bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rayleigh‐instability‐induced transformation for confined polystyrene‐grafted gold nanoparticles in anodic aluminum oxide templates
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Hsuan , Chu Chien‐Wei , Chiu Tang‐Yao , Cheng Ming‐Hsiang , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: September 2021

In the past two decades, Rayleigh‐instability transformation of polymers confined in cylindrical nanopores has been actively studied, which is a feasible way to manipulate the morphologies of polymer nanostructures. The applications of Rayleigh‐instability‐induced morphologies, however, are highly limited because of the usage of pure polymers. In this work, we investigate the Rayleigh‐instability‐induced transformation of gold nanoparticle/polystyrene (AuNPs@PS) hybrid materials confined in the nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The AuNPs@PS hybrid materials are then introduced into the nanopores of the AAO templates by the solution wetting method to obtain the AuNPs@PS nanotubes. Upon thermal annealing, the AuNPs@PS nanotubes undergo the Rayleigh‐instability‐induced transformation. Four morphologies are determined, including the nanotube structures, the undulated structures, the Rayleigh‐instability‐induced structures, and the nanorod structures. To further investigate the effect of the molecular weights of PS, we construct the morphology diagrams by determining the morphologies of the AuNPs@PS hybrid nanostructures at different annealing temperatures and times. The morphology transformation rates increase with the annealing temperatures, and the hybrid materials with PS of higher molecular weights exhibit slower dynamics. This research provides useful strategies to fabricate AuNPs@PS with different morphologies and offers a deeper understanding of the Rayleigh‐instability transformation of nanomaterials under confined environments.
Positive school climate for school staff? The roles of administrators, staff beliefs, and school organization in high and low resource school districts
Authors: Capp Gordon P. , Avi Astor Ron , Moore Hadass
Published: September 2021

Despite continued calls for positive school climate, school staff members are rarely included in school climate research or theories. This qualitative case study explored how socioeconomic status (SES), school districts, leadership, and school contexts combine to create school climate. Four schools were selected from a sample of positive and negative climate schools in one high and one low‐SES district. Data collection involved key informant interviews and observation. District and school SES did not directly dictate the quality of climate. Organizational variables such as the principal's decisions and vision were key influences on the quality of climate for staff members. Staff members often prioritize student experiences of climate above their own experiences. School organization and the influence of the principal are critical for the quality of school climate staff members experience; these along with staff voice are critical ongoing contributions to school climate research, theory, and practice.
The influence of probiotics of different microbiological composition on histology of the gastrointestinal tract of juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Nikiforov‐Nikishin Alexei , Nikiforov‐Nikishin Dimitri , Kochetkov Nikita , Smorodinskaya Svetlana , Klimov Victor
Published: September 2021

This article presents results of the influence of three probiotic feed additive of various microbiological composition: Bacillus subtilis (VKPM B‐2335); B. subtilis (OZ‐2 VKPM‐11966) + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (OZ‐3 VKPM‐11967); Lactobacillus acidophilus (VKPM B‐3235) on the growth and histology of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract of juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss by morphometric parameters. These probiotic bacteria are the most commonly used in aquaculture. The effect of the probiotic feed additive led to the increase in fish growth and influenced different sections of the gastrointestinal tract. The biggest change was found in the mid intestine and the reliable difference compared with the control diet was obtained at the following parameters: lamina propria width, intraepithelial lymphocytes number of prismatic epithelium and goblet cells area. The changes in the pyloric appendages were less obvious but reported as playing an important functional role in digestion. The liver preserved normal functional structure in all series of the experiment except for the group with L. acidophilus, where hepatocyte small‐drop vacuolization was observed. That might be connected with the change of the digest activity resulting from a decrease in secretory activity of the intestinal exocrinocytes. The use of all probiotic feed additives led to a similar change in morphometric parameters in all groups, which suggests a decrease in the immune response.
Morphology of the stifle in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831)
Authors: da Silva Júnior José Newton Fernandes , de Barros Gabriel Martins , Fonseca Clarisse Maria Barbosa , Guerra Sergio Paulo Lima , Rodrigues Juliana Brito , Araújo João Victor Silva , da Silva Andrezza Braga Soares , de Sousa Cavalcante Maria Michele Araújo , Mendonça Tarsia Giabardo Silva , Conde Júnior Aírton Mendes
Published: September 2021

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) is a wild rodent of great zootechnical potential, a fact that enables anatomical and morphological studies to support management actions with this animal. In this perspective, this study aimed to describe the anatomy and histology of the agouti stifle joint. Four adult agoutis were used, two females and two males. The animals were submitted to dissection and identification of the structures of the stifle joint. For light microscopy study, samples of the patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments were used. Agouti has a highly congruent patellofemoral joint; elongated patella; medial and lateral fabellae at the proximal insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle; medial and lateral meniscus with lunula; in addition to the presence of the following ligament structures: patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, meniscofemoral ligament, caudal meniscal ligament of the medial meniscus, and medial and lateral cranial ligaments. The patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts; collateral and cruciate ligaments had loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts and collagen bundle undulations, the latter most expressive in the caudal cruciate ligament. Thus, except for the shape and angulation of the stifle, which allows specific movements, the agouti stifle has structures analogous to that of other rodents and domestic animals.
Day of surgery and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective analysis of 29 270 surgical cases of pancreatic head cancer from Japan
Authors: Uemura Sunao , Endo Hideki , Ichihara Nao , Miyata Hiroaki , Maeda Hiromichi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kamiya Kinji , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Yasuyuki Seto , Yamaue Hiroki , Yamamoto Masakazu , Kitagawa Yuko , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Background/Purpose

The day of the week can impact medical treatment outcomes; however, few large‐scale, disease‐specific studies have focused on the association between the day of the week and mortality in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Clinical Database. Twenty‐two clinical variables were adopted for hierarchal logistic regression modeling to determine adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for surgical mortality after elective pancreatoduodenectomy.

Results

The 30‐day mortality and surgical mortality rates were 1.0% and 1.7%, respectively (n = 29 720). Surgeries were performed the least on Fridays (13.4%) compared with other weekdays. Crude rates of severe postoperative complications (mean, 14.1%; range, 13.5%‐14.8%) and pancreatic fistulas (mean, 10.0%; range, 9.6%‐10.3%) remained stable throughout the week. Unadjusted/adjusted ORs did not significantly differ between Friday and Monday (0.868, 95% CI: 0.636‐1.173, P = .365, and 0.928, 95% CI: 0.668‐1.287, P = .653, respectively), and results were similar for the remaining weekdays. Nineteen independent factors were associated with surgical mortality.

Conclusions

The rate of perioperative mortality for elective pancreatoduodenectomy is low in Japan, with no evidence of disparities in surgical mortality rates between weekdays.
Process evaluation of PrEP implementation in Kenya: adaptation of practices and contextual modifications in public HIV care clinics
Authors: Irungu Elizabeth M. , Odoyo Josephine , Wamoni Elizabeth , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Mugo Nelly R. , Ngure Kenneth , Morton Jennifer F. , Mugwanya Kenneth K. , Baeten Jared M. , O'Malley Gabrielle ,   for the Partners Scale‐Up Project Team
Published: September 2021

Introduction

In Africa, oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is largely provided via over‐burdened public HIV care clinics. Successfully incorporating PrEP services into these clinics may require adaptations to practices outlined in national implementation guidelines and modifications to routine existing service delivery. We aimed to describe adaptations made by public HIV clinics in Kenya to integrate PrEP delivery into existing services.

Methods

The Partners Scale‐Up Project aimed to catalyse integration of PrEP in 25 public HIV care clinics. Between May and December 2018, we conducted qualitative interviews with health providers and documented clinic observations in technical assistance (TA) reports to understand the process of PrEP service integration. We analysed 36 health provider interview transcripts and 25 TA reports to identify clinic‐level adaptations to activities outlined in Kenyan Ministry of Health PrEP guidelines and modifications made to existing service delivery practices to successfully incorporate PrEP services. Identified adaptations were reported using the expanded framework for reporting adaptations and modifications (FRAME).

Results

All clinics (n = 25) performed HIV testing, HIV risk assessment, PrEP education and adherence counselling as stipulated in the guidelines. Most clinics initiated clients on PrEP without creatinine testing if otherwise healthy. While monthly refill appointments are recommended, a majority of clinics issued PrEP users two to three months of pills at a time. Clinics also implemented practices that had not been specified in the guidelines including incorporating PrEP‐related topics into routine health talks, calling clients with missed PrEP appointments, discussing PrEP service delivery in regular staff meetings, ‘fast‐tracking’ PrEP clients and dispensing PrEP in clinic rooms rather than at clinic‐based pharmacies. PrEP initiation numbers were highest among clinics that did not require creatinine testing, conducted peer on‐the‐job PrEP training and those that discussed PrEP delivery in their routine meetings. Above‐average continuation was observed among clinics that discussed PrEP in their routine meetings, dispensed PrEP in clinic rooms and offered PrEP at nonregular hours.

Conclusions

Health providers in public HIV care clinics instituted practices and made innovative adaptations to PrEP delivery to reduce barriers for clients and staff. Encouraging clinic level adaptations to national implementation guidelines will facilitate scale‐up of PrEP delivery.
Mitofusin-2 regulates leukocyte adhesion and β2 integrin activation
Authors: Liu Wei , Hsu Alan Y , Wang Yueyang , Lin Tao , Sun Hao , Pachter Joel S , Groisman Alex , Imperioli Matthew , Yungher Fernanda Wajnsztajn , Hu Liang , Wang Penghua , Deng Qing , Fan Zhichao
Published: September 2021

Neutrophils are critical for inflammation and innate immunity, and their adhesion to vascular endothelium is a crucial step in neutrophil recruitment. Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) is required for neutrophil adhesion, but molecular details are unclear. Here, we demonstrated that β2-integrin-mediated slow-rolling and arrest, but not PSGL-1-mediated cell rolling, are defective in MFN2-deficient neutrophil-like HL60 cells. This adhesion defect is associated with reduced expression of fMLP (N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) receptor FPR1 as well as the inhibited β2 integrin activation, as assessed by conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies. MFN2 deficiency also leads to decreased actin polymerization, which is important for β2 integrin activation. Mn2+-induced cell spreading is also inhibited after MFN2 knockdown. MFN2 deficiency limited the maturation of β2 integrin activation during the neutrophil-directed differentiation of HL60 cells, which is indicated by CD35 and CD87 markers. MFN2 knockdown in β2-integrin activation-matured cells (CD87high population) also inhibits integrin activation, indicating that MFN2 directly affects β2 integrin activation. Our study illustrates the function of MFN2 in leukocyte adhesion and may provide new insights into the development and treatment of MFN2 deficiency-related diseases.
Peony seed oil ameliorates neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive deficits by suppressing microglial activation through inhibition of NF-κB pathway in presenilin 1/2 conditional double knockout mice
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Lijun , Zhao Chenyi , Wu Yongkang , Lu Zhiyuan , Gu Yining , Ba Zongtao , Wang Xingyu , Wang Jian , Xu Ying
Published: September 2021

Chronic neuroinflammation has been shown to exert adverse influences on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with the release of abundant proinflammatory mediators by excessively activated microglia, causing synaptic dysfunction, neuronal degeneration, and memory deficits. Thus, the prevention of microglial activation-associated neuroinflammation is important target for deterring neurodegenerative disorders. Peony seed oil (PSO) is a new food resource, rich in α-linolenic acid, the precursor of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by altering cell membrane phospholipid fatty acid compositions, disrupting lipid rafts, and inhibiting the activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. However, few studies have examined the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of PSO in AD, and the relevant molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Presenilin1/2 conditional double knockout (PS cDKO) mice display obvious AD-like phenotypes, such as neuroinflammatory responses, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive deficits. Here, we assessed the potential neuroprotective effects of PSO against neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive deficits in PS cDKO using behavioral tests and molecular biologic analyses. Our study demonstrated that PSO suppressed microglial activation and neuroinflammation through the down-regulation of proinflammatory mediators, such as inducible NOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of PS cDKO mice. Further, PSO significantly lessened memory impairment by reversing hyperphosphorylated tau and synaptic proteins deficits in PS cDKO mice. Importantly, PSO's therapeutic effects on cognitive deficits were due to inhibiting neuroinflammatory responses mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, PSO may represent an effective dietary supplementation to restrain the neurodegenerative processes of AD.
Isoxazole‐9 reduces enhanced fear responses and retrieval in ethanol‐dependent male rats
Authors: Staples Miranda C. , Herman Melissa A. , Lockner Jonathan W. , Avchalumov Yosef , Kharidia Khush M. , Janda Kim D. , Roberto Marisa , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: September 2021

Plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) is strongly influenced by ethanol, and ethanol experience alters long‐term memory consolidation dependent on the DG. However, it is unclear if DG plasticity plays a role in dysregulation of long‐term memory consolidation during abstinence from chronic ethanol experience. Outbred male Wistar rats experienced 7 weeks of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure (CIE). Seventy‐two hours after CIE cessation, CIE and age‐matched ethanol‐naïve Air controls experienced auditory trace fear conditioning (TFC). Rats were tested for cue‐mediated retrieval in the fear context either twenty‐four hours (24 hr), ten days (10 days), or twenty‐one days (21 days) later. CIE rats showed enhanced freezing behavior during TFC acquisition compared to Air rats. Air rats showed significant fear retrieval, and this behavior did not differ at the three time points. In CIE rats, fear retrieval increased over time during abstinence, indicating an incubation in fear responses. Enhanced retrieval at 21 days was associated with reduced structural and functional plasticity of ventral granule cell neurons (GCNs) and reduced expression of synaptic proteins important for neuronal plasticity. Systemic treatment with the drug Isoxazole‐9 (Isx‐9; small molecule that stimulates DG plasticity) during the last week and a half of CIE blocked altered acquisition and retrieval of fear memories in CIE rats during abstinence. Concurrently, Isx‐9 modulated the structural and functional plasticity of ventral GCNs and the expression of synaptic proteins in the ventral DG. These findings identify that abstinence‐induced disruption of fear memory consolidation occurs via altered plasticity within the ventral DG, and that Isx‐9 prevented these effects.
Genetic variation in endocannabinoid signaling is associated with differential network‐level functional connectivity in youth
Authors: Sisk Lucinda M. , Rapuano Kristina M. , Conley May I. , Greene Abigail S. , Horien Corey , Rosenberg Monica D. , Scheinost Dustin , Constable R. Todd , Glatt Charles E. , Casey B. J. , Gee Dylan G.
Published: September 2021

The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of emotional responses such as fear, and a number of studies have implicated endocannabinoid signaling in anxiety. The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) C385A polymorphism, which is associated with enhanced endocannabinoid signaling in the brain, has been identified across species as a potential protective factor from anxiety. In particular, adults with the variant FAAH 385A allele have greater fronto‐amygdala connectivity and lower anxiety symptoms. Whether broader network‐level differences in connectivity exist, and when during development this neural phenotype emerges, remains unknown and represents an important next step in understanding how the FAAH C385A polymorphism impacts neurodevelopment and risk for anxiety disorders. Here, we leveraged data from 3,109 participants in the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study℠ (10.04 ± 0.62 years old; 44.23% female, 55.77% male) and a cross‐validated, data‐driven approach to examine associations between genetic variation and large‐scale resting‐state brain networks. Our findings revealed a distributed brain network, comprising functional connections that were both significantly greater (95% CI for p values = [<0.001, <0.001]) and lesser (95% CI for p values = [0.006, <0.001]) in A‐allele carriers relative to non‐carriers. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between genotype and the summarized connectivity of functional connections that were greater in A‐allele carriers, such that non‐carriers with connectivity more similar to A‐allele carriers (i.e., greater connectivity) had lower anxiety symptoms (β = −0.041, p = 0.030). These findings provide novel evidence of network‐level changes in neural connectivity associated with genetic variation in endocannabinoid signaling and suggest that genotype‐associated neural differences may emerge at a younger age than genotype‐associated differences in anxiety.
How do zebrafish (Danio rerio) respond to MK‐801 and amphetamine? Relevance for assessing schizophrenia‐related endophenotypes in alternative model organisms
Authors: Benvenutti Radharani , Gallas‐Lopes Matheus , Sachett Adrieli , Marcon Matheus , Strogulski Nathan Ryzewski , Reis Carlos Guilherme , Chitolina Rafael , Piato Angelo , Herrmann Ana Paula
Published: September 2021

Schizophrenia pathophysiology has been associated with dopaminergic hyperactivity, NMDA receptor hypofunction, and redox dysregulation. Most behavioral assays and animal models to study this condition were developed in rodents, leaving room for species‐specific biases that could be avoided by cross‐species approaches. As MK‐801 and amphetamine are largely used in mice and rats to mimic schizophrenia features, this study aimed to compare the effects of these drugs in several zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavioral assays. Male and female adult zebrafish were exposed to MK‐801 (1, 5, and 10 μM) or amphetamine (0.625, 2.5, and 10 mg/L) and observed in paradigms of locomotor activity and social behavior. Oxidative parameters were quantified in brain tissue. Our results demonstrate that MK‐801 disrupted social interaction, an effect that resembles the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It also altered locomotion in a context‐dependent manner, with hyperactivity when fish were tested in the presence of social cues and hypoactivity when tested alone. On the other hand, exposure to amphetamine was devoid of effects on locomotion and social behavior, while it increased lipid peroxidation in the brain. Key outcomes induced by MK‐801 in rodents, such as social interaction deficit and locomotor alterations, were replicated in zebrafish, corroborating previous studies and reinforcing the use of zebrafish to study schizophrenia‐related endophenotypes. More studies are necessary to assess the predictive validity of preclinical paradigms with this species and ultimately optimize the screening of potential novel treatments.
Emerging and advanced membrane technology for wastewater treatment: A review
Authors: Bera Sweta Parimita , Godhaniya Manoj , Kothari Charmy
Published: September 2021

Over the years, conventional wastewater treatment processes have achieved to some extent in treating effluents for discharge pints. Development in wastewater treatment processes is essential to make treated wastewater reusable for industrial, agricultural, and domestic purposes. Membrane technology has emerged as an ideal technology for treating wastewater from different wastewater streams. Membrane technology is one of the most up‐to‐date advancements discovered to be successful in fundamentally lessening impurities to desired levels. In spite of having certain impediments, membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for biological wastewater treatment provide many advantages over conventional treatment. This review article covers all the aspects of membrane technology that are widely used in wastewater treatment process such as the principle of membrane technology, the classification of membrane technology processes in accordance to pressure, concentration, electrical and thermal‐driven processes, its application in different industries, advantages, disadvantages and the future prospective.
Identifying evidence for five realist reviews in primary health care: A comparison of search methods
Authors: Duddy Claire , Roberts Nia
Published: September 2021

The approach to identifying evidence for inclusion in realist reviews differs from that used in ‘traditional’ systematic reviews. Guidance suggests that realist reviews should be inclusive of diverse data from a range of sources, gathered in iterative searching cycles. Saturation is prioritised over exhaustiveness. Supplementary techniques such as citation snowballing are emphasised as potentially important sources of evidence. This paper describes the processes used to identify evidence in a selection of realist reviews focused on primary health care settings and examines the origin and type of evidence selected for inclusion. Data from five realist reviews were extracted from (a) reviewers' reference management libraries and (b) records kept by review teams. Although all reviews focused on primary health care, they used data from a wide range of document types and research designs, drawing on learning from multiple perspectives and settings, and sourced the documents containing this data in a variety of ways. Systematic searching of academic databases played an important role, supplementary search techniques such as snowballing were used to identify a significant proportion of documents included in the reviews. Our analysis demonstrates the diverse data sources used within realist reviews and the need for flexible, responsive efforts to identify relevant documents. Reviewers and information specialists should devise approaches to data gathering that reflect the individual needs of realist review projects and report these transparently.
Searching for medical devices – Practical guidance
Authors: Cooper Chris , Dawson Sarah , Lefebvre Carol
Published: September 2021

Systematic reviews of medical devices have generally adopted the same methodology for the conduct of their reviews as reviews of other clinical interventions, in particular, medicines. It has been suggested that these methods may need to be developed to account for the challenges of reviewing the evidence for medical devices when compared to reviews of medicines.

The purpose of this research note is to focus on the methods of searching for medical devices. Our aim is to set out guidance on ‘how to search’ for medical devices. This includes:

Defining what you are searching for;

How to design a search strategy;

Searching bibliographic databases;

Searching beyond bibliographic databases; and

Search reporting.

The research note is written by three experienced searchers/researchers with experience of critically appraising Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme (MTEP) submissions, undertaking systematic searches and/or reviews of medical devices, or developing guidance for searching for studies for systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions, including medical devices. The research note includes a worked example of a search for a fictitious medical device.
Comparison of outcomes between neoadjuvant imatinib and upfront surgery in patients with localized rectal GIST: An inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Ling Jia‐Yu , Ding Miao‐Miao , Yang Zi‐Feng , Zhao Yan‐Dong , Xie Xiao‐Yu , Shi Li‐Shuo , Wang Huai‐Ming , Cao Wu‐Teng , Zhang Jian‐Wei , Hu Hua‐Bin , Cai Yue , Wang Hui , Deng Yan‐Hong
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to compare outcomes between neoadjuvant imatinib and upfront surgery in patients with localized rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) patients.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients with localized rectal GIST were divided into two groups: upfront surgery ± adjuvant imatinib (Group A, n = 33) and the neoadjuvant imatinib + surgery + adjuvant imatinib (Group B, n = 52). Baseline characteristics between groups were controlled for with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted analysis.

Results

The response rate to neoadjuvant imatinib was 65.9%. After the IPTW‐adjusted analysis, patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had better distant recurrence‐free survival (DRFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) compared with those who underwent upfront surgery (5‐year DRFS 97.8 vs. 71.9%, hazard ratio [HR], 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.87; p = 0.03; 5‐year DSS 100 vs. 77.1%; HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01–0.92; p = 0.04). While no significant association was found between overall survival (OS) and treatment groups (p = 0.07), 5‐year OS was higher for the neoadjuvant group than upfront surgery group (97.8% vs. 71.9%; HR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.03–1.15).

Conclusions

In patients with localized rectal GIST, neoadjuvant imatinib not only shrunk the tumor size but also decreased the risk of metastasis and tumor‐related deaths when compared to upfront surgery and adjuvant imatinib alone.
Surgical and oncologic outcomes following arterial resection and reconstruction for advanced solid tumors
Authors: Cruz Sylvia M. , Basmaci Ugur N. , Bateni Cyrus P. , Darrow Morgan A. , Judge Sean J. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Thorpe Steven W. , Humphries Misty D. , Canter Robert J.
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Although arterial involvement for advanced tumors is rare, vascular resection may be indicated to achieve complete tumor resection. Given the potential morbidity of this approach, we sought to evaluate perioperative outcomes, vascular graft patency, and survival among patients undergoing tumor excision with en bloc arterial resection and reconstruction.

Methods

From 2010 to 2020, we identified nine patients with tumors encasing or extensively abutting major arterial structures for whom en bloc arterial resection and reconstruction was performed.

Results

Mean age was 53 ± 20 years, and 89% were females. Diagnoses were primary sarcomas (5), recurrent gynecologic carcinomas (3), and benign retroperitoneal fibrosis (1). Tumors involved the infrarenal aorta (2), iliac arteries (6), and superficial femoral artery (1). Three patients (33%) had severe perioperative morbidity (Grade III + ) with no mortality. At a median follow‐up of 23 months, eight patients (89%) had primary graft patency, and five patients (56%) had no evidence of disease.

Conclusions

Arterial resection and reconstruction as part of the multimodality treatment of regionally advanced tumors is associated with acceptable short‐ and long‐term outcomes, including excellent graft patency. In appropriately selected patients, involvement of major arterial structures should not be viewed as a contraindication to attempted curative surgery.
The efficiency of a combined injection technique for sentinel lymph node mapping in intermediate‐high‐risk endometrial cancer
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Bo , Wang Lulu , Xue Yu , Shan Weiwei , Luo Xuezhen , Wang Chao , Chen Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping was considered for treating endometrial cancer (EC) which was apparent confined to the uterus. Nevertheless, intermediate‐high‐risk EC patients have super high risk to undergo isolated para‐aortic lymph node metastases comparing with low‐risk patients. Therefore, this investigation aimed to compare the efficacy of two SLN methods in detecting para‐aortic lymph node metastases.

Methods

According to SLN mapping injection methods, intermediate‐high‐risk EC patients who received both SLN mapping and systematic lymphadenectomy were divided into the combined group (fundal and cervical injections) and the cervical group (cervical injection only).

Results

The para‐aortic SLN detection rate in the combined group (40.4%) was higher than that in the cervical group (4.4%) with p < 0.001. While the differences concerning the sensitivity, false‐negative rate, and negative predictive value between the two groups were not significant. The survival outcomes of patients were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our data showcased that the combined (fundal and cervical) injection had a higher detection rate of para‐aortic SLNs than cervical injection only. The efficiency of SLN mapping and the survival outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Further investigations are warranted to assess the value of combined injection regarding SLN technique.
Adoption of multiple sustainable land management practices among irrigator rural farm households of Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Rahel Deribe , Mirzabaev Alisher , Mekonnen Dawit
Published: September 2021

Using a household and plot‐level survey conducted in Ethiopia, this study analyses the difference in farmers' adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) practices between their rainfed and irrigated plots. The paper also investigates the varying influence of different types of irrigation water management systems and associated irrigation technologies on the adoption of SLM practices in irrigated plots. After controlling for heterogeneity among different irrigation water management systems and technologies, we found that access to irrigation play major role in enhancing farmers' motivation to adopt more SLM practices. Furthermore, the combined effect of irrigation water management system and irrigation technology on type and number of SLM practices adopted is quite varied and very significant. The evidence highlights that farmers adopt more SLM practices in their plots with pump irrigation compared with those plots where gravity irrigation is applied because pump irrigation systems enhance complementarities with SLM practices. Finally, the findings underscore that the type of irrigation water management and the irrigation technology applied play an important role in restoring degraded lands and maintaining soil fertility, even when farmers' adoption of irrigation was not explicitly triggered by concerns for soil health.
Reliability of two dissociating tests of phoria in artificially created phoria in normal adults
Authors: Helminski Janet O. , Keller Sarah , Suckow Melissa , Stein Amy , Grieco Lauren , Lintakas Rima , Reinders Caroline
Published: September 2021

Background

The ability of physical therapists (PTs) to accurately identify and reliably measure phoria/tropia is critical in the differential diagnosis of individuals with acute vestibular syndrome and concussion/mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives

To determine if PTs may reliably measure phoria and to determine the reliability of two dissociating tests of phoria, the prism neutralized Maddox rod test and modified Thorington method, in normal adults with artificially created phoria.

Methods

Thirty adults (mean age 24.87 ± 4.74 years) were randomly assigned to wear trial lenses (1, 2, 4, or 6 pd prism left, plain glass right) to create phoria. In sitting and supine, phoria was measured using prism neutralized Maddox rod test and modified Thorington method. Mean, SD, and range of first neutral endpoint were calculated for each examiner. Percentage of trials in agreement (≤ 2 and 4 pd); comparisons within the linear mixed effects regression model; and inter‐rater reliability between examiners was calculated with the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Participants underwent 20 measurements by each examiner. Trial agreement between examiners was 74% (range 13%‐100%) in horizontal and 91% (range 63%‐100%) in vertical plane. Maddox rod test had significantly different means between two examiners (P < .05). Modified Thorington test had no significant difference. The Maddox rod test had a significant examiner main effect, examiner 2 always scored lower. Inter‐rater correlation coefficient for each test was significant at level of P < .01 (ICC ≥ 0.67 ≤ 0.94) except for modified Thorington test in supine, horizontal plane with P < .05 (ICC ≥ 0.38).

Conclusion

PTs may reliably measure artificially created phorias using prism neutralized Maddox rod test and modified Thorington method.
High sensitivity glycomics in biomedicine
Authors: Lageveen‐Kammeijer Guinevere S. M. , Kuster Bernhard , Reusch Dietmar , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: September 2021

Many analytical challenges in biomedicine arise from the generally high heterogeneity and complexity of glycan‐ and glycoconjugate‐containing samples, which are often only available in minute amounts. Therefore, highly sensitive workflows and detection methods are required. In this review mass spectrometric workflows and detection methods are evaluated for glycans and glycoproteins. Furthermore, glycomic methodologies and innovations that are tailored for enzymatic treatments, chemical derivatization, purification, separation, and detection at high sensitivity are highlighted. The discussion is focused on the analysis of mammalian N‐linked and GalNAc‐type O‐linked glycans.
Binary Blends of Diblock Copolymers: An Efficient Route to Complex Spherical Packing Phases
Authors: Xie Jiayu , Li Yu , Shi An‐Chang
Published: September 2021

The phase behavior of binary blends composed of AB and AB diblock copolymers is systematically studied using the polymeric self‐consistent field theory, focusing on the formation and relative stability of various spherical packing phases. The results are summarized in a set of phase diagrams covering a large phase space of the system. Besides the commonly observed body‐centered‐cubic phase, complex spherical packing phases including the Frank–Kasper A15, and the Laves C14, C15 phases could be stabilized by the addition of longer AB‐copolymers to asymmetric AB‐copolymers. Stabilizing the complex spherical packing phases requires that the added AB‐copolymers have a longer A‐block and an overall chain length at least comparable to the host copolymer chains. A detailed analysis of the block distributions reveals the existence of inter‐ and intra‐domain segregation of different copolymers, which depends sensitively on the copolymer length ratio and composition. The predicted phase behaviours of the AB/AB diblock copolymer blends are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. The study demonstrates that binary blends of diblock copolymers provide an efficient route to regulate the emergence and stability of complex spherical packing phases.
Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Lesions Underlying Parkinsonian Neuropsychiatric Signs
Authors: Maillet Audrey , Météreau Elise , Tremblay Léon , Favre Emilie , Klinger Hélène , Lhommée Eugénie , Le Bars Didier , Castrioto Anna , Prange Stéphane , Sgambato Véronique , Broussolle Emmanuel , Krack Paul , Thobois Stéphane
Published: September 2021

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by heterogeneous motor and nonmotor manifestations related to alterations in monoaminergic neurotransmission systems. Nevertheless, the characterization of concomitant dopaminergic and serotonergic dysfunction after different durations of Parkinson's disease, as well as their respective involvement in the expression and severity of neuropsychiatric signs, has gained little attention so far.

Methods

To fill this gap, we conducted a cross‐sectional study combining clinical and dual‐tracer positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging approaches, using radioligands of dopamine ([11C]‐N‐(3‐iodoprop‐2E‐enyl)‐2‐beta‐carbomethoxy‐3‐beta‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐nortropane) ([11C]PE2I) and serotonin ([11C]‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐(‐2‐amino‐4‐cyanophenylthio)‐benzylamine) ([11C]DASB) reuptake, after different durations of Parkinson's disease (ie, in short‐disease duration drug‐naive de novo (n = 27, 0–2 years‐duration), suffering from apathy (n = 14) or not (n = 13); intermediate‐disease duration (n = 15, 4–7 years‐duration) and long‐disease duration, non‐demented (n = 15, 8–10 years‐duration) patients). Fifteen age‐matched healthy subjects were also enrolled.

Results

The main findings are threefold: (1) both dopaminergic and serotonergic lesions worsen with the duration of Parkinson's disease, spreading from midbrain/subcortical to cortical regions; (2) the presence of apathy at PD onset is associated with more severe cortical and subcortical serotonergic and dopaminergic disruption, similar to the denervation pattern observed in intermediate‐disease duration patients; and (3) the severity of parkinsonian apathy, depression, and trait‐anxiety appears primarily related to serotonergic alteration within corticostriatal limbic areas.

Conclusions

Altogether, these findings highlight the prominent role of serotonergic degeneration in the expression of several neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring after different durations of Parkinson's disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bioeconomic modeling of household waste recovery
Authors: Cherkaoui Dekkaki Othman , El Khattabi Noha , Raissi Nadia
Published: September 2021

The ecological consciousness has driven developed societies to explore alternatives to the growing need for energy and the consequent increase in waste production. The adjustment towards the waste recovery and their transformation into energy, by various processes, is then necessary. However, so far, the domain has not benefited much from a mathematical modeling approach. The main contribution of this work consists of building a bioeconomic model describing the problem of a potential investor who aims to maximize his net profit generated by selling the produced energy from the household waste transformation. We first study the evolution of a waste stock, the energy quantity produced, and the capital dedicated to the transformation process in a giving landfill and recovery center. Then we insert decision variables to this dynamic which are both the investment and the part of waste to be treated. This leads to an optimal control problem which we solve by the deductive method. The resulted solution is then illustrated by some numerical simulations. This investment policy would be to support the decision makers to go towards investment in this activity.
A novel phase‐field based cohesive zone model for modeling interfacial failure in composites
Authors: Bian Pei‐Liang , Qing Hai , Schmauder Siegfried
Published: September 2021

The interface plays a critical role in the mechanical properties of composites. In the present work, a novel phase‐field based cohesive zone model (CZM) is proposed for the cracking simulation. The competition and interaction between the bulk and interfacial cracking are taken into consideration directly in both displacement‐ and phase‐field. A family of modified degradation functions is utilized to describe the traction‐separation law in the CZM. Finite element implementation of the present CZM was carried out with a completely staggered algorithm. Several numerical examples, including a single bar tension test, a double cantilever beam test, a three‐point bending test, and a single‐fiber reinforced composite test, are carried out to verify the present model by comparison with existing numerical and experimental results. The present model shows its advantage on modeling interaction between bulk and interfacial cracking.
Semi‐analytic time differencing methods for singularly perturbed initial value problems
Authors: Gie Gung‐Min , Jung Chang‐Yeol , Lee Hoyeon
Published: September 2021

We implement our new semi‐analytic time differencing methods, applied to singularly perturbed non‐linear initial value problems. It is well‐known that, concerning the singularly perturbed initial problem, a very stiff layer, called initial layer, appears when the perturbation parameter is small, and this stiff initial layer causes significant difficulties to approximate the solution. To improve numerical quality of the classical integrating factor (IF) methods and exponential time differencing (ETD) methods for stiff problems, we first derived the so‐called correctors, which are analytic approximations of the stiff part of the solution. Then, by embedding these correctors into the IF and ETD methods, we build our new enriched schemes to improve the IF Runge–Kutta and ETD Runge–Kutta schemes. By performing numerical simulations, we verify that our new enriched schemes give much better approximations of solutions to the stiff problems, compared with the classical schemes without using the correctors.
Tailoring the graphene oxide chemical structure and morphology as a key to polypropylene nanocomposite performance
Authors: Garcia Pamela S. , de Oliveira Yuri D. C. , Valim Fernanda C. F. , Kotsilkova Rumiana , Ivanov Evgeni , Donato Ricardo K. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M. , Andrade Ricardo J. E.
Published: September 2021

In this work, we designed and studied two synthetic routes, based on modified Hummers method, to obtain graphene oxide (GO), and investigated their influence on the performance of polypropylene (PP)/GO nanocomposites. The two synthetic routes differed in the application condition of the oxidizing agent, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), which was added either as a powder (GO‐P) or as a water solution (GO‐S). This apparently subtle synthetic change yielded GOs with different degrees of oxidation and particle sizes, where GO‐P presented a higher oxidation degree and smaller particles. The different GOs were then melt‐blended with PP and the correlation between their different chemical/morphological structures and the nanocomposites' thermomechanical/rheological properties were evaluated. The milder oxidation process suffered by GO‐S, and consequent less hydrophilic character, yielded a PP/GO‐S nanocomposite with improved performance as the consequence of a better matrix/filler chemical affinity, mainly in compositions with lower GO‐S contents. The thermal stability was increased by more than 10°C when 0.1 wt% GO‐S was inserted into PP. When compared to the composition with 0.1 wt% GO‐P, the increase was 13°C. Reinforcing effects were also observed in that sample (with 0.1 wt% GO‐S), which exhibited the highest storage modulus and complex viscosity. These results suggest that tailoring the GO's oxidation degree and morphology is a key point to obtain an ideal interfacial interaction between phases.
Determination of electron properties of a helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet with a grounded metallic target
Authors: Tran Tuyen Ngoc , Oh Cha‐Hwan , Lee Wonwook
Published: September 2021

An atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was configured to generate helium atmospheric pressure plasma. A kilohertz AC voltage was applied to APPJ electrodes, and a grounded aluminum target was placed outside of a quartz tube on the plasma propagation axis. The electron temperature and density of APPJ were determined using the emissivity of continuum radiation in 380–500 nm spectra. Electron temperatures and densities for the helium plasmas with and without a target were compared. When the target was installed, the continuum radiation was enhanced, and electron density increased. Spatial distributions of electron temperature and density from the nozzle of the quartz tube to the target were examined. The electron temperature increased up to ∼2.75 eV, and electron density increased and decreased along APPJ propagation.
DCE‐MRI for early evaluation of therapeutic response in esophageal cancer after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and its values in predicting HIF‐1α expression
Authors: Xie Xiaodong , Gu Lingling , Guo Zhen , Tao Hua , Zhou Yiqin , Shen Wenrong , Zhou Zhengyang
Published: September 2021

To examine the feasibility of quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in the early assessment of the therapeutic response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in esophageal cancer (EC) patients and to determine its value in predicting HIF‐1α expression. EC patients underwent DCE‐MRI 1 week pre‐CRT and 3 weeks post‐CRT (3w‐CRT). According to tumor regression post‐treatment, patients were divided into sensitive group (SG) and resistant group (RG). HIF‐1α expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Quantitative parameters (ktrans, kep, and ve) were compared between the SG and RG groups, as well as between the HIF‐1α(+) and HIF‐1α(−) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to detect the best predictor of the above parameters in the therapeutic response and in predicting HIF‐1α expression. Totally 34 and 5 patients were included in the SG and RG, respectively. Pre‐ktrans and pre‐kep were decreased significantly in the SG at 3w‐CRT (p < .01), whereas only pre‐kep was decreased in the RG (p = .037). Pre‐ktrans was higher in the SG compared with the RG (p < .01). Meanwhile, absolute Δktrans (post‐ktrans–pre‐ktrans) was reduced more substantially in the SG compared with the RG. Δktrans also had the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.929) in distinguishing SG from RG. Based on IHC, 13 and 11 patients were HIF‐1α(+) and HIF‐1α(−), respectively. At 3w‐CRT, post‐ktrans was markedly lower than pre‐ktrans in the HIF‐1α(+) group (p < .01); however, both ktrans and kep in the HIF‐1α(−) group were dramatically reduced than pre‐treatment values (both p < .01). Pre‐ktrans was significantly higher in the HIF‐1α(−) group compared with the HIF‐1α(+) group (p = .002) and constituted an excellent parameter for predicting HIF‐1α expression (AUC = 0.881). DCE‐MRI is effective in the early assessment of the therapeutic response after CRT, offering a novel noninvasive method for predicting HIF‐1α expression in advanced EC patients.