bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemporary practice pattern of permanent pacing for conduction disorders in inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Misumida Naoki , Ogunbayo Gbolahan O. , Catanzaro John , Etaee Farshid , Kim Sun Moon , Abdel‐Latif Ahmed , Ziada Khaled M. , Elayi Claude S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal waiting period before permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with conduction disorders following an inferior myocardial infarction.HypothesisWe aimed to elucidate the contemporary practice pattern of pacing, especially the timing of pacemaker implantation, for sinoatrial node and atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders following an inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsUsing the National Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2014, we identified patients with a primary diagnosis of inferior STEMI. Primary conduction disorders were classified into: (a) high‐degree AV block (HDAVB) consisting of complete AV block or Mobitz‐type II second‐degree AV block, (b) sinoatrial node dysfunction (SND), and (c) no major conduction disorders.ResultsAmong 66 961 patients, 2706 patients (4.0%) had HDAVB, which mostly consisted of complete AV block (2594 patients). SND was observed in 393 patients (0.6%). Among the 2706 patients with HDAVB, 267 patients (9.9%) underwent permanent pacemaker. In patients with HDAVB, more than one‐third (34.9%) of permanent pacemakers were placed within 72 hours after admission. The median interval from admission to permanent pacemaker implantation was 3 days (interquartile range; 2‐5 days) for HDAVB vs 4 days (3‐6 days) for SND (P < .001). HDAVB was associated with increased in‐hospital mortality, whereas SND was not.ConclusionsIn patients who developed HDAVB following an inferior STEMI, only one in 10 patients underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Despite its highly reversible nature, permanent pacemakers were implanted relatively early.
Phase 2 study of vascular endothelial growth factor trap for the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer
Authors: Sherman Eric J. , Dunn Lara A. , Schöder Heiko , Ho Alan L. , Baxi Shrujal S. , Ghossein Ronald A. , Haque Sofia S. , Sima Cami , Tuttle Robert Michael , Pfister David G. 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundSeveral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated activity in patients with thyroid cancer that is refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). The antitumor effect is attributed at least in part to the ability of these TKIs to inhibit angiogenesis in these vascular tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Trap (VT) is a recombinantly produced fusion protein consisting solely of human sequences for VEGF receptors 1 and 2 extracellular domains and human immunoglobulin 1. Evaluating VT in patients with thyroid cancer is reasonable considering the activity observed with TKIs targeting VEGF.MethodsThe current study was a single‐institution, phase 2, Simon 2‐stage design (21 to >41 patients) study based on the objective response rate and/or 6‐month progression‐free survival as the primary endpoints. Eligible patients were required to have progressive, RAI‐refractory and/or [18F]fludeoxyglucose‐avid, recurrent and/or metastatic, nonmedullary, nonanaplastic thyroid cancer; disease that was measurable using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria; and adequate organ and bone marrow function. VT at a dose of 4 mg/kg intravenously was administered every 14 days.ResultsA total of 40 patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 24 had papillary thyroid cancer, 2 had follicular thyroid cancer, and 11 had Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. The final 3 tumors were classified as poorly differentiated. There were no complete and/or partial responses noted; 34 patients achieved stable disease and 6 patients experienced disease progression as their best response. Of the 34 patients with stable disease, 16 remained on the study for >6 months and 6 patients remained on the study for >12 months. The median duration on treatment was 4.1 months (range, 0.6‐30.8 months).ConclusionsUnlike TKIs, which have shown responses in this setting, to the authors’ knowledge there have been no responses observed with the use of single‐agent VT to date. It does not appear to be a promising drug for the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer.
Early squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue with histologically benign lymph nodes: A model predicting local control and vetting of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer pathologic T stage
Authors: Sridharan Shaum , Thompson Lester D. R. , Purgina Bibianna , Sturgis Charles D. , Shah Akeesha A. , Burkey Brian , Tuluc Madalina , Cognetti David , Xu Bin , Higgins Kevin , Hernandez‐Prera Juan C. , Guerrero Dominick , Bundele Manish M. , Kim Seungwon , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert L. , Gooding William E. , Chiosea Simion I. 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundThe eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual (AJCC8) added depth of invasion to the definition of pathologic T stage (pT). In the current study, the authors assess pT stage migration and the prognostic performance of the updated pT stage and compare it with other clinicopathologic variables in patients with early squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (OTSCC; tumors measuring ≤4 cm) with histologically benign lymph nodes (pN0).MethodsA multi‐institutional cohort of patients with early OTSCC was restaged as per AJCC8. Primary endpoints were local recurrence (LR) and locoregional recurrence (LRR). Influential variables were identified and an LR/LRR prediction model was developed.ResultsThere were a total of 494 patients, with 49 LR and 73 LRR. AJCC8 pT criteria resulted in upstaging of 37.9% of patients (187 of 494 patients), including 34.5% (64 of 185 patients) from pT2 to pT3, without improving the prognostication for LR or LRR. Both LR and LRR were found to be similar for patients with AJCC8 pT2 and pT3 disease. On multivariate analysis, LR was only found to be associated with distance to the closest margin (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.64 [P = .0007]) and perineural invasion (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10‐0.64 [P = .046]). Based on these 2 predictors, a final proportional hazards regression model (which may be used similar to a nomogram) was developed. The proposed model appeared to be superior to AJCC pT stage for estimating the probability of LR and LRR for individual patients with early OTSCC.ConclusionsAJCC8 pT criteria resulted in pT upstaging of patients with pN0 disease without improved LR or LRR prognostication. The proposed model based on distance to the closest margin and perineural invasion, status outperformed pT as a predictor of LR and LRR in patients with early OTSCC.
Minor salivary gland tumors of the head and neck—Memorial Sloan Kettering experience: Incidence and outcomes by site and histological type
Authors: Hay Ashley J. , Migliacci Jocelyn , Karassawa Zanoni Daniella , McGill Marlena , Patel Snehal , Ganly Ian 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundMinor salivary gland carcinomas of the head and neck are rare cancers with variable clinical behavior. This study explored the incidence, pathology, clinical behavior, and factors predictive of outcomes in a large cohort of patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over a 30‐year period (1985‐2015).MethodsClinical, pathological, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for each variable were calculated with univariate and multivariable Cox regression for survival and recurrence outcomes.ResultsFour hundred fifty patients were included: 55% were female, 56% were younger than 60 years, and the median follow‐up was 74 months (range, 1‐364 months). The most common site was the oral cavity with 305 tumors (68%), which was followed by the oropharynx with 96 (21%), the sinonasal cavity with 38 (8%), the trachea with 7 (2%), and the larynx with 4 (1%). The most common histological types were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (180 tumors [40%]), adenoid cystic carcinoma (141 tumors [31%]), and polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (54 tumors [12%]). The 5‐year predicted overall survival rate was 86%, and the disease‐specific survival rate was 94% at 5 years. Pathology and tumor stage were significant variables on multivariate analysis for overall survival, disease‐specific survival, recurrence‐free survival, local recurrence–free survival, regional recurrence–free survival, and distant recurrence–free survival.ConclusionsAmerican Joint Committee on Cancer stage and pathology were the most predictive variables across all outcomes. Tumor site, postoperative radiotherapy, and margin status were not statistically significant variables after tumor stage and pathology were controlled for in most outcomes.
Evaluation of Mass Cytometry in the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Ravkov Eugene V. , Charlton Cheryl M. , Barker Adam P. , Hill Harry , Peterson Lisa K. , Slev Patricia , Tebo Anne , Voelkerding Karl V. , Wittwer Carl T. , Heikal Nahla , Delgado Julio C. , Lázár‐Molnár Eszter , Kumánovics Attila 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundMass cytometry can differentiate more channels than conventional flow cytometry. However, for clinical use, standardization and agreement with well‐established methods is paramount. We compared mass cytometry to standard clinical flow cytometry.MethodsMass and flow cytometry were performed in parallel on peripheral blood samples from 25 healthy individuals. Antibody staining was performed on the same samples at the same time, and analyzed for granulocyte, monocyte, lymphocyte, T, B, NK, CD4 and CD8 percentages. Validation parameters included comparison to flow cytometry, inter‐ and intra‐assay precision and establishment of reference intervals.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between mass and flow cytometry for the eight populations studied (R2 between 0.26 and 0.97). Slopes of the best‐fit lines varied from 0.50 to 1.21 (fluorescence/mass). No significant differences in variance were found (F‐test, P > 0.05). However, paired t‐tests were significantly different for four of the eight markers (granulocytes, NK cells, T cells and CD4 cells), resulting in different reference intervals. Signal intensities were correlated for monocytes, lymphocytes, T, CD4 and CD8 cells (R2 = 0.41–0.57). The mass cytometry intra‐assay precisions were 0.7–8.5% and inter‐assay precisions 1.5–13.8%.ConclusionMass and flow cytometry evaluations of whole blood for major cell populations correlate with similar precision and signal intensity. However, for clinical use, separate reference interval studies are required. Cell population identification should rely on gating strategies that take advantage of the characteristics offered by each method. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Natural gas: A transition fuel for sustainable energy system transformation?
Authors: Safari Amir , Das Nandini , Langhelle Oluf , Roy Joyashree , Assadi Mohsen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCurrent discourse on the transition to a decarbonized energy system future is dominated by renewable energy solutions. Initial conditions for this transition may vary across different regions and countries. There are, however, also opportunities for innovative solutions that utilize other low‐carbon energy sources and technology mix. Sustainable development is a contested concept and varies with priorities attached to social, economic, and environmental goals. Therefore, the one‐size‐fits‐all type of solution paradigm needs to be broadened, to accelerate action in the short to medium term. Our argument is that natural gas can be an important complementary transition fuel to support renewable energy in the short‐ and medium‐term transition phases. This means that the goal of zero fossil fuel as a short‐ and medium‐term solution needs to be reconsidered. This takes us to the next argument that innovation and upgraded technology in the low‐carbon fossil fuel sector will provide an important impetus for low‐carbon transition, which we see as a phase lasting until the middle of the century. However, the transition toward a sustainable energy future of gas‐fueled solutions has challenges from the social, technical, economic, geographical, and political points of view. Suitable local solutions should, however, also be assessed. These should take into consideration infrastructure, local demands, resources, and economic aspects as well as national energy policies. An analysis based on the experiences of four countries, both developed and developing, is presented in this study. The countries selected for this study can be placed in two categories: those with an abundance of natural gas reserves (Iran and Norway) and those that are import‐dependent (India and UK). The cross‐country analysis will help us to understand the realistic challenges and opportunities of natural gas as a transition fuel.
Perceptions of Resilience in Fishery-Dependent Bahamian Communities Following a Category 4 Hurricane
Authors: Valdez Rene Xavier , Peterson Nils , Chen Alyssa , Steward Michael , Hannameyer Katrina , Seebaluck Hans , Hulthén Kaj , Langerhans R Brian 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Fishery-dependent communities in coastal environments are often vulnerable to hurricanes, but diverse and accessible fisheries may buffer the effects of extreme storms and promote community resilience. We began evaluating this possibility with a qualitative study in the Lowe Sound and Red Bays communities in The Bahamas immediately after the impact of a category 4 hurricane. We interviewed 68 households, asking about the relationships between the storm's impacts and fisheries resources. Lowe Sound respondents described fisheries as natural insurance that provided food and income. Both communities indicated that retaining access to boats was critically important. Respondents most often blamed impacts on low-elevation geography, followed by religious interpretations. Fishers linked damages with climate change more often than other community members, suggesting that fishers have an experiential knowledge of climate change. We discuss the importance of fisheries as natural insurance, how recovery efforts can strengthen resilience, and potential outreach strategies that incorporate local knowledge.
Characterizing capstone design teaching: A functional taxonomy
Authors: Pembridge James J. , Paretti Marie C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCapstone design courses represent a critical juncture in students' development at the transition from school to work. However, few studies have systematically explored teaching in this context, leaving a significant gap in our ability to concretely describe faculty practices in ways that support subsequent explorations of the relationships between teaching practices and learning outcomes.Purpose/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive description of the pedagogical practices used by capstone design faculty from a functional perspective and provide researchers with a framework for subsequent work.Design/MethodThis study used qualitative methods to analyze interviews with 42 capstone faculty; the participants represent a stratified purposeful sample of respondents to a national survey. Analysis focused on descriptive coding, beginning with a priori codes, to define broad functions, supplemented with emergent coding to identify concrete practices used in the capstone context.ResultsThe study resulted in a model of capstone design teaching that includes nine functions (challenge, protect, coach, promote employability, provide exposure, provide role models, accept and confirm, counsel, and build rapport) and 28 associated practices.ConclusionsCapstone faculty use a range of practices designed not only to coach students through the engineering design process but also to more broadly prepare students for workplace practice and build their identity as engineering professionals.
A Triple‐Shape Memory Material via Thermal Responsive Behavior of Liquid Crystalline Network Incorporating Main‐Chain/Side‐Chain LC Units
Authors: Chen Guokang , Zhang Qian , Lu Maoping , Liu Yingchun , Wang Shan , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the last several years, multiple‐shape memory liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) have received more and more attention due to the basic theoretical research on them and their wide potential applications. In this article, a novel main‐chain/side‐chain liquid crystalline monomer and its corresponding polymer networks based on the thiol‐ene click reaction are reported. Properties of the synthesized liquid crystalline monomer are well studied with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The as‐prepared free‐standing LCN films are investigated well by FTIR, DSC, POM, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which show them having good liquid crystalline properties. Tensile test and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) results indicate the LCN films have excellent thermal mechanical properties. By adjusting the crosslinking densities, LCN films exhibit two thermal transition temperatures (Tg and TNI) that can be utilized to trigger the triple‐shape memory behaviors. The cyclic thermal mechanical analysis conducted by DMA reveals that LCN films exhibit good triple‐shape memory properties with high‐shape fixity ratio (Rf (S1→S2) is 99.2% and Rf (S2→S3) is 99.3%) and shape recovery ratio (Rr (S3→S2) is 92.4% and Rr (S2→S1) is 98.5%).
Role of ACE I/D polymorphism in pathological assessment of preeclampsia in Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Ghazala , Sajid Sabahat , Razak Suhail , Mazhar Saeeda Batool , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Alam Iftikhar , Jahan Sarwat 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorder, which may stem from impair placentation. Renin‐angiotensin system is one of the mediators of decidualization and trophoblastic proliferation. In the present study women with PE were studied in a comparison of normotensive controls to determine whether Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism affect the placental villi and umbilical cord formation with the assessment of biochemical and clinical risk factors.MethodsTotal 400 blood (PE/controls = 200), 400 urine (PE/controls = 200), 90 tissue samples of UC (PE = 50, controls = 40) and 90 placental tissue samples (PE = 50, controls = 40) were recruited. Histomorphological and Histomorphometric analysis were done for placental and umbilical cord tissues. Blood and serum parameters were analyzed, samples were genotyped for I/D polymorphism. Data were statistically analyzed by Independent sample t‐test, Chi‐square test and the odds ratio.ResultsHistological study revealed significant increase (p < 0.001) in distance from Wharton jelly (in both artery and vein) and outer layer thickness of vein; significant reduction (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in the lumen area of artery and vein. Abnormal villi, more syncytial knots (SK) and a significant decrease in elongated and large villi in PE placentas. Analysis of ACE gene determined that genotypic frequencies were statistically significant (p < 0.02) among both groups and DD genotype was predominant in the PE group.ConclusionPresent study reveals that ACE I/D polymorphism might affect the normal placental villi and umbilical cord formation in women with PE. In addition, histological studies and genetic evaluation can provide useful information in the determination of various reasons and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PE in Pakistan.
Improving the dose distributions in minibeam radiation therapy: Helium ions vs protons
Authors: Schneider Tim , Patriarca Annalisa , Prezado Yolanda 
Published: June 2019

PurposeCharged particle minibeam radiation therapy is a novel therapeutic strategy aiming at reducing the normal tissue complication probability by combining the normal tissue sparing of submillimetric, spatially fractionated beams with the improved dose deposition of ions. This may allow a safe dose escalation in the tumor and other targets. In particular, proton minibeam radiation therapy has already proven a remarkable increase of the therapeutic index for high‐grade gliomas in animal experiments. The reduced multiple Coulomb scattering and nuclear fragmentation of helium ions compared to protons and heavier ions, respectively, make them a good candidate for minibeam radiation therapy (MBRT). The purpose of the present work was to perform a comprehensive dosimetric comparison between proton and helium MBRT (pMBRT and HeMBRT).MethodsProton and helium minibeams of the same range (7.7 cm) have been simulated in a water phantom and in CT images of an anonymized human head. The Monte Carlo simulation toolkit GATE v8.0 was used. Different beam sizes (1 and 3 mm) and multiple beam spacings were evaluated. Depth dose curves, lateral profiles, peak‐to‐valley dose ratios (PVDR), and dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LET) were assessed. Furthermore, evaluations of the secondary products in the valley regions were carried out and a basic example of a treatment plan in pMBRT and HeMBRT was considered.ResultsCompared to protons, helium ions yield a significantly improved Bragg‐peak‐to‐entrance dose ratio (BEDR) and higher PVDR at equal minibeam spacing. At the same time, due to the lower lateral scattering, dose homogenization in the target becomes more difficult for helium ions than for protons. To achieve a homogeneous target dose in HeMBRT, the minibeam spacing has to be reduced which in turn decreases the PVDR in normal tissues to values lower than those observed for protons. LET maps show up to 20%–30% higher values in the valley regions than in the peak regions for all evaluated cases. Helium ions lead to higher LET than protons at all depths, including the entrance region. However, this is compensated by a lower dose at shallow depths thanks to the improved BEDR of HeMBRT.ConclusionsHelium ions might offer a good choice for minibeam radiation therapy. They provide a more pronounced spatial fractionation than protons without the possible drawbacks linked to nuclear fragmentation of heavier ions. However, biological experiments are needed to evaluate whether the higher dose heterogeneity in the target volume in HeMBRT would still lead to an efficient tumor control, as in the case of pMBRT.