bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canola oil compared with sesame and sesame‐canola oil on glycaemic control and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A three‐way randomized triple‐blind cross‐over trial
Authors: Raeisi‐Dehkordi Hamidreza , Amiri Mojgan , Zimorovat Alireza , Moghtaderi Fatemeh , Zarei Sadegh , Forbes Scott C. , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to compare the effects of sesame (SO), canola (CO), and sesame‐canola (SCO: a blend) oils on glycaemic control markers and liver function enzymes in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this randomized, triple‐blind, three‐way, cross‐over clinical trial, participants replaced their usual oil with the intervention oils for 9 weeks. Serum fasting blood sugar, fasting serum insulin (FSI), insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR), beta‐cell function (HOMA2‐%B), insulin sensitivity (HOMA2‐%S), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), as well as serum liver function enzymes were measured at baseline and end of intervention periods.

Results

Ninety‐two participants completed all treatment periods. After adjusting for confounders, all treatment oils resulted in significant improvements in FSI and HOMA2‐%S (p < 0.05). SO and SCO led to favourable changes in HOMA2‐IR and QUICKI (p < 0.05). Following CO and SCO, there was a significant decrease in HOMA2‐%B (p < 0.05). The sex‐stratified analysis revealed that FSI and HOMA2‐IR were decreased after SO compared to CO in males (p = 0.024). Serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly lower following SO compared to CO in females (p = 0.02), however, the difference in change values was not significant (p = 0.058).

Conclusions

SO consumption appears to improve glycaemic control markers in males and serum GGT in females compared with CO in patients with type 2 diabetes (registration code: IRCT2016091312571N6).
Use and perception of telemedicine in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results of a global survey
Authors: Scott Sam N. , Fontana Federico Y. , Züger Thomas , Laimer Markus , Stettler Christoph
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced rapid reconsideration as to the way in which health care is delivered. One potential means to provide care while avoiding unnecessary person‐to‐person contact is to offer remote services (telemedicine). This study aimed to (1) gather real‐time information on the use and perception of telemedicine in people living with type 1 diabetes and (2) assess the challenges, such as restricted access to health care and/or medical supplies.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was widely distributed between 24 March and 5 May 2020 using an open‐access web‐based platform. Data were analysed descriptively, and results were stratified according to age, sex and HbA1c.

Results

There were 7477 survey responses from individuals in 89 countries. Globally, 30% reported that the pandemic had affected their healthcare access due to cancelled physical appointments with their healthcare providers. Thirty‐two per cent reported no fundamental change in their medical follow‐up during this period, with 9% stating that no personal contact was established with their doctors over the duration of the study. Twenty‐eight per cent received remote care through telephone (72%) or video‐calls (28%). Of these, 86% found remote appointments useful and 75% plan to have remote appointments in the future. Glucose control, indicated by HbA1c, was positively associated with positive perception of telemedicine. In males, 45% of respondents with an HbA1c > 9% rated telemedicine not useful compared to those with lower HbA1c, while 20% of females with an HbA1c > 9% rated it not useful (χ2 = 14.2, P = .0016).

Conclusion

Remote appointments have largely been perceived as positive in people with type 1 diabetes with the majority (75%) stating that they would consider remote appointments beyond the pandemic. Age and level of education do not appear to influence perception of telemedicine, whereas poor glucose control, particularly in males, seems to negatively affect perception.
Prognostic impact of additional mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in octogenarian heart failure patients
Authors: Abe Takuro , Jujo Kentaro , Kametani Motoko , Minami Yuichiro , Fukushima Noritoshi , Saito Katsumi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: August 2020

Aims

Guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) including beta‐blockers and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors is shown to reduce mortality risk in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there is little evidence about the efficacy of additional administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) with GDMT in patients ≥80 years presenting with HF. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of GDMT with MRA in relation to the age of patients with HF.

Methods and results

This observational study included patients admitted for HF with reduced LVEF who were discharged alive; among them, 224 patients were ≥80 years, and 661 patients were <80 years. Both populations were divided into three groups depending on whether they received GDMT with or without MRA or single/no GDMT drugs (GDMT+MRA+, GDMT+MRA−, or non‐GDMT, respectively). The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. In patients ≥80 years, all‐cause mortality was the lowest in the GDMT+MRA+ group (log‐rank trend, P = 0.034), and no significant differences were observed between the GDMT+MRA− and non‐GDMT groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GDMT+MRA+ was superior to GDMT+MRA−, even after adjusting for parameters at discharge (hazard ratio: 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.99). In patients <80 years, GDMT reduced all‐cause mortality; however, additional MRA was not associated with an improved outcome.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that additional MRA to GDMT at discharge is one of the therapeutic options for elderly HF patients with reduced LVEF. This finding is not well documented in previous clinical trials.
Incremental prognostic value of a novel metabolite‐based biomarker score in congestive heart failure patients
Authors: McGranaghan Peter , Düngen Hans‐Dirk , Saxena Anshul , Rubens Muni , Salami Joseph , Radenkovic Jasmin , Bach Doris , Apostolovic Svetlana , Loncar Goran , Zdravkovic Marija , Tahirovic Elvis , Veskovic Jovan , Störk Stefan , Veledar Emir , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank , Trippel Tobias Daniel
Published: August 2020

Aims

The Cardiac Lipid Panel (CLP) is a newly discovered panel of metabolite‐based biomarkers that has shown to improve the diagnostic value of N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). However, little is known about its usefulness in predicting outcomes. In this study, we developed a risk score for 4‐year cardiovascular death in elderly chronic heart failure (CHF) patients using the CLP.

Methods and results

From the Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study in Elderly trial, we included 280 patients with CHF aged >65 years. A targeted metabolomic analysis of the CLP biomarkers was performed on baseline serum samples. Cox regression was used to determine the association of the biomarkers with the outcome after accounting for established risk factors. A risk score ranging from 0 to 4 was calculated by counting the number of biomarkers above the cut‐offs, using Youden index. During the mean (standard deviation) follow‐up period of 50 (8) months, 35 (18%) subjects met the primary endpoint of cardiovascular death. The area under the receiver operating curve for the model based on clinical variables was 0.84, the second model with NT‐proBNP was 0.86, and the final model with the CLP was 0.90. The categorical net reclassification index was 0.25 using three risk categories: 0–60% (low), 60–85% (intermediate), and >85% (high). The continuous net reclassification index was 0.772, and the integrated discrimination index was 0.104.

Conclusions

In patients with CHF, incorporating a panel of three metabolite‐based biomarkers into a risk score improved the prognostic utility of NT‐proBNP by predicting long‐term cardiovascular death more precisely. This novel approach holds promise to improve clinical risk assessment in CHF patients.
Design of Solid‐contact Ion‐selective Electrode with Graphene Transducer Layer for the Determination of Flavoxate Hydrochloride in Dosage Form and in Spiked Human Plasma
Authors: Mahmoud Amr M. , Ragab Mona T. , Ramadan Nesrin K. , El‐Ragehy Nariman A. , El‐Zeany Badr A.
Published: August 2020

Eco‐friendly solid‐contact ion selective electrode was fabricated and optimized for the determination of flavoxate hydrochloride in presence of its main metabolite. The process is based on carbon screen printed electrode and polyvinyl chloride polymeric sensing membrane. The first optimization step involved the ionophore selection through screening various ionophores, where calix[4]arene showed the highest affinity towards flavoxate. The second step, a graphene nanocomposite interlayer was employed as the ion‐to‐electron transducer between the carbon electrode and the polymeric ion sensing membrane. The graphene layer decreased the potential drift down to <500 μV/h and improved the electrode stability.
A new algorithm for estimating ground elevation and vegetation characteristics in coastal salt marshes from high‐resolution UAV‐based LiDAR point clouds
Authors: Pinton Daniele , Canestrelli Alberto , Wilkinson Benjamin , Ifju Peter , Ortega Andrew
Published: August 2020

Salt marshes are transitional zones between ocean and land, which act as natural buffers against coastal hazards. The survival of salt marshes is governed by the rate of organic and inorganic deposition, which strongly depends on vegetation characteristics, such as height and density. Vegetation also favours the dissipation of wind waves and storm surges. For these reasons, an accurate description of both ground elevation and vegetation characteristics in salt marshes is critical for their management and conservation. For this purpose, airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) laser scanning has become an accessible and cost‐effective tool to map salt marshes quickly. However, the limited horizontal resolution (~1 m) of airborne‐derived point clouds prevents the direct extraction of ground elevation, vegetation height and vegetation density without the coupling with imagery datasets. Instead, due to the lower flight altitude, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)‐borne laser scanners provide point clouds with much higher resolution (~5 cm). Although methods for estimating ground level and vegetation characteristics from UAV LiDAR have been proposed for flat ground, we demonstrate that a sloping ground increases prediction errors. Here we derive a new formulation that improves the estimation by employing a correction based on a LiDAR‐derived estimate of local ground slope. Our method directly converts the 3D distribution of UAV LiDAR‐derived points into vegetation density and height, as well as ground elevation, without the support of additional datasets. The proposed formulation is calibrated by using measured density and height of Spartina alterniflora in a marsh in Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA, and successfully tested on an independent dataset. Our method produces high‐resolution (40 × 40 cm2) maps of ground elevation and vegetation characteristics, thus capturing the large gradients in the proximity of tidal creeks. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of anabaena lipoxygenase on whole wheat dough properties and bread quality
Authors: Shi Kexin , Wang Pei , Zhang Chong , Lu Zhaoxin , Chen Meirong , Lu Fengxia
Published: August 2020

The effects of the purified recombinant anabaena lipoxygenase (ana‐rLOX) on the rheological characteristics of whole wheat dough and the quality of bread were investigated. The lightness of whole wheat dough supplemented with ana‐rLOX was improved, which is superior to that of dough treated with benzoyl peroxide. The effect of ana‐rLOX on the strength of dough was analyzed by farinograph, extensograph, and dynamic rheological tests. Compared with the control, the stability time of dough treated with 40 IU/g ana‐rLOX increased by 35.4% and the farinograph quality number increased by 27.4%. In addition, the resistance to extension, as well as the elastic and viscous modulus, was improved by ana‐rLOX in a dose‐dependent manner. The height and specific volume of bread treated with ana‐rLOX increased by 17.3 and 15.2%, respectively, compared with the control, and the lightless, whiteness, and other textural parameters, such as hardness, springiness, chewiness, resilience, and gumminess, were significantly improved. Overall, the results of this study suggest the promising application of ana‐rLOX in enhancing quality of whole wheat flour.
Scale‐up of the Stepping On fall prevention program amongst older adults in NSW: Program reach and fall‐related health service use
Authors: Paul Serene S. , Li Qiang , Harvey Lara , Carroll Therese , Priddis Annabel , Tiedemann Anne , Clemson Lindy , Lord Stephen R. , Close Jacqueline C. T. , Sherrington Cathie
Published: August 2020

Issue addressed

We describe the reach of the scale‐up of Stepping On, a fall prevention program targeting community‐dwellers aged ≥65 years in NSW, along with fall‐related ambulance service use and fall‐related hospitalisations after scale‐up.

Methods

Data on program provision were received from Local Health Districts. Routinely collected fall‐related ambulance usage and hospital admissions in NSW residents aged ≥65 years between 2009 and 2015 were compared within Statistical Local Areas prior to and following the implementation of Stepping On using multilevel models.

Results

Between 2009 and 2014 the program was delivered in 1077 sites to 10 096 older adults. Rates of fall‐related ambulance use and hospital admissions per 100‐person‐years were 1‐2 in people aged 66‐74, 4‐5 in people aged 75‐84 and 12‐13 in people aged ≥85. These rates increased over time (P < .001). The interaction between time and program delivery was not significant for fall‐related ambulance use or hospital admissions. The time‐related increase in fall‐related ambulance usage in people aged 75‐84 years may have been moderated by the Stepping On program (rate ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.93‐1.00, P = .045).

Conclusions

There was no indication of a reduced rate of fall‐related ambulance use or hospital admissions across the entire sample. Ambulance call‐outs for falls in people aged 75‐84 years may have reduced following program participation.

So what?

Program scale‐ups need to reach a large proportion of the target population with a focus on those groups contributing most to fall‐related health service utilisation. Linking individual participants’ health data as part of large‐scale evaluations may provide better insights into program outcomes.
The effect of storm movement on infiltration, runoff and soil erosion in a semi‐arid catchment
Authors: Ran Qihua , Wang Feng , Gao Jihui
Published: August 2020

Rainfall characteristics are key factors influencing infiltration and runoff generation in catchment hydrology, particularly for arid and semiarid catchments. Although the effect of storm movement on rainfall‐runoff processes has been evaluated and emphasized since the 1960s, the effect on the infiltration process has barely been considered. In this study, a physically based distributed hydrological model (InHM) was applied to a typical semi‐arid catchment (Shejiagou, 4.26 km2) located in the Loess Plateau, China, to investigate the effect of storm movement on infiltration, runoff and soil erosion at the catchment scale. Simulations of 84 scenarios of storm movement were conducted, including storms moving across the catchment in both the upstream and downstream directions along the main channel, while in each direction considering four storm moving speeds, three rainfall depths and two storm ranges. The simulation results showed that, on both the hillslopes facing downstream (facing south) and in the main channel, the duration of the overland flow process under the upstream‐moving storms was longer than that under the downstream‐moving storms. Thus, the duration and volume of infiltration under upstream‐moving storms were larger in these areas. For the Shejiagou catchment, as there are more hillslopes facing downstream, more infiltration occurred under the upstream‐moving storms than the downstream‐moving storms. Therefore, downstream‐moving storms generated up to 69% larger total runoff and up to 351% more soil loss in the catchment than upstream‐moving storms. The difference in infiltration between the storms moving upstream and downstream decreased as the storm moving speed increased. The relative difference in total runoff and sediment yield between the storms moving upstream and downstream decreased with increasing rainfall depth and storm speed. The results of this study revealed that the infiltration differences under moving storms largely influenced the total runoff and sediment yield at the catchment scale, which is of importance in runoff prediction and flood management. The infiltration differences may be a potential factor leading to different groundwater, vegetation cover and ecology conditions for the different sides of the hillslopes.
Toward a new conceptual model for groundwater flow in merokarst systems: Insights from multiple geophysical approaches
Authors: Sullivan Pamela L. , Zhang Chi , Behm Michael , Zhang Fan , Macpherson G. L.
Published: August 2020

Merokarst aquifers — relatively thin (<1–2 m) karstified carbonate units interbedded between mudstone, shale, or sandstone — constitute a significant proportion of carbonate terrain and underlie a large portion of the west‐ and south‐central USA, yet few advances have been made in our understanding of porosity development and flow‐path generation in these complex systems in decades. Toward this end, we used a multi‐geophysical approach at the well‐studied Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS), a part of the larger Flint Hills (25,734 km2), underlain by thin limestone units (1–2 m thick) interbedded with mudstone/shale units (2–4 m thick), to elucidate hydrologic connectivity and potential controls on known groundwater flow directions. We combined electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), surface and borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements across a low order catchment where over 25 boreholes and groundwater wells sampling perched aquifers could be used to constrain interpretation of lithology, potential flow paths, and permeability. Data revealed that groundwater export may be an unappreciated component of lateral‐flow‐dominated models used to represent merokarst in that: (a) potentiometric surfaces from two limestone units showed groundwater flows toward a hydrologic depression, opposite the direction of stream flow, in the upstream portion of the catchment, (b) long term measures of groundwater levels revealed a greater variance and overall water storage in this same upstream area compared to wells near the outlet, and (c) ERT and NMR results indicate pronounced lateral heterogeneity within a given unit, suggestive of a greater degree of vertical hydrological connectivity than usually considered for horizontally‐layered merokarst. Our data suggest vertical connectivity can shunt water to depth in these “sandwiched” merokarst aquifers, yielding atypical groundwater flow directions and unrealized deep export of weathering solutes and carbon.
Robust Likelihood-Based Approach for Automated Optimization and Uncertainty Analysis of Toxicokinetic-Toxicodynamic Models
Authors: Jager Tjalling
Published: August 2020

Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) models offer a mechanistic understanding of individual-level toxicity over time and allow for meaningful extrapolations from laboratory tests to exposure conditions in the field. Thereby, they hold great potential for ecotoxicological studies, both in a regulatory context as well as for basic research. In contrast to mechanistic effect models at higher levels of biological organization, TKTD models can be, and generally are, parameterized by fitting them to data (results from toxicity tests). Fitting models comes with a range of statistical and numerical challenges, which may hamper the application of TKTD models in a practical setting. Especially in the context of environmental risk assessment, there is a need for robust and user-friendly software tools to automatically extract the best-fitting model parameters and quantify their uncertainty from any data set. The study presents a general outline for TKTD model analysis, rooted in likelihood-based (“frequentist”) inference. The general outline is followed by a presentation of the specific algorithm that has been implemented into software for the robust and automated analysis of toxicity data for survival. However, the presented approach is more broadly applicable to low-dimensional problems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:388–397. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic models have been identified as useful tools for environmental risk assessment. Application in risk assessment is served by efficient and robust tools for optimization, uncertainty quantification, and error propagation to model predictions. I present a general statistical framework, using likelihood-based (frequentist) inference, and a specific algorithm derived from this framework that is used in software for automated analysis of survival data. The algorithm is illustrated with a case study, presenting rather common identifiability problems and discussing its implications.
Exploring self‐blame and the perceived causes of preeclampsia in urban Ghana
Authors: Joshi Avina , Beyuo Titus , Oppong Samuel A. , Owusu Andrews , Moyer Cheryl A. , Lawrence Emma
Published: August 2020

Many women blame themselves for the development of preeclampsia, and patients may benefit from an explicit discussion about the causes of preeclampsia with their healthcare provider.
Improving medical image fusion method using fuzzy entropy and nonsubsampling contourlet transform
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Qinyong , Wang Keqiang , Cai Ken
Published: August 2020

Many types of medical images must be fused, as single‐modality medical images can only provide limited information due to the imaging principles and the complexity of human organ structures. In this paper, a multimodal medical image fusion method that combines the advantages of nonsubsampling contourlet transform (NSCT) and fuzzy entropy is proposed to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and improve the accuracy of target recognition and the quality of fused images. An image is initially decomposed into low‐ and high‐frequency subbands through NSCT. The corresponding fusion rules are adopted in accordance with the different characteristics of the low‐ and high‐frequency components. The membership degree of low‐frequency coefficients is calculated. The fuzzy entropy is also computed and subsequently used to guide the fusion of coefficients to preserve image details. High‐frequency components are fused by maximizing the regional energy. The final fused image is obtained by inverse transformation. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good fusion effect based on the subjective visual effect and objective evaluation criteria. This method can also obtain high average gradient, SD, and edge preservation and effectively retain the details of the fused image. The results of the proposed algorithm can provide effective reference for doctors to assess patient condition.
Thymoquinone attenuates doxorubicin‐cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Karabulut Derya , Ozturk Emel , Kaymak Emin , Akin Ali Tuğrul , Yakan Birkan
Published: August 2020

Contrary to the fact that doxorubicin is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of neoplastic diseases, cardiotoxicity is too important to be ignored. Thymoquinone serves as a powerful free radical scavenger. In the study, the effects of thymoquinone against doxorubicin‐cardiotoxicity will be evaluated. Forty rats were divided into five groups. Group I: control group (n = 8); group II: olive oil group (n = 8); group III: thymoquinone group (n = 8); given 10 mg/kg thymoquinone intraperitoneally per day throughout the experiment; group IV: doxorubicin group (n = 8); injected with a single dose of 15 mg/kg ip doxorubicin on the 7th day of the experiment; group V: doxorubicin + thymoquinone group (n = 8); administered with 10 mg/kg thymoquinone per day during the experiment and 15 mg/kg doxorubicin ip on the 7th day. The experiment was planned for 14 days. Immunohistochemically, heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP90, glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), caspase‐3 were stained. We made terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling for apoptotic evaluation. Total oxidant status (TOS) levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in the heart tissue. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and pro‐B type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) were evaluated. In the study, HSP70, HSP90, GRP78, and caspase‐3 levels increased in group IV. TOS and TAS levels were significant compared to group I. Doxorubicin significantly increased ANP and NT‐proBNP levels. Thymoquinone revealed significant differences in these values. Thymoquinone can be an important cardioprotective agent against doxorubicin‐cardiotoxicity.
Associations between serum amyloid A, interleukin‐6, and COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Qian , Dai Yaping , Feng Meimei , Wang Xu , Liang Wei , Yang Fumeng
Published: August 2020

Background

Serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) play critical roles in inflammation and are used in clinical laboratories as indicators of inflammation‐related diseases. We aimed to provide potential laboratory basis for auxiliary distinguishing coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) by monitoring above indicators.

Methods

A total of 84 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were enrolled in the study. Baseline characteristics and laboratory results were collected and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to combined detection of SAA and IL‐6 in patients with COVID‐19, and independent risk factors for severity of COVID‐19 were assessed by using binary logistic regression.

Results

The main clinical symptoms of patients with COVID‐19 were fever (98.8%), fatigue (61.9%), and dry cough (58.3%). SAA, IL‐6, and NLR were significantly higher in patients with COVID‐19 (all P < .001), and compared with nonsevere patients, three indicators of severe patients were significantly elevated. Besides, combined detection of SAA and IL‐6 better separates healthy people from patients with COVID‐19 than detection of SAA or IL‐6 alone. In addition, elevated SAA, IL‐6, and NLR can be used as independent variables for predicting the severity of patients with COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Serum amyloid A and IL‐6 could be used as addition parameters to helping the distinguish of patients with COVID‐19 from healthy people, and can provide potential basis for separating patients with nonsevere and severe clinical signs.
Clinical characteristics and factors affecting the duration of positive nucleic acid test for patients of COVID‐19 in XinYu, China
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Yin Qi , Li Quan , Fu Gang , Hu Xueping , Huang Jianhao , Chen Lin , Li Qiang , Guo Zhongliang
Published: August 2020

Background

The outbreak of a new coronavirus, COVID‐19, which was earliest reported in Wuhan, China, is now transmitting throughout the world. The aim of this study was to articulate the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 and to reveal possible factors that may affect the persistent time of positive SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid test, so as to identify which patients may deteriorate or have poor prognoses as early as possible.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study was carried out on 47 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection admitted to XinYu People's Hospital of JiangXi Province. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratorial, management, treatment, and outcome data were also collected and analyzed.

Results

In this study, patients were divided into two groups based on whether their SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid tests in respiratory specimens turn negative within (Group Rapid or Group R) or over (Group Slow or Group S) a week. There was no significant difference in age, sex, travel or exposure history, and smoking history between the two groups. Forty‐two patients had been observed with comorbidities. Similar clinical manifestations, for instance fever, cough, sputum, and fatigue, have been observed among patients in both groups, except that patients in Group S were obviously more likely to get fatigue than patients in Group R. Both groups had shown decrease in white blood cell or lymphocyte counts. Chest X‐ray or computed tomography scan showed unilateral or bilateral infiltrates. High proportion in both groups has used nasal cannula (89.47% vs. 85.71%) to inhale oxygen. 10.53% of Group S have applied high‐flow nasal cannula, while Group R used none. The current treatment is mainly antibiotics, antiviral, and traditional Chinese medicine, while a couple of patients has used methylprednisolone. Only 1 patient out of both groups got even worse despite this active treatment.

Conclusion

Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 include the exposure history and typical systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts, and infiltration in both lower lobes on CT imaging. Among them, fatigue appears to be an important factor that affects the duration of positive SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid test in respiratory specimens.
Clinical features and potential risk factors for discerning the critical cases and predicting the outcome of patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Wang Weili , Zhao Zhongxiu , Liu Xi , Liu Gang , Xie Dongjing , Xu Zhi , Zhao Jinghong , Zhang Jingbo
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical features and risk factors for discerning the critical and predicting the outcome of patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) department and general infection department of TaiKang Tongji (Wuhan) Hospital from February 10 to March 27, 2020, were included. Data on clinical features, complications, laboratory parameters, chest CT, nutrient requirement, and electrolyte imbalance were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 123 (50 critical and 73 non‐critical) patients were enrolled. 65% of patients with comorbidities, hypertension (45.5%), diabetes (21.9%), 36.5% of patients had more than one comorbidity. The proportion of lymphocytes in critical patients was significantly lower than that of non‐critical patients. The proportion of patients with increased NLR, PLR, IL‐6, CRP levels, and chest CT score was significantly higher in the critical than that of non‐critical patients. The logistic regression analysis identified low lymphocyte count, high NLR, PLR, IL‐6, CRP levels, and CT score as independent factors for discerning critical cases and high NLR, PLR, IL‐6, and CT score could predict poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, we identified patients who needed nutrition support (HR 16.99) and with correction of electrolyte imbalance (HR 18.24) via intravenous injection were more likely to have a poor outcome.

Conclusions

The potential risk factors of lower lymphocyte count, high levels of NLR, PLR, IL‐6, CRP, chest CT score, and the statue of nutrient requirement or electrolyte imbalance could assist clinicians in discerning critical cases and predict the poor outcome in patients with COVID‐19.
Psychosocial outcomes of a pilot study of work‐tailored cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adults with serious mental illness
Authors: Kukla Marina , Strasburger Amy M. , Salyers Michelle P. , Rollins Angela L. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Many people with serious mental illness (SMI) continue to struggle with work functioning despite the receipt of supported employment (SE) services. In response, adjunctive interventions to SE have begun to be developed. One such approach, the cognitive behavioral therapy for work success (CBTw) intervention, targets cognitive and behavioral barriers to competitive work success in adults with SMI. Using a pre‐post design, this pilot study examined the psychosocial outcomes of the CBTw program in 52 adults with SMI receiving SE.

Method

Recovery attitudes, work‐related self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and symptom domains (depression, anxiety, psychosis) were measured at baseline and after the 12‐week intervention. Paired samples t‐tests examined changes in outcomes over time.

Results

At posttreatment, participants had significant improvements in recovery attitudes, self‐esteem, depressive, and negative symptoms. Other psychosocial outcomes did not significantly change.

Conclusions

This pilot work demonstrates CBTw is a promising intervention to improve recovery and wellness in SMI.
An evidence‐based review of the scope and potential ethical concerns of teleorthodontics
Authors: Squires Taylor , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Rossouw P. Emile , Javed Fawad
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim was to evaluate the scope and potential ethical concerns related to the use of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics.

Methods

Indexed databases were searched up to and including October 2020. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (a) original clinical studies, and (b) case reports/series. Historic reviews, commentaries, experimental studies, and letters to the editor, were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to summarize the relevant information.

Results

A total of 4 clinical studies (out of 1016) were included in the present evidence‐based review. Three studies reported that teledentistry is useful in clinical orthodontics. In 1 study, a clear conclusion could not be derived regarding the benefits of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics. Two out of 4 studies did not obtain prior approval from an Institutional Review Board or Ethical Committee. Three studies did not report any measures that were undertaken to safeguard the electronic transfer of patient‐related health information.

Conclusions

Teleorthodontics facilitates treatment planning/monitoring by sharing orthodontics‐based patient records among oral healthcare providers; however, the importance of direct patient supervision and routine follow‐ups during orthodontic therapy cannot be overlooked. Further studies are needed to establish ethical guidelines and a standard of care in this emerging field.
The evaluation of surface topography changes in nanoscaled 2,6‐diphenyl anthracene thin films by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Solaymani Shahram , Rezaee Sahar , Nezafat Negin B.
Published: August 2020

The physical properties of electronic devices made by 2,6‐diphenyl anthracene (DPA) are influenced by the microtexture of DPA surfaces. This work focused on the experimental investigation of the 3‐D surface microtexture of DPA thin films deposited on OTS (octadecyltrichlorosilane), HMDS (Hexamethyldisilasane), OTMS (octadecyltrimethoxysilane), and Si/SiO2 (300 nm SiO2 thickness) substrates with 5 and 50 nm thicknesses and 5 and 10 μm scan size. The thin film surfaces were recorded using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and their images were stereometrically analyzed to obtain statistical parameters, in accordance with ASME B46.1‐2009 and ISO 25178‐2: 2012. The results showed the effect of different manufacturing parameters on microtexture values where the granular structure is confirmed in all films. In addition, root mean square is increased by increasing the thickness from 5 to 50 nm for all types of substrates.
Scanning electron microscopy of bio‐fabricated Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their application to control brown rot of citrus
Authors: Ali Musrat , Haroon Urooj , Khizar Maria , Chaudhary Hassan Javed , Hussain Munis Muhammad Farooq
Published: August 2020

Citrus is the leading fruit crop of Pakistan and exported to different parts of the world. Due to suitable weather condition, this crop is affected by different biotic factors which seriously deteriorate its quality and quantity. During the months of November 2018 to January 2019, citrus brown rot symptoms were recurrently observed on sweet oranges in National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. Causal agent of citrus brown rot was isolated, characterized, and identified as Fusarium oxysporum. For environment‐friendly control of this disease, leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was used for the green synthesis of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were characterized before their application for disease control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of these synthesized nanoparticles described the presence of stabilizing and reducing compounds like alcohol, phenol, carboxylic acid, and alkaline and aromatic compounds. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystalline nature and size (24 nm) of these nanoparticles. Energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDX) analysis elaborated the presence of major elements in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the spinal shaped morphology of prepared nanoparticles. Successfully synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their antifungal potential. Different concentrations of Fe2O3 nanoparticles were used and maximum mycelial inhibition was observed at 1.0 mg/ml concentration. On the basis of these findings, it could be concluded that Fe2O3 nanoparticles, synthesized in the leaf extract of A. indica, can be successfully used for the control of brown rot of sweet oranges.
Prognostic Value of Nodal Matting on MRI in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Ma Huali , Qiu Yinyi , Li Haojiang , Xie Fei , Ruan Guangying , Liu Lizhi , Cui Chunyan , Dong Annan
Published: August 2020

Background

Nodal (N) stage is one of the most important predictors for distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. It may ignore potentially useful nodal features, such as nodal matting (three or more lymph nodes abutting together with the absence of intervening fat planes).

Purpose

To explore the prognostic value of nodal matting in NPC patients and construct a nomogram with nodal matting for predicting distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS).

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 792 NPC patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy from 2010 to 2013 were enrolled with 2:1 training (n = 527) and validation (n = 65) cohorts.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging at 1.5 or 3.0T.

Assessment

Nodal matting and other nodal characteristics were assessed with MRI. MR images were evaluated separately by three radiologists. The association between nodal matting and DMFS was analyzed.

Statistical Tests

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Nomograms were constructed from a multivariate logistic regression model with and without nodal matting. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomograms were determined by concordance index (C‐index) and calibration curves. The results were validated using bootstrap resampling and validation cohort.

Results

The incidence of nodal matting was 24.6% (195/792) in all patients. In the training cohort, nodal matting was independently associated with DMFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.97 [1.05–3.69], P < 0.05). N1 patients with nodal matting had worse DMFS than N1 patients without (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed when comparing N1 patients with nodal matting to N2 patients (P = 0.464). The C‐index of the nomogram with nodal matting was higher than the nomogram without (0.717 vs. 0.699, P = 0.084).

Data Conclusion

Nodal matting was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS in NPC patients. It may help to select patients at high risk of distant metastasis.
Effect of Device Configuration and Patient's Body Composition on the RF Heating and Nonsusceptibility Artifact of Deep Brain Stimulation Implants During MRI at 1.5T and 3T
Authors: Bhusal Bhumi , Nguyen Bach T. , Sanpitak Pia P. , Vu Jasmine , Elahi Behzad , Rosenow Joshua , Nolt Mark J. , Lopez‐Rosado Roberto , Pilitsis Julie , DiMarzio Marisa , Golestanirad Laleh
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants have limited access to MRI due to safety concerns associated with RF‐induced heating. Currently, MRI in these patients is allowed in 1.5T horizontal bore scanners utilizing pulse sequences with reduced power. However, the use of 3T MRI in such patients is increasingly reported based on limited safety assessments. Here we present the results of comprehensive RF heating measurements for two commercially available DBS systems during MRI at 1.5T and 3T.

Purpose

To assess the effect of imaging landmark, DBS lead configuration, and patient's body composition on RF heating of DBS leads during MRI at 1.5T and 3T.

Study Type

Phantom and ex vivo study.

Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal Model

Gel phantoms and cadaver brain.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3T, T1‐weighted turbo spin echo.

Assessment

RF heating was measured at the tips of DBS leads implanted in brain‐mimicking gel. Image artifact was assessed in a cadaver brain implanted with an isolated DBS lead.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive.

Results

We observed substantial fluctuation in RF heating, mainly affected by phantom composition and DBS lead configuration, ranging from 0.14°C to 23.73°C at 1.5T, and from 0.10°C to 7.39°C at 3T. The presence of subcutaneous fat substantially altered RF heating at the electrode tips (3.06°C < ∆T < 19.05° C). Introducing concentric loops in the extracranial portion of the lead at the surgical burr hole reduced RF heating by up to 89% at 1.5T and up to 98% at 3T compared to worst‐case heating scenarios.

Data Conclusion

Device configuration and patient's body composition substantially altered the RF heating of DBS leads during MRI. Interestingly, certain lead trajectories consistently reduced RF heating and image artifact.

Level of Evidence 1

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:599–610.
Evaluation of 17 patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia treated with anakinra according to HScore, SOFA, MuLBSTA, and Brescia‐COVID respiratory severity scale (BCRSS) scoring systems
Authors: Erden Abdulsamet , Ozdemir Bahar , Karakas Ozlem , Mutlu Nevzat Mehmet , Izdes Seval , Kalem Ayse Kaya , Bilir Yeşim Aybar , Aypak Adalet , Akinci Esragul , Guner Rahmet , Kucuksahin Orhan
Published: August 2020

COVID‐19 pandemic has been affecting the whole world by increasing morbidity and mortality rates day by day. Treatment algorithms have been attempted as parallel to the increasing experience with COVID‐19. In the pathogenesis of this virus pro‐inflammatory cytokine storm has been called to have the main role. The right timing should be made for treatments. We proposed IL‐ 1 blocking by anakinra in seventeen COVID‐19 patients at high risk of worsening. Patients were assessed according to HScore, SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score = SOFA), MuLBSTA Score (multilobular infiltration, hypo‐lymphocytosis, bacterial coinfection, smoking history, hyper‐tension, and age), Brescia‐COVID respiratory severity scale (BCRSS). In our study, the mortality rate was 17.6%. Consequently, 1 (5.9%) patient was receiving low‐flow oxygen supply, 3 (17.6%) patients needed no longer oxygen supply and 10 (58.8%) patients were discharged from the hospital. According to the results of our study in the manner of general evaluation; we found that SOFA, MuLBSTA, and BCRSS scores were one step ahead according to HScore being insufficient to determine early phases of the disease. In our opinion, the prominent factors that emphasize the use of anakinra could be listed as comorbidity, risk, or presence of secondary infection, ongoing malignant disease. However, the other factors that enhance the use of anakinra in the situation of viremia also could be sorted as no response to full dose antivirals, antiviral side effects, or no success to antiviral treatment.
Assessment of rainfall variability and future change in Brazil across multiple timescales
Authors: Alves Lincoln M. , Chadwick Robin , Moise Aurel , Brown Josephine , Marengo Jose A.
Published: August 2020

Rainfall variability change under global warming is a crucial issue that may have a substantial impact on society and the environment, as it can directly impact biodiversity, agriculture, and water resources. Observed precipitation trends and climate change projections over Brazil indicate that many sectors of society are potentially highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The purpose of this study is to assess model projections of the change in rainfall variability at various temporal scales over sub‐regions of Brazil. For this, daily data from 30 CMIP5 models for historical (1900–2005) and future (2050–2100) experiments under a high‐emission scenario are used. We assess the change in precipitation variability, applying a band‐pass filter to isolate variability on daily, weekly, monthly, intra‐seasonal, and El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) time scales. For historical climate, simulated precipitation is evaluated against observations to establish model reliability. The results show that models largely agree on increases in variability on all timescales in all sub‐regions, except on ENSO timescales where models do not agree on the sign of future change. Brazil will experience more rainfall variability in the future that is, drier or more frequent dry periods and wetter wet periods on daily, weekly, monthly, and intra‐seasonal timescales, even in sub‐regions where future changes in mean rainfall are currently uncertain. This may provide useful information for climate change adaptation across, for example, the agriculture and water resource sectors in Brazil.
Nanotechnology and Osteoarthritis. Part 2: Opportunities for advanced devices and therapeutics
Authors: Lawson Taylor B. , Mäkelä Janne T. A. , Klein Travis , Snyder Brian D. , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: August 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease of the entire joint which afflicts 140 million individuals worldwide regardless of economic or social status. Current clinical treatments for OA primarily center on reducing pain and increasing mobility, and there are limited therapeutic interventions to restore degraded cartilage or slow disease pathogenesis. This second installment of a two‐part review on nanotechnology and OA focuses on novel treatment strategies. Specifically, Part 2 first discusses current surgical and nonsurgical treatments for OA and then summarizes recent advancements in nanotechnology‐based treatments, while Part 1 (10.1002/jor.24817) described advances in imaging and diagnostics. We review nano delivery systems for small molecule drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins followed by nano‐based scaffolds for neocartilage formation and osteochondral regeneration, and lastly nanoparticle lubricants. We conclude by identifying opportunities for nanomedicine advances, and prospects for OA treatments.
Estimating the prevalence of missing experiments in a neuroimaging meta‐analysis
Authors: Samartsidis Pantelis , Montagna Silvia , Laird Angela R. , Fox Peter T. , Johnson Timothy D. , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: August 2020

Coordinate‐based meta‐analyses (CBMA) allow researchers to combine the results from multiple functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments with the goal of obtaining results that are more likely to generalize. However, the interpretation of CBMA findings can be impaired by the file drawer problem, a type of publication bias that refers to experiments that are carried out but are not published. Using foci per contrast count data from the BrainMap database, we propose a zero‐truncated modeling approach that allows us to estimate the prevalence of nonsignificant experiments. We validate our method with simulations and real coordinate data generated from the Human Connectome Project. Application of our method to the data from BrainMap provides evidence for the existence of a file drawer effect, with the rate of missing experiments estimated as at least 6 per 100 reported. The R code that we used is available at https://osf.io/ayhfv/.