bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Mucormycosis during COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Pattnaik Bramhadev , S. Patil Sharanagouda , Vaidya Gayatri , P. Yadav Mahendra , K. Prasad Shashanka , Dharmashekar Chandan , Shreevatsa Bhargav , Srinivasa Chandrashekar , Prasad Kollur Shiva , Ashwini P. , Shivamallu Chandan 
Published: November 2021

The present review describes about the disease and the fungal agent in brief, and also stresses for establishment of mechanically ventilated hospital wards across the country. Second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India has been complicated by high infection rate (R0), 600% jump in medical oxygen demand by COVID hospitals, and after all emergence of Mucormycosis since April-May 2021 leading to fatal complications. Mucormycosis is a very rare infection in humans. It is caused by exposure to mucor mould/ fungi which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables. These Fungi belonging to the class Zygomycetes and order Mucorales often cause devastating angio-invasive infections, primarily in co-morbid and immunocompromised patients. The emergence of mucormycosis is being reported globally. In India, people with diabetes mellitus are highly susceptible to the disease. But during the second wave of Covid-19 in India, several cases of mucormycosis, also called the "black fungus" disease, have been reported among convalescing and convalescent COVID-19 patients across India with a mortality rate of 50%. More than 5000 cases of mucormycosis during the second wave of Covid-19, have been reported in about 21 states of the country, with Maharashtra and Gujarat states reporting highest number of cases (as on 21 May 2021). The infection has claimed over 120 lives so far, and has complicated recovery from Covid-19 in many more. The Indian Union health ministry has declared mucormycosis as a notified disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Clinical Outcomes of Convalescent Plasma Transfusion Therapy in Moderate to Critically Ill Covid-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramakrishna P. , Padmasree Rani , Swetha R. , Asifuddin Sk. , Susedharan A. , Vincy S. , Tiwari Prashant 
Published: November 2021

Background: Currently, Convalescent plasma (CP)is considered a favorable treatment option for moderate to critically ill Covid-19 patients. But there were very few systematic reviews focused on the effect of CP on clinical parameters. As a result, we undertook this systematic review to learn more about the safety and clinical benefits of convalescent plasma therapy over standard treatment (control).
Methodology: We searched Pub Med, Embase and other bibliographic databases to find relevant articles between December 2019 and February 2021 and identified 10 relevant articles which compared CP therapy taken in addition to standard medication with the Control group(who received standard medication). Two independent reviewers examined all full-text articles and extracted the required information intoa predesigned proforma. Forest plots were drawn using RevMan v.5, a statistical tool offered by the Cochrane database to estimate the pooled effect.
Results: The results of meta-analysis using a random effect model indicated a significant reduction in mortality rate in CP (about 27% risk reduction), a reduced length of hospital stay in about 2 days (Weighted Mean Difference: -2.53, 95% CI, -7.20 to -2.14, P<0.0001), less time to improve clinical symptoms in about 4 days (pooled mean; CP:10.82 days vs Control:15.14 days). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentration levels (mg/L) were well controlled with the control group than the CP group and significant changes in lymphocytes and D-dimer values were not observed after CP treatment. It was also found that no difference between CP transfusion and control was seen in improving the oxygen saturationlevels.
Conclusion: CP transfusion can be considered safe and showed a significant reduction in mortality and possible benefits in clinical improvement. Patients on CP therapy had no significant benefits in improving inflammatory markers such as CRP, lymphocytes, D-dimer, or oxygen saturation levels over standard drug therapy, according to meta-analysis data.
6 Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) as a Tool for Predicting Post Operative Pulmonary Complications in Abdominal Surgeries
Authors: Janani K. , Rajkumaran K. , Niranjani S. 
Published: November 2021

Background: Post operative pulmonary complications (PPC) contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Thus pre operative assessment is required. Six minute walk test (6-MWT) is a simple and reliable test which is recently being included in pre operative evaluation.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the value of the six minute walk test as a reliable tool in detecting post operative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre for a period of 3 months. 66 patients in the age group of 40-60 years undergoing elective abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this study based on universal sampling method. Patients with recent coronary syndrome, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac diseases, pregnancy and conditions which impair walking (eg. Arthiritis) were excluded from the study. 6 minute walk test was performed before the surgery. The procedure was explained to the patients and consent was obtained. The test was conducted on a flat surface of 20m near our pre anaesthetic clinic and the patient was asked to walk for a period of 6 minutes in their own comfortable pace. The distance covered by the patients in the 6 minutes was noted. Vitals such a SpO2, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded before and after the test. The patients were followed up for the development of pulmonary complications in the post operative period.
Results: Out of the 66 patients included in the study, 35 patients did not develop PPC (Group 1) and 31 patients developed PPC (Group2) including one death due to respiratory failure. The six minute walk distance in the PPC group was significantly less (p=0.0001) when compared to that of the non PPC group. Patients in the PPC group also required prolonged hospital stay. Pneumonia was the most commonly developed post operative pulmonary complication.
Conclusion: Six minute walk test is a useful tool in predicting post operative pulmonary complication in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness on Puberty Menorrhagia among Medical Students of Saveetha Medical College
Authors: Sarathkumar T. , Jayashree K. 
Published: November 2021

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness on pubertal menorrhagia among medical students.
Design: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam.
Methodology: The study was carried out on 129 students comprising of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year M.B.B.S students. The students were given a pretested questionnaire and asked to fill up the questions. The responses were collected and analysed using appropriate statistical tools for parametric and non-parametric data with the help of SPSS for Windows version 22 software.
Results: The knowledge of participants on pubertal menorrhagia was 58%. The participants that had a positive attitude concerning pubertal menorrhagia was 55% the awareness of participants on pubertal menorrhagia was 51%
Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a definitive knowledge of pubertal menorrhagia among students. the participants showed the palpable deficit of knowledge and awareness as well. To prevent such practices knowledge, awareness must spread among the students.
Union in Fracture Tibia Managed with Closed Intramedullary Interlocking Nail, Our Hospital Results
Authors: Maheshwari Lachman Das , Pahore Muhammad khan , Lal Madan , Adil Syed Salman , Kumar Bheesham , Keerio Niaz Hussain , Noor Syed Shahid 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to present our hospital results in union of fracture Tibia managed with close intramedullary interlocking nail.
Methods: This research was carried out at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science Jamshoro Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2021. A total of 250 patients with a closed tibial shaft fracture were recruited from the emergency room and outpatient clinics for this study. Our study's clinical outcomes were categorized as union, nonunion, delayed union, or malunion based on the criteria. All of the patients were given anesthesia, either general or spinal. All of the patients were tracked for a period of nine months.
Results: In 90–150 days, about 88 percent (220/250) of patients had union, with a mean of 110.68. Union occurred in 11.2 percent (28/250) of patients in 95–109 days, with a mean of 103.38. There were 7.2 percent (18/250) delayed unions and 4.8 percent (12/250) non unions treated with dynamization and bone transplant. The outcomes were outstanding in 88 percent (220/250) of the patients and good in 7.2 percent (18/250). Our patients all had full range of motion in their knees and ankles at the time of their examination.
Conclusion: We found that this approach is beneficial due to early mobilization (early weightbearing), reduced complexity, good outcomes, and low cost.
Efficacy of Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Heel Pain: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bhurchandi Shivani , Phansopkar Pratik 
Published: November 2021

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and Therapeutic Ultrasound in patients with heel pain in terms of Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scale. This was undertaken as even though Ultrasound is regularly used, heel pain still remains resistant to treatment in some patients. Hence, the need to compare a relatively newer technique with it.
Study Design : Experimental study
Place and Duration: Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi (Meghe) , Wardha , duration of 12 months.
Methods: Seventy people (n=70) with heel discomfort (lasting 6 weeks to 1 year) were chosen at random and placed into two groups, each getting eight therapy sessions. IASTM and Home Exercise Program was given to Group A, whereas Therapeutic Ultrasound and Home Exercise Program was given to Group Calf muscle stretches and Plantar fascia stretches were incorporated in the Home Exercise Programme. Outcome measures were recorded both at the beginning of treatment and after final treatment. The patients were assessed for Numerical Pain Rating Scale with first step in morning and at the beginning of first session and after end of last session and for Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scale at the beginning of first session and after end of last session. A follow up period of 90 days (after last session) was taken, the measurements of Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scale were taken again to see the long-term effects.
Results: Group A which received IASTM + Home exercises showed great improvements than Ultrasound and Home exercise group, from baseline to week 4 after the pain intensity and foot function were assessed using Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scale. Statistically significant differences were found in both the groups. i.e. P=0.0001. But 7 people in Ultrasound group complained of pain and functional ability at follow-up session.
Conclusion: In this study, it can be concluded that combining both the IASTM and Home Exercise Program have got beneficial effects in decreasing the pain intensity thus improving the foot and ankle function in patients with heel pain.
Improving Contact and Passivation of Buried Interface for High‐Efficiency and Large‐Area Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Xiaojia , Ji Xiaoyu , Chen Rui , Ye Fangyuan , Liu Shuaijun , Zhang Shuo , Chen Wei , Wu Yongzhen , Zhu Wei‐Hong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInverted‐structured perovskite solar cells (PSCs) mostly employ poly‐triarylamines (PTAAs) as hole‐transporting materials (HTMs), which generally result in low‐quality buried interface due to their hydrophobic nature, shallow HOMO levels, and absence of passivation groups. Herein, the authors molecularly engineer the structure of PTAA via removing alkyl groups and incorporating a multifunctional pyridine unit, which not only regulates energy levels and surface wettability, but also passivates interfacial trap‐states, thus addressing above‐mentioned issues simultaneously. By altering the linking‐site on pyridine unit from ortho‐ (o‐PY) to meta‐ (m‐PY) and para‐position (p‐PY), they observed a gradually improved hydrophilicity and passivation efficacy, mainly owing to increased exposure of the pyridine‐nitrogen as well as its lone electron pair, which enhances the contact and interactions with perovskite. The open‐circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted‐structured PSCs based on these HTMs increased with the same trend. Consequently, the optimal p‐PY as HTM enables facile deposition of uniform perovskite films without complicated interlayer optimizations, delivering a remarkably high PCE exceeding 22% (0.09 cm2). Moreover, when enlarging device area tenfold, a comparable PCE of over 20% (1 cm2) can be obtained. These results are among the highest efficiencies for inverted PSCs, demonstrating the high potential of p‐PY for future applications.
Intrinsic Wettability in Pristine Graphene
Authors: Zhang Jincan , Jia Kaicheng , Huang Yongfeng , Liu Xiaoting , Xu Qiuhao , Wang Wendong , Zhang Rui , Liu Bingyao , Zheng Liming , Chen Heng , Gao Peng , Meng Sheng , Lin Li , Peng Hailin , Liu Zhongfan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe wettability of graphene remains controversial owing to its high sensitivity to the surroundings, which is reflected by the wide range of reported water contact angle (WCA). Specifically, the surface contamination and underlying substrate would strongly alter the intrinsic wettability of graphene. Here, the intrinsic wettability of graphene is investigated by measuring WCA on suspended, superclean graphene membrane using environmental scanning electron microscope. An extremely low WCA with an average value ≈30° is observed, confirming the hydrophilic nature of pristine graphene. This high hydrophilicity originates from the charge transfer between graphene and water molecules through H–π interaction. The work provides a deep understanding of the water–graphene interaction and opens up a new way for measuring the surface properties of 2D materials.
CVD Graphene on Textured Silicon: An Emerging Technologically Versatile Heterostructure for Energy and Detection Applications
Authors: Khan Afzal , Kumar Rishi Ranjan , Cong Jingkun , Imran Mohd , Yang Deren , Yu Xuegong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntegration of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene with textured‐Si substrates is an emerging research area wide open. Graphene can serve as both a transparent top electrode and a charge‐separating/transport‐active layer. However, its low light absorption capability, and high reflectance of planar‐Si substrate are major concerns for light harvesting required for photovoltaic devices especially solar cells and photodetectors (PDs). Therefore, CVD‐graphene/textured‐Si heterostructure effectively addresses this problem as the textured‐Si provides more surface area for light harvesting by suppressing light reflection and enables the efficient charge separation/transport as well. Recently, CVD‐graphene/textured‐Si Schottky junction based high performance solar cells and PDs have successfully been demonstrated. Moreover, the graphene coating on textured‐Si enhances the conductivity of Si anodes and provides structural stability for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Furthermore, the optoelectronic coupled interfacial properties in such heterostructures suitably construct the platforms for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based detection and photocathodes for H2‐production, respectively. Hence, in this review, the fabrication of various CVD‐graphene/textured‐Si heterostructures and their applications in solar cells, PDs, SERS, LIBs, and H2‐production are critically analyzed with respect to the synergistic effect of Si‐texturing, electronic/optoelectronic properties of CVD‐graphene, etc. Finally, conclusions and outlook of this rapidly emerging and technologically broad research area are presented.
Toward Organic Light Emitting Diode Satisfying Simultaneously Highly Enhanced Light Extraction and Lowly Ambient Light Reflection
Authors: Choi Gyu Jin , Ryu Jeong Won , Jeong Ji‐Young , Je Tae‐Jin , Yoon Dong Ki , Gwag Jin Seog 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIt is verified that an organic light‐emitting display (OLED) device combined with an advanced optical film characterized by the optical combination of a pyramid‐shaped structure coupled with light absorber simultaneously satisfies highly enhanced light extraction and lowly ambient light reflection as one of the long‐awaited needs of OLED. Thus, it does not require a polarizer that reduces optical efficiency in the OLED device. The results of the optical calculation for the OLED device combined with the proposed film indicate that its optical efficiency has been remarkably improved in the entire visible light region, compared to the polarizer‐based OLED device. Then, its external light reflection is ≈10%, which shows it is lower than when a polarizer and optical films are used to reduce the reflection of ambient light. The experimental data of the OLED device coupled with a film for enhancing optical efficiency (FEOE) confirms the intriguing results of the simulation and thus corroborates the fact that FEOE improves the optical efficiency of OLED devices. The highly efficient FEOE‐based OLED will be of significant interest in materials science and display devices.
Phosphine Oxide Additives for High‐Brightness Inorganic Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Schmidt Ines , Olthof Selina , Xu Hui , Meerholz Klaus 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the search for cost‐efficient, simple, and solution processable light‐emitting diodes, metal halide perovskites show encouraging developments. In particular, the purely inorganic CsPbBr3 is a promising material with outstanding optoelectronic properties. However, the poor solubility of Cs‐salts leads to discontinuous film formation and a high density of defect states at the crystal surface. These problems are known to be reduced by Lewis base additives. In this work, a facile fabrication method using phosphine oxide ligands such as the trioctyl and triphenyl derivatives (TOPO and TPPO, respectively) is introduced. These additives reduce surface defect states, lead to an energetic confinement of charge carriers, and improve radiative recombination in the perovskite crystals. Using X‐ray diffraction, changes in crystallinity are observed, in particular the crystallinity of the 3D phase CsPbBr3 is reduced by addition of TOPO, while changes to the 0D phase (Cs4PbBr6) are much smaller. Overall, TOPO and TPPO containing films result in current efficiencies as high as 14 and 10 cd A−1 and an outstanding brightness of more than 57 800 and 18 300 cd m−2 in a relatively simple device stack.
Sulfur Vacancy and Ti3C2Tx Cocatalyst Synergistically Boosting Interfacial Charge Transfer in 2D/2D Ti3C2Tx/ZnIn2S4 Heterostructure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Su Tongming , Men Chengzheng , Chen Liuyun , Chu Bingxian , Luo Xuan , Ji Hongbing , Chen Jianhua , Qin Zuzeng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractConstructing an efficient photoelectron transfer channel to promote the charge carrier separation is a great challenge for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water. In this work, an ultrathin 2D/2D Ti3C2Tx/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure is rationally designed by coupling the ultrathin ZnIn2S4 with few‐layered Ti3C2Tx via the electrostatic self‐assembly strategy. The 2D/2D Ti3C2Tx/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure possesses larger contact area and strong electronic interaction to promote the charge carrier transfer at the interface, and the sulfur vacancy on the ZnIn2S4 acting as the electron trap further enhances the separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes. As a consequence, the optimal 2D/2D Ti3C2Tx/ZnIn2S4 composite exhibits a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 148.4 µmol h−1, which is 3.6 times and 9.2 times higher than that of ZnIn2S4 nanosheet and flower‐like ZnIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the stability of the ZnIn2S4 is significantly improved after coupling with the few‐layered Ti3C2Tx. The characterizations and density functional theory calculation demonstrate that the synergistic effect of the sulfur vacancy and Ti3C2Tx cocatalyst can greatly promote the electrons transfer from ZnIn2S4 to Ti3C2Tx and the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, thus enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water.
Advanced Support Materials and Interactions for Atomically Dispersed Noble‐Metal Catalysts: From Support Effects to Design Strategies
Authors: Sui Xulei , Zhang Lei , Li Junjie , Doyle‐Davis Kieran , Li Ruying , Wang Zhenbo , Sun Xueliang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIndisputably, noble‐metal single atom catalysts (SACs) are one of the most popular research topics in the field of catalysis because of their low cost, ultrahigh atomic utilization, and distinctive performance for a wide variety of catalytic reactions. Support materials play a vital role in the preparation and catalytic performance of noble‐metal SACs. Thus, diverse support materials have been developed very rapidly and elaborately designed in the last few years. In this review, the support effects in noble‐metal SACs are first systematically introduced, including anchoring effects, strong metal–support interactions, and synergistic catalysis effects. Moreover, the most recent advances in support materials are classified and discussed in detail with a focus on their anchoring mechanism. Importantly, design strategies for advanced supports are summarized for guiding the development and utilization of advanced support materials. To conclude possible future research directions for support materials are put forward to help overcome the current issues facing noble‐metal SACs.
Phase coexistence in fluidization
Authors: Lu Feng , Zhang Chenxi , Wang Yao , Qian Weizhong , Wei Fei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe coexistence and interaction of a granular liquid‐like phase (emulsion) and a gas‐like phase (bubbles) in fluidization is a spontaneous symmetry‐breaking dissipative state, contributing to excellent mixing behavior in fluidized beds. In the present study, a universal granular state equation to describe the phase coexistence at far away from the critical point is developed by taking both the inelastic solid collision and asymmetrical instability into consideration. Besides, a cold‐flow experiment using particles of the Geldart's A group at 0.1–1 MPa pressure is performed to verify the granular state equation, where the solid volume fraction (εs) and solid pressure (ps) are obtained by a dual optical probe and a special pressure transducer, respectively. Based on both theoretical analysis and experimental study, a phase diagram is produced to serve as a useful guide for the design and operation of efficient fluidized‐bed reactors.