bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Student-Led Surgical Mentorship Program
Authors: Jackson Stuart , Long Leonora , Hong Jonathan , Young Christopher
Published: June 2021

Mentorship carries benefits for surgically inclined students: attraction to and retention in surgical training, improved understanding of surgical career pathways, increased research participation and output, and development of surgical skills. With assistance of surgeons and faculty, a surgical mentorship program for medical students was developed and established by the Sydney University Surgical Society, a student organisation of the University of Sydney, Australia. The program was audited at the end of the calendar year with a non-validated survey of participants, informed further by qualitative participant reports and personal observations of convenors. High program satisfaction rates were found for mentee participants, with flexible and informal mentorship interactions characterising the program. Comparatively lower mentor satisfaction rates and qualitative reports suggest that an initial formalised meeting may improve mentor satisfaction and mentee engagement levels. This article describes the evolution and reflects on key features of a novel student-led surgical mentorship program for medical students. It suggests that with faculty support, student-led mentoring initiatives can be established to achieve the desired outcomes of mentoring and provides guidance to assist establishment of similar programs in the future.
Apontamentos historiográficos sobre o livro didático de português: o controle governamental em foco
Authors: Carvalhaes Wesley Luis
Published: June 2021

Este estudo apresenta alguns elementos para a construção de um percurso historiográfico do livro didático de português (LDP), cuja elaboração está intimamente associada às políticas públicas para a produção, a aquisição e a distribuição de material didático. Por meio de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, este artigo aponta e discute elementos que permitem constatar como o governo, desde o Brasil Colônia, exerce um controle sobre a produção e a circulação do material didático para o ensino de língua materna. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que os manuais didáticos são produzidos conforme definem documentos oficiais que regulam a edição e a circulação do LDP, configurando uma ordem do discurso sobre o livro didático a qual tem cristalizado um modelo de produção do LDP.
The contemporary migratory movement in the European Union: challenges and benefits for Poland
Authors: Rewera Witold , Grazziotin Noschang Patricia
Published: June 2021

One of the main destinations for people who leave their homes whether voluntarily or forced is the European Union. It can be observed that both in voluntary andforced migrations, and especially in the second one, the European Union is the final destination of these displaced persons. However, the absence of an efficientmigratory policy, has generated a chaotic scenario of illegal immigrants, disrespect for international regulations, and deprecated lives for economic reasons.The aim is to demonstrate that the EU's asylum policy is not adequate and needs reform. Using the deductive approac h and bibliographic technique and data anal-ysis, the work presents the difficulties of a concise European Union policy on immigration and its effects in Poland.
A Study on Effects of Multimodal Science Text Design on Meaning-Making of Science Content: Science Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Ayık Zekai , Coştu Bayram
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies demonstrated that the meaning-making of scientific knowledge is affected by the design of multimodal science texts. Various modes are co-operated together in certain inter-semiotic mechanisms to produce meaning in multimodal texts. Based on this perspective, this research seeks to investigate the effect of mode level in science texts and compositional arrangement on the meaning-making of science concepts and processes. In this context, four science texts with the same content (transformation of energy) at different mode densities and two science texts with the same content (covalent bonding) one of which is arranged in accordance with variation theory of learning are designed. By using the case study method, this research explored six experienced science teachers’ views about the effects of mode level and multimodal text composition on meaning-making. The data were collected with semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. The findings demonstrated that mode density may affect meaning-making and so learning since different modes have affordance to represent different meaning and meaning relationship types. Besides, multimodal text composition may foreground the critical aspects of content, and help to design a coherent multimodal science text.
Biodegradable Polyamide 6.6 for Textile Application
Authors: Sacchi Maria Carolina Garcia Peixoto , Marcicano João Paulo Pereira , Vasconcelos Fernando Barros de
Published: June 2021

The study evaluates comparatively some physical and chemical properties of polyamide 6.6 standard and biodegradable. It also evaluates the period of biodegradation of the biodegradable yarn sample and standard sample. The physical properties analyzed were tensile strength, elongation, and tenacity. The chemical properties were related to the behavior of the samples in dyeing and the evaluation of subsequent strength dyeing. The evaluated samples were taken from knitwear produced with polyamide textured filament yarn 80 dtex f 68x1, standard and biodegradable, being purged, bleached, and dyed. The results of the physical tests, although statistically different, have values ​​very near the average, which in practice represent acceptable values ​​within the statistical control process. Both standard and biodegradable samples had the same chemical behavior and there is no difference. Concerning to biodegradation time under laboratory conditions, the carbon dioxide produced by the samples was monitored and measured to determine the percentage of biodegradation according to ASTM D 5511. After 735 days the percentage of biodegradation of the biodegradable yarn was 81.7% and of the normal yarn was 5.2%. This is an expressive gain in ecological terms for synthetic fiber.
“A composItIon wrItten wIthout creatIve lImItatIons” – Wanda Landowska and concerto for harpsichord
and five instruments by ManueL de Falla (1923)
Authors: Artola Ines R.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present article is the analysis of Concerto for harpsichord and five instruments by Manuel de Falla – a piece which was dedicated by the composer to Wanda Landowska, an outstanding Polish harpsichord player. The piece was meant to commemorate the friendship these two artists shared as well as their collaboration. Written in the period of 1923-1926, the Concerto was the first composition in the history of 20th century music where harpsichord was the soloist instrument. The first element of the article is the context in which the piece was written. We shall look into the musical influences that shaped its form. On the one hand, it was the music of the past: from Cancionero Felipe Pedrell through mainly Bach’s polyphony to works by Scarlatti which preceded the Classicism (this influence is particularly noticeable in the third movement of the Concerto). On the other hand, it was music from the time of de Falla: first of all – Neo-Classicism and works by Stravinsky. The author refers to historical sources – critics’ reviews, testimonies of de Falla’s contemporaries and, obviously, his own remarks as to the interpretation of the piece.
Next, Inés R. Artola analyses the score in the strict sense of the word “analysis”. In this part of the article, she quotes specific fragments of the composition, which reflect both traditional musical means (counterpoint, canon, Scarlatti-style sonata form, influence of old popular music) and the avant-garde ones (polytonality, orchestration, elements of neo-classical harmony).
Predicting Addiction Susceptibility Based on Big Five Personality Traits
Authors: Zeighami Reza , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh , Mohammadi Navid , Shahsavari Saeed
Published: June 2021

Background: Addiction is one of the most prominent problems and the fourth leading crisis worldwide. In Iran, this issue is more complicated because of increasing young population in this country. Objectives: This study aimed to predict addiction susceptibility regarding students’ personality traits at Qazvin universities. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 227 students from Qazvin universities were selected using the multistage random stratified sampling method. Data collection tools were demographic information form, Addiction Susceptibility questionnaire (ASQ), and NEO personality inventory. After collecting the required data, SPSS software version 21 was used to analyze the data by running variance analysis and paired sample t-test. Results: In this study, neuroticism (P = 0.031) and openness (P = 0.043) with regression coefficients of 0.584 and 0.586 had positive and significant effects on addiction susceptibility, respectively. In contrast, extraversion (P = 0.023), agreeableness (P = 0.038), and consciousness (P < 0.001) with regression coefficients of -0.639, -0.186, and -1.342 had negative and significant effects on addiction susceptibility, respectively. Conclusions: The findings revealed a significant relationship between personality traits and addiction susceptibility. Accordingly, the aforementioned psychological traits must be empathized in educational, preventive, and therapeutic programs so that the vulnerable groups, including students, would receive some help.
COVID-19 in Continental Europe
Authors: Moradi Leila
Published: June 2021

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging disease that was first identified in China and then spread to most countries around the world. The disease was caused by the coronavirus and led to restrictions in most parts of the world. Definitive causes have been identified, and mortality from the disease is high in continental Europe. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of COVID-19 in continental Europe. Methods: This was an ecological study and described the characteristics of COVID-19 in continental Europe. Data related to the definite cases of diagnosis and death due to this disease and World Health Organization reports were recruited and transferred to Excel and SPSS software. Case fatality rates were also calculated for each country. Results: The highest confirmed number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19 was in Russia with 4,333,029 cases, and the highest number of deaths reported due to COVID19 was in the United Kingdom with 124,419 cases. The highest case fatality rates were from Bulgaria 4.08%. Conclusions: COVID-19 is a highly contagious and deadly disease, and until an effective vaccine is available, the prevention of disease transmission is possible only through observing social distancing.
Differences in the use of englishism in daily speech in primary school children in relation to sociodemographic variables
Authors: Miljković Miljan
Published: June 2021

Being surrounded by English language leads us to think that anglicisms are found in everyday language. Innevitably, even children of primary school age come into contact with anglicisms. The online classes that were conducted, and due to the epidemic of the Kovid 19 virus, made the availability of words of foreign origin, in this case from the English-speaking area, even easier. The subject of this paper is to examine the differences in the use of anglicisms among pupils ofthe primary school in Kosovska Mitrovica, aged 9 to 12 years, in relation to sociodemographic variables (gender, grade and age of students, school successand educational level of parents and socioeconomic status of the family). Online survey was conducted offering words of Serbian and English origin with the aim of giving an insight into how many foreign words are used instead of domestic ones. The research found that a statistically significant difference exists only between pupils whose mothers are of different educational levels. Other hypotheses have not been confirmed.
Injuries and Illness in Olympic Level Water Polo Athletes – a Three-Season Prospective Study
Authors: Verhagen E , Lang M , Watson R , Moen MH
Published: June 2021

Problem: Epidemiological data of injuries and illnesses in water polo athletes are limited. This study’s objective was to describe the incidence, prevalence, and severity of health problems among a cohort of elite players. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 24 elite waterpolo athletes over 2.5 years. Health problems were recorded weekly with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on health problems and subsequently categorized into illnesses and injuries according to the recently published International Olympic Committee guidelines. Based on the athlete’s weekly responses, we calculated health problem prevalence, incidence and severity. Results: A total of 288 health problems were reported, including 76 illnesses and 212 injuries resulting in a weekly prevalence of 30.3% (95% CI: 28.2-32.4) for all health problems. Of these, 115 (39.9%) were categorized as substantial, of which 76 were illnesses, and 39 were injuries. The overall acute injury incidence rate was 1.66 injuries (95% CI: 1.23-2.09) per 1,000 sports exposure hours. The training and competition acute injury incidence rates were, respectively, 1.20 (95%CI: 0.81 – 1.59) per 1,000 Training hours and 5.38 (95% CI: 3.18 – 7.58) per 1,000 competition hours. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of injuries among this cohort of elite water polo athletes. Future efforts that further improve athlete safety should focus on both acute and repetitive mechanism injuries.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Use of Academic Library Resources
Authors: Connell Ruth Sara , Wallis Lisa , Comeaux David
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted higher education, including academic libraries. This paper compares the use of library resources (including interlibrary loan, website and discovery tool pageviews, database use, patron interactions, etc.) at three university libraries before and after the pandemic. The latter part of the 2019 and 2020 spring semesters are the time frames of focus, although two control time frames from earlier in those semesters are used to determine how the semesters differed when the coronavirus was not a factor. The institutions experienced similar patterns of use across many metrics.
Administrative transformations of the cultural heritage protection authorities in Krasnoyarsk Krai (1980-2010)
Authors: Ivanova Alisa Sergeevna
Published: June 2021

The subject of this research is the peculiarities of the historical processes of establishment and development of the system of state protection of historical and cultural heritage in the largest Siberian region – Krasnoyarsk Krai. The author explores the period of institutional development of the system in form of designated institutions since its establishment in the mid-1980s to the present. The object of this research is the system of administrative arrangement and control of the heritage protection authority in Krasnoyarsk Krai. Detailed analysis is conducted on the content of official documents, resolutions and executive orders of the government of Krasnoyarsk Krai, which served as the basic sources on the history of the organization of state protection of historical sites in the region. The author determines the peculiarities of functioning of the system of state protection of cultural heritage sites in Krasnoyarsk Krai, depending on its place in the time-varying administrative hierarchy of regional government. The research is based on the analysis of administrative transformations in the sphere of state protection of heritage through outlining gradual historical stages in the development of control (subordination) system of the cultural and historical l heritage protection authorities in Krasnoyarsk Krai The obtained conclusions lie in the peculiarities of current functioning of the system of state protection of heritage in Krasnoyarsk Krai. This article is first to trace the history of development of the system of state protection of historical and cultural heritage from the perspective of its hierarchical status in administrative governance of the region. It is indicated that the division of the state protection of monuments into an independent structure with separate authority increases the role and significance of the branch of state protection of cultural heritage sites in the region.
Emission Analysis of Diesel Engine by Cooking Oil Waste as Part Substitute of Fuel
Authors: Padhi Manas Ranjan , Mishra Siba Prasad
Published: June 2021

Methyl ester as biodiesel is one clean energy sources for fueling diesel engines. The adverse effects of the conventional fossil fuels and rise in fuel price have made researchers to carry out their researches on various sources of biodiesels. The process of producing biodiesel from vegetable oil is not so economical due to cost of the raw materials though there are reductions in emission gases from automobile exhaust. The cooking oil as waste is not eco-friendly and difficult to dispose. The same can be used as a part substitute to diesel to run internal combustion engine to economize the fuel cost, reduce environmental pollution, ameliorate the difficulties of unburnt cooking oil disposal. Recent study envisages an attempt to convert the waste cooking oil to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) as a supplement to diesel. An internal combustion engine was run with different proportion by substituting with FAME acquired from cooking oil waste. The analyses of the noxious gases released have been conducted to find the concentration of noxious gasses by using Exhaust Gas Analyzer. The percentage of toxic gasses exhausted on running the internal combustion engines with extracted biodiesel at 10%, 20% and 30% mix were analyzed. The results revealed that the percentage of emitted gases like Hydrocarbon (HC), and Monoxide of Carbon (CO) were reduced and it was found optimum at a blend of 20% of biodiesel when added with 80% conventional diesel but need further work on it.
Lyophilization‐Free Engineering of Polyelectrolyte Monolith by an Ice‐Dissolving‐Complexation Method
Authors: Ni Yunxia , Zhou Xiaohong , Gong Jiang , Xue Longjian , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2021

Ice templating is a versatile strategy for structural engineering of hydrophilic polymers and composites, yet the removal of ice templates requires lengthy lyophilization, and the prepared materials need further crosslinking for use in water. This study introduces an ice‐dissolving‐complexation (IDC) method to prepare ice templating monolith in an hour without the need for ice sublimation under a vacuum. The aqueous solution of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa) is frozen, immersed in ethanol/Cu2+ bath (−20 °C). Ice templates dissolved in ethanol, whereby the CMC‐Cu2+ complexation occurred simultaneously to stabilize CMC microstructures. The IDC method enables the preparation and stabilization of CMC monolith with pores and/or aligned channels in one step that is 30–50 times more efficient than lyophilization in terms of the time consumed for ice removal. The IDC method is applicable to various polyelectrolytes and hybrids for straightforward use in water, as exemplified by a proof‐of‐concept CMC‐Cu2+‐carbon nanotubes monolith, which exhibits high performance solar‐steaming under one sun irradiation.
Heterogeneous Amplitude−Phase Metasurface for Distinct Wavefront Manipulation
Authors: Wang Chaohui , Xu He-Xiu , Wang Yanzhao , Zhang Cheng , Wang Shaojie , Wang Mingzhao , Yang Xiao
Published: June 2021

Achieving simultaneously multiple distinct wavefront manipulations using a single flat plate is pivotal in increasing the integration level and information capacity of an optoelectronic system. As of today, the state‐of‐the‐art metadevices have been devoted to multiple functionalities by imparting two independent phase patterns triggered at two orthogonal polarization states. However, in fact, it is terribly challenging to realize individual amplitude−phase (A−P) control using an anisotropic metasurface. Herein, a heterogeneous strategy for achieving an A−P manipulation utilizing heterogeneous indium tin oxide (ITO) resistive films and metal patterns is demonstrated. By synergizing dual‐layer ITO films and a sandwiched dual‐mode metallic layer on a back metallic ground, the proposed meta‐atom exhibits near‐zero and near‐unity reflections for dual‐orthogonal linear polarizations. The above feature can be utilized to trigger polarization‐dependent functionalities by uniformly and inhomogeneously distributing the ITO and metallic pattern, respectively. Using this proposed architecture, two metasurfaces with integrated radiation−absorption and integrated diffusion−absorption function are implemented. Both numerical and experimental results demonstrate that two well‐designed metadevices enable to achieve a similar broadband absorptivity (above 90% within 7.8−18.5 GHz) but completely distinct wavefront manipulations triggered by two polarizations. The heterogeneous metasurface concept paves the way toward realizing high‐performance multifunctionalities with complex wavefront manipulation capabilities.
Design Considerations for Macroencapsulation Devices for Stem Cell Derived Islets for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Goswami Debkalpa , Domingo‐Lopez Daniel A. , Ward Niamh A. , Millman Jeffrey R. , Duffy Garry P. , Dolan Eimear B. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: June 2021

Stem cell derived insulin producing cells or islets have shown promise in reversing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), yet successful transplantation currently necessitates long‐term modulation with immunosuppressant drugs. An alternative approach to avoiding this immune response is to utilize an islet macroencapsulation device, where islets are incorporated into a selectively permeable membrane that can protect the transplanted cells from acute host response, whilst enabling delivery of insulin. These macroencapsulation systems have to meet a number of stringent and challenging design criteria in order to achieve the ultimate goal of reversing T1D. In this progress report, the design considerations and functional requirements of macroencapsulation systems are reviewed, specifically for stem‐cell derived islets (SC‐islets), highlighting distinct design parameters. Additionally, a perspective on the future for macroencapsulation systems is given, and how incorporating continuous sensing and closed‐loop feedback can be transformative in advancing toward an autonomous biohybrid artificial pancreas.
Advances in Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Reforming
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Banik Bimal K.
Published: June 2021

Steam natural gas reforming is the preferred technique presently used to produce hydrogen. Proposed in 1932, the technique is very well established but still subjected to perfections. Herein, first, the improvements being sought in catalysts and processes are reviewed, and then the advantage of replacing the energy supply from burning fuels with concentrated solar energy is discussed. It is especially this advance that may drastically reduce the economic and environmental cost of hydrogen production. Steam reforming can be easily integrated into concentrated solar with thermal storage for continuous hydrogen production.
Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide into Formate: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al‐Tamreh Shaima A. , Ibrahim Mohamed H. , El‐Naas Muftah H. , Vaes Jan , Pant Deepak , Benamor Abdelbaki , Amhamed Abdulkarem
Published: June 2021

Carbon dioxide conversion into useful products has been gaining considerable attention as a global‐warming‐mitigation technique. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into high‐value chemicals involves the utilization of electrical energy in the presence of an effective catalyst. The process products depend on the number of transferred electrons during the reaction and the characteristics of the electrode. Recently, electrodes coupled with active catalysts have been used to convert CO2 into valuable products including formic acid, hydrocarbons, and syngas. This review offers an overview of the recent literature on the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to valuable products, with an emphasis on the production of formate/formic acid. In addition, it compares the main features of electrochemical conversion to other techniques and summarizes their key advantages. It also provides future perspective for research and development, such as the need for novel and selective catalysts to obtain high conversion and product yield with low energy consumption.
Multi‐shelled Hollow Nanospheres of SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C Composite as High‐performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Wencai , Yuan Yongfeng , Du Pingfan , Zhu Min , Yin Simin , Guo Shaoyi
Published: June 2021

To overcome two main drawbacks of SnO2 as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, low conductivity and poor cycling stability, SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C composite is prepared via one‐pot hydrothermal reaction to synthesize SnO2/C precursor‐assembled hollow nanospheres and then coated with TiO2 and resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin. After calcination, multi‐shelled hollow nanospheres of SnO2/Sn@TiO2@C are formed. When used as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, the as‐prepared composite exhibits high discharge capacity of 1565 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. After 300 cycles at 1 A g−1, the discharge capacity still reaches 961 mAh g−1 with capacity fading rate of just 0.11 % per cycle. The average discharge capacity reaches 395 mAh g−1 even at 5 A g−1. The superior lithium storage performance mainly benefits from the unique multi‐shelled hollow nanosphere structure. The coating TiO2 and amorphous carbon increase structural and cycling stabilities of SnO2/Sn hollow nanospheres. The outermost carbon shell further enhances electronic conductivity of the composite. The hollow nanosphere structure also endows SnO2/Sn nanoparticles with high electrochemical activity. This work proposes a feasible synthesis and structure design strategy for the development of advanced SnO2‐based composite materials.
Prognostic significance of liver stiffness assessed by fibrosis‐4 index in patients with heart failure
Authors: Takae Masafumi , Fujisue Koichiro , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Egashira Koichi , Komorita Takashi , Oike Fumi , Nishihara Taiki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Hirakawa Kyoko , Tabata Noriaki , Tokitsu Takanori , Yamanaga Kenshi , Sueta Daisuke , Hanatani Shinsuke , Nakamura Taishi , Usuku Hiroki , Araki Satoshi , Arima Yuichiro , Takashio Seiji , Suzuki Satoru , Kaikita Koichi , Matsushita Kenichi , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: June 2021

Background

Heart failure (HF)‐related congestive hepatopathy is a well‐recognized problem in management of HF. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB4) index calculated by [age × aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)/platelet count (109/L) × square root of alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)] is useful for evaluating liver stiffness. We aimed to investigate the impact of the FIB4 index on prognosis in patients with HF.

Methods and results

Consecutive HF patients referred for hospitalization at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan, were registered between 2006 and 2015. We observed cardiovascular outcomes in each type of HF [HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF), HF with mid‐range LVEF (HFmrEF) and with preserved LVEF (HFpEF)] according to their FIB4 index; Group 1 (FIB4 index <1.3), Group 2 (FIB4 index: 1.3–2.67), and Group 3 (FIB4 index >2.67). This study enrolled 83 HFrEF patients, 117 HFmrEF patients, and 504 HFpEF patients. In HFpEF patients, the Kaplan–Meier curve revealed that Group 3 had a significantly higher rate of total cardiovascular events compared with the other two groups. By contrast, the occurrences of total cardiovascular events were not different among three groups in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients.

Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis with significant factors in univariate analysis identified that the FIB4 index as an independent and significant predictor for future total cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients (hazard ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.15, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The FIB4 index was a significant predictor for total cardiovascular events in HFpEF.
Identification of sex‐specific biomarkers predicting new‐onset heart failure
Authors: Raafs Anne , Verdonschot Job , Ferreira João Pedro , Wang Ping , Collier Timothy , Henkens Michiel , Björkman Jens , Boccanelli Alessandro , Clark Andrew L. , Delles Christian , Diez Javier , González Arantxa , Girerd Nicolas , Jukema J. Wouter , Pinet Florence , Rossignol Patrick , Thum Thomas , Vodovar Nicolas , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Empel Vanessa , Staessen Jan A. , Hazebroek Mark , Cleland John , Zannad Faiez , Heymans Stephane
Published: June 2021

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is common in both men and women, yet disease pathophysiology, presentation, and progression differ between sexes. Studies addressing whether biomarkers predict new onset HF sex‐specifically are scarce. This study therefore aims to test the sex‐specificity of 252 protein biomarkers for new‐onset HF.

Methods and results

A matched case–control design in patients selected from cohorts within the HOMAGE consortium was used. Cases (new‐onset HF, n = 562) and controls (n = 780) were matched for cohort (PREDICTOR, HEALTH‐ABC, & PROSPER), follow‐up time (defined as time from entry to incident HF), and age. Incident HF was defined as first hospitalization for HF. Targeted plasma proteins (n = 252) were measured using Proximity Extension Assay technology from O‐link. To look for sex differences for new onset HF, we adjusted for cohort, age, and baseline clinical parameters. At baseline, women had a biomarker profile reflecting activated metabolism and immune responses. However, none of the biomarkers had a significant interaction with sex in predicting new onset HF, but four biomarkers had a trend towards sex‐specificity (P < 0.013). E‐selectin and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist were more female‐specific, whereas IL17A and CHIT1 tended to be male sex‐specific for incident HF.

Conclusions

The majority of biomarkers associated with incident HF did not significantly differ between women and men, despite clear differences in biomarkers at baseline.
Intra‐aortic balloon pump on in‐hospital outcomes of cardiogenic shock: findings from a nationwide registry, China
Authors: Chu Songyun , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Liu Lin , Shi Ying , Wang Haibo , Chen Hu , Fu Michael , Huo Yong
Published: June 2021

Aims

The real‐world usage of intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) in various cardiogenic shocks (CS) and the association with outcomes are lacking. We aimed to investigate IABP adoption in CS in a nationwide registry in China.

Methods and results

We retrospectively retrieved data of 30 106 CS patients (age 67.1 ± 14.6 years, 37.6% female patients) in the Hospital Quality Monitoring System registry from 2013 to 2016. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of CS (73.9%). Hypertension, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, valvular, and congenital heart disease were seen in 36.0%, 7.5%, 2.6%, 7.3%, and 2.4% of the population. IABP was employed in 2320 (7.7%) subjects. The association between IABP usage and primary outcome of in‐hospital mortality and secondary outcomes of expenses and lengths of stay were investigated. The patients with IABP support had similar in‐hospital mortality to those without IABP (39.6% vs. 38.3%, P = 0.226), but longer hospital‐stay [8.0 (2.0–16.0) vs. 6.0 (2.0–13.0) days, P < 0.001] and higher expenses [7.1(4.4–11.1) vs. 2.3 (0.8–5.5) 10 000RMB, P < 0.001]. IABP support was not associated with reduced mortality in the overall CS population in multivariate regression analysis [odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–1.17], except for subgroups with myocarditis (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.95, P for interaction = 0.010) and those who did not receive the early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.97, P for interaction < 0.001). Similar results were further confirmed in the propensity‐score‐matched population.

Conclusions

In this nationwide registry of CS patients, IABP was not noted with improved survival but increased healthcare consumption. However, IABP appears protective in those with myocarditis or who failed to receive early PCI.
Multichamber Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents With Severe Obesity: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Myocardial Strain Study
Authors: Xu Eric , Kachenoura Nadjia , della Valle Valeria , Dubern Béatrice , Karsenty Alexandra , Tounian Patrick , Dacher Jean‐Nicolas , Layese Richard , Lamy Jérôme , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Redheuil Alban , Blondiaux Eléonore
Published: June 2021

Background

In severe obesity, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling and contractile dysfunction have been documented, but less is known regarding left atrial (LA) dysfunction and its association with LV/RV remodeling, especially in children.

Purpose

To assess the effects of severe childhood obesity on cardiac function by using multichamber strain analysis with MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty‐five children aged 7–18 years (including 20 with severe obesity, defined as a body mass index values above the 99th percentile).

Field Strength

5 T.

Sequence

Steady‐state‐free‐precession (SSFP) images in short‐axis views and longitudinal two‐ and four‐chamber views.

Assessment

Cardiac strain measurements were derived from standard SSFP cine images by using a dedicated MR imaging feature tracking software. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Independent sample t test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, Bland–Altman analysis, and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

As compared to children without obesity, those with obesity showed significantly reduced LA reservoir function (22.2% ± 6.4% vs. 33.8% ± 9.0%) and contractile function (5.4% ± 3.2% vs. 13.3% ± 8.0%) as well as significantly decreased absolute values for LA longitudinal strain in reservoir and contraction phases and LA radial motion fraction in reservoir and contraction phases. Children with severe obesity showed significantly reduced absolute RV radial motion fraction (−10.6% ± 2.9% vs. −18.2% ± 2.9%) and circumferential strain (−10.6% ± 2.9% vs. −16% ± 2.5%) as well as higher LV mass index (28.7% ± 5.1% vs. 21.7 ± 4.6 g/m2) along with significantly reduced LV ejection fraction (56.4% ± 3.9% vs. 60% ± 4.1%), LV radial strain (56% ± 6% vs. 61.8% ± 11.3%), and longitudinal strain (−17.8% ± 1.8% vs. −20.3% ± 3.2%). Reliability was good to excellent, with ICC ranging from 79.1% to 97.7%.

Data Conclusion

MR feature‐tracking strain analysis revealed multichamber dysfunction in severely obese children with impaired LA reservoir and atrial contraction phases, which suggest an early loss in the compensatory ability of atrial contraction with severe obesity.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Surveillance Imaging Following Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and Microvascular Reconstruction
Authors: House Adrian E. , Zebolsky Aaron L. , Jacobs Joanna , Likhterov Ilya , Behr Spencer , Glastonbury Christine , Seth Rahul , Heaton Chase , Knott Philip Daniel
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the accuracy and utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting head and neck cancer (HNC) recurrence after microvascular reconstructive surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Analysis of HNC patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction at a single, tertiary academic center following ablative surgery from 1998 to 2015. Forty‐six patients aged 61.4 ± 15.8 years with both PET/CT and MRI examinations were identified. Two radiologists were blinded and interpreted each imaging study. Recurrence certainty scores were determined via continuous (0–100) and Likert (“Likely” to “Unlikely”) scales, with larger values indicating a higher likelihood of recurrence. Pathologic confirmation of recurrence was confirmed in 23 patients (50%).

Results

Among those with primary site recurrences, mean recurrence certainty was significantly higher with PET/CT versus MRI on the continuous scale (63.9 vs. 44.4, P = .006). A receiver operating characteristic analysis for predicting primary site recurrence demonstrated a significantly larger area under the curve of 0.79 for PET/CT compared to 0.64 for MRI (P = .044). Categorization of “Likely” primary site recurrence on PET/CT, versus MRI, had higher sensitivity (0.63 vs. 0.40), but lower specificity (0.90 vs. 1.0). MRI demonstrated higher sensitivity (1.0 vs. 0.78) at detecting regional site recurrences.

Conclusion

PET/CT demonstrates greater sensitivity than MRI as a surveillance tool for primary site recurrence following microvascular reconstruction where clinical evaluation is hindered by anatomical distortion. Therefore, PET/CT should be pursued as first‐line imaging, with MRI utilized for confirmation of positive imaging findings at the primary site.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 131:2713–2718, 2021
Variability‐based constraint on ocean primary production models
Authors: Cael B. B.
Published: June 2021

Primary production (PP) is fundamental to ocean biogeochemistry, but challengingly variable. Satellite models are unique tools for investigating PP, but are difficult to compare and validate because of the scale separation between in situ and remote measurements, which also are rarely coincident. Here, I argue that satellite estimates should be log‐skew‐normally distributed, because of this scale separation and because PP measurements are log‐normally distributed. Whether they conform to this distributional shape is therefore a powerful variability‐based constraint on such models. Satellite models that do follow a log‐skew‐normal may then also be concisely characterized by three parameters (log‐mean, log‐standard deviation, and log‐skewness). I show that the output from a recent satellite model (CAFE) over 2019 agrees excellently with the log‐skew‐normal, globally and for most spatiotemporal subsets investigated here. The exception is the Northern Hemisphere winter, which may suggest future model improvements. PP by plankton is essential to ocean ecology and biogeochemistry, so satellite models that estimate PP from remote sensing data are indispensable in numerous scientific applications. However, because the corresponding in situ data are rarely measured when a satellite passes overhead, are measured on a much smaller spatial scale, and are highly variable, it is very difficult to compare different satellite models, evaluate how accurate they are, or to constrain their parameters. Here, a different approach to evaluating, comparing, and constraining these models is described, which accounts for or avoids all of these issues with the standard approach. This approach finds excellent agreement overall with a recent satellite model, while also identifying room for improvement.
The Emerging Role of Phosphodiesterases in Movement Disorders
Authors: Erro Roberto , Mencacci Niccoló E. , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2021

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis and inactivation of the cyclic nucleotides cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which act as intracellular second messengers for many signal transduction pathways in the central nervous system. Several classes of PDE enzymes with specific tissue distributions and cyclic nucleotide selectivity are highly expressed in brain regions involved in cognitive and motor functions, which are known to be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. The indication that PDEs are intimately involved in the pathophysiology of different movement disorders further stems from recent discoveries that mutations in genes encoding different PDEs, including PDE2A, PDE8B, and PDE10A, are responsible for rare forms of monogenic parkinsonism and chorea. We here aim to provide a translational overview of the preclinical and clinical data on PDEs, the role of which is emerging in the field of movement disorders, offering a novel venue for a better understanding of their pathophysiology. Modulating cyclic nucleotide signaling, by either acting on their synthesis or on their degradation, represents a promising area for development of novel therapeutic approaches. The study of PDE mutations linked to monogenic movement disorders offers the opportunity of better understanding the role of PDEs in disease pathogenesis, a necessary step to successfully benefit the treatment of both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency disease detected by the enzyme activity of peripheral leukocytes
Authors: Ma YanYan , Zhang YaoGang , Zhang Tao , Man Zhu , Su XiaoMing , Hao ShuJing , Wang TianZe
Published: June 2021

Background

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency is a common neurodegenerative disease associated with abnormal mitochondrial energy metabolism. The diagnosis of PDHC is difficult because of the lack of a rapid, accurate, and cost‐effective clinical diagnostic method.

Methods

A 4‐year‐old boy was preliminarily diagnosed with putative Leigh syndrome based on the clinical presentation. PDHC activity in peripheral blood leukocytes and a corresponding gene analysis were subsequently undertaken. Sodium pyruvate 1‐13C was used for the analysis of PDHC activity in peripheral leukocytes. The genes encoding PDHC were then scanned for mutations.

Results

The results showed that the corresponding PDHC activity was dramatically decreased to 10.5 nmol/h/mg protein as compared with that of healthy controls (124.6 ± 7.1 nmol/h/mg). The ratio of PDHC to citrate synthase was 2.1% (control: 425.3 ± 27.1). The mutation analysis led to the identification of a missense mutation, NM_000284.4:g214C>T, in exon 3 of PDHC.

Conclusion

The peripheral blood leukocyte PDHC activity assay may provide a practical enzymatic diagnostic method for PDHC‐related mitochondrial diseases.
Regarding HER2-Amplified Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Pant Shubham
Published: June 2021

This letter to the editor focuses on promising data that led to a phase II study in HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer that is now open globally for enrollment (NCT04466891).
High–Efficiency Light–Emitting Diodes and Laser Diodes and the Development of “The Alloy Road”
Authors: Dupuis Russell D. , Craford M. George
Published: June 2021

Over the past ≈60 years, the continuing development of III–V compound semiconductor devices, especially infrared and visible light‐emitting diodes and laser diodes, has changed the world for the better and has created entirely new industries or dramatically improved system or product performance and efficiency. Many of the seminal advances in this field have relied upon a few key innovations, e.g., the development of “The Alloy Road.” Herein, some of the pioneering technical contributions of Nick Holonyak, Jr. to this field are reviewed.
Reliability‐based optimization of a prestressed concrete roof girder using a surrogate model and the double‐loop approach
Authors: Slowik Ondřej , Lehký David , Novák Drahomír
Published: June 2021

The paper describes the reliability‐based optimization of a TT‐shaped precast roof girder produced in Austria. An extensive experimental programme was performed using laboratory specimens to gain information on the mechanical fracture parameters of the utilized concrete. Subsequently, destructive shear tests were performed on scaled‐down and full‐scale girders under laboratory conditions. The experiments helped in the development of an accurate numerical model of the girder. The developed model was consequently used for the advanced stochastic analysis of structural response, followed by reliability‐based optimization, which was used to maximize the shear and bending capacities of the girder and minimize production cost under defined reliability constraints. The enormous computational requirements of the double‐loop optimization approach were significantly reduced by the utilization of an artificial neural network‐based surrogate model instead of the original nonlinear finite element model of the optimized structure.
Pioneer settlement of the cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus (Esper, 1794) on plastic
Authors: Bergami Elisa , Caroselli Erik , Vaccari Lisa , Corsi Ilaria , Semenov Alexander , Macali Armando
Published: June 2021

Larval settlement is a critical step for sessile benthic species such as corals, whose ability to thrive on diverse natural and anthropogenic substrates may lead to a competitive advantage in the colonization of new environments with respect to a narrow tolerance for a specific kind of substratum. Plastic debris, widespread in marine waters, provides a large, motile, and solid substratum supporting a highly diverse biological community. Here we present the first observation of a floating plastic bottle colonized by the deep-sea coral Desmophyllum dianthus. The density pattern and co-occurring species composition suggest a pioneer behavior of this coral species, whose peculiar morphologic plasticity response when interacting with the plastic substrate (i.e., low density polyethylene) has not been observed before. The tolerance of D. dianthus for such plastic substrate may affect ecological processes in deep water environments, disrupting interspecific substrate competition in the benthic community.