bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Extranodal Lymphomas: A Five Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre, Kerala, India
Authors: Vasudevan Jayasudha Arundhathi , Jacob Rekha A Nair, Priya Mary , Sukumaran Renu , Narayanan Geetha
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Primary Extranodal Lymphomas (pENLs) are defined as lymphomas with dominant extranodal involvement with no or minor involvement of lymph nodes after routine staging procedures. The present study highlights the profile of pENLs in Kerala, South India which is not yet reported in literature. Aim: To study the frequency, distribution and histopathology profile of pENLs diagnosed in a tertiary care cancer centre. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in a tertiary care cancer centre in Kerala, Southern India for a period of five years. All the cases of pENLs diagnosed during this five year period which fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study. These 3,357 cases were reviewed and classified according to the 2017 revised 4th edition World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid tissues. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics. The frequency, distribution and histopathology features of pENLs were studied. Results: A total number of 3,357 lymphomas were diagnosed at the centre during this period. Non Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) constituted 2610 (78%). pENLs constituted 477 cases which included two cases of classical hodgkin lymphomas. Primary extranodal NHL (n=475) constituted 18.2% of NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), (DLBCL, NOS) was the most common histologic subtype (173 cases, 36%) followed by Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma (77cases, 16%). Most common site of presentation were Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) (117 cases, 24%) and Head and Neck region (HN) (117 cases, 24%). Conclusion: DLBCL, NOS was the most common subtype. GIT and HN region was the most common site of pENLs in present study. The frequency of pENLs in present study was comparable to few other Indian studies but was lower than Far Eastern studies. The frequency of Adult T-cell leukaemia/ Lymphoma (ATLL) was high which was not mentioned in similar studies on pENLs from India.
Incidence of Complications of Unsafe Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Presenting in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Assam, IndiaA Retrospective Study
Authors: Borgohain Rupam , Sharma Manaswi , Saikia Asha
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Chronic otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear cleft presenting with recurrent ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation. The disease spectrum ranges from mild to severe forms of complications. Complications of chronic otitis media can be extracranial or intracranial. Aim: To evaluate the demographic profile of patients with chronic otitis media and to estimate the incidence of complications in upper Assam province during a period of 5 year. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on a total of 260 patients of chronic otitis media admitted in Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, during a period of 5 years from August 2016 to July 2021. The data collected were tabulated in Microsoft Excel Worksheet. The categorical variables were summarised as proportions and percentages. Results: From the records, majority (31.2%) of the cases were found in the age group of 11-20 years with a male to female ratio of 1.13. The disease was more common during the winter season (56.5%). A 13.5% cases showed complications of chronic otitis media. Mastoiditis was the most common extracranial complication (31.4%) , followed by periosteal abscesses (22.9%), facial nerve paralysis (11.4%) and labyrinthitis (5.7%). Conclusion: The early identification of symptoms by rural healthcare personnels and immediate management of unsafe chronic otitis media, to avoid complications.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia Diagnosed in a Patient with Long-term Undiagnosed Syncope
Authors: Shah Avi , Patel Ramesh , Aggarwal Sandeep
Published: May 2022

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is an inherited cardiomyopathy which represents progressive replacement of right ventricular myocardium with fibrofatty tissue. In the present case, a 42-year-old male presented to the hospital as he fell down, due to syncope. He had a history of recurrent syncopal in past 4-5 years. His chest radiogram revealed cardiomegaly (CT ratio 0.64), repeat electrocardiogram showed symmetric T-wave inversions and epsilon waves in right precordial V1, V2 and V3 leads, and echocardiogram revealed mild left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction - 45%) and dilated right atrium and ventricle. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of ARVD.The patient was advised for the placement of an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), but he denied for this treatment. Thus, he was managed with anti-arrhythmic drugs and was advised for regular follow-up. The patient was followed-up for six months where episodes of syncope had significantly reduced to one in six months but need of AICD implantation was still there to avoid sudden cardiac death.
Knowledge and Attitude Level of the MGNREGA Respondents in Nalanda District of Bihar
Authors: Chandra Vineeta , Mazhar Syed H.
Published: May 2022

Population wise Bihar is third populated state in India. In the state more than 85% of population stays in rural area and the state is the least urbanized state of the country and have a low source of income which leads to increase in poverty. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (or, NREGA, later renamed as the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”, MGNREGA), is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’. The present study aims to analyse the knowledge and attitude level of MGNREGA respondents. The study was conducted in Nalanda district of Bihar which was selected purposively as the MGNREGA scheme is currently running in the district. Hilsa block was selected by purposive sampling   for the study as the block has the largest number of MGNREGA beneficiaries. Total six villages were selected for the study by purposively considering the fact that these villages have greater number of MGNREGA beneficiaries. A total of 120 respondents were taken randomly. The data were collected by pre- structured interview schedule and appropriate statistical analysis was done to find out the meaningful results. The finding of the study reveals that the majority (47.50 per cent) of the respondents had medium level of knowledge about MGNREGA scheme followed by 32.50 per cent and 20 per cent of the respondents having high and low level of knowledge, respectively. It also reveals that 40 per cent of the respondents had medium level of attitude of MGNREGA scheme followed by 33.33 per cent and 26.67 per cent of the respondents having high and low level of attitude.
Determination of Essential Mineral Content of Maize (Zea mays L.) Produced and Stocked from Rural Conditions in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Désiré Kouamé , Léonce Niamketchi Gilles , Constant Konan , Ysidor Konan , Marius Biego Henri
Published: May 2022

Aims: Maize (Zea mays) is a staple food in the traditional diet of rural populations in Cote d'Ivoire. It is a good source of nutrients. However, sometimes inefficient storage methods hamper its quality. It’s in this context that this study was conducted to assess the essential mineral content of maize produced and stored in five regions of Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: A total of 1500 samples of maize as grains, epis and spathes were collected at rate of 500 samples by region (Gbêkê, Poro, Hambol, Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo) and sent to the laboratory in order to analyse their mineral’s composition.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out during March 2016 to January 2017. The collected samples were carried out at the Biochemistry and Food Sciences Laboratory of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan.

Methodology: The determination of minerals was carried out using the energy dispersive spectrophotometry method.

Results: The results show a significant difference (P<0.001) between mineral contents of the different maize forms and regions. The average values are between: K (289.99±28.98-324±4.07 mg/100 g), P (256.98±28.99-302.1±3.10 mg/100 g), Na (46.08±15.08-63.87±4.09 mg/100 g), Ca (40.08±26.97 to 51.20±3.89 mg/100 g), Mg (100.78±4.89-111±2.08 mg/100 g) for macroelements and Fe (3.08±3.00-5.02±1.08 mg/100 g), Zn (3.78±3.00-5.20±0.47 mg/100 g), Cu (1.00±0.60-1.42±0.02 mg/100 g), Mn (0.68±0.52-1.01±0.03 mg/100 g), Se (0.05±0.01-0.25±0.04 mg/100 g) for oligoelements.

Conclusion: Maize grains have the highest contents of mineral element from overall samples except for selenium (Se). Oppositely, samples from Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo regions showed lowest concentrations. Therefore, mineral content of maize sampled seems to be related to post-harvest treatments (drying), type of storage (grains, epis and spathes) and storage structure.
A Gendered Approach to Awareness of Climate-resilient Agricultural Practices
Authors: Patro Angelina , Nayak Debasmita , Mohanty Smaranika , Banerjee Pradip Kumar
Published: May 2022

Over the years climate change has become a global issue and its impact on agriculture has a distressful effect on the production of food grains and the lives of the growers. Therefore, in this fast-evolving world being aware of the rapid changes has become the necessity of the hour. And keeping in view the present condition this study had been conducted in the Ganjam District of Odisha to understand the extent of awareness of Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices. A total of 200 male and female respondents,100 each respectively were selected for the study. The findings revealed that most of the respondents i.e. 68.00 per cent male and 64.00 per cent female were partially aware, though it is also seen that (20.00%) female and (13.00%) male was unaware of climate-resilient agricultural practices which is evident that more females are unaware regarding the issues. Further, it was observed that Education, Information Source Utilization, Land Holding, and Type of family have a significant and positive relationship with the awareness of female respondents. The findings of this research would focus on creating more awareness among the people regarding the impacts of climate change and the benefits of adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Quality and Sustainability of Engineering Education: The Role of Teacher and Student Performance Evaluation Review
Authors: Ezeanyim Okechukwu C. , Okpala Charles C. , Ono Chukwuma G.
Published: May 2022

This study which is an investigative survey carried out in an Engineering department in South East Nigeria was aimed at evaluating the performances of students and teachers in order to ensure quality and review of the intrinsic variables within an educational system. The unique characteristics of teachers were compared with the average performances of students in the final year, to identify the possible cause of poor quality and low Final Cumulative Grade Point Average (FCGPA) by students of that department.  The summary results for five consecutive academic sessions were used to determine the performances of students in varied courses taught by their lecturers, while the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was applied to review the students’ performances with unique features of gender, qualification and years of experience among lecturers involved in the teaching, research, and service delivery of the final year courses. The results showed 79.76, 53.37, 61.16, 73.33, 59.13, 72.73, 66.12, 79.60, 83.49, 76.85, 87.50, 71.96, 84.00, 88.91, 75.86, 76.48, 72.41, 80.90, 71.93 percentage-teacher-performances respectively, in descending order of codes assigned to lecturers. The application of Mintab software revealed correlation coefficients of 0.28, 0.01 and -0.51 for inherent peculiarities, while the p-values of 0.233, 0.956 and 0.025 were equally obtained. These results will assist the university’s management in its administrative function and decisions making regarding students and teachers’ quality at intakes and recruitments, by ensuring that requisite standards for engineering education study, growth, development and sustainability efforts are effectively achieved in line with its project 200 vision, thereby enabling the lecturers to optimize the quality of their teaching, research, and service delivery.
Study of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Screening of Amaranthus spinosus and Achyranthes aspera Leaves Extracts
Authors: Sharma Rishikesh , Singh Gurdeep
Published: May 2022

The current study aims to evaluate the physiochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of Achyranthes aspera and Amaranthus spinosus leaf extracts using a water and methanol solvent system.In India, these plants play an important role in primary healthcare as therapeutic remedies. Traditional healers claim that addition of Achyranthes aspera would enhance the efficacy of any drug of plant origin. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared extracts was determined by using disc diffusion method. Both plants had a rich amount of valuable ingredients that are beneficial for health the physiochemical and phytochemical parameters and this can be useful to identify the drug and to establish its quality and purity.
Comparison between Partial versus Complete Excision of Sublingual Gland in Plunging Ranula Management (A Clinical Study)
Authors: Mohammad Agha Taj , Bashir Jamshed , Singapuri Mukhtar Ibrahim , Tasneem Bushra , Behan Rasool Bux , Hassan Syed Ghazanfar
Published: May 2022

Objective: To compare the postoperative complications of complete versus partial excision of the sublingual gland (SLG) in the management of plunging ranula.

Subject and Methods: A total of 24 patients were equally divided into two groups; Group A was treated with partial excision, while Group B was treated with Complete excision. . CT and MRI were used to diagnose the lesions. Postoperatively, complications like pain, hematoma, and temporary numbness of tongue, dysgeusia, dysphgia and recurrence were recorded.

Results: In both groups, males were in majority as compared to females. 10 males and 2 females, 9 males and 3 females were reported in Group A and B respectively. Mean age of patients in group A was 22.34±3.61, while in group B it was 21.25±3.55. Nearby 25% recurrence rate was found in patients treated with partial excision of SLG, while none of the patient reported with recurrence in complete excision group.

Conclusion: Complete excision of sublingual gland was found superior management modality as compared with partial excision in terms of postoperative recurrence.
Remittances from Internal Migration: Determinants and Its Impact on Household Welfare in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Shamima , Yegbemey Rosaine Nérice , Nasrin Mahmuda , Yeasmin Farzana
Published: May 2022

The study conducted to explore the determinants of internal remittance received by the left behind members of the farm households and remittance impact on their welfare. This study conducted mainly based on primary data for which 172 farm households were interviewed among which 89 households were households with migrant member and 83 households were households without any migrant member. Significant determinants of the internal migration remittances are household head education, household head non- land asset value, household income excluding remittances and age of the migrant member. Besides these migrant member education positively motivate the migrant to send remittance for their left behind members. The study found that internal remittance has positive impact on the welfare of the farm households in Bangladesh. The study recommend that proper policy is needed for internal migration to get the real benefits from internal remittance.
Conhecimento de pais e responsáveis de crianças na primeira infância sobre a relação entre alimentação e doença cárie
Authors: Silva Jadson Mathyas Domingos da , Nobre Fábio Carvalho , Silva Douglas Ferreira da , Fernandes Danilo Cavalcante
Published: May 2022

Introdução: a dieta assume um papel importante na instalação da doença cárie e essa correlação deve ser bem conhecida por pais e responsáveis de crianças na primeira infância, a fim de evitar a cárie precoce da infância. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o conhecimento de pais e responsáveis de crianças de 0 a 71 meses sobre a correlação da existência entre doença cárie e a alimentação. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que utilizou a técnica do grupo focal para coleta de dados. A pesquisa aconteceu na creche onde as crianças eram matriculadas. 11 participantes compuseram o estudo, sendo 5 responsáveis de crianças com experiência de cárie (CEC) e 6 responsáveis de crianças sem experiência de cárie (SEC). Utilizou-se um questionário semi-estruturado para nortear a interação do grupo. Resultados: os participantes do grupo SEC possuem melhor conhecimento sobre o papel da alimentação na instalação da cárie dentária, melhor controle da dieta de seus filhos e maior instrução quanto a higiene bucal, diferente do grupo CEC, que mesmo tendo um considerável conhecimento sobre o papel da alimentação na doença cárie, relataram menor controle sobre a alimentação e higiene bucal. Conclusões: responsáveis de crianças do grupo CEC demonstraram menos conhecimento sobre o papel da alimentação e higiene bucal no surgimento da doença cárie, diferente dos responsáveis de crianças do grupo SEC. Programas como o Saúde na Escola e o Melhor em Casa são estratégias importantes para a ampliação da prevenção e promoção de saúde bucal ao núcleo familiar.
Excessive tooth wear on human dental enamel
Authors: Ramos Braga Santos Sara , Vieira Bittencourt Marcos Alan
Published: May 2022

Introduction: although reports on dental erosion have appeared in literature for a long time, there is currently a growing interest among researchers and clinicians about this matter. Potential risk factors for loss of dental hard tissue are changed lifestyle and eating patterns, with increased consumption of acid foods and beverages. Case report: an atypical tooth wear on the buccal surfaces of the mandibular teeth in a 45-year-old woman referred for orthodontic treatment, associated with the frequent consumption of whiskey and lemon, is reported. A comprehensive approach, such as the recognition of dental erosion joined with a careful investigation about eating habits was performed. Ultrastructural examination of replicas of the teeth showed practically structureless enamel and dentin surfaces. Conclusion: the screening for dental erosion in patients seeking orthodontic treatment is advisable to be a usual procedure. Recommendations for treatment and prophylactic measures are made emphasizing the need of multiprofessional attention.
A saúde da haste capilar e do couro cabeludo
Authors: Fontana Rosane Teresinha , Oliveira Neuri Gilnei de
Published: May 2022

Introdução: o cabelo tem uma forte representação para os seres humanos, causando grande impacto na estrutura emocional, imagem pessoal e qualidade de vida e saúde. Objetivo: investigar, junto a profissionais cabeleireiros, saberes acerca das principais patologias e/ou intercorrências de interesse ao profissional de estética capilar. Metodologia: pesquisa descritiva, realizada em salões de um município ao noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, no primeiro semestre de 2020. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de um questionário e o tratamento dos dados se deu pela análise de conteúdo temática. Foram respeitados os aspectos éticos da pesquisa com seres humanos legislados pela Resolução 466/2012. Resultados: identificou-se, que apesar da formação destes profissionais ser voltada quase que totalmente para o tecnicismo, com quase nenhuma base teórica e científica, os mesmos denotam algum saber em torno das questões relativas ao exercício da sua profissão tais como biossegurança, autocuidado, transmissão de doença no ambiente de trabalho e execução de suas técnicas. No que tange às doenças relativas a haste capilar e ao couro cabeludo, pode-se observar lacunas sobre esse tema por parte dos participantes, visto que, grande parte dos seus conhecimentos demonstrados valem-se de saberes empíricos, seja pela deficiência formativa seja pela escassez de material produzido por profissionais da área. Conclusão: foram observadas algumas deficiências nos saberes dos profissionais sobre o tema. Destaca-se a importância do estímulo para a produção de objetos de aprendizagem, bem como a elaboração de cursos de atualização direcionados a este setor.
Cuidado clínico farmacêutico e estratégia para o uso racional e adesão ao tratamento em pacientes com hanseníase numa Policlínica do Recife
Authors: Guerra Suellen Karla Silva , Pontes Margareth Rose de Lyra , Randau Karina Perrelli
Published: May 2022

Introdução: a hanseníase é uma doença de fácil diagnóstico, possuindo tratamento e cura. Quando diagnosticada tardiamente, pode trazer graves consequências para os portadores e seus familiares. Uma vez que o tratamento da hanseníase está inserido no componente estratégico da assistência farmacêutica, são exigidos cuidados e orientação. Há necessidade de intervenção clínica farmacêutica, com objetivo de acompanhar prescrições medicamentosas, analisando a adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento com a promoção de ações de educação em saúde, além de minimizar a ocorrência de eventos adversos relacionados aos fármacos do tratamento com possível redução de custos associados aos agravos. Objetivo: dessa forma, o presente estudo, teve como objetivo realizar o monitoramento para identificar e tratar as possíveis intercorrências que estão comumente presentes no tratamento de hanseníase. Metodologia: a realização do estudo deu-se com o acompanhamento dos pacientes atendidos no serviço de referência a partir da aplicação de questionários em consultas periódicas, visto que a adesão ao tratamento, redução dos eventos adversos e controle dos comunicantes são de suma importância para o controle epidemiológico. Conclusão: o desfecho do estudo mostra que a adesão do paciente é crucial para o êxito do tratamento e o acompanhamento do farmacêutico clínico constitui um pilar positivo, contribuindo para a prevenção de agravos e conscientização da comunidade.
Development of monoclonal antibodies against prM of Dengue virus 4
Authors: Andrade Adriana de Souza , Campos Gubio Soares , Moura Costa Lilia Ferreira , Monte Alegre Adriano Figuereido , Sardi Silvia Inês
Published: May 2022

Introduction: dengue is a most common mosquito-borne viral disease in the Americas and tropical countries. Objective: in this work, mice were hyperimmunized   with DENV 4 antigen to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).  Methodology: DENV 4 (GenBank KC806069) was inoculated in C6/36 cell monolayers cultivated in Leibovitz’s 15 medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum and incubated at 28 C. The virus stock was submitted to concentration and ultracentrifugation and stored at -80 C until use (VC DENV 4). Balb/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with 50μg of DENV-4 and successive intraperitoneal injections of 25 μg of VC DENV 4 with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant were performed. The spleen cells were fused to SP2/0 myeloma cells with PEG 1540 and distributed in 96-well microplates with Iscove’s modified medium with Hipoxantina–Aminopterina–Timidina. Hybridoma screening by indirect ELISA showed positive results for six mAbs, and their characterization was performed by Western blotting and Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) techniques. Results: the six mAbs showed strong recognition of prM (24/29 kDa), and minor reaction to E protein (66 kDa), E/E protein dimer (105 kDa), and NS1 (49 kDa) protein in two mAbs. The use of mAbs anti-prM as a diagnostic tool using IFI has been demonstrated to detect DENV-4 antigen in infected cells or tissues. Conclusion: DENV 4 generate mAbs with strong reactivity to prM with potential use to confirm the presence of DENV 4 antigen in tissues or infected cells.
Epidemiological study of the bee stings in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Araújo Kaliany Adja Medeiros de , Araújo Januse Míllia Dantas de , Leite Renner de Souza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: envenomation and deaths by bee stings have increased in all regions of Brazil. However, there are few epidemiological studies on them, especially in the states of northeastern Brazil. Objective: to determine the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019. Methodology: this is a descriptive and analytical epidemiological study conducted through a retrospective survey of secondary data provided by the database of the Notifiable Diseases Information System of the Ministry of Health. Results: between 2010 and 2019, a total of 7,979 cases were analyzed. Incidents were distributed in 356 municipalities, with the highest frequency in the regions of Agreste and Sertão da Bahia. Cases occurred in all months of the investigated years, with a greater occurrence in urban areas, affecting mainly adult men. The anatomical region of the body most affected by the sting was the head and most cases received medical care within 3 hours after the incident. Local manifestations were more frequent than systemic ones. The injuries were predominantly classified as mild and progressed to cure. Conclusions: the high number of cases and their extensive spatial distribution reveal that bee stings may be considered an emerging and neglected public health problem in the state of Bahia.
Tendência temporal da mortalidade por câncer de laringe no Brasil e regiões, no período de 1980 a 2019
Authors: Batista Jefferson Felipe Calazans , Jesus Carla Viviane Freitas de , Ferrari Yasmim Anayr Costa , Lima Sonia Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: analisar a tendência da mortalidade por câncer de laringe no Brasil e regiões no período de 1980 a 2019. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo ecológico de série temporal. Os dados foram provenientes do SIM/DATASUS, e foram estratificados segundo faixa etária, ano, local e sexo. Foi calculada a taxa padronizada de mortalidade (TPM) e utilizada para análise de tendência, por intermédio do modelo JoinPoint. Resultados: foi possível observar que o Brasil apresentou alto número de mortes em toda série temporal com cerca de 112.693 óbitos. No tocante as suas regiões destacaram-se o Sudeste, seguido do Sul com 62.111 e 23.356 mortes pelo agravo, respectivamente. Dentre as faixas etárias analisadas, o grupo de 60-79 anos apresentou predominância em ambos os sexos, com 56.947 ocorrências. Já para o sexo, o masculino apresentou mais de 98 mil mortes em detrimento de mais de 13 mil para o feminino, uma diferença 85,6%. Avaliando a tendência, o Brasil apresentou estabilidade em boa parte da série temporal, com diminuição significativa a partir de 2009 (APC -1,6). Nas regiões, o Nordeste apresentou a maior tendência de crescimento (AAPC 2,7) e o Norte também demonstrou crescimento a partir de 1990 (APC 1,8), as demais apresentaram redução considerável e significativa, exceto Centro-oeste que não apresentou JoinPoints. Conclusão: ressalta-se a importância da revisão, melhoria e até implementação de novas políticas de rastreamento a fim de aumentar o quantitativo de diagnóstico precoce e evitar, a longo prazo, a mortalidade.
Avaliação da citotoxicidade in vitro e genotoxicidade ex-vivo em compostos da Pavonia glazioviana Gürke (Malvaceae)
Authors: Sousa Aleson Pereira de , Cordeiro Laísa Vilar , Silva Souza Helivaldo Diógenes da , Vanderlei De Souza Maria de Fátima , Silveira e Sá Rita de Cássia da , Oliveira Filho Abrahão Alves de
Published: May 2022

Introdução: as terapias alternativas que utilizam plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos são bastante comuns no Brasil. Dentre várias espécies vegetais brasileiras utilizadas em terapias destacam-se as espécies da família Malvaceae. Objetivos: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a citotoxicidade in vitro e a genotoxicidade ex-vivo em compostos da Pavonia glazioviana Gürke espécie brasileira pertencente à família Malvaceae. Metodologia: métodos in vitro foram utilizados para verificar o potencial citotóxico por meio de ensaios hemolíticos e anti-hemolíticos e da análise genotóxica ex-vivo. O Extrato Etanólico Bruto (EEB) e Fração Clorofórmico (FC) foram obtidos na amostra vegetal utilizada neste estudo. Resultados: os produtos EEB-Pg e FC-Pg apresentaram baixo efeito citotóxico apenas nas concentrações de 50 e 100 µg / mL. As amostras expostas às concentrações de 500 e 1000 µg / mL apresentaram índice hemolítico alto a moderado com lise superior a 60%. Foi descrito efeito anti-hemolítico moderado em todas as amostras tratadas com 500 e 1000 µg / mL, com hemólise < 60%. Além disso, os compostos mostraram baixo efeito genotóxico ex-vivo, com um índice geral de células normais superior a 84% em todas as concentrações. Conclusões: os resultados sugerem um baixo perfil tóxico dos compostos obtidos da espécie Pavonia glazioviana, indicando limites seguros para o uso desses produtos naturais.
Cadherins can dimerize via asymmetric interactions
Authors: Priest Andrew Vae , Koirala Ramesh , Sivasankar Sanjeevi
Published: May 2022

Cadherins are essential cell–cell adhesion proteins that interact in two distinct conformations: X‐dimers and strand‐swap dimers. Both X‐dimers and strand‐swap dimers are thought to exclusively rely on symmetric sets of interactions between key amino acids on both cadherin binding partners. Here, we use single‐molecule atomic force microscopy and computer simulations to show that symmetry in cadherin binding is dispensable and that cadherins can also interact in a novel conformation that asymmetrically incorporates key elements of both strand‐swap dimers and X‐dimers. Our results clarify the biophysical rules for cadherin binding and demonstrate that cadherins interact in a more diverse range of conformations than previously understood.
Knowledge graphs: Introduction, history, and perspectives
Authors: Chaudhri Vinay K. , Baru Chaitanya , Chittar Naren , Dong Xin Luna , Genesereth Michael , Hendler James , Kalyanpur Aditya , Lenat Douglas B. , Sequeda Juan , Vrandečić Denny , Wang Kuansan
Published: May 2022

Knowledge graphs (KGs) have emerged as a compelling abstraction for organizing the world's structured knowledge and for integrating information extracted from multiple data sources. They are also beginning to play a central role in representing information extracted by AI systems, and for improving the predictions of AI systems by giving them knowledge expressed in KGs as input. The goals of this article are to (a) introduce KGs and discuss important areas of application that have gained recent prominence; (b) situate KGs in the context of the prior work in AI; and (c) present a few contrasting perspectives that help in better understanding KGs in relation to related technologies.
Intelligent links: AI‐supported connections between employers and colleges
Authors: Robson Robby , Kelsey Elaine , Goel Ashok , Nasir Sazzad M. , Robson Elliot , Garn Myk , Lisle Matt , Kitchens Jeanne , Rugaber Spencer , Ray Fritz
Published: May 2022

When modernization and other changes demand workforce reskilling, employers often turn to local colleges for training programs. Doing so can be a frustrating experience. HR and talent professionals have difficulty identifying and communicating requirements, especially for new jobs and roles, while college continuing education (CE) and professional development offices have difficulty understanding and responding to company needs. This article describes an NSF Convergence Accelerator project called SkillSync™ in which multiple forms of AI are used to address this specific problem and provide national efforts (e.g., the US Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management initiative) with skills data and skills alignment services. Skillsync uses variations on the Siamese Multi‐depth Transformer‐based Hierarchical Encoder (SMITH) and other natural language understanding methods to map job descriptions and course information to skills taxonomies, uses machine‐learned models to align skills needs with learning outcomes and training, and incorporates an intelligent coach based on Georgia Tech's Jill Watson “virtual teaching assistant” to answer questions about Skillsync's vocabulary, functionality, and process. This article describes these AI methods, how these methods are used in Skillsync, and the challenges involved.
Limits for the therapeutic application of the analytical anisotropic algorithm in the context of ablative lung radiotherapy near the minima of lung density and tumor size
Authors: Lobb Eric , Plypoo Ahpa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To systematically investigate the performance of the analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA) within the extremes of small tumor volumes and near‐minimum lung and tumor tissue densities in order to identify combinations of these parameters where the use of AAA could result in a therapeutically unacceptable loss of tumor coverage on an energy and fractionation‐specific basis.

Methods

Clinically appropriate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans were generated with AAA for 180 unique combinations of lung density (0.05–0.30 g/cm3), tumor density (0.30–1.00 g/cm3), tumor diameter (0.5–2.5 cm), and beam energy (6 and 10 MV) and recomputed using the AcurosXB algorithm. Regression analysis was used to identify the strongest predictors of a reduction in biologically effective dose at a clinically relevant level (100 Gy BED10) for commonly utilized 1–5 fraction treatment regimens. Measurements were performed within a phantom mimicking the lower extremes of lung and tumor densities to validate AcurosXB as the approximate ground truth within these scenarios.

Results

The strongest predictors of a statistically significant reduction in tumor coverage were lung density ≤0.15 g/cm3, tumor diameter ≤10 mm, tumor density equal to 0.30 g/cm3, and a beam energy of 10 MV. Overestimation of clinical target volume (CTV) D95% and CTV V100Gy (BED10) by AAA can exceed 30%–40% in some scenarios. Measurements supported AcurosXB as highly accurate even for these challenging scenarios.

Conclusions

The accuracy of AAA rapidly diminishes near the minima of clinical lung density, particularly in combination with small tumors and when using a photon energy of 10 MV. The magnitude of the effect can be more dramatic than previously reported data suggests and could potentially compromise the ablative qualities of treatments performed within these environments, particularly with less aggressive fractionation approaches.
Reconstruction of Ultrahigh‐Aspect‐Ratio Crystalline Bismuth–Organic Hybrid Nanobelts for Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Zeng Guang , He Yingchun , Ma Dong‐Dong , Luo Shiwen , Zhou Shenghua , Cao Changsheng , Li Xiaofang , Wu Xin‐Tao , Liao Hong‐Gang , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: May 2022

The morphology and active site engineering of electrocatalysts is an efficient strategy to improve the intrinsic activity and selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Here the ultralong and thin Bi nanobelts (Bi‐NBs) are fabricated, which feature a high edge‐to‐facet ratio and high‐degree connectivity is inherited from the ultrahigh‐aspect‐ratio crystalline bismuth−organic hybrid nanobelts, through a cathodically in situ reconstruction process. The unique nanostructure of Bi‐NBs leads to a significantly enhanced performance for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with a near‐unity formate selectivity and high formate partial current density, which is far superior to those of the discrete Bi counterparts with low edge‐to‐facet ratios. Notably, Bi‐NBs perform ultrahigh formate selectivity over a broad potential window with a high current density reaching 400 mA cm−2 for formate production in a flow cell. Moreover, it is ultrastable to continuous electrolysis for nearly 23 h at 200 mA cm−2 without compromising the selectivity. Based on calculations, the enhanced performance is closely related to the high edge‐to‐facet ratio of Bi‐NBs, since the rich edge sites are conducive to the stabilization of the key *OCHO intermediate for formate production. In addition, the ultralong and interconnected Bi‐NBs provide “expressways” for electron transfer during CO2 electroreduction, further contributing to the improved performance.
Stepped Porous Carbon‐Multilayer Graphene@Fe3C/Fe3N Membrane to Inhibit the Polysulfides Shuttle for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Nie Zhentao , Xu Kui , Lu Yufei , Zhang Hongjian , Liu Haodong , Xu Feng , Yan Yibo , Xu Jingsan , Zhu Jixin
Published: May 2022

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as one of the most prominent future‐oriented energy battery systems due to their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the shuttle effect of polysulfides and short cycle life have critically hindered their commercialization. Herein, a stepped porous heterostructured membrane of carbon‐multilayer graphene (MG)@Fe3C/Fe3N is developed by a facile phase inversion method and applied as a current collector to replace Al foil. The special heterostructured membrane with MG can further boost the charge/Li+ ion transfer speed while accommodating the volume expansion in the charge/discharge cycle. The shuttle effect of polysulfides is inhibited by the heterostructure phase of the Fe3C/Fe3N catalytic effect and chemisorption. This synergistic effect is confirmed by density function theory (DFT) calculations. As a result, the C‐MG@Fe3C/Fe3N membranes delivers distinguished discharge capacity and cycling stability of 508.92 mAh g−1 (693.47 mAh g−1) at a large discharge of current of 2 C (at 0.5 C) after 400 cycles (300 cycles) with only 0.36% capacity attenuation per cycle.
Nanoscale Activation Energy Mapping and Leveraging for Accelerating Ferroelectric Domain Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Nath Ramesh , Polomoff Nicholas A. , Song Jingfeng , Moran Thomas J. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy , Huey Bryan D.
Published: May 2022

The dynamics of ferroelectric domain switching are directly mapped in a PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 thin film using piezoresponse force microscopy. Employing the rastering tip as a poling electrode to locally apply a fixed bias near the coercive field, while simultaneously monitoring the evolving domain pattern during continuous imaging, the effectively independent switching dynamics for numerous domains are directly investigated. While areal poling follows the anticipated S‐curve, this is shown to be the collective outcome of linear terminal radial growth for an ensemble of independently nucleating domains. By repeating such spatially resolved measurements in the same region, but with progressively greater fields, nucleation sites and growth patterns are shown to clearly repeat. This reveals apparent defects which comparatively promote switching, and nucleation times and growth rates that accelerate exponentially. After analyzing and mapping the ratio of activation energies for nucleation to growth, a high density of nucleation sites can possibly be activated with higher poling fields—even if only at the start of a poling process—enabling faster and more efficient switching to be engineered as directly demonstrated.
Consumer spending patterns for plant‐based meat alternatives
Authors: Cuffey Joel , Chenarides Lauren , Li Wenying , Zhao Shuoli
Published: May 2022

This paper uses Nielsen Homescan data from 2014 to 2019 to investigate consumer spending on plant‐based meat alternative (PBMA) products. First, we measure determinants of different PBMA spending levels and summarize spending on PBMA and other food products. We then examine spending over time on PBMA and other food items when a household first purchases a PBMA product. A household spends USD 8 on PBMA products in the first month it purchases PBMA. PBMA spending, however, drops by over 75% in the months following this initial purchase. Spending on meat does not decrease in the first month these households purchase PBMA, though spending on dairy, deli, and dry grocery products does drop.
Scoliosis and skeletal muscle mass are strongly associated with low back pain‐related disability in humans: An evolutionary anthropology point of view
Authors: Tarabeih Nader , Masharawi Youssef , Shalata Adel , Higla Orabi , Kalinkovich Alexander , Livshits Gregory
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To clarify the potential risk factors and etiology of low back pain (LBP)‐related disability, including structural changes of the spine (spinal scoliosis) and body composition components in a population with a high prevalence of LBP.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, two self‐reported validated questionnaires were used to collect back pain and disability data in an ethnically homogeneous family‐based population sample (N = 1078). The scoliosis angle of trunk rotation was measured by a scoliometer on three spinal levels while the patient was bent forward. Body composition parameters, including relative to weight (WT), fat, relative skeletal muscle mass (SMM/WT), and total body water were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted, accounting for the familial composition of the sample.

Results

The mixed multiple regression analyses with several LBP‐related phenotypes as dependent variables consistently showed significant independent associations with scoliosis and SMM/WT, irrespective of other covariates. The odds ratios (OR)/95% CI for scoliosis ranged between 1.40 (1.19–1.64) and 1.51 (1.27–1.80), and from 0.61(0.51–0.72), to 0.71(0.58–0.87) for SMM/WT, depending on the LBP phenotype. The genetic components of the respective correlations between the LBP‐phenotypes and scoliosis or SMM/WT were negligible.

Conclusions

The associations between LBP‐related conditions and postured scoliosis and SMM/WT were consistent and significant and therefore may serve as markers in predicting the development of LBP‐related disability. We interpret the origin of these correlations as the evolutionary event due to the imperfect spine anatomy adaptation to a vertical posture resulting from a quick transition to bipedalism from a quadrupedal ancestor.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Alkenes with Triisopropylsilylacetylene
Authors: Miao Hong , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: May 2022

A Ruthenium‐catalyzed 2‐pyridyl or 2‐pyrimidyl directed oxidative cross‐coupling reaction of alkenes with triisopropylsilylacetylene was carried out. This protocol suits for mono‐, di‐ and trisubstituted ethenes, as well as various (substituted pyridyl)alkenes and exhibits good compatibility of functional groups and Z‐selectivity of the enyne products.
A‐Site Diamine Cation Anchoring Enables Efficient Charge Transfer and Suppressed Ion Migration in Bi‐Based Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Yang Xin , Huang Yu‐Hua , Wang Xu‐Dong , Li Wen‐Guang , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: May 2022

Due to the large distance or weak electronic conjugation between adjacent Bi‐I octahedrons, the charge transport in the low‐dimensional bismuth‐based hybrid perovskites is impeded and thus hinders their future developments. In this work, A‐site cation engineering by monoamine BZA (benzylamine) and diamine 3‐AMP (3‐(aminomethyl)pyridine) has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy to regulate the corresponding activation energy of ionic migration and carrier transport capacity. Given the higher polarity of 3‐AMP than BZA, producing a more efficient dielectric screening effect, it gives rise to obtaining the small exciton binding energy (50 meV) and low defect states (3.53×109 cm−3). The reduced distance of adjacent Bi‐I octahedrons by the bilateral anchoring of the 3‐AMP2+ diamine cation enhances both electronic conjugation and charge transport performance. Therefore, the photodetector for (3‐AMP)BiI5 SC shows a 243‐fold increase in on/off ratio compared with the (BZA)3BiI6 SC.
The Raw Mixed Conducting Interphase Affords Effective Prelithiation in Working Batteries
Authors: Yue Xin‐Yang , Yao Yu‐Xing , Zhang Jing , Li Zeheng , Yang Si‐Yu , Li Xun‐Lu , Yan Chong , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2022

Contact prelithiation is an important strategy to compensate the initial capacity loss of lithium‐ion batteries. However, the dead Li generated from inadequate Li conversion reduces the cycling stability of rechargeable batteries. Herein a mono‐solvent dimethyl carbonate (DMC) electrolyte was employed in contact prelithiation for the first time. We discover that the low‐organic‐content raw electrolyte interphase (REI) induced by this electrolyte on Li source and anode is a mixed ion/electron conductor. Therefore, electron channels can be maintained even when the Li source has been completely wrapped by the DMC‐derived REI. As a result, an outstanding Li source utilization of 92.8 % and a negligible dead Li yield can be realized. This strategy renders batteries with a very high initial Coulombic efficiency (90.0 %) and an excellent capacity retention (94.9 %) over 210 cycles, highlighting the significance of REI for effective contact prelithiation.
Quinoxaline‐based efflux pump inhibitors restore drug susceptibility in drug‐resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Corona Paola , Ibba Roberta , Piras Sandra , Molicotti Paola , Bua Alessandra , Carta Antonio
Published: May 2022

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) comprise several ubiquitous, environmentally localized bacteria that may be responsible for serious human diseases. NTM‐associated pulmonary infections largely affect individuals with underlying respiratory disease or chronic disease and immunosuppressed patients. Mycobacterium simiae and M. abscessus are two NTMs responsible for lung disease in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. In this study, two NTM strains were isolated from two patients admitted to an Italian hospital and were identified as M. simiae and M. abscessus. The two NTMs were tested for drug susceptibility against different antibiotics. To restore drug susceptibility, a new series of 2‐aryl‐3‐phenoxymethyl‐quinoxaline derivatives (QXs) was designed, synthesized, and investigated as efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) against two clinical isolates of the above‐cited NTMs, evaluating how EPIs can influence the drug minimal inhibitory concentration values and, therefore, the activity. The different\ resistance levels tracked in the clinical strains were reduced by EPIs, and in several cases, the susceptibility was completely restored. QXs also resulted as potential chemical probes to be used in drug susceptibility tests to identify the resistance origin when detected.
Therapeutic potential of 1,2,3‐triazole hybrids for leukemia treatment
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Xuan Bixia , Li Xiaofang , Si Haiyan , Chen Aiping
Published: May 2022

Leukemia, a hematological malignancy originating from the bone marrow, is the principal cancer of childhood. In recent decades, improved remission rates and survival of patients with leukemia have been achieved due to significant breakthroughs in the treatment. However, chemoresistance and relapse are common, creating an urgent need for the search for novel pharmaceutical interventions. 1,2,3‐Triazole is one of the most fascinating pharmacophores in the discovery of new drugs, and several 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives have already been used in clinics or are under clinical evaluation for the treatment of cancers. In particular, 1,2,3‐triazole hybrids could suppress tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by inhibiting enzymes, proteins, and receptors in cancer cells, revealing their potential as putative antileukemic agents. This review covers the recent advances regarding the 1,2,3‐triazole hybrids with potential antileukemic activity, focusing on the chemical structures, structure–activity relationship, and mechanisms of action, covering articles published from January 2017 to January 2022.