bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Non-alcoholic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients and its Association with Age, BMI and Duration of Diabetes Mellitus- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tewari Ajoy , Tewari Vineeta , Tewari Jay
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Type 2 Diabetes share a bidirectional relationship. NAFLD can increase the severity of diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications. Ultrasonography, the most commonly used method of assessment of NAFLD in India, is associated with intra-operator variability and false positives. Transient elastography and Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) have emerged as one of the best modalities to screen NAFLD in people with diabetes. Aim: Screening for NAFLD in people with Type 2 Diabetes and its association with age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and duration of diabetes. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted on patients with known Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) who visited the study center between July 2019 and November 2019 for consultation. A total of 287 people with diabetes were subjected to FibroScan test and LSM was done. The other variables-age, gender, duration of diabetes, height, weight, BMI and HbA1c were recorded for all subjects and the collected data was correlated using Spearman rho test. Results: The study population included 61% males and 39% females. The mean age was 46.96 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.98 years. The mean Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value was 9.28%. The median value of LSM by M probe was 7.16. Out of the total, 78 (27.2%) were identified with advanced fibrosis with LSM >9.6. Advanced fibrosis was strongly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.820), age (r=0.562) and duration of diabetes (r=0.596) and moderately with BMI (r=0.375). Conclusion: The screening of people with type 2 diabetes for NAFLD using LSM revealed 27.2% subjects with advanced fibrosis, it correlated positively with age, BMI and duration of diabetes.
Invasive Aspergillosis of Right Maxillary Sinus with Orbital Extension in an Immunocompetent Individual
Authors: Daigavane Sachin , Prasad Madhumita , Beg Sana , Motwani Jigna
Published: May 2021

Secondary involvement of orbit in aspergillosis following paranasal sinus fungal infection is rare. A case of invasive aspergillosis of right maxillary sinus in a 31-year-old immunocompetent male patient was referred to Ophthalmology OPD with unilateral proptosis. Patient developed proptosis in right eye since six months, which was insidious in onset, progressive, not associated with painful movements. It showed regression since last one month. On examination, best corrected visual acuity was 6/12 in right eye with light projection accurate in all quadrants on presentation, with progressive diminution of vision over 15 days, normal colour vision, pupil was normal in size, reacting to light. Extraocular movements were reduced on lateral side. Left eye examination was within normal limit. Magnetic resonance imaging showed involvement of intra and extraconal compartment upto apex of orbit of right eye, pushing optic nerve medially, with erosion of lamina papyrecea. Intravenous amphotericin B was started and functional endoscopic sinus surgery with maxillary sinus debridement was done. Regular follow-up was kept to prevent the optic nerve involvement.
Interpretation of Variation in Corneal Parameters with Age using Pentacam: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nagpal Harvinder , Kaur Mandeep
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Previous equipments used to study cornea were mostly Placido based which could only analyse anterior surface of cornea, while Pentacam is based on elevation based imaging method that helps to study the curvature of cornea, its elevation and thickness profile more accurately. There are numerous studies published to study the thickness of cornea, this study outlines the importance of changes introduced in various corneal parameters with age which in itself is an important factor with possible positive correlation. Aim: To determine various corneal parameters and to interpret the variations in these with increasing age. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 60 healthy patients attending Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology from July 2019 to February 2020. Two sets of values were determined, studied and compared between different age groups. First set of values included, keratometry values in the flat (K1) and steep (K2) and maximal keratometry values of the front surface (Kmax). Second set of values included, Anterior Elevations (AE), Posterior Elevations (PE), PE minus AE from Best Fit Sphere of 8 mm (BFS) and PE from the Best-fit Toric Ellipsoid (BFTE), apex thickness (CCT), pachymetry at the thinnest-point thickness (TCT),average corneal Pachymetry Progression Indices (PPI avg) and average Ambrosio’s Relational Thickness indices (ART avg). Based on age, three groups were created with 20 participants in each, Group A with age 18 to 25 years, Group B with age between 26 and 40 years and Group C with age more than 40 years. Scanning of all study subjects was done using Pentacam. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation test were used for the statistical analysis. Results: The average age was 21±2.42 years in group A, 30.9±4.3 years in group B and 42.45±1.65 years in group C. When AE, PE and PE-AE values were compared among three age groups, results were highly significant with p-value <0.00001. Thus, the elevation indices from BFS were found to be correlated with age. On comparison of PPI average between group A and B, group B and C values were statistically insignificant (p-values 0.51 and 0.19, respectively).Though in comparison between Group A and C, average corneal PPI avg was found to be of statistical significance (p-value=0.048). Average ART indices (ART avg) was found to produce highly statistically significant results among 3 groups (p-value <0.00001). Conclusion: The corneal parameters are significantly altered from their normative values with age. This study outlines that elevations indices and avg ART values are significantly altered with increasing age.
Clinical Pattern and Management of Retroperitoneal Teratomas in a Tertiary Paediatric Centre: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tripathy Prasanta Kumar , Jena Pradeep Kumar , Pattnaik Kaumudee
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Retroperitoneal Teratomas (RPT) are rare germ cell tumours. Preoperative imaging features often overestimate the tumour size and may be misleading. Surgical exploration of RPT is a challenge because of enormous size and adherence to surrounding organs. The current knowledge on childhood RPT is limited due to rarity of these cases and limited number of studies. Aim: To analyse the demographic pattern, clinical profile and outcome of RPTs managed in a tertiary care paediatric hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on hospital records of the children between June 2013 and May 2020. The diagnosis was based on clinical, radiological, intraoperative findings and histopathology and data were collected for demographic pattern, clinical findings, pathological features and outcomes. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software. Fisher’s-exact test was used for comparison between various groups. Results: Out of 88 cases of intra-abdominal solid tumours operated during the study period, RPT was found in 16 cases (18.18%). A male preponderance was observed among RPT patients in comparison to other intra-abdominal solid tumours (p=0.26) and 12 patients (75%) were below five years of age. Complete excision of teratoma was performed in all cases. Benign mature teratoma was detected in 81% cases and immature teratoma in 18%. Additionally, two rare observations were made in the present study: (i) In one patient, the histology revealed; teratoma with papillary carcinoma of thyroid as malignant component and chemotherapy was advised; (ii) renal atrophy secondary to RPT was found in another patient. There was no mortality or tumour recurrence; as monitored by serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP). Conclusion: RPTs are uncommon childhood tumours, which usually present before five years of age. Complete excision is possible, without damage to surrounding organs, as they are mostly benign. But, finding of malignant component in the tumour warrants further chemotherapy.
Can Needle Bevel Tip Orientation Influence Pain Perception Associated with Intravitreal Injection?
Authors: Jha Rakesh Kumar , Seth Sankalp
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Reduction of pain perception associated with intravitreal injections is crucial factor for improving compliance of the patient to the planned subsequent injections. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate relation of pain perception with initial needle bevel tip orientation during intravitreal injection. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study conducted on 120 eyes of 120 patients at the single tertiary care centre between December 2017 to January 2020 , who never underwent any intravitreal injection and were planned for their first intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in either of their clinically indicated eye for conditions such as Neo-vascular Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), central Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) and macular oedema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). Fifty per cent (50%) of the patients received intravitreal injection with needle bevel tip oriented parallel to limbus margin and fifty per cent (50%) of patient received intravitreal injection with needle bevel tip oriented perpendicular to the limbus margin. The primary outcome was to compare the level of pain perception of the subject patients by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the immediate postprocedure period. Data collected in MS excel and analysed by using SPSS Version 24.0. Independent t-test was used for the comparison of the two groups. Chi-square test was used for the comparison of nominal variables of subject groups. Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between quantitative variables and pain scores. The p-values smaller than (<0.05) were considered as statistically significant. Results: Pain perception scores assessed on the VAS (0-100mm) ranged from 0.8 to 39, with a mean of 18.13±7.65. Significant correlation was found with two different mode of orientation of needle bevel tip. Patients perceived less pain with needle bevel tip oriented perpendicular to the limbus margin compared to parallel to limbus margin (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Pain perception associated with intravitreal injection can be further minimised by orientating the bevel needle tip as perpendicular to limbus margin while initiating the insertion of injection into the indicated eye.
Clinical Significance of DJ Stent Culture in Patients with Indwelling Ureteral Stents Prior to Endourological Intervention- A Single Centre Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Solanki Nimit , Dash Sharat Chandra , Handa Anoop , Singh Gagandeep , Mahajan Pooja , Khandelwal Sachin
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Ureteral Double J Stenting (DJS) is commonly done prior to endourological interventions for various indications. Aim: To compare Urine Culture (UC) with DJ Stent Culture (SC) in patients with indwelling ureteral stents prior to endourological intervention and to evaluate the clinical significance of SC with postendourological intervention sepsis. Materials and Methods: A prospective single centre observational study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India, from August 2017 to March 2019. A total of 100 patients underwent DJS prior to definitive endourological intervention. Patient's demographic profile was recorded along with preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative parameters. UC was also recorded at these intervals along with SC. The data was analysed and compared using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Intraoperative UC of 14 patients were colonised, SC was colonised in 11 patients. Six patients developed Urosepsis, Postoperative UC was colonised in four patients. The Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of intraoperative UC for detecting stent colonisation with identical pathogens were 63.64%, 92.13%, 50.00% and 95.35%, respectively. Patients with colonised intraoperative UC, SC cranial tip and SC caudal tip had sepsis rates of 28.6%, 50%, and 44.4%, respectively. The sensitivity and PPV of SC in predicting postoperative sepsis were low at 83.33% and 45.45%, respectively, whereas the specificity and NPV were high at 93.6% and 98.8%. A 15.8% of diabetic patients and 50% immunocompromised patients developed urosepsis. E.Coliwas the commonest isolated pathogen from UC and SC. On univariate logistic regression analysis, operative time, positive intraoperative UC, positive SC were associated with postintervention sepsis. While on multivariate analysis, none of these factors were associated with postendourological intervention sepsis. Conclusion: Performing routine SC may not be cost effective but could be recommended in cases at higher risk of developing postoperative urosepsis such as those with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or immunocompromised patients and those expected to take longer operative time.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis- A Survey on Practice Patterns and Perspectives of Indian Ophthalmologists
Authors: Chandranna Shwetha N , Balagopal Ratthiga , Achappa Santosh , Kumar Kaushal
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common chronic allergic condition mostly affecting children and their childhood. At present, the choice of medication varies greatly for the same severity of disease from one ophthalmologist to another. A standardised grading system and a comprehensive approach towards VKC including Quality of Life (QOL) assessment is the need of the hour. Aim: To learn the practice patterns and perspectives of Indian Ophthalmologists in the management of VKC and to propose strategies for the holistic approach. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was sent via Google form to 200 ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered in excel and analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. Results: Out of 200 ophthalmologists, 146 (73%) participated in the survey. Among the participants, 43.8% used combination therapy in the management of VKC and 68.5% resorted to steroid therapy in severe cases. Tacrolimus (0.03%) was the most preferred immunomodulator among 56% ophthalmologists and only 11% assessed QOL in the patients periodically. Conclusion: Majority (around 2/3rd) felt immunotherapy and vitamin D supplementation can be tried in the management of VKC and there was a consensus on administering a QOL questionnaire in all patients with VKC in future which would provide holistic care.
A study on Profile Characteristics of Agricultural Officers in State Department of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Kusumalatha D. V. , Gowda N. S. Shivalinge , Pankaja H. K. , Kavyashree C.
Published: May 2021

Extension systems in India have played immense role in delivering the services to the farmers there by increasing the agricultural productivity. Agricultural officers (AO’s) working in the State Department of Agriculture had greater responsibilities on them to convey recent advancements to the farmers. The profile characteristics of the AOs shows how well they are equipped and can plan the activities that befit the farmers. The study was conducted in southern zone of Andhra Pradesh by considering 90 respondents. Data collection was done by structured questionnaire and personal interview method. The results revealed that majority of AOs stands at medium category with respect to variables like achievement motivation, perceived workload, morale, job involvement and attitude towards farmers. Whereas, characters like mass media exposure, interpersonal contact and self-reliance were at high category showing us the characters that need to be improved and can be used to our advantage for extension services delivery. Personal characters like age, gender, marital status, family size and type, rural-urban background, education and health were also studied and gave us the information on present status of the AO’s.
Impact of Corporate Governance Mechanism in Mitigating Creative Accounting Practice of Listed Conglomerate Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Sani Abdulrahman Bala , Owoade Ruth Oluwayemisi
Published: May 2021

This study examined the impact of corporate governance mechanism in mitigating creative accounting practice of listed conglomerate companies in Nigeria. The study used Secondary data obtained from the company’s annual reports and accounts for the period 2013 to 2020. The population of the study includes six conglomerate companies listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange and the entire population was used for the study. The dependent variable creative accounting was measured using discretionary accruals as estimated by modified Jones model. The independent variable corporate governance mechanism was proxied by audit committee, board size, board independence, managerial ownership. Multiple regression technique was employed for the panel data analysis using Stata version 13 statistical tools. Findings of the study revealed that audit committee has negative significant impact on creative accounting practice. Managerial ownership has significant positive impact on creative accounting practice. Board size and board independence has no significant impact on creative accounting practice of listed conglomerate companies in Nigeria. The study concludes that good corporate governance have impact on creative accounting practice. Based on these findings, the study recommends that companies are to effectively apply good corporate governance mechanism. They should have an independent audit committee, so as to minimize creative accounting practice.
A Comprehensive Study of Kernel (Issues and Concepts) in Different Operating Systems
Authors: Malallah HayfaaSubhi , Zeebaree Subhi R. M. , Zebari Rizgar R. , Sadeeq Mohammed A. M. , Ageed Zainab Salih , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmood , Yasin Hajar Maseeh , Merceedi Karwan Jameel
Published: May 2021

Various operating systems (OS) with numerous functions and features have appeared over time. As a result, they know how each OS has been implemented guides users' decisions on configuring the OS on their machines. Consequently, a comparative study of different operating systems is needed to provide specifics on the same and variance in novel types of OS to address their flaws. This paper's center of attention is the visual operating system based on the OS features and their limitations and strengths by contrasting iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Linux, Android, and Windows 10 are more stable, more compatible, and more reliable operating systems. Linux, Android, and Windows are popular enough to become user-friendly, unlike other OSs, and make more application programs. The firewalls in Mac OS X and Windows 10 are built-in. The most popular platforms are Android and Windows, specifically the novelist versions. It is because they are low-cost, dependable, compatible, safe, and easy to use. Furthermore, modern developments in issues resulting from the advent of emerging technology and the growth of the cell phone introduced many features such as high-speed processors, massive memory, multitasking, high-resolution displays, functional telecommunication hardware, and so on.
The Lack of Interest of the Education Faculty’s Students in Teaching Evidence from Education Faculty Students, Shaikh Zayed University
Authors: Weyar Sayed Shah Gul , Darmal Hassan Khan
Published: May 2021

Education faculty graduate professional and skilled teachers; they could have a great impact on the overall education system. Because of some sort of reasons, the education faculty’s students don’t tend to work as a teacher, especially those students who secured high scores in the examinations. Due to the lack of interest of the professional teachers their spot is reserved by unskilled and unprofessional teachers, or we can say by the teachers who have poor academic qualifications. The devastated education system that we used in our country, would disable our students to receive a quality education. The lack of interest of the education faculty’s students has various reasons we need to figure it out and then find the best solution for it as much as possible. The data was collected through a group discussion with the respondents, and I used SPSS as analytical tool for this study. In the structured questionnaire asked 20 different question from 247 respondents about the research.
Chemical Peeling: Indications, Side-Effects and Outcome among Patients at a Private Clinic in Port Harcourt
Authors: Otike-Odibi Bolaji I. , Altraide Dasetima D.
Published: May 2021

Background: Chemical peeling is a technique that aims to achieve rejuvenation of the skin by application of chemical peels. The technique dates back to several decades, yet little is known about the indication, side-effects and outcome among a Nigerian population.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the type of chemical peels, their indication, side –effects and outcome among patients at a private dermatology clinic.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study, which employed a pro forma to obtain data required to attain the objectives. Data were obtained from all patients who underwent chemical peeling. Chi square and student t test were determined at a statistically significant level of 0.05.

Results: The study had a total of twenty-seven patients, comprising of 7 (25.9%) males, and 20 (74.1%) females, who underwent chemical peeling. Superficial chemical peel was the most dominant peel method (81.5%). Among the superficial peel, mandelic peel, salicylic peel and glycolic peel were commonly. Five of the patients (18.5%) received medium depth, and none (0%) received deep chemical peel. The most frequent indication among the patients in the study was Acne Vulgaris (55.6%), followed by Melasma (14.8%). The comparison of treatment outcome on clinical improvement by age, sex and category of chemical peel revealed no significant differences. Two of the patients reported side-effects (7.4%) namely skin dryness and hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion: Chemical peeling among Nigerian population has few side-effects and is effective. Acne is the most common indication for chemical peel. There is a need for further studies employing analytic study designs and involving a larger population.
Photodegradation Kinetics and Color Removal of 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo) Benzoic Acid by Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Karaman Yeliz , Baltaci Emine
Published: May 2021

Degradation kinetics and color removal of 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid azo dye by the hydrogen peroxide/ultraviolet irradiation and sodium hypochlorite/ultraviolet irradiation processes were carried out in Spectroline CM-10A Model ENF-260C/FE photoreactor which has ultraviolet lamps irradiating at 254 and 365 nm wavelengths. All experimental studies were performed at room temperature in 0.04 M Britton Robinson buffer (pH 2-12). For this purpose, the degradation kinetics of 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid was investigated depending on pH, initial dye concentration and hydrogen peroxide concentration. Optimum pH and hydrogen peroxide concentration were determined as pH 10 and 3.57x10-2 M, respectively, for 3.5x10-5 M 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid. Optimum pH value in 1.55x10-3 M sodium hypochlorite medium has been found as pH 8 for 3.5x10-5 M azo dye. These methods used for degradation of dye are compared, it is concluded that sodium hypochlorite/ultraviolet irradiation and sodium hypochlorite methods are more effective than hydrogen peroxide/ultraviolet irradiation and hydrogen peroxide methods because of color removal of 83% and 64%, respectively.
Correlates and Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity among Patients attending the Dermatological Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Region of Nigeria
Authors: Otike-Odibi Bolaji , Okeafor Chukwuma U. , Altraide Dasetima D.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Higher rates of psychiatric disorders have been reported among patients with dermatological lesions. These problems could negatively impact the quality of life of these patients.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the psychiatric morbidity among patients attending the dermatology clinic of University Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).  It also sought to assess the relationship between socio-demographic factors and presence of psychiatric morbidity.

Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design, involving ninety patients consecutively recruited from the dermatology clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Consenting patients filled the study questionnaire which was inclusive of a socio-demographic questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). A GHQ score of ≥3 was considered as having psychiatric morbidity. Statistical analysis was performed at a statistical significance level of 0.05.

Results: The mean age (±Standard deviation) of the patients was 32.3(±13.2) years. The study had a male to female ratio of 1:2.2. Psychiatric morbidity was noticed in 34 patients giving a prevalence rate of 37.8%. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was higher among females (40.3%) in comparison to males (32.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.459). Age (P=0.840) and duration of dermatological disorder (P=0.211) showed no significant relationship with psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusion: This study has shown that psychiatric conditions are common among patients with dermatological lesions. Hence it is necessary that mental health care is considered in the routine management of these patients.
Awareness of Retinopathy among Sickle Cell Patients
Authors: Alruwaili Shahad , Aleliwi Yasser , Mahfud Shahd Al , Alshehri Mohammad , Ghathber Hamad Al , Alamri Abdullah
Published: May 2021

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a haemoglobinopathy that is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Retinopathy is a complication of SCD, which varies from mild peripheral retinopathy to severe proliferative retinopathy that can cause loss of vision.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2020 to January 2021 aiming to determine the knowledge of retinopathy among patients with sickle cell disease using a validated self-administered questionnaire.

Result: A total of 166 respondents completed the questionnaire. Females constituted the majority of participants (62.7%). The age group 31–40 years consitituted 28.3% and were associated with higher knowledge scores. The average knowledge score was also significantly higher in respondents from the Eastern region (B = 1.82, P < 0.05) compared to respondents from Riyadh. The main reason for not having an eye check was the perceived lack of importance of visits among 56.8%.

Conclusion: Sickle cell disease patients are prone to complications such as retinopathy which can be detected by frequent follow-up. Almost half of the studied sample showed above average knowledge of retinopathies related to sickle cell disease.
Impact of Natural Products on Developing New Treatments for Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19): Review
Authors: Saddiq Amna A. , Danial Enas N. , Saraf Iman  A.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is dominatingly considered as an unavoidable pandemic, and researchers are exceptionally inquisitive about how to give the best assurance to people in general before an immunization can be made accessible. Normal items have consistently assumed an essential part in drug advancement measure against different illnesses, which brought about screening of such specialists to battle emanant freaks of infections. Contingent upon the construction, component of activity and hazard elements of Covid-19, this audit centers around those normal mixtures that showed promising outcomes against Corona infections. Although restraint of viral replication is frequently considered as an overall component for antiviral action of many of the characteristic items, contemplates have shown that some regular items can connect with key viral proteins that are related with destructiveness. Supplementation of natural products might be a affect to reduce risk through different mechanisms.

In this unique circumstance, a portion of the regular items have antiviral action in the nanomolar fixation and could be leads for additional medication advancement all alone or as a format for drug plan. Also, a decent number of normal items with against Covid action are the significant constituents of some regular dietary enhancements, which can be abused to improve the resistance of everyone in specific scourges The candidate compounds identified by us may help to speed up the drug development against COVID-19.
Demographic impact of landfill closure on a resident opportunistic gull
Authors: Delgado Sergio , Herrero Alfredo , Galarza Aitor , Aldalur Asier , Zorrozua Nere , Arizaga Juan
Published: May 2021

The management of mixed municipal waste can have an impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Previous studies have investigated how opportunistic species like gulls can react very fast to new landfills; however, the impact of landfill closure on bird populations is less investigated. Yet, there is a need to understand how fast and to what extent, animal populations can be adapted to new scenarios where the waste will not be deposited in landfill sites anymore. The aim is to determine the influence of landfill closures on apparent survival of a resident Yellow‐legged Gull (Larus michahellis) population, used as a model species showing short‐distance foraging movements, and with a high dependence on local food subsidies. Complementarily, we built some basic population growth models in order to determine how potential changes in survival (before/after landfill closure) will impact on population growth rate. Using a data set of 4,437 Yellow‐legged Gull chicks ringed in four colonies over a period of 13 years, we obtained evidence supporting that the apparent survival was affected by landfill closure, especially if the landfill was located within a buffer of 10 km around the colony. Landfill closure affected the survival of first‐year gulls (with a mean decrease of ~ 0.5–0.36), but not of older birds. Consequently, we did not detect a remarkable effect of landfill closures on population growth rate, probably due to the lack of effect on adult survival rates except for one of the surveyed colonies, where we found an annual decline of 7%.
Establishing the Preferential Adsorption of Anion‐Dominated Solvation Structures in the Electrolytes for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiao Dengji , Li Qian , Luo Dan , Gao Rui , Li Zhaoqiang , Feng Ming , Or Tyler , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: May 2021

The practical application of Li metal batteries (LMBs) is severely hindered by the unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI). In this work, it is revealed that the unstable SEI mainly originates from the kinetic instability of Li+‐solvation structures in the electrolyte which can result in continuous electrolyte decomposition and nonuniform Li deposition. To address this issue, preferential adsorption of anion‐dominated solvation complexes (A‐Coms) are established by integrating preferentially adsorbed anions (NO3− and Li2S8) into the Li+‐solvation structures. In these structures, the locations of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level shift from solvents to anions, rendering a relieved electrolyte decomposition and an anion‐derived SEI formation. Meanwhile, the anions in the A‐coms preferentially adsorb on the Li metal surfaces due to their stronger chemisorption capability toward lithium metal anodes (LMAs) compared to the solvent molecules, effectively shielding solvent molecules from parasitic reaction with LMAs. Furthermore, the anion‐derived SEI exhibits high Li‐ion conductivity and low Li atom adhesion energy, which can facilitate uniform Li deposition. Consequently, this electrolyte can enable a high Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency of 98.5% over 500 cycles and a stable cycling under realistic testing conditions with a high‐energy‐density of 310 W h kg−1 based on a full cell configuration.
Design and Engineering of Amyloid Aggregation‐Prone Fragments and Their Antimicrobial Conjugates with Multi‐Target Functionality
Authors: Zhang Yanxian , Tang Yijing , Liu Yonglan , Zhang Dong , Zheng Jie
Published: May 2021

Amyloid aggregation and microbial infection are considered major risk factors for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in protein misfolding diseases (PMDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, current amyloid inhibitors are mostly limited to single‐target prevention strategies against specific amyloid proteins or pathogenic microbes, leading to no success for clinical cures of PMDs. Here, a step‐by‐step strategy to design new, multi‐target amyloid aggregation‐prone fragments (APFs) and their APFs antimicrobial agent conjugates is proposed, capable of achieving the stepwise improved multifunctionality of amyloid inhibition, antimicrobial activity, and amyloid imaging. The two APFs of KLVFF from Aβ (associated with AD) and FGAIL from hIAPP (associated with T2D) with β‐structure‐forming property are selected and used as building block to construct a hybrid KLVFFGAIL peptide (K9) and a K9‐AMC (7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin) fluorescence conjugate, both of which have demonstrated the improved, multiple‐target, sequence‐independent functions to inhibit the aggregation of both Aβ and hIAPP, reduce both Aβ‐ and hIAPP‐induced cell toxicity, prevent different microbial growth, and introduce fluorescence images for amyloid fibrils. The sequence‐independent amyloid inhibition function of K9 and K9‐AMC mainly stems from their cross‐interactions with amyloid proteins via β‐structure and aromatic interactions. This work provides a proof‐of‐concept example to not only explore a new family of APFs as antimicrobial and anti‐amyloid drugs for the therapeutic potential of PMDs, but also better understand the pathological links between protein aggregation and microbial infection in PMDs along the gut–brain axis.
Drug Release Kinetics from Nondegradable Hydrophobic Polymers Can Be Modulated and Predicted by the Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Qian Jian , Berkland Cory
Published: May 2021

Controlling drug release kinetics within a desired therapeutic window is the central task when designing polymeric drug delivery systems. Complex polymer chemistries have often been explored to control water penetration, polymer degradation rate, or the mesh network size of delivery systems. Here, a simple parameter for controlling the release rate and duration of nondegradable hydrophobic polymers is discovered. A systematic study involving 59 polymers and multiple drugs demonstrates that the glass transition temperature, Tg, is a critical factor that dictates drug release kinetics from nondegradable hydrophobic polymers. Drug release rate exhibits a unique and simple linear correlation of (T − Tg)0.5 despite variability of polymer structure and type. An empirical model established based on the special correlation can accurately simulate and predict drug release kinetics from polymers saving substantial time typically required to test long‐acting drug delivery systems.
Expansion Microscopy with Multifunctional Polymer Dots
Authors: Liu Jie , Fang Xiaofeng , Liu Zhihe , Li Rongqin , Yang Yicheng , Sun Yujie , Zhao Zhongying , Wu Changfeng
Published: May 2021

Expansion microscopy (ExM) provides nanoscale resolution on conventional microscopes via physically enlarging specimens with swellable polyelectrolyte gels. However, challenges involving fluorophore degradation and dilution during sample expansion have yet to be overcome. Herein, sequential cellular targeting, gel anchoring, and high‐fidelity fluorescence reported using multifunctional polymer dots (Pdots) designed for ExM applications are demonstrated. The impressive brightness of the Pdots facilitates multicolor ExM, thereby enabling visualization of a variety of subcellular structures and neuron synapses. The average fluorescence intensities of Pdots in ExM range from ≈3 to 6 times higher than those achieved using commercially available Alexa dyes. Moreover, the fluorescence brightness and optical fluctuation are significantly improved by a surfactant‐containing expansion buffer, which enables further resolution enhancement via super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI). The combination of ExM and SOFI allows subcellular structures of ≈30 nm to be resolved by conventional microscopes. These results highlight the immense potential of multifunctional Pdots for ExM‐enhanced super‐resolution imaging.
Hydroplastic Micromolding of 2D Sheets
Authors: Guo Fan , Wang Yue , Jiang Yanqiu , Li Zeshen , Xu Zhen , Zhao Xiaoli , Guo Tingbiao , Jiang Wei , Gao Chao
Published: May 2021

Processing 2D sheets into desired structures with high precision is of great importance for fabrication and application of their assemblies. Solution processing of 2D sheets from dilute dispersions is a commonly used method but offers limited control over feature size precision owing to the extreme volume shrinkage. Plastic processing from the solid state is therefore a preferable approach to achieve high precision. However, plastic processing is intrinsically hampered by strong interlayer interactions of the 2D sheet solids. Here, a hydroplastic molding method to shape layered solids of 2D sheets with micrometer‐scale precision under ambient conditions is reported. The dried 2D layered solids are plasticized by intercalated solvents, affording plastic near‐solid compounds that enable local plastic deformation. Such an intercalated solvent‐induced hydroplasticity is found in a broad family of 2D materials, for example graphene, MoS2, and MXene. The hydroplastic molding enables fabrication of complex spatial structures (knurling, origami) and microimprinted tubular structures down to diameters of 390 nm with good fidelity. The method enhances the structural accuracy and enriches the structural diversity of 2D macroassemblies, thus providing a feasible strategy to tune their electrical, optical, and other functional properties.
An Oligonucleotide‐Distortion‐Responsive Organic Transistor for Platinum‐Drug‐Induced DNA‐Damage Detection
Authors: Ye Dekai , Wang Juan , Shen Hongguang , Feng Xinping , Xiang Lanyi , Jin Wenlong , Zhao Wenrui , Ding Jiamin , He Zihan , Zou Ye , Meng Qing , Cui Wei , Zhang Fengjiao , Di Chong‐an , Fan Chunhai , Zhu Daoben
Published: May 2021

Organic transistor with DNA‐damage evaluation ability can open up novel opportunities for bioelectronic devices. Even though trace amounts of drugs can cause cumulative gene damage in vivo, the extremely low occurrence proportion makes them hardly transduced into detectable electric signals. Here, an ultrasensitive DNA‐damage sensor based on an oligonucleotide‐distortion‐responsive organic transistor (DROT) is reported by creating controllable conformation change of double‐stranded DNA on the surface of organic semiconductors. In combination with interfacial charge redistribution and efficient signal amplification, the DROT provides an ultrasensitive single‐site DNA‐damage response with 20.5 s even upon 1 × 10−12 m cisplatin. The high generalizability of this DROT to three generations of classical platinum drugs and gene‐relevant DNA damage is demonstrated. A biochip is further designed for intelligent damage analysis in complex environments, which holds the potential for high‐throughput biotoxicity evaluation and drug screening in the future.
Flexible and Printed Organic Nonvolatile Memory Transistor with Bilayer Polymer Dielectrics
Authors: Kim Woojo , Kwon Jimin , Takeda Yasunori , Sekine Tomohito , Tokito Shizuo , Jung Sungjune
Published: May 2021

In this study, printed organic nonvolatile memory thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with phase‐separated tunneling layer is presented. Finely patterned electrodes are fabricated by reverse‐offset printing with 15 μm line width and 10 μm channel length. Memory devices are configured in a bottom‐gate bottom‐contact TFT structure with a high‐k gate blocking insulator poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene). A blended ink, which consisted of a small‐molecule p‐type organic semiconductor dithieno[2,3‐d;2′,3′‐d′]benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene and a polystyrene dielectric, is fabricated using air‐pulse nozzle printing. The tunneling layer is formed during the active layer printing process with the blended ink by phase separation of small‐molecule and polymer. The printed memory TFTs with the phase‐separated tunneling layer exhibit significantly improved VTH shifts (≈3 times), programmed/erased current ratio (>103 A A−1), switching speed (<100 ms), and estimated data retention (>10 years). This memory device can be applied to wearable electronics, smart Internet‐of‐Things devices, and neuromorphic computing devices.
Materials and Fabrication Strategies for Biocompatible and Biodegradable Conductive Polymer Composites toward Bio‐Integrated Electronic Systems
Authors: Han Won Bae , Yang Seung Min , Rajaram Kaveti , Hwang Suk‐Won
Published: May 2021

Biocompatible and biodegradable polymer composite systems equipped with electrical/mechanical functions have been researched as a tool that can be applicable for bio‐integrated electronics to obtain a variety of useful information, through formation of reliable interfaces with soft, non‐planar skin and organs in the human body. Although previous review articles have explored various types of organic materials (natural/synthetic polymers), including intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) as constituent materials for such composites, there has been a lack of consideration of inorganic materials, which may narrow the scope of material options for diverse electrical/functional properties. Indeed, biocompatible and/or biodegradable inorganic elements exhibit high electrical conductivity, various morphologies for effective percolation networks, cytocompatibility, soft mechanical characteristics compared to ICPs, and many functions such as magnetism, photoluminescence, and electrochemical reactivity. This review introduces recent advances in biologically safe and biodegradable conductive polymer composites, including materials selection, relevant fabrication strategies, and various potential applications, aimed at revealing the potential applicability of inorganic elements in conductive composites, which has not been discussed in other reviews. Finally, it concludes with remarks on key issues and challenges to overcome corrosion and oxidation issues of inorganic metals and to improve the electrical performance of composite systems.
Rapid Growth of Monolayer MoSe2 Films for Large‐Area Electronics
Authors: Zhang Danzhen , Wen Chengyu , Mcclimon John Brandon , Masih Das Paul , Zhang Qicheng , Leone Grace A. , Mandyam Srinivas V. , Drndić Marija , Johnson Alan T. Charlie , Zhao Meng‐Qiang
Published: May 2021

The large‐scale growth of semiconducting thin films on insulating substrates enables batch fabrication of atomically thin electronic and optoelectronic devices and circuits without film transfer. Here an efficient method to achieve rapid growth of large‐area monolayer MoSe2 films based on spin coating of Mo precursor and assisted by NaCl is reported. Uniform monolayer MoSe2 films up to a few inches in size are obtained within a short growth time of 5 min. The as‐grown monolayer MoSe2 films are of high quality with large grain size (up to 120 µm). Arrays of field‐effect transistors are fabricated from the MoSe2 films through a photolithographic process; the devices exhibit high carrier mobility of ≈27.6 cm2 V–1 s–1 and on/off ratios of ≈105. The findings provide insight into the batch production of uniform thin transition metal dichalcogenide films and promote their large‐scale applications.
PEDOT:Tosylate‐Polyamine‐Based Organic Electrochemical Transistors for High‐Performance Bioelectronics
Authors: Fenoy Gonzalo E. , von Bilderling Catalina , Knoll Wolfgang , Azzaroni Omar , Marmisollé Waldemar A.
Published: May 2021

The construction of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):tosylate and polyallylamine hydrochloride composites as conducting channel material is presented. The regulation of the polyelectrolyte‐to‐conducting polymer proportion allows one to easily tune both electronic and ionic characteristics of the transistors, yielding devices with low threshold voltages while preserving high transconductance, which is an essential requisite for the effective integration of OECTs with biological systems. Also, the incorporation of the polyelectrolyte enhances the transient response of the OECTs during the ON/OFF switching, probably due to improved ion transport. Furthermore, the integration of pH‐sensitive amino moieties not only improves the pH response of the transistors but also allows for the non‐denaturing electrostatic anchoring of functional enzymes. As a proof‐of‐concept, acetylcholinesterase is electrostatically immobilized by taking advantage of the NH2 moieties, and the OECTs‐based sensors are able to successfully monitor the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the range 5–125 µm.
High‐Performance Voice Recognition Based on Piezoelectric Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers
Authors: Shao Hao , Wang Hongxia , Cao Yuying , Ding Xiang , Fang Jian , Wang Wenyu , Jin Xin , Peng Lu , Zhang Daquan , Lin Tong
Published: May 2021

Acoustic sensors show a wide application in diverse fields. However, it is still a challenge to develop highly sensitive transducing materials for the detection of low‐to‐middle decibel sounds. Herein, for the first time the remarkable property of an acoustic sensor based on electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers in the recognition of human voices is reported. The nanofiber device shows a sensitivity as high as 23 401 mV P−1 to 70 dB sound, which is much higher than most of the acoustic sensors reported in the literature. First the sounds from different musical instruments are used as a standard sound source to show the high accuracy of the nanofiber device to distinguish different sounds, e.g., from both the same and different instruments, and then people's voices are tested. Experimental results show that the device can distinguish people's voices with high resolution and the influence of background noise on speech recognition is very small. The acoustic sensor is stable and can be used in sound detection for a long time. Electrospun PAN membranes may be useful for the development of voice recognition systems for security, environmental protection, scientific research, and other high‐tech applications.