bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analgesic Effect Of Paracetamol As An Adjuvant To Lidocaine For Intravenous Regional Anaesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Chabiya Bala , Rabiu Mohammed Bashir , Eguma Stella
Published: June 2022

Background: Intravenous Regional Anaesthesia (IVRA) also known as Biers block is a procedure used to provide regional block in both the upper and lower extremities. This study aims to determine the effects of adding paracetamol to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA). Methods: Forty eligible patients undergoing short upper limb surgery received IVRA were assigned to two groups (n = 20 each): Group X: received lidocaine (3 mg/kg) diluted with normal saline and paracetamol 450 mg to a volume of 40 ml. Group Y: received lidocaine (3 mg/kg) diluted with normal saline a to a volume of 40 ml. Variables measured were: sensory onset and recovery time, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores; intraoperative and at 6 hours postoperatively, tourniquet pain and time to first analgesic requirement. Results: Sensory block onset time among group X was significantly shorter than group Y p= statistically significant. Durations of Sensory block in group X was also significantly longer than group Y p= statistically significant. Twenty minute intraoperatively till 60 minutes, VAS was significantly higher in group Y which required majority 68.4% to receive a single dose of intraoperative fentanyl analgesia compared to 27.6% among Group X. Postoperative VAS was lower among Group X from 2nd -5th hours compared to group Y, p= statistically significant. Similarly, time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group X p= statistically significant than group Y. Conclusion: Addition of paracetamol to Lidocaine for IVRA improves quality of analgesia and reduce intra and postoperative analgesic requirement.
Desalination and Agriculture
Authors: Daghari Issam
Published: June 2022

In arid countries like Tunisia, the need to find new sources of water for irrigation has become imminent. Desalination of seawater can be an alternative to irrigation. Water desalination is a process that makes it possible to obtain freshwater (drinking water or, more rarely, due to the cost, usable for irrigation) from brackish or saltwater (seawater in particular). In this article, we take a look at the leading food companies specializing in desalination of irrigation around the world and the prospects for the solar energy desalination potential for irrigation in Tunisia. We have noticed that several companies invest money to desalinate water for agricultural purposes. However, the cost of a cubic meter of water sometimes remains high to go forward with this new technology.
Comparison of Amino Acid Concentrations in Plasma and Dried Blood Spot Samples Using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Aslan Ozgur , Canpolat Erkan Revşa Evin
Published: June 2022

Background: Dried blood spot samples are suitable for diagnosing some congenital errors of metabolism; however, they provide limited benefit in the regular monitoring of amino acids. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), citrulline (Cit), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Ileu), leucine (Leu), methionine (Met), ornithine (Orn), phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), and valine (Val) amino acid concentrations in dried blood and plasma samples obtained simultaneously. Methods: Amino acid concentrations were determined in the plasma, and dried blood spot samples obtained simultaneously from 145 patients (50 females and 95 males). Amino acid concentrations in the plasma and dried blood spot samples were studied by LC-MS/MS using original kits. Results: There were significant differences between dried blood spots and plasma in all amino acid concentrations, except for Met and Val. Bland-Altman analysis revealed the highest mean differences in Glu (-148.1), Gly (-70.1), and Ala (-58.1). Deming regression analysis showed that plasma and dried blood spot samples were consistent concerning Cit, Met, Phe, and Tyr concentrations. Conclusions: Differences in methodology and sample can influence amino acid concentrations. Dried blood spot samples might cause errors in amino acid screening programs.
Evaluation of Drugs and Strategies for Treating Coronary Artery Ectasia: Update and Future Perspective
Authors: Taghizadeh Mohammad Javad , Khodadadi Shima , Zamanifard Somayeh
Published: June 2022

Context: Although the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and its treatment methods are not known for certainty, increased inflammatory and coagulation responses can be responsible for the formation of ectasia due to vascular disorders. Evidence Acquisition: The content used in this paper was obtained from English language articles (2005 - 2020) retrieved from the PubMed database and Google scholar search engine using “coronary artery ectasia”, “treatment”, “drug”, and “aneurysm” keywords. Results: The proven effect of inflammation and coagulation in CAE has posed a significant challenge for disease management. Therefore, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation drugs can be treatment options for these patients. Increased inflammatory responses and some coagulation factors in CAE patients is undeniable. The study of these two systems in CAE patients and the evaluation of drugs affecting these mechanisms to achieve a definitive conclusion requires further and more extensive studies. Conclusions: We evaluated the hypothesis that anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation drugs with improved vascular endothelial function may accelerate the healing process of CAE patients; thus, they may be treatment options. Finally, it can be said that identifying molecular pathways related to drugs can improve their effectiveness in treating patients and increasing their survival. In addition, identifying upstream and downstream pathways can help diagnose the disease pathogenesis in addition to treating patients.
Children's rights and school from the perspective of college students: Future teachers
Authors: Trbojević Aleksandra , Maričić Olja
Published: June 2022

The paper discusses the issue of children's rights from the perspective of presenting this topic to school students. It examines the opinions of college students - future teachers, on their level of preparedness for this role. States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including Serbia, are tasked with establishing legislation and providing the conditions for its implementation, as well as with introducing the rights of the child in their educational policies. Serbian school curricula include the topics related to children's rights (at all educational levels), with the intention of teaching school students about their rights and creating school situations in which they will be able to participate, thus developing civic skills. The responsibility for this task lies with the teachers. The paper reports on the self-assessments of college students - future teachers, regarding their knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and their preparedness, acquired during their academic studies, to present the content of the Convention to school students. The qualitative methodology of focus group discussions was chosen for achieving this objective, with the opinions of a total of 38 second-, thirdand fourth-year students of the Faculty of Education in Sombor, divided into three focus groups, examined. The results suggest that future teachers assess the content on children's rights and participation as highly significant and that they view the role of teachers in the promotion of these values as comparably important. They also believe that school students should learn about rights, but also participate in daily activities. College students pointed out that, during their academic studies, they have attended courses at which they were taught about children's rights but that opportunities to implement such content in practice were lacking. Also, during their practical training in schools, they have not attended any classes or school situations in which children's rights and participation were delineated. The conclusion is that to teach school students about children's rights and participation more effectively, it is necessary to empower future teachers. A greater number of practical lessons, as well as the innovation of study programs focusing on the corpus of children's rights, are seen as viable solutions.
Effects of ultrasound-guided lumbar-sciatic nerve block and epidural anesthesia on the levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a and coagulation factors in peripheral blood of elderly patients after hip arthroplasty
Authors: Huang Zhi , Cai Yan , Yang Yunfei , Shi Jin , Zhao Xuya , Mo Haise , Zeng Qingfan
Published: June 2022

Background: To investigate the effects of ultrasound-guided lumbar-sciatic nerve block and epidural anesthesia on the levels of inflammatory factors such as Interleukin-6 (IL6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and coagulation factors in peripheral blood of elderly patients after hip arthroplasty to provides reference value for the choice of intraoperative anesthesia. Methods: 96 elderly patients underwent hip arthroplasty in our hospital from March 2018 to December 2019 were selected and divided into ultrasound-guided lumbar-sciatic nerve block group (group A) and epidural anesthesia group (group B) randomly , there were 48 cases in each group. The onset time of intraoperative anesthesia, postoperative hemodynamic indexes, pain score, inflammatory factors and blood coagulation factor levels were compared between group A and group B. Results: It was proved that: (1) The onset time of sensory block and motor block in group B were shorter compared with group A, and the maintenance time of anesthesia was prolonged (P<0.05); (2) Compared with group A, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of group B patients after operation was lower (P<0.05); (3) The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of group B were higher than group A (P<0.05) ) at T1 and T2, while the comparison of SBP and DBP between groups was not statistical difference at T3 and T4 (P>0.05); (3) Compared with group A, the levels of TNF, IL-8and IL-6 in peripheral blood of group B decreased after T2, T3 and T4 (P<0.05); (4) Statistical difference in plasma factor V activity (FV:C), coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) and fibrinogen (FIB) levels were showed between groups A and B at T2, T3 and T4 (P<0.05) with significantly lower values in group B compared to group A(P<0.05). (5) The half-year mortality rates of patients in two group were 5.56% and 8.33% respectively. There was no significant difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with epidural anesthesia, lumbarsciatic nerve block is showed significantly lower values in concentration of peripheral blood coagulation factors and inflammatory factors after surgery, thereby allevia
La filiación filosófica de Lon Fuller: iuspositivismo normativo (ni iusnaturalismo ni principialismo)
Authors: Peña Freire Antonio Manuel
Published: June 2022

En este trabajo expondré el que considero el sentido apropiado de las tesis de Fuller sobre la moral interna del derecho. Tras argumentar que la tesis de la moral interna no dice mucho sobre la conexión entre el derecho y la moral en el sentido en que normalmente se discute sobre esta cuestión en los debates entre los partidarios del positivismo jurídico y sus críticos, explicaré en qué sentido el derecho es, para Fuller, un fenómeno moral. Esto me permitirá pronunciarme sobre la cuestionada filiación iusfilosófica del autor: sostendré que la filosofía del derecho de Fuller está en las antípodas de una concepción iusnaturalista o de una concepción principialista no-positivista del derecho y que si hay una filosofía del derecho con la que Fuller puede ser asociado es con el iuspositivismo normativo o ético.
Contribuciones de la práctica de la improvisación al desarrollo de habilidades interpretativas: un estudio de las percepciones de los/as intérpretes de música clásica
Authors: Lorenzo de Reizábal Arantza
Published: June 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer el pensamiento de los/as intérpretes de música clásica acerca del papel que juega la improvisación musical en su formación inicial. La muestra está formada por 59 sujetos titulados superiores en interpretación de música clásica o que están en el último curso de estas enseñanzas musicales y tres especialistas en improvisación. La metodología de la investigación empleada es cuantitativa y cualitativa, y utiliza el cuestionario y la entrevista en profundidad como herramientas para la recogida de datos. Los resultados obtenidos nos han permitido precisar algunas de las aportaciones más beneficiosas de la práctica de la improvisación al desarrollo de habilidades y destrezas interpretativas y organizarlas en tres categorías: cognitivas, musicales y psicológicas. Así, por su importancia, destacamos el desarrollo de la creatividad, el aprendizaje de la armonía, la mejora de la expresividad musical, la memoria musical y la presencia escénica. La conclusión a la que se llega es que la improvisación puede resultar una práctica muy útil, que debe acompañar a los estudiantes de interpretación de música clásica durante todo su proceso formativo.
Monográfico: Procesos cognitivos en el aprendizaje vocal e instrumental
Authors: Laucirica Ana
Published: June 2022

La práctica vocal o instrumental es una actividad humana que se ejercita en muy diversas situaciones. Además de la producción musical que se desarrolla en agrupaciones profesionales o amateurs (como las agrupaciones corales, las orquestas o los grupos instrumentales o vocales de diferentes estilos), también se practica en el entorno familiar, en los diferentes niveles educativos de la enseñanza general y en los estudios universitarios. Pero, la expresión musical está presente de modo específico en las Escuelas de Música y en los Conservatorios Profesionales y Superiores, ya que en ellos destaca por su intensidad en esta práctica, por su función docente y por la proyección profesionalizante que ejercen los Conservatorios Superiores.
Experience of the profitable houses at the turn of the XIX - XX centuries and housing of the "rented house" type in modern Russia
Authors: Badikova Kristina Sergeevna
Published: June 2022

The author in this article examines the experience of profitable houses in pre-revolutionary Russia at the end of the XIX-beginning of the XX century and the problems of the residential real estate market such as rental houses in modern Russia of the XXI century. The article reveals the content of the concepts of profitable house and a rented house, and also shows their development.The author focuses on the similarities and differences between profitable house in pre-revolutionary Russia and rented housing in modern Russia in the form of a comparative table. The accumulated historical experience of the construction and operation of profitable houses is necessary for the construction of modern profitable houses, since at present the construction of this type of housing has a certain demand.The main conclusions of this study are that for a hundred years in Russia the concept of an profitable (rented) house has not changed significantly.As in pre-revolutionary times, today rented houses belong to one owner and are built specifically for renting for a fee, mostly apartment buildings are being built.The main differences are that modern rented houses are divided (approximately) into social and commercial use, while the structure of the house has changed: state, municipal and (or) other support is assumed only for the construction and operation of a rented house for social use, there are no benefits for commercial use (which is why private business is not developed).
Historical experience of geological research and foundation construction on the example of the city of Norilsk.
Authors: Pakhomov Pavel Sergeevich
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes the experience of geological exploration and construction on the example of the city of Norilsk, and also discusses their problems. In 1935, it was decided to build the Norilsk Metallurgical Plant and the village of Norilsk was founded. During the geological survey and construction, many problems arose, these include: - the spread of permafrost soils, and subsequently the thawing of soils acting as the base of buildings and structures; - a small number and scattered location of rocky soils suitable for use as a base; - limited technology capabilities; - long time and huge costs when using as a base, rocky soils. Those problems mostly arose due to the lack of experience in building foundations on permafrost, Norilsk is the first experience in this regard. To solve the problem of permafrost, the Norilsk Integrated Department of the Krasnoyarsk Institute "Promstroyniiproekt" was formed in 1959. The solution to the problem was found at that time by Mikhail Vasilyevich Kim, who was appointed to the post of head. The method of pile foundation in permafrost consisted in freezing the pile into the frozen ground. Thus, this method allowed not only to solve the problem with the construction of foundations on permafrost, but also to use it for construction purposes.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM PROGRAMA LÚDICO-PEDAGÓGICO EM SAÚDE BUCAL PARA PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA VISUAL EM FEIRA DE SANTANA-BA
Authors: Américo do Lago Silva Luiz , Cerqueira Costa Valeria , Alves Carneiro Queiciane , De Souza Siqueira Lima Pollyana , Porto Edla Carvalho , De Matos Vilas Boas Aline
Published: June 2022

Introdução: O Trauma dental é um distúrbio oral comum em crianças, causado por um impacto externo sobre o dente e/ou tecidos circundantes. Objetivo: Revisar o impacto do trauma dental na qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescente. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO). Artigos duplicados, revisão de literatura e teses foram excluídos e como critério de inclusão foram utilizados artigos publicados de 2010 até 2020. Logo após, foi realizada a extração dos dados para análise dos estudos com mais precisão, organizando as informações em uma tabela padronizada. Resultados: Dos 429 artigos encontrados, apenas 9 estudos apresentaram todas as informações exigidas nos critérios metodológicos, abrangendo a faixa etária de 2 a 15 anos. Para avaliação do impacto do trauma dental na qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal 6 dos estudos utilizaram a versão Brasileira do questionário (CPQ), 2 utilizaram a versão Brasileira do questionário sobre qualidade de vida (B-ECOHIS) e apenas 1 utilizou a versão Brasileira do (BP-CPQ). Foi observado que dos nove trabalhos apenas um não observou associação estatisticamente significativa entre a qualidade de vida e o trauma dental. Conclusão: O trauma dental possui influência negativa na qualidade de vida das crianças e adolescentes associados às limitações funcionais, bem-estar social e emocional.
Species-specific sensitivity to TGFβ signaling and changes to the Mmp13 promoter underlie avian jaw development and evolution
Authors: Smith Spenser S , Chu Daniel , Qu Tiange , Aggleton Jessye A , Schneider Richard A
Published: June 2022

Precise developmental control of jaw length is critical for survival, but underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The jaw skeleton arises from neural crest mesenchyme (NCM), and we previously demonstrated that these progenitor cells express more bone-resorbing enzymes includingMatrix metalloproteinase 13(Mmp13) when they generate shorter jaws in quail embryos versus longer jaws in duck. Moreover, if we inhibit bone resorption orMmp13,we can increase jaw length. In the current study, we uncover mechanisms establishing species-specific levels ofMmp13and bone resorption. Quail show greater activation of and sensitivity to transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling than duck; where intracellular mediators like SMADs and targets likeRunt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),which bindMmp13, become elevated. Inhibiting TGFβ signaling decreases bone resorption, and overexpressingMmp13in NCM shortens the duck lower jaw. To elucidate the basis for this differential regulation, we examine theMmp13promoter. We discover a SMAD-binding element and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near a RUNX2-binding element that distinguish quail from duck. Altering the SMAD site and switching the SNPs abolish TGFβ sensitivity in the quailMmp13promoter but make the duck promoter responsive. Thus, differential regulation of TGFβ signaling andMmp13promoter structure underlie avian jaw development and evolution.
A general decoding strategy explains the relationship between behavior and correlated variability
Authors: Ni Amy M , Huang Chengcheng , Doiron Brent , Cohen Marlene R
Published: June 2022

Improvements in perception are frequently accompanied by decreases in correlated variability in sensory cortex. This relationship is puzzling because overall changes in correlated variability should minimally affect optimal information coding. We hypothesize that this relationship arises because instead of using optimal strategies for decoding the specific stimuli at hand, observers prioritize generality: a single set of neuronal weights to decode any stimuli. We tested this using a combination of multineuron recordings in the visual cortex of behaving rhesus monkeys and a cortical circuit model. We found that general decoders optimized for broad rather than narrow sets of visual stimuli better matched the animals’ decoding strategy, and that their performance was more related to the magnitude of correlated variability. In conclusion, the inverse relationship between perceptual performance and correlated variability can be explained by observers using a general decoding strategy, capable of decoding neuronal responses to the variety of stimuli encountered in natural vision.
Transposon mutagenesis in Mycobacterium abscessus identifies an essential penicillin-binding protein involved in septal peptidoglycan synthesis and antibiotic sensitivity
Authors: Akusobi Chidiebere , Benghomari Bouchra S , Zhu Junhao , Wolf Ian D , Singhvi Shreya , Dulberger Charles L , Ioerger Thomas R , Rubin Eric J
Published: June 2022

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) that causes a wide range of infections. Treatment of Mab infections is difficult because the bacterium is intrinsically resistant to many classes of antibiotics. Developing new and effective treatments against Mab requires a better understanding of the unique vulnerabilities that can be targeted for future drug development. To achieve this, we identified essential genes in Mab by conducting transposon sequencing (TnSeq) on the reference Mab strain ATCC 19977. We generated ~51,000 unique transposon mutants and used this high-density library to identify 362 essential genes for in vitro growth. To investigate species-specific vulnerabilities in Mab, we further characterized MAB_3167c, a predicted penicillin-binding protein and hypothetical lipoprotein (PBP-lipo) that is essential in Mab and non-essential in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We found that PBP-lipo primarily localizes to the subpolar region and later to the septum as cells prepare to divide. Depletion of Mab PBP-lipo causes cells to elongate, develop ectopic branches, and form multiple septa. Knockdown of PBP-lipo along with PbpB, DacB1, and a carboxypeptidase, MAB_0519 lead to synergistic growth arrest. In contrast, these genetic interactions were absent in the Mtb model organism, Mycobacterium smegmatis, indicating that the PBP-lipo homologs in the two species exist in distinct genetic networks. Finally, repressing PBP-lipo sensitized the reference strain and 11 Mab clinical isolates to several classes of antibiotics, including the β-lactams, ampicillin, and amoxicillin by greater than 128-fold. Altogether, this study presents PBP-lipo as a key enzyme to study Mab-specific processes in cell wall synthesis and importantly positions PBP-lipo as an attractive drug target to treat Mab infections.
Predictors of human-infective RNA virus discovery in the United States, China, and Africa, an ecological study
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Chase-Topping Margo , Guo Chuan-Guo , Woolhouse Mark EJ
Published: June 2022

Background:

The variation in the pathogen type as well as the spatial heterogeneity of predictors make the generality of any associations with pathogen discovery debatable. Our previous work confirmed that the association of a group of predictors differed across different types of RNA viruses, yet there have been no previous comparisons of the specific predictors for RNA virus discovery in different regions. The aim of the current study was to close the gap by investigating whether predictors of discovery rates within three regions—the United States, China, and Africa—differ from one another and from those at the global level.

Methods:

Based on a comprehensive list of human-infective RNA viruses, we collated published data on first discovery of each species in each region. We used a Poisson boosted regression tree (BRT) model to examine the relationship between virus discovery and 33 predictors representing climate, socio-economics, land use, and biodiversity across each region separately. The discovery probability in three regions in 2010–2019 was mapped using the fitted models and historical predictors.

Results:

The numbers of human-infective virus species discovered in the United States, China, and Africa up to 2019 were 95, 80, and 107 respectively, with China lagging behind the other two regions. In each region, discoveries were clustered in hotspots. BRT modelling suggested that in all three regions RNA virus discovery was better predicted by land use and socio-economic variables than climatic variables and biodiversity, although the relative importance of these predictors varied by region. Map of virus discovery probability in 2010–2019 indicated several new hotspots outside historical high-risk areas. Most new virus species since 2010 in each region (6/6 in the United States, 19/19 in China, 12/19 in Africa) were discovered in high-risk areas as predicted by our model.

Conclusions:

The drivers of spatiotemporal variation in virus discovery rates vary in different regions of the world. Within regions virus discovery is driven mainly by land-use and socio-economic variables; climate and biodiversity variables are consistently less important predictors than at a global scale. Potential new discovery hotspots in 2010–2019 are identified. Results from the study could guide active surveillance for new human-infective viruses in local high-risk areas.

Funding:

FFZ is funded by the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh (https://darwintrust.bio.ed.ac.uk/). MEJW has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 874735 (VEO) (https://www.veo-europe.eu/).
Online e-learning during the COVID-19 lockdown in Trinidad and Tobago: prevalence and associated factors with ocular complaints among schoolchildren aged 11–19 years
Authors: Ekemiri Kingsley , Ezinne Ngozika , Kamalodeen Khadeejah , Pierre Keomi , Lalla Brandon , Amiebenomo Onyekachukwu , van Staden Diane , Zeried Ferial , Ekemiri Chioma , Agho Kingsley E. , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi
Published: June 2022

Background

The increase in online learning during the pandemic has been linked to various ocular complaints. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with ocular complaints among schoolchildren aged 12–19 years during the COVID-19 lockdown in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown in T&T among secondary school students studying remotely. A two-stage cluster sampling method was employed. A modified web-based Computer Vision Syndrome questionnaire was administered to students. Data on demography, duration of digital device use, and ocular complaints were collected, and multilevel logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with ocular complaints among school children, 12–19 years of age in T&T.

Results

A total of 435 schoolchildren (mean age, standard deviation, 15.2 ± 1.9 years range 12–19 years) responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported symptoms of headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and double vision were 75.0%, 65.1%; 56.8%; 46.4%; and 33.5%, respectively. Schoolchildren aged 18–19 years, those that used spectacles for correction of their refractive errors, and spent more than 6 h on average on digital devices, reported a high prevalence of any ocular complaints. Analysis also revealed that age (14–15 years) was associated with dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, while gender (more prevalently females) was associated with blurred vision and headache. Those that had an eye examination in the last year and schoolchildren that took action to resolve ocular complaints were more likely to experience nearly all ocular complaints.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 lockdown, over three in four students in T&T reported ocular complaints from digital devices for online learning. Tailored interventional messages to reduce all forms of ocular complaints should target older students, particularly females, those who laid down when learning online via their devices and people who regularly examine their eyes.
Assessment of Background Gamma Radiation Level in Selected Dump Site of Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Anyalebechi C. D. , Gbarato O. L. , Ononugbo C. P.
Published: June 2022

Our environment has been exposed to ionizing radiation from indiscriminate dumping of refuse which is seen as unending and unpreventable challenge on earth. Radiation level and exposure risks in some selected dump site in Rivers state have been calculated using radiation exposure rate meter (Radalert-100). Rate of exposure measured at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) and its environment ranged from 0.005±0.0001 to 0.016±0.003 mRh-1 with mean value of 0.015±0.002 mRh-1 and that measured at Igwuruta ranged from 0.009±0.001 to 0.048±0.003 mRh-1 its mean value is 0.015±0.002 mRh-1.  For All, the exposure rate measured  ranged from 0.009±0.0001 to 0.015±0.002 mRh-1 its mean value is 0.012±0.004 mRh-1. The exposure rates measured in the three dump site are relatively equal and slightly higher than the recommended permissible limit of 0.013 mRh-1. Estimation of the mean absorbed doses from the exposure rates for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Igwuruta and Aluu are 127.72±31.26, 125.91±18.35 and 175.64±41.61 nGyh-1 respectively, its mean absorbed doses are 1.16, 1.18 and 1.11 mSvy-1 respectively. The annual effective dose equivalent calculated is 0.20±0.03, 0.19±0.03 and 0.19±0.03 mSvy-1. The excess lifetime cancer risk estimated ranged from 0.68±0.11, 0.68±0.10 and 0.68±0.10 respectively, they are all above the recommended values 0.29x10ˉ3 in all the sampling locations. Following the result from the radiation level of the dump site, no immediate radiation risk is expected, but there could be a long term effects on those living around the dump side.
Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Breakfast Flakes Produced from Blends of Maize (Zea mays) and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Flour
Authors: Abogunrin Saheed Olamide , Ujiroghene Obaroakpo Joy
Published: June 2022

The study aimed at the production and evaluation of breakfast cereals (flakes) formulated from composite blends of corn (Zea mays) flour and quinoa seed flour (Chenopodium quinoa); a pseudo cereal that has recently gained the interest of researchers due to its unique functional properties. Breakfast flakes were developed from formulations of WCF (100% whole corn flour); CQF (90:10 corn/quinoa flour); and QCF (50:50 corn/quinoa flour). The flakes were evaluated for their organoleptic acceptability, nutritional composition and functional properties. The result of the sensory evaluation showed that WCF was most acceptable in colour (4.90 \(\pm\)0.32) and was not significantly different (p>0.05) from CQF (4.10 \(\pm\)0.88). In terms of taste, texture, and aroma no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded among all flakes blend. Overall, WCF was rated highest in acceptability at a mean score of 4.80 \(\pm\)0.42. However, QCF and CQF competed favorably with WCF in organoleptic quality. The result of the proximate analysis showed that compared with the control (WCF) which had a protein content of 7.36 \(\pm\)0.31%, the inclusion of quinoa enhanced the protein content in QCF and CQF at 9.40 \(\pm\)0.35% and 9.64 \(\pm\)0.03% respectively. Crude fibre, an essential component of functional foods was significantly enhanced with the inclusion of quinoa. In comparism with the control (9.02 \(\pm\)0.13%), the crude fibre content of CQF and QCF were 11.99 \(\pm\)0.12% and 15.99 \(\pm\)0.56% respectively. An increased inclusion of quinoa resulted in a corresponding decrease in carbohydrate (CHO) content as expected. The lowest CHO content was observed in QCF (49.66 \(\pm\)0.57%); while the highest CHO content was observed in WCF (62.50 \(\pm\)0.45%).  There was significant difference in all the functional properties observed except for the bulk density.  Quinoa fortification of corn flakes resulted in increased water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). Hence QCF had the highest WAC and OAC at 35.33 \(\pm\)0.29% and 14.97 \(\pm\)0.15% respectively. In addition, QCF had the lowest emulsification capacity and swelling capacity at 41.43 \(\pm\)0.38% and 338.17 \(\pm\)0.19% respectively. The inclusion of quinoa in flakes could be beneficial as a breakfast cereal useful in human health and nutrition.
Unemployment and Nigeria’s Human-Capital Flight (1990 – 2020): An Empirical Investigation of a Modelled Case Study of Recruitment of Nigerian Doctors by Saudi Arabia
Authors: Offor Paschal U. , Egbulonu K. G. , Ikwumezie A. , Njoku A. I.
Published: June 2022

Unceasing substantial loss of intellectuals and technical personnel from any nation causes dire depletion of the economy of that nation and should give anyone who means well for the nation serious cause for concern. Offor P. U. et al (2022) used matching function model to analyse reasons for brain drain with a case study of a recruitment exercise organized in August 2021, in Abuja, by the Saudi Arabia health ministry for Nigerian medical doctors. This paper is all about investigating empirical relevance of Offor P. U. et al (2022)’s matching function model. With the model, our target is to carry out empirical investigation of the relationship between unemployment and Nigeria’s brain drain (1990 – 2020) using secondary data. The ARDL model is our parameter estimator. The matching function model is found to be stable and the empirical investigation reveals that Nigeria’s brain drain is not necessarily caused by unemployment rate in Nigeria; some other variables like poor real GDP (PPP based) are significantly responsible. The study concludes with a recommendation that Nigerian authorities should take giant strides to fix the insecurity problems of the country in order to create safe environment that can attract both local investments and foreign direct investments which will, among other benefits, favour Nigeria in exchange rate, improve her GDP and discourage brain drain.
Microbiological Assessment of Fishes Caught in the Two Major Fishing Ground in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State (Water Works River and Ogbese River)
Authors: Olawole Akomolede Olumide , Oluwaseun Awoniyi Olakunle , Samuel Akinnate Ayodeji
Published: June 2022

Microbial contamination of food is the main obstacle of ensuring food safety. For this, it’s paramount to ascertain the safety of fish caught in the major waters in Ado Ekiti( Water works and Ogbese river). 22 (11 each)fish sample was randomly caught from both rivers in Ado Ekiti Metropolis.The research was conducted in May,2021. After standard microbiological and biochemical Test. The total bacteria count (TBC) for all the fish samples ranged between 0.46 x 104 and 0.95 x 104 cfu/g . Out of the 22 fish samples analyses for TBC, a sample from Water works dam had the highest number of bacteria with 0.95 x 104 cfu/g. The Ogbese sample 4 had the lowest isolation with 0.46 x 104 cfu/g. The study demonstrated the occurrence of bacterial isolates such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes,Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtili, Micrococcus luteus and Proteus vulgaris bacteria. This analysis indicated the incidence of fish contamination. These isolates are potential pathogens and their presence can pose health risks to humans especially immunocompromised individuals and children in particular when the levels of Staphylococcus aureus in the fish is considerably high, and the fish is not properly processed or cooked. Public education on the need for proper environmental sanitation to reduce bacteria load should be emphasized by the State government and sanction to be imposed on defaulters. Good hygienic practice aimed at minimizing the microbial load of fish must be ensured.
Platelet Transfusion and Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Bleeding in Dengue Fever
Authors: Saddique Jamshed , Ghaffar Madeeha , Shabbir Muhammad Raffey , Khalid Azeem , Rehman Asad Ur , Osama Muhammad , Adil Abdullah
Published: June 2022

Objective: We conducted this study to investigate the effectiveness of platelet transfusion and/or intravenous tranexamic acid in the treatment of clinical bleeding in patients with dengue fever at a tertiary care hospital during a large outbreak (August and November, 2011) of dengue fever in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: We reviewed data of patients with clinical bleeding and confirmed dengue fever at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Based on the treatment, patients were classified into four groups: Baseline characteristics of patients and site and grade of bleeding were documented. A comparison of time to cessation of bleeding across four groups was made.

Results: Out of 100 selected patients with clinical bleeding, 65 were male and median age was 28 years (range 13-80). There were 47 patients in group A, 12 in group B, 9 in group C, and 32 in group D. 75 patients had bleeding from a single site while 24 patients had bleeding from 2 different sites and 1 patient had bleeding from 3 sites. Median time from the initiation of treatment till the cessation of bleeding was not significantly difference across four groups (p value = 0.724, Kruskal-Wallis test). Adverse effects included abdominal pain in group A and pruritus in group A and C.

Conclusion: Platelet transfusion and/or tranexamic acid do not provide significant benefit over standard of care treatment in patients with clinical bleeding in dengue fever and may be associated with adverse outcome.
BaSi7P10 and SrSi7P10: Two Infrared Nonlinear Optical Phosphides with T2 Supertetrahedra Exhibiting Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation Effects
Authors: Zhao Xin , Lin Chensheng , Chen Jindong , Xu Feng , Yang Shunda , Peng Guang , Tian Haotian , Han Yinglei , Li Bingxuan , Luo Min , Ye Ning
Published: June 2022

Because mid‐ and far‐infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials play an important role in military and civil fields, plenty of excellent IR NLO materials have been discovered in recent decades, such as chalcogenides with T2 supertetrahedra. Pnictides with T2 supertetrahedra instead of MQ4 (M = IIB, IIIA, IVA metals; Q = P, As) tetrahedra, may favor high second‐harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency due to their large hyperpolarizability, but they have been rarely reported. Therefore, in this study, two pnictides with T2 supertetrahedra, BaSi7P10 and SrSi7P10, are synthesized and studied. With three‐dimensional (3D) framework structures assembled from 1D zigzag chains of [Si7P16] dual‐T2 supertetrahedra, both BaSi7P10 and SrSi7P10 exhibit strong phase‐matching (PM) SHG responses (3.2‐ and 3.0‐times that of AgGaS2), large birefringences (0.077 and 0.112), and wide infrared transparency. In addition, theoretical calculation also reveals that the two‐coordinated P atom can enhance the SHG effects. This study provides a new strategy for exploring new IR NLO materials.
Electrolyte Solvation Structure Design for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Zhengnan , Zou Yeguo , Liu Gang , Wang Yizhou , Yin Jian , Ming Jun , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: June 2022

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are considered the most promising battery technology in the post‐lithium era due to the abundant sodium reserves. In the past two decades, exploring new electrolytes for SIBs has generally relied on the “solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)” theory to optimize the electrolyte components. However, many observed phenomena cannot be fully explained by the SEI theory. Therefore, electrolyte solvation structure and electrode–electrolyte interface behavior have recently received tremendous research interest to explain the improved performance. Considering there is currently no review paper focusing on the solvation structure of electrolytes in SIBs, a systematic survey on SIBs is provided, in which the specific solvation structure design guidelines and their consequent impact on the electrochemical performance are elucidated. The key driving force of solvation structure formation, and the recent advances in adjusting SIB solvation structures are discussed in detail. It is believed that this review can provide new insights into the electrolyte optimization strategies of high‐performance SIBs and even other emerging battery systems.
High‐Alkaline Water‐Splitting Activity of Mesoporous 3D Heterostructures: An Amorphous‐Shell@Crystalline‐Core Nano‐Assembly of Co‐Ni‐Phosphate Ultrathin‐Nanosheets and V‐ Doped Cobalt‐Nitride Nanowires
Authors: Singh Thangjam Ibomcha , Maibam Ashakiran , Cha Dun Chan , Yoo Sunghoon , Babarao Ravichandar , Lee Sang Uck , Lee Seunghyun
Published: June 2022

Introducing amorphous and ultrathin nanosheets of transition bimetal phosphate arrays that are highly active in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as shells over an electronically modulated crystalline core with low hydrogen absorption energy for an excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can boost the sluggish kinetics of the OER and HER in alkaline electrolytes. Therefore, in this study, ultrathin and amorphous cobalt‐nickel‐phosphate (CoNiPOx) nanosheet arrays are deposited over vanadium (V)‐doped cobalt‐nitride (V3%‐Co4N) crystalline core nanowires to obtain amorphous‐shell@crystalline‐core mesoporous 3D‐heterostructures (CoNiPOx@V‐Co4N/NF) as bifunctional electrocatalysts. The optimized electrocatalyst shows extremely low HER and OER overpotentials of 53 and 270 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. The CoNiPOx@V3%‐Co4N/NF (+/−) electrolyzer utilizing the electrocatalyst as both anode and cathode demonstrates remarkable overall water‐splitting activity, requiring a cell potential of only 1.52 V at 10 mA cm−2, 30 mV lower than that of the RuO2/NF (+)/20%‐Pt/C/NF (−) electrolyzer. Such impressive bifunctional activities can be attributed to abundant active sites, adjusted electronic structure, lower charge‐transfer resistance, enhanced electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and surface‐ and volume‐confined electrocatalysis resulting from the synergistic effects of the crystalline V3%‐Co4N core and amorphous CoNiPOx shells boosting water splitting in alkaline media.
Tandem Reactions involving 1,4‐Palladium Migrations
Authors: Li Meng‐Yao , Wei Dong , Feng Chen‐Guo , Lin Guo‐Qiang
Published: June 2022

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed tandem reactions have become a mainstay in organic chemistry owing to their high atom‐ and step‐economies. Metal‐migration‐based tandem reactions allow the engagement of simple starting materials for incorporating functional groups into certain positions and constructing complex scaffolds, which provide novel means that are complementary to traditional cross‐coupling or C−H activation processes. In light of the broad utility of the 1,4‐Pd migration reaction, this paper reviews its progress in the past two decades, summarizing the tandem process and classifying it based on insertion, elimination, transmetalation, and C−H bond activation. Special emphasis is placed on the driving force of Pd migration and different migration mechanisms. Moreover, this review also attempts to summarize common strategies for improving the regio‐ and site‐selectivities of the migration process.
Selecting patients for magnetic resonance imaging cognitive versus ultrasound fusion biopsy of the prostate: A within‐patient comparison
Authors: Hayes Mitch , Bassale Solange , Chakiryan Nicholas H. , Boileau Luc , Grassauer Jacob , Wagner Matthew , Foster Bryan , Coakley Fergus , Isharwal Sudhir , Amling Christopher L. , Liu Jen‐Jane
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To compare overall agreement between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy (FB) and MRI cognitive fusion biopsy (CB) of the prostate and determine which factors affect agreement for prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent both modalities in a prospective within‐patient protocol.

Patients and Methods

From August 2017 to January 2021, patients with at least one Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI‐RADS) 3 or higher lesion on multiparametric MRI underwent transrectal FB and CB in a prospective within‐patient protocol. CB was performed for each region of interest (ROI), followed by FB, followed by standard 12 core biopsy. Patients who were not on active surveillance were analysed. The primary endpoint was agreement for any PCa detection. McNemar's test and kappa statistic were used to analyse agreement. Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyse disagreement across clinical and MRI spatial variables. A multivariable generalized mixed‐effect model was used to compare the interaction between select variables and fusion modality. Statistics were performed using SAS and R.

Results

Ninety patients and 98 lesions were included in the analysis. There was moderate agreement between FB and CB (k = 0.715). McNemar's test was insignificant (p = 0.285). Anterior location was the only variable associated with a significant variation in agreement, which was 70% for anterior lesions versus 89.7% for non‐anterior lesions (p = 0.035). Discordance did not vary significantly across other variables. In a mixed‐effect model, the interaction between anterior location and use of FB was insignificant (p = 0.411).

Conclusion

In a within‐patient protocol of patients not on active surveillance, FB and CB performed similarly for PCa detection and with moderate agreement. Anterior location was associated with significantly higher disagreement, whereas other patient and lesion characteristics were not. Additional studies are needed to determine optimal biopsy technique for sampling anterior ROI.
Peptide supplementation relieves stress and enhances glycolytic flux in filamentous fungi during organic acid bioproduction
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Wu Na , Ou Wen , Li Yingfeng , Liang Yingchao , Peng Chao , Li Yi , Xu Qing , Tong Yi
Published: June 2022

Filamentous fungi occupy a uniquely favorable position in the bioproduction of organic acids. Intracellular stress is the main stimulator in filamentous fungi to produce and accumulate organic acids with high flux. However, stress can affect the physiological activities of filamentous fungi, thereby deteriorating their fermentation performance. Herein, we report that peptide supplementation during Rhizopus oryzae fermentation significantly improved fumaric acid production. Specifically, fumaric acid productivity was elevated by approximately 100%, fermentation duration was shortened from 72 to 36 h, while maintaining the final titer. Furthermore, transcriptome profile analysis and biochemical assays indicated that the overall capabilities of the stress defense systems (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) were significantly improved in R. oryzae. Consequently, glycolytic metabolism was distinctly enhanced, which eventually resulted in improved fumaric acid production and reduced fermentation duration. We expect our findings and efforts to provide essential insights into the optimization of the fermentation performance of filamentous fungi in industrial biotechnology and fermentation engineering.