bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 2954 COVID‐19 Adult Survivors: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Shafiabadi Hassani Neda , Talakoob Hamed , Karim Hosein , MozafaryBazargany MohammadHossein , Rastad Hadith 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundRecent studies have utilized MRI to determine the extent to which COVID‐19 survivors may experience cardiac sequels after recovery.PurposeTo systematically review the main cardiac MRI findings in COVID‐19 adult survivors.Study typeSystematic review.SubjectsA total of 2954 COVID‐19 adult survivors from 16 studies.Field Strength/sequenceLate gadolinium enhancement (LGE), parametric mapping (T1‐native, T2, T1‐post (extracellular volume fraction [ECV]), T2‐weighted sequences (myocardium/pericardium), at 1.5 T and 3  T.AssessmentA systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Google scholar databases using Boolean operators and the relevant key terms covering COVID‐19, cardiac injury, CMR, and follow‐up. MRI data, including (if available) T1, T2, extra cellular volume, presence of myocardial or pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left and right ventricular ejection fraction were extracted.Statistical TestsThe main results of the included studies are summarized. No additional statistical analysis was performed.ResultsOf 1601 articles retrieved from the initial search, 12 cohorts and 10 case series met our eligibility criteria. The rate of raised T1 in COVID‐19 adult survivors varied across studies from 0% to 73%. Raised T2 was detected in none of patients in 4 out of 15 studies, and in the remaining studies, its rate ranged from 2% to 60%. In most studies, LGE (myocardial or pericardial) was observed in COVID‐19 survivors, the rate ranging from 4% to 100%. Myocardial LGE mainly had nonischemic patterns. None of the cohort studies observed myocardial LGE in “healthy” controls. Most studies found that patients who recovered from COVID‐19 had a significantly greater T1 and T2 compared to participants in the corresponding control group.Data ConclusionFindings of MRI studies suggest the presence of myocardial and pericardial involvement in a notable number of patients recovered from COVID‐19.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage3
Improving efficiency in the radiation management of multiple brain metastases using a knowledge‐based planning solution for single‐isocentre volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique
Authors: O’Toole James , Picton Maddison , Perez Mario , Back Michael , Jayamanne Dasantha , Le Andrew , Wu Kenny , Brown Chris , Atyeo John 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to develop a single‐isocentre volumetric modulated arc therapy (si‐VMAT) technique for multiple brain metastases using knowledge‐based planning software, comparing it with a multiple‐isocentre stereotactic radiosurgery (mi‐SRS) planning approach.MethodsTwenty‐six si‐VMAT plans were created and uploaded into RapidPlanTM (RP) to create a si‐VMAT model. Ten patients, with 2 to 6 metastases (mets), were planned with a si‐VMAT technique utilising RP, and a mi‐SRS technique on Brainlab iPlan.Paddick Conformity Index (PCI) was used to compare conformity. The volumes of the brain receiving 15Gy, 12Gy, 10Gy, 7.5Gy and 3Gy were also compared.Retrospective treatment times from the last eight patients treated were averaged for pre‐imaging and beam on time to calculate treatment times for both techniques.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the PCI scores for the mi‐SRS plans (M = 0.667, SD = 0.114) and si‐VMAT plans (M = 0.728, SD = 0.088), with PCI values suggesting better prescription dose conformity with the si‐VMAT technique (P = 0.014). Percentage of total brain volume receiving low‐dose wash at four of the five different dose levels was significantly less (P < 0.05) with mi‐SRS.Average time to treat a single met with current mi‐SRS technique is 25.7 min, with each additional met requiring this same amount of time. The average time to treat 2–3 mets using si‐VMAT would be 25.3 min and 4+ metastases 33.5 min.ConclusionA knowledge‐based si‐VMAT approach was efficient in planning and treating multi metastases while achieving clinically acceptable dosimetry with respect to dose conformity and low‐dose fall off.
Contribution of bacterial cells as nucleation centers in microbiologically induced CaCO3 precipitation—A mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Šovljanski Olja , Pezo Lato , Tomić Ana , Ranitović Aleksandra , Cvetković Dragoljub , Markov Siniša 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has been extensively studied for geotechnical engineering through simultaneous action of natural phenomena and engineering processes. The focus of bacterial contribution to the MICP has been directed to calcium carbonate productivity, while the additional bacterial role as a crystal nucleation center was not explained especially from a mathematical prediction modeling point of view. Therefore, this study provides explanations and a mathematical modeling approach of bacterial influence on the MICP induced by newly‐isolated ureolytic Bacillus strains and Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33. Using the obtained results of low‐cost, rapid, and simple assays, artificial neural network modeling was applied for cell surface predispositions, pH changes as well as calcium‐involved function in biofilm formation during the MICP, for the first time. Based on the obtained contribution of the alkalophilic/alkaloresistant bacteria, calcite precipitation can be significantly directed by the presence, of ureolytic bacterial cells as nucleation centers during CaCO3 precipitation as well as their morphology, surface characteristics, potential to form a biofilm, and/or generate pH changes.
Prognostic performance of the 2017 World Workshop classification on staging and grading of periodontitis compared with the British Society of Periodontology's implementation
Authors: Dukka Himabindu , Dietrich Thomas , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Troiano Giuseppe , Yonel Zehra , Ravidà Andrea , Wang Hom‐Lay , Greenwell Henry , Chapple Iain L. C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe British Society of Periodontology (BSP) implemented a simplified version of the 2017 World Workshop Classification (WWC) on staging and grading of periodontitis, for use in UK clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the long‐term (>10 years) prognostic capability of BSP's implementation (BSP‐i) compared with the 2017 WWC, using periodontal‐related tooth loss (TLP) as a disease outcome.MethodsData on medical history, smoking status, and clinical periodontal parameters were retrieved from 270 patients who received non‐surgical and surgical periodontal therapy from 1966 to 2007. Each patient received a baseline diagnosis according to the 2017 WWC and the BSP‐i guidelines for implementation. Univariate multilevel Cox regression frailty models were performed to analyze the association between variables with TLP. A post‐hoc comparison with Bonferroni correction was performed to analyze interclass comparisons. The prognostic performance of both systems was analyzed using Harrell C index.ResultsThe prognostic performance of both systems was very similar (0.922 for the 2017 WWC and 0.925 for the BSP‐i). The singular prognostic performance of BSP stage was slightly higher than that of 2017 WWC stage (0.9212 versus 0.9188), while the 2017 WWC grade showed a slightly better performance than BSP grade (0.9175 versus 0.9155). BSP‐i's extent performed better than the 2017 WWC extent (0.9203 versus 0.9098); however, in the 2017 WWC extent, the class “localized” was associated with a better prognosis than “generalized.”ConclusionThe overall prognostic performance of the two systems was excellent, with both systems having a Harrell C index score of >0.92.
Structure–function relationship of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract–xanthan/guar gum mixture in a high sugar content system
Authors: Mardani Marieh , Yeganehzad Samira , Niazmand Razieh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFoam‐gels are one of the most important multicomponent‐model systems in aerated confectionery, and an investigation of their microstructure is desirable. In this research, the structure–function relationship of xanthan gum/guar gum (XG/GG) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract powder (LEP) was investigated in a high‐sugar medium. Foam‐gel systems were prepared at 4:10% to 8:20% ratios of LEP to biopolymer.RESULTSThe results show that increasing the LEP content reduced both the melting point and enthalpy, probably due to higher overrun and weaker junctions. Boosting the XG/GG ratio led the enhancement of mechanical properties, whereas increasing the LEP concentration weakened all textural parameters, which could be due to the poor structure of the network in the presence of the foaming agent, increased moisture content and overrun. In the whipped mixture samples containing 10 g kg−1 XG/GG, higher foaming capacity was observed. By increasing the level of biopolymers, smaller and more uniform air cells were formed according to a scanning electron microscopical study. At higher concentration of LEP, smaller bubbles and increased porosity were seen, which could be attributed to the availability of surfactant in the interfacial layer.CONCLUSIONMaximum structural strength was achieved at a 4:20 ratio of LEP to XG/GG. In rheological experiments, pseudoplastic behavior was seen in all samples. Generally, this model system can be simulated for other herbal extracts containing natural surfactants such as saponins. Achieving a more detailed understanding of these structures and their interactions could help in formulating novel food products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different drying methods on the storage stability of barley grass powder
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Weifeng , Fan Liuping 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBarley grass (BG) powder has gradually attracted researchers' attention for its abundant nutritional components and functional activity. Yet, the effect of different drying methods on storage stability is still unclear. In this study, BG was subjected to hot‐air drying (HAD), steam blanching prior to hot‐air drying (SHAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), and far‐infrared drying (FID). Effects of different drying methods on BG powder during storage were evaluated.RESULTSMoisture content of dried samples during storage decreased at 50 °C, but at 37 °C increased first and then remained stable. The a* value of SHAD BG powder before storage was the highest (−6.51), followed by FID, HAD and VFD. Moreover, the a* value increased during the storage process. Contents of l‐ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll in samples dried by VFD were 28.29 and 7.8 g kg−1, respectively. The degradation of chlorophyll a and b followed a first‐order kinetics model and was modeled by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energies for chlorophyll a were 83.68, 83.21, 62.29 and 76.64 kJ mol−1 in BG powder dried by SHAD, FID, VFD and HAD, respectively. The activation energies for chlorophyll b were 66.76, 48.03, 61.02 and 58.01 kJ mol−1 in SHAD, FID, VFD and HAD BG powder, respectively.CONCLUSIONVFD had the highest preservation of color, l‐ascorbic acid and chlorophyll compared to HAD, SHAD and FID. SHAD shortened the drying time and delayed the degradation of l‐ascorbic acid and chlorophyll during storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modified layered hand‐sewn cervical end‐to‐side anastomosis for minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy
Authors: Cheng Liang , Fu Siqi , Liu Junhong , Wang Zhi , Fu Maoyong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (MIE McKeown) with cervical anastomosis is a widely used approach for the treatment of esophageal cancer (EC). Anastomotic leak is one of the most serious complications following esophagectomy. This study aimed to summarize the anastomosis procedure and assess the clinical outcomes of our modified layered hand‐sewn cervical end‐to‐side anastomosis for cervical anastomosis during MIE McKeown.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 508 consecutive EC patients who underwent MIE McKeown using the modified layered hand‐sewn cervical end‐to‐side anastomosis between June 2016 and June 2020.ResultsThe incidence of anastomotic leakage in our cohort was 2.0%. The postoperative stricture rate was 6.9% and the incidence of other postoperative complications was less than 9.3%. The mean time for setting up MIE McKeown was approximately 211.0 min and the average duration of postoperative hospital stay was 9.1 days.ConclusionThis modified layered hand‐sewn cervical end‐to‐side anastomosis is a safe and effective method for MIE McKeown with a low incidence of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, or other postoperative complications.
A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 detection method based on nasal and nasopharyngeal lavage fluid: A pilot feasibility study
Authors: Frezza Daniele , Fabbris Cristoforo , Franz Leonardo , Vian Elisa , Rigoli Roberto , De Siati Rosalba , Emanuelli Enzo , Bertinato Luigi , Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo , Spinato Giacomo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveNose and nasopharyngeal swab is the preferred and worldwide‐accepted method to detect the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) within the nose and nasopharynx. This method may be linked with possible difficulties, such as patient's discomfort or complications. This article shows a pilot study of SARS‐CoV‐2 detection with nasal and nasopharyngeal lavage fluids (level of evidence: 3).MethodsNasal lavage fluid was collected from patients who were submitted to SARS‐CoV‐2 screening test, due to a preceding positive rapid antigen test. A control group was enrolled among health care professionals whose nasopharyngeal swab tested negative. Nasal lavages were performed using isotonic saline solution injected through a nasal fossa. Both lavage fluid and traditional nasopharyngeal swab were analyzed by real‐time (RT) PCR and antigenic test.ResultsA total of 49 positive subjects were enrolled in the study. Results of the analysis on lavages and nasopharyngeal swabs were concordant for 48 cases, regardless of the antigenic and molecular test performed. RT‐PCR resulted weakly positive at swab in one case and negative at lavage fluid. Among the control group (44 subjects), nasopharyngeal swab and lavage fluid analyses returned a negative result. Sensitivity of the molecular test based on nasal lavage fluid, compared to traditional nasal swab, was 97.7%, specificity was 100%, and accuracy was 98.9%, with high agreement (Cohen's κ, 0.978).ConclusionNasal and nasopharyngeal lavages resulted to be highly reliable and well tolerated. A larger series is needed to confirm these results. This approach may potentially represent a valid alternative to the traditional swab method in selected cases.Level of Evidence3.
Recent warming and decadal variability of Gulf of Maine and Slope Water
Authors: Seidov Dan , Mishonov Alexey , Parsons Rost 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe oceanographic conditions in the Gulf of Maine, Scotian Shelf, Slope Sea, and surroundings are determined by interplay of two major circulation systems—the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current. This study aims to better understand regional long‐term climate trends caused by the Gulf Stream decadal variability. The in situ data analysis confirms a continuous slow warming within all three areas over the last five decades. It is shown that the warming accelerated in the recent 10 years coinciding with a strengthened northward incursion of warm water in the summer months. Such strong northward migration of warm water was not seen in the four preceding decades, making the current rapid warming different from previous ones. We argue that the recent decadal‐scale warming is unique and may signal that the shift of the thermal regime in this region may be at least partially caused by a changed pattern of the Gulf Stream extension zone's long‐term variability. We found that the Scotian Shelf and Slope Water region has recently been warming much faster than the Gulf of Maine, both in the subsurface (the upper ~ 50 m) and in deeper layers, indicating that the probable cause of the faster warming in the most recent decade is due to the regime change in the Gulf Stream extension region.
Co‐Axial Gyro‐Spinning of PCL/PVA/HA Core‐Sheath Fibrous Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Mahalingam Suntharavathanan , Bayram Cem , Gultekinoglu Merve , Ulubayram Kezban , Homer‐Vanniasinkam Shervanthi , Edirisinghe Mohan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present study aspires towards fabricating core‐sheath fibrous scaffolds by state‐of‐the‐art pressurized gyration for bone tissue engineering applications. The core‐sheath fibers comprising dual‐phase poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) core and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheath are fabricated using a novel “co‐axial” pressurized gyration method. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals are embedded in the sheath of the fabricated scaffolds to improve the performance for application as a bone tissue regeneration material. The diameter of the fabricated fiber is 3.97 ± 1.31 µm for PCL‐PVA/3%HA while pure PCL–PVA with no HA loading gives 3.03 ± 0.45 µm. Bead‐free fiber morphology is ascertained for all sample groups. The chemistry, water contact angle and swelling behavior measurements of the fabricated core‐sheath fibrous scaffolds indicate the suitability of the structures in cellular activities. Saos‐2 bone osteosarcoma cells are employed to determine the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, wherein none of the scaffolds possess any cytotoxicity effect, while cell proliferation of 94% is obtained for PCL–PVA/5%HA fibers. The alkaline phosphatase activity results suggest the osteogenic activities on the scaffolds begin earlier than day 7. Overall, adaptations of co‐axial pressurized gyration provides the flexibility to embed or encapsulate bioactive substances in core‐sheath fiber assemblies and is a promising strategy for bone healing.
Electrochemical corrosion parameters for active and passive reinforcing steel in carbonated and sound concrete
Authors: Sohail Muazzam G. , Laurens Stéphane , Deby Fabrice , Balayssac Jean P. , Al Nuaimi Nasser 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe electrochemical corrosion parameters, such as corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and the Tafel constants are necessary inputs for the corrosion modeling in reinforced concrete. Literature shows large variability in their values, whereas the data are scarce for the carbonated concrete. This paper presents a range of corrosion parameters for the active steel in carbonated and the passive steel in noncarbonated concrete. Forty‐eight singly reinforced concrete cylinders were cast, of which 24 were carbonated and the others were sound samples. Potentiodynamic polarization curves were obtained at three different scan rates and extrapolated to extract the corrosion parameters. To validate these parameters, a macrocell corrosion system was simulated using FEM‐based Comsol multiphysics® software. The numerical results were compared to two experimental studies. A natural dispersion in the values of corrosion parameters for both active and passive steels was observed. The average Stern–Geary constant was 54 and 47 mV for active and passive steels, respectively. Numerical simulations with the obtained parameters predicted the macrocell corrosion in partially carbonated concrete with a high accuracy. The presented values of corrosion parameters in this study could help researchers and engineers to simulate the corrosion phenomena in concrete accurately.
The newly discovered role of endocytosis in artemisinin resistance
Authors: Behrens Hannah Michaela , Schmidt Sabine , Spielmann Tobias 
Published: July 2021

AbstractArtemisinin and its derivatives (ART) are the cornerstone of malaria treatment as part of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). However, reduced susceptibility to artemisinin as well as its partner drugs threatens the usefulness of ACTs. Single point mutations in the parasite protein Kelch13 (K13) are necessary and sufficient for the reduced sensitivity of malaria parasites to ART but several alternative mechanisms for this resistance have been proposed. Recent work found that K13 is involved in the endocytosis of host cell cytosol and indicated that this is the process responsible for resistance in parasites with mutated K13. These studies also identified a series of further proteins that act together with K13 in the same pathway, including previously suspected resistance proteins such as UBP1 and AP‐2μ. Here, we give a brief overview of artemisinin resistance, present the recent evidence of the role of endocytosis in ART resistance and discuss previous hypotheses in light of this new evidence. We also give an outlook on how the new insights might affect future research.
Phase‐contrast acceleration mapping with synchronized encoding
Authors: Schmidt Simon , Bruschewski Martin , Flassbeck Sebastian , John Kristine , Grundmann Sven , Ladd Mark E. , Schmitter Sebastian 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo develop a phase‐contrast (PC) ‐based method for direct and unbiased quantification of the acceleration vector field by synchronization of the spatial and acceleration encoding time points. The proposed method explicitly aims at in‐vitro applications, requiring high measurement accuracy, as well as the validation of clinically relevant acceleration‐encoded sequences.MethodsA velocity‐encoded sequence with synchronized encoding (SYNC SPI) was modified to allow direct acceleration mapping by replacing the bipolar encoding gradients with tripolar gradient waveforms. The proposed method was validated in two in‐vitro flow cases: a rotation and a stenosis phantom. The thereby obtained velocity and acceleration vector fields were quantitatively compared to those acquired with conventional PC methods, as well as to theoretical data.ResultsThe rotation phantom study revealed a systematic bias of the conventional PC acceleration mapping method that resulted in an average pixel‐wise relative angle between the measured and theoretical vector field of (7.8 ± 3.2)°, which was reduced to (−0.4 ± 2.7)° for the proposed SYNC SPI method. Furthermore, flow features in the stenosis phantom were displaced by up to 10 mm in the conventional PC data compared with the acceleration‐encoded SYNC SPI data.ConclusionsThis work successfully demonstrates a highly accurate method for direct acceleration mapping. It thus complements the existing velocity‐encoded SYNC SPI method to enable the direct and unbiased quantification of both the velocity and acceleration vector field for in vitro studies. Hence, this method can be used for the validation of conventional acceleration‐encoded PC methods applicable in‐vivo.
Developing the nursing practice environment scale for home health care: A trial study in Japan
Authors: Ogata Yasuko , Fujinami Keiko , Itoh Sakiko , Kashiwagi Masayo , Lapreziosa Nobuko , Yonekura Yuki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimTo develop the nursing practice environment scale in home health care (NPES‐HHC), which measures the attractiveness of nursing practice environments in Japan.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsThe answers of 1,050 mail surveys conducted for nurses at 421 home‐visit nursing agencies in Japan were analysed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the NPES‐HHC’s candidate items were performed. Relationships between the newly developed NPES‐HHC and participants’ intention to remain at the workplace, job satisfaction and quality of care were also tested.ResultsA seven‐dimensional model with 37 items was obtained by exploratory factor analysis (Cronbach's alpha: 0.77–0.92). Confirmatory factor analysis supported this model. NPES‐HHC scores had significant positive relations with participants’ intention to remain at the workplace, job satisfaction and quality of care (p < .01). The NPES‐HHC is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the attractiveness of the practice environment for home‐visit nursing agencies.