Real-Time Artifacts Reduction during TMS-EEG Co-Registration: A Comprehensive Review on Technologies and Procedures.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) excites neurons in the cortex, and neural activity can be simultaneously recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). However, TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) do not only reflect transcranial neural stimulation as they can be contaminated by artifacts. Over the last two decades, significant developments in EEG amplifiers, TMS-compatible technology, customized hardware and open source software have enabled researchers to develop approaches which can substantially reduce TMS-induced artifacts. In TMS-EEG experiments, various physiological and external occurrences have been identified and attempts have been made to minimize or remove them using online techniques. Despite these advances, technological issues and methodological constraints prevent straightforward recordings of early TEPs components. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review on both TMS-EEG artifacts and EEG technologies in the literature to-date. Our survey aims to provide an overview of research studies in this field over the last 40 years. We review TMS-EEG artifacts, their sources and their waveforms and present the state-of-the-art in EEG technologies and front-end characteristics. We also propose a synchronization toolbox for TMS-EEG laboratories. We then review subject preparation frameworks and online artifacts reduction maneuvers for improving data acquisition and conclude by outlining open challenges and future research directions in the field.

Reducing roadside runoff: Tillage and compost improve stormwater mitigation in urban soils.

Soils adjacent to urban surfaces are often impaired by construction activities that degrade the natural structure and function of the soil, resulting in altered physical, hydraulic, and vegetative properties that limit the infiltration, storage, and filtration of stormwater runoff. A management approach to enhance the efficacy of vegetated roadside soils for runoff control is the use of compost in conjunction with tillage to improve soil conditions and facilitate improved hydrological function, the establishment of vegetative biomass, and increased nutrient and pollutant attenuation. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of soil improvement measures to reduce runoff volumes and improve water quality along roadsides over time. The effects of tillage with and without compost on 1) bulk density and infiltration rates, 2) runoff volumes, and 3) runoff water quality were evaluated during multiple storm events along two long-established interstate roadsides in North Carolina during 2015 and 2017. Experimental plots were established in the grassed areas adjacent to roads and consisted of an untreated control, tillage only, and tillage amended with compost. Tillage alone did not reduce runoff in roadside soils, however, tillage with compost did improve runoff capture. The patterns in hydrologic performance within and among sites suggests that the incorporation of compost in tilled soils may influence storage potential through different effects on soil properties, such as decreasing bulk density or improving vegetation establishment, thereby increasing evapotranspirative withdrawals, depending on soil texture. Tillage increased sediment concentrations in runoff, however, net export of sediments was reduced with the inclusion of compost due to the reduction of runoff quantities compared to undisturbed areas and tillage alone. Control and treatment plots were equally effective in reducing dissolved nutrient and metal concentrations, however, the improved hydrologic performance in plots with compost decreased net nutrient and metal export in most storms. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of compost in compacted urban soils may provide significant improvements for biological and physical soil properties that affect stormwater interception and infiltration.

Comparison of Patient Radiation Dose and Contrast Use during EVAR in a Dedicated Hybrid Vascular OR and Mobile Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine whether performing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a dedicated vascular hybrid operating room (OR) is associated with a decreased patient radiation and contrast dose compared with mobile C-arm imaging in a conventional OR. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing standard EVAR from 2009-2016. "Standard EVAR" was defined as the elective EVAR performed with bifurcated graft for infrarenal aneurysm with no iliac aneurysms. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included EVARs performed in conventional theater with a mobile C-arm (January 2009 to June 2012) and group 2 EVARs performed in the dedicated vascular hybrid OR (July 2012 to December 2016). Data collected included patient demographics, aneurysm diameter, neck length, radiation dose, screening time, and contrast use of each patient. RESULTS: There were 286 patients, 78 and 208 patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. There was no difference in age (77.6 years [76.3-78.9] vs. 76.6 years [75.9-77.9], P > 0.05), body mass index (26.5 kg/m2 [25.1-28.0] vs. 27.9 kg/m2 [27.1-28.7] P > 0.05), and mean aneurysm diameter (6.48 cms [6.13-6.82] vs. 6.81 cms [6.0-7.7], P > 0.05) between groups. Patients in group 2 received approximately half the mean radiation dose (16,807 cGy cm2 [±11,078] vs. 8,233 cGy cm2 [±7,471], P < 0.001), shorter fluoroscopy time (36.02 min [±21.3] vs. 26.96 min [±19], P = 0.001), and less contrast use (114 mls [±44.2] vs. 158 mls [±63.9], P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Performing EVAR in a dedicated vascular Hybrid OR may be associated with a lower patient radiation dose, shorter screening time, and less contrast use than performing EVAR in a conventional OR.

Review of adjustable velcro wrap devices for venous ulceration.

Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with venous leg ulcers. Current gold standard is 4 layer bandaging, which has a significant impact on patients comfort, ability to wear their own shoes, and quality of life, as well as taking significant time to apply, and losing compression over time. This systematic review aims to evaluate the use of Velcro wrap devices for the treatment of venous ulceration. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify articles reporting the use of Velcro wrap devices in patients with venous ulceration. Sixteen articles were identified (14 case series, 1 randomised trial, and 1 audit) reporting on 192 patients. There were reports of improved time to healing, reduced cost by >50%, reduced number and duration of nursing appointments, and improved quality of life in patients in Velcro wrap devices. Although the evidence remains poor, Velcro devices have potential to improve outcomes for patients with venous ulceration and further good quality studies should be undertaken to evaluate these further.

Successful laparoscopic repair of refractory type Ia endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Type I endoleaks associated with sac enlargement after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair mandate urgent intervention. Endoluminal treatments are generally considered first, but when these fail, open surgery has been advocated as a last resort. Open surgery is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, and thus, approaches that reduce this risk would be of interest. We report a successful case of laparoscopic treatment of a refractory type Ia endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in an 83-year-old man.

Effects of convection-enhanced delivery of bevacizumab on survival of glioma-bearing animals.

OBJECT Bevacizumab (Avastin), an antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), alone or in combination with irinotecan (Camptosar [CPT-11]), is a promising treatment for recurrent glioblastoma. However, the intravenous (IV) administration of bevacizumab produces a number of systemic side effects, and the increase in survival it provides for patients with recurrent glioblastoma is still only a few months. Because bevacizumab is an antibody against VEGF, which is secreted into the extracellular milieu by glioma cells, the authors hypothesized that direct chronic intratumoral delivery techniques (i.e., convection-enhanced delivery [CED]) can be more effective than IV administration. To test this hypothesis, the authors compared outcomes for these routes of bevacizumab application with respect to animal survival, microvessel density (MVD), and inflammatory cell distribution. METHODS Two human glioma cell lines, U87 and U251, were used as sources of intracranial tumor cells. The glioma cell lines were implanted into the brains of mice in an orthotopic xenograft mouse tumor model. After 7 days, the mice were treated with one of the following: 1) vehicle, 2) CED bevacizumab, 3) IV bevacizumab, 4) intraperitoneal (IP) irinotecan, 5) CED bevacizumab plus IP irinotecan, or 6) IV bevacizumab plus IP irinotecan. Alzet micro-osmotic pumps were used to introduce bevacizumab directly into the tumor. Survival was monitored. Excised tumor tissue samples were immunostained to measure MVD and inflammatory cell and growth factor levels. RESULTS The results demonstrate that mice treated with CED of bevacizumab alone or in combination with irinotecan survived longer than those treated systemically; CED-treated animals survived 30% longer than IV-treated animals. In combination studies, CED bevacizumab plus CPT-11 increased survival by more than 90%, whereas IV bevacizumab plus CPT-11 increased survival by 40%. Furthermore, CED bevacizumab-treated tissues exhibited decreased MVD compared with that of IV-treated tissues. In additional studies, the infiltration of macrophages and dendritic cells into CED-treated animals were increased compared with those in IV-treated animals, suggesting a highly active inflammatory response taking place in CED-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS The administration of bevacizumab via CED increases survival over that of treatment with IV bevacizumab. Thus, CED of bevacizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy can be an effective protocol for treating gliomas.

Minimally invasive surgical repair of iliac artery endofibrosis.

Iliac artery endofibrosis is an uncommon condition, which should be considered in young athletes with exertional lower limb symptoms. Imaging often appears normal at rest, and the diagnosis can be missed if clinical assessment is inadequate. We report a successful case of entirely minimally invasive surgical treatment for iliac artery endofibrosis in a 41-year-old cyclist. This novel technique offers superior potential for intraoperative assessment and aids enhancement in recovery after surgery. It is likely to be particularly appealing to elite athletes.

Variations of the trapezius branch of the accessory nerve: an anatomic study.

Although modified radical neck dissections have increased in popularity to reduce morbidity secondary to intraoperative accessory nerve damage, inadvertent injury still often occurs. As this phenomenon is thought to be due to anatomic variation in the trapezius branch of the accessory nerve, it is imperative to better understand the nuances of these anatomic variations to better inform surgical decision-making. A total of 24 accessory nerves were dissected, exposed, and traced in 15 cadavers. Three aspects of the accessory nerve were identified and recorded: the course of the trapezius branch in relation to the sternocleidomastoid, the number of trapezius branches at muscle insertion, and the number of cervical rootlet contributions. Four different anatomic patterns for the trapezius branch were identified, with the most common being where the trapezius branch separates from the main accessory nerve just medial to the sternocleidomastoid and courses deep to the sternocleidomastoid (58.3%). Most (75%) trapezius branches entered the muscle as a single nerve, whereas some (21%) were inserted as two separate nerves. The number of cervical rootlet contributions for each trapezius branch varied from zero to three. Bilateral anatomic variations were also noted. Even when the accessory nerve and its branches are thought to be spared during neck dissection, patients may postoperatively present with different degrees of accessory nerve damage. There may be unrecognized anatomic pathways that the nerve takes that may confer a higher risk of unintentional damage, especially those that have greater exposure within the anterior triangle unprotected by the sternocleidomastoid.

Device profile of EndoAnchors for aortic stent graft implantation: overview of their safety and efficacy.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) are established techniques to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA). However, there are limitations when challenging proximal neck anatomy is present. Heli-FX EndoAnchors have been used in addition to EVAR and TEVAR to improve proximal sealing of a stent-graft, but there are limited data available on their outcomes, safety, and efficacy. AREAS COVERED: The properties and development of Heli-FX EndoAnchors are evaluated. The evidence of various clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy is interrogated with the augmented use of Heli-FX EndoAnchors with EVAR or TEVAR. EXPERT OPINION: Challenging proximal neck anatomy can be problematic during EVAR or TEVAR. EndoAnchors may be part of the solution - used either prophylactically or therapeutically. The safety and efficacy databases are building but long-term data are still not available for this device and there remains inadequate data to support its routine use. Judicious patient selection is still needed.

A case report of multiple renal aneurysms due to Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome requiring laparoscopic nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a rare genetic disorder which is characterised by vascular nevi, venous varicosity, and hyperplasia of soft tissue or bone. Renovascular involvement is considered uncommon in KTS. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 79-year-old man presented with a left sided varicocele, lymphedema, hydrocele, and microscopic haematuria. After a series of investigations his imaging and clinical features were suggestive KTS. His images, which showed a 2.7 cm renal artery aneurysm, were discussed in the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting and the decision was made to proceed with a laparoscopic nephrectomy. DISCUSSION: Given the size of the aneurysm, treatment was offered and accepted by the patient. This is first recorded case in the literature in which a successful laparoscopic nephrectomy has been carried out for preventing severe haemorrhage in KTS. The patient presented in his 7th decade with a varicocele which would be considered unusual for KTS. Like in many cases, the renal artery aneurysm was asymptomatic. Pathological outcomes of the sample confirmed features suggestive of KTS, thus, validating the radiological findings. CONCLUSION: Here, we report a favourable outcome of a patient referred for consideration of varicocele management, diagnosed with renal artery aneurysms on a background of KTS. KTS, with significant renovascular abnormalities, can be treated with laparoscopic nephrectomy. Careful discussion in MDT with regards to management options should be performed and a shared decision reached with the patient with regards to management. Though rare, patients presenting with varicoceles and lymphedema may have underlying capillary-lymphatic-venous malformations.

The Impact of Simulation-Based Training in Cardiovascular Medicine: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular medicine and practice in recent times have evolved as complex procedures are performed to manage difficult cases. The majority of these interventions are done percutaneously in order to minimize patient risk. Additionally, training specialist in handling these interventions require a lot of exposure to them; as such, patients are at higher risk of errors and complications from trainees before attaining expertise. In order to avoid these possible risks to patients and ensure their safety, using simulation commonly in cardiovascular specialist education is a possible trend in the future. This article aims to review randomized controlled trials that were performed in cardiology and vascular medicine regarding the use of simulating models to transfer skills to trainees. This study is a systematic review that includes publications dated from 2010 from any country and only in English. The search involved several combinations of search terms from medical subject headings (MeSH). Keywords in the title, abstract, and text for the population, intervention, control, and outcomes were first done in a pilot search to establish the sensitivity of the search strategy. Studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Hirani. Data were presented in the PRISMA flowchart and tabular form. A total of 389 studies were obtained from five databases using the search strategies. Eighty-nine studies were excluded for duplication. The total number of studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria was 269, and they were excluded based on abstract and title screening. Another 18 studies were excluded based on full-text screening. In this study, 13 articles were selected ranging from 2011 to 2022. The majority of the outcomes of the study demonstrated that simulation tutoring complements traditional methods of training. Countries of publication were the United States of America, Canada, Italy, Korea, California, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and France. Procedures simulated include coronary angiography, transseptal catheterization, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation, diagnostic angiograms, coiled carotid terminus aneurysms in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage, middle cerebral artery embolectomies, renal artery angioplasty/stenting, endovascular aneurysm repair, transvenous pacing wire, intra-aortic balloon pump, and pericardiocentesis. Despite the accredited drawback of availability and cost noted with simulation-based education, there is evidence that it offers many advantages compared to traditional teaching methods. From this study, simulation-based teaching has been shown to effectively transfer skills to trainees especially when used as an adjunct to the apprenticeship method. As a result, we recommend that virtual reality education should be integrated with real-life teaching in modern cardiovascular modules as this will help ensure early skill transfer while maintaining patient safety.

Does the Mode of Anaesthesia (General or Regional) Affect Survival and Complications Following Femoropopliteal and Femorodistal Bypass?

INTRODUCTION: Femoropopliteal and femorodistal bypasses are indicated in the management of severe claudication or critical limb ischaemia. The choice of type of anaesthesia between general anaesthesia (GA) and regional anaesthesia (RA; epidural/spinal) has remained controversial. The study aimed to compare the rates of graft failure, perioperative mortality, and other major complications (including graft failure) associated with GA versus RA for lower limb bypass revascularisation in patients presenting with significant peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: All patients who had femoropopliteal and femorodistal bypass at the vascular unit of Colchester Hospital between January 2016 and September 2018 were included. The primary outcome measure was survival, and secondary outcome measures were respiratory, wound, cardiac, and graft failure complications. Technical success was defined as a successful operation with demonstrated graft patency at discharge and up to 30 days of follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included respiratory, wound, and cardiac complications. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of association using chi-square for graft failure outcomes and the Mann-Whitney U test for the length of stay. All analyses were done at a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: There were 139 patients identified during the study period who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 127 had complete records. The overall mortality and morbidity in this study were 1.6% and 14.229%, respectively. The proportion of patients who had ischaemic heart disease is almost threefold amongst those who had failed bypass compared to the successful bypass group (33.3% versus 11.9%, p = 0.018). A total of 65 patients received GA and 62 patients underwent RA; there were no significant differences in baseline preoperative comorbidities, postoperative mortality and complications, and length of stay. The majority (84%) of the patients who had RA had combined spinal and epidural (CSE) anaesthesia. The overall mortality and morbidity in this study were 1.6% and 14.2%, respectively. The proportion of patients with graft failure was 14.5% for GA versus 13.8% for RA (p = 0.914); there was no significant difference for conduit type, quality of vein conduit, the prevalence of heart failure and postoperative hypotensive episodes, redo-surgery, and major amputation, and length of stay (GA: 5.0, RA: 6.0, p = 0.854) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The proportion of patients who had ischaemic heart disease is almost threefold amongst those who had failed bypass compared to the successful bypass group (33.3% versus 11.9%, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The mode of anaesthesia, GA or the use of CSE RA in approximately half of the patients, did not influence survival, respiratory, cardiac, wound, graft failure, or length of stay in this study. There was a relationship between the presence of cardiac comorbidity and bypass failure, indicating a need for a standard care protocol to further optimise cardiac perioperative care to improve outcomes.

Nutrient Management Effects on Wine Grape Tissue Nutrient Content.

With limited research supporting local nutrient management decisions in North Carolina grape (Vitis vinifera) production, field studies (2015-17) were conducted to evaluate late season foliar nitrogen (N) application on leaf and petiole N concentration and yeast assimilable N (YAN) in the fruit. Foliar urea (1% v/v) was applied at different rates and application times beginning pre-and post-veraison. Compared to soil applied N, late season foliar N substantially enhanced petiole N and grape YAN. Smaller split N applications were generally more effective in increasing YAN than single larger N rates. These data demonstrate the value of assessing plant N content at full bloom with petiole N analysis or remote sensing to guide foliar N management decisions. Additional field studies (2008-11) were conducted to evaluate pre-bud soil applied phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) effects on petiole P and K nutrient status. Fertilizer P and K were initially broadcast applied (0-896 kg P2O5 ha-1; 0-672 kg K2O ha-1) prior to bud-break in 2008-09 and petiole P and K at full bloom soil test P and K were monitored for three to four years after application. Soil test and petiole P and K were significantly increased with increasing P and K rates, which subsequently declined to near unfertilized levels over the sampling time depending on site and P and K rate applied. These data demonstrate the value of annually monitoring petiole P and K levels to accurately assess plant P and K status to better inform nutrient management decisions.

Selective Vulnerability of Senescent Glioblastoma Cells to BCL-XL Inhibition.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a rapidly fatal malignancy typically treated with radiation and temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating chemotherapeutic. These cytotoxic therapies cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, yielding a senescent-like state of replicative arrest in surviving tumor cells. Unfortunately, recurrence is inevitable and may be driven by surviving tumor cells eventually escaping senescence. A growing number of so-called "senolytic" drugs have been recently identified that are defined by their ability to selectively eliminate senescent cells. A growing inventory of senolytic drugs is under consideration for several diseases associated with aging, inflammation, DNA damage, as well as cancer. Ablation of senescent tumor cells after radiation and chemotherapy could help mitigate recurrence by decreasing the burden of residual tumor cells at risk of recurrence. This strategy has not been previously explored for GBM. We evaluated a panel of 10 previously described senolytic drugs to determine whether any could exhibit selective activity against human GBM persisting after exposure to radiation or TMZ. Three of the 10 drugs have known activity against BCL-XL and preferentially induced apoptosis in radiated or TMZ-treated glioma. This senolytic activity was observed in 12 of 12 human GBM cell lines. Efficacy could not be replicated with BCL-2 inhibition or senolytic agents acting against other putative senolytic targets. Knockdown of BCL-XL decreased survival of radiated GBM cells, whereas knockdown of BCL-2 or BCL-W yielded no senolytic effect. IMPLICATIONS: These findings imply that molecularly heterogeneous GBM lines share selective senescence-induced BCL-XL dependency increase the significance and translational relevance of the senolytic therapy for latent glioma.

Lip and Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develop from progressive dysplasia of these mucosal structures. The cancers are often preceded by premalignant lesions, and any nonhealing ulcers of the lip or oral cavity should be biopsied. Some risk factors for these 2 subsites overlap and include tobacco use, alcohol use, and an immunocompromised state. Lip and oral cavity SCC are clinically staged based on physical examination and imaging. The 5-year overall survival for early-stage lip and oral cavity SCC is around 70% to 90% but decreases to about 50% for late-stage disease.

A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of bandaging compared to the JuxtaCures™ device in the management of people with venous ulceration: Feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: The mainstay of treatment for venous ulceration remains compression therapy. Velcro Wrap devices are being increasingly used in these patients despite limited evidence. This feasibility study aimed to compare standard bandaging to the JuxtaCures™ Velcro wrap device. METHODS: A single centre, unblinded RCT compared participants with venous ulceration randomised to either the JuxtaCures™ device or short stretch bandaging. Participants were followed up for 26 weeks. RESULTS: 160 participants were screened with 40 randomised. 3 participants in bandaging and 1 in JuxtaCures™ didn't complete the study. 60% in JuxtaCures™ healed v 55% in bandaging despite larger ulcers in the JuxtaCures™ arm (9.33 cm2 v 6.97 cm2). There was no significant difference in time to healing (12.17 v 13.64 weeks). JuxtaCures™ showed improved ulcer reduction for those that didn't heal (14.91-5.00 cm2 v 14.20-8.62 cm2; P = 0.06). JuxtaCures™ had more consistent sub-bandage pressure dropping from 39-36 mmHg versus 41-25 mmHg in bandaging between application and removal (P < 0.001). Quality of life (EQ5D) was improved in JuxtaCures at 3 months (mean difference 0.14, p = 0.04), but not at 1 and 6 months, or in disease specific quality of life. Cost was lower in JuxtaCures™ £842.47 v £1064.68. Duration of appointment was significantly shorter in JuxtaCures™ (41 minutes v 53 minutes; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study has shown the feasibility and necessity of running a multicentre trial to evaluate the use of Velcro wrap devices for venous ulceration. It highlights the potential benefits of more consistent pressure, increased self-care, and potential with regards to ulcer healing, cost, nursing resource and quality of life.

Abdominal Aortic Neck Wrap for Refractory Type 1a Endoleak: A Case Series and a Novel Intraoperative Assessment Technique.

Objective: Refractory type 1a endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can pose a significant challenge to surgeons and interventional radiologists. Continuous sac expansion results in aneurysm rupture and mortality. In such circumstances, an external infrarenal aortic wrap could serve as an essential and alternative solution. Methods: We assessed the application of an infrarenal aortic neck wrap for the treatment of refractory type 1a endoleak in n=6 consecutive patients along with the introduction of a novel assessment technique in order to assure their intraoperative success with no radiation exposure and contrast use. Results: The median sac expansion was 8.5 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 5-20 mm). The median neck diameter and length of the aortic neck were 23 mm (IQR, 18-25 mm) and 21 mm (IQR, 18-25 mm), respectively. The median length of follow-up post wrap is 24 months (IQR, 14-34 months). There was no associated mortality or morbidity and requirement for any further interventions. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that aortic wrapping for the treatment of refractory type 1a endoleak for any given neck diameter and length is safe, effective, and long lasting. The suggested novel intraoperative assessment technique contributes to the safety of the procedure by diminishing the need for intraoperative radiation exposure, contrast, and shorter operative time.

Evaluating the influence of data collector training for predictive risk of death models: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Severity-of-illness scoring systems are widely used for quality assurance and research. Although validated by trained data collectors, there is little data on the accuracy of real-world data collection practices. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of formal data collection training on the accuracy of scoring system data in intensive care units (ICUs). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Quality assurance audit conducted using survey methodology principles. Between June and December 2018, an electronic document with details of three fictitious ICU patients was emailed to staff from 19 Australian ICUs who voluntarily submitted data on a web-based data entry form. Their entries were used to generate severity-of-illness scores and risks of death (RoDs) for four scoring systems. The primary outcome was the variation of severity-of-illness scores and RoDs from a reference standard. RESULTS: 50/83 staff (60.3%) submitted data. Using Bayesian multilevel analysis, severity-of-illness scores and RoDs were found to be significantly higher for untrained staff. The mean (95% high-density interval) overestimation in RoD due to training effect for patients 1, 2 and 3, respectively, were 0.24 (0.16, 0.31), 0.19 (0.09, 0.29) and 0.24 (0.1, 0.38) respectively (Bayesian factor >300, decisive evidence). Both groups (trained and untrained) had wide coefficients of variation up to 38.1%, indicating wide variability. Untrained staff made more errors in interpreting scoring system definitions. INTERPRETATION: In a fictitious patient dataset, data collection staff without formal training significantly overestimated the severity-of-illness scores and RoDs compared with trained staff. Both groups exhibited wide variability. Strategies to improve practice may include providing adequate training for all data collection staff, refresher training for previously trained staff and auditing the raw data submitted by individual ICUs. The results of this simulated study need revalidation on real patients.

Risk and response adapted de-intensified treatment for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Optima paradigm expanded experience.

BACKGROUND: Favorable prognosis for Human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) led to investigation of response-adaptive de-escalation, yet long-term outcomes are unknown. We present expanded experience and follow-up of risk/response adaptive treatment de-intensification in HPV+ OPC. METHODS: A phase 2 trial (OPTIMA) and subsequent cohort of sequential off-protocol patients treated from September 2014 to November 2018 at the University of Chicago were reviewed. Eligible patients had T3-T4 or N2-3 (AJCC 7th edition) HPV+ OPC. Patients were stratified by risk: High-risk (HR) (T4, ≥N2c, or >10PYH), all others low-risk (LR). Induction chemotherapy (IC) included 3 cycles of carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (OPTIMA) or paclitaxel (off-protocol). LR with ≥50% response received low-dose radiotherapy (RT) alone to 50 Gy (RT50). LR with 30-50% response and HR with ≥50% response received intermediate-dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT) to 45 Gy (CRT45). All others received full-dose CRT to 75 Gy (CRT75). RESULTS: 91 patients consented and 90 patients were treated, of which 31% had >10PYH, 34% had T3/4 disease, and 94% had N2b/N2c/N3 disease. 49% were LR and 51% were HR. Overall response rate to induction was 88%. De-escalated treatment was administered to 83%. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. Five-year OS, PFS, LRC, and DC were 90% (95% CI 81,95), 90% (95% CI 80,95), 96% (95% CI 90,99), and 96% (88,99) respectively. G-tube placement rates in RT50, CRT45, and CRT75 were 3%, 33%, and 80% respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Risk/response adaptive de-escalated treatment for an inclusive cohort of HPV+ OPC demonstrates excellent survival with reduced toxicity with long-term follow-up.

Thermal decomposition of pyridine-substituted cobaltic acetate in acetic acid.

The thermal decomposition of [py(3)Co(3)O(OAc)(5)OH][PF(6)] in acetic acid solution in the absence of oxygen produced carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, picoline, and formic acid as the major products. The ratio of the products was affected by the water concentration and acidity of the mixture. Increased water concentration caused a decrease in methane and an increase in carbon monoxide. Decreased acidity resulted in an increase in methane and a decrease in carbon monoxide. Isotopic labeling experiments showed that some of the carbon monoxide originated as the carboxyl group of the acetic acid. Labeling experiments also showed that formaldehyde and formic acid could be converted to carbon monoxide under the reaction conditions. Two pathways leading to the formation of carbon monoxide were proposed; one involving the decomposition of glyoxylic acid and another involving the oxidation of the methyl radical by cobalt(III).