bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability Analysis for Agro-morphological and Seed Yield Component traits of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Genotypes under Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Thakur Ronika , Kumari Vedna , Pal Anjali , Rana Poonam 
Published: August 2022

Aim, Design and Methodology: A research with 21 soybean genotypes including three checks was carried out in kharif 2021 at Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV Palampur to estimate the genetic variation, heritability and genetic advance for 13 agro-morphological & seed yield component traits that can be used as selection criteria in breeding programmes. RBD design was used to set up the experiment with a plot size of 3 × 1.35=4.05 m2 and replicated three times.
Results and Conclusion: The results of the analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes varied considerably for days to 50 percent flowering, days to 75 percent maturity, plant height (cm), number of nodes per plant, inter-nodal length (cm), number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed yield per plant (g), 100-seed weight (g), biological yield per plant (g) and harvest index (%) showing the genetic divergence of the planting materials from one another. According to the estimates of genetic variability, the phenotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits were greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation explaining the important role played by environmental factors in the manifestation of the traits. Higher values of PCV coupled with moderate GCV values were detected for harvest index (27.93%, 11.84%) indicating the presence of sufficient genetic variation for selection in such traits. High heritability estimates along with high genetic advance (as percent of mean) were recorded for plant height and 100-seed weight which could be ascribed to predominance of additive gene action and high selective index and therefore, selection pressure could be applied profitably to such traits for genetic modification in soybean.
Environmental Contamination with Multi-drug Resistant Organisms in a Nigerian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Impactful Infection Source
Authors: Nwafia I. , Ebede S. , Iloh K. , T. Nwachukwu P. , Ndubueze C. , Aroh A. , Orabueze I. , Okeke P. , Orakwe O. , Ijere O. , Ohanu M. , Iloh O. 
Published: August 2022

Background: Neonates admitted into neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at high risk of acquiring infections due to the immaturity of their immune systems and the barrage of intensive medical care. Multiple drug resistant organisms are mostly implicated in causing these infections, usually acquired through contaminated environment. This research was designed to assess the environmental contamination with multi-drug resistant organisms in neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods: Environmental samples were collected from all the equipment in each of the 3 rooms in neonatal intensive care unit and cultured on 5% sheep blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar plates. The isolates were identified with standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility profile was done using modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted according to the guidelines by Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected using cefoxitin disc while extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers were confirmed with ESBL chromogenic agar.
Results: Out of 36 samples collected from different sites in the 3 rooms, 19(53%) yielded bacterial growth. A total of 28 (78%) bacterial isolates were detected, with majority 25(89%) isolated from room 1. Staphylococcus aureus 15(42%) was the predominant isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 5(14%) and non-Candida albicans spp 3(8%). Most of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were from samples collected from incubators. Out of 15 Staphylococcus aureus isolated, 11 (73%) were MRSA. Among the Gram negatives, all 5(100%) Klebsiella pneumonioae and 3(60) Acinetobacter species were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamase production. All the isolates were resistant to 3 or more classes of antibiotics. Imipenem and linezolid were the most sensitive antibiotics to the isolated organisms.
Conclusion: High degree of contamination of the environment in NICU with multi drug resistant bacteria is worrisome because of the serious threat it poses. This calls for immediate holistic interventional measures. Strict Compliance with infection prevention and control measures. Additionally, there should be regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance in NICU.
Pathological Changes among Norvegicus Rattus Exposed on Novel Smoked Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf: Cigarette Substitute during COVID-19 Lockdown in Nigeria
Authors: Okorie Nnaemeka , Adeniran Olayinka Catherine , Adimabua Okafor Patrick , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Anastasia Ezaka, Ebere 
Published: August 2022

Background: This research titled; Pathology changes among Norvegicus Rattus exposed on novel smoked Bambusa vulgaris: Cigarette substitute during COVID 19 lockdown in Nigeria is stimulated following increase use of the aforementioned substances as a substitute to drugs during covid -19 lock down in Nigeria where a number of psychoactive substances were limited and restricted for months, both known addicts to cannabis and cigarette smoking and frustration induced initial smokers engaged massively on the use of bamboo leaf and that had continued after years of the lockdown.
Methods: The experimental subjects were grouped into acute and chronic for both smoked and the control. Norvegicus rattus subjects were exposed to the 0.01g/g bamboo vulgaris dry leaf smoke twice daily for 21 and 42 days (acute and chronic) exposure respectively. The Animals were sacrificed and the organs harvested following ethical procedures for animal killing. The brain and lungs were divided and parts subjected into histopathological examination using formalin fixed paraffin processed methods stained with both routine and special stains, and the other parts were homogenized to investigate the oxidative stress biomarkers.
Results: Histopathology results first revealed a severe cellular injury in both lungs and brain compare to the normal control; significance (p<0.5) elevation found in MDA and reduced SOD, Gpx, GSH and catalase correlate the histology results with oxidative stress biomarkers.
Conclusion: Smoking Bambusa vulgaris dry leaf is been found in this study to be more harmful to the respiratory system and brain in more rapid manner compared to conventional abused substances and should be discourage using state agency and enlightenment campaign
Trends in Out-of-Pocket Costs for Naloxone by Drug Brand and Payer in the US, 2010-2018
Authors: Peet Evan D. , Powell David , Pacula Rosalie Liccardo 
Published: August 2022

ImportanceImproving access to naloxone is a critical component of the nation’s strategy to curb fatal overdoses in the opioid crisis. Standing or protocol orders, prescriptive authority laws, and immunity provisions have been passed by states to expand access, but less attention has been given to potential financial barriers to naloxone access.ObjectiveTo assess trends in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for naloxone and examine variation in OOP costs by drug brand and payer.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis observational study analyzed US naloxone claims data from Symphony Health and associated OOP costs for individuals filling naloxone prescriptions by drug brand and payer between January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018. The data were analyzed from March 31, 2021, to April 12, 2022.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main measures were trends in annual number of naloxone claims (overall, by payer, and by drug brand) and mean annual OOP costs per claim (overall, by payer, and by drug brand).ResultsOf 719 612 naloxone claims (172 894 generic naloxone, 501 568 Narcan, and 45 150 Evzio) for 2010 through 2018, the number of naloxone claims among insured patients began rapidly increasing after 2014; at the same time, the mean OOP cost of naloxone increased dramatically among the uninsured population. Comparing 2014 with 2018, the mean OOP cost of naloxone decreased by 26% among those with insurance but increased by 606% among uninsured patients. For the uninsured population, the impediment of cost was even larger for certain brands of the drug. In 2016, the mean OOP cost for Evzio among uninsured patients rose to $2136.37 (a 2429% increase relative to 2015) compared with the mean cost of generic naloxone, $72.88, and the cost of Narcan in its first year, $87.95. Throughout the period, the mean OOP costs paid by uninsured patients were higher for Evzio at $1089.17 (95% CI, $884.17-$1294.17) compared with $73.62 (95% CI, $69.24-$78.00) for Narcan and $67.99 (95% CI, $61.42-$74.56) for generic naloxone.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this observational study, the findings indicated that the OOP cost of naloxone had been an increasingly substantial barrier to naloxone access for uninsured patients, potentially limiting use among this population, which constituted approximately 20% of adults with opioid use disorder.
Effectiveness of Standard vs Enhanced Self-measurement of Blood Pressure Paired With a Connected Smartphone Application
Authors: Pletcher Mark J. , Fontil Valy , Modrow Madelaine Faulkner , Carton Thomas , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Todd Jonathan , O’Brien Emily C. , Sheer Amy , Vittinghoff Eric , Park Soo , Orozco Jaime , Lin Feng , Maeztu Carlos , Wozniak Gregory , Rakotz Michael , Shay Christina M. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. 
Published: August 2022

ImportanceSelf-measured blood pressure (SMBP) with commercially available connected smartphone applications may help patients effectively use SMBP measurements.ObjectiveTo determine if enhanced SMBP paired with a connected smartphone application was superior to standard SMBP for blood pressure (BP) reduction or patient satisfaction.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted among 23 health systems participating in PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, and included patients who reported having uncontrolled BP at their last clinic visit, a desire to lower their BP, and a smartphone. Enrollment and randomization occurred from August 3, 2019, to December 31, 2020, which was followed by 6 months of follow-up for each patient. Analysis commenced shortly thereafter.InterventionsEligible participants were randomly assigned to enhanced SMBP using a device that paired with a connected smartphone application (enhanced) or a standard device (standard). Participants received their device in the mail, along with web-based educational materials and phone-based support as needed. No clinician engagement was undertaken, and the study provided no special mechanisms for delivering measurements to clinicians for use in BP management.Main Outcomes and MeasuresReduction in systolic BP, defined as the difference between clinic BP at baseline and the most recent clinic BP extracted from electronic health records at 6 months.ResultsEnrolled participants (1051 enhanced [50.0%] vs 1050 standard [50.0%]; 1191 women [56.7%]) were mostly middle-aged or older (mean [SD] age, 58 [13] years), nearly a third were Black or Hispanic (645 [31%]), and most were relatively comfortable using technology (mean [SD], 4.1 [1.1] of 5). The mean (SD) change in systolic BP from baseline to 6 months was −10.8 (18) mm Hg vs −10.6 (18) mm Hg (enhanced vs standard: adjusted difference, −0.19 mm Hg; 95% CI, −1.83 to 1.44;P = .81). Secondary outcomes were mostly null, except for documented attainment of BP control to lower than 140/&amp;lt;90 mm Hg, which occurred in 32% enhanced vs 29% standard groups (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34). Most participants were very likely to recommend their SMBP device to a friend (70% vs 69%).Conclusions and RelevanceThis randomized clinical trial found that enhanced SMBP paired with a smartphone application is not superior to standard SMBP for BP reduction or patient satisfaction.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03796689
Comparison of Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Molina Rose L. , Tsai Thomas C. , Dai Dannie , Soto Mark , Rosenthal Ning , Orav E. John , Figueroa Jose F. 
Published: August 2022

ImportanceLittle is known about changes in obstetric outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo assess whether obstetric outcomes and pregnancy-related complications changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study included pregnant patients receiving care at 463 US hospitals whose information appeared in the PINC AI Healthcare Database. The relative differences in birth outcomes, pregnancy-related complications, and length of stay (LOS) during the pandemic period (March 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021) were compared with the prepandemic period (January 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020) using logistic and Poisson models, adjusting for patients’ characteristics, and comorbidities and with month and hospital fixed effects.ExposuresCOVID-19 pandemic period.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe 3 primary outcomes were the relative change in preterm vs term births, mortality outcomes, and mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included the relative change in pregnancy-related complications and LOS.ResultsThere were 849 544 and 805 324 pregnant patients in the prepandemic and COVID-19 pandemic periods, respectively, and there were no significant differences in patient characteristics between periods, including age (≥35 years: 153 606 [18.1%] vs 148 274 [18.4%]), race and ethnicity (eg, Hispanic patients: 145 475 [17.1%] vs 143 905 [17.9%]; White patients: 456 014 [53.7%] vs 433 668 [53.9%]), insurance type (Medicaid: 366 233 [43.1%] vs 346 331 [43.0%]), and comorbidities (all standardized mean differences &amp;lt;0.10). There was a 5.2% decrease in live births during the pandemic. Maternal death during delivery hospitalization increased from 5.17 to 8.69 deaths per 100 000 pregnant patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.58). There were minimal changes in mode of delivery (vaginal: OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.996-1.02; primary cesarean: OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; vaginal birth after cesarean: OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-1.00; repeated cesarean: OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97). LOS during delivery hospitalization decreased by 7% (rate ratio, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.928-0.933). Lastly, the adjusted odds of gestational hypertension (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.11), obstetric hemorrhage (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10), preeclampsia (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), and preexisting chronic hypertension (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09) increased. No significant changes in preexisting racial and ethnic disparities were observed.Conclusions and RelevanceDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there were increased odds of maternal death during delivery hospitalization, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage. Further efforts are needed to ensure risks potentially associated with the COVID-19 pandemic do not persist beyond the current state of the pandemic.
Severe Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, Congenital Hearing Loss, and Developmental Delay in a Child With Biallelic Variants in FZD4
Authors: van der Ende Sarah R. , Meyers Benjamin S. , Capasso Jenina E. , Sasongko Mario , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Pihlblad Matthew , Huey Jennifer , Bedoukian Emma C. , Krantz Ian D. , Ngo Michael H. , McMaster Christopher R. , Levin Alex V. , Robitaille Johane M. 
Published: August 2022

ImportanceFamilial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a nonsyndromic autosomal dominant retinal disorder commonly caused by variants in the FZD4 gene. This study investigates the potential role beyond ocular abnormalities for FZD4 gene variants in patients with FEVR.ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of FZD4 in symptoms beyond those associated with FEVR through a patient with biallelic variants in FZD4.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis case series included the DNA testing and phenotyping of 1 patient proband and her parents, combined with signaling assays, to determine the association of patient-derived compound heterozygous variants on FZD4 signaling and biologic function.Main Outcomes and MeasuresFZD4 genes were tested using next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Cell-based assays measured the effect of the variants on FZD4 signaling.ResultsThe proband presented with absent red reflexes from complete tractional retinal detachments diagnosed at 3 days of age and failed the newborn screening hearing test. Auditory brainstem response at 6 months of age showed bilateral mild to moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The patient manifested developmental delays in speech and walking. Intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) of the patient’s parents detected stage 1 FEVR. Genetic testing revealed 2 FZD4 variants in the patient, each variant found in 1 parent. Signaling assays confirmed that the presence of both variants was associated with significantly worse signaling activity compared with the heterozygous state.Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this case series suggest that extraocular syndromic FEVR was associated with FZD4 variants. The decrease in FZD4 signaling owing to the biallelic nature of the disease resulted in hearing deficits, developmental delays, and a more severe retinal phenotype.
Study of Structural Evolution at Interfaces and Surfaces of PbSe Nanocrystals by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Cheng Feng , Cheng Yongfa , Lian Linyuan , Li Luying , Zhang Tianyi , Yue Yang , Wang Siliang , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Jianbing , Gao Yihua 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe interfaces and surfaces of nanocrystals (NCs) have a great influence on their stability and chemical activities. As effective ways of tailoring surfaces and interfaces of NCs, high‐energy electron beam and temperature are utilized in an in situ transmission electron microscope to study the structural transformation processes at surfaces and interfaces of PbSe NC at atomic scale. The results show that with the combined effect of high‐energy electron beam and high temperature, the atoms at NC interfaces tend to reconstruct themselves to reduce the orientational difference and release the interfacial strain. The structural transformation at the NC surfaces is comparatively slower, which will lead to reduced local surface energies. The systematic study of the structural transformation processes at the NC interfaces and surfaces can better define the corresponding critical points of experimental conditions, which will facilitate accurate surface and interface engineering at specific regions of NCs at atomic resolution.
Electrochemical Reduction of Nitric Oxide with 1.7% Solar‐to‐Ammonia Efficiency Over Nanostructured Core‐Shell Catalyst at Low Overpotentials
Authors: Sethuram Markandaraj Sridhar , Muthusamy Tamilselvan , Shanmugam Sangaraju 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTransition metals have been recognized as excellent and efficient catalysts for the electrochemical nitric oxide reduction reaction (NORR) to value‐added chemicals. In this work, a class of core–shell electrocatalysts that utilize nickel nanoparticles in the core and nitrogen‐doped porous carbon architecture in the shell (Ni@NC) for the efficient electroreduction of NO to ammonia (NH3) is reported. In Ni@NC, the NC prevents the dissolution of Ni nanoparticles and ensures the long‐term stability of the catalyst. The Ni nanoparticles involve in the catalytic reduction of NO to NH3 during electrolysis. As a result, the Ni@NC achieves a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 72.3% at 0.16 VRHE. The full‐cell electrolyzer is constructed by coupling Ni@NC as cathode for NORR and RuO2 as an anode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which delivers a stable performance over 20 cycles at 1.5 V. While integrating this setup with a PV‐electrolyzer cell, and it demonstrates an appreciable FE of >50%. Thus, the results exemplify that the core–shell catalyst based electrolyzer is a promising approach for the stable NO to NH3 electroconversion.
Progress on Polymer Dielectrics for Electrostatic Capacitors Application
Authors: Luo Hang , Wang Fan , Guo Ru , Zhang Dou , He Guanghu , Chen Sheng , Wang Qing 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPolymer dielectrics are attracting increasing attention for electrical energy storage owing to their advantages of mechanical flexibility, corrosion resistance, facile processability, light weight, great reliability, and high operating voltages. However, the dielectric constants of most dielectric polymers are less than 10, which results in low energy densities and limits their applications in electrostatic capacitors for advanced electronics and electrical power systems. Therefore, intensive efforts have been placed on the development of high‐energy‐density polymer dielectrics. In this perspective, the most recent results on the all‐organic polymer dielectrics are summarized, including molecular structure design, polymer blends, and layered structured polymers. The challenges in the field and suggestions for future research on high‐energy‐density polymer dielectrics are also presented.
Sensor location selection for continuous pulp digesters with delayed measurements
Authors: Zhang Lu , Xie Junyao , Dubljevic Stevan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe state estimation and sensor placement for a continuous pulp digester with delayed measurements are investigated. The underlying model of interest is heat transfer in a pulp digester modeled by two coupled hyperbolic partial differential equations and an ordinary differential equation. Output measurements are considered with delay due to the possible low sampling rate. The Cayley–Tustin transformation is utilized to realize model time discretization in a late lumping manner which does not account for any type of spatial approximation or model reduction. The discrete Kalman filter is applied to estimate the system states using the delayed measurements. The selection of sensor location is addressed along with estimator design accounting for the delayed measurements and investigated by minimizing the variance of estimation error. The performance of the state estimator is evaluated, and the sensor placement is analyzed through simulation studies, which offers a planning view of sensor location in industrial applications.
Preparation of a multifunctional flame retardant epoxy resin containing phosphorus and nitrogen and study of its properties
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Pan Dawei , Chang Changfan , Liu Hua , Liu Zuozhen 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA highly reactive intrinsic epoxy flame retardant FREP was successfully synthesized via ring‐opening reaction between DOPO and amino‐tetrafunctional epoxy resin (AG‐601), and the structure of the synthesized FREP was characterized by FTIR and MS. FREP was then introduced into the epoxy resin as an additive, aiming to improve fire safety. The flame‐retardant properties and thermal stabilities of epoxy thermosets were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL94) and cone calorimetry (CONE). The results indicated that EP/FREP‐4 thermoset passed UL94 V‐0 rating with a LOI value of 34.6%, where the phosphorus content was 1.5 wt%. When compared with neat EP, the peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), total heat release (THR) and total smoke production (TSP) decreased by 63.1%, 42.6%, and 22.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the lower av‐EHC of EP/FREP thermosets indicated that FREP plays a significant role in gas‐phase flame retardancy. Additionally, DMA analysis showed that FREP improved the crosslinking density of EP, which had little effect on the glass transition temperature (Tg). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Py‐GC/MS analysis, and SEM were used to investigate the flame retardant mechanism. Excellent flame retardancy was attributed to phosphorus and nitrogen's synergistic effect in the gas and condensed phases.