bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Long Corrected QT Interval on Electrocardiogram in Acute Organophosphate Poisoning: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gamit Jayshree , Gandhi Archana
Published: August 2022

Introduction: According to data available from National Poison Information Centre India, suicidal poisoning with household agents (organophosphates, carbamates etc.) is the most common modality of poisoning. There are reports suggesting relationship between prolonged corrected QT interval and the severity of Organophosphate (OP) poisoning. Corrected QT (QTc) interval is measured in 12 lead electrocardiograms taken on admission. Aim: To assess prognosis of acute organophosphate poisoning patients by studying association of corrected QT interval with its complications and mortality. Materials and Methods: The cohort study was conducted at Medicine Department of Medical College, Baroda and Sir Sayaji General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from December 2017 to November 2018. The study included 60 patients with a history of OP poisoning. The QTc interval in electrocardiogram was determined by using the Bazett formula. Prognostic importance of QTc interval was assessed by correlating it with Paradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning Scale score, hospital stay, atropine requirement, requirement of ventilatory support and mortality. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: The organophosphate poisoning was seen more in younger age group, between 18-29 years (68.4%). The QTc prolongation was seen in 12, 80% of patients in moderate grade of Paradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning Scale and in 9 (20%) patients among mild grade of Paradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning Scale (p-value=0.0001). Amongst patients who needed hospital stay for more than 7 days, QTc prolongation was seen in 43% of patients, and in patients who needed hospital stay for less than 7 days QTc prolongation was seen in 9% of patients (p-value=0.0223). Statistically significant association was seen between atropine ampule requirement and QTc prolongation. Total 29 (48.3%) patients developed respiratory depression, and amongst them 19 (65.5%) had QTc prongation (p-value <0.0001). Thirteen (22%) patients died and amongst them 12 (92.31%) had QTc prolngation. In those who survived (47,78%) only 9 (19.15%) had QTc prolongation (p-value <0.0001). Conclusion: Prolonged QTc interval in electrocardiogram is a good prognostic indicator in patients with organophosphorus poisoning. Early identification of prolonged QTc interval and subsequent timely shifting of patients to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and subsequent intensive management in a patient of OP poisoning would be of profound value at any level of health care setting for favourable outcomes.
Clinical, Dermoscopic and Histopathologic Features of Cicatricial AlopeciaA Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jeyaprakash Priyadharsini , Malathy Priyavathani Annie , Daniel Samuel Jeyaraj
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Cicatricial Alopecia (CA) is a scarring form that arises due to permanent hair follicle destruction. It can either primarily affect the follicles or by an external process leads to secondary alopecia causing scarring and considerable disfigurement of the scalp. Hence initial diagnosis, aetiology of the contributing factors and earlier intervention are vital. Aim: To identify the diagnostic features of CA based on clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological (HP) findings and the underlying aetiological causes. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from November 2016 to September 2017. Total 50 clinically diagnosed CA cases were randomly selected and case history, related skin findings, predisposing factors and other findings associated with scarring were documented. Dermatological examination and Hair pull test was done. Trichoscopic examination was done using a non polarized dermoscopy with specific emphasis on the follicular ostia and morphological patterns. Scalp biopsy was done. The collected data were analysed in terms of frequency and percentage and Chi-square test was also performed with p-value <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Out of total 50 patients, 22 (44%) were males, and 28 (56%) females with the mean age of 35.46±15.03 years. Total 29 (58%) patients had multiple lesions and 21 (42%) had localized involvement of alopecia in the scalp. Focal type was noted in 86%, and diffuse type in 14%. In this study, 80% of CA were of primary causes with only 20% secondary causes. Lichen Plano Pilaris (LPP) and trauma were the most common primary and secondary causes. The dermoscopic features of absent follicular orifice, arborising thicker blood vessel and pustule formation were statistically significant (p-value <0.001) for the diagnosis of CA. The most common histopathological feature was basal cell vacuolization (54%), followed by hyperkeratosis (52%), and follicular plugging (46%). Conclusion: The clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological findings of this study were consistent for diagnosis and differentiating primary CA. Histopathology is the final confirmatory diagnostic tool when characteristic clinical and dermoscopic features are absent.
Ultrasound Evaluation of the Rotator Cuff after Osteosynthesis of Humeral Shaft Fractures with Interlocking Intramedullary NailA Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Shashikumar MS , Shetty Gaurav Kishore , Abhishek MU , Shetty Daivik Taranath
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fracture allows a stable fixation with satisfactory outcomes. However, shoulder impairment remains an important complication of intramedullary nailing. The procedure involving the splitting of supraspinatus tendon to expose humeral head for nail insertion has been attributed for it, even though it is followed by the repair of the tendon. Aim: To evaluate rotator cuff integrity with Ultrasound (USG) in patients who underwent humeral fracture fixation with an intramedullary interlocking nail and to evaluate the clinical outcome of the shoulder joint in patients with and without rupture of the rotator cuff using constant murley and QuickDASH scores. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, India, from August 2018 to September 2020 in which 20 adult patients with acute humeral shaft fractures were treated with closed intramedullary nailing in antegrade manner. Patients were followed-up for six months clinically and radiologically. The USG evaluation of rotator cuff was done at six months follow-up, along with clinical evaluation using constant Murley and QuickDASH scores. Association between variables was analysed by using Chi-square test for categorical variables. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the mean of quantitative variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Data were entered into Microsoft excel (Windows 7; Version 2007) and analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows software (version 22.0; SPSS Inc, Chicago). Results: At six months follow-up, patients were evaluated by USG showing ruptured supraspinatus tendon in 3 (15%) of the study patients. The results by constant murley score were 76.50±12.61 for the entire series, 77.82±12.75 for patients without rotator cuff rupture, and 69±10.53 for patients with partial rupture of the rotator cuff, with no statistical difference (p=0.275). QuickDASH scores were 9.90±7.69 for the entire series, better in the group without rupture of the rotator cuff (9.41±7.92 versus 12.70±6.84) but without statistically significant difference (p=0.510). Conclusion: The functional outcome of the shoulder joint is satisfactory and is not influenced by the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear following the procedure.
Hybrid Immunity in SARS-CoV-2: Are Antibody Responses Similar in all Infected and AZD1222 Vaccinated Persons?
Authors: Musthafa Sajitha , Chithra James , Sajithkumar R , Venugopal Kummannoor , Suma MS
Published: August 2022

Introduction: There is a diversity in population regarding the number and doses of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and past infection status and the antibody titres may be different across various groups. The antibody titres determined in the same time-frame after the immune evoking event may give clues regarding the prioritisation for boosters and factors causing variability in titres. Aim: To compare and assess the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antispike (S) antibody titres among the Healthcare Workers (HCWs) with history of Adenovirus vector based vaccine AZD1222 (Covishield) and infections, in different orders. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care centre during November 2021 to December 2021. The antibody titres of a healthy cohort of HCWs (n=178) who were either double-vaccinated with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccinated but along with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined six weeks after the last event (infection/vaccination). They were grouped based on the order of vaccination (V) and infection (I). Results: The major groups were group 1 (V+V), group 2 (I+V+V), group 3 (V+ V+ I) and group 4 (V+I+V). The highest titres of Anti-S IgG antibody observed in vaccinated with breakthrough infection group 3-V+V+I (n=71) {20662(10853-34744)}. The group with double vaccination but with no history of infection {group 1-V+V (N=49)} had the lowest titres - {2395(844.4-7443)}. The hybrid immunity group (those who had infection which was followed by vaccination) group 2 (I+V+V) had titres 4241 (2220-7373) and group 4 (V+I+V) had titres 6542 (3772-11700) which were lower than those with breakthrough infection. Conclusion: Anti-S antibody titres are highest among vaccinated with breakthrough infections and lowest in those with two doses of vaccines but no history of previous confirmed infections and booster doses may be prioritised for the second group. The timing of previous infection can also be a criterion for further booster doses.
Improving Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) – a Bio-fuel and Multipurpose Crop Production in Sub-Saharan Africa through Appropriate Nursery Media
Authors: Uche O. J. , Adinde J. O. , Anieke U. J. , Nwankwo O. G.
Published: August 2022

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a bio-fuel and multipurpose crop that can be used to produce biodiesel, biogas and latex. The toxic substances – curcin and diterpenoids in raw Jatropha leaves and seeds can scare grazing animals away and this suggests the possibility of using the plant as live fence to curb cattle menace which is one of the major constraints facing crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa especially in Nigeria. Despite its nutritive, medicinal and economic values, Jatropha is one of the most neglected crops in Nigeria and in sub-Sahara Africa at large. There is often loss of vigour of Jatropha seedlings due to high seed oil content which results in rancidity and weak seedling growth. An experiment was conducted at Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Enugu state, Nigeria to determine the appropriate nursery media towards improving the production of Jatropha curcas in sub-Saharan Africa. Four nursery media viz: 3:2:1; 1:2:1; 0:0:1 and; 1:0:0 of top soil, organic manure and river sand respectively, were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Data on emergence percentage, seedling height, number of leaves per seedling and seedling girth were collected and analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for CRD. The treatment means with significant differences were separated using least significant difference at 0.05 probability level. The results showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatments in emergence percentage of Jatropha curcas. However, there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments in seedling height and stem girth with the highest values obtained in 1:2:1 of top soil, poultry droppings and river sand, respectively and the least in 0:0:1 of top soil, poultry droppings and river sand, respectively. It could be concluded that the use of 1:2:1 of top soil, organic manure and river sand, respectively significantly improved seedling growth of Jatropha curcas compared to the other treatments and could therefore be recommended for Jatropha curcas nursery for improved production of the crop in sub-Sahara Africa.
Assessing Ethics in Physics Instruction in Secondary Schools
Authors: Okey I. Francis , Avwiri Eseroghene
Published: August 2022

The study assessed ethics in Physics instruction in secondary schools in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, involving 56 teachers. The study adopted a descriptive survey on the Assessment of Secondary School Physics Teachers Perception using\ Ethics Questionnaire (ASSPTPEQ) and the science teaching methods outlay developed by Glectman, Reisberg and Gross (2017). Research questions were analyzed using the percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study showed that science teachers adopt conventional lecture method a high frequency (89.29), Demonstration method (92.86%) avoiding innovative teaching strategies (collaborative 0.0%, metacognitive 0.0%, technological innovative methods of blended learning strategy (0%) and flipped classroom method (0.0%), use of models (0.0%). There existed a high level of relationship between mean scores of teachers perception of ethics and mean scores of prevalent teaching methods (r=0.772). There was a significant relationship between teaching perception of ethics and prevalent teaching methods on Physics. Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers of Physics should equip themselves with innovative digitalized teaching methods in order to improve in students’ awareness and performances in Physics and enable learners become aware of the ethical concerns in their learning experiences.
Cytological Evaluation of Urinary Samples among Vesicovaginal Fistula Patients in National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Okorie Nnaemeka , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Odigbo Chika Nathaniel , Ibe Onyekachi Ewa , Usanga Victor Udoh , Jacob Innocent Chidi , A. Obi Ihuoma
Published: August 2022

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a non-physiological epithelial fistulous tract between the bladder and the vagina, resulting in continuous urinary incontinence. VVF occurs most commonly after obstetrical and gynecological injury. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study designed to carry out cytological evaluation of urine samples of vesicovaginal fistula patients in National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Southeastern Nigeria. The voided and catheterized urine samples collected were stained using Papanicolaou and Diff-Quick staining techniques. A total number of 123 patients were involved in this study. The mean age of the patients was 36.66 (± 6.21) years. The patients were grouped according to age into 4 groups: 1 (0.8%) was ≤ 24 years, 59 (48.0%) were 25 to 34 years, 43 (35.0%) were 35 to 44 years and 20 (16.2%) were ≥ 45 years of age. The parity status of these cases was grand multipara 29 (23.6%), multipara 32 (37.4%), primipara 46 (37.4%) and nullipara 16 (13.0%).  Majority of the patients 111 (90.2%) were from rural areas, 8 (6.5%) from urban areas and 4 (3.3%) were from semi-urban areas. According to marital status, 91 (74.0%) were married, 16 (13.0%) were widowed, 5 (4.1%) were single and 11 (8.9%) were divorced. According to the period the patients had lived with fistula, majority of the patients 94 (76.4%) had lived less than one year with this problem, while 29 (23.6%) had suffered from VVF for 1-5 years. Cytological evaluation of the urine smears showed that a total of 92 (74.8%) urine samples had normal findings. The rest of the 31 (25.2%) urine samples showed a variety of findings. Out of these 31 samples, 16 (51.6%) showed inflammatory aggregates suggestive of urinary tract inflammation, 3 (9.7%) showed decoy cells suggestive of Polyoma virus infection, 7 (22.6%) cases showed perinuclei halo suggestive of Trichomonas vaginalis infection, 3 (9.7%) showed oval fat bodies suggestive of possible nephrotic syndrome, 8(25.8%) cases showed koilocytes, indicative of Human papilloma virus infections. Cases that showed presence of haematuria were 7 (22.6%). There was no case of tumor cells detected in all the urine samples examined. From the outcome of this study, it is important to take special note of the presence of the viral carcinogens: Polyoma virus and Human papilloma virus, since in theory and as reported in few case reports, malignancy of the urinary tract can lead to formation of vesicovaginal fistula.
Factors Affecting Technological Stress among Public School Teachers during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lara M. , Palarisan N. J. , Licudine M. J. , Silva F. , Granada L. , Billones R.
Published: August 2022

Aims: The present investigation aims to study the factors affecting technological stress among public school teachers during the covid-19 pandemic. This study hopes to address this gap wherein the result is timely, relevant, and as a potential basis for possible interventions.

Study Design: The study employed a descriptive-correlational design.

Place and Duration: This study occurred in Region XI, Davao Del Sur, between 2021 and 2022.

Methodology: A total of 174 public school teachers participated in the study's data collection. Using an adapted survey questionnaire, distributed using GOOGLE forms, the demographic profile and the level of technostress were collected among those who participated in the Health Psychology Symposium led by the researchers.

Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were young adults, female, and were Teacher 1. Also, the test of significance revealed that the p-value was less than the 0.05 level of significance, thus indicating that there is indeed a significant relationship between age and the level of technostress of teachers.

Conclusion: The study concluded that age-specific interventions that may improve public teachers' technology usage or equipping them with skills to overcome stress must be perused.
Biochar Production Technologies from Agricultural Waste, Its Utilization in Agriculture and Current Global Biochar Market: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: D. Phadtare Prajakta , R. Kalbande S.
Published: August 2022

This review comprehensively describes biochar, the term which is gaining exponential attention nowadays. The technologies to convert the agriculture waste to biochar include slow pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization. Biochar production methods are based on batch processes and continuous processes. Biochar production processes and steps involved are also discussed. Different biochar reactors are also revived, including the continuous type of biochar reactor and microwave pyrolysis reactors. Kinetics of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas production is also revived briefly with kinetic equations. Uses of biochar are comprehensively revived and discussed, including advanced applications such as catalyst production, activated Carbon production, water treatment, soil amendment, etc. All biochar characterization methods are briefly described, including proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, physiochemical analysis, surface analysis, and molecular structure analysis. Factors affecting biochar production are revived in this article. Biochar yield from different crop waste s is tabulated with temperatures involved. Post-production processing methods of biochar are included in this review. The global biochar market and current status and opportunities are also revived, the data of biochar manufacturers in India are compiled. The utilization of biochar in agriculture is revived in two subcategories: the effect of biochar application on soil health and the effect of biochar application on crop yield. At last engineered or designed biochar concept is revived.
Design, Development and in vitro Assessment of Flurbiprofen Microemulsion Gel for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Battu Heera , Madhavi Nimmathota , Reddy K. Nithiyanand
Published: August 2022

The aim of current research is to develop flurbiprofen microemulsion gel for transdermal delivery. To prepare a microemulsion oil, surfactant and co-surfactant selection is one of the important criteria. Selected to prepare different ratios of oil and surfactant mixture using ternary phase diagram. Based on results of physicochemical properties, we have optimized one formulation. The optimized microemulsion formulation incorporated into carbopol P 934 gel base. The In vitro diffusion of drug release shown maximum (98.6% in 12hrs) for prepared microemulsion gel than marketed gel (60.5% in 16 hrs).
CIDADE RESILIENTE: VÍNCULO ENTRE AÇÕES PROPOSTAS PELA ESTRATÉGIA DE RESILIÊNCIA DE SALVADOR COM OS SEUS CHOQUES E ESTRESSES
Authors: Silva Angela Marcia de Andrade , Andrade José Célio Silveira , Ventura Andréa Cardoso , Prado Angélica Fabíola Rodrigues
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho objetiva analisar ações propostas na estratégia de resiliência da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, buscando identificar como elas se vinculam com os choques e/ou com os estresses identificados na cidade. Essa vinculação foi feita através da análise de conteúdo do documento de apresentação da estratégia de resiliência – Salvador Resiliente. A partir desse material, construiu-se uma base de dados no software Excel, contendo todas as 138 ações previstas e/ou realizadas para a cidade, vinculando-as aos choques e/ou estresses. Para tal, a pesquisa utilizou-se da técnica de painel de especialistas. Constata-se que todas as ações propostas se vinculam a pelo menos 1 dos 4 choques (deslizamento de terra, surto de doenças, inundações e alagamentos, insuficiência de serviços básicos) e a pelo menos 1 dos 6 estresses (pobreza e desigualdade, desemprego, crimes e violência, uso e ocupação irregular do solo, falta de mobilidade urbana, falta de acesso à educação adequada). “Inundações e alagamentos” foi o choque que apresentou a maior quantidade de ações vinculadas de curto e médio prazos, enquanto “pobreza e desigualdade social” foi o estresse com maior total de vínculos de médio e longo prazos. A grande maioria das 138 ações se vinculam a apenas 1-2 choques e/ou estresses enquanto menos de uma dezena de ações estão vinculadas simultaneamente a 5-6 choques/estresses. Ressalta-se, todavia, como principal desafio a construção de uma boa governança para a implementação de ações vinculadas a choques e/ou estresses que fujam à responsabilidade unicamente da esfera municipal, tais como: surto de doenças e crime e violência.
A new method for assessing lung tumor motion in radiotherapy using dynamic chest radiography
Authors: Kitamura Kazushi , Takayama Kenji , Yamazaki Ryo , Ueda Yukihiro , Nishiki Shigeo
Published: August 2022

Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a recent advanced modality to acquire dynamic and functional images. We developed a new method using DCR and the free analysis software, Kinovea, to assess lung tumor motion. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of our method. Phantom and clinical studies were performed. In the phantom study, dynamic images of a moving lead sphere were acquired using DCR, and the motion of the phantom was tracked using Kinovea in a DCR video. The amplitude of phantom motion was measured and compared with a predetermined baseline amplitude. In a clinical study, DCR and respiratory‐gated four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) were performed on 15 patients who underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung tumors. The amplitudes of tumor motion in DCR and 4D‐CT were measured in the superior‐inferior (SI), left‐right (LR), and anterior‐posterior (AP) directions, and the square root of the sum of squares (SRSS) of the amplitude was calculated in all directions. Spearman's rank correlation and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were performed to determine the correlations of the amplitudes of tumor motion obtained using DCR and 4D‐CT. In the phantom study, the absolute mean error between the measured and predetermined amplitudes was 0.60 mm (range: 0.061.53 mm). In the clinical study, the amplitudes of tumor motion obtained using DCR correlated significantly with those of 4D‐CT in the SI and LR directions, as did the SRSS values. The median amplitudes for DCR were significantly higher than those for 4D‐CT in all (SI, LR, and AP) directions, as were the SRSS values. Our proposed method based on DCR and Kinovea is useful for assessing lung tumor motion, visually and quantitatively. Therefore, DCR has potential as a new modality for evaluating lung tumor motion in radiotherapy.
Recovery set‐aside, additional $500 million for SAPT BG in both appropriations bills
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2022

At the end of July, the Senate Committee on Appropriations released a draft copy of the fiscal year (FY) 2023 funding which, like the House version (see Recovery set‐aside in approps bill for SAPT BG, ADAW July 19; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33137), includes a recommendation for a 10% set‐aside in the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) block grant, and an additional $500 million for the SAPT block grant.
Precise Control of Li+ Directed Transport via Electronegative Polymer Brushes on Polyolefin Separators for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Deposition
Authors: Zheng Shujun , Mo Lulu , Chen Kai , Chen Ai‐Long , Zhang Xu , Fan Xiaoshan , Lai Feili , Wei Qingcong , Miao Yue‐E , Liu Tianxi , Yu Yan
Published: August 2022

Nonuniform ion flux triggers uneven lithium (Li) deposition and continuous dendrite growth, severely restricting the lifetime of Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, an electronegative poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PPFPA) polymer brush‐grafted Celgard separator signed as PPFPA‐g‐Celgard is designed to precisely construct one‐dimensionally directed Li+ flux at the nanoscale so as to realize faster ion transport and ultra‐stable Li deposition. The grafting of PPFPA polymer chains is enabled by the simple bio‐inspired engineering of surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization chemistry. Both theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate an obvious increase by almost two times in Li+ affinity and ion transfer kinetics for PPFPA‐g‐Celgard over the Celgard separator. Reversible and stable Li plating/stripping can be realized by rapidly switching from 0.5 to 6 mA cm‐2. Besides, the Li | PPFPA‐g‐Celgard | LiFePO4 full cell exhibits universal and long‐term cyclability with a capacity retention of 83% over 700 cycles in ether electrolyte and 92.9% for over 300 cycles in carbonate electrolyte as well. This study represents a new direction for the general design of advanced separators with typical surface topochemistry and self‐limited ion transport channels in the application of high‐performance LMBs.
Water‐Triggered Spontaneously Solidified Adhesive: From Instant and Strong Underwater Adhesion to In Situ Signal Transmission
Authors: Zheng Si Yu , Zhou Jiahui , Wang Shuaibing , Wang Yan‐Jie , Liu Shanqiu , Du Guangyan , Zhang Dong , Fu Jimin , Lin Ji , Wu Zi Liang , Zheng Qiang , Yang Jintao
Published: August 2022

Developing conductive underwater glue for fast sealing and in situ monitoring is critical for ocean exploration yet remains a challenge. The fluidity of glue is a double‐edged sword that is favorable for molecule spreading and formation of interlocking bonding network yet also leads to leakage of conductive ions. Herein, a polymeric glue possessing good conductivity and exhibiting rapid, strong, and long‐lasting underwater adhesion on diverse substrates at various harsh environments and extreme temperatures is developed. For molecular design, the nitrogen heterocyclic motif that prevails in biomolecular recognition is encoded with water‐resistant benzene block in one pendant group to serve as underwater binding sites; ionic liquids (ILs) of [EMIM][BF4] is employed as the solvent for fast water exchange that triggers rapid adhesion. Simultaneously, the polymer‐IL interaction is regulated, with the assistance of the theoretical calculations, to retain sufficient ILs within the adhesive for sensing. Finally, the glue is applied for underwater sealing and in situ monitoring various physical signals, while the fluorescent property is utilized for underwater labeling. This study should provide a new design strategy for the next‐generation of multifunctional underwater adhesives and promote their applications.
One‐Step Bioprinting of Multi‐Channel Hydrogel Filaments Using Chaotic Advection: Fabrication of Pre‐Vascularized Muscle‐Like Tissues
Authors: Bolívar‐Monsalve Edna Johana , Ceballos‐González Carlos Fernando , Chávez‐Madero Carolina , de la Cruz‐Rivas Brenda Guadalupe , Velásquez Marín Silvana , Mora‐Godínez Shirley , Reyes‐Cortés Luisa María , Khademhosseini Ali , Weiss Paul S. , Samandari Mohamadmahdi , Tamayol Ali , Alvarez Mario Moisés , Trujillo‐de Santiago Grissel
Published: August 2022

The biofabrication of living constructs containing hollow channels is critical for manufacturing thick tissues. However, current technologies are limited in their effectiveness in the fabrication of channels with diameters smaller than hundreds of micrometers. It is demonstrated that the co‐extrusion of cell‐laden hydrogels and sacrificial materials through printheads containing Kenics static mixing elements enables the continuous and one‐step fabrication of thin hydrogel filaments (1 mm in diameter) containing dozens of hollow microchannels with widths as small as a single cell. Pre‐vascularized skeletal muscle‐like filaments are bioprinted by loading murine myoblasts (C2C12 cells) in gelatin methacryloyl ‐ alginate hydrogels and using hydroxyethyl cellulose as a sacrificial material. Higher viability and metabolic activity are observed in filaments with hollow multi‐channels than in solid constructs. The presence of hollow channels promotes the expression of Ki67 (a proliferation biomarker), mitigates the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha , and markedly enhances cell alignment (i.e., 82% of muscle myofibrils aligned (in ±10°) to the main direction of the microchannels after seven days of culture). The emergence of sarcomeric α‐actin is verified through immunofluorescence and gene expression. Overall, this work presents an effective and practical tool for the fabrication of pre‐vascularized engineered tissues.
Novel Ternary Nitride Thin Film‐Based Self‐Powered, Broad Spectral Responsive Photodetector with a High Detectivity for Weak Light
Authors: George Jeena , Vikraman Hajeesh Kumar , Reji Rence Painappallil , Mamidipudi Ghanashyam Krishna , Velappa Jayaraman Surya , Sivalingam Yuvaraj , Mangalampalli Sri Rama Narasimha Kiran
Published: August 2022

Self‐powered, wide‐spectral response, fast, and high‐sensitivity photodetectors are essential for developing next‐generation optoelectronic devices. In this work, the predicted optoelectronic properties of the ternary metal‐zinc (Zn)‐nitride (N) thin films are experimentally demonstrated. A novel phase of the Titanium (Ti)‐Zn‐N system (dominantly TiZnN2 film of ≈235 nm thickness) is developed on the p‐Si substrate, which shows excellent optoelectronic properties. The Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)/TiZnN2/p‐type Si (p‐Si) photodetector of area ≈4 mm2 exhibits an impressive responsivity of 1.22 × 10–4 A W−1 at 0 V and 40 mA W−1 at −4 V, a specific detectivity up to 1.16 × 109 Jones at 0 V, and a response speed of 1.9 ms at zero external bias (i.e., self‐powered mode). Benefiting from the broad‐band absorption of the film and p‐Si combination, the detection range is observed from the ultraviolet to near‐infrared (300–1150 nm). Simultaneous operation of self‐powered photo‐triggered drip irrigation ON and street light OFF in the early morning and vice‐versa in the evening is demonstrated for autonomous farming. The device is insensitive to humidity and ambiance, and generates a photocurrent with light intensity as low as 5 mW cm−2. The active layer is hydrophobic and highly stable, and the fabrication is cost‐effective.
Pt/Ag‐PEG‐Ce6 Nanosystem with Enhanced Near‐Infrared Absorption and Peroxidase‐Like Activity for Synergistic Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Sun Hua , Ai Yongjian , Qi Huibo , Guan Liandi , Hu Wanting , Huang Hongye , Li Yujie , Wang Yu , Liang Qionglin
Published: August 2022

Noble metals and their alloy‐based nanomaterials are widely used in biomedicine, especially in the fields of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) on tumors, due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. Nonetheless, novel doping strategies with unexpected efficacies are still challenging and formidable. Herein, a photosensitizer‐alloy nanosystem is designed for highly efficient PDT and PTT. Specifically, the optimized Pt/Ag alloy nanoparticles are facilely synthesized in one step at room temperature and are simultaneously endowed with enhanced peroxidase‐like activity and photothermal conversion, and further activated cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) productivity after covalent functionalization of chlorin e6 (Ce6). A small amount of Ag doping can kill two birds with one stone by simultaneously enhancing the synergistic PDT and PTT potential of Pt/Ag‐PEG‐Ce6 nanoparticles. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results indicate that the significant temperature increase triggered by 808 nm laser and a large amount of toxic 1O2 excited by 671 nm laser synergistically and strongly kill tumor cells. Therefore, through proper doping and improved physicochemical properties, this nanosystem achieves effective PDT and PTT of tumors and also inspires the advanced design of noble metal‐based nanomedicine.
A Computational Model of Cytokine Release Syndrome during CAR T‐Cell Therapy
Authors: Zhang Zhuoyu , Liu Lunan , Ma Chao , Chen Weiqiang
Published: August 2022

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a lethal adverse event in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy, hindering this promising therapy for cancers, such as B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). Clinical management of CRS requires a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms. In this study, a computational model of CRS during CAR T‐cell therapy is built to depict how the cellular interactions among CAR T‐cells, B‐ALL cells, and bystander monocytes, as well as the accompanying molecular interactions among various inflammatory cytokines, influence the severity of CRS. The model successfully defines the factors related to severe CRS and studies the effects of immunomodulatory therapy on CRS. The use of the model is also demonstrated as a precision medicine tool to optimize the treatment scheme, including personalized choice of CAR T‐cell products and control of switchable CAR T‐cell activity, for a more efficient and safer immunotherapy. This new computational oncology model can serve as a precision medicine tool to guide the clinical management of CRS during CAR T cell therapy.
Differential Operator Approximation Based Tightly Coupled Multiphysics Solver Using Cascaded Fourier Network
Authors: Wang Yinpeng , Gao Hongyu , Ren Qiang
Published: August 2022

Calculating the unknown coupled multiphysics fields from the known boundary condition is of great significance in computational physics. Existing classical algorithms are usually time consuming and resource demanding. Explosive growth in deep learning (DL) has provided a substitutive way to accelerate the calculation process by fully making use of the parallel computing capability of the graphics processing unit. In this work, a cascaded DL framework is presented to compute the coupled multiphysics fields related to electrical potential, temperature, velocity, etc. The whole framework is comprised of an input module and several Fourier modules, which achieves to acquire the coupled fields from the explicit boundary conditions. Compared with conventional networks, the Fourier network emerges consistent average error among different resolutions which saves training costs. As a result, a fully trained network can obtain the expected physics fields in real time, offering rosy prospects for practical scenarios.
Vertical Metal‐Oxide Electrochemical Memory for High‐Density Synaptic Array Based High‐Performance Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Lee Hyunjoon , Ryu Da Gil , Lee Giho , Song Min‐Kyu , Moon Hyungjin , Lee Jaehyeong , Ryu Jongchan , Kang Ji‐Hoon , Suh Junmin , Kim Sangbum , Lim Jongwoo , Jeon Dongsuk , Kim Seyoung , Kim Jeehwan , Lee Yun Seog
Published: August 2022

Cross‐point arrays of analog synaptic devices are expected to realize neuromorphic computing hardware for neural network computations with compelling speed boost and superior energy efficiency, as opposed to the conventional hardware based on the von Neumann architecture. To achieve desired characteristics of analog synaptic devices for fully parallel vector–matrix multiplication and vector–vector outer‐product updates, metal‐oxide based electrochemical random‐access memory (ECRAM) is proposed as a promising synaptic device due to its complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor‐compatibility and outstanding synaptic characteristics over other non‐volatile memory candidates. In this work, ECRAM devices with 3D vertical structure is fabricated to demonstrate a minimal 4F2 cell size, highly scalable channel volume and low programming energy, providing optimized synaptic device performance and characteristics as well as high integrity as a cross‐point array. Various weight‐update profiles of the vertical ECRAM devices are obtained by adjusting programming voltage pulses, exhibiting trade‐offs among dynamic range, linearity, symmetry, and update deviation. Based on simulation with advanced algorithms for analog cross‐point array and neural network designs, the potential of vertical ECRAM for high‐density array is evaluated. Simulation studies suggest that the neuromorphic computing performance can be improved further by balancing the weight update characteristics of vertical ECRAM.
Capillary pumping between droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Moradi Mehr Shiva , Charsooghi Mohammad A. , Businaro Luca , Habibi Mehdi , Moradi Ali‐Reza
Published: August 2022

The famous two‐balloon experiment involves two identical balloons filled up with air and connected via a hollow tube, and upon onsetting the experiment one of the balloons shrinks and the other expands. Here, we present the liquid version of that experiment. We use superhydrophobic (SHP) substrates to form spherical droplets and connect them with a capillary channel. Different droplet sizes, substrates of different hydrophobicities, and various channel pathways are investigated, and morphometric parameters of the droplets are measured through image processing. In the case of SHP substrates, the pumping is from the smaller droplet to the larger one, similar to the two‐balloon experiment. However, if one or both of the droplets are positioned on a normal substrate the curvature radius will indicate the direction of pumping. We interpret the results by considering the Laplace pressures and the surface tension applied by the channel at the connecting points.
Simulation analysis of biomass pyrolysis based on the improved chemical percolation devolatilization model with chain reaction dynamics
Authors: Yuan Mengxue , Chen Na , Guo Yun , Chen Bin , Wang Sha , Shen Jun , Qiu Xihe
Published: August 2022

The complex composition and molecular structure of biomass lead to more complex and diversified chemical reactions in the pyrolysis. According to the structural characteristics of the reactants, this article simplifies the pyrolysis process and extends the research focus from the micro‐molecular elementary reactions to the macro reaction kinetics. The wheat straw is chosen as the investigated biomass, and the promoted chemical percolation devolatilization with modified pseudo‐grid and chain reaction kinetics pyrolysis models were constructed for predicting the pyrolysis characteristics. Under the condition of slow pyrolysis, by calculating the average difference between the collected calculated values and the corresponding experimental values, the prediction errors of bio‐char, bio‐oil, and gas production are in a reasonable range of <10%. Moreover, the reliability of the model is verified by comparing with the experimental thermogravimetric curve, which shows that the model could well predict the mass loss, product distribution, and component characteristics, and provides a reasonable prediction for the pyrolysis of biomass. However, the simplifications and assumptions about the model also lead to some deviations of the predicted values, which should be considered and improved in future research.
Analytical and numerical simulations of depolymerization based on discrete model: A chain‐end scission scenario
Authors: Wang Jiang , Wang Tian‐Tian , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Zhou Yin‐Ning
Published: August 2022

Depolymerization by chain‐end scission enables ideally full recovery of monomers, which is considered as a promising route for polymer recycling. Despite attractive experimental achievements, insightful depolymerization kinetic modeling study is capable of providing information for better understanding polymer degradation process and reactor design in polymer industry. Herein, an improved analytical solution for depolymerization by chain‐end scission is derived and validated by numerical exact solution. The strength of the as‐derived analytical solution lies on its capability of capturing depolymerization kinetics of polymers with large degrees of polymerization and different initial distributions (e.g., Gamma, monodisperse, Poisson, Flory‐Schulz, exponential, and log‐normal distributions). Additionally, the changes in average properties of polymer are accessed by using a hybrid method based on the method of moment (MoM) and the improved analytical solution considering dimers in chain‐end scission process for the first time. Finally, kinetic insights into depolymerization of self‐immolative polymers are also gained by the MoM‐based model in parallel with two sets of experimental data. This work offers simulation protocols for a profound understanding of depolymerization kinetics and inspecting molecular properties during depolymerization.
Bioresponsive inulin‐azobenzene nanostructures for targeted drug delivery to colon
Authors: Yadav Santosh , Singh Reena , Kumar Pradeep
Published: August 2022

Here, a series of amphiphilic inulin‐azobenzene (IAb) conjugates has been synthesized by the reaction of inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, with varying amounts of 6‐(3‐(4‐[4‐dimethylaminophenylazo]‐phenyl)‐thioureido)‐hexanoic acid (Azo‐ahx), an azobenzene linker. The resulting IAb conjugates (IAb‐1, IAb‐2 and IAb‐3 with 1, 3, and 5% substitution of the linker, respectively) self‐assembled into nanostructures in aqueous environment, which were then used to encapsulate the hydrophobic drug molecules, ornidazole (OZ) and 5‐fluorouracil (FU). Drug loaded and unloaded nanostructures were subjected to characterization by spectroscopic and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The sustained drug release behavior of these nanostructures was studied by dialysis bag method at different pH values. Enzyme‐responsive drug release behavior was investigated under the influence of inulinase. Besides, the best formulation, IAb‐1, not only showed antioxidant potential but also exhibited good wound healing properties as evidenced by in vitro scratch assay in HaCaT cells. The self‐assembled nanostructures of IAb‐1 were found be non‐toxic to cells even up to 700 μg/ml as tested by MTT assay on HEK 293 and HeLa cells. In conclusion, the potential of self‐assembled drug loaded inulin‐azo nanostructures has been demonstrated for the targeted drug delivery applications.
Lightweight, low temperature fatigue resistant, and low dielectric microcellular polyetheretherketone foams fabricated by microcellular injection molding
Authors: Ma Yitao , Xie Jinzhao , Li Zhongjie , Liu Gonghan , Yang Weimin , Xie Pengcheng
Published: August 2022

In this study, microcellular injection molding with supercritical nitrogen was employed to fabricate polyetheretherketone (PEEK) foams. The results showed that microporous PEEK specimens with weight loss up to 22% (specific strength of 58.16) and a low dielectric constant of 2.29 were achieved successfully. It is demonstrated that the microcellular structures and distribution varied with filling distance, due to the variation of pressure and temperature of melt in the mold cavity. Moreover, the low‐temperature resistance of foamed PEEK specimen was evaluated with ultra‐low temperature cycling test. It is found that foamed PEEK specimens demonstrate the same level of performance under low temperature conditions, which provides potential application in extreme environments. PEEK specimens have dielectric constant fluctuations in the X‐band due to the polarization of the molecular chains. In the PEEK foams, microcellular structure significantly influenced their dielectric properties. The wider cell layer enables higher gas content in PEEK foams, resulting in lower dielectric constant. Furthermore, crystallization can suppress the orientational polarization of molecular chains, and thus higher crystallinity results in a smaller dielectric constant. The lightweight, low‐temperature fatigue‐resistant, low‐dielectric microporous PEEK products have tremendous promise as insulation materials in many applications such as communications and microelectronics.
Continuity and change in loneliness and stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of autistic and non‐autistic adults
Authors: Scheeren Anke M. , Howlin Patricia , Pellicano Liz , Magiati Iliana , Begeer Sander
Published: August 2022

Previous studies have suggested that autistic adults may be negatively affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. In this study, we examined continuity and change in loneliness and stress, and their predictors, in 448 autistic and 70 non‐autistic adults living in the Netherlands. Autistic participants were assessed on three occasions using the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and Perceived Stress Scale (pre‐lockdown (T0), first lockdown (T1), and second lockdown (T2)); non‐autistic participants were assessed twice (T1 and T2). Autistic adults' loneliness and stress levels remained stable across all three time points over 8 months, but were consistently higher than those of non‐autistic adults. Other predictors of higher loneliness and stress levels at the first lockdown (T1) included low perceived social support and high levels of COVID‐19 related worries. Although loneliness and stress were stable at the group level, the wellbeing of some autistic adults worsened over the course of the pandemic, while others improved. For instance, adults with a mental health diagnosis (other than autism) prior to the pandemic were more likely to increase in stress over time, whereas adults with higher perceived social support were more likely to decrease in stress over time (from T1 to T2). Factors contributing to variability in outcome require further examination. Moreover, the relatively high loneliness and stress levels in autistic adults call for attention from clinicians and service providers.

Lay summary

In our study, autistic adults reported feeling more lonely and stressed than non‐autistic adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. People who missed support from their social network also felt more lonely and stressed. On average, people did not change substantially in their degree of loneliness or stress over time. Yet, we noted large person‐to‐person differences in the wellbeing of autistic adults during the pandemic.