bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Pestalotiopsis sp. causing gray leaf spot in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Abdullahil Baki , Sultana Nasrin , Mahmud Nur U. , Kader Md. Abdul , Hassan Oliul , Chang Taehyun , Islam Tofazzal , Akanda Abdul M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCoconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most important fruit trees in Bangladesh. This tree is susceptible to various pathogens. Among them, a fungus was consistently isolated from gray leaf spot symptom in coconut. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and find the management strategies of the causal fungus of gray leaf spot disease in coconut. Both morphological and molecular characters identified the pathogen as Pestalotiopsis sp. for the first time in Bangladesh. Artificial inoculation of this fungus showed symptoms similar to those previously observed in the field. Cross‐inoculation test suggests that Pestalotiopsis sp. has a wide host range. The infection process of Pestalotiopsis sp. started at 2 h after inoculation (hai) with the formation of germ tube followed by the formation of infection hyphae, which penetrated directly into the host at 6 hai. Gray leaf spot symptom was developed at 120 hai. Numerous conidia developed from the acervuli at 168 hai. These conidia acted as the source of inocula for secondary infection. The optimum temperature for the growth of Pestalotiopsis sp. was 25°C, however, the growth of Pestalotiopsis sp. ceased at 15°C and 35°C. This pathogen was completely inhibited by Autostin 50 WDG (carbendazim) at 100 ppm. Trichoderma viride (Pb‐7) was found as the potential biocontrol agent against Pestalotiopsis sp. These findings could contribute to describing the disease cycle and epidemiology of Pestalotiopsis sp. that would ultimately require to undertake effective control measures against this pathogen.
Intra‐observer agreements in multidisciplinary team assessments of pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Kirkegård Jakob , Al‐Saiddi Mohammed , Bratlie Svein Olav , Coolsen Marielle , de Haas Robbert J. , den Dulk Marcel , Fristrup Claus , Greve Ole Jacob , Harrison Ewen , Koutouzi Giasemi , Miclea Razvan L. , Mortensen Michael B. , Nijkamp Maarten W. , Persson Jan , Robertson Francis P. , Slangen Jules J.G. , Søreide Jon Arne , Wigmore Stephen J. , Mortensen Frank V. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and MethodsTreatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients are made by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) board. We aimed to assess intra‐observer variance at MDT boards. Participating units staged, assessed resectability, and made treatment allocations for the same patients as they did two years earlier. We disseminated clinical information and CT images of pancreatic cancer patients judged by one MDT board to have nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer to the participating units. All units were asked to re‐assess the TNM stage, resectability, and treatment allocation for each patient. To assess intra‐observer variance, we computed %‐agreements for each participating unit, defined as low (<50%), moderate (50%–75%), and high (>75%) agreement.ResultsEighteen patients were re‐assessed by six MDT boards. The overall agreement was moderate for TNM‐stage (ranging from 50%–70%) and resectability assessment (53%) but low for treatment allocation (46%). Agreement on resectability assessments was low to moderate. Findings were similar but more pronounced for treatment allocation. We observed a shift in treatment strategy towards increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, particularly in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced tumors.ConclusionsWe found substantial intra‐observer agreement variations across six different MDT boards of 18 pancreatic cancer patients with two years between the first and second assessment.
Therapeutic effects of different polar fractions of hawthorn extract on blood stasis model rats revealed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomics
Authors: Luo Lan , Xue Qi , Qi Yue , Zeng Lu , Liang Shengwang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHawthorn, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been suggested to have therapeutic effects on cardiovascular disease. However, effective fractions of hawthorn extract in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, together with possible therapeutic mechanisms, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of four different polar fractions of hawthorn extract on blood stasis model rats, and explore the possible metabolic mechanisms by using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomics approach. Evaluation of hemorheology and fibrinogen showed that n‐butanol and ethyl acetate fractions of hawthorn extract had significant therapeutic effects on blood stasis model rats. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis showed that n‐butanol and ethyl acetate fractions of hawthorn extract could reverse imbalanced biomarkers in plasma and urine of blood stasis model rats. Additionally, metabolic pathway analysis revealed that plasma biomarkers were responsible for several important pathways, including d‐glutamine and d‐glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. Meanwhile, urine biomarkers were responsible for some important pathways, including phenylalanine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and lysine degradation. This study demonstrated that n‐butanol and ethyl acetate fractions of hawthorn extract had significant therapeutic effects on blood stasis model rats, and the underlying mechanisms involved multiple metabolic pathways.
Factors associated with low medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Islam Md. Tauhidul , Uddin Riaz , Tansi Tania , Talukder Shamim , Sarker Farhana , Mamun Khondaker Abdullah Al , Adibi Sasan , Rawal Lal B 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to prescribed medication is essential for glycemic control and to delay the onset of complications. However, information on medication adherence among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus is sparse in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine medication adherence and factors associated with low adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 500 consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh between September 2013 and July 2014. Data were collected on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, medication use and adherence, and blood tests for glycated hemoglobin. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (score range 0–8), and a score < 6 was defined as low adherence. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to investigate factors associated with low medication adherence.ResultsThe mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 50.2 ± 10.2 years (56.2% females). Overall, 42.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 38.5–47.2) of participants reported low medication adherence with no differences by sex. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age was negatively associated with low adherence (odds ratio: 0.97 [95% CI 0.95–0.99]). Patients who reported no family history of diabetes had 55% higher odds of having low adherence (1.55 [1.05–2.30]), compared to their counterparts with a family history of diabetes.ConclusionAlmost half of the patients with Type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital in Dhaka had suboptimal medication adherence. Innovative approaches targeting young patients and those with no family history of diabetes could improve medication adherence.
New evaluation of species‐specific biogenic silica flux of radiolarians (Rhizaria) in the western Arctic Ocean using microfocus X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Ikenoue Takahito , Kimoto Katsunori , Nakamura Yuriko , Bjørklund Kjell R. , Kuramoto Naoki , Ueki Masaaki , Ota Yuichi , Onodera Jonaotaro , Harada Naomi , Honda Makio C. , Sato Miyako , Watanabe Eiji , Itoh Motoyo , Nishino Shigeto , Kikuchi Takashi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe studied time‐series fluxes of radiolarian particles collected by two sediment traps deployed at the eastern (Sta. NAP12t) and western (Sta. CAP12t) sides of the Chukchi Borderland in the Chukchi Sea from 04 October 2012 to 18 September 2013. In order to elucidate the contribution of radiolarian skeletons to the biogenic silica flux, a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging technique using microfocus X‐ray computed tomography (MXCT) was applied to radiolarian siliceous skeletons. We calculated volumes of individual radiolarian skeletons accurately using a 3D model of them, thereby estimating the mass of silica for each radiolarian species. The time‐series fluxes of radiolarian abundance were combined with the mass of radiolarian silica and were transformed to estimate fluxes of radiolarian silica. As a result, we found that the main carrier of radiolarian silica in the western Arctic Ocean was represented by only two species; that is, Amphimelissa setosa (averages: 55.2 wt% at Sta. NAP12t, 70.8 wt% at Sta. CAP12t) and Spongotrochus glacialis (averages: 36.7 wt% at Sta. NAP12t, 23.2 wt% at Sta. CAP12t). The total radiolarian silica flux was usually higher in the eastern side than that in the western side of the Chukchi Borderland. The contribution of radiolarian silica to the biogenic silica flux was less than 10 wt% in general during the sampling duration, but occasionally reached 19.6–34.8 wt% during the open water season. This suggests that not only diatoms but also radiolarians make a significant contribution in driving the silica cycle in the Arctic Ocean.
The tribological response of nanoparticles' equivalent diameter to the oil film thickness
Authors: Gao Kai , Chang Qiuying , Wang Bin , Gao Rongqin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMagnesium silicate hydroxide (hydrated magnesium silicate, MSH) nanoparticles with different sizes and morphologies were prepared. The equivalent diameter (De) was introduced to transform morphology difference into size difference. The tribological tests showed that the anti‐wear property of nanoparticles is highly related to the De and the oil film thickness. When the centre oil film thickness (hc) exceeds the De of all powders added, the wear reduction rates of powders with different De are concentrated in the range of 55%–61%. However, when the hc decreased, the different powders show a great difference in anti‐wear performance, which is due to the relatively larger De that would affect the action of nanoparticles entering into the friction contact area, thereby week its anti‐wear performance. It is assumed the nanoparticles will undergo the rolling–deformation–destroy–decomposition four stages after they enter the friction contact area to play a role in reducing friction and anti‐wear.
Effects of carbon nano onions on the tribological performance of food‐grade calcium sulfonate complex grease
Authors: Wang Wei , Qian Shanhua , Gong Longfei , Ni Zifeng , Ren Haidong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo improve the lubricity of the as‐prepared food‐grade calcium‐based grease, the effects of nano‐additive carbon nano onions (CNOs) on the tribological properties are systematically investigated using a ball‐disc wear tester. The properties of CNOs‐containing food‐grade calcium sulfonate complex greases (CSCG‐FG) were characterised by thermogravimetric analyser, rheometer and electrochemical workstation, Listeria monocytogenes, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer and Raman spectrometer. The results revealed that pure and CNOs‐containing CSCG‐FG were proved to be safe. The average coefficient of friction (aCoF) and wear volume of the disc at CSCG‐FG of 0.10 wt% CNOs were the minimal values, which were 31.4 and 70.0% less than that of pure CSCG‐FG at 25°C and greatly lower than that of similar commercial food‐grade grease. At high temperature, CNOs‐containing CSCG‐FG had lower aCoFs and torques. CSCG‐FG of 0.10 wt% CNOs would be most possibly used in engineering applications and the results will provide valuable insight into developing food‐grade lubricants.
Morphological Studies of Solution‐Crystallized Thermoplastic Elastomers with Polyethylene Endblocks and a Random‐Copolymer Midblock
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Lee Byeongdu , Smith Steven D. , Spontak Richard J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractStyrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in the form of triblock copolymers possessing glassy endblocks and a rubbery midblock account for the largest global market of TPEs worldwide, and typically rely on microphase separation of the endblocks and the subsequent formation of rigid microdomains to ensure satisfactory network stabilization. In this study, the morphological characteristics of a relatively new family of crystallizable TPEs that instead consist of polyethylene endblocks and a random‐copolymer midblock composed of styrene and (ethylene‐co‐butylene) moieties are investigated. Copolymer solutions prepared at logarithmic concentrations in a slightly endblock‐selective solvent are subjected to crystallization under different time and temperature conditions to ascertain if copolymer self‐assembly is directed by endblock crystallization or vice versa. According to transmission electron microscopy, semicrystalline aggregates develop at the lowest solution concentration examined (0.01 wt%), and the size and population of crystals, which dominate the copolymer morphologies, are observed to increase with increasing aging time. Real‐space results are correlated with small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering to elucidate the concurrent roles of endblock crystallization and self‐assembly of these unique TPEs in solution.
A joint weighting and modified weighted aggregated sum product assessment‐based methodology for the measurement of patient satisfaction: Evidence from Indian healthcare
Authors: Singh Satender Pal , Kundu Tithishri , Adhikari Arnab , Basu Sumanta 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn recent times, the increasing healthcare spending due to the rising health awareness signifies the importance of identifying the appropriate factors that influence patient satisfaction, weight assignment to these factors, and measurement of patient satisfaction becomes important. However, devising a robust objective weighting method for weight assignment of the factors and an analytical method for determining patient satisfaction scores has not been paid enough attention. Motivated by these issues, this work focuses on devising a robust objective weighting method for weight assignment of the factors that influence patient satisfaction, an analytical method for determining patient satisfaction, and real‐life implementation. We first propose a joint weighting methodology to allocate the weights to the factors by integrating the weights determined by different objective weighting methods, namely, mean weight, SD, entropy, criteria importance through intercriteria correlation, and preference selection index‐based approaches. Next, using the weights of these factors, we design a modified weighted aggregated sum product assessment method to determine a single patient satisfaction score by integrating the scores obtained from the weighted sum model and the weighted product model. The proposed methodology is applied to a real‐world dataset provided by a large healthcare provider and diagnostic clinic in Kolkata, India, to exhibit the real‐life implementation. The theoretical insights obtained through non‐parametric tests highlight the significant difference between joint weighting‐based and single weighting‐based methods. The context‐specific insights signify that the patients suffering from arthritis and hyperlipidaemia exhibit lower satisfaction. Also, the patients suffering from dengue express lower satisfaction than the patients suffering from malaria. Additionally, the healthcare provider should focus on improving the service quality of the departments such as ophthalmology, ENT, and dietician.
Dose calculation accuracy in particle therapy: Comparing carbon ions with protons
Authors: Ruangchan Sirinya , Palmans Hugo , Knäusl Barbara , Georg Dietmar , Clausen Monika 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeThis work presents the validation of an analytical pencil beam dose calculation algorithm in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) for carbon ions by measurements of dose distributions in heterogeneous phantom geometries. Additionally, a comparison study of carbon ions versus protons is performed considering current best solutions in commercial TPS.MethodsAll treatment plans were optimized and calculated using the RayStation TPS (RaySearch, Sweden). The dose distributions calculated with the TPS were compared with measurements using a 24‐pinpoint ionization chamber array (T31015, PTW, Germany). Tissue‐like inhomogeneities (bone, lung, and soft tissue) were embedded in water, while a target volume of 4 x 4 x 4 cm3 was defined at two different depths behind the heterogeneities. In total, 10 different test cases, with and without range shifter as well as different air gaps, were investigated. Dose distributions inside as well as behind the target volume were evaluated.ResultsInside the target volume, the mean dose difference between calculations and measurements, averaged over all test cases, was 1.6% for carbon ions. This compares well to the final agreement of 1.5% obtained in water at the commissioning stage of the TPS for carbon ions and is also within the clinically acceptable interval of 3%. The mean dose difference and maximal dose difference obtained outside the target area were 1.8% and 13.4%, respectively. The agreement of dose distributions for carbon ions in the target volumes was comparable or better to that between Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations and measurements for protons. Percentage dose differences of more than 10% were present outside the target area behind bone–lung structures, where the carbon ion calculations systematically over predicted the dose. MC dose calculations for protons were superior to carbon ion beams outside the target volumes.ConclusionThe pencil beam dose calculations for carbon ions in RayStation were found to be in good agreement with dosimetric measurements in heterogeneous geometries for points of interest located within the target. Large local discrepancies behind the target may contribute to incorrect dose predictions for organs at risk.
Effect of LSVT® BIG on standing balance in a Parkinson's patient: A case report
Authors: Iwai Masanobu , Koyama Soichiro , Takeda Kazuya , Hirakawa Yuichi , Motoya Ikuo , Kumazawa Nobuhiro , Sakurai Hiroaki , Kanada Yoshikiyo , Kawamura Nobutoshi , Kawamura Mami , Tanabe Shigeo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeThere are no reports regarding the effect of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® BIG (LSVT® BIG) on standing balance ability evaluated using quantitative assessment. This case report aimed to describe and evaluate the influence of LSVT® BIG on the center of pressure (COP) trajectory in a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsAlthough this paper focused on one case, quantitative assessment on the effect of LSVT® BIG on standing balance ability was performed. A 67‐year‐old woman patient diagnosed with PD at age 59, with a Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 disability severity, underwent a 4‐weeks supervised LSVT® BIG program. The total distances of the COP trajectory (two‐dimensional [2D] horizontal plane, anterior‐posterior [AP] direction, and medial‐lateral [ML] direction), and the mean COP velocity for each direction, postural stability, and posture subsections of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part 3 were assessed at pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsThe total distances of the COP trajectory, mean COP velocities, and scores of postural stability and posture subsections of the UPDRS Part 3 improved after intervention (from 124.6 to 76.6 cm [2D], 89.4 to 57.7 cm [AP], 77.4 to 38.5 cm [ML]; 4.0 to 2.6 cm/s [2D], 3.0 to 1.9 cm/s [AP], 2.6 to 1.3 cm/s [ML]; and 3 to 0, and 3 to 2, respectively).DiscussionLSVT® BIG may be effective in improving the total distance of the COP trajectory, mean COP velocity, and both postural stability and posture subsections of the UPDRS Part 3 in the presented PD case.
SLX4IP N‐terminus dictates telomeric localization in ALT‐like castration‐resistant prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Mangosh Tawna L. , Grabowska Magdalena M. , Taylor Derek J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo ensure replicative immortality in cancer, telomeres must be maintained through activation of telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) that are dependent on telomerase or the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Although TMM pathways have traditionally been considered to be mutually exclusive, ALT hallmarks have been identified in cancers defined as being telomerase‐positive, supporting TMM coexistence. In castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), in vitro models were thought to be universally dependent on telomerase as the primary TMM; however, CRPC models with androgen receptor (AR) loss demonstrate ALT hallmarks with limited telomerase activity and require ALT‐associated PML bodies (APBs) for sustained telomere maintenance. The TMM coexistence in AR‐negative CRPC is reliant on the ALT regulator protein, SLX4IP.MethodsTo identify the regions of SLX4IP responsible for the induction of APBs and telomere preservation in CRPC models, five 3xFLAG‐tagged SLX4IP constructs were designed and stably introduced into parental C4‐2B, DU145, and PC‐3 cells. Once generated, these cell lines were interrogated for APB abundance and SLX4IP construct localization via immunofluorescence‐fluorescence in situ hybridization (IF‐FISH) and coimmunoprecipitation experiments for telomeric localization. Similarly, PC‐3 cells with endogenous SLX4IP knockdown and SLX4IP construct introduction were interrogated for APB abundance, telomere length preservation, and senescent rescue.ResultsHere, we define the N‐terminus of SLX4IP as being responsible for the promotion of the ALT‐like phenotype of AR‐negative CRPC models. Specifically, the N‐terminus of SLX4IP was sufficient for promoting APB formation to a similar degree as full‐length SLX4IP across CRPC cell lines. Additionally, APB promotion by the N‐terminus of SLX4IP rescued telomere shortening and senescent induction triggered by SLX4IP knockdown in AR‐negative CRPC cells. Moreover, APB formation and telomere maintenance were dependent on the ability of the N‐terminus to direct SLX4IP localization at telomeres and APBs.ConclusionsThese findings identify the role of the uncharacterized ALT regulator SLX4IP in the promotion of TMM coexistence to perpetuate replicative immortality in CRPC in vitro.