bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochronology of Recent Sediments from the Upper Bonny Estuary (Niger Delta) Using Naturally Occurring Radionuclides
Authors: Omorotionmwan Omokheyeke , Ighariemu Victor
Published: April 2022

The research evaluated temporal trends of naturally occurring radionuclides and their vertical distributions in sediment cores collected from three sites of diverse sedimentation regimes in Bonny Estuary, and developed and implemented sediment dating with unsupported lead-210. Radium (Ra) isotopes exhibited a very similar distribution throughout all sampled cores in each month, with 228Ra, while 226Ra displayed some variability with generally lower specific activities in dry months than in wet months. The values found in the study were all less than unity ranging from 0.3 to 0.8, which suggested sediment accretion and that the study area corresponded to zones with different sedimentation regimes. Temporal distribution of total 210Pb in the sampled cores determined via its daughter 210Po by alpha spectrometry assumed that the secular equilibrium between both radionuclides was achieved. However, the activities in Station 3 were found to be lower than those in Station 1, with Station 2 having the lowest activity registered in the samples collected in December month. The specific activities of 228Ac (228Ra), 212Pb (228Th) and 40K against depth in the sampled cores were observed to be almost equal to one another at each stratigraphic interval. The average sedimentation rate throughout the core obtained from Constant Rate of Supply model (0.068 ± 0.015g.cm-2.y-1) was nearly the same as that obtained from the Constant Initial Concentration model (0.065 ± 0.004). However, the estimated ages were quite variable with depths of various stratigraphic layers. The age of the sediment core was dated approximately 80 years, which was qualitatively validated using 137CS whose activity was definitely undetected in the basal part of the core. The sedimentation rates calculated suggested low sedimentation characterized by low energy environment dominated by weak tidal currents.
Unusual Aetiology of Vocal Process Granuloma in a Child
Authors: Olusoga-Peters Oluwapelumi O. , Akinola Moses Ayodele , Nwadiokwu John Ifeanyi , Binuyo Tolulope .O , Oguntade Florence A. O,
Published: April 2022

Background: Vocal cord granuloma commonly arises following trauma or irritation from endotracheal intubation and reflux disease. Other uncommon causes are granuloma following voice abuse and foreign body in the larynx. Vocal process granuloma has however not been reported following blunt anterior neck trauma.

Case Presentation: We present a case of vocal cord granuloma following an anterior neck trauma. The patient is a seven year old boy who presented with persistent hoarseness and stridor post neck injury of three months duration. Systemic steroid has been used prior to presentation with temporary improvement. The direct laryngoscopy done under general anaesthesia revealed masses on both vocal processes, which were successfully excised surgically. There was total resolution of presenting complaints after surgery with no symptoms suggestive of recurrence six month post operation.

Conclusion: Post intubation and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease are common causes of vocal process granuloma. However, there is need to suspect granuloma formation following blunt anterior neck trauma for immediate conservative management avoiding the need for surgical intervention when patient present with upper airway obstruction.
Analysis of the Reduction in Pollutants from Oilfield Wastewater on the Receiving Environment
Authors: Owhonka Aleruchi , Omokaro Obire
Published: April 2022

Oilfield wastewater from discharge pond and soil around the discharge pond of an oil producing vicinity were collected using standard procedures. The heavy metals and physicochemical constituents of the soil and wastewater from the receiving pond were examined according to normal procedures in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency. The presence of negative numbers in the results indicates that there was an influence on the physicochemical parameters. It was discovered that the salinity of the soil surrounding a discharge pond was-73.80±53.20 mg/kg during the rainy season. Soil moisture content recorded a negative value of -43.77±9.477 during the rainy season. Potassium, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, total nitrogen, organic carbon, zinc, and copper recorded negative values in both dry and raining seasons. However higher values of -2309±486.4 mg/kg for potassium, -450.3±65.30 mg/kg for phosphate, -2779±274.2 mg/kg for calcium, -717.4±80.53 mg/l for zinc were obtained during the dry season. High values of -133.4±8.937 mg/kg for nitrate, -262.6±23.27 mg/kg for magnesium, -923.7±101.1 mg/kg for sulphate, -133.3±15.09 mg/kg for total nitrogen, -2788±276.9% organic carbon, -275.7±39.28% for TOM, -3.567±9257 mg/kg for alkalinity and -114.0±77.45 mg/l for copper were obtained during the raining season. For the wastewater from the receiving pond during the dry season, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen, phosphate, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon recorded negative values of -4083±4.122 mg/l, -18.33±9.208 mg/l, -18.33±9.208mg/l, -70.35±39.50 mg/l, -312.9±170.7 mg/l and 617007±3.93 mg/l, respectively. High negative values during the raining season were obtained in turbidity (-17.57±94.87 NTU), TSS (-303.7±54.37 mg/l), TOC (-6276±6.294%), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (-105.1±162.1 mg/l). The heavy metals recorded high negative values of -6767±809.0 mg/l for lead, -14433±238 mg/l for chromium, -3317±2347 mg/l for copper, and -1967 ±66.67 mg/l for cadmium during the rainy season. High values obtained in the dry season were -59668±34243 mg/l for zinc and -2213±1472 mg/l for a nickel. The results suggest that oilfield wastewater impacts the receiving environment negatively.
Multi‐Color 3D Printing via Single‐Vat Grayscale Digital Light Processing
Authors: Peng Xirui , Yue Liang , Liang Sizhuang , Montgomery Stuart , Lu Chunliang , Cheng Chieh‐Min , Beyah Raheem , Zhao Ruike Renee , Qi H. Jerry
Published: April 2022

Digital light processing (DLP) is a high‐resolution, high‐speed additive manufacturing method that builds 3D parts by selectively curing photopolymerizable resins layer‐by‐layer. To achieve multi‐color DLP printing, researchers have used multiple switchable resin vats. However, these methods require complex vat switching devices and cleaning manipulations, leading to low efficiency. Therefore, it remains a challenge to achieve multi‐color DLP 3D printing efficiently. In this study, a single‐vat multi‐color DLP 3D printing by using an anthraquinone‐based dye is realized. The dye can be oxidized by the free radicals released from photoinitiators under ultraviolet light and change the color from blue to yellow. This color‐changing mechanism permits a graded spectrum of colors as concomitants of the photopolymerization process during DLP printing by controlling the light dose without using extra vats or devices. Multi‐color demonstrations, such as engineering stress simulation results in 3D and multi‐color vases, are successfully fabricated, showing great versatility and efficiency.
Enriched d‐Band Holes Enabling Fast Oxygen Evolution Kinetics on Atomic‐Layered Defect‐Rich Lithium Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets
Authors: Zheng Xiaobo , Chen Yaping , Lai Weihong , Li Peng , Ye Chenliang , Liu Nana , Dou Shi Xue , Pan Hongge , Sun Wenping
Published: April 2022

Developing a reliable synthesis strategy to concurrently realize electronic structure modulation and two‐dimensionalization of materials is of paramount significance yet still challenging. Herein, a facile and universal strategy is reported to fabricate defect‐abundant atomic‐layered materials with unique electronic structures by mechanical shear‐assisted exfoliation. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, atomic‐layered defect‐rich LiCoO2 nanosheets (AD‐LCO) are successfully synthesized, which enable accelerated oxygen evolution kinetics with a substantially decreased oxygen evolution reaction overpotential by 184 and 216 mV at 10 and 50 mA cm–2, respectively. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy suggests that AD‐LCO possesses more d‐band holes and enhanced Co‐O covalency. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the presence of Co lattice vacancies can optimize the adsorption kinetics of intermediates, consequently lowering the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step. Importantly, this method has universal applicability to the fabrication of other ultrathin defect‐rich 2D materials such as BN, WS2, and MoS2. The study has potential implications for offering novel insights into the rational design of ultrathin 2D materials with abundant surface defects for various applications.
Hybridization of 2D Nanomaterials with 3D Graphene Architectures for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Yun Qinbai , Ge Yiyao , Chen Bo , Li Lujiang , Wa Qingbo , Long Huiwu , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2022

Since the discovery of graphene, diverse kinds of 2D nanomaterials have been explored and exhibited great promise for application in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. However, the restacking of 2D nanomaterials severely reduces their exposed active sites and thus impairs their electrochemical performance. Moreover, except for graphene, a large number of 2D nanomaterials normally possess unsatisfactory electrical conductivity. One of the effective strategies to address the aforementioned shortcomings is to hybridize 2D nanomaterials with 3D graphene architectures since large specific surface area and rapid transport pathways for electrons, ions, and mass can be achieved in the obtained hybrid materials. This review summarizes the typical strategies to hybridize 2D nanomaterials with 3D graphene architectures and then highlights the application of these hybrid materials in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalytic water splitting. The challenges and future research directions in this research area are also discussed.
Effect of Heteroatom and Charge Reconstruction in Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters on Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia
Authors: Han Meng , Guo Minghao , Yun Yapei , Xu Yujun , Sheng Hongting , Chen Yanxia , Du Yuanxin , Ni Kun , Zhu Yanwu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: April 2022

Although atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) are widely used in catalysis, a wide gap exists between state‐of‐the‐art performance and practical requirements. Regulating the intrinsic activity of NCs is critical for the rational design and synthesis of highly efficient catalysts. Herein, M4Ni2 NCs (M = Au, Ag) with improved electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) activity due to the introduction of Ni are synthesized, which significantly suppresses the H2 generation competition reaction. Ag4Ni2 NCs exhibit the best NRR activity at −0.2 V versus RHE with a NH3 yield of 23.32 µg mg–1 h–1 and a faradic efficiency of 78.97% due to the higher N2 chemisorption ability and lower rate‐determining barrier. Meanwhile, ligand partial detachment of NCs during electrocatalysis offers exposed active sites and induces the charge reconstruction, also contributing to the outstanding NRR performance. Based on the precise composition and structure, deep insights into the NRR mechanism at the atom level are provided by in situ Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy and ab initial calculation. The study presents an efficient strategy based on heteroatom doping and charges reconstruction to promote NCs catalytic performance.
3D Upconversion Barcodes for Combinatory Wireless Neuromodulation in Behaving Animals
Authors: Lin Xudong , Sun Tianying , Tang Minghui , Yang Anqi , Yan‐Do Richard , Chen Da , Gao Yaobin , Duan Xin , Kai Ji‐Jung , Wang Feng , Shi Peng
Published: April 2022

Upconversion techniques offer all‐optical wireless alternatives to modulate targeted neurons in behaving animals, but most existing upconversion‐based optogenetic devices show prefixed emission that is used to excite just one channelrhodopsin at a restricted brain region. Here, a hierarchical upconversion device is reported to enable spatially selective and combinatory optogenetics in behaving rodent animals. The device assumes a multiarrayed optrode format containing engineered upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to deliver dynamic light palettes as a function of excitation wavelength. Three primary emissions at 477, 540, and 654 nm are selected to match the absorption of different channelrhodopsins. The UCNPs are barcode assembled to multiple nanomachined optical pinholes in a microscale pipette device to allow remotely addressable, spectrum programmable, and spatially selective optical interrogation of complex brain circuits. Using the unique device, the basolateral amygdala and caudoputamen circuits are selectively modulated and the associated fear or anxiety behavior in freely behaving rodents is successfully differentiated. It is believed that the 3D barcode upconversion device would be a great supplement to current optogenetic toolsets and opens up new possibilities for sophisticated neural control.
A Polyvalent Peptide CD40 Nanoagonist for Targeted Modulation of Dendritic Cells and Amplified Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Mamuti Muhetaerjiang , Wang Yi , Zhao Yong‐Dan , Wang Jia‐Qi , Wang Jie , Fan Yan‐Lei , Xiao Wu‐Yi , Hou Da‐Yong , Yang Jia , Zheng Rui , An Hong‐Wei , Wang Hao
Published: April 2022

Targeted immunomodulation through biomolecule‐based nanostructures, especially to dendritic cells (DCs), holds great promise for effective cancer therapy. However, construction of high‐performance agonist by mimicking natural ligand to activate immune cell signaling is a great challenge so far. Here, a peptide‐based nanoagonist toward CD40 (PVA‐CD40) with preorganized interfacial topological structure that activates lymph node DCs efficiently and persistently, achieving amplified immune therapeutic efficacy is described. The on‐site fabrication of PVA‐CD40 is realized through the click conjugation of two functional peptides including the “CD40 anchoring arm” and the “assembly‐driving motor.” The resultant polyvalent interface rapidly triggers the receptor oligomerization and downstream signaling. Strikingly, one shot administration of PVA‐CD40 elicits maturation period of DCs up to 2.3‐fold comparing to that of CD40 antibody. Finally, combining the PVA‐CD40 with anti‐PD‐1 antibody results in subsequent inhibition of tumor growth in both B16F10 and 4T1 mice tumor models with survival rate up to 37%, while none of the mice survives in the clinically relevant CD40 mAb and anti‐PD‐1 combination‐treated group. It is envisioned that the fabrication of antibody‐like superstructures in vivo provides an efficient platform for modulating the duration of immune response to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy.
PET‐CT Imaging of Polymeric Nanoparticle Tumor Accumulation in Patients
Authors: Miedema Iris H. C. , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , Huisman Marc C. , Doeleman Ellen , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Lammers Twan , Hu Qizhi , van Dongen Guus A. M. S. , Rijcken Cristianne J. F. , Vugts Danielle J. , Menke‐van der Houven van Oordt C. Willemien
Published: April 2022

Several FDA/EMA‐approved nanomedicines have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles compared to their conventional chemotherapeutic counterparts. The next step to increase therapeutic efficacy depends on tumor accumulation, which can be highly heterogeneous. A clinical tool for patient stratification is urgently awaited. Therefore, a docetaxel‐entrapping polymeric nanoparticle (89Zr‐CPC634) is radiolabeled, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging is performed in seven patients with solid tumors with two different doses of CPC634: an on‐treatment (containing 60 mg m−2 docetaxel) and a diagnostic (1–2 mg docetaxel) dose (NCT03712423). Pharmacokinetic half‐life for 89Zr‐CPC634 is mean 97.0 ± 14.4 h on‐treatment, and 62.4 ± 12.9 h for the diagnostic dose (p = 0.003). At these doses accumulation is observed in 46% and 41% of tumor lesions with a median accumulation in positive lesions 96 h post‐injection of 4.94 and 4.45%IA kg−1 (p = 0.91), respectively. In conclusion, PET/CT imaging with a diagnostic dose of 89Zr‐CPC634 accurately reflects on‐treatment tumor accumulation and thus opens the possibility for patient stratification in cancer nanomedicine with polymeric nanoparticles.
Near‐Infrared Light‐Emitting Diodes utilizing a Europium‐Activated Calcium Oxide Phosphor with External Quantum Efficiency of up to 54.7%
Authors: Qiao Jianwei , Zhang Shuai , Zhou Xinquan , Chen Weibin , Gautier Romain , Xia Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

Near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence materials with broadband emissions are necessary for the development of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based light sources. However, most known NIR‐emitting materials are limited by their low external quantum efficiency. This work demonstrates how the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of europium‐activated calcium oxide (CaO:Eu) NIR phosphor can be significantly improved and stabilized at operating temperatures of LEDs. A carbon paper wrapping technology is innovatively developed and used during the solid‐state sintering to promote the reduction of Eu3+ into Eu2+. In parallel, the oxygen vacancies in the CaO lattice are repaired utilizing GeO2 decomposition. Through this process, a record‐high external quantum efficiency of 54.7% at 740 nm is obtained with a thermal stability greatly improved from 57% to 90% at 125 °C. The as‐fabricated NIR‐LEDs reach record photoelectric efficiency (100 mA@23.4%) and output power (100 mA @ 319.5 mW). This discovery of high‐performance phosphors will open new research avenues for broadband NIR LED light sources in a variety of photonics applications.
Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Oxide Perovskite Films: A Facile Route to Complex Functional Systems
Authors: Lo Presti Francesca , Pellegrino Anna L. , Malandrino Graziella
Published: April 2022

Perovskite oxide type materials exhibit a great profusion of unique functional properties and for this reason they have been named inorganic chameleon. Nevertheless, their actual applications require the availability of these systems in thin‐film form synthesized through a simple, scalable, and straightforward technique. Metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been shown to be an outstanding process to prepare thin films of multi‐component oxides. Herein, the focus is devoted to oxide perovskite thin films on both single crystal and non‐single crystal substrates through MOCVD processes. This study discusses the principles and the basic rules governing conventional, plasma‐enhanced, and liquid‐assisted MOCVD processes. Among a plethora of oxide perovskites, several classes of functionalities belonging to the perovskite class: from superconductors to dielectrics and giant‐k dielectrics, from colossal magnetoresistance to ionic conductors, piezoelectrics and ferroelectrics, are explored in detail.
Ultraflexible Photothermal Superhydrophobic Coating with Multifunctional Applications Based on Plasmonic TiN Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Baoqing , Jing Zhimin , Zhao Mingxi , Yu Peng , Ashalley Eric , Li Peihang , Ma Cuiping , Tong Xin , Caputo Roberto , Govorov Alexander O. , Xu Hongxing , Wang Zhiming M.
Published: April 2022

Photothermal superhydrophobic coatings are essential for a variety of applications including anti‐icing and light‐driven self‐propelled motion. However, achieving a flexible and durable superhydrophobic coating with high photothermal efficiency and long‐term stability is still challenging. Herein, a facile and eco‐friendly approach to realizing a superhydrophobic coating with excellent flexibility is proposed. The coating is obtained by spraying titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solution onto various substrates. A tight binding between the substrate and nanoparticles occurs that offers the coating the mechanical robustness to endure bending, twisting, abrasion, and tape peeling. The water repellency is retained even after 500 cycles of bending–twisting tests. Combined with the micro–nanoscale porous structure of the surface and plasmonic property of TiN nanoparticles, the coating shows excellent superhydrophobicity and high photothermal conversion properties. The equilibrium temperature of the coating is as high as 130 °C at room temperature under 1 W cm−2 of 808 nm near‐infrared laser irradiation. Due to its flexible property, the coating can be easily applied to irregular surfaces, which, together with the excellent anticorrosion, anti‐icing, and defrosting performances, makes it a reliable resource for multifunctional applications. This work offers a novel technological approach to flexible devices, wearable electronics, and smart textiles.
Efficient Prediction of Grain Boundary Energies from Atomistic Simulations via Sequential Design
Authors: Kroll Martin , Schmalofski Timo , Dette Holger , Janisch Rebecca
Published: April 2022

With the goal of improving data based materials design, it is shown that by a sequential design of experiment scheme the process of generating and learning from the data can be combined to discover the relevant sections of the parameter space. The application is the energy of grain boundaries as a function of their geometric degrees of freedom, calculated from a simple model, or via atomistic simulations. The challenge is to predict the deep cusps of the energy, which are located at irregular intervals of the geometric parameters. Existing sampling approaches either use large sets of datapoints or a priori knowledge of the cusps' positions. By contrast, the authors' technique can find unknown cusps automatically with a minimal amount of datapoints. Key point is a Kriging interpolator with Matérn kernel to estimate the energy function. Using the jackknife variance, the next point in the sequential design is a compromise between sampling the region of largest fluctuations and avoiding a clustering of datapoints. In this way, the cusps of the energy can be found within only a few iterations, and refined as desired. This approach will be advantageous for any application with strong, localized fluctuations in the values of the unknown function.
Comment on “Electron Density Analysis for the H2+System Confined by Hard Walls: The Chemical Bond under Extreme Conditions” [Ann. Phys. (Berlin) 2019,531, 1800476]
Authors: Pupyshev Vladimir I. , Montgomery H. E.
Published: April 2022

The numerical results of Hernandez‐Esparza et al. demonstrate that the maximum electron density of the H2+molecule confined by hard walls is sometimes displaced away from the nuclei of the molecule. It is here shown analytically that hard confinement can significantly change the ground state electron density. For the free system, the electronic energyE(without the internuclear repulsion term) is strongly negative for all internuclear distancesR, while for a system under tight confinement, a critical point of QTAIM type (3,−3) occurs whenE> 0.
On optimal two‐stage testing of multiple mediators
Authors: Djordjilović Vera , Hemerik Jesse , Thoresen Magne
Published: April 2022

Mediation analysis in high‐dimensional settings often involves identifying potential mediators among a large number of measured variables. For this purpose, a two‐step familywise error rate procedure called ScreenMin has been recently proposed. In ScreenMin, variables are first screened and only those that pass the screening are tested. The proposed data‐independent threshold for selection has been shown to guarantee asymptotic familywise error rate. In this work, we investigate the impact of the threshold on the finite‐sample familywise error rate. We derive a power maximizing threshold and show that it is well approximated by an adaptive threshold of Wang et al. (2016, arXiv preprint arXiv:1610.03330). We illustrate the investigated procedures on a case‐control study examining the effect of fish intake on the risk of colorectal adenoma. We also apply our procedure in the context of replicability analysis to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with crop yield in two distinct environments.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of a prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase subfamily in Nicotiana benthamiana using DsRed2 for plant selection
Authors: Uetz Pia , Melnik Stanislav , Grünwald‐Gruber Clemens , Strasser Richard , Stoger Eva
Published: April 2022

The properties of host plants used for molecular farming can be modified by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to improve the quality and yield of recombinant proteins. However, it is often necessary to target multiple genes simultaneously, particularly when using host plants with large and complex genomes. This is the case for Nicotiana benthamiana, an allotetraploid relative of tobacco frequently used for transient protein expression. A multiplex genome editing system incorporating the DsRed2 fluorescent marker for the identification and selection of transgenic plants was established. As proof of principle, NbP4H4 was targeted encoding a prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase involved in protein O‐linked glycosylation. Using preselected gRNAs with efficiencies confirmed by transient expression, transgenic plant lines with knockout mutations in all four NbP4H4 genes were obtained. Leaf fluorescence was then used to screen for the absence of the SpCas9 transgene in T1 plants, and transgene‐free lines with homozygous or biallelic mutations were identified. The analysis of plant‐produced recombinant IgA1 as a reporter protein revealed changes in the number of peptides containing hydroxyproline residues and pentoses in the knockout plants. The selection of efficient gRNAs combined with the DsRed2 marker reduces the effort needed to generate N. benthamiana mutants and simplifies the screening processes to obtain transgene‐free progeny.
Revisiting the surgical anatomy of the triangle of doom and the triangle of pain
Authors: Gupta Richa , Gupta Tulika , Kumari Chiman , Aggarwal Anjali , Sahni Daisy
Published: April 2022

Better understanding of the surgical anatomy of the triangle of doom and the triangle of pain with fixed bony landmarks like the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the pubic symphysis (PS) can help in defining a safe location for trocar placement during laparoscopic surgeries and minimize neurovascular complications. Ten cadavers were dissected bilaterally to explore the surgical anatomy of both the triangles. ASIS and PS were evaluated in relation to the deep inguinal ring, external iliac artery, femoral nerve, and inferior epigastric artery. The deep inguinal ring was located at a depth of ~3 cm, about 4.9 ± 0.56 cm along the y‐axis and 6.2 ± 0.94 cm along the x‐axis, from the ASIS. The external iliac artery was located ~4.33 ± 0.6 cm along the y‐axis and 7.29 ± 0.76 along the x‐axis from the ASIS. The inferior epigastric artery was at ~4.31 ± 0.38 cm from the midline at the level of ASIS. This knowledge can help in the surface localization of both the triangles and prevent injury to the various neurovascular structures in relation to these triangles. In the current study, cranial to the ASIS lying at a distance of >5 cm from the midline was observed to be a safe zone for accessory trocar placement. The umbilical port has been observed to be safe for trocar placement. The mean angle between ductus deferens and testicular vessels was observed to be 43.5° ± 4.79°, which could help in determining their relative locations during various surgical procedures.
Cat scratch disease without a history of cat exposure
Authors: Oka Kosuke , Takagi Yume , Hagiya Hideharu , Otsuka Fumio
Published: April 2022

A patient complaining of swelling and tenderness in her left axilla was diagnosed with cat scratch disease despite no apparent history of cat exposure. Zoonosis can occur even in the absence of cat exposure because cat flea Ctenocephalides felis is also the vector of the pathogen through the flea feces.
Porocarcinoma of the left arm: A report of a rare skin cancer case and literature review
Authors: Signorelli Carlo , Zanella‐Cavallero Luca , Ranucci Valentina , Pellicciotti Antonio , Ruggeri Enzo Maria
Published: April 2022

Porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that develops from the intraepidermal ductal part of eccrine sweat glands. It can arise de novo or from poroma ground with high potential for locoregional metastatic spread, morbidity, and mortality. It mostly occurs in elderly patients.
It is spatial neglect syndrome, not only attention deficit! A child with spinal ependymoma post‐resection misdiagnosed as having ADHD: Case report
Authors: Alsalhi Saleh Mohammed , Alqahtani Mohammed M. J. , Alotaibi Ghaniah , AlAdamawi Somayyah A. , Arnous Razan Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

The neurobehavioral syndrome known as spatial neglect, which could be a result of a brain tumor, is common but difficult to diagnose and manage. This case study describes the evaluation of spatial neglect syndrome psychologically in detail and also builds an initial discussion of the role of the Arabic language, which requires a right‐to‐left‐oriented spatial frame, to understand the severity of the symptoms. We report a case of spatial neglect syndrome after a brain tumor. A 7‐year‐old boy presented to the CDC clinics with a significant limitation of attention and very poor school achievement. The patient underwent several neuropsychological assessments, including an intellectual IQ test, social and adaptive behavior testing, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder testing, and a battery of neuropsychological tests to detect the presence of spatial neglect, as well as a psychological interview and observation. We present a 7‐year‐old boy with spatial neglect syndrome who visited the primary children's mental health department. The additional role of the Arabic language could have more of an impact on the symptoms and the proper rehabilitation intervention. After the proper diagnosis and rehabilitation intervention, the child showed a good outcome with regard to his attention and focusing skills as well as his school performance.
Isthmocele, a rising pathology
Authors: de Vasconcelos Gaspar Andreia , Brandão Ana
Published: April 2022

Isthmocele is a growing pathology due to the increase in the number of cesarean deliveries. Pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding are common complaints in our clinical practice, and isthmocele should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in women who underwent previous cesarean sections.
IUD perforation and embedment within omentum: A rare and perplexing incidence
Authors: Tarafdari Azadeh , Malek Mahrooz , Pahlevan Falahy Elaheh , Hadizadeh Alireza
Published: April 2022

Intrauterine devices rarely fail, which results in pregnancy. Meanwhile, these devices can perforate uterine and migrate through abdomen. Our case experienced IUD failure and perforation simultaneously, and the device was embedded in omentum and shifted rapidly, which made it hard to localize and could only be removed using ultrasonography guidance.
Pregnancy‐triggered pemphigus vulgaris with favorable fetal outcomes: A case report
Authors: Mohaghegh Fatemeh , Shahmoradi Zabihollah , Alizadeh ‬Maryam
Published: April 2022

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis which if occurred during pregnancy may result in neonatal complications. In this study we report a 41 years old woman with pemphigus vulgaris that triggered by pregnancy in first trimester of pregnancy followed by the premature birth of a healthy neonate.
Subclavian steal syndrome secondary to atherosclerosis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Basukala Sunil , Pathak Bishnu Deep , Rijal Sabina , Karki Bibek , Thapa Narayan
Published: April 2022

Subclavian Steal Syndrome (SSS) is a rare vascular syndrome caused due to proximal occlusion or stenosis of subclavian or innominate artery. It is usually asymptomatic but occasionally may present with vertebro‐basilar insufficiency and/or upper limb ischemia. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause.
Eine Explosion der Farben
Authors: Karl Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Die Verwendung neuer Farbpigmente, die nach dem Mittelalter Eingang in die europäische Kunstmalerei fanden, wie Preußisch Blau, auf dem neu entdeckten Element Chrom basierende Gelb‐ und Grünpigmente, die Kupfer(II)arsenite Scheeles Grün und Schweinfurter Grün sowie auf Cobalt basierende Blaufarbmittel wie Kobaltblau und Coelinblau wird anhand von Gemälden hauptsächlich der Impressionisten erläutert.
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Using Moringa oleifera Seed and Press Cake Powder: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thanki Arti , Padhiyar Hirendrasinh , Singh Nitin Kumar , Yadav Manish , Christian Johnson
Published: April 2022

Moringa oleifera (MO), also known as drumstick tree, has gained worldwide attention among researchers and policy makers, for showing its remarkable potential in environmental management. Recently, MO seed or press cake (a by‐product of oil extraction industry) powder has also emerged as an alternative and promising coagulant for environmental remediation. In this view, attempts have been made in this study to evaluate the efficacy of MO seed and press cake powder (MSP & PCP) for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Both MSP and PCP are characterized by using swelling ratio, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The effect of various operational parameters such as coagulation–flocculation pH (2–10), coagulant dosage (0.1–1 g L−1), and sedimentation time (0–180 min), etc., is investigated to understand the potential of MSP and PCP. At optimized operational conditions, sedimentation kinetics is also performed suggesting that the treatment process is being governed by the second‐order kinetic model. The chemical and biological oxygen demand removals at optimized conditions are observed as follows: ≈38 and ≈73% for MSP and ≈47 and ≈85% for PCP. Overall, the results of the present study elucidated that PCP can be employed as a promising alternative of MSP for municipal wastewater with improved treatment efficiencies.
Toward Solving the Nitrogen Mineralization Puzzle
Authors: Gilmour John
Published: April 2022

Approaches to quantifying nitrogen (N) mineralization from soil organic matter under field conditions have been put forward with varying degrees of success. Estimates have been made from crop N uptake and yield data. Gilmour (2021) detailed a computer model that predicts N mineralization from soil organic matter based on weather (temperature, rainfall and pan evaporation) for a specific location with minimal soil data (total N, bulk density, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil depth). This article provides background information and describes that computer model, NminSOM2.1, in detail. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Thyroid abnormalities in children with Down syndrome at St. Paul's hospital millennium medical college, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulu Birtukan , Fantahun Bereket
Published: April 2022

Background

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the commonest thyroid abnormality in patients with Down syndrome (DS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of thyroid abnormalities, to assess the age at diagnosis, and to examine the screening practice in children with DS in a resource limited setting.

Methodology

A retrospective study was conducted in children with DS seen at endocrine follow‐up clinic. Data were collected from patients' registration book and medical records.

Result

A total of 115 patients with DS were included in the study out of which 64 (59.8%) were males. Their median age at diagnosis was 9 months (range 4–15 years). Thyroid function test (TFT) was done at least once for 107 (93%) patients. Abnormal thyroid function was observed in 51 (47.7%) patients. The commonest thyroid abnormality was SCH (30/107, 28%) followed by congenital hypothyroidism (11/107, 10.3%), overt hypothyroidism (9/107, 8.4%) and hyperthyroidism (1/107, 0.9%). Most of the patients (86/107, 80.4%) were tested initially in the first 2 years of life. From those who were tested between the age of 2–6 months (n = 22 patients), seven (31.8%) patients had thyroid abnormalities.

Conclusion

Thyroid abnormalities were seen in a remarkable proportion of DS patients. The detection of abnormalities in the patients with age range of 2–6 months demands the need for additional TFT in this age category apart from the standard recommendation. Early diagnosis and management of thyroid abnormalities are important to decrease further impairment of cognition function in children with DS.
In vitro human cell‐based aneugen molecular mechanism assay
Authors: Hall Nikki E. , Tichenor Kyle , Bryce Steven M. , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: April 2022

This laboratory previously described an in vitro human cell‐based assay and data analysis scheme that discriminates common molecular targets responsible for chemical‐induced in vitro aneugenicity: tubulin destabilization, tubulin stabilization, and inhibition of Aurora kinases (Bernacki et al., Toxicol. Sci. 170 [2019] 382–393). The current report describes updated procedures that simplify benchtop processing and data analysis methods. For these experiments, human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells were exposed to each of 25 aneugens over a range of concentrations in the presence of fluorescent paclitaxel (488 Taxol). After a 4 h treatment period, cells were lysed and nuclei were stained with a nucleic acid dye and labeled with fluorescent antibodies against phospho‐histone H3 (p‐H3). Flow cytometric analyses revealed several unique signatures: tubulin stabilizers caused increased frequencies of p‐H3‐positive events with concentration‐dependent increases in 488 Taxol‐associated fluorescence; tubulin destabilizers caused increased frequencies of p‐H3‐positive events with concomitant decreases in 488 Taxol‐associated fluorescence; and Aurora kinase B inhibitors caused reduced frequencies of p‐H3‐positive events and lower median fluorescent intensities of p‐H3‐positive events. These results demonstrate a simple rubric based on 488 Taxol‐ and p‐H3‐associated metrics can reliably discriminate between several commonly encountered aneugenic molecular mechanisms.
A short note revisiting the concentration index: Does the normalization of the concentration index matter?
Authors: Ataguba John E.
Published: April 2022

The concentration index, including its normalization, is prominently used to assess socioeconomic inequalities in health and health care. Wagstaff's and Erreygers' normalizations or corrections of the standard concentration index are the most suggested approaches when analyzing binary health variables encountered in many health economics and health services research. In empirical applications of the corrected or normalized concentration indices, researchers interpret them similarly to the standard concentration index, which may be problematic as this ignores their underlying behaviors. This paper shows that the empirical bounds of the standard concentration index, including the corrected indices, depend not only on the sample size directly but also on the sampling weight. Notably, the paper highlights critical challenges for assessing and interpreting the popular Wagstaff's and Erreygers' corrected concentration indices with binary health variables. Specifically, it shows that it might be misleading, for example, to assess socioeconomic health inequalities using the magnitude of the “symmetric” Erreygers' corrected concentration index in the face of progressive improvements in the binary health variable. Also, Wagstaff's normalized concentration index may give a spurious “concentration” of the binary health variable among the rich or the poor in certain rare instances.
Theoretical frameworks for project goal‐setting: A qualitative case study of an organisational practice in Nigeria
Authors: Ogbeiwi Osahon
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Goal‐setting in any practice context is vague unless the process is based on a framework that produces good goals. Popular goal‐setting frameworks construct Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time‐bound (SMART) goal statements. Yet, research of how healthcare goals that are foundational to health plans are formulated is scanty. This case study explored the goal‐setting practice of an organisation in Nigeria to discover the theoretical frameworks for setting the goals of their leprosy projects.

Methods

The study triangulated individual semi‐structured interviews of 10 leprosy managers with a review of their project plans and a participant observation of the organisation's annual planning event. A five‐stage thematic analysis was used to serially identify, code, and integrate goal‐setting themes from the data collected.

Findings

This produced three final emergent themes: stakeholders, strategy, and goal statements, with 11 associated conceptual frameworks. All were further theoretically integrated into one general framework that illustrates the organisational goal‐setting practice at the time of study. This revealed a practice with a four‐staged linear centre‐driven process that led to a top‐down, problem‐based goal formulation, and produced assigned project plans based on hierarchical non‐SMART goal statements.

Conclusion

Collaborative goal‐setting process is proposed for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed, and Agreeable statements of project objectives and aims written with Change, Beneficiaries, Indicator, Target, Timeframe and Change, Beneficiaries, Location, and Timeframe models respectively.
Intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending prenatal care in Bondo sub‐county, Western Kenya
Authors: Onuonga Kevin , Onguru Daniel , Ogolla Sidney , Mutanyi Joshua A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate prevalence and factors that contribute to intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending prenatal care in Bondo sub‐county, Western Kenya.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis was conducted in three health facilities in Bondo, Western Kenya, from August 2020 to August 2021. Using systematic sampling 360 pregnant women attending prenatal care were selected. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Risk factors for intimate partner violence were determined using logistic regression.

Results

Out of the 360 respondents, 127 (35.3%) faced intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Among these, 86 (23.9%) experienced psychological violence, 56 (15.6%) experienced physical abuse, and 59 (16.4%) experienced sexual violence. Unemployment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.90; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.08–7.79), the inability to count on parents or siblings for support (aOR 2.48; 95% CI 1.14–5.43), and having a partner that drinks alcohol either daily (aOR 4.84; 95% CI 1.69–13.88) or occasionally (aOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.16–4.13) were independently associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

Conclusion

In this setting, intimate partner violence prevalence among pregnant women was high. Unemployment, having an alcohol‐drinking partner, and the inability to count on parents or siblings for support were contributing factors.
MALAT1 regulates PCT expression in sepsis patients through the miR‐125b/STAT3 axis
Authors: Le Yuanjie , Shi Yongwei
Published: April 2022

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) is an important marker in diagnosing sepsis. However, some other diseases can also cause an increase in PCT. PCT still has some limitations in the clinical application of diagnosing sepsis. Therefore, it is of great significance to clarify the regulatory mechanism of PCT expression in sepsis and provide new therapeutic targets for sepsis.

Methods

Blood samples from clinical patients were collected, and peripheral blood monocytes were isolated. Bioinformatics was performed to find the ceRNA regulatory network of STAT3/PCT. MALAT1 and miR‐125b were detected by qRT‐PCR. MALAT1 was located by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in U937 cells, and the regulatory relationship between MALAT1, miR‐125b, and STAT3 was verified by double luciferase activity report and RNA pull‐down assay. U937 cells were transfected with miR‐125b, and the effects of the MALAT1/miR‐125b/STAT3 pathway on gene and protein secretion levels of PCT were verified by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and ELISA.

Results

In the serum of sepsis patients and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced U937 cells, MALAT1, STAT3, and PCT gene expression levels were significantly increased, while miR‐125b expression level was decreased. FISH results showed that the MALAT1 transcript was mainly located in the nucleus. The double luciferase activity report and RNA pull‐down assay results suggested a targeted regulatory relationship between MALAT1, miR‐125b, and STAT3. LPS‐induced U937 cells transfection with MALAT1 siRNA decreased STAT3 protein expression and phosphorylation level and the expression of PCT. Co‐transfection with miR‐125b inhibitor effectively reversed this phenomenon.

Conclusions

MALAT1 could upregulate the expressions of STAT3 and PCT by targeted adsorption of miR‐125b.
Nickel‐based anodes in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis: a review
Authors: Cossar Emily , Murphy Frédéric , Baranova Elena A.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is a promising technology for efficiently producing low‐cost hydrogen (H2). Of the two half‐cell reactions in AEMWE, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is kinetically sluggish, requiring an electrocatalyst to promote the reaction. Nickel (Ni) is a promising non‐noble metal catalyst for OER due to its low cost, high stability, and activity in alkaline media. In an AEMWE, Ni particles form a catalytic layer bound together using an anion exchange ionomer (AEI), which also serves to provide hydroxide ion transport throughout the layer.

RESULTS

In this review, reports of lab synthesized Ni particle‐based anode catalytic layers with AEIs, used specifically in AEMWE devices, are summarized from 2015 onwards to highlight the recent research and development of active Ni‐based AEMWE anodes. The synthesis and electrode fabrication method for the anodes is analyzed to offer a perspective on the feasibility of industrial scale AEMWE. As ionomeric binders are an important component of AEMWE anodes, the ionomer type and loading used with the Ni‐based particles is also summarized with a focus on how those parameters affect catalytic performance.

CONCLUSION

The literature analysis performed in this work demonstrates the potential of the AEMWE process and provides recommendations for future work on furthering the current understanding of the interactions between the various components of the system. Additionally, it is recommended that future research efforts be focused on further understanding how developed materials perform in a working AEMWE device. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).