match or even improve upon the outcomes of drug-eluting stents without leaving a permanent implant. Presently, in-stent restenosis is the condition with the most robust evidence supporting the use of DCBs. DCBs provide improved long-term vessel patency compared with conventional balloon angioplasty and may be comparable to drug-eluting stents without the need for an additional stent layer, supporting their use as a first-line therapy for in-stent restenosis. Beyond the treatment of in-stent restenosis, DCBs provide an additional tool for de novo lesions for a strategy that avoids a permanent metal scaffold, which may be especially useful for the management of technically challenging anatomies such as small vessels and bifurcations. DCBs might also be advantageous for patients with high bleeding risk due to the decreased necessity for extended antiplatelet therapy, and in patients with diabetes and patients with diffuse disease to minimize long-stented segments. Further studies are crucial to confirm these broader applications for DCBs and to further validate safety and efficacy.
Using Satellite Data Assimilation Techniques to Combine Infrasound Observations and a Full Ray-Tracing Model to Constrain Stratospheric Variables
Authors: Amezcua Javier , Näsholm Sven Peter , Vera Rodriguez Ismael
Published: May 2024

Infrasound waves generated at Earth’s surface can reach high altitudes before returning to the surface to be recorded by microbarometer array stations. These waves carry information about the propagation medium, in particular temperature and winds in the atmosphere. It is only recently that studies on the assimilation of such data into atmospheric models have been published. Intending to advance this line of research, we here use the modulated ensemble transform Kalman filter (METKF)—commonly used in satellite data assimilation—to assimilate infrasound-related observations in order to update a column of three vertically varying variables: temperature and horizontal wind speeds. This includes stratospheric and mesospheric heights, which are otherwise poorly observed. The numerical experiments on synthetic data but with realistic reanalysis product atmospheric specifications (following the observing system simulation experiment paradigm) reveal that a large ensemble is capable of reducing errors, especially for wind speeds in stratospheric heights close to 30–60 km. While using a small ensemble leads to incorrect analysis increments and large estimation errors, the METKF ameliorates this problem and even achieves error reduction from the prior to the posterior mean estimator.

Significance Statement

The stratosphere and mesosphere have significantly less observational coverage compared to the troposphere, especially for the winds. This lack of information can reduce the accuracy of medium-range weather forecasts. By mimicking a realistic setup, this study paves the way for including novel observations in the estimation of the atmospheric state in these heights using an ensemble data assimilation method. These observations come from a dataset of opportunity containing infrasound-related measurements that are routinely carried out at several stations around the world.
Worst of the Bunch: Visual Comparative Benchmarks Change Evaluations of Government Performance
Authors: Allen William L. , Ahlstrom-Vij Kristoffer
Published: May 2024

Benchmarking theories argue voters use information about other countries’ performances, usually on the economy and obtained through experience or media, to evaluate their own governments. Yet existing observational evidence is relatively fragile and struggles to distinguish how people become more knowledgeable. Using a pre-registered experiment, we showed UK respondents a chart displaying the UK’s exceptionally high cumulative COVID-19 deaths either in isolation or alongside European countries with fewer deaths. Mimicking widely-circulated charts, this visual treatment enhances our study’s external validity and tests the media-based channel for benchmarking. Aligned with pre-registered expectations, seeing the UK as “worst of the bunch” compared to UK-only data caused more negative government evaluations. Unexpectedly, partisanship did not moderate the information effects, while exploratory tests revealed the visuals generated more negative evaluations among respondents with high political trust. Our study shows international comparisons in visual forms can change domestic opinion, and on matters beyond strictly economic performance.
Disentangling the coping process in White rural men who carry guns
Authors: Beachy Sara , Liang Christopher TH , Fizur Philip , Fu Qiong , Johnson Nicole L
Published: May 2024

Affluent White rural men have the highest rates of gun ownership in the United States. However, few studies have specifically examined reasons and motivations for gun ownership and gun behaviors in this population. Therefore, this study sought to examine the relationship between stress variables, namely masculine gender role stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and income level, and subsequent pro-gun beliefs and amount of time an individual carried a gun within this population. Results indicated that only two measures of pro-gun beliefs (i.e., believing guns keep one safe, believing guns are present in one’s social sphere) were correlated with percentage of time an individual carried. Additionally, ACEs were positively correlated with believing guns influence how others perceive oneself, levels of masculine gender role stress, and income. These results suggest that White rural gun owners who have increased ACEs have decreased income and tend to believe that owning guns impacts their social status with peers. However, increased ACEs do not influence belief about guns keeping one safe, believing guns are present in one’s social sphere, or gun carriage. Instead, White rural gun owners without childhood adversity may be more susceptible to believing their safety depends on guns and belongingness within their social sphere. Future research should assess reasons why affluent White rural men find it important to maintain their safety in the context of gun ownership.
Instrumentalism in the Social and Moral Sciences
Authors: Moehler Michael
Published: May 2024

This article responds to recent criticism regarding the application of consequentialism and rational choice theory in the social and moral sciences. It clarifies the limited scope of the presented criticism and its overly simplistic view of social scientific inquiry that, together, lead to the presentation of an argument that claims more than it warrants. Moreover, I argue that the criticism overlooks one of the most important uses of instrumentalism in moral theory that may be considered the most challenging case for the application of rational choice theory.
Hearing a circle: An exploratory study of accessible sonification for young children with blindness and low vision
Authors: Damsma Phia
Published: May 2024

This article describes a study of educational outcomes for 0- to 8-year-old children with blindness and low vision (BLV) who are learning sonification concepts. Children with BLV experience barriers to accessing education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), fields which traditionally rely heavily on visual representation of information. There is growing awareness of the potential of sonification, a technology to represent data and information in non-speech audio, to improve education access. While early learning of assistive technology skills is deemed essential for equity of access to education across the curriculum, children are generally not introduced to the concept of sonification at school until at academic level in secondary or tertiary education. Little is known about how young children with BLV engage with this promising technology. First, ‘CosmoBally on Sonoplanet’ is introduced, an accessible, educational game application for iPads and Android tablets. Then findings are shared from an anonymous online survey that collected formal responses from users of this app, using a combination of Likert-type scale and open-ended questions. The majority of the 17 respondents were (specialist) educators, and five of the respondents identified as having BLV. The survey investigated respondents’ perceptions of the capabilities of young children with BLV in using basic sonification in ‘CosmoBally on Sonoplanet’ to identify shapes – including a circle – to orientate in a digital grid and to create drawings on a touch screen. Results suggest that young children with BLV can learn sonification skills and additionally may build relevant non-sonification skills during this learning process. This article aims to provide a first insight into best practice around early learning of sonification as a potential tool for increased access and inclusion of children with BLV to STEM subjects in school.
Lebanese medical students’ attitudes towards patient safety and medical error disclosure: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Koleilat Nadia , Saadieh Tasnim , El Arwadi Tala , Abbas Assile , Demachkie Rawan , El Masri Noha , Al Jishi Alaa , Mawlawi Ranim , El Masri Ranim , Moety Walid , Choukeir Hind , Chamsedine Abdallah
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess Lebanese medical students’ attitudes towards patient safety and medical error disclosure.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving medical students from seven different medical schools in Lebanon. The participants completed the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III) online, which consists of 26 items across nine key patient safety domains. Items were scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Demographic data were also collected.

Results

Of the 549 students enrolled in the study, 325 (59%) were female and 224 (41%) were male. More than half (287, 52%) were aged between 20 and 22 years and 95% were Lebanese. The overall attitude of students towards patient safety was positive (3.59 ± 0.85) with the most positive attitudes in the domains of ‘ Team functioning’ followed by ‘ Working hours as an error cause’. More positive attitudes were perceived among male students in the domains of ‘ Professional incompetence as an error cause’ and ‘ Disclosure responsibility’ whereas more positive attitudes were seen in female students in the domain of ‘ Working hour as an error cause’. Older medical students had more positive attitudes in the domain of ‘ Team functioning’ than younger students.

Conclusion

Medical students in Lebanon had an overall positive attitude towards patient safety. These findings may be used to guide improvements in patient safety education and enhance patient-centred care in medical institutions in Lebanon.
Fiction as Testimony
Authors: Rowland Antony
Published: May 2024

This article explores the fraught relationship between the terms ‘fiction’, ‘creativity’, ‘literature’ and ‘testimony’ in Holocaust and trauma studies. It argues that the main challenge in reading witness literature is to read testimony as both factual and potentially fictional at the same time when no metatextual corroboration is available. This anxiety of testimony originates in some key texts in Holocaust and trauma studies: I analyse for the first time the repercussions of fictional passages in Primo Levi's If This is a Man (1947), The Truce (1963) and Charlotte Delbo's Auschwitz and After (1985). These sections in no way attenuate the veracity of the overall narratives of survival. Rather than presenting the fictional as fact in bad faith, these books demonstrate the importance of creativity in responding to historical events, particularly when there are no existing historical narratives to present an alternative view. They also emphasise the current critical dichotomy in Holocaust and trauma studies between what Sara Guyer terms the ‘non-representational character’ of literature from ‘the representational character of testimony’. If we attempt to think beyond this binary between fictional literature and books about witnessing, it is possible to reflect on how fiction itself can operate as a form of testimony.
Erosion Potential of Stabilized Support Layers for Concrete Pavements and Overlays
Authors: DeSantis John W. , Roesler Jeffery
Published: May 2024

The performance of concrete pavements and overlays is highly dependent on the uniformity, durability, and stability of the underlying support layers. Erosion of support layers can lead to pavement distresses and a reduction in pavement life. A review of existing erodibility performance tests that assessed stabilized support layers was first conducted to identify and evaluate their suitability for adaptation. The Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) test was selected to assess the erosion potential of asphalt and cement stabilized support layers. Field testing with distress surveys, falling weight deflectometer, and coring was completed to obtain HWTD specimens and link laboratory results to pavement performance. The HWTD test was performed on cores obtained from in-service cement and asphalt stabilized support layers, a cold in-place recycling (CIR) mixture, and cement stabilized laboratory mixtures. As expected, an increase in cement content within cement stabilized mixtures decreases the likelihood of erosion with the HWTD. Additionally, conventional asphalt stabilized base layers were highly erosion resistant. Erosion resistant cement stabilized bases (including full-depth reclamation) should target an average HWTD erosion depth ≤2 to 4 mm (0.08 to 0.16 in.) after 10,000 load cycles based on the functional classification and expected traffic volume of the pavement section. Likewise, asphalt stabilized bases (including CIR and support layers for concrete overlays) should target an average HWTD erosion depth ≤12.5 mm (0.5 in.) after 7,500 load cycles with performance grade 64 binder.
Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities and Psychotropic Medication Use in Medicare Beneficiaries With Dementia by Sex and Race
Authors: Johnson Kim G. , Ford Cassie , Clark Amy G. , Greiner Melissa A. , Lusk Jay B. , Perry Cody , O’Brien Richard , O’Brien Emily C.
Published: May 2024

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms affect the majority of dementia patients. Past studies report high rates of potentially inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic medications in this population. We investigate differences in neuropsychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescribing in a local US cohort by sex and race.

Methods

We utilize Medicare claims and prescription fill records in a cohort of 100% Medicare North and South Carolina beneficiaries ages 50 and above for the year 2017 with a dementia diagnosis. We identify dementia and quantify diagnosis of anxiety, depression and psychosis using validated coding algorithms. We search Medicare claims for antianxiety, antidepressant and antipsychotic medications to determine prescriptions filled.

Results

Anxiety and depression were diagnosed at higher rates in White patients; psychosis at higher rates in Black patients. ( P < .001) Females were diagnosed with anxiety, depression and psychosis at higher rates than males ( P < .001) and filled more antianxiety and antidepressant medications than males. ( P < .001) Black and Other race patients filled more antipsychotic medications for anxiety, depression and psychosis than White patients. ( P < .001) Antidepressants were prescribed at higher rates than antianxiety or antipsychotic medications across all patients and diagnoses. Of patients with no neuropsychiatric diagnosis, 11.4% were prescribed an antianxiety medication, 22.8% prescribed an antidepressant and 7.6% prescribed an antipsychotic.

Conclusions

The high fill rate of antianxiety (benzodiazepine) medications in dementia patients, especially females is a concern. Patients are prescribed psychotropic medications at high rates. This practice may represent potentially inappropriate prescribing. Patient/caregiver education with innovative community outreach and care delivery models may help decrease medication use.
Research on thermal characteristics modeling of CNC machine tools based on submodel method
Authors: Peng Liang , Cheng Leilei , Cheng Liangguo , Chen Zhenlei
Published: May 2024

To improve the accuracy of thermal characteristics analysis of CNC machine tools, a modeling method for the thermal characteristics of CNC machine tools based on submodel method is proposed in this paper. In this method, the thermal-structural coupling calculation of the feed system and spindle system is initially completed in ABAQUS to obtain temperature and deformation results of the submodels. Subsequently, User Define Function (UDF) in Fluent is used to extract the temperature information from the surface of the submodels. The obtained surface temperature data is then imported into the overall machine model for fluid-structure coupling heat transfer calculation. The model developed in this study takes into account factors such as the dynamic heat generation of the heat source, the cooling fan system, and the secondary heat source effect of the cutting fluid. To validate the approach, a thermal characteristics experiment was conducted, and the research results demonstrate that the thermal analysis model established in this paper exhibits both high accuracy and efficiency. During the 180 min of machine operation, the thermal displacement between the tool tip and the workpiece increased. The maximum thermal deformation of the machine tool tip was 40.83 [Formula: see text], primarily observed in the X and Y directions.
Visible scientists in digital communication environments: An analysis of their role performance as public experts on Twitter/X during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Biermann Kaija , Taddicken Monika
Published: May 2024

In response to significant societal challenges, there is a growing demand for scientists to actively engage in public discussions. The recent Covid-19 pandemic led to the sudden visibility of certain scientists, necessitating them to extend their roles beyond research and actively communicate with the general public. Online platforms allow for direct engagement but increase the challenge by interconnecting different public arenas. Our case study examined the role performance of visible virologists on Twitter/X in six different time periods during the pandemic in Germany ( N = 1003). Findings indicate that they often express calls to action, and voice their own views, but seldom address uncertainty. Differences over time were found in their use of different types of statements, scientific jargon and emotional language. They also utilised the opportunities of direct communication, performing roles like watchdogs or advocates, highlighting the importance for scientists to reflect on their roles as communicators.
Analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric structures by Hermite interpolation element-free Galerkin method
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhou Bo , Li Changhe , Zhang Yanbin , Yang Min , Xue Shifeng
Published: May 2024

Functionally graded piezoelectric structures (FGPSs) have excellent electromechanical properties and are promising for engineering applications. However, the inhomogeneous material properties and piezoelectric effects create great difficulties in the mechanical analysis of the FGPSs. In this paper, a Hermite interpolation element-free Galerkin method (HIEFGM) is proposed for the numerical analysis of the FGPSs. The HIEFGM utilizes a set of nodes to represent the problem domain, which can ideally reflect the inhomogeneous material properties of the FGPSs. Firstly, the governing equations of the FGPSs are derived through the constitutive equation, equilibrium equation, and boundary conditions. Secondly, the approximating function of the field quantities is obtained by the improved moving least-square method and Hermite interpolation. The HIEFGM formulation of the FGPSs is obtained using the variational principle. Furtherly, the influence of weight function, scaling parameter, and node densities on the HIEFGM of the FGPSs is discussed in detail through a parameter study. Finally, the availability of present method is estimated by several examples with different configurations and boundary conditions. The influence of gradation exponent on the electromechanical responses of the FGPSs is analyzed. The results show that the present method has excellent accuracy and stability in analyzing the FGPSs. As the gradation exponent increases, the distribution of the field quantities of the FGPSs exhibits nonlinear characteristics. This work may provide an effective methodology for the analysis of the FGPSs, and contribute to the theoretical research and engineering application of the FGPSs.
Central venous accesses in prone position during the pandemic period: A narrative review
Authors: Longo Ferdinando , De Caris Francesca , Strumia Alessandro , Pascarella Giuseppe , Costa Fabio , Martuscelli Matteo , Claps Francesca , Remore Luigi Maria , Agrò Felice Eugenio , Cataldo Rita , Carassiti Massimiliano
Published: May 2024

The unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic have magnified the significance of managing intensive care patients in prone positions, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. Central venous access is crucial for delivering essential therapies to patients, particularly in intensive care settings. However, the shift in patient management during the pandemic, necessitating prone positioning for improved oxygenation, presented unique hurdles in maintaining and establishing central venous access. Before the pandemic, scant literature detailed the insertion of vascular access devices in prone or unconventional positions. Limited case reports and letters highlighted the feasibility of procedures like ultrasound-guided central catheter placement in patients undergoing surgery or with specific clinical needs. During the pandemic, a surge in case reports and series illuminated the complexities faced by clinicians in maintaining vascular access during pronation procedures. These reports delineated critical scenarios, ranging from rapid clinical deterioration necessitating immediate interventions to challenges with vascular access device (VAD) malfunctions or misplacements during prone maneuvers. Patient selection and device types emerged as critical considerations. Various scenarios, including patients transitioning to prone position from non-invasive ventilation and those requiring additional access for therapies like dialysis, posed challenges in device selection and placement. Successful VAD insertion techniques in prone patients encompassed multiple anatomical sites, including the internal jugular, brachial, femoral, and popliteal veins. However, challenges persisted, particularly with respect to anatomical variations and technical complexities in cannulation. Further research, standardized protocols, and randomized studies are needed to refine and validate the proposed strategies in both pandemic and non-pandemic settings.
Expertise Gained During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Ethical Implications Through Practitioners’ Narratives
Authors: Gruskin Bethany A. , Richter Marinthea , Loukas Kathryn M. , Angell Amber M.
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a transition to telehealth. Research supports the use of telehealth; however, there is a paucity of literature on the ethical considerations of this shift. This study explored ethics through narratives of practitioners’ lived experiences of transitioning to telehealth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with 10 pediatric health care professionals. Transcripts were analyzed from a narrative phenomenological perspective. Discussed themes include responding to the rapid redirection, collaborating with colleagues and caregivers, applying therapeutic use of self, and evolving pragmatic clinical reasoning. Transitioning to telehealth resulted in ethical dilemmas pertaining to clients and practitioners. The need for additional support was salient to ensure clients received beneficial services that would not cause harm (non-maleficence). Communities of practice formed organically as forums to explore strategies for sharing comprehensive and equitable information (veracity and justice). Knowledge generated through providers’ experiences may inform future guidelines on service delivery transitions.
Wireless system for recording evoked potentials
Authors: Oguma Yutaro , Nakajima Toshi , Young Megan Elizabeth , Tamura Ryoi
Published: May 2024

Experiments measuring evoked potentials require flexible and rapid adjustment of stimulation and recording parameters. In this study, we have developed a recording system and an associated Android application that allow making such adjustments wirelessly. The system consists of 3 units: for stimulation, recording and control. Most of the modules in this system are custom made, although the stimulator and tablet are off-the-shelf products. When installed on the tablet, our Android application allows wireless communication with the control unit from a distance of 5 m. In testing, the recording unit had low internal noise and displayed signals faithfully. Upon receiving commands from the control unit, the stimulation unit produced precisely timed pulse outputs. Using this system, we were able to record evoked field potentials in the dentate gyrus of a rat; responses increased as expected with increasing stimulation pulse amplitude and duration.
Improving selection decisions with mating information by accounting for Mendelian sampling variances looking two generations ahead
Authors: Niehoff Tobias A. M. , ten Napel Jan , Bijma Piter , Pook Torsten , Wientjes Yvonne C. J. , Hegedűs Bernadett , Calus Mario P. L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Breeding programs are judged by the genetic level of animals that are used to disseminate genetic progress. These animals are typically the best ones of the population. To maximise the genetic level of very good animals in the next generation, parents that are more likely to produce top performing offspring need to be selected. The ability of individuals to produce high-performing progeny differs because of differences in their breeding values and gametic variances. Differences in gametic variances among individuals are caused by differences in heterozygosity and linkage. The use of the gametic Mendelian sampling variance has been proposed before, for use in the usefulness criterion or Index5, and in this work, we extend existing approaches by not only considering the gametic Mendelian sampling variance of individuals, but also of their potential offspring. Thus, the criteria developed in this study plan one additional generation ahead. For simplicity, we assumed that the true quantitative trait loci (QTL) effects, genetic map and the haplotypes of all animals are known.

Results

In this study, we propose a new selection criterion, ExpBVSelGrOff, which describes the genetic level of selected grand-offspring that are produced by selected offspring of a particular mating. We compare our criterion with other published criteria in a stochastic simulation of an ongoing breeding program for 21 generations for proof of concept. ExpBVSelGrOff performed better than all other tested criteria, like the usefulness criterion or Index5 which have been proposed in the literature, without compromising short-term gains. After only five generations, when selection is strong (1%), selection based on ExpBVSelGrOff achieved 5.8% more commercial genetic gain and retained 25% more genetic variance without compromising inbreeding rate compared to selection based only on breeding values.

Conclusions

Our proposed selection criterion offers a new tool to accelerate genetic progress for contemporary genomic breeding programs. It retains more genetic variance than previously published criteria that plan less far ahead. Considering future gametic Mendelian sampling variances in the selection process also seems promising for maintaining more genetic variance.
Maize/soybean intercropping increases nutrient uptake, crop yield and modifies soil physio-chemical characteristics and enzymatic activities in the subtropical humid region based in Southwest China
Authors: Nasar Jamal , Ahmad Munir , Gitari Harun , Tang Li , Chen Yuan , Zhou Xun-Bo
Published: May 2024

Intercropping, a widely adopted agricultural practice worldwide, aims to increase crop yield, enhance plant nutrient uptake, and optimize the utilization of natural resources, contributing to sustainable farming practices on a global scale. However, the underlying changes in soil physio-chemical characteristics and enzymatic activities, which contribute to crop yield and nutrient uptake in the intercropping systems are largely unknown. Consequently, a two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted on the maize/soybean intercropping practices with/without nitrogen (N) fertilization (i.e., N0; 0 N kg ha−1 and N1; 225 N kg ha−1 for maize and 100 N kg ha−1 for soybean ) to know whether such cropping system can improve the nutrients uptake and crop yields, soil physio-chemical characteristics, and soil enzymes, which ultimately results in enhanced crop yield. The results revealed that maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) had higher crop yield, biomass dry matter, and 1000-grain weight of maize than mono-cropping treatments (i.e., N0MM, and N1MM). Nonetheless, these parameters were optimized in N1MI treatments in both years. For instance, N1MI produced the maximum grain yield (10,105 and 11,705 kg ha−1), biomass dry matter (13,893 and 14,093 kg ha−1), and 1000-grain weight (420 and 449 g) of maize in the year 2021 and 2022, respectively. Conversely, soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) reduced such yield parameters for soybean. Also, the land equivalent ratio (LER) and land equivalent ratio for N fertilization (LERN) values were always greater than 1, showing the intercropping system’s benefits in terms of yield and improved resource usage. Moreover, maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) and soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the nutrient uptake (i.e., N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn) of maize and soybean, however, these nutrients uptakes were more prominent in N1MI and N1SI treatments of maize and soybean, respectively in both years (2021 and 2022) compared with their mono-cropping treatments. Similarly, maize-soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MSI and N1MSI) significantly (p < 0.05) improved the soil-based N, P, K, NH4, NO3, and soil organic matter, but, reduced the soil pH. Such maize-soybean intercropping treatments also improved the soil enzymatic activities such as protease (PT), sucrose (SC), acid phosphatase (AP), urease (UE), and catalase (CT) activities. This indicates that maize-soybean intercropping could potentially contribute to higher and better crop yield, enhanced plant nutrient uptake, improved soil nutrient pool, physio-chemical characteristics, and related soil enzymatic activities. Thus, preferring intercropping to mono-cropping could be a preferable choice for ecologically viable agricultural development.
Exploring the mechanism of transformation in Acacia nilotica (Linn.) triggered by colchicine seed treatment
Authors: Haider Muhammad Wasim , Nafees Muhammad , Iqbal Rashid , Asad Habat Ullah , Azeem Farrukh , Raza Muhammad Samsam , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Arslan Muhammad , Rahman Muhammad Habib Ur , Elshamly Ayman M. S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Acacia nilotica Linn. is a widely distributed tree known for its applications in post-harvest and medicinal horticulture. However, its seed-based growth is relatively slow. Seed is a vital component for the propagation of A. nilotica due to its cost-effectiveness, genetic diversity, and ease of handling. Colchicine, commonly used for polyploidy induction in plants, may act as a pollutant at elevated levels. Its optimal concentration for Acacia nilotica's improved growth and development has not yet been determined, and the precise mechanism underlying this phenomenon has not been established. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of optimized colchicine (0.07%) seed treatment on A. nilotica's morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical attributes under controlled conditions, comparing it with a control.

Results

Colchicine seed treatment significantly improved various plant attributes compared to control. This included increased shoot length (84.6%), root length (53.5%), shoot fresh weight (59.1%), root fresh weight (42.8%), shoot dry weight (51.5%), root dry weight (40%), fresh biomass (23.6%), stomatal size (35.9%), stomatal density (41.7%), stomatal index (51.2%), leaf thickness (11 times), leaf angle (2.4 times), photosynthetic rate (40%), water use efficiency (2.2 times), substomatal CO2 (36.6%), quantum yield of photosystem II (13.1%), proton flux (3.1 times), proton conductivity (2.3 times), linear electron flow (46.7%), enzymatic activities of catalase (25%), superoxide dismutase (33%), peroxidase (13.5%), and ascorbate peroxidase (28%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging activities(23%), total antioxidant capacity (59%), total phenolic (23%), and flavonoid content (37%) with less number of days to 80% germination (57.1%), transpiration rate (53.9%), stomatal conductance (67.1%), non-photochemical quenching (82.8%), non-regulatory energy dissipation (24.3%), and H2O2 (25%) and O−2 levels (30%).

Conclusion

These findings elucidate the intricate mechanism behind the morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical transformative effects of colchicine seed treatment on Acacia nilotica Linn. and offer valuable insights for quick production of A. nilotica’s plants with modification and enhancement from seeds through an eco-friendly approach.
GhVIM28, a negative regulator identified from VIM family genes, positively responds to salt stress in cotton
Authors: Yang Zhining , Lu Xuke , Wang Ning , Mei Zhengding , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Menghao , Wang Lidong , Sun Yuping , Chen Xiao , Huang Hui , Meng Yuan , Liu Mengyue , Han Mingge , Chen Wenhua , Zhang Xinrui , Yu Xin , Chen Xiugui , Wang Shuai , Wang Junjuan , Zhao Lanjie , Guo Lixue , Peng Fanjia , Feng Keyun , Gao Wenwei , Ye Wuwei
Published: May 2024

The VIM (belonged to E3 ubiquitin ligase) gene family is crucial for plant growth, development, and stress responses, yet their role in salt stress remains unclear. We analyzed phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal localization, conserved motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and gene expression patterns of the VIM gene family in four cotton varieties. Our findings reveal 29, 29, 17, and 14 members in Gossypium hirsutum (G.hirsutum), Gossypium barbadense (G.barbadense), Gossypium arboreum (G.arboreum), and Gossypium raimondii (G. raimondii), respectively, indicating the maturity and evolution of this gene family. motifs among GhVIMs genes were observed, along with the presence of stress-responsive, hormone-responsive, and growth-related elements in their promoter regions. Gene expression analysis showed varying patterns and tissue specificity of GhVIMs genes under abiotic stress. Silencing GhVIM28 via virus-induced gene silencing revealed its role as a salt-tolerant negative regulator. This work reveals a mechanism by which the VIM gene family in response to salt stress in cotton, identifying a potential negative regulator, GhVIM28, which could be targeted for enhancing salt tolerance in cotton. The objective of this study was to explore the evolutionary relationship of the VIM gene family and its potential function in salt stress tolerance, and provide important genetic resources for salt tolerance breeding of cotton.
Pregnancy related complications in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Choi Won Yeol , Park Kyung-Taek , Kim Hyue Mee , Cho Jun Hwan , Nam Gina , Hong Joonhwa , Kang Dongwoo , Lee Jungkuk
Published: May 2024

Background

The impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) on cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes in pregnant women remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes in Korean women with HCM.

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified women who gave birth via cesarean section or vaginal delivery after being diagnosed with HCM between 2006 and 2019. Maternal cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes were assessed based on the trimester of pregnancy.

Results

This study included 122 women and 158 pregnancies. No maternal deaths were noted; however, 21 cardiovascular events, such as hospital admission for cardiac problems, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF), new-onset AF or ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred in 14 pregnancies (8.8%). Cardiac events occurred throughout pregnancy with a higher occurrence in the third trimester. Cesarean sections were performed in 49.3% of the cases, and all cardiovascular outcomes occurring after delivery were observed in patients who had undergone cesarean sections. Seven cases involved preterm delivery, and two of these cases were accompanied by cardiac events, specifically AF. Pre-existing arrhythmia (AF: odds ratio (OR): 7.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61–21.21, P < 0.001; VT: OR: 31.61, 95% CI: 5.85–172.77, P < 0.001) was identified as a predictor for composite outcomes of cardiovascular events or preterm delivery.

Conclusions

Most pregnant women with HCM were well-tolerated. However, cardiovascular complications could occur in some patients. Therefore, planned delivery may be necessary for selected patients, especially the women with pre-existing arrhythmias.
Association between severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Shi Rongchao , Li Xuemei , Sun Kui , Liu Fangyuan , Kang Bing , Wang Yilin , Wang Ying , Zhu Baosen , Zhao Xinya , Liu Zhiqiang , Wang Ximing
Published: May 2024

Background

The effect of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) can be influenced by the degree of coronary artery stenosis. However, the association between the severity of NAFLD and MACEs in patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is unclear.

Methods

A total of 341 NAFLD patients who underwent CCTA were enrolled. The severity of NAFLD was divided into mild NAFLD and moderate-severe NAFLD by abdominal CT results. The degree of coronary artery stenosis was evaluated by using Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) category. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to assess poor prognosis.

Results

During the follow-up period, 45 of 341 NAFLD patients (13.20%) who underwent CCTA occurred MACEs. The severity of NAFLD (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.95[1.54–5.66]; p = 0.001) and CAD-RADS categories 3–5 (HR = 16.31[6.34–41.92]; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for MACEs. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that moderate to severe NAFLD patients had a worsen prognosis than mild NAFLD patients (log-rank p < 0.001). Moreover, the combined receiver operating characteristic curve of the severity of NAFLD and CAD-RADS category showed a good predicting performance for the risk of MACEs, with an area under the curve of 0.849 (95% CI = 0.786–0.911).

Conclusion

The severity of NAFLD was independent risk factor for MACEs in patients with obstructive CAD, having CAD-RADS 3–5 categories on CCTA.
Coronary artery disease severity and risk stratification of patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome using CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score
Authors: Abdelmegid Mohamed Aboel-Kassem F. , Hanna Mariam Essa Fares , Demitry Salwa R. , Abdelhafez Mohamed Aly Hassan
Published: May 2024

Background

Risk stratification assessment of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) plays an important role in optimal management and defines the patient’s prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score (comprising of the components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with a male instead of female sex category, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and family history of coronary artery disease respectively) to predict the severity and complexity of CAD and its efficacy in stratification for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with NSTE ACS without known atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This study included 200 patients (males 72.5%, mean age 55.8 ± 10.1 years) who were admitted with NSTE ACS. CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was calculated on admission. Patients were classified into three groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score: low score group (< 2; 29 patients), intermediate score group (2–4; 83 patients), and high score group (≥ 5; 88 patients). Coronary angiography was conducted and the Syntax score (SS) was calculated. Clinical follow-up at 6 months of admission for the development of MACE was recorded.

Results

SS was significantly high in the high CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score group compared with low and intermediate score groups. CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had a significant positive strong correlation with syntax score (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). Smoking, vascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score were independent predictors of high SS. For the prediction of severe and complex CAD, CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had a good predictive power at a cut-off value ≥ 5 with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 65%. Hypertension, vascular disease, high SS, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score were independent predictors of MACE. CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score ≥ 4 was identified as an effective cut-off point for the development of MACE with 94% sensitivity and 70% specificity.

Conclusions

CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score is proposed to be a simple bedside score that could be used for the prediction of the severity and complexity of CAD as well as a risk stratification tool for the development of MACE in NSTE ACS patients.
Prognostic value of geriatric nutritional risk index in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Kuang Maobin , Qiu Jiajun , Yang Ruijuan , Wang Chao , Huang Xin , Xie Guobo , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang
Published: May 2024

Background

Malnutrition increases the risk of poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease, and our current research was designed to assess the predictive performance of the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) for the occurrence of poor prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and to explore possible thresholds for nutritional intervention.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled newly diagnosed SCAD patients treated with elective PCI from 2014 to 2017 at Shinonoi General Hospital, with all-cause death as the main follow-up endpoint. Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis were used to explore the association of GNRI with all-cause death risk and its shape. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and piecewise linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictive performance of GNRI level at admission on all-cause death in SCAD patients after PCI and to explore possible nutritional intervention threshold points.

Results

The incidence of all-cause death was 40.47/1000 person-years after a mean follow-up of 2.18 years for 204 subjects. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that subjects at risk of malnutrition had a higher all-cause death risk. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, each unit increase in GNRI reduced the all-cause death risk by 14% (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77, 0.95), and subjects in the GNRI > 98 group had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those in the GNRI < 98 group (HR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00, 0.89). ROC analysis showed that the baseline GNRI had a very high predictive performance for all-cause death (AUC = 0.8844), and the predictive threshold was 98.62; additionally, in the RCS regression analysis and piecewise linear regression analysis we found that the threshold point for the GNRI-related all-cause death risk was 98.28 and the risk will be significantly reduced when the subjects' baseline GNRI was greater than 98.28.

Conclusions

GNRI level at admission was an independent predictor of all-cause death in SCAD patients after PCI, and GNRI equal to 98.28 may be a useful threshold for nutritional intervention in SCAD patients treated with PCI.
Professional identity work of nurse practitioners and family physicians in primary care in Quebec and Ontario – a study protocol
Authors: Rodríguez Charo , Archibald Douglas , Grad Roland , Loban Katya , Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: May 2024

Background

Solo medical practices in primary healthcare delivery have been abandoned in favor of interdisciplinary teamwork in most Western countries. Dynamics in interdisciplinary teams might however be particularly difficult when two or more autonomous health professionals develop similar roles at the practice level. This is the case of family physicians (FPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), due to the fact that the latter might accomplish not only the traditional role proper to a nurse, but also several medical activities such as requesting diagnostic exams and prescribing medical treatments. The tensions that this overlap might generate and their implications in regard of the development of professional identities, and consequently of the quality of health care delivered, have been suggested, but rarely examined empirically. The goal of this study is to examine identity work, i.e., the processes of (re)construction of professional identities, of NPs and FPs working together in primary care interdisciplinary teams.

Methods

A longitudinal, interpretive, and comparative multiple (n = 2) case study is proposed. Identity work theory in organizations is adopted as theoretical perspective. Cases are urban primary care multidisciplinary teams from two different Canadian provinces: Quebec and Ontario. Participants are NPs, FPs, managers, and patients. Data gathering involves audio-diaries, individual semi-structured and focus group interviews, observations, and archival material. Narrative and metaphor techniques are adopted for analyzing data collected. Within- and cross-case analysis will be performed.

Discussion

For practice, the results of this investigation will: (a) be instrumental for clinicians, primary care managers, and policy decision-makers responsible for the implementation of interdisciplinary teamwork in primary healthcare delivery to improve decision-making processes and primary care team performance over time; (b) inform continuing interdisciplinary professional development educational initiatives that support competency in health professionals’ identity construction in interdisciplinary primary care organizations. For research, the project will contribute to enriching theory about identity construction dynamics in health professions, both in the fields of health services and primary care education research.