bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nominal group technique review of the emergency care content of the clinical skills module in the undergraduate medical programme at the University of the Free State
Authors:   Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Hagemeister T
Published: January 2022

Background. Handling medical emergencies is essential for medical practitioners. Medical students at the University of the Free State have an emergency care block in their third year. Nominal group technique (NGT) has been introduced for programme development, and has been used for the assessment of educational programmes. Objectives. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current teaching programme, as experienced by the students, and to obtain advice from lecturers on available resources and additional requirements. Methods. A two-stage NGT was used to identify strengths and weaknesses of the programme from the ‘clients’ (students), and for the ‘experts’ (clinicians and educators) to suggest possible improvements. Two NGT sessions were conducted with students that had either recently (third-year students) or 2 years ago (fifth-year students) been exposed to the module. Students were asked to identify positive and negative aspects. Based on these sessions, two further NGTs were conducted with groups of ‘experts’ from the School of Medicine, asking for suggestions for improvement in the current resources, and for additional resources necessary. Results. Students valued the practical skills obtained and some of the format of the teaching, but requested an increase of practical content, as well as additional tools and modes of teaching. Lecturers suggested co-ordinating outcomes to clarify basic concepts and to use additional media, but emphasised the need for human resources, teaching tools and functional clinical equipment. Conclusion. NGT provides a valuable tool to obtain critical suggestions from students and lecturers for improvement of the clinical teaching of emergency care.
The knowledge and attitudes of final-year medical students regarding care of older patients
Authors:   Department of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Naidoo K , van Wyk J
Published: January 2022

Background. South African (SA) studies indicate that elderly patients receive poor-quality and inadequate medical care at primary care level. Medical schools must be responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. This article reviews medical students’ knowledge of and attitudes towards caring for older patients to identify areas to enhance their learning. Objective. To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of final-year medical students regarding the care of older patients at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, SA. Methods. All final-year medical students were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire that evaluated their geriatric knowledge and attitudes. Geriatric knowledge was assessed with a modified Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz, and the UCLA geriatric attitudes scale was used to assess their attitudes. Ethical approval was obtained from the UKZN Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and data were collected from September to November 2019. Results. There was a 79% (n=173) response rate. The average age of participants was 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 23 - 24) years. The mean geriatric knowledge score was 56.8% (standard deviation 10.4). The mean attitude score was 3.67 out of 5, indicating mildly positive attitudes towards caring for older patients. The majority of students expressed difficulties in communicating with older patients. Conclusion. The poor knowledge and mildly positive attitudes of students necessitate educational interventions to stimulate student interest in geriatrics and improve learning in this field, including increased attention to communication skills training relevant to the care of older patients.
Pathology Lexicon A-Z: A multilingual glossary app
Authors:   Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Govender L , Geitner J , Tyam N , Botha F C J , Yeats J
Published: January 2022

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Mechanisms for sustainable post-trial access: A perspective
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, King Edward VIII Tertiary Hospital, Umbilo, South Africa, Naidoo P , Rambiritch V
Published: January 2022

Clinical trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of investigational products, contributing to risk/benefit assessments that ultimately determine whether these products meet the criteria for market authorisation. Clinical trials are also an important source of revenue and expertise generation for countries in which they are conducted. In developing countries, they represent substantial foreign direct investment. In spite of the substantial capital input that clinical trials require, the issue of funding post-trial access to beneficial therapies remains contentious, especially in resource-limited settings. In this article, we explore this situation and propose mechanisms to establish ‘win-win’ situations where both patients and clinical trial sponsors derive benefit from post-trial access programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
A retrospective evaluation of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction test directly applied to blood for the management of sepsis in the critically ill
Authors:   Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Omar S , Murphy S , Gheevarghese R , Poppleton N
Published: January 2022

Background. Blood culture (BC) is the established gold standard for microbiological diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI); however, its sensitivity is poor. Objectives. The primary objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Magicplex Sepsis Real-time Test, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction test (mPCR), and BC to detect BSIs. Secondary outcomes included determining the prevalence of BSIs. Methods. A retrospective review of a technical evaluation of the mPCR. Patients requiring BC had a blood sample collected for mPCR. Results. The respective sensitivity and specificity of mPCR for the detection of BSI were 50% (n=7/14) and 58% (n=18/31), while the sensitivity and specificity using BC were 36% (n=5/14) and 68% (n=21/31), respectively. The addition of mPCR to BC increased BSI detection during sepsis from 36% to 64%. Conclusion. The use of mPCR directly applied to blood may increase the detection of micro-organisms associated with BSIs in critically ill patients requiring BC investigation.
Explorando el impacto del confinamiento escolar en los centros de clase trabajadora en Madrid y Barcelona por estatus migratorio y género.
Authors: Carrasco Pons Silvia , Pibernat Vila Marina
Published: January 2022

El impacto de la pandemia de la COVID-19 en la vida académica y social de la infancia y la adolescencia sigue siendo preocupante por las graves consecuencias que puede tener para toda una generación del alumnado, especialmente para quienes se encontraban en situaciones más vulnerables por diferentes motivos y, en especial, para el alumnado de origen extranjero. Paradójicamente, desde el inicio del cierre y cuando las escuelas volvieron a abrir para impartir clases presenciales de forma intermitente, las necesidades específicas de este grupo de estudiantes y los efectos del aislamiento académico y social como posibles factores agravantes de riesgo han estado ausentes del debate público sobre la educación en la pandemia, más allá de menciones generales al empobrecimiento familiar y a la brecha digital. Tampoco se han abordado cuestiones que ya eran alarmantes, como las diferencias entre la vinculación escolar de chicos y chicas, que se superponen a las anteriores. Este artículo presenta algunos de los hallazgos y conclusiones de un estudio prospectivo dentro del proyecto IntegratED. Promoting Meaningful Integration of Third-Country Nationals Children to Education (776143-EU-AMIF). A partir de entrevistas con el profesorado de ocho centros de secundaria de Madrid y Barcelona en otoño de 2020, nos centramos en el impacto de la pandemia y el cierre de la escuela en el alumnado desde un enfoque comparativo de origen nacional y género, en el contexto más amplio de las transformaciones, reajustes y consecuencias experimentadas por todos los estudiantes de entornos socioeconómicos desfavorecidos.
Time-resolved single-cell sequencing identifies multiple waves of mRNA decay during the mitosis-to-G1 phase transition
Authors: Krenning Lenno , Sonneveld Stijn , Tanenbaum Marvin E
Published: January 2022

Accurate control of the cell cycle is critical for development and tissue homeostasis, and requires precisely timed expression of many genes. Cell cycle gene expression is regulated through transcriptional and translational control, as well as through regulated protein degradation. Here, we show that widespread and temporally controlled mRNA decay acts as an additional mechanism for gene expression regulation during the cell cycle in human cells. We find that two waves of mRNA decay occur sequentially during the mitosis-to-G1 phase transition, and we identify the deadenylase CNOT1 as a factor that contributes to mRNA decay during this cell cycle transition. Collectively, our data show that, akin to protein degradation, scheduled mRNA decay helps to reshape cell cycle gene expression as cells move from mitosis into G1 phase.
Muscle systems and motility of early animals highlighted by cnidarians from the basal Cambrian
Authors: Wang Xing , Vannier Jean , Yang Xiaoguang , Leclère Lucas , Ou Qiang , Song Xikun , Komiya Tsuyoshi , Han Jian
Published: January 2022

Although fossil evidence suggests that various animal groups were able to move actively through their environment in the early stages of their evolution, virtually no direct information is available on the nature of their muscle systems. The origin of jellyfish swimming, for example, is of great interest to biologists. Exceptionally preserved muscles are described here in benthic peridermal olivooid medusozoans from the basal Cambrian of China (Kuanchuanpu Formation, ca. 535 Ma) that have direct equivalent in modern medusozoans. They consist of circular fibers distributed over the bell surface (subumbrella) and most probably have a myoepithelial origin. This is the oldest record of a muscle system in cnidarians and more generally in animals. This basic system was probably co-opted by early Cambrian jellyfish to develop capacities for jet-propelled swimming within the water column. Additional lines of fossil evidence obtained from ecdysozoans (worms and panarthropods) show that the muscle systems of early animals underwent a rapid diversification through the early Cambrian and increased their capacity to colonize a wide range of habitats both within the water column and sediment at a critical time of their evolutionary radiation.
Decoding Blue Round Cell Tumours using Immunohistochemistry- A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Danda Manimala , Kamidi Varun , Gude Aswini , Pasam Ramana Kumari , Garikapati Sailabala
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Small blue round cell tumours are heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterised by small, round and relatively undifferentiated cells. These tumours pose a great challenge to the histopathologist for definite diagnosis and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays an important role in the further evaluation of these tumours. Aim: To analyse the round cell tumours according to site, gender and age of the patient and ascertain the significance of IHC for its accurate morphological characterisation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Guntur Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India, which included 53 patients from August 2013 to August 2015. Immunohistochemical studies were done to categorise the tumours using the relevant panel of immunohistochemical antibodies streptavidin biotin detection method. Frequency and percentage statistics was used to present the results. Results: Out of 53 cases there were 29 cases of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), eight cases of Ewing’s Sarcoma/PNET, four cases of Esthesioneuroblastoma, three cases of small cell carcinoma, two cases of medulloblastoma, each one case of ependymoblastoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC), mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, nephroblastoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumour and small cell carcinoma ovary. Conclusion: Most common tumour was NHL with highest incidence in males and age group of more than 40 to 60 years years. Immunohistochemistry represents an adjunctive tool for accurate typing and classification of round cell tumours.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas with Enigmatic Clinical Presentation- Unveiled by Histomorphology and Immunohistochemical Picture
Authors: Sneha . , Das Tushar Kanti , Hota Sarbashis , Ghosh Sukanya
Published: January 2022

Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS) are aggressive neoplasms of dismal outcome, predominantly occurring in elderly age group. Synovial Sarcomas (SS) show preponderance in adolescents and poorly differentiated histological variants need exhaustive work up employing Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular pathology. Pleomorphic liposarcomas have short preoperative period and hence necessitates early identification despite being rare. Rhabdomyosarcomas are often diagnostic with skeletal muscle differentiation on histology even in the absence of embryonic or alveolar pattern. However, while dealing with small blue round cell tumours of adolescents in the absence of any specific differentiation and pattern, molecular analysis including PAX-FOXO1 fusion, FUS-ETS fusion, EWSR1-non ETS fusion, CIC and BCOR fusion is of paramount importance. In this series, we have compiled a set of four cases with diversified histomorphology, presenting at extremely uncommon sites with varying clinicoradiological profiles yet biologically behaving aggressive almost to a similar extent necessitating adjuvant therapy. An intriguing case of biphasic SS in the axilla, an uncommon site was discussed where narrowing the differentials was an uphill task. Another case of monophasic SS at yet another uncommon site (inguinolabium) with overlapping histology warranted the need to rule out the other probabilities employing IHC. The next case of pleomorphic liposarcoma encountered here needs special mention owing to low incidence and labelling it with certanity required meticulous analysis including extensive sampling and IHC. Another interesting case of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma with striking histology where role of IHC was only supplementary further reinforced the vital role of histopathological examination in the diagnostic work up of sarcomas.
A Retrospective Study on Adverse Drug Reactions of Anticancer Drugs in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northeast India
Authors: Datta Swagata , Zosangpuii Christina , Ningthoujam Geetanjali , Paonam Shyamasakhi Devi , Leisangthem Tarinita Devi , Nameirakpam Meena Devi , Nameirakpam Surjit Singh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Anticancer drugs account to high susceptibility towards Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) due to their narrow therapeutic window and increased toxicity, which makes pharmacovigilance studies essential. Aim: To determine the nature and severity of ADRs in cancer patients based on the reports received from the Department of Radiation Oncology to the Pharmacovigilance centre of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India on the patients who developed ADRs due to anticancer drugs during the period from January 2018 to December 2020. These ADRs were assessed for causality using World Health Organisation- Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) criteria. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and frequencies and percentages were determined for each variable. Results: A total of 913 ADRs were reported from 334 patients. Total 62.57% females developed ADRs and age group of 51-60 years (31.14%) were affected the most. Bronchogenic carcinoma (20.9%) was found to be the most common cancer and haematological system (31.11%) was mostly affected. Most common ADRs observed were alopecia (16.32%) followed by anorexia and anaemia. Carboplatin (23.21%) followed by Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel were the most common drugs causing different ADRs. On causality assessment, as per WHO-UMC criteria 67.25% ADRs were ‘probable’ and 32.75% were ‘possible’. Severity assessment using modified Hartwig and Siegel scale showed 56.41% ADRs as mild, 41.95% moderate and 1.64% severe reaction. Preventability assessment using Schumock-Thornton scale showed 44.69% ADRs were ‘not preventable’ whereas 41.62% ADRs were ‘definitely preventable’ and 13.69% were ‘probably preventable’. Conclusion: The use of anticancer drugs is associated with various adverse effects. However, early detection of the ADRs may help to modify the doses or the drug regimen to minimise the adverse effects.
Impact of Packaging Materials and Storage Temperatures on the Quality of Sugarcane Molasses (Black Honey)
Authors: Reheem A. H. Abdel , Kenawi M. A. , Ali H. M. , Hussien S. M.
Published: January 2022

Sugarcane molasses is defined as a product obtained from the concentration of sugarcane juice. This product is accepted in the Egyptian market and can be used as a sweetener instead of refined sugar. The packaging materials and storage temperature affect the quality properties of the sugarcane molasses. In this study, the sugarcane molasses was packed in four different packaging materials (glass jars, pottery pitchers, plastic jars, and tin containers) and stored at two different temperatures (20 and 40oC) to study the quality properties. The changes in the physicochemical, antioxidant activity and sensory properties were estimated at periodic intervals of 60 days during the period of storage study (12 months). The results showed that, pH, total soluble solids, moisture, total sugars, antioxidant activity, flavor and overall acceptability score of stored sugarcane molasses were reduced significantly (p≤0.05) with the progression of the storage period. The stability of packed samples stored at 20°C was better, as the highest values of all studied quality traits were recorded compared to their counterparts at 40°C. Among the studied packaging materials, sugarcane molasses filed in glass jars with metallic covers, and pottery pitchers with sterilized tampons had the best quality properties. Final of storage period, the glass jars recorded the highest values of total soluble solids, moisture and total sugars. While pottery pitchers were better for pH, antioxidant activity, flavor and overall acceptability score. These results may come from the physiochemical properties of the raw materials of the pottery pitchers.
The Mass Media and Gender-Based Violence in Imo State, Nigeria: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Martin Obayi, Paul
Published: January 2022

The study examined the mass media and gender base violence in Imo State. The investigation was anchored on the agenda setting and social network theories. The survey method was adopted for the study, while the sample size of 385 was drawn from a population of 5,408,756, using the Australian sample size calculator. The multistage sampling technique was adopted using questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The researcher used simple percentages and mean analysis for the statistical analysis of data. Findings revealed that the extent to which residents of Imo State are exposed to media reports and programmes on gender-based violence is high at 44%. Analysis also revealed that, at a mean average of 3.5 (N=379), the knowledge level of residents on gender-based violence is high. It was also revealed that, at an average mean of 3.5 (N=379), media programmes and reports have been able to induce perceptive/attitudinal change on gender-based violence positively. This is so because the respondents perceive the menace or act as a threat to human, family, societal and national development. The study further revealed that adequate awareness campaigns, enlightening programme, media programmes/reports on the need for the abolition of harmful social practices were the factors that can aid media efforts in actualizing perceptive/attitudinal change on gender base violence. The researcher recommended that more media programmes aimed at discouraging all forms of violence against women should be put in place by both the state government and non-governmental organisations.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity using Molecular Markers among Some Elite Rice Genotypes
Authors: Bhattacharjee Maini , Majumder Kasturi , Kundagrami Sabyasachi , Dasgupta Tapash
Published: January 2022

Microsatellites, also known as SSRs, are one of the most commonly utilised DNA marker types for a variety of applications, including genotypic differences, genetic relationships, QTLs, association mapping, genome mapping, and varietal identification. With the goal of assessing genetic diversity analysis of different varieties to measure the extent of genotypic differences, genetic relationship, and also to broaden the germplasm base of future rice breeding programmes, 40 rice genotypes were analysed for genetic variation using 20 SSR markers in the current study. These markers were discovered to produce polymorphic bands among the population, revealing the population's variability. Several alleles were found using microsatellite markers in this study, ranging from 2 to 5, with an average of 3.75 and 0.71 of average genetic diversity. The average PIC value for the current study was 0.62, indicating that the germplasm included in the study is diversified. This study exhibited that SSR primers such as RM1, RM25425, RM20224, RM18107, RM215, RM 248, and RM 535 with the genetic diversity greater than 0.70 and all of these are more polymorphic in nature in distinguishing the genotypes.
Environmental Impacts of Sand Mining in Some Coastal Communities in Port Harcourt Metropolis Nigeria
Authors: Ohaeri M. C. A. , Ogbonna D. N. , Gobo A. E. , Ngah S. A.
Published: January 2022

Sand mining activity is one of the serious environmental problems, as the rivers are widely exploited for river bed materials like sand resulting in land and river bed degradation as well as loss of riparian habitat. The aim of this research was to assess the environmental impacts of sand mining activities in some coastal communities of Port Harcourt metropolis. Three communities namely Choba, Abuloma and Chokocho were selected for the study because of good access to waterfront and regular outcry by communities affected due to the level of environmental degradation. Formal interviews with operators of sand mining activity and stakeholders as well as the administration of questionnaire was employed. Questionnaires were designed to collect information on the characteristics of the sand mining activities in these coastal communities. The study lasted for a period of 12 months. Results obtained show that there were major impacts of sand mining namely soil erosion, road destruction, loss of vegetation, noise pollution across the coastal communities engaged in this activity. Choba recorded soil erosion with 27% as a major problem, Abuloma had noise pollution with 33% while in Chokocho, soil erosion ranked 32% as major impact of the activity. The study therefore, revealed that inspite of its economic importance, sand mining activity is causing more harm than good, hence it is suggested that environmental legislations regarding sand mining activities must be put in place to check and ameliorate the impacts. Community stakeholders should seek constant interface between the sand miners to resolve issues arising from the activity and to proffer intervention measures to ensure sustainability.
Hand Washing and Other Hygienic Cord Care Practices among Mothers in Nnewi, Nigeria
Authors: Onubogu C. U. , Ugochukwu E. F. , Ifiora F. A. , Onwumere U. O. , Okeke K. N. , Umeadi E. N.
Published: January 2022

Background:  Neonatal sepsis is a major contributor to the high burden of neonatal deaths in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria. Hygienic cord care has the potential to reduce neonatal mortality from infections.

Aim: We examined the rate of hand washing and other hygienic cord care practices among mothers in Nnewi Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 consenting mothers who had a biologic child less than one year of age. Mothers were interviewed using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The major outcome variables were practice of hand washing and other indicators of hygienic cord care such as frequency of cord care, cord care after diaper change, re-use of swabs and method of cord care. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of the mothers was 29.6 ± 5.53 years. The rate of hand washing before, after, both before and after, and neither before nor after cord care were 81.3%, 76.2%, 68.7% and 11.2%, respectively. Majority of the mothers practiced cord care activities for ≥3 times (79.9%), did not re-use swabs for cleaning the cord (92.5%) and used methylated spirit for cord care (89.3%). However, only one mother (0.5%) used chlorhexidine gel for cord care while half did not practice cord care after diaper change. Factors significantly associated with practice of hand washing before and after cord care were access to health education during pregnancy, knowledge of the consequence of poor cord care, and use of antiseptic agent for cord care.

The respondents had a fairly good practice of hygienic cord care. However, many babies still faced the risk of sepsis due to failure of their mothers to practice hand washing both before and after cord care, and after diaper change as recommended. Intensive promotion of hygienic cord care recommendations is endorsed.
Effect of Early Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on a Hemiplegic Patient Post-Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case Report
Authors: Sheikh Shifa , Samal Snehal , Kovela Rakesh Krishna , Dagal Ragini , Thimoty Rebecca , Harjpal Pallavi
Published: January 2022

Background: Stroke is the sudden loss of neurological function caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood artery ruptures in the brain, causing bleeding into the brain leading to hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a paralysis of the face, arm, and leg on one side. 

Aim: To study the effect of early Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on a post-Hemorrhagic stroke hemiplegic patient

Presentation of case: In the present case report, a 75-year-old male was admitted into the hospital with a history of dizziness and weakness of the right upper limb and lower limb along with slurring of speech. After doing CT scan, left Intraparenchymal bleed in the Corona Radiata were present and based on his symptoms and investigatory findings he was diagnosed as a case of right hemiparesis. He was under medical and physiotherapy management. Goal seeking limb was provided to the patient in the ICU and was continued in the ward. The early physiotherapeutic intervention proved to be effective for the positive outcome of the patient. After 20 days of treatment, there was a enormous improvement in the bed mobility of the patient. Speech therapy was also provided to the patient.

Discussion: Early physiotherapy rehabilitation will increase the decreased ranges of movement of all joints, help in improving the daily living activity of the patient, thus enhancing the confidence of the patient.

Conclusion: Thus, we conclude by this case report that early rehabilitation enhances the condition and later on the quality of life of the patient.
Bilateral Task-oriented Training and Strengthening Leads to Improvement in Gross Motor Functioning in Patients Post-ischemic Stroke: An Interesting Case Study
Authors: Khan Arasha , Timothy Rebecca , Harjpal Pallavi , Kovela Rakesh Krishna , Qureshi Mohammad Irshad , Dadgal Ragini , Samal Snehal
Published: January 2022

Background: A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Early intervention can prevent brain damage and other adverse outcomes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot stops or narrows in a blood vessel that leads to the brain.

Presentation of Case: In the present case, a 63-year-old retired Zila Parishad worker came to our hospital with complaints of fever and weakness; after six days of medication and hospital stay, his fever subsided, but he developed weakness of the right upper extremity and slurring of speech. Regular investigations were done. MRI revealed Acute Infarct in the Left Frontal Region.

Discussion: Bilateral training is proved to be effective in improving hand functioning in patients post-stroke. This is the application of the movement to both the extremity to gain progress.

Conclusion: The patient was provided with medical, regular physiotherapy management, and speech therapy leading to improvement in his condition. He is still under regular physiotherapy for improvement in his fine motor function.
Catalytic Performance of Pd Nanoparticles Obtained by Direct Reduction in Cellulose–Poly(ferrocenylsilane) Hybrid Sponges
Authors: Cheng Huan , Hempenius Mark A. , Sui Xiaofeng , Vancso G. Julius
Published: January 2022

Cellulose–poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) polyionic liquid (PIL) composite sponges are fabricated by codissolution of cellulose and PFS‐PIL, followed by solvent exchange and freeze‐drying. The hybrid sponges are used to in situ produce and immobilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs), leading to Pd NP‐decorated porous supports. The formation of Pd NPs is confirmed by TEM and XPS measurements. The as‐prepared cellulose/PFS‐PIL@Pd sponges exhibit a high catalytic activity in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NiP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AmP). As a variety of metal NPs may be immobilized using this method, these sponges constitute a promising new class of catalytic porous supports.
Regulating Lithium Deposition Behaviors by Functional PVDF‐HFP/NaTi2(PO4)3 Composite Separator
Authors: Fu Xuelian , Shang Chaoqun , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xin
Published: January 2022

The unpredictable growth of lithium (Li) dendrite is one of the crux issues in the commercial application of the Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a flexible PVDF‐HFP/LiClO4/NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) layer modified polypropylene (PP) separators are designed to achieve homogeneous nucleation and growth of Li. The introduction of NTP particles not only reduces the crystallinity of the polymer but also generates a rapid Li+ migration pathway at the interface, which is conducive to regulating the Li+ flux and guiding the uniform Li deposition by improving ionic conductivity. In addition, because of the high electrolyte wettability and the enhanced mechanical strength of the functionalized separator, the mass transport capability is promoted and the penetration of Li dendrite can be avoided. Consequently, the modified separators with 20 wt% NTP (PP@PHNTP‐20) endow Cu||Li batteries with an excellent average Coulombic efficiency of ≈99%. Furthermore, the long‐term reversible Li plating/stripping can be achieved in the Li symmetric battery, and the LiFePO4 (LFP) ||Li batteries with PP@PHNTP‐20 present high capacity retention and improved C‐rate performance in a carbonate‐based electrolyte without additives.
Oxygen‐Insensitive Peroxide Reduction Catalysts for Reliable Electrochemical Bioassays
Authors: Ding Zhenyao , Wang Dandan , Chen Liping , Zhou Hang , Zhang Xiqi , Feng Xinjian , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2022

Coupling the oxidase enzymatic and H2O2 cathodic reactions is an ideal approach for accurate bioassays development because it naturally avoids most endogenous/exogenous electroactive interferents in biofluids. However, the accompanying oxygen cathodic reaction at the surface of commonly used stable catalysts compromises the bioassay accuracy, thus limiting practical application of this detection principle. Here, highly active oxygen‐insensitive electrocatalysts for H2O2 reduction by modifying noble metals (Pt, Au) with an ultra‐thin tin oxide layer that can selectively block the diffusion of oxygen from the electrolyte to the noble metal surface, are reported. This empowers the electrocatalysts with enhanced resistance to current interference from oxygen reduction reaction, thus enabling highly selective sensing of sarcosine, a model analyte (a biomarker for prostate cancer), in the presence of various electroactive interferences. This work highlights the importance of H2O2 cathodic reactions in accurate biomarker detection and their advanced applications in life science, including developing reliable biomarker assays.
Fabrication of SiNx Nanopore Filters Using Combined Process of Nanoimprint and Dual‐Side Aligned Photolithography for Purified Cs3MnBr5 Green Phosphors
Authors: Kim Hyeng Jin , Ko Minji , Park Sangwook , Lee Keyong Nam , Yoo Gang Yeol , Nam Sangwon , Song Jae Kyu , Do Young Rag
Published: January 2022

A combined process of nanoimprint lithography and dual‐side aligned photolithography to address misalignment of subsequent layers for the fabrication of SiNx nanoporous membrane filters (SiNx nanofilter) is suggested. Here, in one process, 21 SiNx nanofilter chips are fabricated on a 6 inch Si wafer by aligning nanopore area of nanofilter and template area of nanofilter chip. An SiNx nanofilter chip‐integrated fluidic device is used to test the purification ability of the nanofilter in terms of its pore size and surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity. This is the first attempt at separating unnecessary chemical residues from a mixed reactant solution by nanoscale purification process using the tremendous number of nanoholes in the nanofilter. After purification by the nanofilter, high efficiency and narrow‐band Cs3MnBr5 phosphor is synthesized by evaporative crystallization. Here, the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of the purified Cs3MnBr5 phosphor is monitored to evaluate the purification ability of the SiNx nanofilter. The highest PLQY (53%) of Cs3MnBr5 green phosphors is obtained by purification of reactant solution using nanofilter with 50 nm nanopore diameter and hydrophilic surface. This combined process proves its potential for scalable manufacturing of complex designed SiNx nanofilter chips for chemical species sieving and other applications.
Perspective on Metal Halides with Self‐Trapped Exciton toward White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Hongting , Xiang Hengyang , Zou Yatao , Zhang Shuai , Cai Bo , Zhang Jibin , Hou Lintao , Zeng Haibo
Published: January 2022

Metal halides with self‐trapped exciton (STE‐MHs) featuring broadband emission have manifested great potential in white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) with encouraging progress proceeding at an exhilarating pace. In this Perspective article, the focus is on the key issues and challenges of STE‐MH as the single‐layered emitter in WLEDs after providing a brief introduction for STE and its working mechanism of the relevant white‐light emission. Possible approaches and future research directions for efficient STE‐MH‐based WLEDs are also put forward, aiming at promoting their application in the next‐generation high‐quality solid‐state lighting sources.
Deterministic and Scalable Generation of Exciton Emitters in 2D Semiconductor Nanodisks
Authors: Feng Shun , Zou Chenji , Cong Chunxiao , Shang Jingzhi , Zhang Jing , Chen Yu , Wu Lishu , Zhang Hongbo , Huang Zumeng , Gao Weibo , Zhang Baile , Huang Wei , Yu Ting
Published: January 2022

In recent cryogenic measurements, narrow photoluminescence (PL) peaks due to diverse quantum emitters have been found at random locations of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which impedes precise optoelectronic applications. Thus, it is of great importance to truly regulate these localized exciton emissions by deterministic spatial and spectral control. Here, such desired emission is primarily demonstrated in monolayer WS2 nanodisks. The size‐dependent PL studies indicate the clear evolution from the broad defect‐band emission to a set of spectrally isolated narrow peaks (linewidth of ≈ sub nm) at 4.2 K, which is associated with the prevailing effect of edge defects with the shrinkage of the disk diameter, providing a narrow emission energy range for bound excitons. When the disk diameter is reduced to 300 nm, more than 80% of emitter peaks are located between 610 and 616 nm, verifying the effective control of emission wavelength of these photon emitters. Furthermore, the strategy is extended to prepare scalable WS2 nanodisk arrays based on flakes of hundreds of µm, and size‐dependent narrow emissions of WSe2 nanodisks are testified. This work develops a defect‐engineering strategy to generate localized exciton emitters toward the promising TMD‐based optoelectronic applications.
Acid‐Degradable Hydrogen‐Generating Metal‐Organic Framework for Overcoming Cancer Resistance/Metastasis and Off‐Target Side Effects
Authors: Yao Xianxian , Chen Danyang , Zhao Bin , Yang Binru , Jin Zhaokui , Fan Mingjian , Tao Geru , Qin Shucun , Yang Wuli , He Qianjun
Published: January 2022

The development of stimuli‐responsively degradable porous carriers for both controlled drug release and high biosafety is vitally important to their clinical translation, but still challenging at present. A new type of porphyrin–iron metal organic framework (Fe‐MOF) nanocrystals is engineered here as acid‐degradable drug carrier and hydrogen donor by the coordination between porphyrin and zero‐valence Fe atom. Fe‐MOF nanocrystals exhibit excellent acid‐responsive degradation for H2 generation and simultaneous release of the loaded drug for combined hydrogen‐chemotherapy of cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) and metastasis and for local hydrogen eradication of the off‐target induced toxic side effects of the drug to normal cells/tissues. Mechanistically, released H2 assists chemotherapeutic drug to efficiently inhibit cancer metastasis by immunoactivating intratumoral M1‐phenotype macrophages and consequently downregulating the expression of metastasis‐related matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and can also downregulate the expressions of both P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) protein and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in MDR cancer cells to sensitize chemotherapeutic drug for enhanced damage to mitochondria and DNA. High anti‐MDR/antimetastasis efficacies and high biocompatibility endow Fe‐MOF nanocrystals and the Fe‐MOF‐based nanomedicine with high potential for clinical translation.
Regional Radiomics Similarity Networks Reveal Distinct Subtypes and Abnormality Patterns in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zhao Kun , Zheng Qiang , Dyrba Martin , Rittman Timothy , Li Ang , Che Tongtong , Chen Pindong , Sun Yuqing , Kang Xiaopeng , Li Qiongling , Liu Bing , Liu Yong , Li Shuyu ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2022

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of different subtypes show distinct alterations in network patterns. The first aim of this study is to identify the subtypes of MCI by employing a regional radiomics similarity network (R2SN). The second aim is to characterize the abnormality patterns associated with the clinical manifestations of each subtype. An individual‐level R2SN is constructed for N = 605 normal controls (NCs), N = 766 MCI patients, and N = 283 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. MCI patients’ R2SN profiles are clustered into two subtypes using nonnegative matrix factorization. The patterns of brain alterations, gene expression, and the risk of cognitive decline in each subtype are evaluated. MCI patients are clustered into “similar to the pattern of NCs” (N‐CI, N = 252) and “similar to the pattern of AD” (A‐CI, N = 514) subgroups. Significant differences are observed between the subtypes with respect to the following: 1) clinical measures; 2) multimodal neuroimaging; 3) the proportion of progression to dementia (61.54% for A‐CI and 21.77% for N‐CI) within three years; 4) enriched genes for potassium‐ion transport and synaptic transmission. Stratification into the two subtypes provides new insight for risk assessment and precise early intervention for MCI patients.
Comparison of methods to recover amaranth weed seeds from manure
Authors: Wilson Melissa L. , Brusa Anthony , Christensen Hatley , Strack Samuel , Alto Eddie , Allen Luis F. , Cortus Scott D. , Modderman Chryseis , Becker Roger L.
Published: January 2022

One pathway by which Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) invades new areas is through importation of contaminated livestock feed, which then contaminates land‐applied manure. If contaminated feed is suspected, detection tools are needed to test manure, but traditional methods are time consuming and often inconclusive. Although new genetic seed testing is making detection easier, methods to separate seed from contaminated manure are needed. Six methods were compared for their ability to recover 100 Palmer amaranth seeds added to bedded or nonbedded cattle manure: dry sieving, rinse sieving, manure saturation sieving without blending and with blending, and dispersion sieving without blending and with blending. Seed recovery was highest (>90%) with the rinse sieving method regardless of manure type. The dispersion methods are not recommended as they recovered <24.7% of seeds. Following each method, genetic testing successfully identified Palmer amaranth presence, indicating no interference of recovery method with DNA extraction.
A Single‐Ion Conducting Network as Rationally Coordinating Polymer Electrolyte for Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Hao , Du Yunfei , Zhang Qi , Zhao Yong , Lian Fang
Published: January 2022

Solid state single‐ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SSPEs) are one of the most promising candidates for long‐life lithium‐metal batteries. However, the traditional polyanion‐type structure of SSPEs inevitably gives rise to insufficient conductivity and inferior mechanical stability, which limits their practical application. Herein, an interpenetrating single‐ion network polymer (PTF‐4EO) is fabricated by crosslinking lithium tetrakis(4‐(chloromethyl)‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl)borate salt with tetraethylene glycol. The unique structure enables a PTF‐4EO with weakly interacting anions and coordinating ether oxygen segments that functions as a high‐performing SSPE, that delivers a high room‐temperature conductivity of 3.53 × 10−4 S cm−1, exceptional superior lithium‐ion transference number of 0.92, wide electrochemical window > 4.8 V, and good mechanical properties. Moreover, the resultant SSPE can directly participate in constructing a favorable Janus solid electrolyte interphase, which further enhances the interfacial stability of the metallic lithium anode. The as‐assembled LiFePO4||Li solid batteries present prominent cycling stability, coulombic efficiency, and capacity retention over 200 cycles between 2.50 and 4.25 V. Furthermore, LiNi0.7Mn0.2Co0.1O2||Li pouch cells exhibit remarkable safety even under harsh conditions. This study thereby offers a promising strategy for SSPE design to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity and good interfacial compatibility toward practical high‐energy‐density solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
Sandwich‐Shell Structured CoMn2O4/C Hollow Nanospheres for Performance‐Enhanced Sodium‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Ma Yang , Zhang Liuyang , Yan Zhaoxiong , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo , Liu Tao
Published: January 2022

Sodium hybrid supercapacitors (Na‐HSCs) are regarded as one promising electrochemical energy storage device, because of the low price of sodium, prolonged life cycle, and high‐energy/power density. Nonetheless, the imparity between the fast capacitive reactions at cathode and the sluggish Faradaic reactions at the anode leads to an imbalance in the electrochemical reaction kinetics, limiting the development of Na‐HSCs. Therefore, it is urgent to develop suitable anode materials for performance‐enhanced Na‐HSCs. Herein, sandwich‐shell‐structured CoMn2O4/C hollow spheres are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction and subsequent calcination, where mesoporous carbon hollow spheres (CHSs) serve as nonsacrificial hard templates. CHSs with numerous mesoporous channels are beneficial for the penetration of reactant ions. Therefore, CoMn2O4 nanosheets are successfully deposited on the inner and outer surfaces of CHSs, generating sandwich‐shell‐structured CoMn2O4/C hollow spheres. Benefiting from the unique design, CoMn2O4/C HSs exhibit excellent sodium storage performance, including a high‐specific capacity of 290 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1 and prolonged cycling durability. A Na‐HSC assembled by CoMn2O4/C HSs anode and activated carbon cathode exhibits a high‐energy density (265 Wh kg–1) and a wide‐operating voltage range (0.01–4.0 V).
A new perspective on vegetable oil epoxidation modeling: Reaction and mass transfer in a liquid–liquid–solid system
Authors: Salmi Tapio , Russo Vincenzo , Aguilera Adriana Freites , Tolvanen Pasi , Wärnå Johan , Di Serio Martino , Tesser Riccardo , Cogliano Tommaso , Leveneur Sébastien , Eränen Kari
Published: January 2022

A rigorous mathematical model was developed for a complex liquid–liquid–solid system in a batch reactor. The approach is general but well applicable for the indirect epoxidation of vegetable oils according to the concept of Nikolaj Prileschajew, implying in situ prepared percarboxylic acids as epoxidation agents. The model considers intra‐ and interfacial mass transfer effects coupled to reaction kinetics. The liquid phases were described with chemical approach (aqueous phase) and a reaction–diffusion approach (oil phase). The oil droplets were treated as rigid spheres, in which the overall reaction rate is influenced by chemical reactions and molecular diffusion. The model was tested with a generic example, where two reactions proceeded simultaneously in the aqueous and oil phases. The example (i.e., fatty acid epoxidation) illustrated the power of real multiphase model in epoxidation processes. The proposed modeling concept can be used for optimization purposes for applications, which comprise a complex water–oil–solid catalyst system.
Cuprous‐based composite ionic liquids for the selective absorption of CO: Experimental study and thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Tao Duan‐Jian , An Xue‐Cong , Gao Zi‐Teng , Li Zhang‐Min , Zhou Yan
Published: January 2022

Three cuprous‐based composite ionic liquids (ILs) [EimH][OAc]–xCuOAc (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) were prepared and employed for efficient absorption of CO. It is shown that the cuprous composite IL [EimH][OAc]–0.6CuOAc exhibited the largest absorption capacity for CO (0.031 g/g at 293.15 K and 1 bar) and had a record CO/N2 selectivity of 967, which is better than most of common ILs and solvents reported in the literature. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) analysis, and theoretical calculations reveal that such superior CO capacity mainly resulted from two kinds of chemical interaction between CO and the active anionic species [Cu(OAc)2]− in [EimH][OAc]–0.6CuOAc. Furthermore, a “deactivated IL model” was further proposed to accurately describe the absorption behavior of CO in [EimH][OAc]–0.6CuOAc, in which the thermodynamic parameters including Henry's law constants, reaction equilibrium constants, and absorption enthalpies were estimated by the correlation of the experimental solubilities of CO.