bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractCitrus 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

BackgroundNodal (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).PurposeTo 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 typeRetrospective.PopulationIn 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/SequenceT1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging at 1.5 or 3.0T.AssessmentNodal 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 TestsUnivariate 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.ResultsThe 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 ConclusionNodal 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

BackgroundPatients 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.PurposeTo 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 TypePhantom and ex vivo study.Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal ModelGel phantoms and cadaver brain.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T and 3T, T1‐weighted turbo spin echo.AssessmentRF 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 TestsDescriptive.ResultsWe 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 ConclusionDevice 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 1Technical Efficacy Stage 1J. 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

AbstractCOVID‐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

AbstractRainfall 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

AbstractOsteoarthritis (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.
Microwave absorption medium‐assisted extraction coupled with reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of triazine herbicides in corn and soybean samples
Authors: Wu Lijie , Li Zhanchao , Zhang Hanqi , Wang Ziming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA new extraction method, microwave absorption medium‐assisted extraction coupled with reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, was developed for the determination of triazine herbicides in corn and soybean samples. Triazine herbicides were extracted with hexane and then directly enriched into the ionic liquid phase. The purification of sample and concentration of target analytes were performed simultaneously. The method combines the advantages of nonpolar solvent dynamic microwave extraction and reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, which could greatly simplify the operation and reduce the whole pretreatment time. The Box–Behnken design was used to the optimization of experimental factors involved in the dynamic microwave‐assisted extraction. In the present study, good linearity in the range of 5.00–500.00 µg/kg was obtained. The limits of detection and quantification varying from 1.3 to 4.2 and 4.1 to 13.9 µg/kg were achieved, respectively. The intra‐ and interday precisions were between 2.7 and 6.9%. The present method was applied to the analysis of corn and soybean samples, and the recoveries of analytes ranged from 80.7 to 106.9% with the relative standard deviations of 2.1–7.8%. The present method shows the potentials of practical applications in the treatment of the complex fatty solid samples.
Enantioseparation and dissipation monitoring of oxathiapiprolin in grape using supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Qianyu , Dong Fengshou , Xu Jun , Liu Xingang , Wu Xiaohu , Li Runan , Jiang Duoduo , Wu Xiuming , Liu Yingchao , Zheng Yongquan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOxathiapiprolin is a chiral fungicide used in China for the prevention and treatment of grape downy mildew, but its potential risk could be inaccurately assessed without distinguishing its enantiomers. In this study, an effective and sensitive chiral analytical method was first established for quantification of oxathiapiprolin enantiomers using supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline separation for oxathiapiprolin enantiomers was achieved for less than 3 min by using a Lux Cellulose‐2 chiral column with the resolution of 1.51. The elution order of the eluting enantiomers was identified as (−)‐oxathiapiprolin and (+)‐oxathiapiprolin by an optical rotation detector. The grape samples were extracted by QuEChERS method, with the average recoveries of each enantiomer in grapes were in the range of 88.1–111.8% and the relative standard deviations were less than 18.9%. The enantioselective analysis of the dissipation of oxathiapiprolin in field grape samples showed that (−)‐oxathiapiprolin was dissipated faster than (+)‐oxathiapiprolin. The results indicate that this proposed method could provide data support for the risk assessment of oxathiapiprolin in agricultural produces in a more accurate way.
Prediction of Large‐for‐Gestational‐Age Neonates by Different Growth Standards
Authors: Duncan Jose R. , Odibo Linda , Hoover Elizabeth A. , Odibo Anthony O. 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveCompare the accuracy of the Hadlock, the NICHD, and the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) charts to detect large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) and adverse neonatal outcomes (as a secondary outcome).MethodsThis is a secondary analysis from a prospective study that included singleton non‐anomalous gestations with growth ultrasound at 26–36 weeks. LGA was suspected with estimated fetal weight > 90th percentile by the NICHD, FMF, and Hadlock charts. LGA was diagnosed with birth weight > 90th percentile. We tested the performance of these charts to detect LGA and adverse neonatal outcomes (neonatal intensive care unit admission, Ph < 7.1, Apgar <7 at 5 minutes, seizures, and neonatal death) by calculating the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.ResultsOf 1054 pregnancies, 123 neonates (12%) developed LGA. LGA was suspected in 58 (5.5%) by Hadlock, 229 (21.7%) by NICHD standard, and 231 (22%) by FMF chart. The NICHD standard (AUC: .79; 95% CI: .75–.83 vs. AUC .64; 95%CI: .6–.68; p = < .001) and FMF chart (AUC: .81 95% CI: .77–.85 vs. AUC .64; 95%CI: .6–.68; p = < .001) were more accurate than Hadlock. The FMF and NICHD had higher sensitivity (77.2 vs. 72.4 vs. 30.1%) but Hadlock had higher specificity for LGA (97.5 vs. 88.5 vs. 85.4%). All standards were poor predictors for adverse neonatal outcomes.ConclusionsThe NICHD and the FMF standards may increase the detection rate of LGA in comparison to the Hadlock chart. However, this may increase obstetrical interventions.
Osteoporosis group consultations are as effective as usual care: Results from a non‐inferiority randomized trial
Authors: Baqir Wasim , Gray William K. , Blair Alistair , Haining Shona , Birrell Fraser 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundGroup consultations led by doctors or nurses are widely used in diabetes and hypertension and are promising in inflammatory arthritis.ObjectiveTo show effectiveness in other musculoskeletal conditions with other professionals.HypothesisGroup consultations as effective as one‐to‐one consultations for treating patients at risk of osteoporotic fracture, defined by 10‐year fracture risk.DesignRandomized controlled non‐inferiority trial, with parallel groups randomized by patientSettingThree primary care practices, Northumberland, United KingdomPatientsA total of 158 patients consenting to the study from 1052 patients ≥50 years invited from the highest 10‐year fracture risk group.InterventionsPharmacist‐led clinic appointment either in one of four 90‐min group consultations (n = 75) or comparator usual care consultation (n = 83).MeasurementsPrimary outcome measure – mean possession ratio of bisphosphonates over 12 months (doses requested/all possible doses). Secondary outcomes included treatment persistence.ResultsTen‐year fracture risk for major osteoporotic/hip fracture was 26%/14% for group and 23%/10% for usual care, respectively. Mean possession ratio was 0.62 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.23‐0.92) for group and 0.54 (IQR = 0.15‐0.92) for usual care (confirmed as non‐inferior).LimitationsSingle pharmacist delivered the intervention/comparator, although piloting showed nurses or doctors equally competent; small number of practices.ConclusionsOutcomes for group consultations were non‐inferior to those for usual care in osteoporosis. Mean pharmacist contact time per patient was lower for group consultations, so this model was efficient and saved costs. Clinicians from different disciplines with facilitation skills can be trained easily and improve routine service delivery for chronic conditions through group consultations: a promising response to escalating demand for healthcare.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Access to Parkinson's Disease Medication
Authors: Cheong Julia Ling‐Yu , Goh Zhao Hang Keith , Marras Connie , Tanner Caroline M. , Kasten Meike , Noyce Alastair J. ,   the Movement Disorders Society Epidemiology Study Group
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany countries have implemented drastic measures to fight the COVID‐19 pandemic. Restrictions and diversion of resources may have negatively affected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our aim was to examine whether COVID‐19 had an impact on access to PD medication by region and income.MethodsThis study was conducted as part of a survey sent to members of the Movement Disorders Society focusing on access to PD medication globally.ResultsOf 346 responses, 157 (45.4%) agreed that COVID‐19 had affected access to PD medication, while 189 (54.6%) disagreed. 22.8% of high‐income and 88.9% of low‐income countries' respondents agreed that access to PD medication was affected by COVID‐19. 59% of all ‘yes' respondents reported increased disability of patients as an impact.ConclusionsAccess to PD medication is likely to have been affected by COVID‐19 and result in deterioration of patients' symptomatic control. Resource‐poor countries appear to be disproportionately affected compared to more affluent countries. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A 8.5 to 11.6 GHz digitally controlled variable gain amplifier with 15‐dB gain range and 1‐dB step
Authors: Wu Tianjun , Zhang Xiaoning , Xing Zhao , Zhao Chenxi , Yu Yiming , Liu Huihua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA X‐band variable gain amplifier (VGA) with low phase variation and high control resolution is presented in 180‐nm CMOS. The linear gain VGA and current‐type digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) are implemented to improve the accuracy of gain control and the robustness against process, supply voltage, and temperature variations (PVT). The measured peak gain and 3‐dB bandwidth are 8 dB and 8.5 to 11.6 GHz, respectively. The gain range is 15 dB with a gain step of 1 dB. With a supply voltage varying from 1.6 to 2.0 V, the root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain and phase errors in 3‐dB bandwidth are <0.62 dB and <1.5°, respectively. With supply of 1.8 V, the measured root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain and phase errors across −25 to 110°C are <0.65 dB and <1.7°, respectively. Comparing the measurement results of five chips, the variation of RMS gain error is <0.24 dB, and the RMS phase errors are almost the same. The measurement results demonstrate the proposed VGA is very suitable for phased arrays in X‐band.
Application of electromagnetic bandgap in frequency selective surfaces for suppression of higher‐order modes
Authors: Bezerra Tiago S. , Lira Ruan V. A. , Campos Antonio L. P. S. , Gomes Neto Alfredo , da Silva José P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this article, the authors present a proposal for the application of electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) for suppression of higher‐order modes in frequency selective surfaces (FSS), not yet studied in the literature. The study consists of an application of a rectangular periodic array of circular holes in FSS dielectric substrate to create rejection bands and suppress specific resonant frequency modes. We built four prototypes and compared measured results with simulated results obtained with ANSYS HFSS and it completes the proposed equivalent circuit validation. Simulations and measurements show suppression levels up to 10 dB. A good agreement between the results is observed.
3D‐printed circularly polarized concave patch with enhanced bandwidth and radiation pattern
Authors: Parthiban Prabakar , Seet Boon‐Chong , Li Xue Jun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this article, a novel design of a probe‐fed circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna on a 3D‐printed concave‐shaped substrate is proposed. The radiating patch conforms to the concavity of the substrate surface, and the circular polarization is achieved by two pairs of asymmetric slot perturbation. The varying substrate thickness due to the concavity across the cross‐section enhances the antenna's bandwidth by 1.99% compared to traditional flat substrates. The spherically curved surface focuses the antenna's radiation by narrowing its half‐power beam‐width (HPBW). The gain and axial ratio of the antenna are also less susceptible to the effects of having a large ground plane. The results are verified by comparing the measured performance of the proposed antenna with that of a conventional corner truncated CP patch on a 3D‐printed flat substrate. The proposed antenna is designed for sub‐GHz industrial, scientific, and medical radio (ISM) band (865‐868 MHz) and has 7 dBiC gain and near 0 dB axial ratio with 65° and 61° HPBW in elevation, and azimuth planes, respectively.