bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
κ-Opioid Receptors Improve Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension via PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Qi , Yang Hong , Zheng Qin , Chen Qiuhong , Li Xiaohui , Guo Jingyi
Published: February 2023

κ-Opioid receptors (κ-OR) are widely used to regulate the activity of the cardiovascular system. To explore the effect and mechanism of κ-OR on salt-sensitive hypertensive endothelial dysfunction, we used Dah1 rats to construct a rat model of salt-sensitive hypertension on a high-salt (HS) diet. Then, the rats were treated with κ-OR activators U50,488H (1.25 mg/kg) and inhibitor nor-BNI (2.0 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, respectively. The rat aortas were collected to detect the contents of NO, ET-1, AngII, NOS, T-AOC, SO, and NT. Protein expression was determined for NOS, Akt, and Caveolin-1. In addition, the vascular endothelial cells were extracted, and the levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, p-Akt, and p-eNOS in cell supernatants were detected. In vivo results showed that compared with the HS group, treated with U50,488H promoted rats’ vasodilation by increasing the NO content and decreasing ET-1 and AngII contents. U50,488H reduced endothelial cell apoptosis and attenuated vascular, smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell injury. U50,488H also enhanced the rats’ response to oxidative stress by increasing the NOS and T-AOC contents. Moreover, U50,488H increased the eNOS, p-eNOS, Akt, and p-AKT expression and decreased the iNOS and Caveolin-1 expression. In vitro results showed that U50,488H promoted NO, IL-10, p-Akt, and p-eNOS levels in endothelial cell supernatants versus the HS group. And U50,488H reduced the adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils to endothelial cells and the migration function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Our study suggested that κ-OR activation may improve vascular endothelial dysfunction in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. This may be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of hypertension.
Investigation of the Microstructure Characteristics and Deformation Mechanisms of the Carbonaceous Slate under Hydromechanical Coupling
Authors: Yang Hucheng , Su Shengrui , Li Peng , Chen Jianxun
Published: February 2023

Carbonaceous slate inevitably possesses microscopic pores, microcracks, cleavages, and bedding planes in complex geoenvironment during the diagenesis processes. The microstructure of carbonaceous slate changes apparently under the effects of underground water infiltration, tectonic stress, and engineering disturbance, which induces the large deformation of rock mass and influences the stability of geotechnical engineering projects. To investigate the microstructure characteristics and reveal deformation mechanisms of carbonaceous slate under the influence of water pressure and stress, the variations of the pore size distribution(PSD), connectivity of pores, and porosity of samples during water injection and triaxial compression were studied using multiple methods. The results indicated that voids include plate-like micropores and microcracks, which are discontinuous without external stress. The micropores with a size of less than 1 μm dominate in number. The flaky particles were extruded and bent at a confining pressure, which caused the intermediate pores to form and altered the PSD of the samples. Hence, the connectivity dramatically improved and resulted in increased permeability. Water with dissolved clay minerals and small particles could move between micropores and microcracks during the water injection process. The elastic deformation of the particles recovered, and the intermediate pores disappeared when the imbalanced forces on two sides of the particles were narrowed. Pore water pressure affected the effective stress state and decreased the cohesion and stiffness of the rock. In the lower stress state, the porosity had a certain range of decrease (about 0.2%) mainly due to micropore compression, while the microcrack sprouted and expanded with the increase of compressive stress, resulting in the extension of porosity. The interaction of the stress and water seepage on the slate reduced the rock strength and favored the deformation, leading to a large macrodeformation of the soft rock in the long run.
Nucleus Pulposus Cells Induce M2 Polarization of RAW264.7 via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Pathway and M2 Macrophages Promote Proliferation and Anabolism of Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Authors: Wu Xiao-Tao , Wan Bo-Wen , Feng Xin-Min , Tao Yu-Ping , Wang Yong-Xiang , Sun Hui-Hui
Published: February 2023

Background. The mechanisms underlying M2 macrophage polarization induced by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are unclear. The effects that M2-polarized macrophages have on NP cells are also controversial. Methods. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect the gene change profiles between NP cells from ruptured intervertebral disc (IVD) and normal IVD. The main difference on biological activities between the two cell groups were analyzed by GO analysis and KEGG analysis. Virus transduction, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, western blot, CCK-8, TUNEL staining, and AO/EB staining were performed to explore the interactions between NP cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. Statistics were performed using SPSS26. Results. 801 upregulated and 276 downregulated genes were identified in NP cells from ruptured IVD in mouse models. According to GO and KEGG analysis, we found that the differentially expressed genes (DEG) were dominantly enriched in inflammatory response, extracellular matrix degradation, blood vessel morphogenesis, immune effector process, ossification, chemokine signaling pathway, macrophage activation, etc. CX3CL1 was one of the top 20% DEG, and we confirmed that both NP tissue and cells expressed remarkably higher level of CX3CL1 in mouse models (

p
<

0.001

∗

). Besides, we further revealed that both the recombinant CX3CL1 and NP cells remarkably induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 (

p
<

0.001

∗

), respectively, while this effect was significantly reversed by si-CX3CL1 or JMS-17-2 (

p
<

0.001

∗

). Furthermore, we found that M2 macrophages significantly decreased the apoptosis rate (

p
<

0.001

∗

) and the catabolic gene levels (

p
<

0.001

∗

) of NP cells, while increased the viability, proliferation as well as the anabolic gene levels of NP cells (

p
<

0.01

∗

). Conclusions. Via regulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway, NP cells can induce the M2 macrophage polarization. M2 polarized macrophages can further promote NP cell viability, proliferation, and anabolism, while inhibit NP cell apoptosis and catabolism.
How Does Servant Leadership Nurture Nurses’ Job Embeddedness? Uncovering Sequential Mediation of Psychological Contract Fulfillment and Psychological Ownership
Authors: Faraz Naveed Ahmad , Xiong Zhengde , Mehmood Sultan Adal , Ahmed Fawad , Pervaiz Khansa
Published: February 2023

Aim. This research aimed to explore how servant leadership nurtures nurses’ job embeddedness by uncovering the sequential mediation of psychological contract fulfillment and psychological ownership. Background. The healthcare of Pakistan is undergoing an acute shortage of 1.3 million nurses. The gap is widening due to unprecedented natural uncertainties (floods, earthquakes, COVID-19, dengue, polio, and monkeypox) and the large-scale brain drain of nurses. Therefore, exploring the underlying factors that could facilitate nurses’ job embeddedness is imperative. Methods. A cross-sectional research design was employed, wherein data were gathered in three rounds, two months apart, from 587 nurses employed in public hospitals in Pakistan, and analysis was performed with Smart-PLS. Results. Servant leadership positively influences nurses’ job embeddedness and psychological contract fulfillment. Besides, psychological contract fulfillment positively affects psychological ownership, and psychological ownership enhances nurses’ job embeddedness. Finally, psychological contract fulfillment and psychological ownership sequentially mediate the relationship between servant leadership and job embeddedness. Conclusions. This research emphasized the vitality of servant leadership in nurturing nurses’ job embeddedness. Implications for Nursing Management. Healthcare authorities should keenly focus on promoting servant leadership that shapes the positive perception of nurses about their psychological contract fulfillment and psychological ownership, which are essential resources to cherish nurses’ job embeddedness.
Diminished AdipoR1/APPL1 Interaction Mediates Reduced Cardioprotective Actions of Adiponectin against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Type-2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ren Chao , Yi Wei , Jiang Bo , Gao Erhe , Liang Jiali , Zhang Bo , Yang Zhe , Zheng Dezhi , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2023

Background. Obesity-related diseases have important implications for the occurrence, severity, and outcome of ischemic heart disease. Patients with obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (metabolic syndrome) are at increased risk of heart attack with decreased plasma lipocalin levels, and lipocalin is negatively correlated with heart attack incidence. APPL1 is a signaling protein with multiple functional structural domains and plays an important role in the APN signaling pathway. There are two known subtypes of lipocalin membrane receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. AdioR1 is mainly distributed in skeletal muscle while AdipoR2 is mainly distributed in the liver. Objective. To clarify whether the AdipoR1-APPL1 signaling pathway mediates the effect of lipocalin in reducing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its mechanism will provide us with a new approach to treat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury using lipocalin as an intervention and therapeutic target. Methods. (1) Induction of hypoxia/reoxygenation in SD mammary rat cardiomyocytes to simulate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion; (2) downregulation of APPL1 expression in cardiomyocytes to observe the effect of lipocalin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and its mechanism of action. Results. (1) Primary mammary rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured and induced to simulate MI/R by hypoxia/reoxygenation; (2) lipocalin inhibited H/R-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes; and (3) APN attenuated MI/R injury through AdipoR1-APPL1 and the possible mechanism. Conclusion. This study demonstrates for the first time that lipocalin can attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the AdipoR1-APPL1 signaling pathway and that the reduction of AdipoR1/APPL1 interaction plays an important role in cardiac APN resistance to MI/R injury in diabetic mice.
Improving Active Learning Performance through the Use of Data Augmentation
Authors: Fonseca Joao , Bacao Fernando
Published: February 2023

Active learning (AL) is a well‐known technique to optimize data usage in training, through the interactive selection of unlabeled observations, out of a large pool of unlabeled data, to be labeled by a supervisor. Its focus is to find the unlabeled observations that, once labeled, will maximize the informativeness of the training dataset, therefore reducing data‐related costs. The literature describes several methods to improve the effectiveness of this process. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of research developed around the application of artificial data sources in AL, especially outside image classification or NLP. This paper proposes a new AL framework, which relies on the effective use of artificial data. It may be used with any classifier, generation mechanism, and data type and can be integrated with multiple other state‐of‐the‐art AL contributions. This combination is expected to increase the ML classifier’s performance and reduce both the supervisor’s involvement and the amount of required labeled data at the expense of a marginal increase in computational time. The proposed method introduces a hyperparameter optimization component to improve the generation of artificial instances during the AL process as well as an uncertainty‐based data generation mechanism. We compare the proposed method to the standard framework and an oversampling‐based active learning method for more informed data generation in an AL context. The models’ performance was tested using four different classifiers, two AL‐specific performance metrics, and three classification performance metrics over 15 different datasets. We demonstrated that the proposed framework, using data augmentation, significantly improved the performance of AL, both in terms of classification performance and data selection efficiency (all the codes and preprocessed data developed for this study are available at https://github.com/joaopfonseca/publications/).
Minimum Spanning Tree Method for Sparse Graphs
Authors: Wang Xianchao , Li Shaoyi , Hou Changhui , Zhang Guoming
Published: February 2023

The minimum spanning tree (MST) is widely used in planning the most economical network. The algorithm for finding the MST of a connected graph is essential. In this paper, a new algorithm for finding MST is proposed based on a deduced theorem of MST. The algorithm first sorts the edges in the graph according to their weight, from large to small. Next, on the premise of ensuring the connectivity of the graph, it deletes the edges in this order until the number of edges of the graph is equal to the number of vertexes minus 1. Finally, the remaining graph is an MST. This algorithm is equivalent to an inverse Kruskal algorithm. For sparse graphs, the proposed algorithm has higher efficiency than the Kruskal algorithm. Experiments and analysis verify the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper. The algorithm provides a better choice for finding the MST of the sparse graph.
Integrative Nomogram of Computed Tomography Radiomics, Clinical, and Tumor Immune Features for Analysis of Disease-Free Survival of NSCLC Patients with Surgery
Authors: Xiu Dianhui , Mo Yan , Liu Chaohui , Hu Yu , Wang Yanjing , Zhao Yiming , Guo Tiantian , Cheng Kailiang , Huang Chencui , Liu Lin , Cheng Min
Published: February 2023

To improve prognosis of cancer patients and determine the integrative value for analysis of disease-free survival prediction, a clinic investigation was performed involving with 146 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (83 men and 73 women; mean age: 60.24 years ± 8.637) with a history of surgery. Their computed tomography (CT) radiomics, clinical records, and tumor immune features were firstly obtained and analyzed in this study. Histology and immunohistochemistry were also performed to establish a multimodal nomogram through the fitting model and cross-validation. Finally, Z test and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to evaluate and compare the accuracy and difference of each model. In all, seven radiomics features were selected to construct the radiomics score model. The clinicopathological and immunological factors model, including T stage, N stage, microvascular invasion, smoking quantity, family history of cancer, and immunophenotyping. The C-index of the comprehensive nomogram model on the training set and test set was 0.8766 and 0.8426 respectively, which was better than that of the clinicopathological-radiomics model (Z test, P =0.041<0.05), radiomics model and clinicopathological model (Z test, P =0.013<0.05 and P =0.0097<0.05). Integrative nomogram based on computed tomography radiomics, clinical and immunophenotyping can be served as effective imaging biomarker to predict DFS of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection.
Computational Intelligence-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Corroded and Eccentrically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Sharma Somain , Arora Harish Chandra , Kumar Aman , Kontoni Denise-Penelope N. , Kapoor Nishant Raj , Kumar Krishna , Singh Arshdeep
Published: February 2023

Corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement is the prime influencing factor that deteriorates the structural performance and reduces the serviceability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, especially during earthquakes. In structural elements, RC columns play a vital role in transferring the superstructure’s load to the substructure. The deterioration of RC columns can affect the structures’ overall performance. Hence, it becomes essential to estimate the remaining life of deteriorated RC columns. In the literature, only limited analytical models are available to calculate the remaining life of corroded and eccentrically loaded RC columns. As the number of dependent parameters increases, assessing the residual life of the structural elements and providing a practically applicable suitable model become very complex. Machine learning (ML)-based prediction models are beneficial in dealing with such complex databases. In this article, an ML-based artificial neural network (ANN), Gaussian process regression (GPR), and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms have been applied to estimate the residual strength of corroded and eccentrically loaded RC columns. The performance of the analytical and ML models is accessed using commonly used performance indices, namely, the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), a-20 index, and Nash–Sutcliffe (NS). The results of the proposed ANN model have been compared with the existing analytical model to identify the suitability of the best model. Based on performance analysis, the precision of the GPR and SVM models is lower than that of the ANN model. The processed results revealed that the R2 value of the ANN model for training, testing, and validation datasets is 0.9908, 0.9757, and 0.9855, respectively. The MAPE, MAE, RMSE, NS, and a-20 index for all the datasets are 8.31%, 48.35 kN, 72.53 kN, 0.9886, and 0.8978, respectively. The precision of the ANN model in terms of the coefficient of determination is 225.77% higher than that of the analytical model. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the compressive strength of concrete plays the most significant role in the load-carrying capacity of corroded and eccentrically loaded RC columns. The proposed ANN model is reliable, accurate, fast, and cost effective. This model can also be used as a structural health-monitoring tool to detect the early damages in the RC columns.
Combined Inhibition of Smoothened and the DNA Damage Checkpoint WEE1 Exerts Antitumor Activity in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Anichini Giulia , Raggi Chiara , Pastore Mirella , Carrassa Laura , Maresca Luisa , Crivaro Enrica , Lottini Tiziano , Duwe Lea , Andersen Jesper B. , Tofani Lorenzo , Di Tommaso Luca , Banales Jesus M. , Arcangeli Annarosa , Marra Fabio , Stecca Barbara
Published: February 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by resistance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Therefore, treatments that can effectively suppress tumor growth are urgently needed. Aberrant activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling has been implicated in several cancers, including those of the hepatobiliary tract. However, the role of HH signaling in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we addressed the function of the main transducer Smoothened (SMO) and the transcription factors (TFs) GLI1 and GLI2 in iCCA. In addition, we evaluated the potential benefits of the combined inhibition of SMO and the DNA damage kinase WEE1. Transcriptomic analysis of 152 human iCCA samples showed increased expression of GLI1, GLI2, and Patched 1 (PTCH1) in tumor tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Genetic silencing of SMO, GLI1, and GLI2 inhibited the growth, survival, invasiveness, and self-renewal of iCCA cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of SMO reduced iCCA growth and viability in vitro, by inducing double-strand break DNA damage, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptotic cell death. Importantly, SMO inhibition resulted in the activation of the G2–M checkpoint and DNA damage kinase WEE1, increasing the vulnerability to WEE1 inhibition. Hence, the combination of MRT-92 with the WEE1 inhibitor AZD-1775 showed increased antitumor activity in vitro and in iCCA xenografts compared with single treatments. These data indicate that combined inhibition of SMO and WEE1 reduces tumor burden and may represent a strategy for the clinical development of novel therapeutic approaches in iCCA.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes after Enucleation of Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Brozzetti Stefania , Carati Mariavittoria , Sterpetti Antonio V.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to determine the clinical and oncological outcome of patients who had enucleation of solitary pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. Methods: Operative mortality, postoperative complications, observed survival, and disease-free survival were analyzed. The clinical outcomes of patients who had enucleation were compared to those of 947 patients collected from the literature who had standard or atypical pancreatic resection for the same disease using propensity score matching. Results: There was no postoperative mortality in the 56 patients who had enucleation of pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. In 51 patients, postoperative complications could be analyzed. Ten patients (10/51 = 19.6%) had postoperative complications. Three patients (3/51 = 5.9%) had major complications (Clavien-Dindo III or more). Five-year observed survival rates and disease-free survival for patients with enucleation were 92% and 79%, respectively. These results compared favorably with those obtained in patients who had standard resection and other forms of atypical resection (also using propensity score matching). Patients who had partial pancreatic resection (atypical or not) with pancreatic-jejunal anastomosis had increased rates of postoperative complications and local recurrences. Conclusions: Enucleation of pancreatic metastases offers a valid solution in selected patients.
Tryptophol Acetate and Tyrosol Acetate, Small-Molecule Metabolites Identified in a Probiotic Mixture, Inhibit Hyperinflammation
Authors: Malka Orit , Malishev Ravit , Bersudsky Marina , Rajendran Manikandan , Krishnamohan Mathumathi , Shaik Jakeer , Chamovitz Daniel A. , Tikhonov Evgeni , Sultan Eliya , Koren Omry , Apte Ron N. , Rosental Benyamin , Voronov Elena , Jelinek Raz
Published: February 2023

Probiotic fermented foods are perceived as contributing to human health; however, solid evidence for their presumptive therapeutic systemic benefits is generally lacking. Here we report that tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate, small-molecule metabolites secreted by the probiotic milk-fermented yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus, inhibit hyperinflammation (e.g., “cytokine storm”). Comprehensive in vivo and in vitro analyses, employing LPS-induced hyperinflammation models, reveal dramatic effects of the molecules, added in tandem, on mice morbidity, laboratory parameters, and mortality. Specifically, we observed attenuated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α and reduced reactive oxygen species. Importantly, tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate did not completely suppress proinflammatory cytokine generation, rather brought their concentrations back to baseline levels, thus maintaining core immune functions, including phagocytosis. The anti-inflammatory effects of tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate were mediated through downregulation of TLR4, IL-1R, and TNFR signaling pathways and increased A20 expression, leading to NF-kB inhibition. Overall, this work illuminates phenomenological and molecular details underscoring anti-inflammatory properties of small molecules identified in a probiotic mixture, pointing to potential therapeutic avenues against severe inflammation.
Coronary Artery Calcium Density and Cardiovascular Events by Volume Level: The MESA
Authors: Bhatia Harpreet S. , McClelland Robyn L. , Denenberg Julie , Budoff Matthew J. , Allison Matthew A. , Criqui Michael H.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score provides robust cardiovascular disease risk prediction but upweights plaque area by a density factor. Density, however, has been shown to be inversely associated with events. Using CAC volume and density separately improves risk prediction, but it is unclear how to apply this method clinically. We aimed to evaluate the association between CAC density and cardiovascular disease across the spectrum of CAC volume to better understand how to incorporate these metrics into a single score.

Methods:

We performed an analysis of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) participants with detectable CAC to evaluate the association between CAC density and events by level of CAC volume using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results:

In a cohort of 3316 participants, there was a significant interaction (
P
<0.001) between CAC volume and density for coronary heart disease (CHD) risk (myocardial infarction, CHD death, resuscitated cardiac arrest). Models using CAC volume and density resulted in improvement in the
C
-index (0.703, SE 0.012 versus 0.687, SE 0.013) and a significant net reclassification improvement (0.208 [95% CI, 0.102–0.306]) compared with the Agatston score for CHD risk prediction. Density was significantly associated with lower CHD risk at volumes ≤130 mm
3
(hazard ratio, 0.57 per unit of density [95% CI, 0.43–0.75]), but the inverse association at volumes >130 mm
3
was not significant (hazard ratio, 0.82 per unit of density [95% CI, 0.55–1.22]).

Conclusions:

The lower risk for CHD associated with higher CAC density varied by level of volume, and volume ≤130 mm
3
is a potentially clinically useful cut point. Further study is needed to integrate these findings into a unified CAC scoring method.
Contemporary Anatomic Criteria and Clinical Outcomes With Transcatheter Mitral Repair
Authors: Sorajja Paul , Sato Hirotomo , Bapat Vinayak N. , Cavalcante João L. , Bae Richard , Fukui Miho , Stanberry Larissa , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice
Published: February 2023

Background:

Consensus-driven criteria have recently been proposed for prediction of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair outcomes, yet validation for response to therapy is needed. We examined the relation between contemporary criteria and outcomes with mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair therapy.

Methods:

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair patients were classified according to anatomic and clinical criteria (1) Heart Valve Collaboratory criteria for nonsuitability; (2) commercial indications (suitable); and (3) neither (ie, intermediate). Analyses for Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium–defined outcomes of reduction in mitral regurgitation and survival were performed.

Results:

Among 386 patients (median age, 82 years; 48% women), the most common classification was intermediate (46%), with 138 patients (36%) and 70 patients (18%) in the suitable and nonsuitable categories, respectively. Nonsuitable classification was related to prior valve surgery, smaller mitral valve area, type IIIa morphology, larger coaptation depth, and shorter posterior leaflet. Nonsuitable classification was associated with less technical success (
P
<0.001) and survival free of mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and mitral surgery (
P
<0.001). Among the nonsuitable patients, technical failure or any 30-day major adverse cardiac event occurred in 25.7%. Nevertheless, in these patients, acceptable mitral regurgitation reduction without adverse events still occurred in 69%, and their 1-year survival with mild or no symptoms was 52%.

Conclusions:

Contemporary classification criteria identify patients less suitable for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with respect to acute procedural success and survival, though patients most commonly fit an intermediate category. In experienced centers, sufficient mitral regurgitation reduction can be achieved safely in the selected patients even with challenging anatomy.
Influence of the Social Environment on Ideal Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Singh Sarah S. , Stranges Saverio , Wilk Piotr , Tang Anthony S. L. , Frisbee Stephanie J.
Published: February 2023

Background

The environment plays a large role in the health of individuals; however, more research is needed to better understand aspects of the environment that most influence health. Specifically, our study examines how the social environment influences cardiovascular health (CVH).

Methods and Results

The social environment was characterized using measures of belonging and life and work stress in individuals, as well as nationally derived measures of marginalization, deprivation, economic status, and community well‐being in neighborhoods. CVH was defined by the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular Health Index—a summed score of 7 clinical and behavioral components known to have the greatest impact on CVH. Data were obtained from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2015 to 2016 and multiple national data sources. Multilevel regression models were used to analyze the associations between CVH and the social environment. Overall, 27% of Canadians reported ideal CVH (6–7 score points), 68% reported intermediate CVH (3–5 score points), and 5% reported poor CVH (0–2 score points). The neighborhood environment contributed up to 7% of the differences in CVH between individuals. Findings indicated that residing in a neighborhood with greater community well‐being (odds ratio [OR], 1.33 [95% CI, 1.26–1.41]) was associated with achieving higher odds of ideal CVH, while weaker community belonging (OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.62–0.72]) and residing in a neighborhood with greater marginalization (OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.82–0.91]) and deprivation (OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.64–0.69]) were associated with achieving lower odds of ideal CVH.

Conclusions

Aspects of individual‐level social environment and residing in a neighborhood with a more favorable social environment were both independently and significantly associated with achieving ideal CVH.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Inequities in Access to Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Authors: Reddy Kriyana P. , Eberly Lauren A. , Halaby Rim , Julien Howard , Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Dayoub Elias J. , Coylewright Megan , Alkhouli Mohamad , Fiorilli Paul N. , Kobayashi Taisei J. , Goldberg David M. , Santangeli Pasquale , Herrmann Howard C. , Giri Jay , Groeneveld Peter W. , Fanaroff Alexander C. , Nathan Ashwin S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Inequitable access to high‐technology therapeutics may perpetuate inequities in care. We examined the characteristics of US hospitals that did and did not establish left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) programs, the patient populations those hospitals served, and the associations between zip code–level racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic composition and rates of LAAO among Medicare beneficiaries living within large metropolitan areas with LAAO programs.

Methods and Results

We conducted cross‐sectional analyses of Medicare fee‐for‐service claims for beneficiaries aged 66 years or older between 2016 and 2019. We identified hospitals establishing LAAO programs during the study period. We used generalized linear mixed models to measure the association between zip code–level racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic composition and age‐adjusted rates of LAAO in the most populous 25 metropolitan areas with LAAO sites. During the study period, 507 candidate hospitals started LAAO programs, and 745 candidate hospitals did not. Most new LAAO programs opened in metropolitan areas (97.4%). Compared with non‐LAAO centers, LAAO centers treated patients with higher median household incomes (difference of $913 [95% CI, $197–$1629],
P
=0.01). Zip code–level rates of LAAO procedures per 100 000 Medicare beneficiaries in large metropolitan areas were 0.34% (95% CI, 0.33%–0.35%) lower for each $1000 zip code–level decrease in median household income. After adjustment for socioeconomic markers, age, and clinical comorbidities, LAAO rates were lower in zip codes with higher proportions of Black or Hispanic patients.

Conclusions

Growth in LAAO programs in the United States had been concentrated in metropolitan areas. LAAO centers treated wealthier patient populations in hospitals without LAAO programs. Within major metropolitan areas with LAAO programs, zip codes with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic patients and more patients experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage had lower age‐adjusted rates of LAAO. Thus, geographic proximity alone may not ensure equitable access to LAAO. Unequal access to LAAO may reflect disparities in referral patterns, rates of diagnosis, and preferences for using novel therapies experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups and patients experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Reinterpretation of Thermodynamics Consisting of Mass-Based Energy and Non-Mass-Based Energy
Authors: Jin Changhyun
Published: February 2023

Energy can be broadly classified into mass-based and non-mass-based. Therefore, thermodynamics is too broad and universal to interpret the complex phenomena within only matter. Here, we suggest that (1) the current mixed concept of energy and work can actually be expressed as the actions
of non-masses and the actions of masses, respectively, and (2) the definition of total energy must be revised based on the product of temperature and entropy. These findings, i.e., that space contains energy and the current concept of temperature actually corresponds to space density, are
validated by a reinterpretation of thermodynamics.
Seismic Resilience Study of Piers Enhanced by Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete Jackets Based on Cyclic Loading Test and Static Push-Over Curves
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Li Zhengfa , Wang Fan , Zhuo Saiyang , Wang Tao
Published: February 2023

The efficiency of novel retrofitting of constructed reinforced concrete piers with ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) jackets was investigated. Pier specimens were subjected to a series of cyclic quasi-static stress tests, whereby two tests employed UHPC jackets with a single width
(UHPC-W), while the other two used UHPC jackets with several narrow widths (UHPC-N). The seismic responses were compared in terms of energy dissipation, ductility, hysteresis curves, and skeleton curves. The seismic capability of reinforced concrete piers is increased by both W-type and N-type
UHPC jackets by reducing concrete damage. Reinforced concrete piers with a UHPC-W jacket offer greater lateral strength but are more vulnerable to plastic hinge movement. On the other hand, the UHPC-N jacket increases the ductility of concrete and conceals concrete damage. However, construction
quality was critical to ensure tight contact between the multiple strips and the reinforced concrete shaft. Based on the implicit method, a 3D finite element model is recommended for nonlinear static elasticplastic analysis. The nonlinear reinforcement model, bond-slip behavior, and concrete
damage plastic model are all included in the finite element model. In order to assess the seismic susceptibility of the retrofitted piers, various limit states were defined, and fragility curves unique to the particular structure were produced.
Spatial Variations in Tropical Cyclone Rainfall over the Western North Pacific According to ENSO Phase
Authors: Kim Dasol , Park Doo-Sun R. , Matyas Corene J.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated spatial variations in rainfall accompanying tropical cyclones (TCs) over the western North Pacific (WNP) from June to October over 1998–2019 according to phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The rainfall characteristics of TCs include rainfall strength (RS) in the core region, total rainfall area (RA), and total rainfall volume (RV), all of which were calculated from satellite precipitation data. Spatial variation in mean RS presents a west–east dipole pattern (i.e., increases in the west of 125°E and decreases in the east during La Niña, and vice versa during El Niño) similar to that of maximum wind speed (Vmax), indicating a close relationship between them. On the other hand, both of mean RA and RV homogeneously increase during La Niña over the entire basin while they decrease during El Niño. The environmental conditions around TCs, including sea surface temperature, total column water, and divergence in the upper and lower troposphere during La Niña appear generally favorable for precipitation, while those during El Niño are unfavorable. Using multivariable regression models, we quantified the contributions of Vmax and environmental conditions to the variations in TC rainfall. Overall results suggest that the variation in RS according to ENSO are mainly related to Vmax, while those of RA and RV are strongly controlled by environmental conditions.
Transforming trauma-informed understanding into trauma-informed practice: The Reflective Circle Education Model
Authors: Southall Anne E , Baxter Lindy P , Gardner Fiona
Published: February 2023

Trauma-informed practice in education applies neuroscientific knowledge of the profound impact of early childhood trauma on learning and emphasises the central role of the student-teacher relationship in recovery. In adopting trauma-informed understandings, teachers are required to change their current practices and strengthen their relationships with their students. This often requires a reassessment of the beliefs and values informing their practice and relationships and insight into alternate ways of responding. While recommendations in the trauma-informed education literature emphasise the need for schools to support teachers in this deeply reflective work, it is rarely included in implementation practices. This study trials a form of critical reflection, the Reflective Circle Education Model (RCEM), with a group of six teachers in a school in Victoria Australia over a school year. Teacher perspectives on the value of the RECM model to support trauma-informed practice are then discussed.
Defining piscine endpoints: Towards score sheets for assessment of clinical signs in fish research
Authors: Andersen L , Rønneseth A , Powell MD , Brønstad A
Published: February 2023

The seminar ‘Severity and humane endpoints in fish research’ organized by the University of Bergen, the Industrial and Aquatic Laboratory, together with Fondazione Guido Bernadini, took place on 4 October 2019 in Bergen, Norway. The seminar was followed by a workshop, ‘Establishing score sheets and defining endpoints in fish experiments’, held on 28 January 2020, also in Bergen. The purpose of the seminar was to raise awareness about fish ethics together with severity classification and humane endpoints in fish studies, using examples from farmed fish, mainly salmonids and lumpfish. The overall aim of the workshop was to better define humane endpoints in fish experiments, as well as to discuss suggestions for development and use of score sheets for assessing clinical signs related to endpoints. Endpoints for fish should not only be based on what we know about fish diseases and the lesions they induce but should also take into consideration knowledge about fish species and life stage, fish anatomy, physiology and the general state and behaviour of the fish. For this reason, to reinforce that endpoints should come from the animal’s perspective and needs, we renamed humane endpoints for fish to piscine endpoints. This paper reports the main messages from the workshop sessions including advice on development and use of score sheets.
Community College Student Persistence During the COVID-19 Crisis of Spring 2020
Authors: Lackner Elisabeth
Published: February 2023

Objective: This quantitative study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ persistence at a minority-serving, open-access, public, urban community college in New York City. Specifically, the project looked at factors associated with mid-semester college withdrawals during spring 2020 when the college shifted to remote instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Utilizing data from three spring semesters (spring 2018, 2019, and 2020), four logistic regression models tested the marginal effects of student background and college program factors on mid-semester withdrawal and the moderating effect of spring 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak semester. Results: Findings indicated that the withdrawal rates were higher for new students, men, minoritized students, and part-time students across all three spring semesters. Spring 2020 disproportionally affected part-time students, men, Black students, as well as readmitted students. The greatest increase in the probability of mid-semester college withdrawal was observed for Black men who had been enrolled part-time in spring 2020. Belonging to a highly structured full-time study program protected students from leaving mid-semester, although this protection was weaker in spring 2020 and spring 2019 compared to spring 2018. Contributions: The research highlights the equity gap for Black men at the college and points to additional factors contributing to mid-semester college attrition. The work provides insights into factors that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study thereby contributes to understanding short-term risk factors for vulnerable student populations and adds to the body of literature on crisis situations in higher education.
Ultra-short-term wind power prediction based on double decomposition and LSSVM
Authors: Qin Bin , Huang Xun , Wang Xin , Guo Lingzhong
Published: February 2023

To reduce the influence of the random fluctuation on wind power prediction, a new ultra-short-term wind power prediction model, based on wavelet decomposition (WD), variational mode decomposition (VMD), and least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM), is proposed in this paper. The method is based on the double decomposition and LSSVM, where the wind power sequence is decomposed by WD into low- and high-frequency components, which are further decomposed by VMD to obtain many modal components with tendency and periodicity. Multiple LSSVM prediction models are then established with historical wind power data and weather data as the inputs to obtain the predicted values of the multiple modal components. The final predicted values of wind power are achieved by data fusion of outputs of these LSSVM models. The experimental results show that the MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) of the combined prediction model is 4.66%, which is the best compared with nine benchmark models. This demonstrates the high performance of the proposed WD-VMD-LSSVM model for short-term prediction of wind power.
The dark horse of public administration: The challenge of pedagogical research
Authors: McDonald Bruce D
Published: February 2023

Research on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) has tended to have a bad reputation within the field of public administration. In this manuscript, I discuss the issue of impactful research within the field and provide an argument for why we should be focusing more on pedagogical research than more traditional avenues. Not only does pedagogical research directly impact what and how we teach in the classroom, but it is tends to be read and cited at higher rates than some of the subfields within the discipline.
Prognostic factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hakim Tawil José Antonio , Rojas María Fernanda , Santivañez Juan José , León Leonardo , González Devia Deyanira
Published: February 2023

Background

The prognostic factors for tumor recurrence and mortality of patients diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) with immediate surgery in Colombia has not been reported.

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the risk factors for recurrence and survival at 10 years in patients with the diagnosis of PTC treated at Fundación Santa Fe deBogota (FSFB).

Methods

A total of 486 patients with thyroid surgery accompanied by medical follow-up were recruited. Demographic, clinical, and pathological variables were followed-up for a median period of 10 years.

Results

The most significant variables for recurrence were tumors with > 4 cm of size (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7–55) and extrathyroidal spread (HR = 26.7; 95% CI = 3.1–228).

Conclusion

PTC in our population has low rates of mortality (0.6%) and recurrence (9.6%), with an average time of recurrence of 3 years. Size of the lesion, positive surgical margins, extrathyroidal spread, and high postoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level act as prognostic factors that determine the likelihood of recurrence. Unlike other studies, the influence of age and gender does not act as a prognostic factor.
Patient longevity and survival with custom-made endovascular solutions: The Fenestrated AnacondaTM approach
Authors: Jubouri Matti , Surkhi Abdelaziz O , Tan Sven Z C P , Bailey Damian M , Williams Ian M
Published: February 2023

Background

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the mainstay treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms and is associated with excellent clinical outcomes. However, there remains a risk of complications requiring reintervention. Several EVAR devices exist commercially, yet, the Terumo Aortic Fenestrated Anaconda™ has demonstrated outstanding results. The main scope of this study is to evaluate survival/longevity, target vessel patency (TVP), endograft migration and reintervention following Fenestrated Anaconda™ implantation and discuss relevant literature.

Methods

The current study represents a 9-year cross-sectional international analysis of custom-made Fenestrated Anaconda™ device. For the statistical analysis, SPSS 28 for Windows and R was utilised. Pearson Chi-Square analysis was used to assess differences in cumulative distribution frequencies between variables. Statistical significance for all two-tailed tests was set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 5058 patients received the Fenestrated Anaconda™ endograft. The Fenestrated Anaconda™ was indicated either due to complex anatomy for competitor devices ( n = 3891, 76.9%) or based on surgeon preference ( n = 1167, 23.1%). Both survival and TVP were 100% during the first 6 postoperative years but dropped to 77.1% and 81% thereafter. In the complex anatomy indication group, cumulative survival and TVP were both 100% until year 7 post-EVAR when they decreased to 82.8% and 75.7%. In the other indication group, survival and TVP were also 100% during the first 6 years but plateaued at 58.1% and 98.8% in years 7–9 of follow-up. No cases of endograft migration and reintervention were recorded.

Conclusion

The Fenestrated Anaconda™ has been proven across the literature to be a highly effective EVAR endograft, as it has demonstrated excellent survival/longevity and TVP as well as minimal endograft migration and reintervention.