bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special Education Considerations Of Ethical Leaders During The Turnaround Process
Authors: Saporito Melissa
Published: January 2022

Education has entered an era of accountability with measures and school rating based largely on overall student performance on high-stakes assessments. Schools identified as at-risk or underperforming are mandated under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to take a course of action to improve student achievement. This has led the charge for schools to adopt improvement initiatives or models across the country. The focus of education has therefore become one of achievement rather than one of learning. In design these improvement efforts, as Heward points out, are “focused on student outcomes, particularly helping all students, including students with disabilities, reach high academic and occupational skill standards” (as cited in Koh & Robertson, 2003, p. 422). Keywords: Special Education, Ethical Leadership, Ethics in Education
The Use Of Student Achievement Data In Teacher Evaluation: How Should It Be Used?
Authors: Stunder Stephen
Published: January 2022

Student achievement data is widely recognized as a predictor of student success in education. The student achievement data is often used to determine if students are learning, understanding, processing, and retaining information. However, teachers are often unfairly evaluated based on student data, and little attention is given to student achievement outside of the classroom as well as how students without fair access to equitable resources perform. The student achievement data is also used to determine if schools are underperforming, and the data is also tied to whether or not students are proficient in subject content. These evaluations can often be tied to a teacher’s career path. This article looks to explore if teachers were more involved in the design of these evaluations, whether or not they would be a more fair assessment of teacher and student achievement. As teachers are experts in classroom environment, would teachers not be more qualified to develop fair evaluation tools to understand student and teacher achievement? Keywords: Teacher Evaluation, Student Achievement, Achievement Data
Effects of Extrusion Processing on the Proximate Compositions of Aerial Yam (Dioscorea bulbifera)-soybean (Glycine max) Flour Blends Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Umoh Enobong O. , Iwe Madu O.
Published: January 2022

The impact of extrusion process parameters on the proximate compositions of aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera)-soybean (Glycine max) flour blends was investigated with the help of a laboratory scale single-screw extruder, and the flour blending ratio of 25% aerial yam: 75% soybean. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behken design at three factors, five levels of barrel temperature (95, 100, 105, 110, and115℃ ), screw speed (85, 100, 115, 130, and145rpm) and feed moisture (31, 33, 35, 37, and 39%) were used in 20 runs. Adequate and significant (p< 0.05) regression models describing the effects of process parameters on the product quality attributes with high regression coefficient, R2≥  0.9 were obtained, showing that the models can be used to navigate the design space. Results obtained showed that the proximate compositions ranged between 4.03± 0.002 and 5.90± 0.002% ash; 3.10± 0.001 and 7.02± 0.003% moisture content; 2.70± 0.001 and 4.67± 0.003% fibre; 24.57± 0.078 and 36.79± 0.004% protein; 11.39± 0.004 and 35.35± 0.011% lipid. The best extrusion condition combinations were 1150C barrel temperature, 115rpm screw speed and 35% feed moisture for ash content; 1000C barrel temperature, 130rpm screw speed and 33% feed moisture for moisture content; 1150C barrel temperature, 115rpm screw speed and 35% feed moisture for fibre content; 1050C barrel temperature, 145rpm screw speed and 35% feed moisture for protein content; 1050C barrel temperature, 85rpm screw speed and 35% feed moisture for lipids. Analysis of variance showed that only barrel temperature affected the ash composition significantly (p< 0.05). Barrel temperature, screw speed and feed moisture showed insignificant (p> 0.05) effect on moisture content, while fibre content was significantly (p< 0.05) affected by barrel temperature and screw speed. Protein and crude fat (lipid) contents were significantly (p< 0.05) affected by barrel temperature, screw speed and feed moisture.
Model Comparison and Uncertainty Quantification in Tumor Growth
Authors: Arantes Paixão Emanuelle , Taiji Naozuka Gustavo , Oliveira Silva João Vitor , Pessoa da Cunha Menezes Maurício , Cerqueira Almeida Regina
Published: January 2022

Mathematical and computational modeling have been increasingly applied in many areas of cancer research, aiming to improve the understanding of tumorigenic mechanisms and to suggest more effective therapy protocols. The mathematical description of the tumor growth dynamics is often made using the exponential, logistic, and Gompertz models. However, recent literature has suggested that the Allee effect may play an important role in the early stages of tumor dynamics, including cancer relapse and metastasis. For a model to provide reliable predictions, it is necessary to have a rigorous evaluation of the uncertainty inherent in the modeling process. In this work, our main objective is to show how a model framework that integrates sensitivity analysis, model calibration, and model selection techniques can improve and systematically characterize model and data uncertainties. We investigate five distinct models with different complexities, which encompass the exponential, logistic, Gompertz, and weak and strong Allee effects dynamics. Using tumor growth data published in the literature, we perform a global sensitivity analysis, apply a Bayesian framework for parameter inference, evaluate the associated sensitivity matrices, and use different information criteria for model selection (First- and Second-Order Akaike Information Criteria and Bayesian Information Criterion). We show that such a wider methodology allows having a more detailed picture of each model assumption and uncertainty, calibration reliability, ultimately improving tumor mathematical description. The used in vivo data suggested the existence of both a competitive effect among tumor cells and a weak Allee effect in the growth dynamics. The proposed model framework highlights the need for more detailed experimental studies on the influence of the Allee effect on the analyzed cancer scenario.
Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19 in Children: Practical Points for Clinicians
Authors: Hatami Parvaneh , Nicknam Asl Hamed , Aryanian Zeinab
Published: January 2022

: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in previously healthy children is more likely to be mild. However, COVID-19-related cutaneous manifestations in children can be categorized regarding their clinical manifestations. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in this regard and examined all of the relevant papers published until June 28, 2021, with available full-texts. We found various mucocutaneous manifestations after COVID-19 infection and categorized them regarding their etiology: Induced directly by the virus itself or its immunologic response, treatment-related adverse events, post-vaccination rash, and lesions seen as an indirect consequence of the pandemic such as irritant dermatitis resulting from frequent hand washing or stress-induced worsening of some chronic dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis as a result of social isolation. Clinicians should be aware of these manifestations and advocate early isolation while encountering unexplained skin lesions to prevent infection from spreading.
High-order iterative method for vector radiative transfer equation of particle layer on rough surface
Authors: Yao Hai , He Zi , Ding Da-Zhi , Chen Ru-Shan , Dang Xun-Wang , Chen Yong ,   School of Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210018, China,   Science and Technology on Electromagnetic Scattering Laboratory, Beijing 100089, China
Published: January 2022

In order to investigate the multiple scattering characteristics of energy transmission in a random particle layer on a typical rough surface, a high-order iterative method based on radiative transfer equation is proposed in this work. The particles are placed on the rough surface and the height dimension (Z-axis) is divided into several layers. Then the high-order iterative solution can be obtained by using the first-order iteration solution of radiative transfer equation and the rough surface theory. Moreover, the multiple scattering characteristics between particles, as well as between particles and rough surface can be obtained. Numerical results show that the multiple scattering characteristics can be better explored by the proposed high-order iterative method than by the first-order iteration method. All these interactions can be explained by the energy transfer theory. The proposed high-order iterative method can be used as an efficient tool to explain the multiple scattering characteristics and predict the change of the scattering coefficients.
Ground state phase transition of spin-1/2 frustration model on stacked square lattice
Authors: Qing Yu-Lin , Peng Xiao-Li , Wen Lin , Hu Ai-Yuan ,   College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the ground state phase transition of the spin-1/2 frustrated model on a stacked square lattice by the linear spin wave method. The effects of the anisotropy and the interplay of neighboring couplings on phase diagram and phase transformation between the Nèel state and collinear state are explored. Our results show that both the Nèel state and collinear state can exist due to the interplay of interlayer coupling \begin{document}$ {J_{\text{c}}} \geqslant 0.21 $\end{document} or \begin{document}$ {J_{\text{c}}} \leqslant - 0.175 $\end{document} for an isotropic system. For an anisotropic system, both the Nèel state and collinear state may also exist. In this case, for the weak anisotropy, the Nèel state is more stable. For the strong anisotropy, the system will undergo a first-order phase transition from the Nèel state to the collinear state.
Design of high efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells based on plasmonic enhancement of metal nanosphere
Authors: Zhao Song , Zhou Hua , Wang Shu-Ying , Han Fei  , Jiang Si-Han , Shen Xiang-Qian ,   Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Solid State Physics and Devices, School of Physical Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China,   School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
Published: January 2022

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, by combining perovskite as a top absorber material and crystalline silicon as a bottom absorber material, can expand and enhance the utilization of solar spectrum. Therefore, such a tandem structure shows great potential to break through the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit of 31%－33% for single-junction (SJ) solar cells and is considered as one of the most promising approaches to achieving the higher performance in photoelectric conversion of solar cells. Reducing the optical losses from the surface and interfaces of cell device and making more photons propagate into the active layers are the key factors for achieving the goal. In this paper, the enhancement of spectral response and energy conversion efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells depending on Au, Ag, Cu, Al nanosphere are studied by using the finite difference time domain method and rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The results show that owing to the introduction of metal nanosphere, the transmittance of photons propagating into the active material is promoted significantly. Therefore, the cell device achieves an apparent increase both in total absorbance and in quantum efficiency. The observed weighted average transmittance and energy conversion efficiency are increased from 73.16% and 23.09% to 79.15% and 24.97%, respectively, with an 8.14% improvement for the perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells coated with the optimized Al nanospheres.
First-principles study of Fe atom adsorbed biphenylene monolayer
Authors: Wu Hong-Fen , Feng Pan-Jun , Zhang Shuo , Liu Da-Peng , Gao Miao , Yan Xun-Wang ,   School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China,   Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Published: January 2022

Biphenylene monolayer is composed of four-, six- and eight-membered carbon rings and has a monatomic layer structure similar to graphene. It was synthesized in experiment recently and reported in Science in May 2021, which has attracted considerable attention in the research field of two-dimensional materials. By the density functional method of the first principle, we study the adsorption configuration of Fe atoms on biphenylene monolayer and analyze its electronic structure. The calculation of structural optimization, adsorption energy and molecular dynamics show that the biphenylene monolayer is a good matrix of Fe atoms. For Fe atoms, the hollow site in the four-membered ring of the biphenylene monolayer is the most stable adsorption site, and the adsorption energy can reach 1.56 eV. The calculation of charge transfer and density of states show that a stable bond can be formed between biphenylene monolayer and Fe atoms, and 0.73 electron is transferred from Fe atom to the neighbored carbon atom. After Fe atom being absorbed, biphenylene monolayer is magnetic, and the magnetic moment of Fe atom is about 1.81 \begin{document}${\mu}_{\mathrm{B}}$\end{document} and points out of the plane. Compared with graphene, biphenylene monolayer adsorbs Fe atoms more stably, which provides a new platform for studying the electromagnetic, transport and catalytic properties of two-dimensional materials with adatoms.
Single-frame measurement of complete spatiotemporal field of ultrashort laser pulses using frequency domain separate spectral interferometry
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xiao , Hong Yi-Lin , Zeng Xiao-Ming , Mu Jie , Hu Bi-Long , Zuo Yan-Lei , Wu Zhao-Hui , Wang Xiao-Dong , Li Zhao-Li , Su Jing-Qin ,   Department of Optics and Optical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China,   National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing 100088, China
Published: January 2022

The spatiotemporal coupling distortion of large aperture ultra-high peak power laser will degrade the pulsed beam in both near-field and far-field. To accurately predict the light field distribution at the focus and compensate for the spatiotemporal coupling distortion, a single-frame measurement of full three-dimensional spatiotemporal coupling distortion is proposed based on the frequency domain separate spatial-spectral interference. The setup requires only a slit array attached to the front of an Imaging spectroradiometer. The whole procedure of carrier frequency distinguished spectral interference measurement is simulated in this study. The simulation results prove that the presented measuring method is correct and effective. The effectiveness of this method will be further verified experimentally in next step.
Surface effects on buckling of nanowire electrode
Authors: Shang Shuai-Peng , Lu Yong-Jun , Wang Feng-Hui ,   Bio-inspired and Advanced Energy Research Center, School of Mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
Published: January 2022

Nanowire-based electrodes have attracted much attention due to their high surface energy, short distance for lithium insertion, and the ability to accommodate the enormous strain. However, the buckling behavior may occur during lithiation for such wire-like electrodes, which would lead the battery performance to deteriorate. Therefore, it is vital to quantitatively understand the mechanism about the bucking behavior of the nanowire-based electrodes. Although the buckling behavior of wire-like electrode has been extensively studied in the past few decades, the influence of surface effect on it has not yet been thoroughly explored. For this purpose, a theoretical model of surface effects on buckling of nanowire electrode is presented by taking into account the lithium diffusion, stress, and concentration-dependent elastic properties. Based on the established model, the effects of the residual surface tension and elastic hardening/softening coefficients on buckling are investigated. The results show that surface effects can improve the mechanical reliability, thus delaying the critical buckling time of nanowire electrode. In addition, it is indicated that the surface effects depend on the radius size and slenderness ratio of the nanowire electrode, specifically, the smaller the radius size and the larger the slenderness ratio, the greater the influence of the surface effect is. Furthermore, compared with elastic hardening, with the participation of surface effects, the larger the elastic softening coefficient, the longer it takes for the nanowire electrode to reach the buckled state, and the better the stability of the electrode is. The novelty of this work is that the proposed models highlight the importance of surface effects on buckling of nanowire electrode. These findings provide a prospective insight into the designing of higher structural reliability of electrode.
Changes in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Occludable Angle Of Anterior Chamber
Authors: Sahu Pramod Kumar , Das Gopal Krushna , Jain Divya , Madan Siddharth
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The study was aimed to evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in eyes with occludable angle of anterior chamber and compare the results with eyes having open angle in patients without previously diagnosed glaucoma.

Methods:

Study subjects were cataract patients scheduled for phacoemulsification, having open or occludable angles. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 eyes each, having open angle and occludable angles after evaluation by gonioscopy. A total of 60 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification were analyzed on post-operative day 1, day 7, day 30 and day 90. Outcome measures included estimation of visual acuity, IOP and central corneal thickness.

Results:

The two groups showed significant reduction in IOP (p<0.05) after phacoemulsification. Increase in IOP was observed at day 7 but thereafter there was a gradual reduction in IOP throughout 12 weeks of follow-up period in both the groups. The mean reduction in IOP in Group I with occludable angles was 1.9 mm of Hg (8.3%) and in Group II was 1.4 mm of Hg (6.3%). Comparison between two groups has not shown any significant difference in terms of IOP reduction.

Conclusions:

Removal of the cataract using phacoemulsification serves as a modality to decrease IOP in eyes showing borderline raised IOP. We observed that the eyes with occludable angle showed a higher reduction in IOP levels after cataract surgery as compared to the open angle group. However, both the groups demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP in the follow-up period. Phacoemulsification does have a role in reduction of IOP which may affect the long-term prognosis in the management of glaucoma with cataract.
A hybrid science‐guided machine learning approach for modeling chemical processes: A review
Authors: Sharma Niket , Liu Y. A.
Published: January 2022

This study presents a broad perspective of hybrid process modeling combining the scientific knowledge and data analytics in bioprocessing and chemical engineering with a science‐guided machine learning (SGML) approach. We divide the approach into two major categories: ML complements science, and science complements ML. We review the literature relating to the hybrid SGML approach, and propose a systematic classification of hybrid SGML models. For applying ML to improve science‐based models, we present expositions of direct serial and parallel hybrid modeling and their combinations, inverse modeling, reduced‐order modeling, quantifying uncertainty in the process and even discovering governing equations of the process model. For applying scientific principles to improve ML models, we discuss the science‐guided design, learning and refinement. For each subcategory, we identify its requirements, strengths, and limitations, together with their published and potential applications. We also present several examples to illustrate different hybrid SGML methodologies for modeling chemical processes.
Linear quadratic nonzero‐sum stochastic differential game of a partially observed Markov jump linear systems
Authors: Wu Chengyu , Zhang Chengke , Yang Lu , Wang Tao
Published: January 2022

In this study, a partially observed linear quadratic (LQ) non‐cooperative stochastic differential game of Markov jump linear system (MJLS) is considered. First, a new proof of filtering theory is given, using the separation principle and filtering technology, partial observations can be transformed into complete observation. Second, nonzero‐sum stochastic differential game problem for MJLS are studied using the dynamic programming principle and completion square method. Then, the sufficient and necessary conditions for the Nash equilibrium are obtained. Finally, a numerical simulation is performed.
Effects of Acute Exposure to 3500 MHz (5G) Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Anxiety‐Like Behavior and the Auditory Cortex in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Yang Honghong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Xianwen , Gan Ping , Luo Xiaoli , Zhong Shixun , Zuo Wenqi
Published: January 2022

Numerous studies have shown that radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF‐EMR) may negatively affect human health. We detected the effect of 3500 MHz RF‐EMR on anxiety‐like behavior and the auditory cortex (ACx) in guinea pigs. Forty male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to a continuous wave of 3500 MHz RF‐EMF at an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0, 2, 4, or 10 W/kg for 72 h. After exposure, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, anxiety‐like behavior, hearing thresholds, cell ultrastructure, and apoptosis were detected. Our results revealed that hearing thresholds and basic indexes of animal behavior did not change significantly after exposure (P > 0.05). However, the MDA levels of ACx were increased (P < 0.05), and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activities were decreased (P < 0.05) in the exposure groups compared to the sham group. Ultrastructural changes of ACx, including swollen mitochondria and layered myelin sheaths, were observed. Cytochrome‐c relocalization, caspase‐9, and cleaved caspase‐3 activation were detected in the exposure groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying the biological effects of RF‐EMR, which can induce ultrastructural damage to the ACx and cell apoptosis through a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism. Moreover, oxidative stress, apoptosis induction and ultrastructural damage increase in a SAR‐dependent manner. However, RF‐EMR does not increase hearing thresholds or induce anxiety. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:106–118, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
The impact of insecticides containing deltamethrin and cyfluthrin on the composition of surface compounds in the larvae, females and males of Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Wojciechowska Marta , Stepnowski Piotr , Gołębiowski Marek
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the effect of insecticides on the composition of the surface compounds of one of the most harmful insects, Tenebrio molitor, by analysis using GC–MS. As a result of the use of insecticides, the composition of the chemical compounds on the surface of insects changes, depending on the insecticides used. The most numerous groups of the marked compounds were fatty acids, alkanes, esters and sterols. The content of the identified compounds in the larvae increased at both 24 and 48 h after the application of insecticides, in comparison with the control samples. The content of identified compounds in the samples taken from the females increased 24, 48 and 72 h after the application of insecticides in comparison with the control samples. By contrast, in samples prepared from males, the content of identified compounds decreased 24 h after the application of insecticides, compared with the control samples. The highest content of chemical compounds was for fatty acids and alkanes after the use of insecticides. The content of fatty acids after the application of the insecticide with deltamethrin was 62.1 ± 3.3–466.9 ± 5.9 μg/g, and after the application of the insecticide with cyfluthrin was 49.9 ± 1.9–458.3 ± 4.2 μg/g. However, the content of alkanes after the use of deltamethrin was 115.6 ± 4.2–4672.0 ± 32.1 μg/g, and after the use of cyfluthrin was 189.4 ± 3.8–3975.0 ± 10.2 μg/g.
Secretory type II cGMP‐dependent protein kinase blocks activation of PDGFRβ via Ser254 in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Pang Ji , Li Guorui , Qian Hai , Wu Yan , Chen Yongchang
Published: January 2022

The study of secretory protein kinase is an emergent research field in recent years. The secretion phenomenon of type II cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG II) was found in our latest research and our previous study confirmed that PKG II inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) activation induced by platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB) within the gastric cancer cells. Thus, this study was designed to investigated effect of secretory PKG II on PDGFRβ. Transwell assay and CCK8 assay indicated that secretory PKG II reversed PDGF‐BB‐induced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Immunoprecipitation, GST pull down and Western blotting results showed that secretory PKG II combined with extracellular domains of PDGFRβ and phosphorylated it, and thereby inhibited PDGF‐BB‐induced activation of PDGFRβ, and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. Mutation at Ser254 of PDGFRβ to alanine abolished the above inhibitory effects of secretory PKG II on PDGFRβ, indicating that Ser254 was the specific site phosphorylated by secretory PKG II. In conclusion, secretory PKG II inhibited PDGFRβ activation via Ser254 site.
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone modulate the redox homeostasis of endothelium
Authors: Koukoulis George N. , Filiponi Maria , Gougoura Sofia , Befani Christina , Liakos Panagiotis , Bargiota Αlexandra
Published: January 2022

The predominance of cardiovascular diseases among men compared to premenopausal women has been attributed to testosterone, which is implicated in vascular remodeling. Molecular mechanisms underlying its role have not been clarified but oxidative stress‐induced inflammation may be important. We therefore investigated in vitro the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, (a nonaromatized androgen), on redox homeostasis in absence (basal conditions) and after corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐induced pro‐oxidant action in macroendothelial cells. More specifically, we explored their role on well‐established antioxidant enzymes activity, namely endothelial nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. We observed that both androgens significantly increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide concentration as well as superoxide dismutase activity and decreased catalase activity. These effects of Testosterone and DHT were reversed in the presence of the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. Moreover, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone similarly enhanced the stimulatory effect of corticotropin‐releasing hormone on intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and superoxide dismutase activity but did not influence the inhibitory effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide release and catalase activity. Finally, androgens did not have a detectable effect on glutathione levels or the glutathione/glutathione plus glutathione disulfide ratio. Our results reveal that testosterone and DHT rise the intracellular redox threshold of the endothelial cell and increases NO synthesis. These findings suggest that the action of testosterone is affected by the redox status of the endothelium and help to explain its controversial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Contemporary treatment of below‐the‐knee peripheral arterial disease in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia: Observations from the Vascular Quality Initiative
Authors: Singh Nikhil , Ding Li , Magee Gregory A. , Shavelle David M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

We sought to determine trends in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) versus non‐PTA interventions over time, as well as factors that influence the decision for non‐PTA intervention.

Background

Although the optimal strategy for revascularization in patients with below‐the‐knee (BTK) chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) remains under investigation, PTA has been the preferred endovascular approach. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of non‐PTA approaches for revascularization.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Vascular Quality Initiative. Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 23,850 procedures corresponding to 33,098 arteries in 19,404 patients with CLTI were included. After application of exclusion criteria and removal of missing variables, 18,644 arteries were included in the study cohort. The primary analysis was factors associated with receiving non‐PTA intervention. Secondary analysis included trends in PTA versus non‐PTA intervention over time.

Results

Throughout the study period, the majority of interventions (72%) were PTA alone. The percentage of non‐PTA interventions, on a per‐artery basis, increased over the study period from 18% to 33%, p < 0.01. Advanced age, increasing TransAtlantic Inter‐Society Consensus classification, and concomitant above‐the‐knee disease were associated with an increased likelihood for non‐PTA intervention. In contrast, longer lesion length, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, bilateral disease, and discharge to location other than home were associated with an increased likelihood of PTA.

Conclusions

We observed a significant increase in the percentage of non‐PTA interventions for patients with CLTI requiring BTK interventions over the last decade, with lesion‐ and patient‐specific characteristics associated with the type of endovascular approach.
Incidence and predictors of cardiogenic shock following surgical or transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention
Authors: Lawlor Matthew K. , Hamid Nadira , Kampaktsis Polydoros , Ning Yuming , Wang Victoria , Akkoc Deniz , Dershowitz Lyle , Placheril Elizabeth , Vahl Torsten P. , Nazif Tamim , Khalique Omar , Ng Vivian , Brener Michael I. , Burkhoff Daniel , Dickstein Marc , Kurlansky Paul , Leon Martin B. , Hahn Rebecca T. , Kodali Susheel , George Isaac
Published: January 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors associated with cardiogenic shock (CS) following surgery versus transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) for tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

Background

Surgical therapy for TR is associated with high rates of CS. Postprocedural shock has not been studied following TTVI.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery or TTVI for TR. The primary outcome was postprocedural class D or E CS according to Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) CS classification scheme, and secondary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed for primary and secondary outcomes. Support vector machine analysis was performed for sensitivity analysis.

Results

From 2008 to 2020, a total of 122 patients underwent isolated TV surgery (n = 58, 14 TV repair, and 44 TV replacement) or TTVI (n = 64, 36 TV repair, and 28 TV replacement). Surgical patients were significantly younger than TTVI patients (67.5 vs. 80 years, p < 0.0001). Multivariable modeling revealed an association between the primary outcome and surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 8.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83, 27.03, p = 0.0002), as well as baseline central venous pressure (CVP, OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.22, p = 0.016). Additionally, class DE CS was independently associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR: 5.21, 1.35, 20.09, p = 0.016). CVP and surgery were found to have highest importance indices in support vector machine analysis.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing TV intervention for TR, surgery versus TTVI and elevated CVP are associated with advanced postprocedural CS. Patients developing advanced CS are at increased risk of in‐hospital mortality.
Percutaneous decannulation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a plug‐based closure device
Authors: Dalén Magnus , Settergren Magnus , Kastengren Mikael , Ullström Pia , Fux Thomas
Published: January 2022

Background

There is limited experience of using the MANTA plug‐based vascular closure device for percutaneous arterial closure of the femoral artery after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objectives

To study femoral artery complications and need for subsequent vascular interventions after percutaneous decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) using the MANTA plug‐based vascular closure device.

Methods

We studied 34 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous decannulation of VA ECMO using the MANTA device. Primary outcomes were conversion to surgical cutdown of the groin at decannulation (immediate) or later. Secondary outcomes were type of vascular complication necessitating conversion to surgical cutdown of the groin.

Results

Six (17.7%) patients had to undergo immediate (n = 3) or late (n = 3) conversion to surgical cutdown of the groin. Of these, three were owing to occlusion of the common femoral artery resulting in insufficient distal perfusion and three owing to bleeding or pseudoaneurysm. The mechanism of failure was complete intravascular deployment of the MANTA device in three patients, incomplete MANTA sealing of the arteriotomy in one patient, MANTA‐unrelated thrombotic occlusion in one patient, and unknown in one patient. Surgical cut‐down was typically performed with concomitant catheter thrombectomy with or without patch reconstruction of the artery.

Conclusion

Percutaneous decannulation of VA ECMO using the MANTA VCD was feasible but a substantial number of patients needed to be converted to unplanned surgical repair, owing to either closure site‐located stenosis/occlusion or bleeding. If suboptimal MANTA positioning is suspected, a low threshold for conversion to surgical cutdown of the groin is recommended.
No effect of resveratrol on fatty acid oxidation or exercise capacity in patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders: A randomized clinical cross‐over trial
Authors: Storgaard Jesper H. , Løkken Nicoline , Madsen Karen L. , Voermans Nicol C. , Laforêt Pascal , Nadaj‐Pakleza Aleksandra , Tard Céline , van Hall Gerrit , Vissing John , Ørngreen Mette C.
Published: January 2022

The objective was to investigate whether resveratrol (RSV) can improve exercise capacity in patients with fatty acid oxidation (FAO) disorders. The study was a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over trial. Nine patients with very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency or carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) II deficiency were randomized to receive either 8 weeks of 1000 mg day−1 RSV or placebo (P) followed by a 4‐weeks wash‐out period and subsequently 8 weeks of the opposite treatment. Primary outcome measures were heart rate and FAO as measured via stable isotope technique during constant workload exercise. Secondary outcome measures included fat and glucose metabolism; perceived exertion; as well as subjective measures of energy expenditure, fatigue, and daily function. Eight participants completed the trial. Heart rate did not differ at the end of exercise after treatment with RSV vs placebo (P = .063). Rate of oxidation of palmitate at end of exercise was not different with 1.5 ± 0.8 (RSV) vs 1.3 ± 0.6 (P) μmol kg−1 min−1 (P = .109). Secondary outcomes did not change except for increased plasma glycerol and decreased plasma glucose levels at the end of exercise after treatment with RSV vs placebo. A daily dose of 1000 mg resveratrol does not improve exercise capacity or FAO during exercise in patients with CPTII or VLCAD deficiencies.
Effects of dietary supplementation with multispecies probiotics on intestinal epithelial development and growth performance of neonatal calves challenged with Escherichia coli K99
Authors: Wu Yan‐yan , Nie Cun‐xi , Xu Chunsheng , Luo Rui‐qing , Chen Hong‐li , Niu Jun‐li , Bai Xue , Zhang Wenju
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Probiotics exhibit antibiotic properties and are capable of treating certain bacterial infections, including diarrhea. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with multispecies probiotic (MSP) on diarrhea, average daily gain (ADG) and intestinal development of neonatal calves challenged with Escherichia coli K99.

RESULTS

Thirty‐six neonatal Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. After E. coli K99 challenge, calves in the control (C) and MSP treatment groups had significantly higher ADG and feed efficiency, and significantly lower fecal scores than those of calves in the diarrhea (D) group. The mean time of diarrhea resolution was 4.5 and 3.1 days for calves in the D and MSP treatment groups, respectively. Furthermore, the structures of the various segments (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) of the small intestine of the calves, activities of several small intestinal enzymes, and expression of several energy metabolism‐related genes in the small intestine segments were significantly affected by MSP treatments.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation of MSP had a positive effect in treating calf diarrhea; it improved ADG and feed efficiency and promoted development of the small intestine. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Association of genomic profiles and survival in early onset and screening‐age colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases resected over 15 years
Authors: Narayan Raja R. , Aveson Victoria G. , Chou Joanne F. , Walch Henry S. , Sanchez‐Vega Francisco , Santos Fernandes Gustavo Dos , Balachandran Vinod P. , D'Angelica Michael I. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Jarnagin William R. , Wei Alice C. , Cercek Andrea , Gönen Mithat , Schultz Nikolaus , Kingham T. Peter
Published: January 2022

Background

This study explores whether genomic profiles of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients with early onset (EO, < 50 years old) and screening age (SA) primary diagnosis are associated with overall survival (OS).

Methods

All patients undergoing hepatectomy between 2002 and 2017 were identified and tumor specimens with next‐generation sequencing data were cataloged. Gene and signaling‐level alterations were checked for association with OS from primary diagnosis accommodating for left‐truncated survival.

Results

Of 1822 patients, 333 were sequenced–127 (38%) EO‐CRLM and 206 (62%) SA‐CRLM patients. More aggressive features presented in EO‐CRLM patients–synchronous metastatic presentation (83% vs. 75%,p < 0.001) and primary node‐positive disease (71% vs. 61%,p < 0.001). The median OS from primary diagnosis was 11.8 years (95% confidence interval = 7.94‐NA). Five‐year OS did not differ by age (p = 0.702). On multivariable analysis, alteredAPC(EO‐CRLM: [hazard ratio [HR] = 0.37,p = 0.018] vs. SA‐CRLM:[HR = 0.61,p = 0.260]),BRAF(EO‐CRLM:[HR = 4.38,p = 0.007] vs. SA‐CRLM:[HR = 4.78,p = 0.032]), and RAS‐TP53(EO‐CRLM:[HR = 2.82,p = 0.011] vs. SA‐CRLM:[HR = 2.35,p = 0.003]) associated with OS.

Conclusions

Despite bearing more aggressive features, EO‐CRLM patients had similar genomic profiles and survival as SA‐CRLM patients. Better performance status in younger patients leading to increased treatment tolerance may partly explain this. As screening and treatment strategies from older patients are applied to younger patients, genomic predictors of biology identified historically in older cohorts could apply to EO patients.
Transcervical inflatable mediastinoscopic esophagectomy versus thoracoscopic esophagectomy for local early‐ and intermediate‐stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Chen Zihao , Huang Kenan , Wei Rongqiang , Liu Chengdong , Fang Yunhao , Wu Bin , Xu Zhifei , Ding Xinyu , Tang Hua
Published: January 2022

Background and objective

Transcervical inflatable mediastinoscopic esophagectomy (TIME) is a novel method of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer. However, whether TIME is effective and feasible as conventional MIE remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TIME by comparing it with thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE).

Methods

Surgical outcomes and relapse‐free survival (RFS) rates of patients with local early‐ or intermediate‐stage thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that underwent TIME or TE from January 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching was used to control the confounding factors.

Results

The mean operation time in TIME was shorter than that in TE (p < 0.05). Patients in the TIME group achieved postoperative ambulation earlier than those in the TE group (p < 0.05). The rate of pulmonary complications was lower in TIME than in TE (p < 0.05). The number of lymph nodes harvested during surgery and the RFS rates of two groups did not have significant differences.

Conclusion

TIME may be a feasible and safe method to treat local early‐ and intermediate‐stage thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma effectively and it could be a supplementary surgical method of TE for patients with poor pulmonary function or cannot undergo TE.
Clinical endpoints of needle‐free jet injector treatment: An in depth understanding of immediate skin responses
Authors: Bik Liora , van Doorn Martijn B. A. , Boeijink Neill , Wennekers Medelyn , Meesters Arne A. , Bloemen Peter , Haedersdal Merete , Wolkerstorfer Albert
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Needle‐free jet injectors have been used in dermatological practice for many years. However, predefined clinical endpoints that guide physicians to choose optimal device settings have not been clearly defined. Here, we evaluate immediate skin responses as clinical endpoints for needle‐free jet injector treatments.

Methods

We injected methylene blue in ex vivo human skin using an electronically‐controllable pneumatic injector (EPI; 3–6 bar, 50–130 µl; n = 63), and a spring‐loaded jet injector (SLI) with fixed settings (100 µl; n = 9). We measured the immediate skin papule (3D‐camera), residual surface fluid (pipette), dermal dye distribution by estimating depth and width, and subcutaneous dye deposition.

Results

EPI with 4 bar and 100 µl resulted in the largest skin papule of 48.7 mm3 (35.4–62.6 mm3) and widest dermal distribution of 8.0 mm (5.5–9.0 mm) compared to EPI with 6 bar and 100 µl (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, respectively). The skin papule volume showed a significant moderate to high positive correlation with the width and depth of dye distribution in the dermis (rs = 0.63, rs = 0.58, respectively; p < 0.001 for both correlations). SLI showed high variability for all outcome measures. Finally, a trend was observed that a small skin papule (≤7 mm) and little residual surface fluid (≤10% of injection volume) were warning signs for subcutaneous deposition.

Conclusions

The immediate skin papule and residual surface fluid correspond with dermal drug deposition and are relevant clinical endpoints for needle‐free jet injector treatments in dermatological practice.
AAPM Task Group Report 290: Respiratory motion management for particle therapy
Authors: Li Heng , Dong Lei , Bert Christoph , Chang Joe , Flampouri Stella , Jee Kyung‐Wook , Lin Liyong , Moyers Michael , Mori Shinichiro , Rottmann Joerg , Tryggestad Erik , Vedam Sastry
Published: January 2022

Dose uncertainty induced by respiratory motion remains a major concern for treating thoracic and abdominal lesions using particle beams. This Task Group report reviews the impact of tumor motion and dosimetric considerations in particle radiotherapy, current motion‐management techniques, and limitations for different particle‐beam delivery modes (i.e., passive scattering, uniform scanning, and pencil‐beam scanning). Furthermore, the report provides guidance and risk analysis for quality assurance of the motion‐management procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy, and discusses future development and emerging motion‐management strategies. This report supplements previously published AAPM report TG76, and considers aspects of motion management that are crucial to the accurate and safe delivery of particle‐beam therapy. To that end, this report produces general recommendations for commissioning and facility‐specific dosimetric characterization, motion assessment, treatment planning, active and passive motion‐management techniques, image guidance and related decision‐making, monitoring throughout therapy, and recommendations for vendors. Key among these recommendations are that: (1) facilities should perform thorough planning studies (using retrospective data) and develop standard operating procedures that address all aspects of therapy for any treatment site involving respiratory motion; (2) a risk‐based methodology should be adopted for quality management and ongoing process improvement.
Retracted: Monitoring Hatchery Broodstock Composition and Genetic Variation of Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon in the Columbia River Basin with Multigeneration Pedigrees
Authors: Horn Rebekah L. , Hess Maureen , Harmon Stephanie , Hess Jon , Delomas Thomas A. , Campbell Matthew R. , Narum Shawn
Published: January 2022

Hatchery production of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia River basin comprises most of the anadromous salmonid production in this region. Hatchery facilities and programs serve to mitigate for impacts to salmonids due to the construction and operation of hydropower dams and habitat impacts from development in addition to the conservation and restoration of natural populations. A genetic method referred to as parentage-based tagging (PBT) enables highly reliable detection of hatchery-origin fish and inference of multigeneration pedigrees. This study compiles 11 years of PBT data from nearly 125,000 interior stream-type Chinook Salmon from 24 spawning hatcheries located in tributaries of the mid- and upper Columbia River as well as the Salmon, Clearwater, and Grande Ronde River subbasins. Multigenerational pedigrees allowed investigation of the proportion of natural- and hatchery-origin broodstock (pNOB and pHOB, respectively) for each hatchery and enumeration of the scale of production between segregated and integrated programs. We then compared how pHOB and the scale of production influenced the number of stray fish observed, genetic diversity, relatedness, and age-class compositions within broodstocks. Over 91.0% of hatchery broodstock could be assigned back to their parents, and there was an overall rate of less than 1.0% of broodstock that were unintentionally incorporated into nonnatal hatchery programs. We evaluated 14 segregated programs with 0.0–10.0% pNOB, 7 intermediate programs (10.1–50.0% pNOB), and 3 integrated programs (>50.0% pNOB). There was no correlation between the scale of production or pNOB with the level of genetic diversity, but as production size increased, so did the effective number of breeders. This study demonstrates the utility of PBT as a monitoring tool for hatchery broodstocks, and results suggest that segregated and integrated programs have tradeoffs that generally align with their intended broodstock management purpose of providing fish for harvest and/or fish for supplementation or reintroduction.