Kupeantha (Coffeeae, Rubiaceae), a new genus from Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea

Two new coffee relatives (tribe Coffeeae, Rubiaceae), discovered during botanical expeditions to Cameroon, are examined for generic placement, and the placement of three previously known species (Argocoffeopsis fosimondi, A. spathulata and Calycosiphonia pentamera) is reinvestigated using plastid sequence (accD-psa1, rpl16, trnL-F) and morphological data. Seed biochemistry of the new species and pollen micromorphology (only one of the two species) are also studied. Based on the plastid sequence data, the new taxa are nested in a wellsupported monophyletic group that includes Argocoffeopsis and Calycosiphonia. Within this clade, three well-supported subclades are recovered that are morphologically easy to diagnose: (1) Calycosiphonia (excluding C. pentamera), (2) Argocoffeopsis (excluding A. fosimondi and A. spathulata), and (3) a clade including the above excluded species, in addition to the new species. Based on the results, Kupeantha, a new genus of five species, is described, including two new Critically Endangered taxa from the Highlands of Cameroon: Kupeantha ebo and K. kupensis. Phytochemical analysis of Kupeantha seeds reveals compounds assigned as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, amino acids and ent-kaurane diterpenoids; caffeine was not detected. Kupeantha is the first new genus described in tribe Coffeeae in 40 years

Prevalence of asthma and asthma action plans in South Australia: population surveys from 1990 to 2001

The document attached has been archived with permission from the editor of the Medical Journal of Australia. An external link to the publisher’s copy is included.OBJECTIVES: To assess trends in the prevalence of self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma, associated asthma related morbidity, and the uptake of written asthma action plans in South Australia, 1990–2001. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Surveys by telephone interview of the South Australian population between 1990 and 2001, and interview of participants in their own homes by trained health interviewers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Asthma prevalence, percentage of patients with written action plans, and asthma associated morbidity. RESULTS: The reported prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma has increased from 8% (95% CI, 6.4%–9.6%) in 1990 to 12.8% (95% CI, 11.4%–14.2%) in 2001. Morbidity, as measured by wakening at night (daily or weekly) and days lost from normal activities because of asthma, has remained constant over the decade. The percentage of patients with written asthma action plans increased to a peak of 42.3% (95% CI, 40.3%–44.3%) in 1995, but then declined to 22.2% (95% CI, 20.7%–23.7%) in 2001. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma has increased while morbidity has remained constant, indicating that the burden of asthma has increased. The associated decline in the percentage of patients with asthma action plans in recent years is cause for concern.David H Wilson, Robert J Adams, Sarah L Appleton, Graeme Hugo, David Wilkinson, Janet Hiller, Philip Ryan, Julianne Cheek and Richard E Ruffi

Curvilinear fractures in burned remains: an assessment of the relationship between fracture convexity and fire directionality

Burned remains present a challenge for forensic anthropologists due to the variable nature of fires, the unique way fires impact remains, and the impact of heat changes on the analysis of the remains. A topic of extensive study is the fracture patterns seen in burned remains. Curvilinear fractures are one type of fracture that was originally discussed in the context of studying the preburned state of remains (Baby, 1954; Binford, 1963; Buikstra and Swegle, 1989). These fractures are thought to be created through the kinetic energy generated as muscles shrink and pull on the periosteum, fracturing the bone below (Symes et al., 2008). The convexity of the curvilinear fracture has been theorized to indicate the direction heat moved along bone and, more specifically, points towards the direction of the heat source (Pope, 2007; Symes et al., 2008). To assess the relationship between fracture convexity and fire directionality, the limbs of four sheep were burned in pairs with the dorsal side down and the caudal end away from the origin of the fire. During the burns, video footage was recorded and observation notes were taken. Qualitative observations were summarized using the burn notes, videos, and recovered bones. These observations documented the pattern of limb destruction and movement, color and uniformity of the burn pattern per bone, and all instances of curvilinear fractures and the direction of these fractures. A total of 18 curvilinear fractures were seen on 17 of the 56 bones examined. Of these 18 fractures, 14 were convex distally which was the predicted direction and four were convex proximally. An a posteriori power analysis was conducted and found that a sample size of 32 would be needed for a repetition of this study to have high power and effect size. In this preliminary study, conclusions suggest that curvilinear fractures are not related to fire directionality but likely indicate how heat moves along a bone. With a larger sample size, there are many avenues to further assess how curvilinear fractures are created and what information they can contribute to the anthropological analysis of burned remains

An Examination of Pre-major Health Student\u27s Readiness for Interprofessional Education at a Technical College

Interprofessional education (IPE) can be defined as knowledge gained when two or more professionals (or students) learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2010). The ultimate goal of IPE is to improve patient care outcomes through the promotion of teamwork, and through collaboration between various healthcare professionals. The current literature supports the notion that the concept of IPE should be initiated as early in the educational process as possible, and sustained throughout a student’s education. This study examined a group of early career health sciences students at a local technical college. Participants’ knowledge of IPE and perceived readiness to enter an IPE program were tested before and after working on an online instructional module focused on IPE with a health science focus. Participants’ knowledge of IPE and perceived readiness to enter an IPE program were tested before and after working on an online instructional module focused on IPE with a health science focus. Participants’ knowledge of IPE and perceived readiness to enter an IPE program were tested before and after working on an online instructional module focused on IPE with a health science focus. Results showed significant increases in participants’ perceived readiness to enter the profession from pretest to posttest, although these could not be attributed to the intervention; and results showed generally low levels of participants’ knowledge surrounding IPE

Impact Factor: outdated artefact or stepping-stone to journal certification?

A review of Garfield's journal impact factor and its specific implementation as the Thomson Reuters Impact Factor reveals several weaknesses in this commonly-used indicator of journal standing. Key limitations include the mismatch between citing and cited documents, the deceptive display of three decimals that belies the real precision, and the absence of confidence intervals. These are minor issues that are easily amended and should be corrected, but more substantive improvements are needed. There are indications that the scientific community seeks and needs better certification of journal procedures to improve the quality of published science. Comprehensive certification of editorial and review procedures could help ensure adequate procedures to detect duplicate and fraudulent submissions.Comment: 25 pages, 12 figures, 6 table

Therapeutic suggestion helps to cut back on drug intake for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit

Research was conducted on ventilated patients treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) under identical circumstances; patients were divided into two groups (subsequently proved statistically identical as to age and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [SAPS II]). One group was treated with positive suggestions for 15-20 min a day based on a predetermined scheme, but tailored to the individual patient, while the control group received no auxiliary psychological treatment. Our goal was to test the effects of positive communication in this special clinical situation. In this section of the research, the subsequent data collection was aimed to reveal whether any change in drug need could be demonstrated upon the influence of suggestions as compared to the control group. Owing to the strict recruitment criteria, a relatively small sample (suggestion group n = 15, control group n = 10) was available during the approximately nine-month period of research. As an outcome of suggestions, there was a significant drop in benzodiazepine (p < 0.005), opioid (p < 0.001), and the α2-agonist (p < 0.05) intake. All this justifies the presence of therapeutic suggestions among the therapies used in ICUs. However, repeating the trial on a larger sample of patients would be recommended. © 2013 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest

Assessing correlation of dental health and Appalachian culture

Proper dental health is crucial for overall well-being, yet access to dental care remains a significant challenge in rural Appalachia. This study examines the relationship between Appalachian cultural identity, fatalistic beliefs, and dental health. Using survey data from 20 participants at dental offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the study assessed correlations between Appalachian identity, fatalism, and self-reported dental health. Results indicate a high prevalence of dental health issues (95% reported significant problems), with 70% lacking dental insurance. However, correlations between Appalachian identity, fatalism, and dental health were not statistically significant. Findings suggest that while cultural factors play a role in healthcare perceptions, structural barriers may be more immediate obstacles to dental care. These results highlight the need for expanded preventive care and culturally competent dental outreach. Future research should incorporate larger, geographically diverse samples and explore qualitative insights into Appalachian health-seeking behaviors