bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks involved in vertical shafts construction for the eastern drainage tunnel in Mexico
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (México), Jiménez Arguelles Victor , Rocha Chiu Luis ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (México), Poó Rubio Aurora ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (México)
Published: January 2022

This article describes the main stages involved in the construction of the vertical shafts (large-diameter vertical wells), which are necessary for the subsequent construction of the tunnel´s sections. The different risk situations existing during the construction of the Eastern Drainage Tunnel in the valley of Mexico City (in Spanish, "Tunel Emisor Oriente") are analyzed. In order for this 52 km-long and 7.5 m-wide tunnel to carry part of the city’s sewage, 25 shafts must first be built, ranging from 55 to 150 meters deep. The magnitude of such a project implies working in different geographical areas and varied geological strata involving the presence of groundwater, which increases the risks due to possible landslides or flooding during excavation. As digging will occur in different types of soil, varying procedures must be used depending on soil type. Likewise, due to the magnitude of this kind of project, detailed scheduling and planning are required as simultaneous works on different fronts are necessary to meet deadlines. The study mentions that, while projects like these involve high risks for workers, analysis of activities and situations are conducted precisely to demonstrate that such risks can be considerably reduced.
Abbreviated (8 hours) versus Traditional (24 hours) Postpartum MgSO4 Prophylaxis in Severe Preeclampsia: A Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Dasgupta Shyamal , Das Anindya , Mallick Anurag , Ghosh Chiranjit
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder affecting pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation featured by hypertension and proteinuria. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) has been used for 24 hours following delivery to prevent eclampsia in patients with severe preeclampsia. Aim: To determine the need to continue magnesium sulphate therapy 8 hours following delivery. Materials and Methods: The double blinded randomised controlled study was performed in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016. Total 90 patients with severe preeclampsia were randomised in two group. In group A MgSO4 was discontinued 8 hours following delivery (abbreviated group) and in the group B it was continued for 24 hours following delivery (traditional group). The primary objective of study was to determine the need to continue MgSO4 therapy 8 hours following delivery. Secondary objectives were monitoring time by doctors, nursing care time, postpartum ambulation time, duration of urinary catheterisation, minor complication like urinary tract infection, duration and total dose of MgSO4 therapy. In order to calculate statistical significance of the different variables in between two groups, Student’s independent sample’s t-test was used for normally distributed numerical values and Chi-square test or Fischer’s-exact test was used for unpaired proportion data. Results: In abbreviated group, the number of patients (n=1) who did not need to continue MgSO4 therapy beyond 8 hours following delivery as safety measures were statistically significant (p-value <0.0001) in comparison to traditional group. Total duration and dose of MgSO4 therapy were significantly less (p-value <0.0001) in the abbreviated group. There was statistically significant reduction in time from delivery to postpartum ambulation and duration of indwelling urinary catheter in the abbreviated group. Conclusion: The abbreviated (8 hours) regime of postpartum MgSO4 for seizure prophylaxis is a suitable alternative to the traditional (24 hours) regime.
Anterior Cervical Microdiscectomy and Fusion using Stand-Alone Polyetheretherketone Cage: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jain Pradeep Kumar , Malagi Sunil , Shastry Anoop , Hegde Pranoy , Devamane Deepankar Ramesh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) constitutes the standard mode of treatment for cervical disc herniation due to degeneration. Stand-alone cage can be considered as effective treatment for single and two level disc prolapse. Aim: To examine the clinical outcomes of ACDF using stand- alone Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in a single centre. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from July 2015 to Dec 2020 in 224 consecutive patients who underwent successful ACDF using self-locking stand-alone PEEK cage, study was done at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara tertiary care hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India for radiculopathy or myelopathy due to cervical degenerative disc disease. Data analysis was done upto March 2021. The patients were analysed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score for neck and arm pain and Nurick grade preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative clinical, neurological evaluation. This study was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 13.0) (IBM, Chicago, IL). Results: Out of 244, (73%)164 patients underwent single level ACDF and sixty (27%) two-level ACDF. The mean age of patients was 45.86±12.07. It included 146 (65.2%) males and 78 (34.8%) female patients. In this study, the mean VAS neck score preoperatively was 4.04 and at 3 months postoperatively was 1.66 which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Even in VAS arm scores, there was a statistical significant difference (p<0.001) between preoperative (7.25) and 3 months postoperative (1.63) scores. The mean Nurick grade preoperatively was 1.46 vs 0.40 postoperatively which was statistically significant (p<0.001). No implant related complications or adjacent level disease was noted. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease by ACDF withstand alone PEEK cage is an effective and safe method.
Atropine in Myopia
Authors: Mishra Priyanka , Dhiman Rebika , Bansal Bhavika , Saxena Rohit
Published: January 2022

Myopia is emerging as a global public health problem with nearly half of the world’s population predicted to become myopic by 2050. Genetic factors along with evolving lifestyle modifications like reduced outdoor activity, increased screen time and near work have contributed to this surge. Of several therapies described for anti-myopia therapy, topical atropine is emerging as the most popular management option owing to the ease of administration and minimal side effects. Based on the effect versus side effect profile, 0.01% atropine appears to be the optimal concentration for reducing myopia progression. In this review, we discuss the effectiveness of atropine therapy, its side effects and indications of use in the light of the best available literature. Some questions like duration of therapy, role of higher dose of atropine in non-responders and role of combination therapy with other interventions like orthokeratology still needs to be explored.
Amblyopia Revisited: Putting The Theoretical Knowledge To Practical Use
Authors: Panjwani Sahil , Kaur Amritjeet
Published: January 2022

Amblyopia is one of the most common causes of vision loss in childhood. Conventionally, amblyopia has been considered as a unilateral visual diminution and hence, most definitions fail to describe the visual acuity in defining bilateral amblyopia. The mainstay of treatment consists of occluding the sound eye with patches. Choosing the appropriate duration of patching remains a source of confusion for many clinicians. There are also greatly varied opinions when it comes to deciding the upper limit of age for which patching is effective. Many clinical trials have been performed to answer these questions. This article aims to review the current literature regarding the amblyopia definition and treatment strategies to guide the clinician in diagnoses and management of amblyopia more confidently.
A to Z of ReLEx SMILE: All you need to know
Authors: Vatsa Sanjana , Dhawan Pallavi , Sood Shana
Published: January 2022

ReLEx SMILE (Refractive lenticule exchange - Small incision lenticule extraction) is a new generation of laser vision correction, performed using the Visumax femtosecond laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. It ensures greater biomechanical stability, lesser chances of dry eyes and predictable visual and refractive outcomes, making it the procedure of choice for myopic corrections. This article explains in detail regarding the pre-operative work up, steps of the surgical procedure, laser parameters, intra-operative complications such as suction loss, opaque bubble layer, dark spots, cap tear, lenticular adhesion and post-operative complications such as interface haze, interface debris, diffuse lamellar keratitis etc. and their management. The learning curve of SMILE being steeper than that of LASIK, well experienced surgeon and a well co-operative patient would ensure better surgical outcomes, minimising the complications. It also briefly explains about the options available for enhancement post SMILE.
A causal assessment of blindness in schools for blind in southern Rajasthan
Authors: Kiri Hardik , Mohanty Lipa , Goyal Seemal
Published: January 2022

Aims:

To determine the causes of blindness and major anatomical site of lesion leading to blindness in schools for blind in Southern Rajasthan.

Study Design:

Survey based observational study.

Methods:

All the students (114) of blind schools were included in study. All data were recorded using a modified World Heath Organization Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) eye examination record for children, including the anatomical and aetiogical classification. This was used to categorize the causes of blindness and to record the findings using the definitions in the coding instructions.

Statistical analysis used:

The data were entered into a database and analyzed using SPSS version 21 for Windows.

Results:

Whole globe was affected in majority of the students (36.9%) which led to blindness, followed by uvea (15.8%), lens (14.9%), cornea (14%), optic nerve (9.6%), and retina (8.8%). In majority of students exact aetiology which led to blindness could not be determined (62.3%). 14% students had hereditary factors, 2.6% had neonatal factors and 21.1% had childhood factors which led to vision loss.

Conclusions:

52.7% students had avoidable cause of blindness. 33.4% students had preventable causes and 19.3% students had treatable causes. Childhood factors have become increasingly significant as causes of visual loss in children who became blind after the year 2000.
Presence of SARS-Cov-2 in Nasopharyngeal and Conjunctival Swab of Residents of Hotspot Areas of Jaipur
Authors: Singh Rekha , Gupta Madhu , Ali Mohammad Abbas , Sharma Narottam , Mathur Avinsha , Arora Vijay , Krishnia Vikas
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2). This is still a big question, whether the corona virus is present inconjunctival secretion or not? The relationship between COVID-19 and the ocular surface (conjunctiva, corneal epithelium and tear film) as a potential portal of entry and as a transmission mechanism is currently under discussion due to the high transmission rate of the disease. We did this study to identify presence of the virus at the conjunctiva and prevention of spread in the ophthalmology context.

Methods:

This Community based descriptive observational study was done in different hot spot areas by department of ophthalmology of government RDBP Jaipuria hospital (attached RUHS-CMS) Jaipur, Rajasthan in collaboration with CMHO Jaipur team. Total 158 subjects from the 4 hotspot areas of 18 years to 60 years age group (those who had history of contact with COVID positive patient) were included in our study and ophthalmological evaluation is done by torch light and tested for presence of SARS-Cov-2 by RT-PCR method in nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swab samples.

Results:

Out of total 158 subjects, in all 4 hotspot areas (A+B+C+D), 37 (23%) were symptomatic, rest 121 were asymptomatic. In hotspot area C (closed campus), out of total 37 subjects, 20 were symptomatic. At all the 4 hotspots (A+B+C+D) out of total 158 screened subjects 29 (18.35%) were positive for nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 but none of them had positive conjunctivalswab. At hotspot C (closed campus) out of total 37 screened subjects 16 (43.24%) were positive for nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 but none of them had positive conjunctival swab.

Conclusions:

On the basis of our study, we can conclude that risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely through conjunctical secretions if patient is asymptomatic.
Change in Perimetric Global Indices Following Cataract Surgery in Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Arora Sandeep , Karandikar Sumita
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To study the change in perimetric global indices following cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma & Comparison of preoperative & postoperative perimetric indices.

Methodology:

This Prospective study was conducted in a major tertiary care hospital. Approval of Institutional Ethics Committee was taken before start of the study. 31 Eyes of 18 Patients with co-existing cataract & Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), who were well controlled & stable on medical therapy were screened for the study & recruited as per inclusion & exclusion criteria. Follow up visits were at one & three months. Appropriate statistical analysis was done.

Result:

Mean MD (Mean Deviation) improved significantly from -10.77 ± 9.39 dB pre-operatively to -6.52 ± 6.75 dB post-operatively at 3 months (i.e. by 4 dB)(P value < 0.0001). 39% eyes showed improvement in MD < 2dB; 26% eyes showed improvement 2dB to 4dB & 23% showed change more than 8dB at 3 months. Mean PSD (Pattern Standard Deviation) worsened post-operatively by approximately 1dB from 4.88 ± 3.82 dB pre-operatively to 5.78 ± 4.30 dB post-operatively at 3 months. Majority of eyes showed worsening less than 2dB. (84% at 1month which increased to 94% at 3months). This was statistically significant (P value <0.004 at 1month; <0.006 at 3 months)

Conclusion:

In POAG patients, with presence of coexisting cataract, MD is more affected than PSD. Hence, PSD is a more useful index to monitor glaucoma in these patients. Moreover, predominantly posterior subcapsular cataract doesn’t affect PSD as much as it affects the MD.
Case Report: Accidental Ocular Blast Injury To A Farmer’s Eye by Gandhak Potash
Authors: Nagpal Nimisha , Prasher Pawan , Kaur Inderjit
Published: January 2022

Ocular exposure to chemical explosions constitute true emergency that can be associated with injuries leading to significant visual morbidities. Herein, we report a case of bilateral eye injury in a 54 year old male farmer due to a chemical explosion while preparing a Gandhak Potash mixture. He presented with multiple charred wounds around his face and embedded particulate matter over the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea. He underwent superficial debridement of the particulate matter along with conservative management using topical antibiotics, cycloplegics and steroids with good visual outcome. Gandhak potash explosions can be potentially visually devastating. Ophthalmologists, especially those working in agricultural surroundings, should be aware of this mode of injury. Good visual outcome is possible with urgent, appropriate medical intervention.
Adult Onset Orbital Lymphangioma Presenting with Globe Luxation: A Rare Presentation of A Rare Disease
Authors: Das Deepsekhar , Neupane Swechya , Agrawal Sahil , Banerjee Mousumi , Bajaj Mandeep Singh , Kashyap Seema
Published: January 2022

Lymphangiomas or lymphatic vascular malformations typically present in adolescent age groups. Adult onset lymphangiomas are extremely rare occurrences. The condition usually presents with proptosis or extraocular motility disorder. The authors here report a 50-year-old female who presented with a painless progressive proptosis of the left eye for the last 10 years. She gave history of episodes, where the globe spontaneously came out of the socket, which she used to then push back. Radiological imaging of left orbit revealed a large retrobulbar lesion occupying the whole of the left orbit with luxation of the left globe. There were no obvious bony erosions or intracranial extension. She underwent an excisional biopsy which came out to be positive for adult onset lymphatic vascular malformation. Although proptosis is a usual presenting feature of an orbital lymphatic malformation, globe luxation as a presenting complaint has never been documented.
Diplopia Following External Dacryocystorhinostomy with Intracystic Pawar Implant Implantation: The Tale of an Unheard Complication
Authors: Das Deepsekhar , Bajaj Mandeep Singh , Neupane Swechya , Agrawal Sahil , Gupta Saloni
Published: January 2022

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with Pawar intracystic implant placement is a simple and faster surgical option for treating epiphora. Its advantages being small length of incision(5-6mm), minimal intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, and sparing of the medial palpebral ligament with no need of creating sac and nasal mucosal flaps anastomosis. The presence of holes at upper and lower end act as extra drainage channel. This makes it superior to conventional DCR with better success rate. Herein, we report a rare complication of diplopia following implantation of Pawar’s implant. We believe in the following chain of events with anterior displacement of implant, local inflammation was evoked, resulting in subsequent scarring and medial rectus fibrosis.
A Rare Case of Upper Eyelid Cutaneous Horn
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Kashyap Rupali , Kumar Priyanka , Sehrawat Sonakshi , Sharma Soumya
Published: January 2022

Cutaneous horn is a conical shaped overhanging growth from the skin composed of keratinized material. We are presenting a case report on cutaneous horn of upper eyelid in a middle-age man, which developed within a year of onset from a focal swelling and turned out to be benign lesion on biopsy after its excision. Clinical diagnosis of these types of tumours is easy but their malignant potential can only be assessed by a histopathological examination, that determines the further course of treatment.
Bilateral Non Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated With Optic Nerve Head Drusen And Vascular Risk Factors
Authors: Tuli Eathi , Sharma Aakanksha , Sharma Gaurav , Gupta Shalu
Published: January 2022

We report case history of 52 year old male who presented with sudden painless diminution of vision in right eye and with similar complaint of diminution of vision in left eye six months back. He was diagnosed as Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) in left eye with Optic Nerve Head Drusen (ONHD) in both the eyes. He was otherwise well and his medical history revealed systemic hypertension. Fundus examination revealed hyperaemic disc in the right eye and temporal pallor of the disc in the left eye. On visual field examination, inferior altitudinal visual field defect in both the eyes. ONHD can mimic as disc oedema and it can very rarely cause NAION. In addition, multiple vascular risk factors can also cause NAION, hence detailed investigations and periodic follow up should be done to rule out ischemic disc complication.
Resolution of Combined Hamartoma of Retina And Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRRPE) with Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Kapoor Monika , Madan Siddharth , Sankaran Priyanka , Singh Preeti , Beri Sarita
Published: January 2022

Combined hamartoma of retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) is a benign tumor located at the posterior pole. The pathogenesis of the lesion is unknown however some authors propose that the tumor may arise from undifferentiated ectopic progenitor cells which were otherwise destined for RPE and demonstrate failure to completely differentiate. These cells then undergo hyperplasia and accumulate in the neurosensory retina. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assists in classification of the lesions based on location and differentiates from an epiretinal membrane (ERM). Surgical intervention is warranted in cases that produce macular distortion with/without associated ERM or retinal detachment and those producing visual complaints. Similar was the case with a 26-year-old male who presented with unilateral metamorphopsia that was attributed to CHRRPE with a grade two ERM. Pars plana vitrectomy with ERM peeling resulted in resolution of disabling symptoms and anatomical success as visible on OCT.
An Unusual Case of Surma (Eye Cosmetic) Induced Conjunctival and Scleral Ulceration
Authors: Chakraborti Chandana , Barua Nabanita , Saha Ajoy Kr , Lakra Rupanjili
Published: January 2022

Surma is traditionally applied to conjunctiva and eyelids for cosmetic purpose in many centuries. It contains preservatives and additives like lead, nickel, mercury that can lead to dry eye, blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, iritis and periocular dermatitis. We report a case of “surma” induced conjunctival & partial thickness scleral ulceration in a 60 years old female. She presented with sudden swelling and burning sensation in right eye after applying ‘surma’ in her right eye. Conjunctival and scleral ulceration was noted subsequently. She was treated conservatively with topical and oral steroid. This unusual complication of surma is not documented in literature.
Variation in Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Distribution among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Port-Harcourt
Authors: Ojeka S. O. , Ibulubo T. G. , Saronee F.
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Globally, reports on diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases have shown to pose a major pitfall of health challenge, resulting in mortality especially among middle and low-income groups in developing countries.

Aim: This research was therefore undertaken to determine the variation in blood glucose and blood pressure distribution among individual students of a tertiary institution in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a randomized cross sectional observational study. 220 apparently healthy students (54 male and 166 female) of Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology (RIVSCOHSMAT), Port Harcourt were recruited into the study, Fasting blood glucose and blood pressure were determined using glucometer and sphygmomanometer respectively.         

Results: The results show the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension as 8.2% and 10.5% respectively. The results revealed that 2.3% of the population was pre-diabetic with a higher prevalence in men (5.6%) compared to females (1.2%). Male subjects had significantly higher fasting blood sugar, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure compared to the females (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The study revealed gender differences in blood glucose homeostasis between women and men. More awareness is needed to encourage a healthier lifestyle to reduce the burden of diabetes and hypertension.
Prevailing Status of Educational Process Factors in Junior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Nugba Regina Mawusi , Quansah Frank , Ankomah Francis , Tsey Enoch Ewoenam , Ankoma-Sey Vera Rosemary
Published: January 2022

Globally, there is the quest to improve quality education as highlighted by the Sustainable Development Goal 4. One of the quintessential factors that could facilitate the attainment of this global goal is effective and adequate educational process factors. The study specifically sought to assess the state of educational process factors such as teacher use of instructional time, level of parental and community involvement, type of leadership, curriculum coverage among the urban, rural, public, and private junior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study. Through stratified sampling technique, 1260 respondents comprising 126 head teachers, and 378 junior high school teachers were engaged in the study. Two sets of questionnaires were designed for the headteachers and teachers. Data gathered were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations as well as chi-square test of association and independent samples t-test. It was found that educational process factors were generally better in urban schools as well as private schools. For rural schools and public schools, the educational process factors were poor, particularly, the percentage of syllabus coverage was low for English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science. It was concluded that deficit in educational process factors posed threat to the quality of education. It was suggested that the Ministry of Education, together with teachers should strive to enhance process variables in schools.
Teresterial Background Ionizing Radiation around Lead/Zinc Mining Site in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mgbeokwere C. , Ononugbo C. P. , Bubu A.
Published: January 2022

Background ionizing radiation around Lead/Zinc mining sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State was carried out using appropriate equipment. The background ionizing radiation of the environment was determined by measuring the radiation exposure rates using Radalert-200 and Geographical Positioning System (GPS). Radiological health parameters and effective dose to different organs of the body was estimated. The average exposure rate of 0.00017mSv/h (0.017mR/h) measured was relatively higher than the world acceptable value of 0.00013mSv/h (0.013mR/h ). All the radiological risk parameters estimated are relatively high. The result of this work shows that the mining µactivities have enhanced the radiation level of Ishiagu and health status of the populace.
Reliability and Efficiency of Computerized Systems for Admission into Colleges of Education Affiliated with the University of Cape Coast
Authors: Gyane Solomon Ofori Jnr , Essah Richard , Senior Isaac Ampofo Atta , Tetteh Abraham
Published: January 2022

The automated selection system used by colleges of education affiliated to the University of Cape Coast is a multiuser computerized system which students can access and apply to universities at any place with internet access, and can be admitted, rejected, or included in a waiting list for further assessment. The study sought to investigate the extent to which the computerized selection system at educational colleges affiliated with the Cape Coast University has impacted the efficiency and credibility of the process, by evaluating the step by step stages in admission processes that are handled electronically. The study contribute to literature since there is no studies on the reliability and efficiency of Ghanaian colleges of education affiliated to the universities. The type of research design for the study was descriptive design with a quantitative research method. The total population comprises of all admission officers, quality assurance staff, and Heads of departments at the colleges of education affiliated with the University of Cape Coast. The researchers' sample size for the study was one hundred and ninety-two (192). The questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data for the study. Quantitative analysis was done with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results show that electronic sorting and selection of applications is efficient in checking the application forms, testing duplicate files, verifying college requirements, and verifying seat availability. The study revealed that there was a positive and high relationship between the efficiency of electronic sorting and selection of admission applications and the reliability of the computerized system.
Fetal Renal Volume and Fetal Renal Artery Doppler in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Al Ashmawy Samar Reyad Mostafa , Algergawy Adel Alshahat , Dabees Naglaa Lotfy , Mahfouz Amal El-sayed
Published: January 2022

Background: Human fetal kidney undergoes constant changes throughout the pregnancy to attain final maturity in terms of structural and functional aspect. Approximately one million nephrons are seen on either side at birth in term fetuses. Many factors both maternal and fetal affect nephrogenesis viz. maternal malnutrition, maternal hyperglycemia, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), vitamin A deficiency, and fetal exposure to some drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the fetal renal artery Doppler parameter and fetal kidney volume measured by 3D ultrasound system with (VOCAL) method in normally grown and growth restricted fetuses after 26 weeks of gestation.

Methods: This prospective study include 60 pregnant women  divided in to two groups, first one (A) contains 30 pregnant women with intrauterine growth restricted fetuses, and the second one (B) contains 30 pregnant women with normally grown fetuses.

Results: There was insignificant differences between two groups as regard gestational age by date but gestational age by US there was significant decrease in group A. There were insignificant differences between two groups as regard length of kidney either right or left. There was significant decrease in kidney width right and left side in group A versus group B. There was significant decrease in kidney depth right and left side in group A versus group B. There was significant decrease in kidney volume right and left side in group A versus group B. There was significant decrease in combined kidney volume in group A versus group B. There was significant increase in renal artery PI, RI in group A versus group B.

Conclusions: Fetal hypoxemia which occurs in growth restricted fetuses leads to reduction in the percentage of the cardiac output reaching the kidneys which was reflected on Doppler as increase in the renal artery pulsatility index causing reduced renal perfusion. This reduction in the renal perfusion was responsible for impaired nephrogenesis and thus decreased kidney volume in growth restricted fetuses as compared to normal fetuses.
Mycology of Otomycosis in Port Harcourt
Authors: Oparaodu Ureh Annabel , Lilly-Tariah Opubo Benedict da , Warriso Kennedy
Published: January 2022

Tropical climate favors the growth of fungal infection in the ear resulting in otomycosis. This study is aimed at determining the predisposing factors, symptoms, prevalence and demographic data of patients diagnosed with otomycosis. This is a 1 year prospective hospital based study, between June 2017 to June 2018 at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, Nigeria. Clinical features, predisposing factors and examination findings were noted on the administered questionnaire. Patients were examined and specimen collected for microscopy, culture, sensitivity and mycological studies. Our results show isolated fungi were present in 34 out of 120 ear swabs of patients and in 5 out of 120 ear swabs from the control group. The prevalence of otomycosis was 2.7%, while the ear symptom with the highest frequency was itching (86.7%) and debris in ear canal (67.6%). Patients with positive growth constitute 53% females and 47% males. Age groups 10-29 and 40-49 years had the highest and lowest number of infected patients, respectively. Candida was the commonest organism isolated accounting for 61.8% followed by Aspergillus spp. (23.5%) and Penicillium (8.8%).
POLÍTICA DA ASSIMILAÇÃO E SUA AMBIVALÊNCIA: a experiência moçambicana
Authors: Mindoso André Victorino
Published: January 2022

O artigo analisa a política da assimilação presente no pensamento social e político da elite dirigente intelectualizada, desde o período do Estado do Moçambique-Colônia (1930-1974) à revolução socialista dos anos 1977-90. Em termos teóricos, ele se sustenta na sociologia da modernização e da assimilação desenvolvendo uma discussão que sugere como a política da assimilação está sobremaneira presente no pensamento, tanto de Armindo Monteiro, Adriano Moreira e Joaquim da Silva Cunha; quanto no de Eduardo Mondlane, Aquino de Bragança e Sérgio Vieira, representantes nos períodos citados. Estes propunham um projeto de sociedade moçambicana que visava integrar todos os indivíduos, partindo de uma assunção moderna de homogeneização de particularismos étnicos, tribais, linguísticos e raciais. Tal proposição, contudo, acabava excluindo socialmente os segmentos objeto dessa integração em face de sua origem negro-africana e tradicional, o que acabava mostrando sua face perversa.
Hair Cells
Authors: Marcotti Walter , Masetto Sergio
Published: December 2021

The auditory and the vestibular systems use hair cells (HCs) as their sensory receptors. HCs are neuroepithelial cells characterised by the presence of a bundle of microvilli‐like structures that protrude from their apical surface, called stereocilia. The displacement of stereocilia, which is caused by acoustic stimuli in the cochlea or head movement in the vestibule, is converted into a depolarising inward current by mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels located at their tip. The depolarisation of HCs opens voltage‐dependent Ca
2+
channels at their basolateral synaptic active zones, which are functionally coupled to glutamate‐containing vesicles at specialised ribbon synapses. There is also evidence for a nonquantal synaptic transmission at the vestibular HCs, likely involving direct postsynaptic depolarisation by K
+
exiting the cells. In mammals, HC loss causes irreversible balance and hearing impairment because these cells do not regenerate.

Key Concepts

Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the inner ear.

Hair cells are morphologically defined by the presence of microvilli‐like structures at their apical membrane, called stereocilia.

Hair cells transduce mechanical stimuli into bioelectrical signals.

Cochlear hair cells are responsible for hearing.

Vestibular hair cells inform the CNS about head movement.

Sensory transduction in hair cells relies upon activation of mechanosensitive ion channels located at the stereocilia tips.

Hair cell receptor potential is shaped by different types of calcium and potassium channels.

Signal transmission from hair cells to primary sensory afferent neurons occurs by glutamate exocytosis.

Afferent signalling by vestibular hair cells may involve nonconventional (nonquantal) signal transmission.

The CNS use vestibular information to produce motor reflexes for equilibrium and gaze stabilisation.
Trichomonads
Authors: Yarlett Nigel
Published: December 2021

Trichomonads are a diverse collection of flagellate protozoa that are grouped in the phylum Parabasalia identified by the presence of an intracellular fibrous band composed of microtubules termed the axostyle. They encompass free‐living, symbiotic and parasitic representatives, with representatives of the latter group being the most studied, for example the human sexually transmitted parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis
, the cattle sexually transmitted parasite
Tritrichomonas foetus
, and the Colombian and galliform bird pathogen
Trichomonas gallinae
. With the exception of
Monocercomonoides
sp. they all contain a divergent mitochondrion‐like organelle, termed the hydrogenosome which is considered to have evolved due to the secondary adaptation to low oxygen environments.

Key Concepts

Trichomonads are in the clade Metamonada, a diverse group of anaerobic or microaerophilic protists that possess modified mitochondria lacking cytochromes, a functional TCA cycle and a genome.

The Parabasalia are a phylum within the Metamoada which include all cells with two or more striated parabasal fibres connecting the Golgi apparatus to the ciliary apparatus (parabasal apparatus).

The parabasalia are further divided into eight orders including the Trichomonadida, Tritrichomonadida and the Hypotrichomonadida; which are distinguished by the number of flagella, type of karyomastigont, axoneme, undulating membrane and costa.

Trichomonads have adapted to an anaerobic metabolism and therefore lack an oxidative metabolism and classic mitochondria, instead of possessing hydrogenosomes.

Hydrogenosomes have retained many features of classic mitochondria, including chaperonins; heat shock proteins; outer (TOM 40) and inner membrane (TIM17/22/23) components required for protein import and metabolite exchange; mitochondrial paralogs that are responsible for Fe–S protein assembly; trichomonad nuclear valyl tRNA synthetase gene has a high degree of sequence homology with the mitochondrial valyl tRNA synthetases.
Rhodothalassiales
Authors: Imhoff Johannes F.
Published: December 2021

Rho.do.tha.las.si.a'les. N.L. neut. n.
Rhodothalassium
, type genus of the order; suff.
‐ales,
ending denoting an order; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Rhodothalassiales
, the
Rhodothalassium
order.

Proteobacteria / Alphaproteobacteria / Rhodothalassiales

The order currently comprises a single family and genus, which is characterized by halophilic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria having spiral‐shaped cells and containing lamellar photosynthetic membranes. The properties of the order are determined by the characteristics of the
Rhodothalassiaceae
family.
Will treatment, harm reduction embrace a common vision in the new year?
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2021

As harm reductionists find new sources of funding and policy support and identify recovery‐focused organizations as natural allies, some are predicting that 2022 will mark a new level of synergy between groups that represent current and former substance users. Could this in turn mean diminished influence for the traditional treatment organizations that still find some of the boldest ideas in harm reduction foreign to their vision?
Synergy between Platinum and Gold Nanoparticles in Oxygen Activation for Enhanced Room‐Temperature Formaldehyde Oxidation
Authors: Ye Jiawei , Zhu Bicheng , Cheng Bei , Jiang Chuanjia , Wageh S. , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Yu Jiaguo
Published: December 2021

Room‐temperature oxidation over supported noble metals provides a feasible approach to eliminating formaldehyde (HCHO) from indoor air. Oxygen activation by noble metals such as gold and platinum plays a key role in achieving complete HCHO oxidation, but it is unclear how different noble metals function synergistically toward oxygen activation. Here, the synergistic mechanisms of Pt and Au nanoparticles (NPs) coloaded on TiO2 in catalytic HCHO oxidation are elucidated. Strikingly, ≈0.08% doping of Pt can dramatically improve the catalytic activity of 0.9% Au/TiO2. The surface oxygen species of TiO2 jointly activated by Au and Pt NPs can rapidly transform HCHO to dioxymethylene surface species, while negatively charged Pt NPs can efficiently adsorb and activate molecular oxygen to oxidize the dioxymethylene into formate, which is further completely oxidized. This synergy enables efficient HCHO oxidation at surface sites between adjacent Pt and Au NPs.
Flexible Optogenetic Transducer Device for Remote Neuron Modulation Using Highly Upconversion‐Efficient Dendrite‐Like Gold Inverse Opaline Structure
Authors: Chu Chao‐Yi , Wu Pu‐Wei , Chen Jung‐Chih , Tsou Nien‐Ti , Lin You‐Yi , Lo Yu‐Chun , Li Ssu‐Ju , Chang Ching‐Wen , Chen Bo‐Wei , Tsai Chia‐Lin , Chen You‐Yin , Liu Ta‐Chung , Chen San‐Yuan
Published: December 2021

A remote optogenetic device for analyzing freely moving animals has attracted extensive attention in optogenetic engineering. In particular, for peripheral nerve regions, a flexible device is needed to endure the continuous bending movements of these areas. Here, a remote optogenetic optical transducer device made from a gold inverse opaline skeleton grown with a dendrite‐like gold nanostructure (D‐GIOF) and chemically grafted with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is developed. This implantable D‐GIOF‐based transducer device can achieve synergistic interaction of the photonic crystal effect and localized surface plasmon resonance, resulting in considerable UCNP conversion efficiency with a negligible thermal effect under low‐intensity 980 nm near‐infrared (NIR) light excitation. Furthermore, the D‐GIOF‐based transducer device exhibits remarkable emission power retention (≈100%) under different bending states, indicating its potential for realizing peripheral nerve stimulation. Finally, the D‐GIOF‐based transducer device successfully stimulates neuronal activities of the sciatic nerve in mice. This study demonstrates the potential of the implantable device to promote remote NIR stimulation for modulation of neural activity in peripheral nerve regions and provides proof of concept for its in vivo application in optogenetic engineering.
A Mechanically Interlocking Strategy Based on Conductive Microbridges for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Zhu Ming , Ji Shaobo , Luo Yifei , Zhang Feilong , Liu Zhihua , Wang Changxian , Lv Zhisheng , Jiang Ying , Wang Ming , Cui Zequn , Li Guanglin , Jiang Longtao , Liu Zhiyuan , Chen Xiaodong
Published: January 2022

Stretchable electronics incorporating critical sensing, data transmission, display and powering functionalities, is crucial to emerging wearable healthcare applications. To date, methods to achieve stretchability of individual functional devices have been extensively investigated. However, integration strategies of these stretchable devices to achieve all‐stretchable systems are still under exploration, in which the reliable stretchable interconnection is a key element. Here, solderless stretchable interconnections based on mechanically interlocking microbridges are developed to realize the assembly of individual stretchable devices onto soft patternable circuits toward multifunctional all‐stretchable platforms. This stretchable interconnection can effectively bridge interlayer conductivity with tight adhesion through both conductive microbridges and selectively distributed adhesive polymer. Consequently, enhanced stretchability up to a strain of 35% (R/R0 ≤ 5) is shown, compared with conventional solder‐assisted connections which lose electrical conduction at a strain of less than 5% (R/R0 ≈ 30). As a proof of concept, a self‐powered all‐stretchable data‐acquisition platform is fabricated by surface mounting a stretchable strain sensor and a supercapacitor onto a soft circuit through solderless interconnections. This solderless interconnecting strategy for surface‐mountable devices can be utilized as a valuable technology for the integration of stretchable devices to achieve all‐soft multifunctional systems.
Self‐Cleaning Surfaces Realized by Biologically Sized Magnetic Artificial Cilia
Authors: Cui Zhiwei , Zhang Shuaizhong , Wang Ye , Tormey Laura , Kanies Olivia S. , Spero Richard Chasen , Fisher Jay K. , den Toonder Jaap M. J.
Published: December 2021

Magnetic artificial cilia (MAC) are small actuators inspired by biological cilia found in nature. In microfluidic chips, MAC can generate flow and remove microparticles, with applications in anti‐fouling. However, the MAC used for anti‐fouling in the current literature has dimensions of several hundred micrometers in length, which limits the application to relatively large length scales. Here, biologically‐sized magnetic artificial cilia (b‐MAC) which are only 45 micrometers long and that are randomly distributed on the surface, are used to remove microparticles. It is shown that microparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 40 µm can be removed efficiently and the final cleanness ranges from 69% to 100%, with the highest cleanness for the highest actuation frequency applied (40 Hz). The lowest cleanness is obtained for microparticles with a size equal to the average pitch between the b‐MAC. The randomness in cilia distribution appears to have a positive effect on cleanliness, compared with the authors’ earlier work using a regular cilia array. The demonstrated self‐cleaning by the b‐MAC constitutes an essential step toward efficient self‐cleaning surfaces for real‐life application in miniaturized microfluidic devices, such as lab‐on‐a‐chip or organ‐on‐a‐chip devices, as well as for preventing fouling of submerged surfaces such as marine sensors.
Photophysics and Spin‐Physics Studies on Persistent Upconversion Luminescence from Nonlinearly Polarizable Ferroelectric‐Like Lattice Prepared by Orderly Packing Donor–Acceptor Structures under Multiphoton Excitation
Authors: Dou Yixuan , Demangeat Catherine , Wang Miaosheng , Dryzhakov Bogdan , Lee Kwang‐Sup , Attias André‐Jean , Hu Bin
Published: January 2022

The ultralong‐lived upconversion luminescence with the lifetime of 0.48 s in a broad spectral range (530–650 nm) is observed in CD49 (9‐(3‐(5‐bromopyridin‐3‐yl)prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole) crystal designed with donor–acceptor (carbazole–pyridine) structures under infrared excitation, simultaneously accompanied with second harmonic generation (SHG). This phenomenon indicates orderly packing donor–acceptor structures form a nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice with ultralong‐lived light‐emitting states, leading to much prolonged nonlinear optical behaviors. The persistent upconversion luminescence together with SHG is largely reduced when lowering crystallinity. This implies that nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice provides the necessary condition to generate persistent upconversion luminescence. Evidently, persistent upconversion luminescence becomes completely lacking when only using ultralong‐lived light‐emitting states without nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice, exampled by 4‐(dimethylamino)benzonitrile dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol matrix. Magneto‐photoluminescence shows that persistent upconversion luminescence is essentially a super‐delayed fluorescence from crystalline intermolecular charge‐transfer excitons formed in the nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice. Magnetodielectrics indicate crystalline intermolecular charge‐transfer excitons are coupled with nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice, leading to prolonged nonlinear optical behaviors shown as persistent upconversion luminescence through super delayed fluorescence. Therefore, crystalline intermolecular charge‐transfer excitons formed in nonlinearly polarizable ferroelectric‐like lattice provide an interesting platform to generate prolonged nonlinear optical behaviors toward developing persistent upconversion luminescence under multiphoton excitation.
Phase Matchability Transformation in the Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials with Diamond‐Like Frameworks
Authors: Chen Man‐Man , Zhou Sheng‐Hua , Wei Wen‐Bo , Wu Xin‐Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: December 2021

Phase matchability is a prerequisite for infrared nonlinear optical (IR‐NLO) crystals. Hitherto, it is relatively infrequent to design and synthesize phase‐matching (PM) materials from known non‐phase‐matching (NPM) materials. This work reports a series of PM chalcogenides AMII3Ga5S11 (A = K, Rb, Cs; MII = Cd, Mn) with diamond‐like frameworks (DLFs), which are derived from the known NPM AMII4Ga5S12 in the A2S−MIIS−Ga2S3 pseudoternary diagram. Notably, ACd3Ga5S11 and AMn3Ga5S11 are isomeric and exhibit different DLFs and remarkable overall properties. Especially, KCd3Ga5S11 achieves the coexistence of wide band gap (Eg = 3.25 eV), strong second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) response (1.7 × benchmark AgGaS2) and ultrahigh laser‐induced damage threshold (36.5 × benchmark AgGaS2), which is the best IR‐NLO chalcogenides with DLF known to date. Theoretical calculations reveal that their superior performance and PM behavior are benefited from the anisotropic structural characteristics, i.e., DLFs. This work demonstrates the feasibility of designing PM IR‐NLO materials via the partial removal of asymmetric building blocks in DLF structures of NPM materials that is accessible and controllable by chemistry means.