bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of phase transformation behaviors of zeolite and antibacterial properties against Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria
Authors: Ishak Siti Nabihan , Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik , Yusop Zulkifli , Williams Craig D. , Suhartono Suhartono , Syafiuddin Achmad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study deals with the synthesis of zeolite from natural kaolinite using hydrothermal treatment and evaluation of its phase transformation behaviors. The synthesized zeolites were modified with silver ion by using the ion exchange method for the enhancement of antibacterial properties. The characterizations were performed by using X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray. Disk diffusion technique (DDT) was used for the evaluation of the antibacterial property of the modified zeolites. This study observed the transformation of kaolinite into amorphous metakaolin after calcination treatment at 900°C and the successful reconstruction of amorphous metakaolin into synthesized crystal zeolite in the presence of sodium hydroxide as an activating agent. It was also found that the zeolite type A was produced at 100°C, while sodalites were produced at 120 and 140°C. DDT analysis revealed that the modified zeolites showed significant antibacterial capability against Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. In general, the present study has proven that the zeolites can be synthesized from natural material and can be modified with silver ion to enhance their antibacterial activity.
Developing knowledge‐based planning for gynaecological and rectal cancers: a clinical validation of RapidPlan™
Authors: Shepherd Meegan , Bromley Regina , Stevens Mark , Morgia Marita , Kneebone Andrew , Hruby George , Atyeo John , Eade Thomas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionTo create and clinically validate knowledge‐based planning (KBP) models for gynaecologic (GYN) and rectal cancer patients. Assessment of ecologic generalisability and predictive validity of conventional planning versus single calculation KBP was reviewed against practical metrics of planning time (PT) and radiation oncologist plan preference.MethodStudy cohorts were 34 and 42 consecutively treated GYN and rectal cancer patients dosimetrically archived within the centre’s research databank. For model training, structures and dose distributions from 22 and 32 GYN and rectal volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were used in RapidPlan™. Prescription doses ranged from 45 to 60Gy in 25 fractions using a simultaneous integrated boost to 2–4 targets and up to 9 organ‐at‐risk volumes. For model validation, 12 GYN and 10 rectal were independent of the archive and a single pass KBP VMAT plan was created. Each plan was evaluated against the archived treated plan under blinded conditions for radiation oncologist preference using standard dosimetric quality parameters.ResultsAll 22 plans generated in the KBP validation cohort met pre‐set GYN and rectal cancer dosimetric quality metrics. Fifty per cent of GYN plans and eighty per cent of rectal plans were judged superior to the manually optimised plans. KBP reduced PT considerably for both tumour sites.ConclusionSingle pass KBP for GYN and rectal cancer patients produced clinically acceptable treatment plans which were non‐inferior to conventionally optimised plans in 14 of 22 cases. Efficiencies captured by KBP will have predictable impacts on institutional workflows and resource allocation to facilitate adaptive planning.
Full wave numerical analysis of wideband and high directive log spiralTHzphotoconductive antenna
Authors: Dhiflaoui Amira , Yahyaoui Ali , Yousaf Jawad , Aguili Taoufik , Hakim Bandar , Rmili Hatem , Mittra Raj 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study presents, for the first time, a novel design of ultra‐wideband (UWB), circularly polarized and highly directive log‐spiral THz photoconductive antenna. The proposed antenna is simulated in High Frequency Structure Simulator using gold as the antenna electrode material which is backed by a quartz substrate (εr= 3.78, tan δ = 0.0001) and hemispherical silicon‐based lens with a diameter of 140 μm. A comprehensive detailed parametric study of the antenna design parameters is performed in the frequency range of 1 to 6 THz for the optimal design of the developed antenna structure. The optimal antenna structure with integrated lens has UWB characteristics with −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 5 THz and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of around 4 THz. The observed directivity and half‐power beam width of the presented design varies in the range 5 to 12 dBi and 34° to 62°, respectively, for the frequency range of 1 to 4 THz. The wideband, high directivity as well as high‐efficiency (>50%) characteristics of the proposed design make it a favorable choice for the THz sensing and imaging applications.
Evidence linking the role of periodontal viruses in coronary artery disease with and without periodontitis
Authors: Ilango Paavai , Mahendra Jaideep , Mahendra Little , Cherian Sanjay M. , Kathaperumal Kumanan , Suresh Vasugi , Mahalingam Arulpari , T. Abirami 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundViruses are considered to be a newer family associated with inflammatory diseases. Yet the role of periodontal viruses in coronary artery diseases (CAD) remains unclear. Thus, the current study aims to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal viruses and compare the same in cardiac samples of CAD patients with and without periodontitis.MethodsA total of 60 patients with CAD indicated for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were included. These were grouped into 36 patients with healthy periodontium (CAD only) and 24 patients with periodontitis (CAD + P). The demographic variables, cardiac parameters and periodontal parameters were recorded. Cardiac tissue samples were collected during the CABG surgery and were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for periodontal viruses such as Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex virus. All the parameters were statistically analyzed.ResultsAmong the demographic variables, age was statistically significant between the groups. Plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were significantly higher in CAD+P group (P˂0.05). Periodontal viruses such as EBV and CMV were significantly higher (62.5% and 75% respectively,P˂0.05) in the cardiac samples of the CAD+P than CAD only (25% and 47.2%, respectively). A significant association between EBV and CAL was revealed by multiple logistic regression analysis. (B = 0.374,P = 0.046)ConclusionsThe results revealed a higher prevalence of periodontal viruses such as EBV and CMV in CAD patients with periodontitis suggesting it as one of the risk factors for CAD. This is supported by the fact that severity of periodontal disease (CAL) is associated with the presence of EBV in coronary artery plaque samples in the current study.
Diagnosis of peri‐implant status after peri‐implantitis surgical treatment: Proposal of a new classification
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Galli Matthew , Siqueira Rafael , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe 2017 World Workshop classified peri‐implant diseases into health, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis. The aim of this article is to build upon this recent classification and propose a framework for the diagnosis of peri‐implant status after surgical treatment for peri‐implantitis.MethodsA literature review was conducted to discuss the relevant diagnostic, clinical, and radiographic parameters, including probing depth, bleeding on probing, visual inspection, and radiographic bone loss. Case definitions of possible treatment outcomes were discussed, and a flowchart was constructed to guide post‐treatment diagnosis according to the possible clinical scenarios which can be encountered in daily practice.ResultsThree possible treatment outcomes were identified after resective treatment of peri‐implantitis: 1) peri‐implant health with a reduced support, 2) peri‐implant mucositis with a reduced support, and 3) recurrent/refractory peri‐implantitis. After regenerative treatment for peri‐implantitis, the peri‐implant condition was classified according to the same diagnoses with the addition of peri‐implant health or peri‐implant mucositis after complete regeneration for cases where complete regeneration was attained. Criteria for successful treatment of peri‐implantitis were proposed. After resective therapy, a successful treatment outcome was defined as peri‐implant health with a reduced support, whereas, after regenerative therapy, a successful outcome was described as either peri‐implant health after complete regeneration or peri‐implant health with a reduced support.ConclusionsThe proposed classification system of peri‐implant status after surgical treatment for peri‐implantitis provides a framework for diagnosing the various forms of peri‐implant stability or disease to guide clinical decision‐making post‐treatment.
Characterization of a Jian‐like sherd with the optical microscope, confocal Raman, wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, and portable XRF spectrometers
Authors: Simsek Franci Gulsu , Akkas Tugce , Yildirim Sinem , Yilmaz Suat , Birdevrim Ahmet Nejat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ceramic masterpieces that belong to the private collections and art galleries are rarely studied with analytical instruments to define the authenticity, provenance, and characteristics of the materials because the scientific investigations are required to be solely noninvasive for characterizing the unfractured genuine objects. A monographic program, Blue Print, which was initiated by a German cultural heritage foundation, Art & Science Endowment Trust (ASET) Stiftung, aims at developing on‐site research protocols for systematic research investigations on the fragmentary samples, with and without verifiable archeological contexts. For that reason, a combination of analytical techniques was carried out on a Jian‐like sherd, which was assumed to be produced either as a genuine artifact between the 11th and late 14th centuries ad or as a Qing Dynasty copy (1644–1911 ad). Before slicing the sherd, confocal Raman microscopy was used to define the red glaze signature and the crystals formed on the glazed surface, whereas portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) (pXRF) was used to define the composition of the glaze and body. Afterward, the sherd was cut and polished for the characterization with a zoom microscope, wavelength‐dispersive XRF (WD‐XRF), and Raman. The macroscopic examination revealed the presence of a glassy black colored interface layer, which was detected between the body and red glaze. The composition of the red glaze was determined with XRF and Raman spectrometers, and the presence of cadmium sulfoselenide (CdSxSe1−x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1) with a high amount of zirconium (WD‐XRF: 2.20 wt.%, pXRF: 1.55‐wt.% ZrO2) was found. Additionally, Raman measurements evidenced the presence of epsilon‐hematite crystals formed on the blackened red glazed surface. Unlike the glaze composition, the elemental content of the body is almost the same (Al2O3: 25.7 wt.%, Fe2O3: 8.19 wt.%, K2O: 2.54 wt.%) with the genuine Jian wares already documented by artistic and scientific examinations.
Effects of anxiety on dental students' noncognitive performance in their first objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Wu Ju‐Hui , Du Je‐Kang , Lee Chen‐Yi , Lee Huey‐Er , Tsai Tsuen‐Chiuan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPatient‐dentist discourse is a core nonoperational competency in dental education. The skills of querying patients and responding to questions are noncognitive attributes, and their evaluation by the standardized patient objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is particularly necessary. However, it is not clear whether students' test anxiety affects these attributes. This study aims to examine the relationship between dental students' state‐trait anxiety, noncognitive performance, and examination results during their first OSCE. A single dental school cohort (n = 226) of 5 year students attending their first clinical examination from 2014 to 2017 was studied. Participants completed the Chinese Mandarin Version State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory Y form before taking the OSCE. The difference between state and trait anxiety levels was compared by paired t test. Gender differences and the effect of age group in these anxiety levels were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Moreover, gender, age group, state anxiety, and trait anxiety scores were compared with the OSCE items of noncognitive performance using a chi‐square test. Students showed significantly higher state anxiety than trait anxiety levels; moreover, women showed significantly higher state anxiety than men. Furthermore, gender, age group, state anxiety, and trait anxiety had no association with the noncognitive performance examination results. Most participants showed moderate state and trait anxiety levels during their first OSCE. Further, the state‐trait anxiety had no significant effect on their noncognitive performance. However, 26.5% of participants did not pass the examination; therefore, dental educators should increase communication skill training courses during clerkship training to improve students' noncognitive attributes.
Academic Affiliation and Surgical Volume Predict Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Surgery
Authors: Farquhar Douglas R. , Masood Maheer M. , Lenze Nicholas R. , Sheth Siddharth , Patel Samip N. , Lumley Catherine , Zanation Adam M. , Weissler Mark C. , Olshan Andrew F. , Hackman Trevor G. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether the academic affiliation or surgical volume affects the overall survival (OS) of human papillomavirus (HPV)–negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving surgery.MethodsA retrospective study of 39 North Carolina Medical Centers was conducted. Treatment centers were classified as academic hospitals, community cancer centers, or community hospitals and were divided into thirds by volume. The primary outcome was 5‐year OS. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for demographics, tumor site, stage, insurance status, tobacco use, alcohol use, stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients were also stratified by stage (early stage and advanced stage).ResultsPatients treated at community cancer centers had significantly better 5‐year OS (HR 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.48–0.98), and patients treated at academic hospitals trended toward better 5‐year OS (HR 0.72, 95% CI = 0.50–1.04) compared to patients treated at community hospitals. The effect for academic affiliation on survival was more pronounced for patients with advanced stage cancer at diagnosis (HR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37–0.95). There were no significant survival differences among early stage patients by treatment center type. Top‐third (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.96) centers by surgical volume had significantly better 5‐year OS, and middle‐third (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–1.03) centers by volume trended toward better 5‐year OS when compared to the bottom‐third centers by volume.ConclusionPatients treated at academic hospitals, community cancer centers, and hospitals in the top third by case volume have favorable survival for HPV‐negative HNSCC. The effect for academic hospitals is most pronounced among advanced stage patients.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E479–E488, 2021
Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis Caused by Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulae of the Skull Base
Authors: Or Maya , Buchanan Ian A. , Sizdahkhani Saman , Hurth Kyle , Amba Samridhi , Seltzer Justin , Khan Roozehra A. , Brunswick Andrew S. , Wrobel Bozena B. , Zada Gabriel 
Published: May 2020

Objectives/HypothesisSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the skull base are associated with obesity, multiparity, and elevated intracranial pressure. Although spontaneous CSF leaks often present with rhinorrhea, they can be an underdiagnosed cause of chronic aspiration pneumonitis, a complication that has not been previously reported in detail.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing surgical repair of CSF fistulae at the University of Southern California between 2011 and 2018 to identify those presenting with pulmonary symptoms including dyspnea, aspiration, chronic cough, and shortness of breath caused by chronic noniatrogenic CSF pneumonitis.ResultsSymptomatic chronic pneumonitis was evident in six of 20 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Five women (mean body mass index = 36) had CSF leaks arising from the fovea ethmoidalis (n = 4) and lateral sphenoid region (n = 1). One man had a middle fossa floor dehiscence draining through the eustachian tube. All patients had bilateral ground‐glass opacities in their lungs on computed tomography imaging that were attributed to spontaneous CSF fistulae arising from noniatrogenic skull base defects, and one patient underwent a biopsy of a lung lesion at another hospital showing chronic bronchiolitis and adjacent peribronchiolar metaplasia. Five patients underwent endoscopic endonasal repair using an autologous fascial graft and pedicled nasoseptal flap, and one underwent craniotomy for repair. All patients underwent successful repair with no complications or evidence of recurrence. Upon repair of the spontaneous CSF leaks, both pneumonitis symptoms and ground‐glass opacities on imaging resolved in all six cases.ConclusionsSkull base CSF fistulae should be considered as a reversible cause of chronic pneumonitis that is not alleviated or worsens with standard treatment.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:462–466, 2021
The role of sodium channels in sudden unexpected death in pediatrics
Authors: Rochtus Anne M. , Goldstein Richard D. , Holm Ingrid A. , Brownstein Catherine A. , Pérez‐Palma Eduardo , Haynes Robin , Lal Dennis , Poduri Annapurna H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics (SUDP) is a tragic event, likely caused by the complex interaction of multiple factors. The presence of hippocampal abnormalities in many children with SUDP suggests that epilepsy‐related mechanisms may contribute to death, similar to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. Because of known associations between the genes SCN1A and SCN5A and sudden death, and shared mechanisms and patterns of expression in genes encoding many voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs), we hypothesized that individuals dying from SUDP have pathogenic variants across the entire family of cardiac arrhythmia‐ and epilepsy‐associated VGSC genes.MethodsTo address this hypothesis, we evaluated whole‐exome sequencing data from infants and children with SUDP for variants in VGSC genes, reviewed the literature for all SUDP‐associated variants in VGSCs, applied a novel paralog analysis to all variants, and evaluated all variants according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.ResultsIn our cohort of 73 cases of SUDP, we assessed 11 variants as pathogenic in SCN1A, SCN1B, and SCN10A, genes with long‐standing disease associations, and in SCN3A, SCN4A, and SCN9A, VGSC gene paralogs with more recent disease associations. From the literature, we identified 82 VGSC variants in SUDP cases. Pathogenic variants clustered at conserved amino acid sites intolerant to variation across the VGSC genes, which is unlikely to occur in the general population (p < .0001). For 54% of variants previously reported in literature, we identified conflicting evidence regarding pathogenicity when applying ACMG criteria and modern population data.ConclusionWe report variants in several VGSC genes in cases with SUDP, involving both arrhythmia‐ and epilepsy‐associated genes. Accurate variant assessment as well as future studies are essential for an improved understanding of the contribution of sodium channel‐related variants to SUDP.
A point‐to‐point protein–protein interaction assay reveals the signaling interplays among plant hormones and environmental cues
Authors: Sun Kaiwen , Xue Xiangwen , Liu Nana , Zhu Ziqiang , Li Hong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs sessile organisms, plants must properly coordinate their growth and developmental programs with changes in the environment. The integration of exogenous environmental cues with endogenous plant hormone responses often occurs through physical protein–protein interactions (PPIs). However, a comprehensive PPI network that mediates environmental and hormonal responses has not been established. In this study, we initially cloned 113 phytohormone‐related genes and 29 light signaling components of Arabidopsis and then individually tested their mutual interactions (in total 2,655 tests) using a yeast‐two‐hybrid approach to ultimately identify 141 interactions. Based on these interaction results, we next revealed the signaling cross talk between jasmonate and abscisic acid by characterizing the JAZ1‐PYL4 and JAZ1‐ABI1 interactions. Thus, we generated a useful resource for the community to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying signaling interactions between plant hormones and/or with light.
Engineering Protein Venoms as Self‐Assembling CXCR4‐Targeted Cytotoxic Nanoparticles
Authors: Serna Naroa , Cano‐Garrido Olivia , Sánchez‐García Laura , Pesarrodona Mireia , Unzueta Ugutz , Sánchez‐Chardi Alejandro , Mangues Ramon , Vázquez Esther , Villaverde Antonio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProtein venoms are effective cytotoxic molecules that when conveniently targeted to tumoral markers can be exploited as promising anticancer drugs. Here, it is explored whether the structurally unrelated melittin, gomesin, and CLIP71 could be functionally active when engineered, in form of GFP fusions, as self‐assembling multimeric nanoparticles. Incorporated in modular constructs including a C‐terminal polyhistidine tag and an N‐terminal peptidic ligand of the cytokine receptor CXCR4 (overexpressed in more than 20 human neoplasias), these venoms are well produced in recombinant bacteria as proteolytically stable regular nanoparticles ranging between 12 and 35 nm. Being highly fluorescent, these materials selectively penetrate, label, and kill CXCR4+ tumor cells in a CXCR4‐dependent fashion. The obtained data support the concept of recombinant venoms as promising drugs, through the precise formulation as tumor‐targeted nanomaterials for selective theragnostic applications in CXCR4+ cancers.