bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cilada dos projetos de parcerias estratégicas e inovação
Authors: Ruscheinsky Aloisio , Rempel Enaide Tereza
Published: March 2022

Este artigo é resultado de pesquisa empírica com análise da relação entre projetos amparados por parcerias e práticas de educação ambiental. Ao constituir-se de um pequeno recorte de uma investigação de doutoramento, o objetivo consiste em abordar parcerias estratégicas e a formatação de ações de educação ambiental, na qualidade de programas de responsabilidade ambiental de empresa do agronegócio. Temos o entendimento de que a articulação das temáticas se dá num conjunto de práticas envolvendo atores sociais, Estado num determinado território. O problema de pesquisa articula as interfaces em ações estratégicas entre atores, órgãos de controle estatal e docentes e discentes. A metodologia consistiu em apreender as estratégias de obtenção de hegemonia a partir das ideias de responsabilidade social e sustentabilidade socioambiental, presentes nos projetos educativos, propostos por uma empresa, em região que engloba municípios considerados polos do agronegócio. Utilizamos como procedimentos de coleta o levantamento de documentação e entrevistas com docentes e gestores educacionais. A pesquisa concluiu que o projeto político-pedagógico da empresa viabilizou as práticas em análise, associadas à homogeneização de condições diferenciadas de vida e a formas de invisibilizar tensões e conflitos, que tendem a produzir conformismo frente aos problemas ambientais, atribuindo-lhe o papel estratégico de reprodução dos interesses do capital e da lógica do mercado num determinado território.
A convergência entre complexidade e diálogo
Authors: Luna José Marcelo Freitas de , Santos Jonatas Marcos da Silva
Published: March 2022

As reflexões apresentadas neste artigo referenciam-se em pesquisa sobre a convergência da complexidade de Morin e a práxis crítico-dialógica conscientizadora de Paulo Freire. Para demonstrar tal convergência, a partir do Humanismo europeu, consideramos o processo de formação da época Moderna e suas influências sobre a formação do mundo e do sujeito contemporâneos, traçando a contribuição do pensamento de Morin e Freire como proposta crítica frente aos princípios da Modernidade. Ao sujeito biopsíquico, social e envolvido pelas teias de significados culturais, ser complexo e dialógico situado no tempo e no espaço históricos, apontamos a educação dialógica conscientizadora da complexidade como possibilidade de promoção da vida em abundância e da ética, tendo em vista a criação de uma nova consciência planetária no século XXI. Com a metodologia de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, buscamos responder como o pensamento de Morin e Paulo Freire convergem ao fundamentar uma nova perspectiva para educação no mundo contemporâneo. A educação sob o viés do diálogo acerca da complexidade contribui para emersão de uma consciência comprometida com o respeito ao Planeta, com a vida humana e com a valorização das diversidades, assumindo novas perspectivas ante ao compromisso de construção da cidadania global solidária. Os resultados mostram que a convergência entre a complexidade e a educação dialógico-conscientizadora acontece pelas possibilidades de abordar a realidade como sendo irredutível a qualquer pretensão de certeza absoluta e definitiva por parte do conhecimento humano e pela alternativa convergente de complexidade e diálogo para educação do século XXI, em face aos princípios da Modernidade.
Effects of dynamic change of action potential on evolution behavior of spiral wave
Authors: Guan Fu-Rong , Li Cheng-Qian , Deng Min-Yi ,   College of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China,   Guangxi Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Published: March 2022

It is observed in cardiac patients that the steepnesses of action potential duration (APD) restitution curve of cardiomyocytes in different regions of the ventricle are significantly different from region to region. However, the steep APD restitution curve can either lead the spiral wave to break up and set up the ventricular fibrillation in certain conditions or result in no breakup of spiral wave in other conditions. The relationship between the dynamic behavior of spiral wave and steep APD restitution curve is still not completely clear. Therefore, further research is needed. In this paper, a two-dimensional excitable medium cellular automata model is used to study the influences of the APD restitution curves with different steepnesses on the dynamic behavior of spiral wave. Numerical simulation results show that the steep APD restitution curve can stabilize the meandering spiral wave, causing the stable spiral wave to roam or break, and even to disappear. When the total average slope of APD restitution curve is greater than 1, it is observed that spiral wave may be still stable or meandering. When the total average slope of APD restitution curve is much smaller than 1, the breakup of spiral waves may occur. Three types of spiral wave breakups are observed. They are the Doppler instability, Eckhaus instability, and APD alternation. The Doppler instability and Eckhaus instability are related to the total average slope of APD restitution curve greater than 1, and the spiral wave breakup caused by APD alternans may occur when the total average slope of APD restitution curve is much smaller than 1. When the total average slope of APD restitution curve is greater than 1, the phenomena that spiral waves disappear by meandering out of the system boundary and conduction barriers are observed. In addition, we also find that increasing cellular APD is beneficial to preventing spiral wave from breaking up. The physical mechanisms behind those phenomena are heuristically analyzed.
Player-aware resource compensation in interrupted cricket matches
Authors: Zia Salam , Liaqat Hannan Bin , Zia Hafiz Usman , Kong Xiangjie , Shamshad Sultan
Published: March 2022

The International Cricket Council (ICC) uses the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method for resource compensation in interrupted games, which is an upgraded version of the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method. In order to compensate resources, the D/L method uses a generic resource table for all teams without considering both teams’ past performance, venue of the match, and players participating in that match. That is why teams cannot strategize according to their strengths and play according to D/L’s requirements. This paper presents a method for Player-aware Resource Compensation in Interrupted Cricket Matches (PRCICM). The PRCICM model is dynamic because it allocates a different number of resources to different teams based on their resource usage in the past, players involved in the match and venue of the match. The proposed method eliminates the need to find the generalized scoring patterns with a player-driven approach. A team-specific approach is more appropriate because of teams’ different formations and playing approaches.
Identification of key microorganisms in facultative stabilization ponds from dairy industries, using metagenomics
Authors: Irazoqui Jose M. , Eberhardt Maria F. , Adjad Maria M. , Amadio Ariel F.
Published: March 2022

Wastewater stabilization ponds are a natural form of wastewater treatment. Their low operation and maintenance costs have made them popular, especially in developing countries. In these systems, effluents are retained for long periods of time, allowing the microbial communities present in the ponds to degrade the organic matter present, using both aerobic and anaerobic processes. Even though these systems are widespread in low income countries, there are no studies about the microorganisms present in them and how they operate. In this study, we analised the microbial communities of two serial full-scale stabilization ponds systems using whole genome shotgun sequencing. First, a taxonomic profiling of the reads was performed, to estimate the microbial diversity. Then, the reads of each system were assembled and binned, allowing the reconstruction of 110 microbial genomes. A functional analysis of the genomes allowed us to find how the main metabolic pathways are carried out, and we propose several organisms that would be key to this kind of environment, since they play an important role in these metabolic pathways. This study represents the first genome-centred approach to understand the metabolic processes in facultative ponds. A better understanding of these microbial communities and how they stabilize the effluents of dairy industries is necessary to improve them and to minimize the environmental impact of dairy industries wastewater.
Textural quality, growth parameters and oxidative responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed faba bean water extract diet
Authors: Li Yichao , Zhang Junming , Fu Bing , Xie Jun , Wang Guangjun , Tian Jingjing , Xia Yun , Yu Ermeng
Published: March 2022

Texture is one of the key quality attributes used in the fresh and processed fish industry to assess product quality and consumer acceptability. To improve the textural quality of tilapia, we formulated the expanded pellet diet (EPD) and pellet diet (PD), both containing faba bean (Vicia faba, FB) water extract, a previously reported potential aquafeed additive to increase flesh texture. The common diet was used as a control. After Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed three kinds of experimental diet for 120 days, muscle textural quality, growth parameters, oxidative response and immune parameters were analyzed. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the growth parameters between the three groups (P > 0.05). The highest measure of textural quality (hardness and chewiness) was found for the PD group, followed by the EPD and the control (P < 0.05). Less oxidative damage to the hepatopancreas and intestine was found in the EPD compared with the PD group, as demonstrated by the decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and increased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and intestinal digestive enzyme activity (amylase and lipase). Taken together, this study highlights the potential usefulness in commercial settings of FB water extract for improving the textural quality of tilapia, and EPD containing faba bean water extract could be more advanced substitute for faba bean in tilapia culture in term of both effectiveness in textural quality improvement and health status enhancement compared with PD.
Anatomic Asymmetry of Iliolumbar Artery in Goan Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Daniel Ankit Paul , Dias Medora CD , Patil Rajesh T
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Haemorrhage is one of the most common complications in laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic surgeries thus making variant anatomy of Iliolumbar Artery (ILA) important as it is one of the vessels leading to haemorrhage. Aim: To study variant anatomy of ILA and its morphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done over a period of five months from January 2020 to May 2020. Twenty- seven-formalin fixed human pelvises were dissected in iliolumbar region in the dissection hall of the Department of Anatomy, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, India. Point of origin of Iliolumbar Artery (ILA), its length before its branches, distance from the branching of Internal Iliac Artery (IIA) and Common Iliac Artery (CIA) trunk were evaluated. The length of these vessels was measured by using a thread and a vernier caliper (sensitive to 0.1 mm) by following their curves. Results: The ILA was found to originate from IIA (trunk) in twenty-one (38.89%); from posterior division of the IIA in eight (14.81%); at the division of IIA in fifteen (27.78%); from CIA (trunk) in two (3.70%) and was not traceable (was not found branching from IIA) in eight (14.81%) specimen. Mean length of ILA when originating from posterior division of IIA was 1.36±0.44 cm; when originating from IIA (trunk) was 1.53±0.46 cm and when originating at the division of IIA was 1.64±0.67 cm. Mean distance of ILA from IIA if ILA originates from IIA (trunk) was 2.27±0.81 cm and if ILA originates from posterior division of IIA was 1.23±0.57 cm. Mean distance of ILA from CIA (trunk) if ILA originates from IIA (trunk) was 2.53±1.07 cm, if ILA originates from posterior division of IIA was 3.95±1.06 cm. Conclusion: Knowledge of anatomy and variations of the ILA to the modern day laparoscopic surgeons, orthopaedic spine surgeons and vascular surgeons will immensely help in safe surgical outcomes.
Case Report on Penetrating Right Renal Trauma caused by a Wooden Stick
Authors: Patel Akash Rajendrakumar , Dave Jignesh , Bhatt Jatin , Goel Divyam
Published: March 2022

Blunt trauma by motor vehicle accidents and falls, followed by penetrating injuries comprise the common mechanisms of renal injury. Unilateral Penetrating Renal Trauma (UPRT) is extremely rare. Here, we reported a unique case of Right Penetrating Renal Trauma (RPRT). A nine-year-old male child, with a 124 cm height and 30 kg weight without any medical history, had a history of falling down from tree with right side penetrating abdominal injury. On admission, patient was vitally stable. Patient had macroscopic haematuria with haemoglobin count of 10 gm/dL, creatinine 1.2 mg/dL. The Computed Tomography (CT) demonstrated right-sided penetrating renal injuries by some foreign material perinephric haematoma with surrounding air foci with renal vascular pedicle injury. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was executed immediately. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale grading system, it was considered grade IV renal injury. Nephrectomy was done. Piperacillin and tazobactam was injected to prevent bacterial infection. The postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was discharged after seven days without any complications.
Percutaneous Balloon Retrieval Technique for Fractured Biliary Drainage Catheter in a Paediatric Patient: Can a Major Surgery be Averted?
Authors: Israrahmed Amrin , Singh Somesh , Mall Rana Vishwadeep , Yadav Rajanikant R
Published: March 2022

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) involves temporary placement of an external drainage catheter into an obstructed bile duct prior to internal biliary stenting or surgery. Chronic indwelling PTBD catheters can develop surrounding adhesions and are prone to fractures and retention during their removal. Retained segments can cause impaired biliary drainage, inflammation and recurrent cholangitis. Retrieval of retained catheters can be done by endoscopic/surgical/percutaneous techniques. In patients who have undergone Hepatico-Jejunostomy (HJ), endoscopic removal is not possible and percutaneous/surgical removal are the only options. The authors present a case of a five-year-old child who came for removal of a fractured, retained PTBD catheter, nine months after undergoing HJ. The catheter was removed by a percutaneous balloon retrieval technique. The objective here is to highlight the technical challenges encountered and present a modification of the usual balloon retrieval technique used to successfully remove the catheter and thus avert a major surgery.
Analysis of COVID-19 and Mucormycosis Infection in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kshitija Kasturi , Poojitha Teeda Lakshmi Sri Naga , Mounika Ande Dimple Sree , Rosha Deepak
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unprecedentely led to health crisis in population across the globe. Even though the advent of vaccine has brought the spread of infection under control, shortage in vaccine supply, surge in breakthrough infections and associated mucormycosis in immunosuppressed individuals posed a potential threat. Aim: To know the incidence and outcome of COVID-19 with superadded mucormycosis in vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study undertaken for a period of four months. Hospitalised COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study. Details of age, gender and co-morbidities were taken into account. In COVID19 with mucormycosis, glycosylated haemoglobin value and steroid therapy were also noted. Clinical outcome for all the cases were analysed. Statistical analysis of the data collected was done with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 software. Results: Out of 134 cases, 84 and 50 cases belonged to vaccinated and unvaccinated groups respectively. Isolated COVID-19 infection was noted in 102 cases and COVID-19 with mucormycosis in 32 cases. Diabetes mellitus and steroid therapy showed to be the predisposing factors for development of mucormycosis in COVID-19 cases. High proportion of unvaccinated individuals died due to isolated COVID-19 infection compared to vaccinated individuals and it was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: To combat serious threats caused by the COVID19 pandemic, complete vaccination which offers maximum protection is mandatory.
Impact of Coronary Stent Price Regulation Section on the Interventional Cardiology Landscape of India: An Assessment of Health Economics Outcomes
Authors: Arora Hriday , Gupta Alka , Gupta Divya
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The cases of Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) are on the rise in India, this can be attributed to various factors such as ageing, lifestyle, smoking, food habits, and higher income levels. Although, a large proportion of India’s population has access to some form of health insurance, the out of pocket expenditure is still extremely high as a percentage of total health spendings. Aim: To assess the impact of coronary stent price regulation on the interventional cardiology field in India. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data for this study was collected from online search at google and various other external data sources such as websites and published reports of World Health Organisation (WHO), Niti Aayog, National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Economic Times (ET) Health World. Line graphs for the percentage change in the number of percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, usage of Drug Eluting Stents (DES) pricing for government and private hospitals for the period 2016-2021 were plotted using Microsoft excel. Results: A high cost of coronary stents ranging from Indian Rupee (INR) 40,000 to INR 1,25,000 was a major contributor to a very high out of pocket expenditure in the field of interventional cardiology. In order to curtail this cost, a ceiling limit of INR 29,600 was imposed with respect to the prices of coronary stents in the year 2017 by the NPPA. Ever since a ceiling limit was imposed on the prices of coronary stents in India, there has been an annual increase of 3.7%, 13.1%, 12.6%, and 12.9% in the number of coronary intervention procedures for the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, respectively. Similarly, the usage of DES has also shown an annual increase of 8.9%, 14.7%, 10.5%, and 13.3%, respectively for the same years. Conclusion: At this juncture when the burden of CAD is on a rise in India, the efforts to make coronary stents more affordable will go a long way in the efficient management of CAD in the country.
Seasonal and Multivariate Characteristics of Atmospheric Gases, Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals in Lagos-Suburban
Authors: Iroegbulem I. U. , Egereonu E. E. , Ogukwe C. E. , Akalezi C. O. , Nkwoada A. U.
Published: March 2022

Aim: Insufficient data on atmospheric pollution research exists in Lagos-suburban areas, and in some cases, studies are yet to be carried out. The aim is to study criteria pollutants seasonal characteristics, suspended particulate matter, and particulate heavy metal concentrations interactions in the Lagos suburban by multivariate techniques

Methodology: Assessment of 3 criteria pollutants, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and 6 particulate heavy metal concentrations, at 10 different suburban locations in Lagos was performed and interpreted by multivariate analysis to determine their sources, distribution, and pollution status. AQI values indicated a non-hazardous environment that is moderately unhealthy and sensitive to vulnerable populations.

Results: Values of CO among the 10 sites ranged from 468-1350 µg/m3 during the wet season, and 447-1864 µg/m3 during dry seasons and both exceeded World Health Organization (WHO), and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) regulations. NO2 concentration exceeded the FMEnv standard and suggest the likelihood of health challenges to the unsuspecting population. Cl- anion accounts for 85% of the total anion concentrations, and others had low standard deviations < 5%. A correlation of (Na+ and SO42-), (Ca2+ and NO3-), (K+ and SO42-) showed active atmospheric water chemistry in the study locations. Determined levels of Cd and Ni particulate did not exceed WHO guidelines, while only Alagbado and Surulere were the major Pb hotspots. Pearson correlation showed the heavy metals differ from each other during each season, but Zn/Zn and Fe/Fe showed a strong link between the metal concentrations and the seasons. Peripheral component analysis indicated that Cd and Cu particulate matter accounts for 75% of the variance, while cluster analysis showed the similarity of relationship in terms of concentration for the wet season.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study provided invaluable data on atmospheric pollution and the development of improved protocols for pollution guidelines in suburban Lagos.
Knowledge, Practice, and Awareness about Preventive Measures of Chikungunya among Traders Community in Mitford Region of Dhaka City
Authors: Akhter Fahima , Begum Nasima , Jahan Hasna
Published: March 2022

Aim: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos that causes a regional epidemic and becomes a remarkable public health problem. Chikungunya disease outbreak was first identified in Bangladesh in 2008. Very limited information is available to assess knowledge, practice, and awareness of the community to prevent Chikungunya. As community engagement and motivational interventions are mainly focused to prevent mosquito bite and to control their breeding, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge, practice, and awareness (KPA) of the community for preventive measures about Chikungunya.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mitford region of Dhaka city from January to May 2021 among 280 traders and data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and observational checklist.

Results: Most of the respondents had informed about Chikungunya from media (41.79%). About 50.71% respondents were informed about the transmitted vector of chikungunya and out of them, 47.18% also had knowledge that Aedes variant is the specific vector for this disease, but more than half (55.71%) did not know that it is a viral borne disease. Again, only 16.43% of the respondents knew about the actual biting time. Study also revealed that 38.93% respondents practiced bed net, 18.21% mosquito coils and 13.22% aerosol as effective preventive measures. Only 25% aware to keep drain, free from blockage, 20.72% aware to change water from house plant container and only 6.79% aware to notify city corporation authority to take necessary action to prevent spreading of disease though 50% of the respondent stated that they were aware about government existing activity of fogging the areas, destroying the bush (23.93%) and improving water drainage system (18.93%) that effectively destroy further breeding of vector and spreading of transmission. About 67.5% took paracetamol as the primary management and 11.79% aware to take bed rest but 11% did not aware about the management. 62% were conscious about the joint complication but 28.22% did not have any idea.

Conclusion: This study found that community had lack of knowledge, practice, and awareness to take proper preventive measures that might be improved by formulating an extensive community-based guideline involving the concerned municipal authority and other stockholders by updating the gaps in knowledge, practice and to organize awareness tracing program among the community.
The Action of Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists in the Present of Bupropion in the Vta Nucleus on Morphine Withdrawal Syndrome on Episodic Behaviors in Rats
Authors: Moradpour Farzad , Zare Samad , Pakdel Firouz Ghaderi
Published: March 2022

Bupropion is a unique and non-nicotine smoke cessation agent, and it is using smoke cessation drugs under FDA approval despite its antidepressant effect. In the current study, we considered the short-term interaction of bupropion, adrenoceptors proprietary agonists and antagonists (phenylephrine, prazosin, clonidine and yohimbine) in intra VTA injection on naloxone precipitated withdrawal symptoms. The injection guide cannulae were implanted into VTA nuclei according to stereotaxic surgery under sterile conditions. The sham group was received saline as a drug vehicle, but treated groups received 2.5 mg/μl/min of bupropion alone and with doses of phenylephrine (0.2 µg/µl/minute), prazosin (1 µg/µl/minute), clonidine and yohimbine (2 µg/µl/minute) 20 before bupropion. Dependent and non-dependent control groups had surgery, but they had no intra-VTA injection. In each treatment group, 8 rats were used. Withdrawal signs were precipitated by naloxone (1.2 mg/Kg, s.c.), observed continuously and registered online each minute. The behaviors captured by 3 digital cameras indifferent view (30 min) for offline analysis. Signs were counted and analyzed within and between groups. The results showed that intra-VTA bupropion can alter the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms and decrease more of them. Adrenoceptor agonists decrease some of the symptoms. This decrease was significant statistically in comparison with sham and control groups and between treatment groups. Occurrence extents of withdrawal symptoms have no significance statistically in naive control and sham groups toward the witness group. Results showed adrenergic system has a role in the opioid system and drug dependence; also between influences extent of adrenoceptor's species is a difference in accession of diverse withdrawal signs.
Physico-Chemical Contamination of Water Resources in Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Yenlajai Banseka JaneFrances , Mbifung Lambi Cornelius , Nji Fogwe Zephania
Published: March 2022

Urban water resources have been under increasing threat of pollution in recent years due to increasing population growth and improper management of vast amounts of waste generated by various human activities. Water resources in the Fako Division which are major sources of drinking and domestic water are now major receptacles of untreated and partially treated industrial wastes. The study aims at investigating the physico-chemical contamination of water resources in the municipalities of Buea, Tiko and Limbe within the Fako Division. To understand and interpret the nexus, twenty water samples were collected from different sources as follows: three (3) streams, one (1) community water, five (5) springs, four (4) boreholes and seven (7) wells and were analyzed. The Water quality parameters examined were physical parameters: Water Temperature (Tᵒ), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Potential Hydrogen (pH), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Salinity, Chemical parameters; major cations included sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and major anions included chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), sulphate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3- ) and fluoride (F-). Major ions were determined using ion chromatography and alkalinity by titration. Results revealed that fifteen (15) of the water samples recorded high levels of Nitrate concentrations during the rainy season while in the dry season twelve (12) samples registered high levels above WHO standards. Results revealed that the levels of nitrates in the rainy season were higher than in the dry season. High concentrations of nitrates in water samples are a result of agricultural practices with the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Some of the wastes are washed off by runoff during the rainy season into surface water bodies while some infiltrate through the porous scoriaceous sub-soils into the water table polluting groundwater resources with excess nitrates. The study, therefore, recommends systematic waste management strategies, proper town planning measures. There should be operational monitoring of the domestic water system and the implementation of systematic water quality management and integrated water strategies.
Analysis of Hemoglobin Levels among Oral Cancer Patients: An Institutional Study
Authors: Desai Karishma , Ramani Pratibha , Pandiar Deepak
Published: March 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is estimated that approximately half of all the tumors affecting the head and neck region commonly affect the oral cavity. Premalignant lesions can manifest as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, keratosis or even oral candidiasis. Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein contained in the red blood cells of the body and plays an important role in delivery of oxygen to the tissues. A sufficient level of Hemoglobin is required to maintain oxygenation of the tissues. Anemia is defined as a reduction in hemoglobin levels below the lower limit pertaining to a particular age group. Treating anemia by increasing the levels of hemoglobin has proven to increase the quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to analyze the Hb level in OSCC patients attending our institution.

Materials and Methods: The present retrospective institutional study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethical Approval Board to access patient records and data. A total of 5, 00,000 case sheets were analyzed from June 2019 to February 2021. Suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and case sheets were shortlisted. The data were entered in MS Excel spreadsheet and further statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. All results were displayed as graphs and pie charts.

Results: 64 cases of OSCC were included in the present study with a male predominance. 45% of the study population had a level between 9-11 mg/dl. 60.3% of the population belonged to the age group of 50 and above.

Conclusion: Anemia in cancer can be precipitated due to various factors. It can be caused or exacerbated by the cancer itself due to immunosuppression or due to chemotherapy. Anemia can also be pre existing due to underlying conditions. It was found that hemoglobin levels are found to be higher in males and higher in ages 50+ when compared to ages 30-40. Low levels of hemoglobin and anemic conditions in oral cancer patients can cause excessive fatigue and can significantly affect quality of life and hence, hemoglobin therapy is widely administered to oral cancer patients.
Is Decline Possible in Congenital Heart Defects by Adjusting Avoidable Risk Factors?
Authors: Goswami Pushpa , Sheikh Waseemullah , Rajpar Farhana , Qazi Nayab , Rabia Bibi , Gul Fahmida
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the leading causes of birth defects-associated morbidity and mortality with incidence variable with geographic locale, race, family history and gender of the baby.

Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 96 infants after ethical approval; infants of both genders with diagnosis of CHDs were registered. After complete history and physical examination type of anomaly observed was confirmed by echocardiography. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 21.0 Chi square test was applied for comparison of categorical variables, p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: During study period total 96 patients were examined. Significant association of various types of CHDs with cousin marriage, lack of folic acid intake and positive family history were observed on Pearson chi-square statically significant p-value (<0.01) was observed shown in tables.

Conclusion: Further studies on modifiable risk factors on big sample size will be very helpful in decreasing the load of CHDs, and patients can also be facilitated with early diagnosis and management.
Hydrogen Bond Energies in Formation of Water Molecule Clusters
Authors: Mehandjiev Dimitar , Ignatov Ignat , Neshev Nikolai , Gluhchev Georgi , Drossiankis Christos
Published: March 2022

During the last decades, the interest in water structure has increased as an important theoretical and practical problem, connected with different industrial and biological applications. Theoretically, the mechanisms of water molecules cluster formation have been of special interest. It has been assumed that aggregation of water molecules depends on the energy of hydrogen bonds. The character of this process was investigated in the present study. The approach was based on measurements of the wetting angle θ of water droplets at different energy levels during their evaporation. Taking into account previous findings that θ depends on the average energy of hydrogen bonds between water molecules, it was assumed that the size of water clusters is related to the value of θ, measured at different energy levels. This assumption was confirmed by the obtained experimental results.
Target localization accuracy in frame‐based stereotactic radiosurgery: Comparison between MR‐only and MR/CT co‐registration approaches
Authors: Pappas Eleftherios P. , Seimenis Ioannis , Kouris Panagiotis , Theocharis Stefanos , Lampropoulos Kostas I. , Kollias Georgios , Karaiskos Pantelis
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In frame‐based Gamma Knife (GK) stereotactic radiosurgery two treatment planning workflows are commonly employed; one based solely on magnetic resonance (MR) images and the other based on magnetic resonance/computed tomography (MR/CT) co‐registered images. In both workflows, target localization accuracy (TLA) can be deteriorated due to MR‐related geometric distortions and/or MR/CT co‐registration uncertainties. In this study, the overall TLA following both clinical workflows is evaluated for cases of multiple brain metastases.

Methods

A polymer gel‐filled head phantom, having the Leksell stereotactic headframe attached, was CT‐imaged and irradiated by a GK Perfexion unit. A total of 26 4‐mm shots were delivered at 26 locations directly defined in the Leksell stereotactic space (LSS), inducing adequate contrast in corresponding T2‐weighted (T2w) MR images. Prescribed shot coordinates served as reference locations. An additional MR scan was acquired to implement the “mean image” distortion correction technique. The TLA for each workflow was assessed by comparing the radiation‐induced target locations, identified in MR images, with corresponding reference locations. Using T1w MR and CT images of 15 patients (totaling 81 lesions), TLA in clinical cases was similarly assessed, considering MR‐corrected data as reference. For the MR/CT workflow, both global and region of interest (ROI)‐based MR/CT registration approaches were studied.

Results

In phantom measurements, the MR‐corrected workflow demonstrated unsurpassed TLA (median offset of 0.2 mm) which deteriorated for MR‐only and MR/CT workflows (median offsets of 0.8 and 0.6 mm, respectively). In real‐patient cases, the MR‐only workflow resulted in offsets that exhibit a significant positive correlation with the distance from the MR isocenter, reaching 1.1 mm (median 0.6 mm). Comparable results were obtained for the MR/CT‐global workflow, although a maximum offset of 1.4 mm was detected. TLA was improved with the MR/CT‐ROI workflow resulting in median/maximum offsets of 0.4 mm/1.1 mm.

Conclusions

Subpixel TLA is achievable in all workflows. For the MR/CT workflow, a ROI‐based MR/CT co‐registration approach could considerably increase TLA and should be preferred instead of a global registration.
Biological effective dose in analysis of rectal dose in prostate cancer patients who underwent a combination therapy of VMAT and LDR with hydrogel spacer insertion
Authors: Zhang Honglai , Wang Lin , Riegel Adam C. , Antone Jeffrey , Potters Louis , Lee Lucille , Cao Yijian
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate rectal dose reduction in prostate cancer patients who underwent a combination of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and low‐dose‐rate (LDR) brachytherapy with insertion of hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR). For this study, 35 patients receiving hydrogel spacer and 30 patients receiving no spacer were retrospectively enrolled. Patient was treated to doses of 45 Gy to the primary tumor site and nodal regions over 25 fractions using VMAT and 100 Gy to the prostate using prostate seed implant (PSI). In VMAT plans of patients with no spacer, mean doses of rectal wall were 43.6, 42.4, 40.1, and 28.8 Gy to the volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively. In patients with SpaceOAR, average rectal wall doses decreased to 39.0, 36.9, 33.5, and 23.9 Gy to the volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively (p < 0.01). In PSI plans, rectal wall doses were on average 78.5, 60.9, 41.8, and 14.8 Gy to the volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively, in patients without spacer. In contrast, the doses decreased to 34.5, 28.4, 20.6 (p < 0.01), and 8.5 Gy (p < 0.05) to rectal wall volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively, in patient with SpaceOAR. To demonstrate rectal sum dose sparing, dose‐biological effective dose (BED) calculation was accomplished in those patients who showed >60% overlap of rectal volumetric doses between VMAT and PSI. In patients with SpaceOAR, average BEDsum was decreased up to 34%, which was 90.1, 78.9, 65.9, and 40.8 Gy to rectal volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively, in comparison to 137.4, 116.7, 93.0, and 50.2 Gy to the volume of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 cm3, respectively, in those with no spacer. Our result suggested a significant reduction of rectal doses in those patients who underwent a combination of VMAT and LDR with hydrogel spacer placement.
Double‐Defense Design of Super‐Anti‐Fouling Membranes for Oil/Water Emulsion Separation
Authors: Dong Dianyu , Zhu Yuzhang , Fang Wangxi , Ji Miaozhou , Wang Aqiang , Gao Shoujian , Lin Hongzhen , Huang Rong , Jin Jian
Published: March 2022

Oil fouling threatens the water flux stability of membranes for oil/water separation. Simple hydrophilic modification fights for an opportunity to prevent oil contamination but fails to eliminate severe water flux decline. In essence, a “single‐defense” mechanism is insufficient to build a potent barrier against accumulated cake layer under a filtration environment. This work reports a “double‐defense” design by integrating hydrophilic polymer brushes and hydrogel layer on oil/water separation membranes for desired anti‐oil‐fouling property, where a poly(vinylidene fluoride) porous membrane is first covered by a layer of poly(hydroxyethyl methylacrylate) hydrogel and then controllably grafted with poly(sulfobetaine) brushes. The spatially hierarchical structure establishes a highly covered “double‐defense” barrier for the membrane surface to efficiently repel oil adhesion and the formation of an accumulated cake layer. When separating various surfactant‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions, the permeating flux displays a nearly zero decline throughout the whole filtration period. Most importantly, the permeating flux of the membrane is almost the same when filtrating pure water and filtrating oil‐in‐water emulsions, which is difficult to be achieved by the general membranes, indicating that the membrane has excellent anti‐oil‐fouling property superior to the currently reported membranes.
Dual‐Phase Regulation for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lin Kebin , Yan Chuanzhong , Sabatini Randy P. , Feng Wenjing , Lu Jianxun , Liu Kaikai , Ma Dongxin , Shen Yueyue , Zhao Yaping , Li Mingliang , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Sargent Edward H. , Wei Zhanhua
Published: March 2022

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (Pero‐LEDs) have attracted significant attention due to their high color purity and solution processing, presenting potential applications for next‐generation solid‐state lighting and displays. Continued materials development has shown that passivating non‐radiative defects can improve device performance. In theory, CsPbBr3&Cs4PbBr6 should be a model emitter for Pero‐LEDs, as its lattice matching provides ideal passivation and efficient exciton confinement. However, the low charge transport of Cs4PbBr6 has so far hindered device performance. Herein, a dual‐phase regulation method to grow a CsPbBr3&Cs4PbBr6 perovskite layer that enables efficient electrical injection is developed. This leads to the realization that Pero‐LEDs with a maximum EQE of 22.3% with a luminance of 10,050 cd m−2, and the devices show a T50 of 59 h at 130 cd m−2.
“Cells‐to‐cDNA on Chip”: Phenotypic Assessment and Gene Expression Analysis from Live Cells in Nanoliter Volumes Using Droplet Microarrays
Authors: Chakraborty Shraddha , Luchena Charlotte , Elton Jonathan J. , Schilling Marcel P. , Reischl Markus , Roux Margaux , Levkin Pavel A. , Popova Anna A.
Published: March 2022

In vitro cell‐based experiments are particularly important in fundamental biological research. Microscopy‐based readouts to identify cellular changes in response to various stimuli are a popular choice, but gene expression analysis is essential to delineate the underlying molecular dynamics in cells. However, cell‐based experiments often suffer from interexperimental variation, especially while using different readout methods. Therefore, establishment of platforms that allow for cell screening, along with parallel investigations of morphological features, as well as gene expression levels, is crucial. The droplet microarray (DMA) platform enables cell screening in hundreds of nanoliter droplets. In this study, a “Cells‐to‐cDNA on Chip” method is developed enabling on‐chip mRNA isolation from live cells and conversion to cDNA in individual droplets of 200 nL. This novel method works efficiently to obtain cDNA from different cell numbers, down to single cell per droplet. This is the first established miniaturized on‐chip strategy that enables the entire course of cell screening, phenotypic microscopy‐based assessments along with mRNA isolation and its conversion to cDNA for gene expression analysis by real‐time PCR on an open DMA platform. The principle demonstrated in this study sets a beginning for myriad of possible applications to obtain detailed information about the molecular dynamics in cultured cells.
Air‐Permeable Waterproofing Electrocardiogram Patch to Monitor Full‐Day Activities for Multiple Days
Authors: Oh Joosung , Jang Seok Geun , Moon Sungmin , Kim Junho , Park Hyung Keun , Kim Hyoung Seop , Park Sung‐Min , Jeong Unyong
Published: March 2022

On‐skin healthcare patch‐type devices have great technological challenges in monitoring full‐day activities and wearing for multiple days without detachment. These challenges can be overcome when the sensor is air permeable but waterproof. This study presents a light‐weight, highly stable, and stretchable Au electrode that is fabricated by sputtering on an imidized nanofiber mat. The contact surface of the electrode is hydro‐wetting and the outer surface of the electrode is hydrophobic, so the porous electrode simultaneously has excellent sweat permeability and waterproofing capabilities. The electrode is applied to the electrocardiogram sensor for monitoring the cardiac signals for five consecutive days without detaching while doing various full‐day activities such as relaxing, exercising, showering, and sleeping. This study suggests a modular setup of the electrodes and the cardiac signal processing unit for activating the device when cardiac monitoring is required.
Natural Plant Tissue with Bioinspired Nano Amyloid and Hydroxyapatite as Green Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Yuzhou , Fu Yiru , Zhang He , Wang Xu , Chen Tao , Wu Yanqiu , Xu Xinxin , Yang Sheng , Ji Ping , Song Jinlin
Published: March 2022

Bone defects have been increasingly prevalent around the globe and traditional bone substitutes are constantly limited by low abundance and biosafety due to their animal‐based resources. Plant‐based scaffolds are currently studied as a green candidate but the bioinertia of cellulose to mammalian cells leads to uncertain bone regeneration. Inspired by the cross‐kingdom adhesion of plants and bacteria, this work proposes a concept of a novel plant bone substitute, involving coating decellularized plant with nano amyloids and nano hydroxyapatites, to bridge the plant scaffold and animal tissue regeneration. Natural microporosity of plants can guide alignment of mammalian cells into various organ‐like structures. Taking advantage of the bioactive nano amyloids, the scaffolds drastically promote cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation. The enhanced bio‐affinity is elucidated as positively charged nano amyloids and serum deposition on the nanostructure. Nano‐hydroxyapatite crystals deposited on amyloid further prompt osteogenic differentiation of pre‐osteoblasts. In vivo experiments prove successful trabeculae regeneration in the scaffold. Such a hierarchical design leverages the dedicated microstructure of natural plants and high bioactivity of nano amyloid/hydroxyapatite coatings, and addresses the abundant resource of bone substitutes. Not limited to their current application, plant materials functionalized with nano amyloid/hydroxyapatite coatings allow many cross‐kingdom tissue engineering and biomedical applications.
Bipolar Metal Flexible Electrospun Fibrous Membrane Based on Metal–Organic Framework for Gradient Healing of Tendon‐to‐Bone Interface Regeneration
Authors: Yang Renhao , Zheng Yunlong , Zhang Yin , Li Gen , Xu Yidong , Zhang Yin , Xu Yang , Zhuang Chengyu , Yu Pei , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo , Chen Yao , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

Metal ions play a significant role in tissue repair, with widely application in clinical treatment. However, the therapeutic effect of metal ions is always limited due to metabolization and narrow repair capability. Here, a bipolar metal flexible electrospun fibrous membrane based on a metal–organic framework (MOF), which is bioinspired by the gradient structure of the tendon‐to‐bone interface, with a combination of regulating osteoblasts differentiation and angiogenesis properties, is constructed successfully by a continuous electrospinning technique and matching the longitudinal space morphology for synchronous regeneration. Furthermore, the MOF, acting as carriers, can not only achieve the sustainable release of metal ions, but promote the osteogenesis and tenogenesis on the scaffold. The in vitro data show that this novel hierarchical structure can accelerate the tenogenesis, the biomineralization, and angiogenesis. Moreover, in the in vivo experiment, the flexible fibrous membrane can promote tendon and bone tissue repair, and fibrocartilage reconstruction, to realize the multiple tissue synchronous regeneration at the damaged tendon‐to‐bone interface. Altogether, this newly developed bipolar metal flexible electrospun fibrous membrane based on a MOF, as a new biomimetic flexible scaffold, has great potential in reconstruct the tissue damage, especially gradient tissue damage.
Spin–Phonon Coupling in Ferromagnetic Monolayer Chromium Tribromide
Authors: Wu Jiangbin , Yao Yu , Lin Miao‐Ling , Rösner Malte , Du Zhonghao , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Tan Ping‐Heng , Haas Stephan , Wang Han
Published: March 2022

Novel 2D magnets exhibit intrinsic electrically tunable magnetism down to the monolayer limit, which has significant value for nonvolatile memory and emerging computing device applications. In these compounds, spin–phonon coupling (SPC) typically plays a crucial role in magnetic fluctuations, magnon dissipation, and ultimately establishing long‐range ferromagnetic order. However, a systematic understanding of SPC in 2D magnets that combines theory and experiment is still lacking. In this work, monolayer chromium tribromide is studied to investigate SPC in 2D magnets via Raman spectroscopy and first principle calculations. The experimental Curie temperature and phonon shifts are found to be in good agreement with the numerical simulations. Specifically, it is demonstrated how magnetic exchange interactions affect phonon vibrations, which helps establish design fundamentals for 2D magnetic materials and other related devices.