Alkali-cation-incorporated and functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for methyl blue removal/decomposition.

Enhancing the rate of decomposition or removal of organic dye by designing novel nanostructures is a subject of intensive research aimed at improving waste-water treatment in the textile and pharmaceutical industries. Despite radical progress in this challenging area using iron-based nanostructures, enhancing stability and dye adsorption performance is highly desirable. In the present manuscript alkali cations are incorporated into iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to tailor their structural and magnetic properties and to magnify methyl blue (MB) removal/decomposition capability. The process automatically functionalizes the IONPs without any additional steps. The plausible mechanisms proposed for IONPs incubated in alkali chloride and hydroxide solutions are based on structural investigation and correlated with the removal/adsorption capabilities. The MB adsorption kinetics of the incubated IONPs is elucidated by the pseudo second-order reaction model. Not only are the functional groups of -OH and -Cl attached to the surface of the NPs, the present investigation also reveals that the presence of alkali cations significantly influences the MB adsorption kinetics and correlates with the cation content and atomic polarizability.

Epidemiology of viral disease outbreaks in Odisha, India (2010-2019).

Despite consistent public health efforts, the burden of viral disease in India remains high. The present study was undertaken to understand the aetiology, frequency and distribution of viral disease outbreaks in the state of Odisha between 2010 and 2019. This was a prospective study conducted at the Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory located at ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, wherein all the outbreaks of viral aetiologies were investigated and analysed to provide a comprehensive picture of the state of viral disease outbreaks in the region. A total of 191 suspected viral outbreaks were investigated by the team from VRDL during September 2010 and September 2019 reported from all the 30 districts of Odisha. Annual number of suspected cases ranged from 185 to 1002. The most commonly suspected outbreaks were of viral hepatitis (55 outbreaks; 1223 cases) followed by dengue (45 outbreaks; 1185 cases), chickenpox (30 outbreaks; 421 cases), viral encephalitis (27 outbreaks; 930 cases), measles (23 outbreaks; 464 cases), chikungunya (10 outbreaks; 593 cases) and rubella (1 outbreak; 60). The outbreaks peaked in frequency and intensity during the months of July and September. The epidemiology of viral disease outbreaks in the region is presented in the study. Health system preparedness based on evidence is essential for early detection and adequate response to such viral outbreaks.

Observation of perpendicular exchange bias in an Ir-doped Fe2O3/Co ultrathin film system.

In this work, we investigated the temperature dependence of interface exchange coupling in an Ir-doped Fe2O3/Co system with variations in the Ir-Fe2O3 thickness. Low-temperature perpendicular exchange bias was observed in the samples with an Ir-Fe2O3 thickness of 5 nm or less, when it cooled from 360 K in an external magnetic field of 1 T perpendicular to the sample surface. For 5 nm-thick Ir-Fe2O3, a maximum exchange bias value of 1200 Oe was obtained at 200 K. This is the first report on perpendicular exchange bias of an Fe2O3 thin film coupled with a ferromagnet. Enhancements to the Morin temperature and the magnetic anisotropy of Fe2O3 caused by lattice strain, Ir doping, and the finite-size scaling effect, as well as the high quality (good crystal orientation, small roughness, etc.) of the Fe2O3 film fabricated by our process, are considered to be mostly responsible for the perpendicular exchange bias obtained.

Practicing health promotion in primary care -a reflective enquiry.

INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is an integral part of routine clinical practice. The physicians' role in improving the health status of the general population, through effective understanding and delivery of health promotion practice, is evident throughout the international literature. Data from India suggest that physicians have limited skills in delivering specific health promotion services. However, the data available on this is scarce. This study was planned to document the current health promotion knowledge, perception and practices of local primary care physicians in Odisha. METHODS: An exploratory study was planned between the months of January - February 2013 in Odisha among primary care physicians working in government set up. This exploratory study was conducted, using a two-step self-administered questionnaire, thirty physicians practicing under government health system were asked to map their ideal and current health promotion practice, and potential health promotion elements to be worked upon to enhance the practice. RESULTS: The study recorded a significant difference between the mean of current and ideal health promotion practices. The study reported that physicians want to increase their practice on health education. CONCLUSION: We concluded that inclusion of health promotion practices in routine care is imperative for a strong healthcare system. It should be incorporated as a structured health promotion module in medical curriculum as well.

Aggregates of quadrupolar dyes for two-photon absorption: the role of intermolecular interactions.

We present a theoretical investigation of small aggregates of quadrupolar (A-π-D-π-A or D-π-A-π-D) charge-transfer dyes, with attention focused on the role of intermolecular interactions in determining their optical properties. We tackle the theoretical issue by adopting essential-state models (ESMs), which describe an isolated molecule in terms of a minimal number of electronic states, corresponding to the resonance structures. ESMs quite naturally describe intermolecular interactions relaxing the dipolar approximation and accounting for molecular polarizabilities. The approach is applied to curcuminoid and squaraine dyes, two families of chromophores with weak and strong quadrupolar character, respectively. The method is validated against experiment and for curcuminoids also against time-dependent density functional theory. ESMs rationalize the strong ultra-excitonic effects recurrently observed in the experimental optical spectra of aggregates of highly polarizable quadrupolar dyes, offering a valuable tool to exploit the supramolecular design of material properties.

Polymorphisms in host genes encoding NOSII, C-reactive protein, and adhesion molecules thrombospondin and E-selectin are risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in India.

Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (RBCs) in host microvasculature and complex regulation of the immune response are important contributors to the clinical outcome of disease. We tested the association of 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a microsatellite repeat in adhesion molecule genes THBS1 and ESEL, and immune regulatory molecule genes NOSII, CRP, and MBL2 with falciparum malaria in populations residing in a malaria-endemic and a non-endemic region of India. The THBS1 haplotype CCCCA (rs1478604, rs7170682, rs2664141, rs12912082, rs3743125) was a risk factor in the endemic region (relative risk = 3.78) and an ESEL SNP (rs5368, His468Tyr) associated with cerebral malaria (CM) [CM vs. non-cerebral malaria (NCM), odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, p = 0.03]. In the non-endemic region, an ESEL 3'UTR SNP (rs5359) associated with enhanced risk of disease (OR = 3.62, p = 1 × 10(-4)) and the CT genotype of the CRP promoter SNP (C/T/A) strongly associated with protection (severe vs. control, OR = 0.29, p = 6 × 10(-5)). Long repeat alleles of the NOSII promoter microsatellite (CCTTT)n exhibited strong association with protection and the NOSII ATG haplotype (rs3729508, rs2297520, rs9282801) was strongly protective against severe malaria in both regions (endemic, severe vs. control, OR = 0.05, p = 0.0001; non-endemic, severe vs. control, OR = 0.3, p = 1 × 10(-5)). Our results suggest differential contribution of variants of the investigated genes in determining the outcome of malaria in Indian populations.

Study of proteolysis in river buffalo mozzarella cheese using a proteomics approach.

The guarantee of the origin and quality of raw material is essential for the protection and valorization of Campana buffalo mozzarella cheese. The risk of utilization of semifinished products and stored milk in substitution for fresh milk is increasing, due to the continuous desire to reduce production costs. A proteomics approach and electrophoresis survey of retail mozzarella cheeses indicated different rates of proteolysis in the production of dairy industries. The use of fresh milk and correct cheesemaking protocol yielded only γ-caseins, which are derived from ß-casein by plasmin, and para-κ-casein, which is derived from κ-casein by chymosin. The detection of abnormal hydrolysis resulting in ß- and αS1-casein fragments, identified by mass spectrometry, indicates the use of stored milk or stored and pressed curd, or the reuse of unsold mozzarella cheese, to produce mozzarella. The formation of γ-caseins and other fragments during a long storage of raw materials at room or refrigeration temperature was ascribed to plasmin (endogenous milk enzyme), whereas formation of αS1-casein fragments, mainly αS1-I(6P)- and αS1-I(7P)-casein during the storage of curd was ascribed to the action of chymosin (exogenous enzyme) from rennet. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE and alkaline urea-PAGE permitted us to evaluate the freshness of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of buffalo mozzarella cheese and to reveal possible inappropriate preservation.

Birth prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus among infants of HIV-infected women on prenatal antiretroviral prophylaxis in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: A high rate of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been documented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants in industrialized settings, both in the pre- and post-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Only limited data on the birth prevalence of congenital CMV among infants of HIV-infected women on prenatal antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis are available from sub-Saharan Africa, despite a high prevalence of both infections. We evaluated the prevalence of congenital CMV in HIV-exposed infants in the Western Cape, South Africa. METHODS: HIV-infected mothers were recruited in the immediate postnatal period at a referral maternity hospital between April and October 2012. Maternal and infant clinical data and newborn saliva swabs were collected. Saliva swabs were assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction for CMV. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine specific demographic, maternal, and newborn characteristics associated with congenital CMV. RESULTS: CMV was detected in 22 of 748 newborn saliva swabs (2.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9%-4.4%). Overall, 96% of mothers used prenatal ARV prophylaxis (prenatal zidovudine, 43.9%; HAART, 52.1%). Maternal age, gestational age, prematurity (<37 weeks' gestation), type of ARV prophylaxis, length of ARV prophylaxis, birth weight, small for gestational age, and infant feeding choice were not significantly different between CMV-infected and -uninfected infants. Maternal CD4 count <200 cells/µL during pregnancy was independently associated with congenital CMV (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-7.3). A negative correlation between CMV load in saliva and maternal CD4 count was observed (r = -0.495, n = 22, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: The birth prevalence of congenital CMV was high despite prenatal ARV prophylaxis, and was associated with advanced maternal immunosuppression.

Effect of cation trapping on thermal stability of magnetite nanoparticles.

We investigate the effect of sodium trapping on thermal stability of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The pure magnetite nanoparticles incubated in sodium hydroxide solutions and subsequently washed with water to remove the excess sodium. The amount of sodium in magnetite is measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The size distribution obtained from Small angle X-ray scattering measurements show that particles are fairly monodisperse. The FTIR spectra of nanoparticles show transmission bands at 441 and 611 cm(-1) are due to the symmetric stretching vibrations (v) of Fe-O in octahedral and tetrahedral sites respectively. With 500 ppm of sodium ions (Na+) in magnetite, the cubic ferrite structure of maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) to hexagonal hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) phase transition is enhanced by -150 degrees C in air. The Rietveld analysis of sodium doped magnetite nanoparticles show that above 99% of metastable gamma-Fe2O3 is converted to a thermodynamically stable alpha-Fe2O3 after air annealing at 700 degrees C. A decrease in enthalpy observed in doped magnetite unambiguously confirms that the activation energy for maghemite to hematite transition is increased due to the presence of trapped sodium ions. These results suggest that the trapped cations in ferrite nanoparticles can stabilize them by increasing the activation energy.

Hand hygiene behavior among urban slum children and their care takers in Odisha, India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the knowledge and practice of hand washing among mothers and children of shikharchandi slum of Bhubaneswar, Odisha and to recommend possible measures to improve the current practices. METHODOLOGY: Present cross-sectional study was carried out in the Shikharchandi slum located in the Bhubaneswar city of Orissa state in India. 150 women and 80 children were interviewed. Children questionnaire were prepared to suit to their age and according to local context. Components of sanitation like food handling and hand washing were covered in this questionnaire. RESULTS: Hand washing before preparing food is being practiced by 85% of women. Of all women interviewed, 77% wash hands before serving food. Only 15% children said soap was available in their school to wash hands. Out of total children interviewed, 76% told that their teachers tell about sanitation and hand washing in the class. Only 5% children told they were consulted by doctor/health worker during last 3 months. As many as 81% children told that they wash their hands before taking food and 19% children said they take their food without washing hands. Though most of the children told that they wash hands before taking food, but only 17.5% told that they use soap for hand washing. Only 29% children told that their teachers check hand washing in school. When asked about critical timing of hand washing, 44% children told about at least two critical timings and 56% were unaware about the critical timings of hand washing. CONCLUSION: Inadequate knowledge on this among our study participant is a point of concern. Systematic integration of health and hygiene education in schools through curricular modifications could be an appropriate strategy.

Spray-dried plasma and fresh frozen plasma modulate permeability and inflammation in vitro in vascular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: After major traumatic injury, patients often require multiple transfusions of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to correct coagulopathy and to reduce bleeding. A spray-dried plasma (SDP) product has several logistical benefits over FFP use in trauma patients with coagulopathy. These benefits include ease of transport, stability at room temperature, and rapid reconstitution for infusion. Our past work suggests that FFP promotes endothelial stability by inhibiting endothelial permeability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The main goal of this project is to determine if solvent-detergent-treated SDP is equivalent to FFP in inhibiting vascular endothelial cell (EC) permeability and inflammation in vitro. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine if solvent-detergent treatment and spray drying of plasma alters the protective effects of FFP on EC function. The five groups tested in our studies are the following: 1) fresh frozen-thawed plasma (FFP); 2) solvent-detergent-treated FFP; 3) solvent-detergent-treated SDP; 4) lactated Ringer's solution; and 5) Hextend. RESULTS: This study demonstrates that in vitro SDP and FFP equivalently inhibit vascular EC permeability, EC adherens junction breakdown, and endothelial white blood cell binding, an effect that is independent of changes in Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1, Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1, or E-selectin expression on ECs. Solvent-detergent treatment of FFP does not alter the protective effects of FFP on endothelial cell function in vitro. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the equivalence of FFP and SDP on modulation of endothelial function and inflammation in vitro.

Gain of function mutations in p53.

We report that the expression of murine or human mutant p53 proteins in cells with no endogenous p53 proteins confers new or additional phenotypes upon these cells. Mutant p53 proteins expressed in cell lines lacking p53 resulted in either enhanced tumorigenic potential in nude mice ((10)3 cells) or enhanced plating efficiency in agar cell culture (human SAOS-2 cells). Also, mutant human p53 alleles, unlike the wild-type p53 protein, could also enhance the expression of a test gene regulated by the multi-drug resistance enhancer-promoter element. These data demonstrate a gain of function associated with p53 mutations in addition to the loss of function shown previously to be associated with mutations in this tumour suppressor gene.

On the collection of marine crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura) in the Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune, with a note on the taxonomy of Sphaerozius scaber (Fabricius, 1798) (Menippidae).

The Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune (ZSI-WRC) contains 1887 specimens of mostly unstudied marine brachyuran crabs. The present systematic study on the marine crabs of ZSI-WRC reports 62 species in 44 genera, 18 families and nine superfamilies. Of these, four genera and 13 species are new distributional records within India. We also record three species for the first time from the Indian waters: Metopograpsus cannicci Innocenti, Schubart Fratini, 2020 (Grapsidae MacLeay, 1838), Varuna yui Hwang Takeda, 1986 (Varunidae H. Milne Edwards, 1853), and Ilyograpsus paludicola (Rathbun, 1909) (Macrophthalmidae Dana, 1851). The record of Varuna yui is significant as it is the first time it has been found from the western Indian Ocean. The subfamily Ilyograpsinae tevi, 2005, has likewise not previously been reported from India. The taxonomy of the poorly known menippid crab, Sphaerozius scaber (Fabricius, 1798), is clarified with the designation of a lectotype, and its taxonomy is discussed. Sphaerozius scaber can be distinguished from the only congener S. nitidus Stimpson, 1858, by its prominently tuberculated carapace, palm and carpus of the chelipeds, and the strongly curved male first gonopod, with the distal part gently tapering into a truncate tip. Sphaerozius scaber is a new addition to the west coast of India. With the inclusion of the present new records, India is now known to have 939 species of marine brachyuran crabs in 375 genera of 63 families.

Interaction of inorganic nanoparticles with graphene.

The changes in the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene induced by interaction with semiconducting oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO and TiO(2) and with magnetic nanoparticles such as Fe(3)O(4), CoFe(2)O(4), and Ni are investigated by using Raman spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and first-principles calculations. Significant electronic and magnetic interactions between the nanoparticles and graphene are found. The findings suggest that changes in magnetization as well as the Raman shifts are directly linked to charge transfer between the deposited nanoparticles and graphene. The study thus demonstrates significant effects in tailoring the electronic structure of graphene for applications in futuristic electronic devices.

Beyond the Förster formulation for resonance energy transfer: the role of dark states.

Resonance Energy Transfer (RET) is investigated in pairs of charge-transfer (CT) chromophores. CT chromophores are an interesting class of π conjugated chromophores decorated with one or more electron-donor and acceptor groups in polar (D-π-A), quadrupolar (D-π-A-π-D or A-π-D-π-A) or octupolar (D(-π-A)(3) or A(-π-D)(3)) structures. Essential-state models accurately describe low-energy linear and nonlinear spectra of CT-chromophores and proved very useful to describe spectroscopic effects of electrostatic interchromophore interactions in multichromophoric assemblies. Here we apply the same approach to describe RET between CT-chromophores. The results are quantitatively validated by an extensive comparison with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations, confirming that essential-state models offer a simple and reliable approach for the calculation of electrostatic interchromophore interactions. This is an important result since it sets the basis for more refined treatments of RET: essential-state models are in fact easily extended to account for molecular vibrations in truly non-adiabatic approaches and to account for inhomogeneous broadening effects due to polar solvation. Optically forbidden (dark) states of quadrupolar and octupolar chromophores offer an interesting opportunity to verify the reliability of the dipolar approximation. In striking contrast with the dipolar approximation that strictly forbids RET towards or from dark states, our results demonstrate that dark states can take an active role in RET with interaction energies that, depending on the relative orientation of the chromophores, can be even larger than those relevant to allowed states. Essential-state models, whose predictions are quantitatively confirmed by TDDFT results, allow us to relate RET interaction energies towards allowed and dark states to the supramolecular symmetry of the RET-pair, offering reliable design strategies to optimize RET-interactions.

Satisfaction of leprosy patients on integrated MDT services: as evaluated by Bargarh Integrated Community Health Project (BICHP).

Functional integration can be viewed successful if general health system (GHS) delivers services to the satisfaction of leprosy patients. The study elicits responses from 307 leprosy cured persons of 3 blocks and one town covering a population of about 3,50,000 in district Bargarh, Orissa. 229 (74.6%) MB and 78 (25.4%) cured PB cases were the respondents. About 80% patients diagnosed and received treatment within half an hour, 89.9% respondents spent adequate time with providers for clarifying different aspects of leprosy, 85.0% felt the discussion very useful. About 94% had comfortable time at the health institutions. About 97% of persons were regular and completed FDT in time while 25.0% experienced some discrimination mostly at the health institutions. Trunk nerves were involved in 57% cases at detection which subsided during treatment in 33% of cases. Skin patches disappeared in 74.6% and became inactive in the rest. Majority (90.2%) were convinced about cure by MDT. Clients' satisfaction in terms of quality treatment and cordial patient provider relation in GHS should be a strong indicator for successful integration.

Constraints and challenges in convalescent plasma collection amidst the Covid 19 pandemic- strategies and recommendations to overcome these.

BACKGROUND: COVID 19 is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection by the virus SARS-COV-2 and has been declared as a pandemic whose specific treatment is still not established. One of the options in the treatment is Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy when there is presence of required amount of neutralizing antibodies in the plasma of recovered COVID patients. Our objective was to analyze the challenges and the constraints encountered in motivation of COVID 19 recovered persons to come for the screening procedures and to convince the selected persons to come for Plasma donation voluntarily. MATERIAL & METHODS: The present retrospective observational study was conducted for a period of five and half months. Out of 1515 number of persons contacted telephonically for Plasma donation, 1291 persons came for screening of whom 1028 persons were eligible for donation, 263 cases were deferred and 966 persons finally donated. RESULTS: Maximum number of acceptance cases were from males-(98.7%). Of the accepted cases, (41.73%) were from the 18-30 years' age group. 33.94% were from blood group 'O' Rh D positive giving maximum contribution from any blood group. 38.3% of the accepted cases had resolution of all COVID symptoms within time period of 28-40 days. Maximum number of accepted individuals (39.75%) had suffered from multiple symptoms followed by 39.02% of asymptomatic persons. Highest number of Plasma donation was contributed by Odisha Government Police personnel (51.56%). DISCUSSION: In this global ongoing pandemic, the "Fear Factor of contracting the disease" has acted as a major challenge in motivating and convincing a COVID recovered patient for plasma donation. The challenge before the medical professionals was to motivate, educate and convince the potential donors and the society about the likely benefits of convalescent plasma. This could be finally overcome with the help of positive orientation through social and conventional media as well as mass appeal from government side on the benefits of plasma therapy in saving lives in the present pandemic.

Comparative analysis of PHAs production by Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 under submerged and solid-state fermentation.

In view of risk coupled with synthetic polymer waste, there is an imperative need to explore biodegradable polymer. On account of that, six PHAs producing bacteria were isolated from mangrove forest and affilated to the genera Bacillus & Pseudomonas from morpho-physiological characterizations. Among which the potent PHAs producer was identified as Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 by 16S rDNA sequencing and in-silico analysis. This research addressed a comparative account on PHAs production by submerged and solid-state fermentation pertaining to different downstream processing. Here, we established higher PHAs production by solid-state fermentation through sonication and mono-solvent extraction. Using modified MSM media under optimized conditions, 49.5% & 57.7% of PHAs were produced in submerged and 34.1% & 62.0% in solid-state fermentation process. Extracted PHAs was identified as a valuable polymer PHB-co-PHV and its crystallinity & thermostability nature was validated by FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD. The melting (Tm) and thermal degradation temperature (Td) of PHB-co-PHV was 166 °C and 273 °C as depicted from DTA. Moreover, FE-SEM and SPM surface imaging indicated biodegradable nature, while FACS assay confirmed cytocompatibility of PHB-co-PHV.

Growth associated polyhydroxybutyrate production by the novel Zobellellae tiwanensis strain DD5 from banana peels under submerged fermentation.

In view of environmental pollution by fossil fuel-based plastics, it has become imperative to find out an alternative biodegradable plastic for sustainability. In this context, polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) production was carried out by the Zobellella sp. DD5 using inexpensive banana peels as the carbon source. Under optimized condition, 1.13 g/L (47.3%) of PHB was produced by the bacteria in growth associated mechanism. The CO group of PHB was detected from the high intense absorption band (1719 cm-1) of FTIR spectroscopic analysis. NMR and GC-MS results are also identical with the chemical shift signal CH, CH2 and CH3 group of PHB. The PHB is crystalline in nature and degree of crystallinity (Xc) - 34.38%, melting temperature (Tm) - 169 °C, thermal decomposition temperature (Td) - 248 °C as detected by XRD and DTA respectively. Rough surface morphology of PHB film was validated by AFM and SEM imaging that improves biodegradability of the PHB. The Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break depicted hard and brittle nature of PHB. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) confirmed cytocompatibility of PHB at 500 µg/mL in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell line. The non-cytotoxic PHB can be used for various biomedical and agricultural applications in future.

Standardization in Quantitative Imaging: A Multicenter Comparison of Radiomic Features from Different Software Packages on Digital Reference Objects and Patient Data Sets.

Radiomic features are being increasingly studied for clinical applications. We aimed to assess the agreement among radiomic features when computed by several groups by using different software packages under very tightly controlled conditions, which included standardized feature definitions and common image data sets. Ten sites (9 from the NCI's Quantitative Imaging Network] positron emission tomography-computed tomography working group plus one site from outside that group) participated in this project. Nine common quantitative imaging features were selected for comparison including features that describe morphology, intensity, shape, and texture. The common image data sets were: three 3D digital reference objects (DROs) and 10 patient image scans from the Lung Image Database Consortium data set using a specific lesion in each scan. Each object (DRO or lesion) was accompanied by an already-defined volume of interest, from which the features were calculated. Feature values for each object (DRO or lesion) were reported. The coefficient of variation (CV), expressed as a percentage, was calculated across software packages for each feature on each object. Thirteen sets of results were obtained for the DROs and patient data sets. Five of the 9 features showed excellent agreement with CV < 1%; 1 feature had moderate agreement (CV < 10%), and 3 features had larger variations (CV ≥ 10%) even after attempts at harmonization of feature calculations. This work highlights the value of feature definition standardization as well as the need to further clarify definitions for some features.