bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group of Uniform Materials Based on Organic Salts (GUMBOS): A Review of Their Solid State Properties and Applications
Authors: L. Pérez Rocío , E. Ayala Caitlan , M. Warner Isiah
Published: March 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) are defined as organic salts with melting points below 100 °C. Such ionic compounds are typically formed using bulky cations and/or bulky anions in order to produce liquids or lower melting solids. ILs have been widely explored in several research areas including catalysis, remediation, solvents, separations, and many others. The utility of such compounds has also been recently broadened to include solid phase ionic materials. Thus, researchers have pushed the boundaries of ILs chemistry toward the solid state and have hypothesized that valuable properties of ILs can be preserved and fine-tuned to achieve comparable properties in the solid state. In addition, as with ILs, tunability of these solid-phase materials can be achieved through simple counterion metathesis reactions. These solid-state forms of ILs have been designated as a group of uniform materials based on organic salts (GUMBOS). In contrast to ILs, these materials have an expanded melting point range of 25 to 250 °C. In this chapter, we focus on recent developments and studies from the literature that provide for fine tuning and enhancing properties through transformation and recycling of diverse ionic compounds such as dyes, antibiotics, and others into solid state ionic materials of greater utility.
Detection of Benzo[a]Pyrene Diol Epoxide-DNA Adducts in White Blood Cells of Asphalt Plant Workers in Syria
Authors: Zohairee Razan
Published: March 2021

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), it can bind the DNA to produce DNA-adducts, which has major carcinogenic potential. Enzyme-linked immunosorbet assay (ELISA) is the method used to detect these DNA adducts of B[a] P diolepoxide (BPDE) within the living cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate exposure to bitumen fumes, and to B[a]P in asphalt plant workers by measuring the BPDE-DNA adducts in their peripheral white blood cells (WBC), which are considered biological markers for exposure risk assessment.In this study, Hemostatic blood (CBC, AST) were measured, and the levels of BPDE-DNA adducts were measured in DNA samples of WBC obtained from asphalt plant workers in Syria and compared to those measured from a control group. The measurement was performed using BPDE-DNA Adducts ELISA.kit. The sample size was determined to be 50 with 25 asphalt plant workers and 25 healthy volunteers with no occupational exposure to PAHs. The results showed some diseases associated with exposure to asphalt fumes among the workers in the study group and a statistically significant difference in the values of (CBC; WBC, leukocytes, HCT, MCHC and AST) between the study group and the control group. BPDE-DNA adducts were detected in WBC of 11 asphalt plant workers with concentrations ranging between 0 and 2.75 ng/ml and only one individual in the control group with concentration of 0.75 ng/ml. These results indicate significant positive relationship between exposure to the bitumen fumes and formation of BPDE-DNA adducts. BPDE-DNA adducts is potential biomarker for PAHs exposure and likely helpful indicator of PAH-induced DNA damage and possibly carcinogenesis.
Simmel’s Adventure and its Relationship to the Ought of Life
Authors: Osbaldiston Nick
Published: March 2021

This paper examines Georg Simmel’s essay “The Adventure” in relation to more recent translations of his later philosophy. Using the foundational framework supplied to us by Simmel, the paper attempts to unpack adventures as moments in our life-course which are timeless in their influence on the self. This transcending of time manifests in the present as emotions attached to the experiences of adventures shape our consideration of the “ought”. Borrowing ideas from the Romantic Wordsworth and incoporating examples from C.S. Lewis and the author’s own life, the article reconsiders the adventure as not simply something experienced and over time forgotten, but as a powerful tool in the reflexive process of understanding relations between “actuality” and “ought” in life.
Vaya panorama
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Hace unos días tuvo lugar un debate que nos ha hecho dar cuenta de varias cosas. Estamos hablando del debate en el Parlamento Europeo sobre la llamada libertad de panorama. Y las diversas cosas son las que veremos en este artículo.
Ley de reutilización: ¿nuevas líneas de negocio para bibliotecas y archivos?
Authors: Garcia Alsina Montserrat
Published: March 2021

La ley que regula la reutilización de la información del sector público fue modificada el pasado 10 de julio con el objetivo de incorporar las indicaciones que marca la directiva europea del 2013. Esta actualización de la ley pone énfasis en el papel que juega la reutilización de la información a fin de impulsar la economía del conocimiento. Como novedad, reconoce el papel de las bibliotecas, los archivos y los museos como proveedores de información del sector público, a los que ofrece una vía para obtener beneficios. Y quizás para abrir nuevas líneas de negocio. Además, la ley pone de manifiesto un lento progreso en la construcción de sistemas de gestión de documentos y, en este sentido, se abren nuevas expectativas. ¿Conseguirá la modificación de la ley impulsar el crecimiento económico y crear ocupación?
Udacity y los nanogrados
Authors: Cavaller Víctor
Published: March 2021

El impacto de las TIC en la educación está abriéndose a una nueva dimensión de la mano de la inteligencia artificial. Sebastian Thrun, el famoso ingeniero informático alemán, profesor investigador en la Universidad de Stanford e investigador en Google, pionero de controvertidos proyectos como los coches sin conductor o las gafas de realidad aumentada, trabaja desde el 2012 en los llamados nanogrados a través de su start-up Udacity. Los nanogrados son paquetes de enseñanza en línea colaborativa adaptados tanto a las necesidades inmediatas y reales de las empresas como al perfil del estudiante, orientados a facilitar el progreso en el aprendizaje y la democratización de la enseñanza mediante la tecnología.
Gamificación, videojuegos y homeopatía
Authors: Aranda Dani
Published: March 2021

Gamificación educativa: el uso de técnicas, elementos y dinámicas propias de los videojuegos en contextos educativos con el fin de potenciar la motivación y, consecuentemente, mejorar los procesos de aprendizaje.
Integrated analysis of immune-related long noncoding RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in psoriasis
Authors: Fan Feixiang , Huang Zhen , Chen Yongfeng
Published: March 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in immune-related diseases. This study aimed to identify potential immune-related lncRNA biomarkers for psoriasis.

Methods

We screened differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs biomarkers using GSE13355 (skin biopsy samples of 180 cases) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to explore biological mechanisms in psoriasis. In addition, we performed LASSO logistic regression to identify potential diagnostic lncRNAs and further verify the diagnostic value and relationship with drug response using two validation sets: GSE30999 (skin biopsy samples of 170 cases) and GSE106992 (skin biopsy samples of 192 cases). Furthermore, we estimated the degree of infiltrated immune cells and investigated the correlation between infiltrated immune cells and diagnostic lncRNA biomarkers.

Results

A total of 394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted from gene expression profile. GO and KEGG analysis of target genes found that immune-related lncRNAs were primarily associated with epidermis development, skin development, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and glycosaminoglycan binding and mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and influenza A and chemokine signaling pathway. We found that LINC01137, LINC01215, MAPKAPK5-AS1, TPT1-AS1, CARMN, CCDC18-AS1, EPB41L4A-AS, and LINC01214 exhibited well diagnostic efficacy. The ROC and ROC CI were 0.944 (0.907–0.982), 0.953 (0.919–0.987), 0.822 (0.758–0.887), 0.854 (0.797–0.911), 0.957(0.929–0.985), 0.894 (0.846–0.942), and 0.964 (0.937–0.991) for LINC01137, LINC01215, MAPKAPK5-AS1, TPT1-AS1,CARMN, CCDC18-AS1, EPB41L4A-AS1, and LINC01214. LINC01137, LINC01215, and LINC01214 were correlated with drug response. LINC01137, CCDC18-AS1, and CARMN were positively correlated with activated memory CD4 T cell, activated myeloid dendritic cell (DC), neutrophils, macrophage M1, and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, while negatively correlated with T regulatory cell (Treg). LINC01215, MAPKAPK5-AS1, TPT1-AS1, EPB41L4A-AS, and LINC01214 were negatively correlated with activated memory CD4 T cell, activated myeloid DC, neutrophils, macrophage M1, and Tfh, while positively correlated with Treg.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that these immune-related lncRNAs may be used as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for psoriasis.
Endodontic Retreatment of a Mandibular Second Premolar with Four Roots and Four Canals: A Case Report
Authors: Nanjannawar Girish , Mulla Saquib , Gupta Divya , Kamat Sharad
Published: March 2021

It is a well-recognised fact that incomplete cleaning, shaping and obturation of root canals will lead to endodontic failure. Mandibular second premolars usually have a single root and a single root canal. The presence of four separate roots and four root canals is quite rare. Hence, a comprehensive knowledge about the normal canal configuration along with its variations becomes an indispensable pre-requisite to achieve the success of endodontic treatment. Authors hereby present a case of a 26-year-old male patient and describe its succesful treatment of the mandibular second premolar with four roots and four root canals. The clinical implications of this paper aim at establishing an accurate diagnosis of the root canal system using diagnostic aids such as angulated radiographs and making use of advanced endodontic instruments for successful retreatment of endodontic therapy (C+ files and NiTi rotary endodontic instruments).
Development of a Real-time Micro-controller Based Watering System
Authors: Olateju A. I. , Sodunke M. A. , Abatan T. T. , Alagbe O. O.
Published: March 2021

The developed system consists of a solenoid valve and water pump which are directly linked to a microcontroller (ATMEGA-328PU) unit through a transistor -network based relay switching unit. A soil moisture sensor linked to the soil senses the dryness and wetness of the soil. The microcontroller and soil moisture sensor utilizes a 5V power supply unit given through a regulated supply via a regulator called LM7805.A 12V power supply units activates the normally open units of the relay linked to the solenoid valve and the pump. Whenever the dryness of the soil is sensed, the microcontroller decodes and sends an instruction to the solenoid valve to open and the water pump to start driving the water which is sprinkled through the sprinkler. The performance of the system has been evaluated and the response time is fast.
Effects of Earthing up and Pruning Systems on Yield and Net Economic Benefit of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon)
Authors: Keter I. K. , Oloo-Abucheli G. , Muraya M.
Published: March 2021

Tomato is a popular and extensively cultivated vegetable among the promising commodities in horticultural production in Kenya. It provides a wide variety of nutrients with many health-related benefits. Despite the importance, its yield and net economic benefits is limited by the cultural practices applied by farmers. There is limited knowledge on the effect of integrating pruning and earthing up on tomato yield and net economic benefit. This study investigated the effect of integration of pruning and earthing up on the growth and yield of tomatoes. A split-plot experimental design, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications was used. The study investigated two factors i.e. pruning system in the main plot (single stem, double stem, and triple stem) and earthing up in sub-plots. (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm). Fruit yield data was taken after each harvest. Data were analysed using SAS version 9.4 and significant means were separated using the least significant difference at α = .05. The findings of the study revealed that earthing up and pruning system had a significant (p ˂ .05) effect on tomato yield and net economic benefit. Triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest fruit yield with 21.82 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 1 and 21.84 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 2. The findings also revealed that triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest net economic benefit per hectare in both cultivation 1 and cultivation 2. To improve tomato yield and consequently improve net economic benefit, farmers are encouraged to consider triple stem pruning system and earthing up to level 30 cm.
Proximate Composition of Morning Glory (Ipomea indica) Leaf Meal
Authors: Sakaba A. M. , Dabai A. S. , Dabo M.
Published: March 2021

Biochemical studies with a view to evaluate the organic and inorganic nutrients in air-dried Ipomea leaf meal commonly known as morning glory (Ipomea indica) was carried out. Samples were replicated four times and the values recorded for each nutrient according to the replicates analyzed. The results of mean percentages for organic nutrients revealed that the samples contained 6.83±0.33% moisture, 6.83±0.17% ash, 17.89±0.45% protein, 1.67±0.17% lipid, 1.84±0.34% fiber and 81.84±0.38% nitrogen free extract (NFE). The inorganic content on the other hand was 0.68±0.04% magnesium, 1.11±0.08% sodium, 3.33±0.56% potassium, 1.68±0.03 calcium and 0.53±0.01% phosphorous. This indicated that air-dried leaf meal from Ipomea indica has nutritional qualities that could provide farmers with organic and inorganic nutrients for enhanced livestock nutrition. Therefore, air-dried leaf meal from Ipomea indica is recommended for feeding livestock in the study area.
Study of Platelet Parameters with Different Isolated Organism in Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis
Authors: Prasad Rajiv Kumar , Surana Amita Uday , Chovatiya Chetan , Iyer Radhika , Modi Nidhi
Published: March 2021

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological abnormality observed in neonatal sepsis and considered as early, nonspecific marker of sepsis. The studies related to organism specific platelet response are few.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and to study changes in various platelet parameters in relation to different isolated organism.

Methods: A prospective observational study involving neonates with 1st episode of culture positive sepsis was done over a period of 18 months. The platelet parameters studied were incidence, degree, duration of thrombocytopenia; mean platelet volume and platelet nadir among neonate with specific organism isolated.

Results: Out of 114 culture positive sepsis 31% Klebsiella, 30% Pseudomonas, 13% Citrobacter, 18% CONS, 4% Staphylococcus Aureus (S Aureus) and 3% had Acinetobacter sepsis. Overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 88%, of which klebsiella and S. Aureus sepsis observed 100% prevalence of thrombocytopenia followed by 88% pseudomonas, 80% coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS), 75% Acinetobacter and 66% Citrobacter sepsis. The proportion of severe degree of thrombocytopenia (18% Vs 4%), higher MPV (61% Vs 54%) and longer duration of thrombocytopenia (3.63 ± 0.49 Vs 2.95 ± 0.52) was observed more with Gram negative sepsis than with Gram positive sepsis and statistically significant difference in platelet nadir was observed with Gram negative sepsis. Severe degree of thrombocytopenia was seen in 50% neonates with Acinetobacter and 23% with Klebsiella sepsis. Acinetobacter, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas sepsis had higher mean MPV value, longer duration of thrombocytopenia and lowest platelet nadir.  The platelet parameters were less affected with Gram positive organism.

Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent occurrence in neonates with sepsis especially with Gram negative organism. Sepsis with Acinetobacter, Klebsiella & Pseudomonas organism was associated with prolonged duration, higher MPV and lower platelet count as compared to                    other isolated organisms.
Phenotypic and Physiological Evaluation of Wheat Genotypes under Non-Saline and Saline Soil Conditions
Authors: Amer Hamada , Dakroury Mohamed Z. , Basyoni Ibrahim S. El , Abouzied Hanaa M.
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to assess the effect of soil salinity on leaf area (LA), the number of days to flowering (DF), plant height (PH), and grain yield. Overall, 60 wheat genotypes were used, including 49 CIMMYT elite lines and 11 commercially grown Egyptian wheat cultivars. During two growing seasons (2017 and 2018), the genotypes were grown in non-saline (S0) and saline (S1) soils. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used in a split-plot arrangement. Salinity levels were randomly assigned to the main plots, while genotypes were randomly assigned to the subplots. The obtained results showed that the saline soil adversely affected the evaluated genotypes. Furthermore, a highly significant effect of genotypes × salinity was observed on grain yield and its attributed traits. Based on salinity indices results, some of the imported wheat genotypes outperformed the Egyptian cultivars in grain yield under salinity stress conditions. The results further indicated that Sakha-93, C-31, and C-40 were the most salt-tolerant genotypes. The best performing line among the CIMMYT lines was C-31, which recorded the highest grain yield under none-saline and saline soil in the two seasons of study.
Direct Saliva versus Conventional Nasopharyngeal Swab qRT-PCR to Diagnose SARS – CoV2: Validity Study
Authors: Tee Michael L. , Ubial Paulyn Jean R. , Ranoa Diana Rose E. , Tee Cherica A. , Abrilla Aedrian A. , Trinidad Lawrence John Paulo L. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Berba Regina P. , Carrillo Ryner Jose D. , Lim Maria Cecilia F. , Dalmacio Leslie Michelle M.
Published: March 2021

Background: Saliva has been demonstrated as a feasible alternative specimen to nasopharyngeal swab for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using real-time or quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method that bypasses the need for explicit viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction.

Aim: To assess the diagnostic validity of direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 compared to conventional nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR.

Methodology: Self-collected saliva samples were processed by heating at 95oC for 30 minutes followed by addition of buffer and detergent while viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs were extracted using the Sansure Biotech sample release reagent.  Paired samples were used as templates for qRT-PCR using the Sansure Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit and Sansure Biotech MA6000 Real-Time Quantitative PCR System. Direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR was compared to nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR in terms of diagnostic validity and agreement parameters, and both platforms were compared separately in terms of similar parameters with a composite reference standard (CRS) wherein the criteria for a positive result is SARS-CoV-2 detection in at least either nasopharyngeal swab or saliva.

Results:  Of the 238 nasopharyngeal swab-saliva pairs tested, 20 (8.4%) nasopharyngeal swab and 24 (10.1%) saliva specimens tested positive. We documented a sensitivity of 85.0% (95% CI: 62.1%, 96.8%), specificity of 96.8% (95% CI: 93.5%, 98.7%), accuracy of 95.8% (95% CI: 92.4%, 98.0%) and Cohen Kappa of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.90) when direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR was compared to the conventional platform. When the two platforms were individually compared to the CRS, numerically higher but not statistically significant sensitivity and accuracy were noted for direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR than for nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR.

Conclusion: Direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR is non-inferior to nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using the Sansure Novel Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit.
Economical and Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Derived from Coffee Waste for Efficient Adsorption of Methylene Blue: Characterization, Evaluation and Optimization Studies
Authors: Sulyman Mohamed , Al-Marog Sadig , Al-Azabi Khaled , Dawed Emhammed , Abukrain Amal
Published: March 2021

In this study, treated coffee ground wastes (CGW) was evaluated for adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from contaminated solution using contact time, initial dye concentrations, adsorbent dose, and solution temperature as operational factors. The adsorbent was treated using chemical activation with potassium carbonate (K2CO3), followed by thermomechanical treatment via an extrusion process. The characterization study of the adsorbent was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The adsorption equilibrium was reached after 30 min for MB and it was observed also that adsorption capacity decreased but percentage removal increased with increases in adsorbent mass. The maximum adsorption capacity of K2CO3-coffee powder was found to be 169.49 mg/g.
Infertility and Its Associated Factors among Women Attending Selected Health Facilities in Boripe Local Government Osun State
Authors: Olarinmoye Abayomi , Ajao Olayinka , Eniade Olanrewaju Davies , Ekwonwa Chinonso Esther , Olasunkanmi Yusuff Akinkunmi , Ogenma Ugushida
Published: March 2021

The extent to which women of reproductive age (15-49 years) experience infertility have not been fully explored in developing countries including Nigeria. Assessing the factors associated with infertility among infertile women can inform interventions to support their needs. This study was conducted to investigate the risk-factors of infertility among women in Boripe local government area (BLGA) of Osun State.

A matched case-control study was conducted among infertile women attending the infertility clinic and fertile women attending ante-natal clinic in three health facilities namely: Ada health facility, Isale Oyo health facility and MDGs Oloti health facility in Boripe local government area in Osun state, Nigeria. Cases (n=135) were gotten from the infertility clinic across the three study facilities and controls (n=135) were the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in the three health facilities.

Mean age was 29 ± 6.7 years, ranging from 16 to 47 years. Higher proportion of the infertile women (72.6%) had primary infertility, and a lot (35.9%) were not on treatment. Associated factors were partners’ age (p=0.007), income (p=0.067), age at menstrual debut (p=0.049), mental wellbeing (p=0.006). Factors associated with the likelihood of infertility were age at menstrual debut (>=15 years) (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.07-6.75) in relative to age at menstrual debut (< 15 years).

This study revealed a high prevalence of primary infertility, income, dietary habit and age at menstrual debut were associated with the likelihood of infertility. Much attention towards improving knowledge about factors influencing infertility such as dietary habit and early treatment for teenagers who have late menstrual debut will be helpful in reducing burden of infertility. Also, this study revealed that majority of the infertile women was not on treatments. This suggests that, it is likely that most of them were not seeing a pregnancy counselor. The role of pregnancy counseling on infertility should be appropriately explored in further studies.
Otorhinolaryngological Trauma in Some Private Health Facilities in Benin City
Authors: Akpalaba I. O. , Ogisi F. O. , Momoh R. O.
Published: March 2021

Background: Otorhinolaryngological trauma is common in clinical practice. The disaster caused by otorhinolaryngological trauma arises from its morbidity and mortality. This is due to increased cost of care and varying degree of physical, cosmetic and functional disfigurements.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the causes, mechanisms of trauma and outcomes of these injuries in private setting; and to profer possible preventive measures.

Methods: This study was a one-year descriptive prospective study on patients with otorhinolaryngological trauma managed at three private health settings in Benin City, Nigeria. All consecutive trauma patients seen from May 2016 to April 2017 constituted the sample size. Total population sampling technique was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: A total of 31 patients were studied. Age ranged from 1 to 80 years. Median age was 35 years. Male to female ratio was 1.1:1. The commonest cause of trauma was use of cotton buds to clean the ears in 48.4% patients.  This was followed by foreign bodies in the ear in 12.9% of the patients. This was not statistically significant as p>0.05. The commonest mechanism of trauma was from Tympanic membrane perforation, canal laceration and ear canal inflammation in 48.4% of patients. The ear was the most affected region in 80.6% of the patients. The greatest complain at presentation was ear discharge in 38.7% of the patients, followed by hearing loss in 35.5% patients. The commonest complication was tympanic membrane perforation noted in 48.4% of the study population followed by chronic suppurative otitis media in 35.5% of them. Majority of the subjects (87.1%) were treated as outpatients. Only 12.9% of the subjects required admission to the ward. The most common treatment modalities used were ‘keeping the ear dry’ protocol, ear toileting and daily ear dressing in 80.6%, 41.9% and 38.7% of the patients respectively. The median length of hospital stay for in-patients was 7 days (range 3 to 11 days). There was no mortality. Majority of the patients (77.4%) had full recovery. Tympanic membrane perforation was persistent in 22.6% of the patients.

Conclusion: Otorhinolaryngological trauma constitutes a significant cause of morbidity in private hospital setting. Majority of these trauma are both preventable and treatable through public enlightenment programmes and early presentation to Otorhinolaryngologists respectively.
Exploration of Perception, Need and Barriers against Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting: Healthcare Professionals’ Insight
Authors: Leghari Qurratul-ain , Chand Soraj Kishan , Bushra Rabia , Rizvi Mehwish , Khan Maria , Shahnaz Saira , Naseem Rida , Masood Shaheryar , Ali Imran , Munawar Rabya , Bawani Sharmeen
Published: March 2021

Objective: The present study was designed to assess the perception, need and the barriers of PV and ADRs reporting in the hospital settings of Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 by the random sampling in the healthcare professionals including physicians, pharmacists and nurses. Questionnaire was distributed to 525 participants (n=175 from each group) being serving for one or more year in hospitals and clinics. Overall, 425 participants were responded having 138 physicians, 143 pharmacists and 145 nurses.

Results: Perception of pharmacovigilance was found to be 81.02%, 73.40% and 35.17% respectively in physicians, pharmacists and nurses. Overall, 80.70% of respondents were felt the need of drug monitoring system in each hospital to improve patients’ responses against treatment. The main hindrance for PV in our society was the lacking/ absence of the ADRs monitoring and reporting system marked by the physicians and pharmacists.

Conclusion: ADRs reporting and pharmacovigilance are not practiced properly in our region. It’s a time to pay attention to this neglected area not only to strengthen the infra structure of healthcare units but also to increase the patient compliance and to avoid any drug associated disaster in future.
Assessment of the Anemic Conditions among the Females with Pregnancy at Tertiary Care Hospitals of Sindh Pakistan
Authors: Pathan Nusrat Fozia , Noor Bushra , Unar Fozia , Chandio Sadaf , Wagan Fareeda , Taqi Tabinda
Published: March 2021

Anemia is pathological disorder usually caused by mal nutrition and it was very common among feminine gender during gestational period, number of disease and death are also associated with this type of disorder during pregnancy. The major theme of the study is to evaluate the anemic condition along with prescribed medication among females during the period of pregnancy. Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for the period of 9 months at various tertiary care hospitals situated in rural areas of Sindh province. Total 273 females with pregnancy along with anemic condition, were selected by purposive sampling method. From total number of study subjects 71% females were diagnosed as anemic, that were further categorized as mild, moderate and severe, depend on their medical condition. It was observed that anemic condition was more common among infancy pregnant females with ages 20-29 years, the number of patients were 209 (76.5%). females with primary or secondary education had more problem of anemia as compared to females with intermediate or graduation. Anemic females with primary education (126), secondary education (73) whereas anemic female with intermediate (46) and with graduation anemic females were only (28). Females with multipara had severe anemic condition as females with primigravida. Anemic condition becomes more severe among females with second or third trimester. Anemic condition among females with 1st trimester was 37, in second trimester 109 whereas in 3rd trimester 127 anemic females were reported. For management of anemia among females with pregnancy depends upon the medication taking by them, number of females was 142, which were taking 3 or 4 medicine, while females with mono pharmacy were 95 and only 36 females were taking various multi vitamin, intravenous Iron supplement and it was concluded that anemia was more common among females resident of rural area due to unawareness regarding anemia and its associated complication. Another major cause was observed was mal nutrition.
Close encounters of the three morphs: Does color affect aggression in a polymorphic lizard?
Authors: Scali Stefano , Mangiacotti Marco , Sacchi Roberto , Coladonato Alan Jioele , Falaschi Mattia , Saviano Luca , Rampoldi Marina Giulia , Crozi Matteo , Perotti Cesare , Zucca Francesco , Gozzo Elisabetta , Zuffi Marco Alberto Luca
Published: March 2021

Color polymorphism is genetically controlled, and the process generating and maintaining morphs can affect speciation/extinction rates. Color badges are useful signals in intraspecific communication because they convey information about alternative strategies and can potentially decrease unnecessary conflicts among different color morphs. Competition and aggressive interactions among color morphs can contribute to polymorphism maintenance. This could lead to an uneven spatial distribution of morphs in a population because the local frequency of each morph establishes the intensity of the competition and the fitness of each male. We used a polymorphic lizard, Podarcis muralis, to assess if aggression varies among morphs under two contrasting hypotheses: a heteromorphic versus homomorphic aggression. We used laboratory mirror tests after lizard color manipulation, and we verified the consistency of results with an analysis of the spatial distribution of morphs in a wild population. Both the experiments confirmed that aggression is more common during homomorphic than heteromorphic contests. The adoption of alternative behavioral strategies that minimize risks and costs could facilitate the stable coexistence of the phenotypes and reduce competition. A bias in aggression would advantage rarer morph, which would suffer less harassment by common morphs obtaining a fitness advantage. This process would be negatively‐frequency‐dependent and would stabilize polymorphism, possibly contributing to sympatric speciation.
Does the beta regularization parameter of bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction always affect the quantification accuracy and image quality of positron emission tomography computed tomography?
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Guo Binwei , Huang Bin , Zhao Bin , Qin Zhixing , Hao Xinzhong , Liang Meng , Xie Jun , Li Sijin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a detailed investigation on the noise penalization factor in Bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL)‐based algorithm, with the utilization of partial volume effect correction (PVC), so as to offer the suitable beta value and optimum standardized uptake value (SUV) parameters in clinical practice for small pulmonary nodules.

Methods

A National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) image‐quality phantom was scanned and images were reconstructed using BPL with beta values ranged from 100 to 1000. The recovery coefficient (RC), contrast recovery (CR), and background variability (BV) were measured to assess the quantification accuracy and image quality. In the clinical assessment, lesions were categorized into sub‐centimeter (<10 mm, n = 7) group and medium size (10–30 mm, n = 16) group. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were measured to evaluate the image quality and lesion detectability. With PVC was performed, the impact of beta values on SUVs (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak) of small pulmonary nodules was evaluated. Subjective image analysis was performed by two experienced readers.

Results

With the increasing of beta values, RC, CR, and BV decreased gradually in the phantom work. In the clinical study, SNR and CNR of both groups increased with the beta values (P < 0.001), although the sub‐centimeter group showed increases after the beta value reached over 700. In addition, highly significant negative correlations were observed between SUVs and beta values for both lesion‐size groups before the PVC (P < 0.001 for all). After the PVC, SUVpeak measured from the sub‐centimeter group was no significantly different among different beta values (P = 0.830).

Conclusion

Our study suggests using SUVpeak as the quantification parameter with PVC performed to mitigate the effects of beta regularization. Beta values between 300 and 400 were preferred for pulmonary nodules smaller than 30 mm.
All‐Dielectric Metasurface for Manipulating the Superpositions of Orbital Angular Momentum via Spin‐Decoupling
Authors: Zheng Chenglong , Wang Guocui , Li Jie , Li Jitao , Wang Silei , Zhao Hongliang , Li Mengyao , Yue Zhen , Zhang Yating , Zhang Yan , Yao Jianquan
Published: March 2021

Vortex beams, carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), have plenty of applications ranging from particle manipulation to high‐capacity data transmissions. In particular, the superpositions of OAM patterns are significant in classical physics and quantum science. The flexible control of spin angular momentum (SAM) to OAM can provide more freedom for the design of multifunctional devices. Here, a kind of dielectric metasurface is proposed that generates polarization‐controllable superpositions of OAM patterns in the terahertz (THz) band, which is achieved by the interleaving of anisotropic and isotropic meta‐atoms. The conversions of arbitrary SAM to OAM have been realized by combining Pancharatnam‐Berry (PB) and propagation phase. Not only multiple superposition states of OAM can be generated in the transverse polarization, but also two superposition states of OAM with arbitrary topological charges can be realized in the longitudinal polarization. Several metasurfaces have been designed to demonstrate the multifunctional design, and the feasibility of the theory has been verified in the experiment. Such multifunctional design can find applications in particle manipulation, communication, harmonic generation, and other fields.
Deformations associated with arthrogryposis
Authors: Hall Judith G.
Published: March 2021

Fetal movement is essential to normal human development. If the fetus does not move for whatever reason, then multiple organs and organ systems develop secondary and tertiary effects not normally present. Most of these are deformations with secondary structural damage.
Biased Symmetry Breaking and Chiral Control by Self‐Replicating in Achiral Tetradentate Platinum (II) Complexes
Authors: Yang Bo , Zou Guo , Zhang Shilin , Ni Hailiang , Wang Haifeng , Xu Wei , Yang Cheng , Zhang Hui , Yu Wenhao , Luo Kaijun
Published: March 2021

Obtaining homochirality from biased symmetry‐breaking of self‐assembly in achiral molecules remains a great challenge due to the lack of ingenious strategies and controlling their handedness. Here, we report the first case of biased symmetry breaking from achiral platinum (II) liquid crystals which self‐organize into an enantiomerically enriched single domain without selection of handedness in twist grain boundary TGB [*] phase. Most importantly, the chiral control of self‐organization can be achieved by using above the homochiral liquid crystal films with determined handedness (P or M) as a template. Moreover, benefiting from self‐assembled superhelix, these complexes exhibit prominent circularly polarized luminescence with high |glum| up to 3.4×10−3 in the TGB [*] mesophase. This work paves a neoteric avenue for the development of chiral self‐assemblies from achiral molecules.
Drop‐Casting to Make Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells under High Humidity
Authors: Zuo Chuantian , Ding Liming
Published: March 2021

Drop‐casting was used to make MAPbI3 films for solar cells. The crystal growth in drop‐cast MAPbI3 films was regulated by adjusting temperature. A mechanism for the formation of different morphology was proposed by combining in situ crystal‐growth study with XRD measurements. The crystals in the films made at low temperature (60 °C) and high temperature (≥120 °C) are (110) and (200) oriented, respectively. The different crystal growth mode leads to quite different film morphology. Compared with spin‐coating, drop‐casting shows much better tolerance to humidity. MAPbI3 solar cells made under 88 % humidity delivered a PCE of 18.17 %, which is the highest PCE for perovskite solar cells made under >70 % humidity without antisolvent assistance.
Structural Basis for Pore Blockade of the Human Cardiac Sodium Channel Nav1.5 by the Antiarrhythmic Drug Quinidine**
Authors: Li Zhangqiang , Jin Xueqin , Wu Tong , Huang Gaoxingyu , Wu Kun , Lei Jianlin , Pan Xiaojing , Yan Nieng
Published: March 2021

Nav1.5, the primary voltage‐gated Na+ (Nav) channel in heart, is a major target for class I antiarrhythmic agents. Here we present the cryo‐EM structure of full‐length human Nav1.5 bound to quinidine, a class Ia antiarrhythmic drug, at 3.3 Å resolution. Quinidine is positioned right beneath the selectivity filter in the pore domain and coordinated by residues from repeats I, III, and IV. Pore blockade by quinidine is achieved through both direct obstruction of the ion permeation path and induced rotation of an invariant Tyr residue that tightens the intracellular gate. Structural comparison with a truncated rat Nav1.5 in the presence of flecainide, a class Ic agent, reveals distinct binding poses for the two antiarrhythmics within the pore domain. Our work reported here, along with previous studies, reveals the molecular basis for the mechanism of action of class I antiarrhythmic drugs.
Time‐Resolved and Comprehensive Analysis of Surface Glycoproteins Reveals Distinct Responses of Monocytes and Macrophages to Bacterial Infection
Authors: Suttapitugsakul Suttipong , Tong Ming , Wu Ronghu
Published: March 2021

Glycoproteins on the surface of immune cells play extremely important roles in response to pathogens. Yet, a systematic and time‐resolved investigation of surface glycoproteins during the immune response remains to be explored. Integrating selective enrichment of surface glycoproteins with multiplexed proteomics, we globally and site‐specifically quantified the dynamics of surface glycoproteins on THP‐1 monocytes and macrophages in response to bacterial infection and during the monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation. The time‐resolved analysis reveals transient changes and differential remodeling of surface glycoproteins on both cell types, and potential upstream regulators and downstream effects of the regulated glycoproteins. Besides, we identified novel surface glycoproteins participating in the immune response such as APMAP, and site‐specific changes of glycoproteins. This study provides unprecedented information to deepen our understanding of glycoproteins and cellular activities.
In Vivo Subcellular Mass Spectrometry Enables Proteo‐Metabolomic Single‐Cell Systems Biology in a Chordate Embryo Developing to a Normally Behaving Tadpole (X. laevis)**
Authors: Lombard‐Banek Camille , Li Jie , Portero Erika P. , Onjiko Rosemary M. , Singer Chase D. , Plotnick David O. , Al Shabeeb Reem Q. , Nemes Peter
Published: March 2021

We report the development of in vivo subcellular high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for proteo‐metabolomic molecular systems biology in complex tissues. With light microscopy, we identified the left‐dorsal and left‐ventral animal cells in cleavage‐stage non‐sentient Xenopus laevis embryos. Using precision‐translated fabricated microcapillaries, the subcellular content of each cell was double‐probed, each time swiftly (<5 s/event) aspirating <5 % of cell volume (≈10 nL). The proteins and metabolites were analyzed by home‐built ultrasensitive capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization employing orbitrap or time‐of‐flight HRMS. Label‐free detection of ≈150 metabolites (57 identified) and 738 proteins found proteo‐metabolomic networks with differential quantitative activities between the cell types. With spatially and temporally scalable sampling, the technology preserved the integrity of the analyzed cells, the neighboring cells, and the embryo. 95 % of the analyzed embryos developed into sentient tadpoles that were indistinguishable from their wild‐type siblings based on anatomy and visual function in a background color preference assay.
[Sn8]6−‐Bridged Mixed‐Valence ZnI/ZnIIin {[K2ZnSn8(ZnMes)]2}4−Inverse Sandwich‐Type Cluster Supported by a ZnI−ZnIBond
Authors: Xu Hong‐Lei , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: March 2021

Since [Sn8]6−was discovered from the solid‐state phase in 2000, its solution chemistry has been elusive due to the high charges and chemical activity. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of an inverse sandwich‐type cluster dimer {[K2ZnSn8(ZnMes)]2}4−(1 a), in which the highly charged [Sn8]6−is captured by mixed‐valence ZnI/ZnIIto form the dimer {closo‐[Zn2Sn8]}2moieties bridged by a Zn‐Zn bond. Such Zn‐Sn cluster not only exhibits a novel example of mixed‐valence ZnI/ZnIIfor stabilizing highly active anion species, but also indicates the [Sn8]6−cluster can act as a novel bridging ligand, like arene, with a η4:η4‐fashion. Theoretical calculations indicate that a significant delocalization of electrons over Zn atoms plays a vital role in the stabilization of the [Sn8]6−species. The AdNDP and magnetic response analyses clearly showed the presence of local σ‐aromaticity in three cluster fragments: two ZnSn4caps and Sn8square antiprism.
Design and mechanism of controllable respiration polyamideamine‐epichlorohydrin modied sugarcane bagasse pith hemicellulose film
Authors: Guo Xin , Ma Zhiyu , Wang Haisong , Lv Yanna
Published: March 2021

The major challenge in hemicellulose blend films for food packaging is to overcome the inferior wet strength and hydrophilic properties of hemicellulose‐based films. Inspired by the principle of wet strength of paper, novel bio‐based packaging film with high barrier and strength properties was designed via bagasse pith hemicellulose as main substrate materials and polyamideamine‐epichlorohydrin (PAE) as strengthening agent. The chemical characterization showed that the mechanical and barrier properties of the blend films were found to be strongly dependent upon the amount of PAE added in the films. Compared with the film without PAE, the tensile strength of PAE‐containing film with optimal amount of 1% PAE increased by 100.25%, the water vapor permeability decreased by 23.25%, and the oxygen permeability decreased by 87.18%. The results showed that the new ester bond formed between PAE and hemicellulose caused the more excellent mechanical and barrier properties of films.
Study on char reinforcing of different inorganic fillers for expandable fire resistance silicone rubber
Authors: Yu Jiangjiang , Hong Ling , Qu Linlin
Published: March 2021

Sodium silicate monohydrate (NSH), glass frits (GF) and aluminum hydroxide (ATH) were incorporated into room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber (SR) as char reinforcing materials to improve the fire resistance of intumescent flame retardant silicone rubber. SR composites containing only intumescent flame retardant such as phosphorus nitrogen composite flame retardant (NH2‐C) and expandable graphite (EG) were used as comparison samples. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical burning test (UL‐94), flame resistance test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy tests, as well as volume variation and compression strength of char residues were used to discuss the effects of the above‐mentioned fillers on the fire resistance, char residue strength and char integrity of SR composites. The results showed that SR composite filled with only intumescent flame retardants EG and NH2‐C had excellent flame retardancy. After adding ATH, the char residue was relatively dense and had good compressive strength, but its thermal insulation performance was reduced. GF or NSH reduced the flame retardancy of SR composites, but it obviously played a role in binding combustion residues, forming new crystals and improving the stability of char residues.
Replication study of ADOS‐2 Toddler Module cut‐off scores for autism spectrum disorder classification
Authors: Hong Ji Su , Singh Vini , Kalb Luke , Ashkar Ahlam , Landa Rebecca
Published: March 2021

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS‐2) has been regarded as the gold standard assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While clinical validity of ADOS‐2 Modules 1–4 have been extensively studied, there has been very limited research examining the clinical validity of ADOS‐2 Toddler Module. The goal of this study was to examine alignment of the ADOS‐2 Toddler Module classification with clinicians' determination of ASD, with assessing cut‐off scores for diagnosing ASD in toddlers. A total of 412 toddlers ages 12–30 months who received ADOS‐2 Toddler Module as well as a best estimate clinical (BEC) diagnosis, were included in this study. ADOS‐2 Toddler Module cut‐off scores were determined using the appropriate algorithms (Algorithm 1 for toddlers aged 12–20 months and those aged 21–30 months with <5 words, Algorithm 2 for toddlers aged 21–30 months with 5 words or more). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess cut‐off scores that optimized sensitivity and specificity when compared against BEC diagnosis. The selected cut‐off scores were examined using frequency tables to compare ADOS‐2 classification against BEC diagnosis. For Algorithm 1, classification statistics were optimized at the cut‐off score of 12 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. For Algorithm 2, classification statistics were optimized at the cut‐off score of 10 with an AUC of 0.96. The ADOS‐2 Toddler Module classification is strongly aligned with BEC diagnosis. The optimal cut‐off scores identified in the current study reflect the same results configured by the prior study.

Lay Summary

ADOS‐2 Toddler Module has been widely used for the ASD assessment, but there have been limited research on its clinical validity. This study is the first replication of the ADOS‐2 Toddler Module with a large independent sample. We examined alignment of the ADOS‐2 Toddler Module classification with clinicians' determination of ASD, with assessing cut‐off scores, and confirmed the clinical validity of ADOS‐2 Toddler Module. Cut‐off scores of ADOS‐2 Toddler Module cited in the manual yielded best clinical utility for diagnosing ASD in toddlers.