bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regards croisés de jeunes trans et de leurs parents sur la transition médicale au Canada : quel impact sur l’épanouissement des jeunes?
Authors: Gelly Morgane Audrey , Pullen Sansfaçon Annie
Published: March 2022

The past decade has witnessed significant change in medical care for trans youth. A well-established

pathologizing approach focused on asserting a young person’s assigned gender has been challenged by

a growing number of experts who favour a model that supports gender exploration (e.g., by providing

access to hormonal treatments and puberty blockers). Based on interviews with 36 parent-youth dyads

(72 interviews in total), this article explores the expectations and impacts associated with medical

transition. On the one hand, the interview data show that young people and their parents agree that

access to trans-affirmative medical care has a positive impact on youth development. Specifically, it is

seen to reduce suffering associated with gender dysphoria, while promoting both self-recognition and

intersubjectivity. On the other hand, the interview data highlight the extent to which available health

care pathways (often based on a binary approach) have failed to keep pace with the expectations and

concerns of youth and their parents. Our article therefore emphasizes the importance of offering transaffirmative

care adapted to the needs of youth seeking to transition.
Cultura digital, mídias móveis e metodologias ativas
Authors: Bakalarczyk Corrêa Maiara Lenine , Boll Cintia Inês , Finimundi Nobile Marcia
Published: March 2022

Pensar a sala de aula para a formação crítica e cidadã dos estudantes passa por considerar o contexto sociocultural que os atores da educação estão inseridos e refletir sobre práticas de ensino que se alinhem com estes objetivos de ensino. Este artigo constrói-se na reflexão e nas discussões sobre o contexto de cultura digital e a utilização de mídias móveis e metodologias ativas enquanto perspectiva pedagógica na educação básica, por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de natureza básica e de procedimento bibliográfico, apoiando-se em Pierre Lévy para considerar a cultura digital, José Moran para expandir as noções sobre metodologias ativas, Jean Piaget para relacionar processos de abstração com aprendizagem, a partir dos quais se entrelaçam outros autores e estudos. A partir disso, observa-se a relevância de utilizar variadas metodologias de ensino, incluindo as ativas, no caminho para uma formação mais autônoma e participativa do aluno. Para isso, deve-se considerar o contexto de cultura digital, mesmo diante de obstáculos que são colocados às escolas e aos professores, visando promover aprendizagens para a atuação cidadã relacionada à realidade dos estudantes no tempo-espaço que ocupam. Além disso, entende-se que a educação se entremeia com a vida dos estudantes e isso requer fazer a sala de aula mais conectiva (não apenas no sentido tecnológico ou virtual), de modo a valorizar a pluralidade de vozes e de sentidos que ocupam esse e tantos outros espaços.
Produção científica sobre a prática do Qigong em contexto escolar
Authors: Gasparotto Guilherme da Silva , Navarro Rodrigo Tramutolo
Published: March 2022

Algumas práticas tradicionais orientais já demonstraram evidências relevantes no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento de aspectos relacionados ao bem-estar e à saúde de diversas populações. Entretanto, a relação com aspectos educacionais não está clara. O Qigong é uma prática corporal oriental tradicional com efeitos positivos sobre fatores psicológicos, emocionais, afetivos, físicos, fatores estes que podem impactar no desenvolvimento escolar. Apesar de alguns estudos relatarem a prática de Qigong em contexto escolar, não se observa uma sistematização dos achados e sobre quais desfechos a prática pode atuar. Diante disso, o objetivo dessa revisão de escopo é demonstrar o quanto é explorada a prática de Qigong em contexto escolar, de que forma se apresentam as intervenções e quais os principais resultados relacionados a desfechos educacionais. Para tal, foram selecionadas as bases Eric/Thesaurus, PubMed/Mediline, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde/BVS e ASP/Ebsco. Para a identificação dos artigos nas bases de dados, foram elencados os descritores “Schools”; “Schools of Education”; “Education”; “Learning”; “Academic Achievement”; “Academic Education”; “Academic Performance”. Estes foram identificados entre os MeshTerms (Pubmed) e Thesaurus (Eric) e na plataforma Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS) da BVS. Além dos descritores, para a busca relacionada ao fator de exposição, foram utilizadas as palavras “Qigong”, “Chi Kung” ou “Tai Chi”. A amostra final foi composta por oito estudos que apresentaram resultados de diferentes protocolos de intervenções com Qigong sobre fatores como estresse, atenção, bem-estar, angústia, excesso de uso de computador, depressão, comportamento social e notas de estudantes crianças e adolescentes.
Production, Assessment, and Safety Aspect of Weaning Food from Sorghum, Crayfish and Garden Eggs
Authors: Olukoya F. O. , Iwanegbe I. , Obaroakpo J. U.
Published: March 2022

Aim: This study examined the production, assessment, and safety aspects of weaning food from sorghum, crayfish, and garden eggs.

Methodology: Sorghum was fermented, garden egg and crayfish were cleaned and processed into flours and further formulated into blends. Five formulations were produced through response  surface methodology. Laboratory analyses were carried out, lipid and hematological studies of thirty five Wistar rat fed with commercial and formulated diets were done, other parameters include; growth rate, feed intake and bodyweight. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in randomized block to test significant variations (P<0.05) among mean values obtained.

Results: The results showed that moisture content observed in the diets was very low. The lowest moisture content was observed in diet O (10.41%), the highest protein was from diet L (26.35%). The highest ash content was observed in diet L (5.35%). Diet L (8.82%) had the highest fat content. The highest calcium content was found in diet L (26591.10 mg/kg). Next were A (26158.86 mg/kg), M (23405.84 mg/kg), I (16291.12 mg/kg), O (13298.34 mg/kg), and F (6011.12 mg/kg). Diet A (103.40 mg/kg) had the highest iron content.  Next were M (91.69 mg/kg), L (89.74 mg/kg), O (77.66 mg/kg), I (77.07 mg/kg), and X (28.19 mg/kg). The lowest low density lipoprotein (LDL) was observed in rats fed diet M (14.0 mg/dl). Next were rats fed diets L (16.0 mg/dl), S (17.50 mg/dl) and O (24.0 mg/dl). The bodyweight of the rats at day 0 ranges between 32.10-33.85g, at day 4 (39.60-47.90 g), at day 8 (38.85 – 52.75 g), at day 12 (38.70 -54.35 g), at day 16 (41.80-74.25 g), at day 20 (46.30 -84.85 g), at day 24 (47.85 -86.35 g), and at day 28 (50.15 -90.35 g). The highest white blood cell (WBC) counts were diets M, and O with the same values (10.0X109/L), next was A and S with the same values (9.0x108/L), L (8.0x108/L), I (7.0x108/L) and X (4.0x108/L) in that same decreasing order. The highest PCV count was diet I (43%).  Next were A (42 %), O (41%), M (40%), L (39%), X (38%), and S (37%).

Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed that the use of sorghum, crayfish, and garden eggs (vegetable) at a combination of 60: 30:10 respectively, could improve optimal health and growth in children between 6-23 months in Nigeria.
The Legal Nuances of Traditional Knowledge Protection under the IPR Regime: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Vinjamuri Lakshmi Priya , Bahuguna Rajesh
Published: March 2022

The protection for indigenous traditional knowledge in the Indian context is very crucial in the eye of the various infringements and challenges. In the Indian context the need to safeguard the traditional knowledge inclusive of the various traditional and indigenous practices contributing to the protection of the environment and the simultaneous protection of medicinal plants is two-fold. It involves the creation of a traditional knowledge bank that emphasizes on the use of plants in health care and identification of the medicinal plants. This includes also outlining their distributions and assessing their abundance so as to create a repository that can be beneficially accessed and protected under the IPR regime. The protection of the traditional and indigenous tribal knowledge through the various provisions of the Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) and the Nagoya protocol also aim to conserve populations of medicinal plant species in natural habitats and populations of medicinal plant species ex situ thereby building public support for the conservation of medicinal plants through communication and cooperation. The paper is an attempt to critically analyze the implementation of the available legislations and international protocols signed, the legal nuances in the direction of the protection of traditional knowledge under the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime in the Indian context and the effective measures that could be enforced and practiced to make the protection fruitful besides  highlighting the challenges of the lack of awareness about medicinal plants and widespread deforestation of areas rich in biodiversity that pose an enormous threat. It is pertinent to mention here that in particular, many medicinal plants now stand on the brink of extinction because of development in tribal areas that have historically provided most of these precious resources.
Shelf Life of Combination Nori Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma spinosum with Alumunium Foil Packaging Based on the Accelerated Shelf Life Test Method
Authors: Nugraha M. Iqbal Shidiq , Afrianto Eddy , Liviawaty Evi , Pratama Rusky Intan , Rochima Emma
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research was to determine the shelf life of Combination Nori Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma spinosum with the Accelerated Shelf Life Test (ASLT) method Arrhenius Model using Alumunium Foil packaging. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Fisheries Product Processing, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University from October to November 2020. Sargassum sp. is a genus of brown algae (Phaeophyta) used as in the food industry and non-food industry. Sargassum sp. cannot form nori sushi sheets because it lack carageenan. Eucheuma spinosum is a genus of red algae (Rhodophyta) used to complement the lack of carageenan in Sargassum sp. Alumunium foil is a metalized plastic package composed of hermetic, flexible and opaque metal that has high protection againts light, water vapor and gas. The determination of the shelf life of the ASLT method is carried out using parameters of environmental conditions that can accelerate the product quality degradation by storing the product at high risk temperature. The observation used in determining the shelf life of Combination Nori Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma spinosum is a sensory test and water content test with 35 days in the storage at a temperature of 25oC and 35oC. The calculation results of the Arrhenius model used texture parameter as critical parameters that had the lowest Activation energy (Ea) in determining the shelf life of combination nori which packaged with alumunium foil. The results showed the value of texture parameters based on the order 0 reaction with the Arrhenius plot Ln K = -2.8019, 1/T = 97.596 and Ea = 193.92. The shelf life of combination nori Sargassum sp. and Eucheuma spinosum that stored at room temperature (25oC) was around 137 days.
Influence of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage on Case Fatality Risk
Authors: Raham Tareef Fadhil
Published: March 2022

Background: It is well known that COVID-19 vaccines demonstrate higher efficacy against mortality than mild acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The estimation of the proportion of mortalities among morbidities is a measure of the case fatality risk (CFR). To date, few studies have estimated the real-world CFR in relation to COVID-19 vaccination coverage. This study aims to evaluate the change in CFR estimates among different countries following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, and to identify the threshold dose of vaccines that changed the CFR as early as April 3, 2021. Furthermore, this study sheds light on the influence of COVID-19 vaccinations on the attack rate (AR), death rate, and, ultimately, CFR.

Material and Methods: We collected publicly available data concerning all countries and territories that implemented COVID-19 vaccination at least for 100 days, with an end date of April 3, 2021. In total, we found 16 countries and territories. The CFR was measured as the number of deaths per 100 COVID-19 confirmed cases, while vaccine coverage was defined as the number of doses of vaccine per 100 people in the total population.

We performed descriptive data analyses, including the mean value, standard deviation, and graphical presentation, using bar charts. Performed inferential data analyses included the one-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test and general linear model procedure (GLM).

Results: Our findings showed a significantly associated decrease in the mean CFR in countries with > 18 COVID-19 vaccine doses per 100 inhabitants. We found a decrease from 1.88 % to 1.45 % with a (p-value =0.03), indicating a decrease in the proportion of total deaths to total cases. There was a decrease in the 95% confidence interval from 0.742-3.006 to 0. 718-2.179. The decrease in CFR was greater among the total deaths than total cases. 

Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination was found to decrease the COVID-19- CFR.

Recommendations: Post-interventional CFR monitoring may constitute a parameter for measuring vaccination effectiveness and progress of the current pandemic or future pandemics. Furthermore, post-interventional CFR estimates can be used as a parameter for assessment effectiveness of interventions e.g.  COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness.
Post-harvest System and Quality of Cocoa Beans in the Southern Region of Cameroon
Authors: Saïdou C. , Tchemtchoua E. , Mahama A. , Mohammadou B. A. , Abolo D. , Ali A. , Njintang N. N.
Published: March 2022

Aims: Multiple rejections of Cameroonian cocoa at the level of the international market proved that commercial cocoa produced in this country still has an unstable quality. In view to contribute to the improvement of the quality of this product, an investigation was made on the post-harvest treatments.

Methodology: An inquiry form on the techniques of post-harvest treatments was effectuated in two cocoa production zones, notably Biwong Bulu and Mvangang subdivisions in the southern region of Cameroon. The fermented and dried beans were collected from farmers and their physicochemical characteristics were evaluated for their quality.

Results: The results obtained show that the producers, made up on an average of 90% men, of which 38.3%, were elderly (> 50 years old) and were not affiliated to a cooperative, thus lacking knowledge of the quality criteria of commercial cocoa; as a consequence, the post-harvest cocoa processing method is not well respected. Only 41.8% of the producers respected the order of the different unit operations of post-harvest treatment. There were four types of fermentation mode (box, banana leaves, tarpaulin and plastic bags) and three types of drying mode (hurdle, tarpaulin and soil). The different treatment modes significantly influenced the quality of the cocoa beans and thus, the morphological and physicochemical properties of the different samples. Large cocoa beans are obtained through fermentation in cascading crates (V = 1030 ± 50.90 mm3) and drying on raised trays (V = 1310 ± 77.36 mm3), which is the material that allowed to quickly reach a moisture content conform (6.82 ± 0.91%) to cocoa of commercial quality.

Conclusion: The system of post-harvest treatment in the southern region of Cameroon was not respected as recommended. Sensitization and training farmers are necessary for the success of cocoa production in this region, particularly for these two subdivisions.
Principal Component Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)
Authors: Reni Y. Pushpa , Ramana M. V. , Rajesh A. Prasanna , Madhavi G. Bindhu , Prakash K. Kiran
Published: March 2022

The study consists of fifty-nine blackgram genotypes, which were evaluated for fourteen quantitative and qualitative traits. In order to determine the relationship and diversity among the blackgram genotypes taken for study. A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh state during Kharif, 2019. Principal component analysis for various yield-contributing traits was done to evaluate diversity and some quantitative and qualitative traits that had more effects on diversity. PCA results revealed that four of the five principal components had eigen values greater than one. The first five components obtained from principal component analysis (PC 1 to 5) accounted for about 76.73% of the total variation for fourteen quantitative and qualitative traits. Out of total principal components, PC 1, PC 2, PC 3, PC 4 and PC 5 were retained with values of 35.42%, 14.85%, 11.14%, 8.75% and 6.56%, respectively. The results of 2D and 3D scatter diagrams revealed LBG 904, LBG 752 and TU 94-2 genotypes to be the most diverse. Utilizing these diverse genotypes as parents in hybridization suggests obtaining desirable transgressive segregants towards the development of high yields with nutritional quality. The clustering of blackgram genotypes based on the yield and quality-attributing traits would be helpful in identifying the appropriate genotypes for effective utilisation in upcoming breeding programmes. The outcomes of principal component analysis revealed that wide genetic variability occurs between these blackgram genotypes and proposed their potential value in blackgram yield and quality improvement.
The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Fascia Iliaca Plane Block after Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Elrefaey Eman A. , Abosabaa Motaz M. , Elshmaa Nagat S. , H. El Badawi Abdelaziz
Published: March 2022

Hip fractures are a persistent health problem especially post-operative with morbidity disability and mortality. The fascia iliaca nerve block (also called the fascia iliaca compartment nerve block) is considered an alternative to a femoral nerve or a lumbar plexus nerve block.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca plane block after hip arthroplasty.

The Primary Outcome: average postoperative VAS pain scores.

Secondary Outcome: Time to first analgesic request; Postoperative analgesic consumption; Overall patient satisfaction with analgesia; Any adverse effects e.g., nausea, vomiting, pruritus, or urinary retention.

Patients and Methods: This Prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial will be carried out in Tanta University Hospital in Orthopedic Surgery Department. The study included 60 adult patients aged > 25 years; ASA class I & II scheduled for total hip arthroplasty surgery.

Results: As regards, the first analgesic requirement of analgesic there were significant statistical increases in group I compared to group II. also, there were statistically significant decreases in total consumption of both paracetamol and pethidine in the group, however, There were significant statistical decreases in total pethidine consumption (mg) in group I compared to group II

Conclusion: FICB is safe and effective in improving postoperative pain after hip arthroplasty. It provides lower NRS, more hemodynamic stability, a longer time for 1st time of analgesics requirement ad a lower amount of total analgesic consumption within 1st 24 hours.
Effects of ACE Inhibitor (Lisinopril) with Folic Acid Supplementation in the Management of Hypertension Associated with Hyperuricemia
Authors: Aziz Asif , Ashraf Sarwat , Nangraj Ali Akber , Memon Ali Raza , Shah Madiha , Bano Razia , Shams Salman
Published: March 2022

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in all over the world as in developed and under developing countries. Hypertension mostly associated with other clinical chronic disorders like diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia etc. The ACE inhibitors are a kind of antihypertensive drug that is widely using all over the world. ACE inhibitors lowers blood pressure, but also lower uric acid levels as well.

Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of ACE inhibitors alone and along with the folic acid on systolic & diastolic blood pressure & on serum uric acid level.

Methodology: This case-control research was carried out at the Medicine Department with the help of the Department of Biochemistry at LUMHS Jamshoro and the PAQSJ Medical Institute in Gambat. A total of 200 mild to moderate hypertension individuals with hyperuricemia were chosen. They were divided into two groups: the control group was taken 10 mg of lisinopril, while the case study group received 10 mg of lisinopril with 0.8 mg of folic acid for 10 to 12 weeks.

Results: The mean value of systolic B.P in control group after treatment was126 ± 4.9 (P<0.05) while in case study group after treatment was 118 ± 6.12 mmHg (P<0.05). Diastolic B.P in control group after treatment was 90 ± 4.76 mmHg while in case study group was 82.3 ± 3.66 mmHg (P<0.05). The serum uric acid level after treatment in control group was 6.7 ± 4.78 mg/dl while in case study group, it was 5.5 ± 5.11 mg/dl (P<0.001). Serum Folic acid levels after the treatment in control group was 12.31 ± 2.89 while in case study group it was 27.09 ± 3.47 nmol/L (P<0.001). 

Conclusion: Folic acid enhances the effectiveness of an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) and has a substantial influence in the lowering of serum uric acid as therapeutic agent  in the cases of  mild to moderate hypertension associated with hyperuricemia.
Validated RP-HPLC Method Development for Estimation of Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin in Bulk and Dosage Forms
Authors: Rajeswari B. , Saritha N. , Devanna N.
Published: March 2022

A simple, accurate, precise method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of the Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin in bulk and tablet dosage form. Chromatogram was run through Std Discovery C18150 x 4.6 mm, 5m. Mobile phase containing Buffer 0.1% OPA (2.2ph): Acetonitrile taken in the ratio 60:40 was pumped through column at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Buffer used in this method was 0.1% Ortho Phosphoric Acid (OPA). Temperature was maintained at 30°C. Optimized wavelength selected was 218 nm. Retention time of Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin were found to be 2.228min and 2.880min. %RSD of the Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin were and found to be 0.4 and 0.7 respectively. %Recovery was obtained as 99.23% and 100.01% for Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin respectively. LOD, LOQ values obtained from regression equations of Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin were 0.20, 0.61 and 0.46, 1.40 respectively. Regression equation of Ertugliflozin is y = 43997x + 2639, and y = 46501.x + 13112 of Sitagliptin. Retention times were decreased and that run time was decreased, so the method developed was simple and economical that can be adopted in regular Quality control test in Industries.
Review of Fast-dissolving Tablets - A New Era in Brand-new Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Ahamed M. Irfan , Devi D. Akila , Karthick G.
Published: March 2022

Fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) have received ever-increasing demand during the last decade, and the field has become a rapidly growing area in the pharmaceutical industry. Oral drug delivery remains the preferred route for administration of various drugs. Recent developments in the technology have prompted scientists to develop FDTs with improved patient compliance and convenience. Upon introduction into the mouth, these tablets dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth in the absence of additional water for easy administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The popularity and usefulness of the formulation resulted in development of several FDT technologies. FDTs are solid unit dosage forms, which disintegrate or dissolve rapidly in the mouth without chewing and water. FDTs, or orally disintegrating tablets, are highly helpful for children and old people who have trouble swallowing standard pills and capsules .This review focuses on lyophilization, moulding, sublimation, and compaction FDT methods, as well as efforts to enhancing FDT qualities, such as spray drying and the usage of disintegrants. Taste-masking technology, experimental disintegration time measurements, and dissolution are also addressed.
Molecular Modelling of 1H-Benzo [b] [1,5] Diazepine-2(3H)-one Derivatives and Docking Studies Against Receptor Associated Protein
Authors: Rishipathak Dinesh , Patil Dipak , Ushir Komal
Published: March 2022

In the present investigation, some N1-benzoyl/ N1-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl amino acetyl) -7-substituted- 4-methyl-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-one were designed and docked at  active site of cavity 1# of GABA-A receptor associated protein (1KJT) to distinguish from their hypothetical binding mode. The X-ray crystal structure of mammalian GABA-A receptor associated protein (1KJT) obtained from protein data bank was used as target protein. In this investigation the comparative analysis of the docking experiments of modelled compounds with known GABA agonist, Lofendazam was carried out. The dock scores calculated for Lofendazam was -4.7373. Among the modelled compounds, following conformation were found to have lower dock scores as indicated in bracket in comparison to other confermers; N1-benzoyl-7- bromo- 4-methyl-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-one, conformer_C3  (-5.0915), N1-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl amino acetyl) -7-chloro-4-methyl-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-one, Conformer_C2 (-4.6532). These conformers have more affinity for active site of GABA-A receptor associated protein than other molecules.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzyme Level in Women with Severe Preeclampsia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hameed Nadia , Bibi Yasmeen , Memon Shereen , Channa Sanam , Memon Muhammad Ali , Chohan Muhammad Nadeem
Published: March 2022

Aim: To determine the frequency of raised lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in women with severe preeclampsia.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration: Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from June 2018 to December 2018.

Methodology: There were 141 primiparous women with severe preeclampsia, included in this study. After taking history regarding hypertension and obstetrical examination, patients were subjected to a relevant investigation that is, 5ml of blood sent to an institutional laboratory for the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, if it is >400 U/L then it was labeled as raised.

Results: The frequency of raised lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (400 U/L) was 13.48% (19/141) women with severe preeclampsia.

Conclusion: About 14% of women having Pre-eclampsia had raised lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Severe preeclampsia is associated with severe multisystemic involvement. Raised LDH levels are indicative of cellular damage and severe hypertension in pregnancy.
Five-Year Trends in US Children’s Health and Well-being, 2016-2020
Authors: Lebrun-Harris Lydie A. , Ghandour Reem M. , Kogan Michael D. , Warren Michael D.
Published: March 2022

Importance

Ensuring the well-being of the 73 million children in the United States is critical for improving the nation’s health and influencing children’s long-term outcomes as they grow into adults.

Objective

To examine recent trends in children’s health-related measures, including significant changes between 2019 and 2020 that might be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Annual data were examined from the National Survey of Children’s Health (2016-2020), a population-based, nationally representative survey of randomly selected children. Participants were children from birth to age 17 years living in noninstitution settings in all 50 states and the District of Columbia whose parent or caregiver responded to an address-based survey by mail or web. Weighted prevalence estimates account for probability of selection and nonresponse. Adjusted logistic regression models tested for significant trends over time.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Diverse measures pertaining to children’s current health conditions, positive health behaviors, health care access and utilization, and family well-being and stressors.

Results

A total of 174 551 children were included (annual range = 21 599 to 50 212). Between 2016 and 2020, there were increases in anxiety (7.1% [95% CI, 6.6-7.6] to 9.2% [95% CI, 8.6-9.8]; +29%; trend P < .001) and depression (3.1% [95% CI, 2.9-3.5] to 4.0% [95% CI, 3.6-4.5]; +27%; trend P < .001). There were also decreases in daily physical activity (24.2% [95% CI, 23.1-25.3] to 19.8% [95% CI, 18.9-20.8]; −18%; trend P < .001), parent or caregiver mental health (69.8% [95% CI, 68.9-70.8] to 66.3% [95% CI, 65.3-67.3]; −5%; trend P < .001), and coping with parenting demands (67.2% [95% CI, 66.3-68.1] to 59.9% [95% CI, 58.8-60.9]; −11%; trend P < .001). In addition, from 2019 to 2020, there were increases in behavior or conduct problems (6.7% [95% CI, 6.1-7.4] to 8.1% [95% CI, 7.5-8.8]; +21%; P = .001) and child care disruptions affecting parental employment (9.4% [95% CI, 8.0-10.9] to 12.6% [95% CI, 11.2-14.1]; +34%; trend P = .001) as well as decreases in preventive medical visits (83.3% [95% CI, 82.3-84.3] to 78.1% [95% CI, 77.1-79.0]; −6%; trend P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Recent trends point to several areas of concern that can inform future research, clinical care, policy decision making, and programmatic investments to improve the health and well-being of children and their families. More analyses are needed to elucidate varying patterns within subpopulations of interest.
Possible adaptive and non‐adaptive radiation in three plant genera in the Japanese archipelago
Authors: Okuyama Yudai , Kakishima Satoshi
Published: March 2022

The adaptive radiation of flowering plants as manifested by the floral diversity has long been considered associated with the diversity of plant–pollinator interactions, because changes in plant–pollinator interactions are hypothesized as one of the major mechanisms driving plant ecological speciation. To understand the relative contributions of various mechanisms for plant radiation, including pollinator changes, it is useful to study a plant group for which comparative study of the species life history across the whole lineage is feasible. To this end, we will focus on the plant lineages that have presumably radiated in the Japanese archipelago, namely, the genera Asimitellaria, Asarum, and Arisaema. By comparing these three genera, we will comment on the possible modes of adaptive radiation and diversification among the endemic flora of Japan.
Blood Neutrophil Count and Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio for Prediction of Disease Progression and Mortality in Two Independent Systemic Sclerosis Cohorts
Authors: Wareing Nancy , Mohan Vishnu , Taherian Rana , Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Lyons Marka A. , Wilhalme Holly , Roth Michael D. , Estrada‐y‐Martin Rosa M. , Skaug Brian , Mayes Maureen D. , Tashkin Donald P. , Assassi Shervin
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the predictive significance of blood neutrophil count and the ratio between neutrophil and lymphocyte count (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [NLR]) for disease severity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were prospectively measured in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) and the Scleroderma Lung Study II (SLS II). Forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) and modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) were used as surrogate measures for disease severity. Longitudinal analyses were performed using generalized linear mixed models. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the predictive significance of these cell counts for mortality.

Results

Of the 447 SSc patients in the GENISOS cohort at the time of analysis, 377 (84.3%) had available baseline blood neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Higher baseline neutrophil count and NLR predicted lower serially obtained FVC% (b = −4.74, P = 0.009 and b = −2.68, P = 0.028, respectively) and higher serially obtained MRSS (b = 4.07, P < 0.001 and b = 2.32, P < 0.001, respectively). Longitudinal neutrophil and NLR measurements also significantly correlated with lower concurrently obtained FVC% measurements and higher concurrently obtained MRSS. Baseline neutrophil count and NLR predicted increased risk of long‐term mortality, even after adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical factors (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, P = 0.02 and HR 1.48, P < 0.001, respectively). The predictive significance of higher baseline neutrophil count and NLR for declining FVC% and increased long‐term mortality was confirmed in the SLS II.

Conclusion

Higher blood neutrophil count and NLR are predictive of more severe disease course and increased mortality, indicating that these easily obtainable laboratory studies might be a reflection of pathologic immune processes in SSc.
Observer‐based finite‐time passive control of discrete‐time switched nonlinear systems with time‐delay
Authors: Gholami Hadi , Shafiei Mohammad Hossein , Safarinejadian Behrouz
Published: March 2022

In this paper, an observer‐based controller is designed to control a class of discrete‐time switched nonlinear systems with state delay and external disturbances. Based on the passivity concept, the average dwell time method, and auxiliary matrices, less‐conservative sufficient conditions are derived to make the closed‐loop system finite‐time bounded and passive in the presence of disturbances. In contrast to existing papers in this field, this paper deals with discrete‐time nonlinear switched systems and especially with an observer‐based controller. The developed conditions are presented in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, computer simulations (numerical and practical examples) are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.
Hybrid neural network control for nonlinear continuous time systems with time delays and dead zone input
Authors: Bali Arun , Pratap Singh Uday , Kumar Rahul , Raj Kuldip
Published: March 2022

In this article, a hybrid neural controller is designed in the form of a hybrid neural network (HNN) to deal with the problem of nonlinear continuous‐time systems with time delays and dead‐zone input. The designed HNN comprises of a neural network (NN) and firefly algorithm (FA). The approximation of unknown functions is carried out by using HNN and based on transformed systems, an adaption law, virtual control law and optimal control law are designed. By using the Lyapunov method, it is proved that the designed controller is stable in the sense of semiglobally uniformly ultimate boundedness (SGUUB) and the system output tracks the reference signal with tracking error converging into a small neighborhood of zero. Complexity analysis of the proposed controller is discussed and two numerical examples are presented to prove the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model.
The Role of Undercoordinated Sites on Zinc Electrodes for CO2 Reduction to CO
Authors: Kang Mavis Pei Lin , Kolb Manuel J. , Calle‐Vallejo Federico , Yeo Boon Siang
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) using renewable energies is a promising route toward global carbon neutrality. Recently, the use of copper catalysts and CO feedstocks, instead of CO2, has been shown to enhance the selectivity toward multicarbon products, leading to increased efforts in developing tandem electrocatalytic systems. State‐of‐the‐art CO2‐to‐CO electrocatalysts are mainly based on noble metals such as silver and gold. Earth‐abundant zinc, in contrast, displays poorer selectivity and activity. Herein, the use of porous dendritic oxidederived zinc (OD‐Zn) catalysts for CO2RR is reported. These catalysts can reduce CO2 to CO with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 86% at −0.95 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and partial current density of −266 mA cm–2 at −1.00 V vs RHE. OD‐Zn is further found to have a higher amount of undercoordinated sites and exhibits higher CO2RR activity and CO selectivity than electrodeposited Zn metal. While oxygen vacancies have been previously implicated as active sites, detailed experiments and density functional theory calculations show that Zn sites with a high degree of undercoordination provide even higher activity, in view of their nearly optimal *COOH adsorption energies. These findings showcase Zn‐Oderived particles with plentiful undercoordinated sites as cost‐effective electrocatalysts for CO production.
Fullerene–Graphene Acceptor Drives Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics for Sustainable CdS Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Wenchao , Tao Ying , Fan Jinchen , Yan Zhiping , Shang Huan , Phillips David Lee , Chen Ming , Li Guisheng
Published: March 2022

Ultrafast excited‐state decay and intrinsic charge carrier recombination restrain the photoactivity enhancement for solar‐to‐H2 production. Here, a CdS‐fullerene/graphene (CdS‐F/G) photocatalyst is synthesized for enhancing visible‐light‐driven hydrogen generation from earth‐abundant water. The CdS‐F/G shows ultrafast interfacial electrons/holes transfer and holes self‐trapping process in photocatalysis. The in‐situ dynamic study from transient absorption spectroscopy reveals the sub‐microsecond‐lived excited states (≈172.6 ns), interfacial electron transfer (≈30.3 ps), and hole trapping (≈44.0 ps) in the CdS‐F/G photocatalyst. The efficient active species transportation and prolonged lifetime significantly enhance the charge separation state survival, increasing the photoactivity and photostability. Consequently, visible‐light activity enhancement (>400%) of H2 evolution reaction (HER) is obtained at the CdS‐F/G photocatalyst with high stability (>36 h). The 127.2 µmol h−1 g−1 performance corresponding to a quantum efficiency of 7.24% at 420 nm is not only higher than the case of pristine CdS (29.2 µmol h−1 g−1) but also much higher than that of CdS‐Pt photocatalyst (73.8 µmol h−1 g−1). The cost‐effective CdS‐F/G photocatalyst exhibits a great potential for sustainable and high‐efficiency photocatalytic water splitting into clean energy carriers. Moreover, the optimized electronic structure associated with interfacial electrons/holes transfer and holes self‐trapping promotes overall water splitting for H2 and O2 generation.
In Situ Tumor Vaccination with Calcium‐Linked Degradable Coacervate Nanocomplex Co‐Delivering Photosensitizer and TLR7/8 Agonist to Trigger Effective Anti‐Tumor Immune Responses
Authors: Liu Yutong , Li Hui , Zhao Huajun , Hao Yanyun , Van Herck Simon , Xu Zejun , Wang Guan , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xinke , Ge Xiaoyan , Li Xia , Yang Ailu , Chen Hongfei , Zou Jing , Wang Wentao , De Geest Bruno G. , Zhang Zhiyue
Published: March 2022

In situ anti‐tumor vaccination is an attractive type of cancer immunotherapy which relies on the effectiveness of dendritic cells (DCs) to engulf tumor antigens, become activated, and present antigens to T cells in lymphoid tissue. Here, a multifunctional nanocomplex based on calcium crosslinked polyaspartic acid conjugated to either a toll‐like receptor (TLR)7/8 agonist or a photosensitizer is reported. Intratumoral administration of the nanocomplex followed by laser irradiation induces cell killing and hence generation of a pool of tumor‐associated antigens, with concomitant promotion of DCs maturation and expansion of T cells in tumor‐draining lymph nodes. Suppression of tumor growth is observed both at the primary site and at the distal site, thereby hinting at successful induction of an adaptive anti‐tumor response. This strategy holds promise for therapeutic application in a pre‐operative and post‐operative setting to leverage to mutanome of the patient's own tumor to mount immunological memory to clear residual tumor cells and metastasis.
Immunomodulation Strategies for the Successful Regeneration of a Tissue‐Engineered Vascular Graft
Authors: Zhang Fan , King Martin W.
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease leads to the highest morbidity worldwide. There is an urgent need to solve the lack of a viable arterial graft for patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery. The current gold standard is to use the patient's own blood vessel, such as a saphenous vein graft. However, some patients do not have appropriate vessels to use because of systemic disease or secondary surgery. On the other hand, there is no commercially available synthetic vascular graft available on the market for small diameter (<6 mm) blood vessels like coronary, carotid, and peripheral popliteal arteries. Tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are studied in recent decades as a promising alternative to synthetic arterial prostheses. Yet only a few studies have proceeded to a clinical trial. Recent studies have uncovered that the host immune response can be directed toward increasing the success of a TEVG by shedding light on ways to modulate the macrophage response and improve the tissue regeneration outcome. In this review, the basic concepts of vascular tissue engineering and immunoengineering are considered. The state‐of‐art of TEVGs is summarized and the role of macrophages in TEVG regeneration is analyzed. Current immunomodulatory strategies based on biomaterials are also discussed.
Creating Composite Vortex Beams with a Single Geometric Metasurface
Authors: Ming Yang , Intaravanne Yuttana , Ahmed Hammad , Kenney Mitchell , Lu Yan‐qing , Chen Xianzhong
Published: March 2022

Composite vortex beams (CVBs) have attracted considerable interest recently due to the unique optical properties and potential applications. However, these beams are mainly generated using spatial light modulators, which suffer from large volume, high cost, and limited resolution. Benefiting from the ultrathin nature and unprecedented capability in light manipulation, optical metasurfaces provide a compact platform to perform this task. A metasurface approach to creating these CVBs is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The design is based on the superposition of multiple circularly polarized vortex beams with different topological charges, which is realized based on a geometric metasurface consisting of metallic nanorods with spatially variant orientations. The effects of the initial phases, amplitude coefficients, incident polarization state, and propagation distance on the generated CVBs, which are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction, are experimentally analyzed. This work has opened a new avenue for engineering CVBs with a minimal footprint, which has promising applications ranging from multiple optical traps to quantum science.
Preparation of Stable Superhydrophobic Coatings on Complex‐Shaped Substrates
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wei Jinfei , Zhang Jiaojiao , Yang Yanfei , Xie Hua , Liang Weidong , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2022

Superhydrophobic surfaces have potential applications in many fields, but are seriously hindered by their complicated preparation methods and low mechanical stability. Thus, novel strategies for efficient preparation of robust superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates are highly desired. Here, the preparation of stable superhydrophobic coatings on complex‐shaped substrates by the combination of phase separation and dip‐coating is reported. The coatings show excellent superhydrophobicity for both water and other frequently used liquids, superior impalement resistance, and high stability. Moreover, this strategy can make diverse complex‐shaped substrates superhydrophobic, outperforming the conventional methods. The strategy also has many other merits such as simple, fast (<1 min), scalable (50 kg stock solution per batch and large superhydrophobic samples), and low cost (7.8 CNY m−2 or 1.2 UDS m−2). The superhydrophobic coatings may find applications in many fields including anticorrosion and antiicing, and the findings here will inspire straightforward preparation of robust superhydrophobic coatings on diverse substrates.
A Novel Ratiometric Fluorescent Approach for the Modulation of the Dynamic Range of Lateral Flow Immunoassays
Authors: Sena‐Torralba Amadeo , Torné‐Morató Helena , Parolo Claudio , Ranjbar Saba , Farahmand Nejad Mohammad Amin , Álvarez‐Diduk Ruslan , Idili Andrea , Hormozi‐Nezhad Mohammad Reza , Merkoçi Arben
Published: March 2022

The majority of lateral flow assays (LFAs) use single‐color optical labels to provide a qualitative naked‐eye detection, however this detection method displays two important limitations. First, the use of a single‐color label makes the LFA prone to results misinterpretation. Second, it does not allow the precise modulation of the sensitivity and dynamic range of the test. To overcome these limitations, a ratiometric approach is developed. In particular, using anti‐HIgG functionalized red‐fluorescent quantum dots on the conjugate pad (as target dependent labels) and blue‐fluorescent nanoparticles fixed on the test line (as target independent reporters), it is possible to generate a wide color palette (blue, purple, pink, red) on the test line. It is believed that this strategy will facilitate the development of LFAs by easily adjusting their analytical properties to the needs required by the specific application.
The Intrinsic Photoluminescence Spectrum of Perovskite Films
Authors: van der Pol Tom P. A. , Datta Kunal , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: March 2022

Photoluminescence spectroscopy is a simple and powerful characterization technique to determine material properties and dynamic effects in metal–halide perovskite optoelectronic systems. However, self‐absorption and thin film cavity effects, amplified due to their high refractive indices, can have a significant impact on spectral lineshapes, affecting the inferences drawn from such characterization. In this work, key variables extrinsic to the perovskite material influencing the photoluminescence spectrum of perovskite thin films are identified and an optical model to account for these factors is proposed. The model is used to extract the intrinsic spectrum of a film using complex refractive indices and film thickness as input variables. Lastly, the use of the model is extended to multilayer systems to demonstrate its applicability to complex device‐relevant stacks.
Effective Antifogging Coating from Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Polymer Heteronetwork
Authors: Shi Junhe , Xu Liju , Qiu Dong
Published: March 2022

Fogging on optical devices may severely impair vision, resulting in unacceptable adverse consequences. Hydrophilic coatings can prevent surface fogging by instantly facilitating pseudo‐film water condensation but suffer from short antifogging duration due to water film thickening with further condensation. Here, an innovative strategy is reported to achieve longer antifogging duration via thickening the robust bonded hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymer heteronetwork coating to enhance its water absorption capacity. The combination of strong interfacial adhesion and hydrophilic/hydrophobic heteronetwork structure is key to this approach, which avoids interfacial failure and swelling‐induced wrinkles under typical fogging conditions. The developed antifogging coating exhibits prolonged antifogging durations over a wide temperature range for repetitious usages. Eyeglasses coated with this coating successfully maintained fog‐free vision in two typical scenarios. Besides, the coating recipes developed in this study also have potential as underwater glues as they demonstrate strong adhesions to both glass and polymer substrates in wet conditions.