bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney Cancer, Version 3.2022, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Authors: Motzer Robert J. , Jonasch Eric , Agarwal Neeraj , Alva Ajjai , Baine Michael , Beckermann Kathryn , Carlo Maria I. , Choueiri Toni K. , Costello Brian A. , Derweesh Ithaar H. , Desai Arpita , Ged Yasser , George Saby , Gore John L. , Haas Naomi , Hancock Steven L. , Kapur Payal , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Lam Elaine T. , Lara Primo N. , Lau Clayton , Lewis Bryan , Madoff David C. , Manley Brandon , Michaelson M. Dror , Mortazavi Amir , Nandagopal Lakshminarayanan , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Ponsky Lee , Ramalingam Sundhar , Shuch Brian , Smith Zachary L. , Sosman Jeffrey , Dwyer Mary A. , Gurski Lisa A. , Motter Angela
Published: January 2022

The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer focus on the screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients with relapsed or stage IV RCC typically undergo surgery and/or receive systemic therapy. Tumor histology and risk stratification of patients is important in therapy selection. The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer stratify treatment recommendations by histology; recommendations for first-line treatment of ccRCC are also stratified by risk group. To further guide management of advanced RCC, the NCCN Kidney Cancer Panel has categorized all systemic kidney cancer therapy regimens as “Preferred,” “Other Recommended Regimens,” or “Useful in Certain Circumstances.” This categorization provides guidance on treatment selection by considering the efficacy, safety, evidence, and other factors that play a role in treatment selection. These factors include pre-existing comorbidities, nature of the disease, and in some cases consideration of access to agents. This article summarizes surgical and systemic therapy recommendations for patients with relapsed or stage IV RCC.
Agricultura familiar e segurança alimentar na Comunidade Quilombola África, Abaetetuba (PA)
Authors: Ferreira Priscila Fonseca , Pontes Altem Nascimento , Paula Manoel Tavares de
Published: January 2022

Os remanescentes de comunidades quilombolas são grupos étnico-raciais com trajetórias históricas próprias, dotados de relações territoriais específicas, com presunção de ancestralidade negra relacionada com a resistência à opressão histórica sofrida. Este estudo objetivou conhecer o modo pelo qual a comunidade quilombola África, no município de Abaetetuba (PA), relaciona-se com a natureza, bem como averiguar se a prática da agricultura familiar esta sendo eficiente na manutenção da segurança alimentar dessa população. Para a coleta de dados, foram adotadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e listagem livre. Os resultados evidenciaram alterações no modo vida da comunidade quilombola África, com maior apego dos sujeitos ao modo de vida urbano. Sendo que, a agricultura familiar não é, mas, o elemento responsável pela manutenção da segurança alimentar dessa população.
Co-constructing experiential knowledge in health: The contribution of people living with Parkinson to the co-design approach
Authors: Sendra Anna , Grosjean Sylvie , Bonneville Luc
Published: January 2022

Background: The use of collaborative approaches in the design of digital health technologies could help researchers to better understand the patient perspective. Starting from a 2019 Canadian case study focused on co-design and Parkinson’s disease, this paper discusses the potential of using narrative interviews to capture the patient experience. Aim: The objectives of this study are to examine the process of co-construction of ‘experiential knowledge’ through the interaction during a narrative interview and stress the significance of this method in relation to a co-design approach. Methods: A qualitative analysis of transcripts from 19 narrative interviews conducted in 2019 with people living with PD and their caregivers was performed. Results: Materialized in embedded, embodied, and emergent knowledge, findings reveal the potential of narrative interviews to provide insight to how experiential knowledge of people living with PD is constituted. Discussion: In addition to generate a learning environment, the analysis indicates that narrative interviews help to make visible experiential knowledge through the interaction processes between patients, caregivers, and researchers. Conclusion: This suggests that narrative interviews permit a more patient-centered design of digital health technologies, as they collect the psychological, social, and medical factors that influence the experience of these individuals.
Antenatal group consultations: Promoting wellbeing
Authors: Fage-Butler Antoinette , Brannigan Michael C.
Published: January 2022

Background: Most healthcare encounters take place in a dyadic encounter between a patient and healthcare practitioner, and improving dyadic communication has been the object of much health communication research. However, it seems that an alternative to the dyadic encounter – group consultations – may have distinct advantages for the promotion of patients’ wellbeing. Aim: This article focuses on antenatal group consultations (AGCs), where groups of pregnant women meet with one or more healthcare practitioners instead of meeting their midwife individually, and explores how the presence of other pregnant women in AGCs may promote wellbeing. Methods: Adopting a post-intentional phenomenological approach, we analysed the transcripts of 16 semi-structured interviews undertaken with pregnant women who attended AGCs in Denmark, focusing on their accounts of being with each other. Results: The presence of other pregnant women helped to generate trust, with the participants’ pregnant bodies symbolising their common situation. The presence of peers prompted feelings of identification and solidarity, generally decreased the women’s concerns, and normalised their experiences of pregnancy. Discussion and conclusion: This article develops understandings of how patients experience interpersonal healthcare encounters, and suggests the value of alternatives to the clinical dyad, such as group consultations, for promoting the wellbeing of other patient groups.
“D’yuh like porridge”: Social talk as a relational, interactional, and clinical component of surgical consultations
Authors: White Sarah , Stubbe Maria
Published: January 2022

Background: Small talk and social talk are often recommended to doctors as rapport building strategies for consultations. These types of talk occur across different activities in clinical consultations. Aim: To explore how small talk and social talk are used in surgical consultations. Methods: Using conversation analysis, we examined the sequential positioning and action ascription of small talk and social talk in a sample of video-recorded surgeon-patient consultations from New Zealand and Australia. Results: Small talk and social talk sequences almost always do more than build rapport in surgical interactions. Rather, they contribute in complex ways to all three institutional agendas of a consultation – clinical, interactional, and relational. Discussion: This study broadens previous topic-based analyses and binary or linear conceptualisations. We show that small talk and social talk provide a rich resource for enabling different actions within consultations as well as managing relationships (e.g. managing transitions between activities, facilitating sensitive discussions or examinations, and supporting treatment planning). Conclusion: This study has provided a basis for further research to more fully understand the complexities of small talk and social talk in clinical consultations, as well as considerations of how such evidence might best be applied within training and assessment for clinicians.
Escuchas tecno-animistas en las artes sonoras
Authors: Campos Fonseca Susan
Published: January 2022

El presente ensayo tiene como objetivo explorar las ecologías de saberes y conocimientos técnicos, teóricos, metodológicos, experimentales y procesuales tejidos entre las artes sonoras y las ciencias ambientales. Para cumplir con este propósito se consideran dos proyectos latinoamericanos: Ecologías invisibles Lab (coordinado por Gabriela Munguía), y el colectivo Interspecifics (compuesto por Emmanuel Anguiano, Leslie García, Paloma López y Felipe Rebolledo). Se analizarán la serie Máquinas de lo invisible (2017-2019) de Munguía y Aire v. 3 (2021) de Interspecifics.Munguía e Interspecifics escuchan un ser-en-el-mundo en tránsito a ser-mundo, pero a su vez un ser “esencializado” en biodata, y una escucha del ser erosionándose en partículas de polvo y polución. Consecuentemente, las discusiones posthumanistas, como la crisis climática, nos mueven a pensar escuchas interespecies, una vez más, en busca del ser. Las obras estudiadas evidencian que esto será posible hasta que dejemos de ser humanos(as), para convertirnos en otra cosa (alebrijes quizás), motivados(as) por postanimismos y postindigenismos multiespecies, como los propuestos por Haraway en su “Chtuluceno” (2019).
Vicente Ripollés y la renovación de la música sacra para la Catedral de Sevilla (s. XX): Entre la normativa y la creación artística
Authors: Isusi-Fagoaga Rosa
Published: January 2022

Se trata de una reseña comentada sobre el libro de Miguel López-Fernández (2019). Vicente Ripollés Pérez (1867-1943). Música en torno al “Motu proprio” para la catedral de Sevilla. Vol. 2. Obras para el oficio divino y otras piezas sacras. Estudio y edición de… Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 2019. Colección Monumentos de la Música Española, LXXXV. ISBN: 978-84-00-10596-9. eISBN: 978-84-00-10597-6. Páginas LXXVIII + 196
"Sidi" en su marginalidad: notas sobre la novela de Arturo Pérez-Reverte
Authors: Hernández Ruiz Francisco Javier
Published: January 2022

Aproximación a la especificidad del ingreso de Arturo Pérez-Reverte en la materia cidiana, a través de su novela Sidi. Un relato de frontera (2019). El artículo revisa algunas de las operaciones discursivas llevadas a cabo en la obra. La voz narrativa busca efectos de honestidad mediante la oscilación entre la descripción neutra y el uso del estilo indirecto libre. Así, presenta la interioridad del personaje, a la vez que marca en la descripción los límites de la representación del horror bélico. La identidad del protagonista, imbuido de esos efectos de honestidad, es presentada como una incógnita inicial y se dibuja, así, como la de un héroe moral antes que militar, que se aproxima a la figura literaria del samurái.
Una mujer salvaje entre folclore y hagiografía: Garinda en "Lisuarte" y "Amadís de Grecia" de Feliciano de Silva
Authors: Río Nogueras Alberto del
Published: January 2022

Las figuras del ermitaño y el salvaje tienen puntos de contacto que les llevan a presentarse en los textos bajo una apariencia y funciones similares, en buena medida ligadas a los ritos de paso del héroe de la tradición. Es el caso de Garinda, mujer salvaje del Lisuarte y del Amadís de Grecia de Feliciano de Silva, cercana a los ejemplos de María Egipciaca y María Magdalena. Se detecta en el personaje el influjo de la ficción sentimental en su posible dependencia del Grimalte y Gradissa de Juan de Flores, a su vez posible deudor de relatos como el de san Egidio/san Gil. Queda así manifiesto el vínculo entre folklore, hagiografía y relato caballeresco.
Daza, Miguel, «Corónica de don Mexiano de la Esperança, Caballero de la fe», ed. Ana Martínez Muñoz, Alcalá de Henares, Universidad de Alcalá, 2019
Authors: Beltran Rafael
Published: January 2022

Ressenya de: Miguel Daza, Corónica de don Mexiano de la Esperança, Caballero de la fe, ed. Ana Martínez Muñoz, ‘Libros de Rocinante’, 35, Alcalá de Henares, Universidad de Alcalá, 2019.
Pastor i Briones, Vicent, «'"Pierres de Provença" (1650): estudi i edició crítica», Alacant-Barcelona, IIFV-PAM, 2020
Authors: Sequero Garcia M.ª Ángeles
Published: January 2022

Ressenya de: Vicent Pastor i Briones, «Pierres de Provença (1650): estudi i edició crítica», ‘Biblioteca Sanchis Guarner’, 91, Alacant-Barcelona, Institut Interuniversitari de Filologia Valenciana - Publicacions Abadia de Montserrat, 2020.
Anònim, «Jaufré», traducció i estudi d’Anton Espadaler, Barcelona, Barcino, 2021
Authors: Renedo Xavier
Published: January 2022

Ressenya de: Anònim, «Jaufré», traducció i estudi d’Anton Espadaler, Barcelona, Barcino, 2021.
Urinary Kidney Injury Molecule-1 as an Early Detection Biomarker for Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients of Snake Bite
Authors: Krishnamurthy Manjukarthikeyani , Varghese Neethu , Natarajan Sasivadhanam
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) refers to a sudden impairment of kidney function that results in the retention of nitrogenous waste products. Acute tubular necrosis involves localised necrosis of epithelial lining in renal tubules. A soluble form of human Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a type 1 membrane-spanning protein which lends epithelial cells the capacity to perceive and phagocytose dead cells in post ischaemic kidney. Aim: To estimate urinary KIM-1 level in patients with snake bite as a potential biomarker for early detection for AKI. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical case-control study, which was conducted on 100 patients admitted for snake bite at Thanjavur Medical College and hospital, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2014 to August 2014. Patients without AKI were regarded as controls and those who developed AKI were considered as cases. Blood and urine samples were collected and analysed for urinary KIM-1 by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), method, serum creatinine (by kinetic JAFFE’S method) and serum urea (by Urease- glutamate dehydrogenase method). Student’s t-test was used and p-value <0.05 was regarded significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation between measured parameters. Results: Among 100 patients, 44 were diagnosed as patients having AKI and 56 of them did not develop AKI. No significant difference was found in urinary KIM-1 values between age group of <40 years and age group ≥40 years in cases (p-value=0.39) and in controls (p-value=0.65). A significant elevation of urinary KIM-1 was seen among cases of snake bite who developed AKI. Urinary KIM-1 levels were found to significantly rise within 24 hours of admission (p-value <0.001), whereas, serum creatinine and urea values were not increased until the day 3 of nephrotoxic trauma. The urine KIM-1 and serum creatinine on day 1 had negligible correlation (r-value=0.093, p-value=0.54) and urine KIM-1 and urea on day 1 had low positive correlation (r-value=0.380, p-value=0.011). With progressive damage to the kidneys, a positive correlation was found between urine KIM-1 and serum urea (r-value=0.864), creatinine (r-value=0.882) on third day. Also, levels of urinary KIM-1 significantly increased (p<0.001) with the severity of tubular injury. Conclusion: Urinary KIM-1 is a promising quick predictive marker of AKI in contrast to traditional markers, serum urea and creatinine.
Histopathological Changes in the Kidney of Albino Rat due to Chromium and the Ameliorative Role of α-Tocopherol
Authors: Yasmin Nahid , Hussain Md Sabir
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Potassium dichromate, a chromium {Cr(VI)} compound is the most toxic form of Cr(VI) which causes nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in animals and humans. The study of toxicity and biological effects associated with chromium has generated a lot of interest due to its wider distribution in the environment and its use. Aim: To study the potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity and ameliorative role of vitamin E in albino rats. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Study population consisted of 36 albino rats which were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=9, each). Group I served as control while groups II and III were administered Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) dissolved in sterile distilled water 10 mg/kg body weight single dose orally for 1, 14 and 42 days, 3 rats in each sub-groups. In addition to Cr(VI), group III also received α-tocopherol 125 mg/kg body weight daily orally. Group IV rats were maintained as α-tocopherol control and they received α-tocopherol as above daily for 42 days. At the end of 1, 14 and 42 days, all the rats were sacrificed for the estimation of the histopathological changes in kidney. The Z-proportion test was used for evaluation of data. Results: Thirt-six albino rats of both sex, age about 60 days weighing approximately 140±10 gm were studied. Prominent pathological changes like glomerular mesangial proliferation and obliteration of bowman’s space were observed in the kidney of group II rats. Co-treatment with α-tocopherol in group III significantly reversed the Cr(VI) induced changes with a p-value=0.009 and 0.007 for glomerular mesangial proliferation and obliteration of bowman’s space respectively. Conclusion: The α-tocopherol exhibited protective effect against Cr(VI) induced damage to the kidney.
Determination of Financial Performance on Prediction Financial Distress
Authors: Laksmiwati Mia , Mappadang Agoestina , Indrabudiman Amir , Riza Vindari Gita
Published: January 2022

Aims: This study aims to empirically test ieffect of Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Total Assets Turnover (TATO) and Return on Assets (ROA) on Financial Distress using the Altman Z-Score method. This analysis uses independent variables, there are CR, DER, TATO and ROA with dependent variable is Financial Distress (FD).

Study Design: Design study is quantitative research and using statistical analysis.

Place and duration of Study: The research population and sample used is a public company iin the property and real estate sub sector on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2016-2020 period which was taken through the iwebsite www.idx.co.id

Methodology: iThe sample was conducted using purposive sampling method, amount 38 companies. The statistical method used is imultiple linear regression analysis with it test hypothesis testing.

Result: iThe results of this study indicate that the total asset on turn over ratio and return on asset have a positive, current ratio has a negative effect on financial distress and significant effect and debt equit ratio has no effect on Financial distress (FD).

Contribution: This study contribute for Investors can find out information about the company's financial condition as a consideration in making investment decisions and bankruptcy theory analysis helps companies to be better prepared and more quickly detect potential financial difficulties that they may face. In this way, a solution can be found immediately.
Creating Businesses by Students, Challenges and Prospects: Insights from the University of Cape Coast
Authors: Brobbey Emmanuel
Published: January 2022

The goal of this study was to look into and explore the challenges (impacts) and opportunities that University of Cape Coast students encounter. To determine the characteristics impacting student entrepreneurship, the researcher used diffusion of innovation theory, McClelland theory, Abraham Maslow's hierarchy, and Keller's arcs model. The study's objectives included analyzing the academic obstacles or impact of student entrepreneurship, social problems or impact of student entrepreneurship, economic challenges or impact of student entrepreneurship, and the possibilities of entrepreneur ventures. The principal research technique was a self-administered questionnaire in this quantitative study. Descriptive statistics were employed to acquire a broad idea of the data distribution. To get a general understanding of the data distribution, descriptive statistics were used. Frequency distribution and percentages were utilized as descriptive statistical techniques. Students feel entrepreneurship has a negative impact on their academics, but they also believe it has major economic, social, and career benefits, according to the research. As a result, most students believe that entrepreneurship is a worthy concept to pursue while at university, but the largest barrier preventing them from doing so is their concern of compromising their academic standing. A new entrepreneurship program has recently been launched at the University of Cape Coast, which is a positive move in the right direction. Students should also be better aware of the many government and non-government groups financial help options accessible to them. The author suggests that future studies use a bigger sample size to address these issues. Larger sample sizes are necessary for each of the components.
Comparative Evaluation of the Influence of Single Preoperative Antibiotic Dose of Amoxicillin (1gm) and Postoperative Antibiotic Dose of Amoxicillin Drug (500mg) Regimen on Postoperative Outcome and Implant Stability in Single Tooth Dental Implant Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dudhani Soumya , Shetty Shwetha , Jagtap Amit
Published: January 2022

Aims: A single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the efficiency of two antibiotic regimens on post operative outcome and implant stability in single tooth dental implant to overcome the increasing drug resistance due to over prescription of medicines and side effects of the same.

Methodology: 20 participants needing single tooth dental implant were enrolled based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly assigned into groups. 10 participants in group 1 received only a single preoperative dosage of amoxicillin 1gm which was followed by paracetamol. In group 2, 500mg amoxicillin was given postoperatively followed by a three times a day for 3 days regimen. The postoperative outcome was evaluated based on swelling, post-operative bruising, suppuration and wound dehiscence noticed on 2nd and 7th day postoperatively. ISQ (implant stability quotient) was checked 3 months post implant placement as osseointergration is the main goal of implant placement.

Results: Post-operative bruising, suppuration and wound dehiscence were not noticed in the entire study due to sterile environment during implant placement. When swelling was compared between group 1 and 2 it was statistically insignificant on day 2 (Mann Whitney u=40.00, p=0.383) and day 7 (Mann Whitney u=50.00, p=01.00). ISQ (IMPLANT STABILITY QUOTIENT) score in group 1&2 also showed statistically insignificant results (t=0.00, p=1.00) Which states that there was no significant difference in the stability of implants when single preoperative antibiotic dose of amoxicillin(1gm) and postoperative antibiotic dose of amoxicillin drug(500mg) regimen 3 times a day for 3 days was given.

Conclusion: this study shows that in healthy individual, when single implant is placed in proper sterile environment with routine dental hygiene such as brushing and chlorhexidine mouthwash use by patient, single preoperative dose of amoxicillin 1gm is sufficient for the success of implant. However, considering the limitations of the study, further work is necessary to validate reliability.

No adverse effects were observed in the study

Funding: NIL

Reg no:DYPDCH/EC/648/12/2021
An Evaluation of the POSSUM Score's Efficacy in Predicting the Outcome of Patients Undergoing a Laparotomy - A Study Protocol
Authors: Bhalsod Harsh , Ramteke H. B.
Published: January 2022

Background: POSSUM Score is used to assess the outcome of complication, surgical intervention and the proportion between predicted and observed morbidity and mortality.Such scoring systems have been especially designed to compare patient’s severity of illness, predict mortality, morbidity and to plan an effective treatment protocol.

Objectives:

To assess applicability of POSSUM score (morbidity and mortality) in surgical practice in a tertiary care centre in a rural area.

To assess utility of POSSUM score in clinical management.

Methodology: The complications included in the study will be assessed in patients undergoing laparotomy during the hospital stay irrespective of the period of stay. The severity of these complications will be predicted using POSSUM score. The cases developing complications will be randomly selected to make a total participant size of 100.

Results: At the end of the study, we expect easy applicability of POSSUM score in assessment of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing laparotomy.

Conclusion: We hope that POSSUM score is an easy tool which can be applied to assess the morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing laparotomy.
Phytoconstituents and Medicinal Importance of Cannabis sativa
Authors: Thakur Anjali , Sushma . , Sharma Reena
Published: January 2022

Cannabis sativa has been reported that it is a widely spread species all over the world. It has been receiving more attention due to its therapeutic potential. Popularly, it is also known as marijuana. The phytoconstituents and characteristics of Cannabis sativa, stem, leaves and seeds were provided with more information in feed materials for its utilization and nourishment. Positive biological activities and pharmacological aspects provided from Cannabis sativa. Cannabis played a key role as a medicinal plant in the lives of tribal people mostly living in the Himalaya, providing products for both food as well as their medicinal purposes. The role of cannabis for treating several medicinal conditions increased day by day. The present paper is reviewed on phytoconstituents and medicinal importance of Cannabis sativa which is mainly aimed at researching the state of the art, and enhancing the knowledge of this versatile plant. Cannabis sativa is from the Cannabaceae family, which is mostly able to live in temperate as well as tropical regions. It is the most commonly used psycho-active drug all over the world and the only one most popular illegal drug. This review mainly analyzes the botanical, descriptional and diversity along with the medicinal importance of marijuana among the human being which is found throughout the worldwide.
A Critical Review on Concept of Adjuvant
Authors: Sahu Jaydeep Kumar , Rathi Renu Bharat , Gupta Rajkumar , Rathi Bharat
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The concepts of Ayurveda are unique when considered it in terms of treatment of diseases as well as preventive care in healthy persons. ‘Anupana’ is one among them, which is practiced with medicine and food. It helps in fast spreading, quick absorbing of medicine and food in the body. By changing the Anupana of one drug, it can be used in different diseases, which makes it unique. In order to drag attention of researchers to this unexplored topic, critical review has been prepared to highlight it in different features.

Methods: References were sought in Pub Med, AYUSH research portal, DHARA online and Google Scholar by utilizing all key words and MeSh terminologies along with Ayurveda textbooks. Based on PRISMA guideline, 06 full text articles were included in this study. Clinical studies were also found where Anupana was used as modality for management.

Discussion: Present systematic review put the light on the different aspects of Anupana as a theoretically and clinically proven novel concept to enhance the efficacy of formulation or drug quickly. Anupana facilitates the action of pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics. 

Conclusion: Anupana has multi-dimensional benefits, including nutritional, stimulating, preventative, and curative properties. An appropriate Anupana should be chosen that is suitable for us in order to receive all of the benefits from its intake. Hence it can be concluded that Anupana concept is an integral aspect of Ayurveda and a blessing to human beings in terms of health.
Spironolactone in Dermatology: A Mini Review
Authors: Thomas Jayakar , Soundarya S. , Vaishnavi S.
Published: January 2022

Spironolactone is a drug, similar in structure to aldosterone and acts as an aldosterone receptor antagonist with an anti-androgenic effect.

This drug has proven to be useful in several dermatological entities, however its use has not been well explored. Its use in diseases such as acne has opened the door to the possibility of new therapies depending on the clinical manifestations of the patients, as well as its possible to use it as a first line treatment. Other diseases associated with the use of spironolactone where its effects have been shown to be useful are hidradenitis suppurativa, hirsutism and female pattern androgenetic alopecia. In this review we discuss the use of spironolactone in different skin diseases that are common in our environment, dosage according to different studies, treatment recommendations and adverse effects; all of the above mentioned in order to use this drug in a daily clinical practice.
Assessment of Microbial Contaminations Associated with Steering Wheels and Palms of Commercial Drivers at the University of Cape Coast’s Taxi Rank
Authors: Osei F. A. , Nyarko H. D. , Atter A.
Published: January 2022

Aims: The study aimed at enumerating, identifying and showing similarities and variation of microbial species found on the palms of drivers and steering wheels.

 Methodology: Twenty-one (21) samples each from steering and palms were randomly collected into sterile bags and transported to the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Laboratory Technology for microbial analyses. Samples were cultured on Plate Count Agar (PCA), McConkey and Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SDA) for enumerations and identifications of total viable counts, bacteria and yeast and molds, respectively.

Results: Steering wheels had the highest microbial load (9.48 x105cfu/ml) whilst the palms of drivers had the lowest (8.88 x 105 cfu/ml) and that all 42 samples (100%) investigated were contaminated. A total of 163 bacteria of eight (8) different genera were obtained from both steering wheels and palms as well as sixty-two (62) fungi species made of five (5) different genera were also obtained. Bacterial isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Citrobacter spp and Enterococcus faecalis. For fungal genera, Altenaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp, Candida spp were isolated. The steering wheels had higher bacterial and fungal contaminations than the palms of the drivers which showed no significant difference (P = 0.0832). This indicates that though there were numerical difference in contamination load, their effects were independent of each other.

Conclusion: This study confirms the contamination of fomites by microbes and the assertion that fomites are sources of transmission of many diseases.
Mutational analyses identify a single amino acid critical for colour tuning in proteorhodopsins
Authors: Shim Jin‐gon , Kang Na‐rae , Chuon Kimleng , Cho Shin‐Gyu , Meas Seanghun , Jung Kwang‐Hwan
Published: January 2022

Microbial rhodopsins are light‐activated proteins that contain seven transmembrane alpha‐helices. Spectral tuning in microbial rhodopsins is a useful optogenetic tool. In this study, we report a new site that controls spectral tuning. In the proteorhodopsins ISR34 and ISR36, a single amino‐acid substitution at Cys189 caused an absorption maximum shift of 44 nm, indicating spectral tuning at a specific site. Comparison of single amino acid substitutions was conducted using photochemical and photobiological approaches. The maximum absorption for red‐shift was measured for mutations at positions 189 and 105 in ISR34, both residues being equally important. Structural changes resulting from amino acid substitutions are related to pKa values, pumping activity and spectral tuning.
Mitochondria, energy, and metabolism in neuronal health and disease
Authors: Trigo Diogo , Avelar Catarina , Fernandes Miguel , Sá Juliana , da Cruz e Silva Odete
Published: January 2022

Mitochondria are associated with various cellular activities critical to homeostasis, particularly in the nervous system. The plastic architecture of the mitochondrial network and its dynamic structure play crucial roles in ensuring that varying energetic demands are rapidly met to maintain neuronal and axonal energy homeostasis. Recent evidence associates aging and neurodegeneration with anomalous neuronal metabolism as age‐dependent alterations of neuronal metabolism are now believed to occur prior to neurodegeneration. The brain has a high energy demand, which makes it particularly sensitive to mitochondrial dysfunction. Distinct cellular events causing oxidative stress or disruption of metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis can trigger a neuropathology. This review explores the bioenergetic hypothesis for the neurodegenerative pathomechanisms, discussing factors leading to age‐related brain hypometabolism and its contribution to cognitive decline. Recent research on the mitochondrial network in healthy nervous system cells, its response to stress, and how it is affected by pathology, as well as current contributions to novel therapeutic approaches will be highlighted.
Vulnerabilities of radiomic features to respiratory motion on four‐dimensional computed tomography‐based average intensity projection images: A phantom study
Authors: Adachi Takanori , Nagasawa Ryoko , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Kakino Ryo , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of respiratory motion on the robustness of radiomic features on four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)‐based average intensity projection (AIP) images by employing an anthropomorphic chest phantom.

Methods

Three spherical objects (φ30 mm), namely, acrylic (100 Hounsfield unit [HU], homogeneous), rubber (−140 HU, homogeneous), and cork (−630 HU, heterogeneous), were moved with motion amplitudes of 0, 1, 2.5, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm in the phantom, and 4DCT scans were repeated at four different locations. Thereafter, the AIP images were generated considering the average of the 10 respiratory phases of the 4DCT images. Further, the targets were manually delineated on the AIP images in the lung window setting. A total of 851 radiomic features, including 107 unfiltered features and 744 wavelet filter‐based features, were extracted from the region of interest for each material. The feature robustness among the different target motion amplitude (ε) was evaluated by normalizing the feature variability of the target motion relative to the variability of data from 573 patients with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer. The features with absolute ε values ≤0.5 were considered highly robust to target motions.

Results

The percentage of robust unfiltered and wavelet filter‐based features with a motion amplitude of 1 mm was greater than 83.2% and 93.4%, respectively; however, the percentage decreased by more than 24.3% and 17.6%, respectively, for motion amplitudes greater than 2.5 mm. The movement of cork had a small effect on the feature robustness compared to that of acrylic and rubber, regardless of the target motion amplitudes.

Conclusions

Our phantom study demonstrated that target motion amplitudes ≤1 mm led to the robustness of radiomic features on the 4DCT‐based AIP images of thoracic regions. The frequency components and directions of the wavelet filters may be essential factors in 4DCT‐based radiomic analysis.
Yolk–Shell Antimony/Carbon: Scalable Synthesis and Structural Stability Study in Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Xuming , Zhu Yuanmin , Wu Duojie , Li Menghao , He Yaqi , Huang Limin , Gu Meng
Published: January 2022

Antimony with compelling features in capacity and sodiation voltage has not been literally considered for practical applications, due to the lack of scalable fabrication methods that can make antimony stable enough in cycling and more affordable than hard carbon. Herein, the synthesis of yolk–shell antimony/carbon composites from cheap source materials is introduced, which only entails common apparatuses and is not energy intensive. The reduction of antimony trioxide coated with polypyrrole (PPy) creates hollow space and gives rise to the construction of yolk–shell structures. The material cost is evaluated to be ≈$6.6 kg–1, which is much lower than the price of standard hard carbon. A sublimation–reduction mechanism is revealed by a heating experiment performed in using environmental transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From real‐time observation of the sodiation process, the feasibility of such structure designing is validated to counter expansion upon sodiation. The composite delivers a reversible capacity up to 612 mAh g–1 and exhibits excellent stability in deep cycling. The stability is correlated with the confinement of antimony inside the carbon shell. Through further characterization using cryogenic TEM, the generation of solid–electrolyte interphases on both the antimony and carbon is confirmed.
Tuning Mixed Electronic/Ionic Conductivity of 2D CdPS3 Nanosheets as an Anode Material by Synergistic Intercalation and Vacancy Engineering
Authors: Yang Xuebiao , Luo Yuhong , Li Jingde , Wang Hongqiang , Song Yingying , Li Jiao , Guo Zaiping
Published: January 2022

Metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPTCs) are structurally adjustable 2D layered materials with unique electronic structures and high chemical diversity, implying the huge potential for energy storage application. In the typical electrochemical reaction process, rapid electron/ion conduction and abundant ion transport channels are the key parameters that influence the overall electrochemical performance of the electrode materials. Herein, 2D Cd1−xPS3Li2x nanosheets with enhanced mixed electronic/ionic conductivity are synthesized by the intercalation and vacancy strategy. The as‐prepared thin‐layered Cd1−xPS3Li2x electrode delivers high capacities of 1056 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 678 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1, when used as anode in lithium‐ion batteries. The variation of electronic structure and spatial layered structure in Cd1−xPS3Li2x induced by the synergistic effect of lithium‐ion intercalation and Cd vacancies promote the dynamics of mixed electron/ion transport and offer more ion diffusion pathways, resulting in its excellent electrochemical performance. The strategy of mixed electron/ion conduction tuning for Cd1−xPS3Li2x can be extended to other MPTCs compounds to further develop their potential in the field of energy storage.
Discretization and Encapsulation of Palladium inside the Cavity of Crown Ether within the Interlayer of Layered Double Hydroxide for Enhanced Activity: A Case Study with Hydrogenation Reaction
Authors: Ravuru Shanmuk Srinivas , Jana Animesh , De Sirshendu
Published: January 2022

The activity of the noble metal‐based heterogeneous catalysts is limited by weak metal–support interactions, aggregation, and low surface to volume (S/V) ratio. The activity can be augmented in many ways. Among them, the discretization of the active sites and redistribution of electron density around the metal atom is an important one. In this work, these two phenomena are studied concerning a model reaction, hydrogenation of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP). Herein, 1,4,7,10,13‐pentaoxacyclopentadecane ether is introduced in the basal space of layered double hydroxide (LDH) to encapsulate noble Pd0 atom inside the cavity of the crown molecule strategically. The modified LDH (Pda‐ECC‐L0.10@in situ CoAl LDH) augments the properties, like, high S/V ratio and nonaggregation of active sites by forming nonagglomerative discrete catalytic (DNSC) sites within the cavity of crown ether in the basal space. The developed catalyst exhibits higher turnover frequency demonstrating the improved activity due to the formed DNSC sites and redistributes electron density around the Pd atoms by LDH layers and crown molecules. Thus, the present material synthesis route can be considered as a stand‐alone method for preparation of the supported sub‐nanometer noble metal catalyst with higher activity and can be exploited for reactions where noble metal catalyst are used.
H3 (Hydrogel‐Based, High‐Sensitivity, Hybrid) Plasmonic Transducers for Biomolecular Interactions Monitoring
Authors: Miranda Bruno , Moretta Rosalba , Dardano Principia , Rea Ilaria , Forestiere Carlo , De Stefano Luca
Published: January 2022

A hybrid plasmonic transducer made of a Poly‐(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel and citrate gold nanoparticles detects the biotin‐streptavidin interaction at picomolar (× 10−12 m ) concentrations. The all‐solution fabrication strategy, herein proposed, is large‐scale, easily tunable, and low‐cost; nevertheless, this innovative device is highly reproducible and optically stable, and it can be used in dual‐optical mode. Indeed, both metal‐enhanced fluorescence and localized surface plasmon resonance signals can be exploited to quantify the biorecognition process in a 3D architecture. The large swelling capability of high molecular weight PEGDA is used to investigate the plasmon absorption variations resulting from the exposure to biological solutions containing high molecular weight molecules within the 3D network. The proposed transducer represents a low‐cost, flexible, and easy‐to‐use platform for sensing applications in biomedical or environmental diagnostics.
Solid–Liquid Hybrid‐State Organic Lens for Highly Efficient Deep Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Zongtao , Li Jiexin , Deng Zihao , Qiu Yihua , Li Jiasheng , Yuan Yikai , Xu Liang , Ding Xinrui
Published: January 2022

Deep ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (DUV‐LEDs) are considered to be the most promising ultraviolet light sources for effective and fast sterilization under the worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). However, it reminds challenging to promote the light extraction of DUV‐LEDs owing to the strong DUV light absorption of conventional encapsulation materials. Herein, solid–liquid hybrid‐state gels (SLHGs) to fabricate organic lenses for DUV‐LEDs, which largely enhance the light extraction efficiency without sacrificing the working stability, are proposed. Solid‐state cross‐linked networks of polydimethylsiloxane are used in the SLHG structure to maintain the liquid components of silicone oil and demonstrate excellent formability, DUV transparency (over 90% transmittance in the UVC range), and thermal stability. The radiant power of DUV‐LEDs (275 nm) with the optimized SLHG organic lens is enhanced by 52.5% compared to a commercial quartz lens, achieving a record packaging optical effiency of 1.31 among solid‐state packaging DUV‐LEDs. A sterilization evaluation for SARS‐CoV‐2 demonstrates that the inactivation time can be reduced by ≈25% using the SLHG organic lens. Consequently, herein, a feasible and effective method to enhance the optical performance of DUV‐LEDs and advance their promising potential for disinfection applications is provided.
Chemically Stable Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells with High Hydrogen Generation Rates Based on Photovoltaic–Photoelectrochemical Tandem Cells
Authors: Ban Hayeon , Park Jaemin , Yun Juwon , Ma Sunihl , Jang Gyumin , Goh Sukyoung , Lee Chan Uk , Lee Junwoo , Moon Jooho
Published: January 2022

Photovoltaic (PV)‐assisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) tandem cells with elevated hydrogen (H2) production rates are a practical approach for carbon‐dioxide‐free, green H2production. A semitransparent single‐cell‐based wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cell (PSC) coupled with an Si photocathode provides sufficient potential for H2generation when combined with a sulfate oxidation reaction. While energetically favorable ZnO as an electron transport layer (ETL) increases theVOCto 1.19 V for mixed‐halide perovskite, phase decomposition is induced when Br ions contacted the ZnO ETL. The SnO2interlayer shows improved passivation, superior operational stability, and excellent performance among the various atomic layer deposited metal oxides tested. Furthermore, the resulting semitransparent PSC demonstrates reproducibility of its enhanced PV parameters (i.e.,VOC1.17 ± 0.01 V, FF = 76.78 ± 1.39%, and PCE = 11.95 ± 1.13%) due to better interface quality. The precise calculation of light absorption from both PV and Si for the overall tandem device leads to optimized light harvesting in the top and bottom electrodes, maximizing H2production. Overall, the PV‐PEC device incorporated with a chemically stable semitransparent top PSC and bottom Si photocathode allows to accomplish stable H2production at 11.1 mA cm−2under unbiased conditions.
From Pain to Fear Recognition via Pavlovian Learning in an Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Neuromorphic Transistor
Authors: Wei Liubo , Jiang Jie , Wan Qing
Published: January 2022

The pain perception system is of great importance for the human body to perceive noxious stimuli in external environment and make an appropriate reaction. Therefore, the hardware realization of nociceptors using emerging solid‐state device is of great importance toward the next‐generation intelligent electronic devices. However, at present, the pain recognition with threshold regulation is still very lacking by using the solid‐state device. Herein, a novel pain‐perceptual device based on organic–inorganic hybrid MoS2 transistor is fabricated by using polyvinyl alcohol‐based electrolyte. The key characteristics of pain perception, such as threshold, sensitization, and desensitization behaviors, are realized in the organic–inorganic hybrid neuromorphic transistor based on the unique ion migration mechanism. Most importantly, the device exhibits a clear transition from pain to fear recognition through the Pavlovian training. These results provide a promising strategy to the next generation of bio‐inspired electronic devices, smart healthcare, cognitive electronics, etc.
Modification Strategies of Layered Double Hydroxides for Superior Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Cao Jin , Zhang Xinyu , Zeng Zhiyuan , Insin Numpon , Qin Jiaqian , Huang Yunhui
Published: January 2022

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), as classic 2D materials, have received worldwide attention in electrochemical energy storage devices due to its superior ion insertion rate and ultrahigh specific capacitance. However, the poor conductivity, severe aggregation limited capacitance, and unsatisfied internal stability have become the main factors hinder its further development as the electrode of supercapacitor. In recent years, various strategies on the modification of the LDHs’ structure, composition, properties, and fabrication have been demonstrated to effectively improve their electrochemical performance, and fruitful achievements have been made. However, there is a lack of systematic summary on the functional mechanisms and effects of various modification strategies. Herein, this review gives a comprehensive introduction of the modification strategies based on LDHs for superior supercapacitor, including active metal ions adjustment, intercalated ions adjustment, morphology optimization, conductivity enhancement and internal stability enhancement. Particularly, an in‐depth and fundamental understanding on the effects and mechanisms of modification on LDHs’ electrochemical properties and performance. Furthermore, the general performance metrics of above strategies, the potential directions and perspectives for further research are proposed.