bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescription Pattern of Antibiotics in Admitted Patients of a Tertiary Care Government Teaching Hospital, Kerala, India
Authors: Parathoduvil Abdul Aslam , Sujatha MB , Venugopal Sreelakshmi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Antibiotics have a remarkable role in prolonging life, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Insufficient knowledge among doctors, peer pressure and patient demands, diagnostic uncertainties, lack of communication between the doctor, pharmacist and patients all implicate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices. Irrational antibiotic prescription can lead to antibiotic resistance, marking a global crisis. Aim: To evaluate the prescription pattern of antibiotics in the admitted patients of a tertiary care teaching hospital and assess the prescriptions' rationality. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective record-based study done in the inpatients of Government Medical College, Manjeri, Kerala, India, for three months (1st October 2017 to 31st December 2017). Data was collected using a data collection checklist which included patient identity and demographic factors, name and route of the antibiotic prescribed, usage of multiple antibiotics, usage of prophylactic antibiotic, usage of generic names, adherence to National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and rational use. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and frequencies and percentages were determined for each variable. Results: Total 1,186 medical records were analysed, and 49.7% were prescribed antibiotics; 38.2% contained more than one antibiotic, and 64.8% contained parenteral antibiotics. Cefotaxime was found to be the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. An 88.3% of prescriptions were adhering to NLEM, and 29% contained generic names of antibiotics. Overall, 69 out of 589 (11.7%) were irrational prescriptions, and the use of multiple antibiotics with the same spectrum of coverage was found to be the most common reason for irrationality. Conclusion: In this study, the most drugs were prescribed from the NLEM. Cephalosporins were the most commonly used antibiotics for the inpatients in this hospital. Prescriptions with generic names of drugs were low. Irrational prescriptions contributed a minor percentage, and reserve antibiotics were too little.
Comparison of Gait Pattern among Blind and Blind Folded Sighted Subjects: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kumari Sweta , Bankey Naveen , Anand Shomi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Gait is the normal way of walking pattern. The visual system of sighted subjects furnishes information concerning the environment from distant and plays important role in maintaining the stability and planning of the route during locomotion. During movement of the sighted subject, the visual perception of the surroundings enables the orientation towards the goal. Movement and position of limbs is also important in order to adjust foot clearance or foot placement to regulate the walking pace. Aim: To compare the gait pattern among blind and blind folded sighted subjects as well as among healthy and underweight blind and blind folded sighted subjects. Materials And Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physiology, RKDF Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, from October 2019 to April 2021. A total of 181 sighted and 150 blind subjects aged between 10-17 years were taken in the study. Foot print method was used to record spatial components. The temporal components were measured with stop watch. Rivermead Visual Gait Analysis (RVGA) was use to analyse kinematic characteristics. The estimation of healthy and underweight subjects were done by calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI). Quantitative data was expressed as mean±standard deviation. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean value of gait in blind folded sighted and blind subjects was found to be 3.28±0.48 and 2.01± 0.79 respectively and was found statically significant having (p-value=0.001). The results of mean value of gait on the basis BMI, the healthy blind folded sighted and healthy blind subjects showed 3.29±0.46 and 1.99±0.75 respectively (p-value=0.001). Similarly, the gait pattern in underweight blind folded sighted and underweight bind subjects was observed to be 3.26±0.61 and 1.98±0.77 respectively (p-value=0.001). Conclusion: The gait pattern was found to be significantly better among the blind folded sighted subjects in comparison to the blind subjects.
A Pilot Study on Career Aspirations of Post-Graduate Students at Assam Agricultural University
Authors: Bora Bidisha , Barman U.
Published: May 2022

The study was conducted during COVID-19 pandemic through online mode to determine aspiration status of post-graduate students (2020 batch) of Assam Agricultural University and to identify their perceived problems. A sample 50 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected via questionnaire were analyzed through frequency and percentage method. Results showed that despite the students aspiring to pursue higher education, majority of them had higher affinity towards getting a government officer level job. Further, they were underprepared for various competitive examinations. Their major perceived problem was lack of guidance. Thus, this pilot study suggests a broader study on much larger sample. Further, career counseling should be provided to the students so that they can decide and select a better career for themselves.
Assessing the Role of Broadcast Journalism in Reshaping the Political Terrain in Nigeria Fourth Republic
Authors: Cynthia Jumbo N. , Uche Macaulay Samuel , O. Megwa Godswill I. , Imaikop Okpongkpong, Grace , Nseobong Ukpong, Edikan , Williams Etumnu, Emeka
Published: May 2022

Over the years the Nigerian political environment has been tagged dirty especially in the fourth republic, as a result of this those who may want to venture into politics with genuine interest might be discouraged because of this trend. Regrettably, the political environment in Nigeria is generally based on tribal or regional identity rather than ideology and this has continued to hinder the progress of the political system in Nigeria. Hence, this paper looked at the various roles broadcast media as a powerful tool of change has played or can play in reshaping the political terrain in Nigeria. The authors showed the relationship that exists between broadcast journalism and politics in Nigeria and how it is indispensable in reshaping the political environment. This   study was underpinned on Yale’s persuasion theory. The library research method was adopted in this study. It was concluded that the broadcast media have been doing a lot through its programmes to encourage positive political development and this explain why most of these political actors want to identify with them because of the power they wield in causing change. It was also recommended that broadcast journalism should be free from gagging so that they can function effectively in helping to shape the political terrain of Nigeria. Also, in a situation of heated polity characterized by negativity, broadcast journalism should be non partisan, instead its platform should be used to promote positive politics and encourage tremendous political growth. Through it, political actors will be made to see why positive politics should be practice for the purpose of growth.
Updated Research on Autism
Authors: Juan Liu , Lingyun Hou , Xuchun Meng , Zishuo Cui , Yongfei Bao , Jiao Wenyan
Published: May 2022

Autism begins in childhood, and at its core is a serious interpersonal relationship and communication disorder. The effects of the disorder intervene in multiple ways in relationships with the environment, participation in community life, the ability to adapt to society, and cognitive and language, motor, emotional and interactive functions are all affected. Such individuals perform better in a low-stimulation environment. So finding or creating a friendly environment for people with autism is a fundamental goal. Research on autism is still in its infancy in China, suggesting that clinical research on autism should be strengthened.
Antimicrobial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of the Solvent fractions of the Leaves and Stems of Leea guineensis G. Don
Authors: B. A. Bamkefa , A. M. Adeosun , O. O. Elaturoti , B. M. Olowe , O. Abiola-Olagunju
Published: May 2022

Aim: We evaluated the antibacterial activities and phytochemical distribution of the solvent fractions of the leaf and stem of Leea guineensis G. Don.

Methodology: The antibacterial activities and phytochemical distribution of the solvent fractions of the leaf and stem of L. guineensis were determined using standard procedures.

Results: Methanol fraction of the leaves at 100 mg/mL showed activity against Acinetobacter baumammii while both ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaves at 100 mg/mL have activities against Acinetobacter baumammii. The methanol fraction of LGS leaves at 25-100 mg/mL was potent against Escherichia coli, while the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem at 100 mg/mL was inhibitory to Escherichia coli. Both the ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaf of LGS possess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, however, the methanol fractions of the stem alone inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaf were inhibitory to Pseudomonas aeruginosa while ethyl acetate fraction of the stem was highly efficacious on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only the methanol fraction of the leaf was potent against Proteus mirabilis, while both ethyl acetate and methanol fraction of the stem were potent against Proteus mirabilis. Both ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the stem at 100 µg/mL were potent against Klebsiella pneumoniae but, only the methanol fraction of the stem was potent on Klebsiella pneumoniae. The methanol fraction of the leaves was potent against Salmonella Typhi however, both ethyl acetate and methanol fraction of the stem were potent against Salmonella Typhi. More phytochemicals were found in ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of both the leaves and stems.

Conclusion: The ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaves and stem of L. guineensis seem to possess some antibacterial properties courtesy of the abundant phytochemicals found in these fractions.
Effect of Weed Management Approaches on Leaf Nutrient and Chlorophyll Content in Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) Nursery Plants Raised on Clonal Rootstock
Authors: Haq Asrar Ul , Ali Angrej , Kumar Amit , Khan F. A. , Mir S. A. , Alie B. A. , Fayaz Fasil , Mir Fazal M.
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to determine the effects of various weed management approaches on the leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in apple nursery plants raised on clonal rootstock M9-T337. Weed management approaches evaluated consisted of seven treatments viz; manual weeding, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + manual weeding, paddy straw mulch-6 cm thick, black polyethylene mulch-200 micron, weed-free and weedy check laid out in randomized compelete block design and replicated thrice. Data on the leaf nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and chlorophyll content in leaves were recorded. Weed control treatments significantly influenced the leaf nutrient status of apple nursery plants. Significantly higher content of leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as chlorophyll content were recorded with paddy straw mulch but were at par with black polyethylene much treatment. In conclusion, weed management through paddy straw mulch was found to be beneficial for higher leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in grafted apple nursery plants.
Tunisian Ceratonia siliqua: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, Preparation and Characterization of Carob Emulsion System
Authors: Samia Oueslati , Nesrine Mahfoudhi , Feten Zar Kalai , Riadh Ksouri
Published: May 2022

Ceratonia siliqua were screened for their polyphenol content and antioxidant ability. A formulation of emulsion using the seed oil and galactomannans was assessed. Results showed that maceration contained the greatest amount of phenolics in organs. The best antioxidant capacity was found in seeds extract using soxhlet method. A chromatographic analysis of carob organs showed the predominance of gallic acid in fruits and pods.Fatty acid composition was dominated by palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids with 16.04, 38.08 and 38.85%, respectively. Finally, characterization of emulsions stabilized with the galactomannan from seeds proves that this biopolymer is an excellent food emulsifier. In fact, the production of emulsions having an average diameter of the dispersed droplets of a few micrometers and a creaming index greater than 80% reflects the very high stability. Overall, the results obtained indicated that C. siliqua can be valued as an emulsifier in several foods, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Effect of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer and Foliar Spray of Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Umesha C. , Kaifee Md , Pushkar Piyush
Published: May 2022

A field experiment took place on Crop Research Farm at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) India during the Kharif season of 2021. The Soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam, having a nearly neutral soil reaction (pH 6.9), electrical conductivity 0.29 ds/m, available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), available phosphorous (10.8 kg/ha), and available potassium (206.4 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) which consisted of nine treatment and replicated thrice viz., T1: Neem Coated Urea 80 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 0.5 g/l, T2: Neem Coated Urea 80 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.0 g/l, T3: Neem Coated Urea 80 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.5 g/l, T4: Neem Coated Urea 100 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 0.5 g/l, T5: Neem Coated Urea 100 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.0 g/l, T6: Neem Coated Urea 100 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.5 g/l, T7: Neem Coated Urea 120 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 0.5 g/l, T8: Neem Coated Urea 120 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.0 g/l and T9: Neem Coated Urea 120 kg/ha + Nano Zinc 1.5 g/l. The result of the experiment showed that growth parameters viz., plant height (88.41 cm), number of tillers/hill (14.78) and plant dry weight (85.81 g) were significantly increased when the increase in the levels of Neem coated urea + Nano zinc and maximum was obtained with the application of Neem coated urea 120 kg/ha + Nano zinc 1.5 g/l (T9) and yield attributes viz., number of effective tillers/m2 (311.29), number of grains/panicle (97.35), grain yield (5.48 t/ha) and straw yield (11.45 t/ha) were also recorded maximum in treatment Neem coated urea 120kg/ha + Nano zinc 1.5 g/l (T9).
An Unusual Presentation of Inflammatory Fibrous Hyperplasia: A Case Report with a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Panwar Arun , Keluskar Vaishali , Verenkar Rigdha , Kumar S. Lokesh , M. Sridhar
Published: May 2022

A mucosal lesion that arises due to long standing chronic irritation is called Epulis fissuratum. It is a benign reactive hyperplastic lesion that commonly develops in the mucosa close to the overextending flanges of the ill-fitting dentures. This paper presents a case of atypical presentation of epulis fissaratum in a 74-year-old woman with history of ill-fitting denture for the past four months. Total excision of such lesions is recommended because they cause problems such as pain and discomfort during mastication and speech.
Correlation and Path Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Srikanth Kante , Ghodke M. K.
Published: May 2022

Aims: Evaluation of correlation between yield and yield contributing traits in Sesame, as well as to determine their direct and indirect effects on fruit yield of sesame genotypes.

Study Design: Randomized block design (RBD) with two replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Oilseeds Research Station, Department of genetics and plant breeding, College of Agriculture, VNMKV, Latur (MS), between July 2016 and January2017.

Methodology: For statistical analysis mean values are used. SPSS version 17.0 and GENRES were used to perform the correlation and path analysis using Sixty five accessions and evaluated for the following eleven traits: days to 50% flowering (D50%), days to maturity (DM), capsule length (CL), capsule width (CW), plant height (PH), number of branches per plant (NBP),number of capsules per plant (NCP),number of seeds per capsule (NSC),1000-seed weight (1000SW), oil content (OC), seed yield per plant (SYP).

Results: The correlation analysis indicated that CL (0.237), PH (0.225), NCP (0.806), NSC (0.372), 1000SW (0.657) and OC (0.532) positively correlated with seed yield at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels, respectively. Path coefficient analysis indicated that NCP (0.746), 1000SW (0.356), OC (0.007), NSC (0.267), CL (0.0608) and PH (0.034) exhibited positive direct effect on seed yield.

Conclusion: Positive indirect effect was observed by both DM, NBP has expressed positive and indirect effect on yield via their component traits. Selection among genotypes based on these analyses can be made for further improvement in fruit yield and component characters
Selection of Suitable Pearl Millet Hybrids for Arid and Semi-Arid Conditions through Combining Ability Analysis
Authors: Shekhawat Komal , Kumawat Swarnlata , Kumar Anil , Sharma Nemichand , Shekhawat Deepandra Singh , . Somdutt , Gupta P. C. , Sharma A. K.
Published: May 2022

Present investigation was carried out to study combining ability effects for grain yield and its component traits in 77 hybrids of pearl millet. From the results of GCA effects, it was revealed that a number of parents namely, ICMA 98222, ICMA 93333, ICMA 30199,  ICMA 30201 (female parents), and BIB 481-500, BIB 561-570 and BIB 571-581 (male parents) were found to be good general combiner for grain yield and most of its component characters. On the basis of GCA effects, lines ICMA 98222, ICMA 88004, ICMA 93333, ICMA 30199, ICMA 30201 and testes BIB 571-580, BIB 561- 570, BIB 511- 520, BIB 481- 500, BIB 531- 540 were good general combiner for more than nine yield contributing characters. The SCA effects of the crosses namely, ICMA 97111 x BIB 561- 570, ICMA 98222 x BIB 481- 500, ICMA 88004 x BIB 501- 510 and ICMA 93333 x BIB 551-560 were significant and were identified as superior for seed yield and related traits over the environments. Therefore, these parents and hybrids were recommended for utilization in development of promising populations as well as hybrid development.
Sero-prevalence of Mumps among Unvaccinated Children Attending Regional Referral Hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Nkinda Lilian , Majigo Mtebe , Mkocha Neema , Joachim Agricola , Buberwa Eliud , Nkinda Dennis , Msafiri Frank
Published: May 2022

Aims: Mumps infection and its complication remain under recognized public health problem in Tanzania, as there are no national screening program and sero-epidemiological surveys. This makes it difficult to devise control interventions including administration of vaccinations. We therefore determined the Sero-prevalence of Mumps among Unvaccinated Children Attending Regional Referral Hospitals in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

Study Design:  A hospital based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Outpatient departments of three regional hospitals in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: Amana, Mwananyamala, and Temeke hospitals, from March to June 2021.

Methodology: Three hundred and sixty children aged 1 - 16 years were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect participants' information. Serum samples were tested for mumps immunoglobulin G antibodies using an enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay. Proportions were used to describe children's social demographic and clinical characteristics, and binary logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of exposure to mumps virus. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age was 7.6 ± 4.1, half of them were females. More than three quarters (77%) of the children had Mumps Immunoglobulin-G. Mumps sero-prevalence among under-fives was 58.8%, among 5-8 years was 80%, 9-12 years was 86% and for 13-16 year was 88%. Compared to under-fives, children in the ages of 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16 had four times.

(OR 4.19 95% CI 1.49-11.7), five times (OR 5.84 95% CI 1.89-18.12) and six times (OR 6.00 95% CI 1.63-21.43) higher odd of mumps exposure respectively. The number of siblings in the house, going to school, and previous history of parotid gland enlargement were not associated with mumps sero-positivity.

Conclusion: The mumps virus is circulating in a high proportion among children in Dar es Salaam and the likelihood of exposure increases with age.
Siting of Petrol Stations and Compliance to Environmental Regulations in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusha’u Ahmed M. , Ojeh Vincent N. , Isa Suleman , Yavala Danladi M.
Published: May 2022

Environmental regulation is a complex interdisciplinary effort involving ethical principles, political interests, scientific knowledge, and technological capacities, that covers environmental media and protection and conservation of wildlife, fulfilling environmental legislation requirement. Compliance is a substantial element of environmental regulation. This study appraised the siting of petrol stations and compliance to environmental regulations in Jalingo metropolis. Specifically, it assessed the extent of compliance in the siting of petrol stations in Jalingo metropolis and compared the compliance level of the three categories of petrol stations-Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), major oil marketers and the independent oil marketers. The study adopted the survey research design. Data was obtained from twenty (20) petrol stations, two hundred (200) copies of questionnaires using 3-likert scale and published documents. Both inferential and descriptive statistics was used. The mean cut off of 2.5 was taken as threshold for decision, and any item below 2.5 falls below average and considered negative. Chi-square was used for test of hypothesis which was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The findings revealed that major marketers complied more than the independent marketers and the NNPC. It further revealed that the environmental regulations followed by a successful implementation and monitoring, will improve petrol stations level of compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The study recommends the need to reassure the petrol station operators that environmental legislation and environmental regulation requirements are not punitive, but guidelines to help conserve the environment.
Expertise and Insights of Dentists Perceiving Sign Language
Authors: Rehmatullah . , Shah Maham , Naz Khalida , Chouhan Shanti , Aslam Shuja , Tahir Asad
Published: May 2022

Dental consideration to the weak populace is a forthcoming issue in well-being approaches because of the absence of proper and particular techniques. Patients with tangible deficiencies pose the problem to experts in anticipation of oral sicknesses generally because of correspondence issues.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Review on Ongentys®
Authors: Ahmad Farman , Manazir Hanfia , Misra Raghvendra , Verma Anurag
Published: May 2022

Aim: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an auto neuro-degenerative disease/disorder, mainly affects voluntary movements and behavioral functions in the elderliness. Previous studies narrated various aspects of Parkinson’s disease but they could not explain the Parkinson’s disease along with the Off-episode state and its management by using ongentys. In this review paper authors elaborately and comprehensively explained about Off-episode condition and its management by using Ongentys medicine.

Main body: In 25-50% population of Patient with PD it is found that they have developed OFF-Episode (Wearing-OFF) phenomenon in the first two years of treatment and after 10 years most of the patients were with off-episode condition. In this condition due to various known and unknown reasons medications used for PD are become ineffective between dose regimens that enable the symptoms of PD before next dose of Levodopa. To overcome this condition various medications are available in the market like- Entacapone, Tolcapone etc. A new approach has been developed for managing Off-episode problem in the PD patients i.e. Opicapone (Ongentys®). Opicapone is COMT [Catechol-O-methyltransferase]: enzyme inhibitor, which prevents the degradation of Levodopa peripherally. COMT enzyme metabolizes Levodopa into 3-O-methyldopa by methylation reaction peripherally as well as in the CNS region. Ongentys is used as a adjunctive with levodopa/carbidopa formulations and administered at bedtime only.

Conclusion: In this review authors mainly focus on the Ongentys® and its utilization in the management of off-episode state in PD patients. Authors also cover little bit about sign and symptoms, diagnostic tools, epidemiology of Parkinson’s disease and drugs which may be used for the treatment of PD.
Risk Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity Occurrence among Female Students
Authors: Mustafa Hassanat Elbashir Mohammed
Published: May 2022

Aims: The study was conducted to assess the risk factors leading to the development of obesity among female students to adopt strategies to combat this problem and decrease the risk.

 Methodology A cross-sectional study method was conducted among 129 participants at the University in 2017. Stratified proportional random sampling was taken. The electronic questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) observational checklist were used for consented participants who agreed to participate in the study

Results: Descriptive statistics, the Chi-Square, and T-test were used. The studied subject’s ages range from 18> to 25yers, most of them were single (93%), and their economic status was moderate. Most of the participants consumed unhealthy diets rich in carbohydrates, and fat. Also, more than 60 % of participants consumed low vegetables and fruits. Chi squire showed insignificantly overweight among low fruit consumers while the obesity among moderate fruit consumers (p-value 0.813).

Conclusion: This study explored the occurrence of both overweight and obesity were strongly associated with risky lifestyles for participants.
Resistance to DNA repair inhibitors in cancer
Authors: Baxter Joseph S. , Zatreanu Diana , Pettitt Stephen J. , Lord Christopher J.
Published: May 2022

The DNA damage response (DDR) represents a complex network of proteins which detect and repair DNA damage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing the transmission of mutations and rearranged chromosomes to daughter cells. Faults in the DDR are a known driver and hallmark of cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of DDR enzymes can be used to treat the disease. This is exemplified by PARP inhibitors (PARPi) used to treat cancers with defects in the homologous recombination DDR pathway. A series of novel DDR targets are now also under pre‐clinical or clinical investigation, including inhibitors of ATR kinase, WRN helicase or the DNA polymerase/helicase Polθ (Pol‐Theta). Drug resistance is a common phenomenon that impairs the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments and there is already some understanding of how resistance to PARPi occurs. Here, we discuss how an understanding of PARPi resistance could inform how resistance to new drugs targeting the DDR emerges. We also discuss potential strategies that could limit the impact of these therapy resistance mechanisms in cancer.
Scientific rationale for a higher dose of nusinersen
Authors: Finkel Richard S. , Ryan Monique M. , Pascual Pascual Samuel Ignacio , Day John W. , Mercuri Eugenio , De Vivo Darryl C. , Foster Richard , Montes Jacqueline , Gurgel‐Giannetti Juliana , MacCannell Drew , Berger Zdenek
Published: May 2022

Objective

The long‐term favorable safety profile of nusinersen provides an opportunity to consider a higher dose. We report on the relationships between nusinersen cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exposure, biomarker levels, and clinical efficacy.

Methods

The analyses used data from the CS3A and ENDEAR studies of nusinersen in participants with infantile‐onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Steady‐state CSF trough (Ctrough) levels, plasma phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF‐H) levels, body weight, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) scores were selected as parameters of interest. A validated population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was applied to predict the nusinersen CSFCtrough. PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models used nusinersen CSFCtroughmeasurements, which were time‐matched with CHOP INTEND scores.

Results

Higher nusinersen CSF exposure was associated with a greater decrease in pNF‐H levels and greater efficacy, as measured by change in the CHOP INTEND score from baseline. These findings indicate a dose–response relationship between CSF nusinersen levels and treatment response. The higher dose is predicted to lead to approximately a 2.4‐fold increase in nusinersen CSF levels with fewer loading doses. PK/PD modeling indicates that a higher concentration of nusinersen may predict an additional 5‐point increase in CHOP INTEND score beyond that observed with 12 mg.

Interpretation

Our data indicate that a higher dose of nusinersen may lead to additional clinically meaningful improvement in efficacy when compared with the currently approved 12‐mg dose. The efficacy, safety, and PK of a higher nusinersen dose are currently under investigation in the ongoing phase 2/3 DEVOTE study (NCT04089566).
Photoinduced Cross Linkable Polymerization of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules by Incorporating Benzyl Acrylate
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Dong Hua , Chen Jinbo , Xu Jie , Li Zongjin , Yuan Fang , Dai Jinfei , Jiao Bo , Hou Xun , Xi Jun , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: May 2022

Flexible perovskite solar cells possess huge application potential in both outdoor (sunlight) and indoor scenes (artificial low light) owing to their high optoelectronic conversion efficiency and agile integration advantages. In order to further establish their feasibility to meet multi‐scenario applications, here a facile “internal packaging” interface strategy is developed, where a selective light‐cured cross‐linking molecule is leveraged to effectively heal the interface defects over perovskite films. Moreover, the cross‐linked interfacial layer can act as an airtight “protective wall”, preventing the device from water and oxygen corrosion and lead leakage. The flexible devices aided by this strategy show considerable performance ranging from small size to scalable modules (20.86%‐0.07 cm2, 16.75%‐24 cm2). More importantly, the optimal devices yield excellent moisture resistance, light soaking resistance, and lead leakage prevention stability. Based on the common light source environment of indoor scenes, the excellence of flexible modules (30.73% under white light‐emitting diode (LED), 26.48% under yellow LED) is further validated. It is expected that this gentle strategy can underline simultaneous promoting of the efficiency and stability of flexible perovskite modules, thereby accelerating the application of flexible perovskite in advanced industrial fields.
NiFe Nanoalloys Derived from Layered Double Hydroxides for Photothermal Synergistic Reforming of CH4 with CO2
Authors: Zhao Jiaqing , Guo Xiangdong , Shi Run , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Zhang Xuerui , Dai Qing , Zhang Tierui
Published: May 2022

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) with carbon dioxide to produce syngas is currently attracting a lot of attention for converting greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals. However, harsh reaction conditions in thermal catalysis hinder practical applications. Herein, a series of alumina‐supported NixFey nanoalloys are synthesized from NiFeAl‐layered double hydroxide precursors, with the obtained catalysts used for photothermal synergistic DRM. The Ni3Fe1 nanoalloy catalyst shows a syngas production rate of 0.96 mol g–1 h–1 under a 350 °C photothermal condition, which is about 1100 times higher than that of the same catalyst at the same temperature in the dark. Methane activation as the rate‐determining step in DRM is greatly enhanced by the localized surface plasmon resonance of the Ni3Fe1 nanoalloy in the ultraviolet region, thus accounting for the remarkably reduced reaction temperature. Meanwhile, the nanoalloy‐based photothermal synergistic DRM exhibits sunlight‐driven feasibility and 20 h of continuous operational stability.
On the Pyroelectric and Triboelectric Phenomena in Ferrofluids
Authors: Garofalo Erik , Bevione Matteo , Cecchini Luca , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Owing to the waste of energy originated by any physical or chemical process, approaches for reducing the energy losses have been conceived and, nowadays, energy recovery and conversion systems represent a worldwide‐recognized solution. The advent of colloidal‐based cybernetic systems highlights the essential role of energy harvesting, storage, and management capabilities coped by colloidal energetic systems. In this work, an alternative to thermoelectricity generation is demonstrated by means of a magnetic colloid based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The ferrofluid (FF) tribo‐ and pyroelectric features are explored in order to increase the amount of harvested energy. The findings suggest that the FF shows both triboelectric and pyroelectric charge displacement. A capacitive electrode is more efficient for accumulating potentials up to 48 V developed by triboelectricity while a resistive one is essential to collect pyroelectric charges up to 22 nA, which helped to estimate the FF pyroelectric coefficient, reaching the remarkable value of 25.2 μCm−2 K−1. A simplified equivalent model of the inductive setup is proposed, suggesting that increasing the fluid temperature a reduction of FF inductance due to demagnetization effects occurs.
Learning the Physics of All‐Dielectric Metamaterials with Deep Lorentz Neural Networks
Authors: Khatib Omar , Ren Simiao , Malof Jordan , Padilla Willie J.
Published: May 2022

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have shown marked achievements across numerous research and commercial settings. Part of their success is due to their ability to “learn” internal representations of the input (x) that are ideal to attain an accurate approximation () of some unknown function (f) that is, y = f(x). Despite their universal approximation capability, a drawback of DNNs is that they are black boxes, and it is unknown how or why they work. Thus, the physics discovered by the DNN remains hidden. Here, the condition of causality is enforced through a Lorentz layer incorporated within a deep neural network. This Lorentz NN (LNN) takes in the geometry of an all‐dielectric metasurface, and outputs the causal frequency‐dependent permittivity and permeability . Additionally, this LNN gives the spatial dispersion (k) inherent in the effective material parameters, as well as the Lorentz terms, which constitute both and . The ability of the LNN to learn metasurface physics is demonstrated through several examples, and the results are compared to theory and simulations.
Deep Learning Enabled Scalable Calibration of a Dynamically Deformed Multimode Fiber
Authors: Fan Pengfei , Wang Yufei , Ruddlesden Michael , Wang Xuechun , Thaha Mohamed A , Sun Jiasong , Zuo Chao , Su Lei
Published: May 2022

Multimode fibers (MMF) are miniaturized, flexible, and high‐capacity information channels, promising to open up new applications in endoscopic imaging. However, precise light control through an MMF with continuous deformations is still a challenge. Here, a scalable calibration framework for a dynamically deformed MMF using deep learning is proposed. The proof‐of‐concept experiments demonstrate that the proposed continual generative adversarial model has the ability to characterize the MMF transmission states sequentially and detect the fiber deformation using proximal reflection in real‐time synchronously, allowing self‐adaptively cross‐state focusing through a semi‐flexible MMF without distal access after the scalable calibration. This framework is a continual learning scheme under extreme memory constraints where the model is able to synthesize training data and prevent forgetting the previously learned bending states. The proposed method paves the way for the experimental realization of scalable calibration of a dynamically deformed MMF.
Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with a Siloxane‐Blended Organic Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Matsushima Toshinori , Nasu Ryotaro , Takekuma Kotaro , Ishii Tomohiro , Feng Zhao , Tang Xun , Nakamura Nozomi , Tumen-Ulzii Ganbaatar , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2022

Metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are promising for future display applications because of their excellent advantages, such as high external quantum efficiency, emission color tunability, and high emission color purity. Although solution processing widely used for perovskite film fabrication is an additional advantage, there are cases in which fabricating a perovskite‐emitting layer with spin‐coating results in the dissolution of an underlying organic hole transport layer (HTL). As a result, since a perovskite layer comes into partial contact with an indium tin oxide (ITO) anode layer, excited states formed in a perovskite‐emitting layer are quenched by charge transfer to ITO. In this study, it is shown that adding tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) into a HTL material of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVCz) is an effective method used to overcome this issue. Upon heating, the hydrolysis reaction of TEOS molecules takes place in PVCz films to form a siloxane network, which makes PVCz films insoluble and, therefore, alleviates the excited‐state quenching. It is demonstrated that using the siloxane‐blended PVCz HTL increases external quantum efficiencies of perovskite LEDs to 15.4 ± 0.3% from the original 10.4 ± 0.3% by about 1.5 times.
Photo‐Catalyzed Redox‐Neutral 1,2‐Dialkylation of Alkenes
Authors: Sun Wen‐Hui , Zou Jian‐Yu , Xu Xiao‐Jing , Wang Jin‐Lin , Liu Mei‐Ling , Liu Xue‐Yuan
Published: May 2022

Difunctionalization of alkenes enables construction of complex compounds in one pot. In this report, we presented an intermolecular, redox‐neutral three‐component dicarbofunctionalization of activated alkenes under mild reaction conditions. The mechanistic studies indicated tertiary alkyl radicals from oxalate salts were first added to alkenes in Giese‐type fashion, followed by nucleophilic addition with aldehydes to produce the desired 1,2‐dialkylation products. The catalyst system does not require any additives, with good functional group compatibility, regioselectivity, and constructs two tertiary carbon centers simultaneously.

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Soft, Dynamic Hydrogel Confinement Improves Kidney Organoid Lumen Morphology and Reduces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Culture
Authors: Ruiter Floor A. A. , Morgan Francis L. C. , Roumans Nadia , Schumacher Anika , Slaats Gisela G. , Moroni Lorenzo , LaPointe Vanessa L. S. , Baker Matthew B.
Published: May 2022

Pluripotent stem cell‐derived kidney organoids offer a promising solution to renal failure, yet current organoid protocols often lead to off‐target cells and phenotypic alterations, preventing maturity. Here, various dynamic hydrogel architectures are created, conferring a controlled and biomimetic environment for organoid encapsulation. How hydrogel stiffness and stress relaxation affect renal phenotype and undesired fibrotic markers are investigated. The authors observe that stiff hydrogel encapsulation leads to an absence of certain renal cell types and signs of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas encapsulation in soft, stress‐relaxing hydrogels leads to all major renal segments, fewer fibrosis or EMT associated proteins, apical proximal tubule polarization, and primary cilia formation, representing a significant improvement over current approaches to culture kidney organoids. The findings show that engineering hydrogel mechanics and dynamics have a decided benefit for organoid culture. These structure–property–function relationships can enable the rational design of materials, bringing us closer to functional engraftments and disease‐modeling applications.
Topical pH Sensing NIR Fluorophores for Intraoperative Imaging and Surgery of Disseminated Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yokomizo Shinya , Henary Maged , Buabeng Emmanuel R. , Fukuda Takeshi , Monaco Hailey , Baek Yoonji , Manganiello Sophia , Wang Haoran , Kubota Jo , Ulumben Amy Daniel , Lv Xiangmin , Wang Cheng , Inoue Kazumasa , Fukushi Masahiro , Kang Homan , Bao Kai , Kashiwagi Satoshi , Choi Hak Soo
Published: May 2022

Fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) aids surgeons with real‐time visualization of small cancer foci and borders, which improves surgical and prognostic efficacy of cancer. Despite the steady advances in imaging devices, there is a scarcity of fluorophores available to achieve optimal FGS. Here, 1) a pH‐sensitive near‐infrared fluorophore that exhibits rapid signal changes in acidic tumor microenvironments (TME) caused by the attenuation of intramolecular quenching, 2) the inherent targeting for cancer based on chemical structure (structure inherent targeting, SIT), and 3) mitochondrial and lysosomal retention are reported. After topical application of PH08 on peritoneal tumor regions in ovarian cancer‐bearing mice, a rapid fluorescence increase (< 10 min), and extended preservation of signals (> 4 h post‐topical application) are observed, which together allow for the visualization of submillimeter tumors with a high tumor‐to‐background ratio (TBR > 5.0). In addition, PH08 is preferentially transported to cancer cells via organic anion transporter peptides (OATPs) and colocalizes in the mitochondria and lysosomes due to the positive charges, enabling a long retention time during FGS. PH08 not only has a significant impact on surgical and diagnostic applications but also provides an effective and scalable strategy to design therapeutic agents for a wide array of cancers.
Enabling Long Cycle Life and High Rate Iron Difluoride Based Lithium Batteries by In Situ Cathode Surface Modification
Authors: Su Yong , Chen Jingzhao , Li Hui , Sun Haiming , Yang Tingting , Liu Qiunan , Ichikawa Satoshi , Zhang Xuedong , Zhu Dingding , Zhao Jun , Geng Lin , Guo Baiyu , Du Congcong , Dai Qiushi , Wang Zaifa , Li Xiaomei , Ye Hongjun , Guo Yunna , Li Yanshuai , Yao Jingming , Yan Jitong , Luo Yang , Qiu Hailong , Tang Yongfu , Zhang Liqiang , Huang Qiao , Huang Jianyu
Published: May 2022

Metals fluorides (MFs) are potential conversion cathodes to replace commercial intercalation cathodes. However, the application of MFs is impeded by their poor electronic/ionic conductivity and severe decomposition of electrolyte. Here, a composite cathode of FeF2 and polymer‐derived carbon (FeF2@PDC) with excellent cycling performance is reported. The composite cathode is composed of nanorod‐shaped FeF2 embedded in PDC matrix with excellent mechanical strength and electronic/ionic conductivity. The FeF2@PDC enables a reversible capacity of 500 mAh g–1 with a record long cycle lifetime of 1900 cycles. Remarkably, the FeF2@PDC can be cycled at a record rate of 60 C with a reversible capacity of 107 mAh g–1 after 500 cycles. Advanced electron microscopy reveals that the in situ formation of stable Fe3O4 layers on the surface of FeF2 prevents the electrolyte decomposition and leaching of iron (Fe), thus enhancing the cyclability. The results provide a new understanding to FeF2 electrochemistry, and a strategy to radically improve the electrochemical performance of FeF2 cathode for lithium‐ion battery applications.
Efficient Spin‐Orbit Torque Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization using Topological Insulators with High Thermal Tolerance
Authors: Pan Quanjun , Liu Yuting , Wu Hao , Zhang Peng , Huang Hanshen , Eckberg Christopher , Che Xiaoyu , Wu Yingying , Dai Bingqian , Shao Qiming , Wang Kang L.
Published: May 2022

Recent advances in using topological insulators (TIs) with ferromagnets (FMs) at room temperature have opened an innovative avenue in spin‐orbit torque (SOT) nonvolatile magnetic memory and low dissipation electronics. However, direct integration of TIs with perpendicularly magnetized FM, while retaining an extraordinary charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency (>100%), remains a major challenge. In addition, the indispensable thermal compatibility with modern CMOS technologies has not yet been demonstrated in TI‐based structures. Here, high‐quality integration of a perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB/MgO system with TI through a Mo insertion layer is achieved and efficient current‐induced magnetization switching at ambient temperature is demonstrated. The calibrated energy efficiency of TIs is at least 1 order magnitude larger than those found in heavy metals. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the perpendicular anisotropy of the integrated CoFeB/MgO system and the current‐induced magnetization switching behavior are well‐preserved after annealing at>350 °C, offering a wide temperature window for thermal treatments. This thermal compatibility with the modern CMOS back‐end‐of‐line process achieved in these TI‐based structures paves the way toward TI‐based low‐dissipation spintronic applications.
Probing the Contribution of Lateral Pathways to Out‐of‐Plane Charge Transport in Organic Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Fernando Pravini S. , Mehta Jeremy S. , Smilgies Detlef‐M. , Mativetsky Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2022

The nanoscale interpenetrating electron donor–acceptor network in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells results in efficient charge photogeneration but creates complex 3D pathways for charge transport. At present, little is known about the extent to which out‐of‐plane charge flow relies on lateral electrical connectivity. In this work, a procedure, based on conductive atomic force microscopy, is introduced to quantify lateral current spreading during out‐of‐plane charge transport. Using the developed approach, the dependence of lateral spreading on BHJ phase separation, composition, and molecule type (small molecule vs polymer) is studied. In the small‐molecule BHJ, 7,7′‐(4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐silolo[3,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)bis(6‐fluoro‐4‐(5′‐hexyl‐[2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)benzo[c]‐[1,2,5]thiadiazole):(6,6)‐Phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (p‐DTS(FBTTh2)2:PC71BM), an increase is observed in lateral hole current spreading as the population of donor crystallites, bearing an edge‐on molecular orientation, is increased. When integrated into BHJs, the polymer donor poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) leads to greater lateral hole current spreading and more spatially uniform charge transport than the small‐molecule donor, owing to in‐plane charge transport along the polymer backbone. Through the newly introduced electrical characterization scheme, these experiments bring to light the role of lateral electrical connectivity in assisting charge navigation across BHJs.