bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel geometric model of breathing crack and its influence on rotor dynamics
Authors: Ganguly Krishanu , Roy Haraprasad
Published: July 2021

The present research focuses on performing the dynamic study of a cracked, internally damped, composite rotating shaft system with journal bearing end supports. A novel mathematical formulation is proposed to introduce a time-varying stiffness matrix for simulating the breathing behaviour of the crack. The random search algorithm is used as one of the metaheuristic processes to carry out the optimization and generate time-dependent geometric parameters of the cracked surface for one full rotation. The derived stiffness matrix is used in the composite shaft’s higher order motion equation obtained through equivalent modulus theory, whose internal damping properties are incorporated using operator-based viscoelastic model. Eigenanalysis is carried out to perform a thorough study of dynamic characteristics of cracked shaft considering the crack depth and crack position as two important parameters. The effect of crack on stacking sequence as well as mode shapes of the heterogeneous laminated shaft is also studied.
Inventing Militant Scholarship for Political and Intellectual Emancipation: A Response to Mirka Koro’s Speculative Experimentation in (Methodological) Pluriverse
Authors: Suoranta Juha
Published: July 2021

In this response to Mirka Koro’s article “Speculative Experimentation in (Methodological) Pluriverse,” I emphasize the need for militant scholarship as a methodological counterforce for the far-right populist and Manichean rhetorics and the ruthless economic order against the oppressed. We should not accept these provocations face value, but as militant scholars learn to conceptualize them as ideologies. As militants, we aim to overcome neoliberalism’s dominant discourse and resist predatory forms of capitalism by imagining the unimaginable. A militant wants to create discourse and action “that troubles the world.”
Ultrasound guided interventional procedures on arteriovenous fistulae
Authors: Napoli Marcello , Bacchini Giuseppe , Scarpati Luisa , Loizzo Giuliana , Zito Anna
Published: July 2021

Autogenous (AVF) and prosthetic (AVG) arteriovenous fistulas are the vascular accesses (VA) of choice for hemodialysis thanks to their improved patency, reduced costs, and lower rate of infections relative to catheters.

In an effort to maximize the number of primary AVF and AVG, shorten maturation times for AVF, and reduce the number of indwelling catheters, several new techniques have been developed within the context of an overall program designed to optimize access care.

This approach includes: (a) Primary Intraoperative Balloon Angioplasty on the vessels selected for AV creation whether small-sized or altered by pre-existing lesions; (b) Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) on AVF and AVG stenosis, performed under ultrasonographic (UG) or fluoroscopic guide (FG).

We report the experience of two Center in performing the above mentioned procedures on even complex VA. The wise adoption of these techniques may avail to meet the stringent demands for reliable VA placement as defined by KDOQI and, thereby, expand the duration and quality of life for hemodialysis patients.
Ultrasound in central venous access for hemodialysis
Authors: Forneris Giacomo , Marciello Antonio , Savio Daniele , Gallieni Maurizio
Published: July 2021

Central venous cannulation is a frequent need for urgent or scheduled hemodialysis. Many studies confirmed the pivotal role of ultrasound in this procedure. Vascular access guidelines strongly recommend ultrasound guidance. Its usefulness has been demonstrated not only in reducing complications of venipuncture but more recently for the evaluation of central venous catheter (CVC) placement and real-time check for possible complications. The use of ultrasound requires a precise technique for the correct handling of the probe and the needle movement. Different approaches as the out-of-plane, in-plane, and oblique methods are available, enabling the most appropriate for the individual case. Although the learning curve for CVC ultrasound placement is usually fast, formal training and certification for beginners are strongly recommended.
The integrated short peripheral cannula: A new peripheral venous access device?
Authors: Pinelli Fulvio , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: July 2021

Short peripheral intravenous cannulas have different features, as they may be winged or non-winged, ported or non-ported, equipped or not with needle stick prevention and “blood stop” mechanisms, and integrated or not with preassembled extensions or preassembled needle free connector. In the current range of commercially available short peripheral cannulas, there is one device that is apparently associated with several clinical advantages. In fact, short peripheral cannulas with safety mechanisms, closed system, winged, non-ported, and equipped with preassembled extension and preassembled needle-free connector appear to be associated with prolonged dwell time, reduction of the incidence of several complications (infiltration/extravasation, dislodgement, phlebitis, infection, blood leakage), cost reduction, and increased satisfaction of patients and clinicians. To clarify the current terminology and to identify this device for future clinical studies, the authors advocate the use of the term “integrated short peripheral cannula.” A rapid review of the current evidence suggests that this new device may have different clinical performance and different indications if compared to standard short peripheral cannulas. Though, the optimal clinical outcome can be achieved only when the device is inserted and maintained with proper protocols.
Investigation of rotor–gas foil bearing system and its application for an ultra-high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Tian Jiale , Yang Baisong , Feng Sheng , Yu Lie , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2021

In this study, an ultra-high-speed rotor–gas foil-bearing system is designed and applied to a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Gas foil journal bearings and gas foil thrust bearings are used to provide journal and axial support to the rotor, respectively. The bearings are analyzed theoretically considering the nonlinear deflection of the top foil, and the static and dynamic characteristics are obtained with which the rotor dynamic performances of the tested rotor are calculated using the finite element method. During the experiment, the permanent magnet synchronous motor can operate stably at 94,000 r/min, which demonstrates a great dynamic performance of the gas foil bearings and the stability that it provides to the entire system. The sub-synchronous vibration also occurs when the rotating speed reaches 60,000 r/min and as the speed keeps rising, the amplitude of such vibration increases, which will contribute to the destabilization of the rotor–gas foil-bearing system. Finally, the axial force of the rotor is calculated theoretically as well as measured directly by four micro force sensors mounted in the thrust end cover of the permanent magnet synchronous motor. The experimental results presented in this article are expected to provide a useful guide to the design and analysis of the rotor–gas foil-bearing system and high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor.
Numerical investigation of dynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics of the pad in the fluid pivot journal bearing
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen Vu , Li Weiguang
Published: July 2021

The dynamic and hydrodynamic properties of the pad in the fluid pivot journal bearing are investigated in this paper. Preload coefficients, recess area, and size gap, which were selected as input parameters to investigate, are important parameters of fluid pivot journal bearing. The pad’s pendulum angle, lubricant oil flow through the gap, and recess pressure which characterizes the squeeze film damper were investigated with different preload coefficients, recess area, and gap sizes. The computational models were established and numerical methods were used to determine the equilibrium position of the shaft-bearing system. Since then, the pendulum angle of the pad, liquid flow, and recess pressure were determined by different eccentricities.
The pressure spike mystery
Authors: Kimura Yoshitsugu
Published: July 2021

An intuitive understanding of the pressure spike appearing in the elastohydrodynamic pressure distribution is presented. This comes from my personal memories of Professor Dowson from my first encounter with his book to my final conversation with him.
A critical review of acoustic modeling and research on building façade
Authors: Hu Zhongyu , Zayed Tarek , Cheng Li
Published: July 2021

Noise pollution has been impacting negatively on living comfort and working environment for a long time. Acoustic treatment on building façade is one of the effective means to tackle this issue. Numerous articles were published over the past decades to address the acoustic related problems of building façade. However, a systematic review of the research development on façade acoustic technology is lacking. Therefore, this paper examines the published research articles from seven selected journals, in terms of the annual number of articles, citation counts, co-authorships, research locations, and keywords. The analyses show that interest in façade acoustics increased during the last two decades. Researchers from Europe and areas with a high density of tall buildings made significant contributions to this development. Based on keyword analysis, articles are categorized into three groups. These include sound insulation studies, studies on the effect of façade on street noise, and noise reduction techniques. The surveyed research topics comprise numerical modeling, experimental studies, ISO standard development, and analyses on annoyance level. Potential future directions are presented based on a summary of the limitations of the existing research. This paper offers researchers and engineers an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art of the current façade acoustic research. Additionally, potential future directions are identified based on the findings and limitations of the previous studies.
Mechanisms of abdominal aortic aneurysm progression: A review
Authors: Gao Jiang-Ping , Guo Wei
Published: July 2021

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Up to now, there is still controversy on the choice of treatment method of AAA. Even so, the mechanisms of AAA progression are poorly defined, making targeting new therapies problematic. Current evidence favors an interaction of the hemodynamic microenvironment with local and systemic immune responses. In this review, we aim to provide an update of mechanisms in AAA progression, involving hemodynamics, perivascular adipose tissue, adventitial fibroblasts, vasa vasorum remodeling, intraluminal thrombus, and distribution of macrophage subtypes.
Transpinay: Genealogy of a term
Authors: David Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

This article provides a genealogical analysis of the Philippine category “transpinay,” a compound word combining “trans” and “pinay.” It traces the coining of the term by trans activists in the first decade of the 21st century and examines the ways in which the term gained its currency by drawing out distinctions between gender and sexuality categories. The article investigates what the category includes and what the category excludes, and examines disputes over the term’s categorical boundaries. Overall, the article aims not to determine what the term transpinay is, but rather investigates what the term does and how it came to be.
Contagious accuracy norm violation in political journalism: A cross-national investigation of how news media publish inaccurate political information
Authors: Wilczek Bartosz , Thurman Neil
Published: July 2021

This study introduces social norm theory to mis- and disinformation research and investigates whether, how and under what conditions broadsheets’ accuracy norm violation in political journalism becomes contagious and shifts other news media in a media market towards increasingly violating the accuracy norm in political journalism as well. Accuracy norm violation refers to the publication of inaccurate information. More specifically, the study compares Swiss and UK media markets and analyses Swiss and UK press councils’ rulings between 2000 and 2019 that upheld complaints about accuracy norm violations in political journalism. The findings show that broadsheets increasingly violate the accuracy norm the closer election campaigns approach to election dates. They thereby drive other news media in a media market to increasingly violate the accuracy norm as well. However, this holds only for the UK media market but not for the Swiss media market. Therefore, the findings indicate that the higher expected benefits of accuracy norm violation that exist in media markets characterised by higher competition outweigh the higher expected costs of accuracy norm violation created by stronger press councils’ sanctions, and, thereby, facilitate contagious accuracy norm violation in political journalism during election campaigns.
Tactical Voting and Electoral Pacts in the 2019 UK General Election
Authors: Mellon Jonathan
Published: July 2021

The Brexit cleavage continued to define politics in the 2019 general election. This posed a challenge for parties and voters on each side of the debate: how to coordinate in favour of their side in each seat. In this note, I examine the extent to which party (electoral pacts) and voter (tactical voting) coordination affected the outcome of the 2019 general election. On the voter side, I find that tactical voting was only slightly more prevalent than in previous election cycles. On the party side, I find that neither the Unite to Remain pact nor the Brexit Party’s withdrawal of candidates against incumbent Conservatives noticeably affected the results. Holding the structure of preferences in 2019 constant, Labour would probably have won a handful of additional seats in England and Wales (three on average but only one clear gain) by joining the Unite to Remain pact. The effect of the pact is limited because Labour successfully won over many Remain supporters from the other parties during the campaign. This meant that voters of the other Remain parties were only modestly more likely to prefer Labour over the Conservatives by the end of the campaign, and the pool of minor party voters was generally small in Labour’s target seats. The Liberal Democrats would have received around eight additional seats if Labour had joined the pact (again holding preferences constant).
Preclinical Evaluation of the Temporary Drug-Coated Spur Stent System in Porcine Peripheral Arteries
Authors: Brunacci Nadia , Schurmann-Kaufeld Sebastian , Haase Tobias , Gemeinhardt Ole , Schnorr Beatrix , Löchel Melanie , Rizk Isa , Jimenez Teo , Bettink Stephanie , Scheller Bruno
Published: July 2021

Background:

Drug penetration into the deeper arterial wall of heavily calcified lesions is one of the limitations of drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents in vascular interventions. The Temporary Spur Stent (TSS) system is characterized by a self-expanding nitinol stent that is uniformly covered in radialspikes, which, when coated, should allow a deeper penetration and longer retention of the drug into the diseased artery walls by penetrating through the calcified plaques.

Materials and Methods and Results:

Uncoated TSS and paclitaxel (PTX)-coated TSS systems have been deployed in porcine peripheral arteries. Four weeks after the deployment of uncoated TSS systems, no adverse vascular remodeling or neointimal formation in the treated vessel segments were noticed. PTX-coated TSS systems transferred 9%±7% of the drug that was on the device to the targeted vessel area (196±163 ng PTX/mg arterial tissue) and the addition of the fluorescent dye Nile red to the coating showed that the spikes promote the transfer of the coating to the deeper layers of the vessel wall. The PTX-coated TSS systems showed a significant reduction in neointimal proliferation compared to the uncoated TSS systems: quantitative angiography showed a vessel diameter stenosis of 37.2%±11.0% and 16.4%±8.8% 4 weeks after the treatment with uncoated and PTX-coated TSS systems, respectively.

Conclusion:

The treatment with the TSS system was well tolerated and the spikesfacilitate the transfer of the coating into deeper layers of the vessel wall. Moreover, the PTX-coated TSS systems effectively inhibit neointimal proliferation.
Early and Intensive Glycemic Control for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Prospective Observational Nested Cohort Study
Authors: Dutta Aditya , Bhansali Anil , Rastogi Ashu
Published: July 2021

We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. A prospective nested cohort study was employed of individuals with poorly controlled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] >9%) and neuropathic DFU of >2-week duration. All individuals received standard diabetes and ulcer interventions for 12 weeks. Baseline demographic characteristics, ulcer area (automated assessment by wound zoom camera), and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The cohort was stratified into ulcer healed and unhealed groups. Ulcer area and glycemic parameters at 4 and 12 weeks on follow up were compared. Forty-three individuals (47 DFU) with baseline HbA1c 11.6% and ulcer area 9.87 cm2 were enrolled. After 12 weeks, mean HbA1c was 7.2%, 17 ulcers closed (healed group) and 30 ulcers did not close (unhealed group). The median time to ulcer healing was 10 weeks. Individuals in the healed group had lower fasting blood glucose ( P = .010), postprandial blood glucose ( P = .006), and HbA1c at 4 weeks ( P = .001), and 12 weeks (0.018) compared to the unhealed group. Cox-regression analysis that revealed lower baseline ulcer area ( P = .013) and HbA1c at 4 weeks ( P = .009) significantly predicted DFU healing by 12 weeks. Baseline ulcer area of >10.58 cm2 and HbA1c at 4 weeks of >8.15% predicted delayed DFU healing. In conclusion, early and intensive glycemic control in the first 4 weeks of treatment initiation is associated with greater healing of DFU independent of initial ulcer area.
Epidemic Attack on the Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt: Bridging the Gaps in Emergency Management
Authors: Lai Kenneth , Yanushkevich Svetlana N , Shmerko Vlad P
Published: July 2021

This paper advocates for causal models of the emergency management cycle (EMC) for decision support in epidemic or pandemic scenarios. The model capability is demonstrated for the case of the COVID-19 attack at the NATO flagship USS Theodore Roosevelt in early 2020. Computational intelligence is a reasonable approach for dealing with uncertainties such as low reliability of information and source credibility. The proposed EMC causal models enable the development of countermeasures for epidemiological attacks using the notion of gaps in the four EMC phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In particular, the EMC problem can be formulated and formalized as bridging the identified technology–society gap, e.g., mitigation of risks and biases; and machine reasoning can be incorporated at any level of the EMC decision-making. Using available real-world data on the USS Theodore Roosevelt outbreak, we show how machine reasoning mechanisms can help the captain to make more reliable decisions in critical epidemiological situations.
The role of unmanned aerial vehicles in military communications: application scenarios, current trends, and beyond
Authors: Gargalakos Michael
Published: July 2021

The role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is becoming increasingly important for military conflicts. UAVs are more and more strongly considered as a force multiplier that could play a decisive role for the final outcome of an ambiguous battle. While the role of UAVs for Identification/Surveillance/Reconnaissance missions has been well established within many modern armies, their contribution to the upgrade or the restoration of military communications is still vague. In the current paper we review the current situation in military communications utilizing UAV platforms, and we also explore its future trends and capabilities taking into consideration the parallel developments in the civil UAV manufacturing sector involving UAV swarms and fifth-generation networks. Furthermore, a set of realistic combat scenarios involving the utilization of UAVs as a multipurpose communication node is presented and discussed, highlighting its critical role as a catalyst for the successful accomplishment of diverse military missions.
The Use of Robotics in Surgery of Benign Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tsekouras Konstantinos , Spartalis Eleftherios , Mamakos Nikolaos , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Nikiteas Nikolaos I. , Dimitroulis Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

Background. Surgical treatment of benign liver diseases (BLD) remains a field of conflict, due to increased risk and high complication rate. However, the introduction of minimally invasive surgery has led to increased number of patients with BLD being treated surgically, with similar outcomes and fewer complications. Current data support the application of laparoscopic surgery (LS) and robotic surgery (RS) in surgical treatment of liver malignancies, but there are insufficient data concerning the application of robotic surgery in BLD. In the present systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the application of RS in BLD surgery. Methods. After a thorough search of Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, 12 studies were considered eligible with a total number of 115 patients with BLD. Discussion. In brief, RS appears to be a safe and feasible option for BLD surgery. When compared to open surgery, RS is associated with lower blood loss, shorter length of stay, and fewer complication rate. Regarding LS, the peri- and postoperative outcomes were similar, but RS can overcome the technical limitations of LS. However, the cost of RS remains a major drawback in its widespread application. Conclusions. Considering our findings, RS can be a safe and feasible option for BLD surgery, but further studies are needed to justify the introduction of RS in liver surgery and to define the type of patients that will benefit the most from it.
The Pop-Up Stall: A Mass Object-Elicitation Method
Authors: Meckin Robert , Balmer Andrew
Published: July 2021

This paper introduces a useful method for conducting creative social research into material objects and sensory phenomena, what we call the “pop-up mass object-elicitation stall” or “pop-up stall” for short. Our pop-up stalls involved using a curated collection of objects to elicit participant responses in commercial, community and public spaces. In the article, we position pop-up stalls as a material method that can be used within the facet methodology approach to offer strategic insights into research phenomena. We also relate pop-ups to intensive research approaches because of their rapid and voluminous production of varied qualitative data. We evaluate the pop-up stalls’ methodological effects and peculiarities, and explain for researchers things they might anticipate and consider during the planning, deployment and analytical phases of research. We propose three concepts for use in analyzing data generated by the pop-ups: situation, juxtaposition and suffusion.
Modelling software reliability growth through generalized inflection S-shaped fault reduction factor and optimal release time
Authors: Pradhan Vishal , Kumar Ajay , Dhar Joydip
Published: July 2021

The fault reduction factor (FRF) is a significant parameter for controlling the software reliability growth. It is the ratio of net fault correction to the number of failures encountered. In literature, many factors affect the behaviour of FRF, namely fault dependency, debugging time-lag, human learning behaviour and imperfect debugging. Besides this, several distributions, for example, inflection S-shaped, Weibull and Exponentiated-Weibull, are used as FRF. However, these standard distributions are not flexible to describe the observed behaviour of FRFs. This paper proposes three different software reliability growth models (SRGMs), which incorporate a three-parameter generalized inflection S-shaped (GISS) distribution as FRF. To model realistic SRGMs, time lags between fault detection and fault correction processes are also incorporated. This study proposed two models for the single release, whereas the third model is designed for multi-release software. Moreover, the first model is in perfect debugging, while the rest of the two are in an imperfect debugging environment. The extensive experiments are conducted for the proposed models with six single release and one multi-release data-sets. The choice of GISS distribution as an FRF improves the software reliability evaluation in comparison with the existing systems in the literature. Finally, the development cost and optimal release time are calculated in a perfect debugging environment.
Synergistic effect of genetic polymorphisms in TLR6 and TLR10 genes on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in a Moldavian population
Authors: Varzari Alexander , Deyneko Igor V. , Tudor Elena , Grallert Harald , Illig Thomas
Published: July 2021

Polymorphisms in genes that control immune function and regulation may influence susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). In this study, 14 polymorphisms in 12 key genes involved in the immune response ( VDR, MR1, TLR1, TLR2, TLR10, SLC11A1, IL1B, IL10, IFNG, TNF, IRAK1, and FOXP3) were tested for their association with pulmonary TB in 271 patients with TB and 251 community-matched controls from the Republic of Moldova. In addition, gene–gene interactions involved in TB susceptibility were analyzed for a total of 43 genetic loci. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed a nominal association between TNF rs1800629 and pulmonary TB (Fisher exact test P = 0.01843). In the pairwise interaction analysis, the combination of the genotypes TLR6 rs5743810 GA and TLR10 rs11096957 GT was significantly associated with an increased genetic risk of pulmonary TB (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.62–3.85; Fisher exact test P value = 1.5 × 10−5, significant after Bonferroni correction). In conclusion, the TLR6 rs5743810 and TLR10 rs11096957 two-locus interaction confers a significantly higher risk for pulmonary TB; due to its high frequency in the population, this SNP combination may serve as a novel biomarker for predicting TB susceptibility.
The perplexing role of RAGE in pulmonary fibrosis: causality or casualty?
Authors: Perkins Timothy N. , Oury Tim D.
Published: July 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease in which most patients die within 3 years of diagnosis. With an unknown etiology, IPF results in progressive fibrosis of the lung parenchyma, diminishing normal lung function, which results in respiratory failure, and eventually, death. While few therapies are available to reduce disease progression, patients continue to advance toward respiratory failure, leaving lung transplantation the only viable option for survival. As incidence and mortality rates steadily increase, the need for novel therapeutics is imperative. The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is most highly expressed in the lungs and plays a significant role in a number of chronic lung diseases. RAGE has long been linked to IPF; however, confounding data from both human and experimental studies have left an incomplete and perplexing story. This review examines the present understanding of the role of RAGE in human and experimental models of IPF, drawing parallels to recent advances in RAGE biology. Moreover, this review discusses the role of RAGE in lung injury response, type 2 immunity, and cellular senescence, and how such mechanisms may relate to RAGE as both a biomarker of disease progression and potential therapeutic target in IPF.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Long-term survival analysis of masitinib in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mora Jesus S. , Bradley Walter G. , Chaverri Delia , Hernández-Barral María , Mascias Javier , Gamez Josep , Gargiulo-Monachelli Gisella M. , Moussy Alain , Mansfield Colin D. , Hermine Olivier , Ludolph Albert C.
Published: July 2021

Background:

A randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study (AB10015) previously demonstrated that orally administered masitinib (4.5 mg/kg/day) slowed rate of functional decline, with acceptable safety, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients having an ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) progression rate from disease onset to baseline of <1.1 points/month. Here we assess long-term overall survival (OS) data of all participants from study AB10015 and test whether a signal in OS is evident in an enriched patient population similar to that prospectively defined for confirmatory study AB19001.

Methods:

Survival status of all patients originally randomized in AB10015 was collected from participating investigational sites. Survival analysis (using the multivariate log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model, with stratification factors as covariates) was performed on the intention-to-treat population and enriched subgroups, which were defined according to initial randomization, baseline ALSFRS-R progression rate and baseline disease severity.

Results:

A significant survival benefit of 25 months ( p = 0.037) and 47% reduced risk of death ( p = 0.025) was observed for patients receiving 4.5 mg/kg/day masitinib ( n = 45) versus placebo ( n = 62) in an enriched cohort with ⩾2 on each baseline ALSFRS-R individual component score (i.e. prior to any complete loss or severe impairment of functionality) and post-onset ALSFRS-R progression rate <1.1 (i.e. exclusion of very fast progressors) [median OS of 69 versus 44 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.53 [95% CI (0.31–0.92)]]. This corresponds to the population enrolled in confirmatory phase III study, AB19001.

Conclusions:

Analysis of long-term OS (75 months average follow-up from diagnosis) indicates that oral masitinib (4.5 mg/kg/day) could prolong survival by over 2 years as compared with placebo, provided that treatment starts prior to severe impairment of functionality. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02588677 (28 October 2015).
Ecotoxicology assessments in avian species using cell-based models: A review
Authors: Ball Ashley L. , Lavado Ramon
Published: July 2021

Cell-based models in avian species have historically focused on virology due to the demands of animal agriculture and vaccine production industries. Recent years have witnessed a gradual rise in the use of these models ( in ovo, cell lines, primary cell cultures, organ slices, and organ-on-a-chip) in ecotoxicological studies as scientists and governments begin the shift to new approach methodologies, a shift validated by the recent memo by the Environmental Protection Agency announcing the end of mammalian testing in the next two decades. This rise has been hindered by the limited standards available for avian species and the unknowns surrounding cell-based assay applicability in extrapolation to in vivo. Toxicologists have incorporated these models in many different studies, including maternal deposition, mechanistic, metabolic, and non-target analysis methods, demonstrating the broad utility of cell-based assays. In ovo methods are ideal for reproductive and early life stage development studies, primary cell cultures for metabolic analysis, cell lines for long term studies requiring culture, organ slices for metabolic research, and organ-on-a-chip models for predictive analysis. These models all have their limitations that researchers need to consider when choosing which is most appropriate for the intended research, however. The current indications are that future avian cell-based model testing would benefit from expanding the species diversity available in cell lines and increasing metabolic conservation in full replacement methods. In ovo and primary cell culture methods should also be examined to increase efficiency and further reduce animal usage. This review examines the use, limitations, and published applications of these models in an ecotoxicological context to understand the current state of avian cell-based models to explain what future directions should be taken and how best to apply the methods available to current problems that avian researchers are approaching.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of skin preparation methods for the reduction of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) in shoulder surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Sagkrioti Maria , Glass Stephen , Arealis Georgios
Published: July 2021

Background

Cutibacterium acnes ( C. acnes) is the most common pathogen responsible for post-operative shoulder infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of skin preparation methods against C. acnes in shoulder surgery.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted evaluating the effectiveness of skin preparation methods in the reduction of C. acnes in patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Outcomes were assessed based on the effectiveness of the method used; side effects and cost were also analysed.

Results

Of the 19 included studies, 9 evaluated pre-surgical home treatments: 8 assessed benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 6 concluded it is effective in reducing C. acnes. Nine studies assessed surgical skin preparation and concluded that Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was not effective; in contrast hydrogen peroxide reduced C. acnes. Finally, one study evaluated an aseptic protocol using CHG and concluded that it was not effective.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that BPO as home treatment is effective in reducing C. acnes load on skin ; it rarely causes side effects and is also cost-effective. This study highlights non-effectiveness of CHG. There was some evidence that the addition of hydrogen peroxide could have a positive effect in the reduction of C. acnes skin load; however, more studies are required.
The Politics of Temporary Protection Schemes: The Role of Mexico’s TVRH in Reproducing Precarity among Central American Migrants
Authors: Angulo-Pasel Carla
Published: July 2021

Using Mexico’s Tarjeta de Visitante por Razones Humanitarias (TVRH) as a primary case study, this article examines how states can use temporary protection schemes as border security measures while claiming to provide protection. Although the TVRH offers a legal pathway and status to move within Mexico, it equally restricts certain rights due to its temporary nature. It becomes a form of differential inclusion by which the state has the right to be able to “exclude and define the limits” of a particular population but also claim inclusion on humanitarian grounds. Despite the claim of protecting migrants, the application of this regular status can essentially become a form of interdiction, which sustains the political framing of migration as ultimately a “threat” that needs to be governed. On the ground, migrants with these temporary regular statuses occupy a liminal space and live a precarious existence similar to those migrants who do not possess a legal status at all. This power imbalance exists more often as states prefer to grant a temporary immigration status, which ensures less responsibility and support that accompanies more rights and protections. Based on policy analysis and field work, the article will examine the TVRH, the processes for obtaining this legal status, and the consequences for irregular migrants.
Authentic Leadership and Engaging Employees: A Moderated Mediation Model of Leader–Member Exchange and Power Distance
Authors: Du Juan , Ma Emily , Lin Xinyue , Wang Yao-Chin
Published: July 2021

This study developed and tested a multilevel, moderated mediation model of whether, how, and when authentic leadership can affect employee work engagement in a hotel context, building on social exchange theory. A two-wave data collection process gathered 440 valid responses of hotel frontline employees from five-star hotels in China. The result supported a positive influence of authentic leadership on work engagement and the mediating role of leader–member exchange (LMX). Hotel employees’ perceived power distance orientation moderated the indirect relationship between authentic leadership and work engagement through LMX. In contrast to previous studies supporting the negative effect of power distance on employee behavior, the present findings suggest that power distance strengthens the relationship between authentic leadership and hotel employees’ work engagement. This study contributes to authentic leadership literature and provides insights into how interactions between personal and contextual factors affect authentic leadership’s influence on work engagement in hospitality organizations.
An Analysis of Ratings and Interrater Reliability at the American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival
Authors: Pope David A. , Mick James P.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the assigned ratings, interrater reliability, and possible influences of school level and instrumentation on adjudicators’ evaluations of orchestra performances at a national-level adjudicated music festival. Data consisted of the overall ratings assigned to orchestra performances ( N = 55) at the 2017, 2018, and 2019 American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival (NOF). Analysis revealed that 83.64% of all participating orchestras earned a I/Superior or II/Excellent overall rating. A logistic regression model revealed that both school level and instrumentation were not significant predictors of earning a I/Superior overall rating. Individual members of each three-judge adjudication panel assigned identical ratings to 61.82% of orchestra performances and possessed a mean internal consistency of .90. Orchestra teachers can use the results of this study to weigh the educational benefits of participating in the NOF.
ESC 2019 guidelines on chronic coronary syndromes: could calcium scoring improve detection of coronary artery disease in patients with low risk score. Findings from a retrospective cohort of patients in a district general hospital
Authors: Fyyaz S , Rasoul H , Miles C , Olabintan O , David S , Plein S , Alfakih K
Published: July 2021

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published an updated stable chest pain guideline in 2019, recommending the use of an updated pre-test probability (PTP) risk score (RS) to assess the likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to compare the 2019 and 2013 PTPRS in a contemporary cohort of patients.

Methods

612 patients who were investigated with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) for stable chest pain were included in a retrospective analysis.

Results

There were 255 patients with 2019 PTPRS 15–50% with a 9% yield of severe CAD on CTCA, compared with 402 patients and a 4% yield using the 2013 PTPRS (p = 0.01). 355 patients had a 2019 PTPRS of <15%, with 3% found to have severe CAD, compared with 67 patients and none with severe CAD using the 2013 PTPRS (p = 0.14). 336 of patients with 2019 PTPRS of <15% had a calcium score as part of the CTCA. 223 of these had a zero calcium score and only one had severe CAD. In comparison, 113 patients had a positive calcium score, and 10 (9%) had severe CAD (p < 0.001).

Discussion

The ESC 2019 PTPRS classifies more patients as at lower risk of CAD and hence reduces the risk overestimation associated with the 2013 PTPRS. However, in patients with a 2019 PTPRS of <15%, who would not be investigated, the use of the calcium score detected the majority of patients with significant CAD, who may benefit from secondary prevention and an associated mortality benefit as per the SCOT-Heart trial.
Reconstruction of the Aortic Arch in Neonates and Infants: The Importance of Patch Material
Authors: van Beynum Ingrid M. , Kurul Serife , Krasemann Thomas , Dalinghaus Michiel , de Woestijne Pieter van , Etnel Jonathan R. , Bogers Ad J.J.C.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Restenosis after aortic arch reconstruction is a known complication in neonates and infants. Homograft is the most commonly used patch material for aortic arch reconstructions in our center. Since 2014, tissue-engineered bovine pericardium (CardioCel) has been used as an alternative. The aim of our study was to determine whether the choice of material affected the development of restenosis in these patients.

Methods:

Data of all neonates and infants who underwent aortic arch reconstruction with the use of any patch material between 2005 and 2016 were analyzed. Restenosis was defined by the need for reintervention, either percutaneous or surgical.

Results:

Forty-one patients underwent aortic arch repair. Excluding the 30-day mortality, 36 patients represented the study population. At primary repair, the aortic arch was reconstructed with homograft (n = 26) or CardioCel (n = 10). Restenosis was documented during the first year of life in 13 patients: Six (23%) patients in the homograft group and seven (70%) patients in the CardioCel group ( P = .01). In the homograft group, the median time from operation to first intervention for restenosis was 22.0 (range: 14-32) weeks, as compared to 14.0 (range: 7-21) weeks in the CardioCel group ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

We conclude that choice of patch material is likely to be an important determinant for the risk of restenosis needing reintervention following reconstruction of the aortic arch in neonates and infants.
“No Official Help Is Available”—Experience of Parents and Children With Congenital Heart Disease During COVID-19
Authors: Marino L. V. , Wagland R. , Culliford D. J. , Bharucha T. , Sodergren S. C. , Darlington Anne-Sophie E.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

The purpose was to explore the experience, information and support needs, and decision-making of parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), as well as the children/young people themselves, during the COVID-19 crisis.

Materials and Methods:

A survey study of parents of children with CHD, children and young people, capturing experiences, decision-making, information, and support needs during the COVID-19 crisis was conducted. The survey launched for one month (April 9, 2020) during the first infection wave in the United Kingdom and subsequent restriction of free movement under lockdown rules from March 23, 2020, until May 31, 2020.

Results:

One hundred eighty-four parents and 36 children/young people completed the survey. Parents were more likely to worry about the virus (86.4%) than children/young people (69.4%), while (89%) parents were more vigilant for symptoms of the virus versus children/young people (69.4%). A thematic analysis of the qualitative comments covered 34 subthemes, forming eight overarching themes: Virus—(1) risk of infection; (2)information, guidance, and advice; (3) change in health care provision; and (4) fears and anxieties, and lockdown and isolation—(5) psychological and social impact, (6) keeping safe under lockdown, (7) provisions and dependence on others, and (8) employment and income.

Conclusions:

There was widespread concern over the virus especially among parents. Parents and children/young people, however, were frustrated with the lack of specific and pediatric-focused information and guidance, expressing disappointment with the adult-centric information available. Parents also felt alone, especially with their concerns around the implications of cardiac service suspension and the implication for their child’s health. In order to better support children and their families, resources need to be developed to address families’ and children/young people’s concerns for their health during this pandemic.
Autograft Root Dilation After the Ross Procedure Is Not Benign
Authors: Bichell David P.
Published: July 2021

Autograft root dilation is common after the unsupported Ross procedure. In the absence of valvar incompetence, and with the perception that dissection is exceedingly rare, expectant management of autograft aneurysm is common practice. Autograft dissection may not be as rare as thought though, as at this point 7 case reports have accrued that describe autograft dissection requiring urgent operative intervention. All had a bicuspid native aortic valve. Bicuspid aortic valve has been shown to be associated with an intrinsic, histologically demonstrated pulmonary arteriopathy, possibly contributing to autograft root dilation and dissection. Autograft root dilation can no longer be regarded as benign, especially in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Mounting evidence further validates the practice of externally supporting the Ross autograft. For patients who have had an unsupported Ross procedure, mounting evidence may support earlier intervention for autograft root dilation and aneurysm.
Use of Transcarotid IMPELLA 2.5 Axial-Flow Pump Device for Left Ventricle Unloading During VA-ECMO Support in Pediatric Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Perri Gianluigi , Trezzi Matteo , Formigari Roberto , Adorisio Rachele , Filippelli Sergio , Brancaccio Gianluca , Galletti Lorenzo , Amodeo Antonio
Published: July 2021

An alternative strategy for left ventricular (LV) venting during short-term mechanical circulatory support is use of Impella axial-flow pump. We present our transcarotid Impella 2.5 implantation technique using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, in two children with acute heart failure treated primarily with venoarterial ECMO. The venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and Impella support were maintained for 5 and 17 days, respectively. Transcarotid Impella implantation might be an alternative and feasible option in pediatrics patients affected by severe LV failure, as a bridge to decision or bridge to candidacy. Potentially, the Impella 2.5 device provides less invasive support for children with heart failure.
Does It Measure Up?
Authors: Kumar S. Ram
Published: July 2021

Measuring outcomes in pediatric cardiac care has been one of the more widespread, and at the same time controversial and often polarizing, quality improvement initiatives undertaken in the medical field. Risk models, such as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Risk Model, have been developed to account for comorbidities while predicting the expected mortality for a given surgical encounter. In this issue of the journal, Bertsimas and colleagues report on machine learning approaches to predict adverse outcomes in congenital heart surgery using the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association’s congenital database. A head-to-head comparison of machine learning models and the currently available risk models utilizing the same data set are required to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of these approaches. Such a focused analysis will shed light on future approaches for risk modeling, which will undoubtedly continue to benefit from the guidance provided by expert clinical intuition.