bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONTINUIDADE DO CUIDADO: ATUAÇÃO DO ENFERMEIRO HOSPITALAR NA TRANSIÇÃO DO PACIENTE COM FERIDA
Authors: Goularte Aliny Fernandes , Lanzoni Gabriela Marcellino de Melo , Cechinel-Peiter Caroline , Koerich Cintia , Magalhães Aline Lima Pestana , Costa Maria Fernanda Baeta Neves Alonso da
Published: November 2021

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender a atuação do enfermeiro para a continuidade do cuidado ao paciente com feridas na transição do hospital para os demais serviços da Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Método: estudo qualitativo, baseado na teoria fundamentada em dados. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 14 enfermeiros em um hospital ao Sul do Brasil, entre dezembro de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019. Resultados: a categoria central “buscando estabelecer a continuidade do cuidado a pacientes com feridas que enfrentam a transição entre serviços” foi sustentada por três categorias e 12 subcategorias, as quais mostraram que a preservação da continuidade do cuidado e a adequação da transição entre os serviços de saúde ocorrem mediante padronização e planejamento da alta hospitalar. Considerações finais: o enfermeiro destacou-se por iniciativas e pelo cuidado especializado e qualificado às pessoas com feridas dentro do hospital, porém sua atuação no processo de transição e continuidade do cuidado carece de apoio institucional.
COMPETÊNCIA EM COMUNICAÇÃO INTERPESSOAL: RELAÇÕES COM CARACTERÍSTICAS SOCIAIS E TRAÇO DE ANSIEDADE
Authors: Grilo Adriana Pereira da Silva , Pina-Oliveira Alfredo Almeida , Puggina Ana Claudia Giesbrecht
Published: November 2021

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar a competência em comunicação interpessoal dos estudantes no contexto da graduação em Enfermagem e associar características sociais e traço de ansiedade com a competência em comunicação interpessoal. Método: estudo transversal quantitativo realizado com estudantes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem de duas universidades de ensino superior particulares. Neste estudo foram utilizados três instrumentos: um questionário de caracterização do participante da pesquisa, o componente da escala do Traço do Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDATE) e a Escala de Competência em Comunicação Interpessoal (ECCI). Resultados: a amostra do estudo foi composta de 613 estudantes com média de idade de 25,53 (±7,93). Quanto maior a renda familiar, maiores tendem a ser a assertividade, o manejo das interações e o controle do ambiente. Quanto mais tempo o estudante estiver no curso, maiores a autorrevelação e o controle do ambiente. As mulheres tendem a se autorrevelar mais e a terem mais disponibilidade nas relações interpessoais. Estudantes do período noturno tendem a ser menos disponíveis do que aqueles que estudam no período matutino. Quanto mais tímido e ansioso o estudante, menor será a competência em comunicação interpessoal. Conclusões: existe associação da renda com a assertividade, manejo das interações e controle do ambiente; do semestre com a autorrevelação e com o controle do ambiente; do sexo com a disponibilidade e autorrevelação; do período em que o aluno realiza o curso e a disponibilidade. Timidez e ansiedade mostraram-se variáveis negativas em relação à competência em comunicação interpessoal.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS À INFECÇÃO EM GRUPOS COM CONDIÇÕES CLÍNICAS DE RISCO PARA COMPLICAÇÕES POR COVID-19
Authors: Silva Júnior Fernando José Guedes da , Sales Jaqueline Carvalho e Silva , Vieira Chrystiany Plácido de Brito , Costa Ana Paula Cardoso , Campos Luana Ruth Braga , Miranda Priscilla Ingrid Gomes , Silva Andreia Alves de Sena , Rodrigues Karoline Alencar
Published: November 2021

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar fatores de risco associados à infecção por COVID-19 em grupos com condições clínicas de risco para desenvolvimento de complicações pela doença. Método: estudo censitário, retrospectivo, com dados oriundos de testagens rápidas para COVID-19 realizadas em unidades básicas de saúde Fast Track de Teresina-Piauí, entre 26 de abril e 15 de julho de 2020. Analisaram-se informações de 16.449 indivíduos por meio de formulário padrão e, em caso de testagem positiva, também das fichas de notificação de síndrome gripal suspeito de doença pelo coronavírus 2019. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o Statistical Package for the Social Science, versão 22.0. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Resultados: 22,30% dos investigados apresentavam algum fator de risco para desenvolvimento de complicações pela COVID-19. Verificou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre resultado do teste para COVID-19 e fator de risco cardíaco (p=0,020), diabetes mellitus (p=0,000), hipertensão arterial (p=0,000), tabagismo (p=0,013) e dislipidemia (p=0,028). Quanto à conduta adotada diante dos resultados positivos para COVID-19, detectou-se associação com as variáveis fator de risco (p=0,000), fator de risco cardíaco (p=0,000), diabetes mellitus (p=0,000) e obesidade (p=0,003). Possuir fator de risco, problema cardíaco, diabetes ou obesidade apresentou relação com a gravidade da COVID-19, representada pela conduta de encaminhamento ao serviço de urgência. Conclusão: o estudo fornece quadro abrangente de informações em resposta à pandemia de COVID-19 na capital do Piauí. Acredita-se que subsidiará o desenvolvimento de ações de controle, especialmente entre aqueles com condições de risco para complicações pela doença.
Factors Predicting Difficult Biliary Cannulation during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Common Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Saito Hirokazu , Kadono Yoshihiro , Shono Takashi , Kamikawa Kentaro , Urata Atsushi , Nasu Jiro , Imamura Haruo , Matsushita Ikuo , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Tada Shuji
Published: November 2021

Background/Aims: Difficult biliary cannulation is an important risk factor for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors that predict difficult cannulation for common bile duct stones (CBDS) to reduce the risk for PEP.Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 1,406 consecutive patients with native papillae who underwent ERCP for CBDS. Factors predicting difficult cannulation for CBDS were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: Univariate analysis showed that six factors significantly predicted difficult cannulation: ERCP performed by non-expert endoscopists, low-volume center, absence of acute cholangitis, normal serum bilirubin, intradiverticular papilla, and type of major duodenal papilla. Multivariate analysis identified ERCP performed by non-expert endoscopists (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; p<0.001), low-volume center (OR, 1.6; p<0.001), intradiverticular papilla (OR, 1.3; p=0.007), normal serum bilirubin (OR, 1.3; p=0.038), and absence of acute cholangitis (OR, 1.3; p=0.049) as factors significantly predicting difficult cannulation for CBDS.Conclusions: Initial cannulation by an experienced endoscopist, early rescue cannulation, or early takeover by an experienced endoscopist should be considered when performing ERCP for CBDS in the presence of factors predicting difficult cannulation.
Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Superficial Gastric Neoplasms: A Latin American Cohort Study
Authors: Palacios-Salas Fernando , Benites-Goñi Harold , Marin-Calderón Luis , Bardalez-Cruz Paulo , Vásquez-Quiroga Jorge , Alva-Alva Edgar , Medina-Morales Bryan , Asencios-Cusihuallpa Jairo
Published: November 2021

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the preferred technique for treating early gastric cancer (EGC). However, very few studies have been conducted in South America. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ESD for EGC.Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective cohort from 2013 to 2020. A total of 152 superficial gastric neoplasms that fulfilled the absolute or expanded criteria for ESD were included. Outcomes were en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates, incidence of adverse events, and length of procedure.Results: The age of the enrolled patients was 68.4±11.3 years. The number of included patients based on the absolute and expanded indications was 150 and 2, respectively. En bloc, R0, and curative resections were achieved in 98.0%, 96.1%, and 89.5% of the cases, respectively. Bleeding and perforation were reported in 5.9% and 6.6% of the cases, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed lowgrade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in 13, 20, 117, and 2 cases, respectively.Conclusions: Our study shows that ESD performed by properly trained endoscopists in reference centers is safe and effective, with comparable therapeutic outcomes to those reported in the Eastern series.
Le Projet sportif territorial de la ville de Brest (France)
Authors: Fuchs Julien , Guyon Frédérick
Published: November 2021

L’élaboration de projets sportifs locaux dans les collectivités, aujourd’hui répandue, correspond à la volonté de faire évoluer les cadres de l’action publique. S’appuyant sur la philosophie de la démocratie participative, ces projets ont pour ambition de tendre vers davantage d’adaptation aux attentes sociales en matière sportive. À travers le cas particulier de la ville de Brest (France), où cette intention s’est concrétisée depuis 2010 par la construction d’un projet sportif territorial, nous nous interrogeons sur les ressorts de ces dispositifs. Nous montrons notamment que l’inscription dans une telle démarche apparaît comme un processus ambivalent mais néanmoins structurant pour l’écosystème sportif local.
Selective sorting of microRNAs into exosomes by phase-separated YBX1 condensates
Authors: Liu Xiao-Man , Ma Liang , Schekman Randy
Published: November 2021

Exosomes may mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting various proteins and nucleic acids to neighboring cells. Some protein and RNA cargoes are significantly enriched in exosomes. How cells efficiently and selectively sort them into exosomes remains incompletely explored. Previously, we reported that YBX1 is required in sorting of miR-223 into exosomes. Here, we show that YBX1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro and in cells. YBX1 condensates selectively recruit miR-223 in vitro and into exosomes secreted by cultured cells. Point mutations that inhibit YBX1 phase separation impair the incorporation of YBX1 protein into biomolecular condensates formed in cells, and perturb miR-233 sorting into exosomes. We propose that phase separation-mediated local enrichment of cytosolic RNA-binding proteins and their cognate RNAs enables their targeting and packaging by vesicles that bud into multivesicular bodies. This provides a possible mechanism for efficient and selective engulfment of cytosolic proteins and RNAs into intraluminal vesicles which are then secreted as exosomes from cells.
Comparative plastomics of Amaryllidaceae: inverted repeat expansion and the degradation of the ndh genes in Strumaria truncata Jacq.
Authors: Könyves Kálmán , Bilsborrow Jordan , Christodoulou Maria D. , Culham Alastair , David John
Published: November 2021

Amaryllidaceae is a widespread and distinctive plant family contributing both food and ornamental plants. Here we present an initial survey of plastomes across the family and report on both structural rearrangements and gene losses. Most plastomes in the family are of similar gene arrangement and content however some taxa have shown gains in plastome length while in several taxa there is evidence of gene loss. Strumaria truncata shows a substantial loss of ndh family genes while three other taxa show loss of cemA, which has been reported only rarely. Our sparse sampling of the family has detected sufficient variation to suggest further sampling across the family could be a rich source of new information on plastome variation and evolution.
Need Based Role of E-Learning in Current Medical Education Environment: Skepticism to Acceptability
Authors: Agarwal Prerna , Mahajan Aarti Sood
Published: November 2021

E-learning has taken centre stage during this period of social distancing and lockdowns, in the current pandemic, by enabling education to continue. There are perceptibly no limitations to the utility of e-learning tools in the cognitive domain of learning. It complements traditional learning in other domains, namely, psychomotor, affective and communication skill, fairly well. Not only does it ease learning in terms of availability and accessibility, but with the options of asynchronous learning and personalisation of content, it also empowers learners with more autonomy. Despite the limitation of lack of ‘hands-on’ training and experience with e-learning, it has been accepted quite well, although initially both teachers and learners had been skeptical about its applicability and quality. In the ongoing pandemic period, e-learning may assume a bigger role as blended learning in medical education. While this transition may be smooth for the better resourced nations who already have the required infrastructure and resources ready, the resource limited nations may first have to develop the same before being able to implement it. Ensuring the availability of cheap and high-speed internet, computers in various forms (desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones) within reach of every learner, will enable them to go online.
Zero-Achievers Non-Progressing Studies in Finnish Open University: Three Preventive Factors
Authors: Maunula Minna , Maunumäki Minna , Anttonen Sanna
Published: November 2021

Current education policy responds to changes and needs in working life by guiding individuals at different stages of working careers to develop their skills in the spirit of lifelong learning. More and more are applying with hope and enthusiasm to the Open University to strengthen their competence but are unable to get their studies completed. The article explores factors related to the non-progression of studies by students at the Open University in Finland. We call non-progressing students zero-achievers who enroll in studies but do not complete a single credit during the period of course. This research is a descriptive mixed methods study. The research data was collected by an online survey sent to 414 of one Open University zero-achiever students and 185 responses were received. The qualitative data was analysed through the means of content analysis and the quantitative data was examined through percentages and averages. The data was analysed comprehensively combining the quantitative and qualitative data by themes according to the three main factors for the non-progression of studies. The Open University student explained their non-progression in studies by three preventive factors: difficulties in reconciling areas of life, lack of generic skills, and passivity in seeking guidance. The purpose of this research is to raise zero-achievement as a phenomenon at a time marked by the ideal of high performance, the ideology of lifelong learning and the digitalization and massification of higher education. Alongside the ideal of efficiency, a wide range of students must be remembered in educational systems. The research contributes important new knowledge to education policy, to academic community and for university students to identify and avoid preventive factors for the progression of studies. Based on the research, the construction of shared understanding about above aspects is recommended to reach common goals.
To Assess the KAP Study about HPV Vaccination among Women of Reproductive Age Group
Authors: Shivani G. , Rajalekshmi M.
Published: November 2021

Background: Human papillomavirus vaccines prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. HPV vaccine is recommended at age 11-12 years.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about HPV vaccination among Women of reproductive age group.

Materials and Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted over a period of three months from January 2021- March 2021 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department OPD at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. A total of 193 women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department were included as study participants. A pretested, semi-structured data tool was used. Descriptive variables were presented as proportions and frequencies. Chi-square test was used to ascertain the associations.

Results: About 55.9% of them had knowledge about HPV vaccination and 52.6% with the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and prevention of cervical carcinoma among the study population.

Conclusion: Advancement of health facilities, encouragement of service provider, sustainable health programs and creating awareness will support to achieve decrease in incidence of cervical cancer.
Solar Retinopathy: Case Report
Authors: Miguel Thiago Sande , Souto Ana Luiza Mansur , Rocha Fernanda Bekman Diniz Mitleg , Rossett Tais Cristina , Rocha Felipe Bekman Diniz Mitleg , Damasceno Eduardo de França , Costa Daniel Almeida da
Published: November 2021

Aims: To describe a solar retinopathy.

Presentation of Case: ALPN, 29 years old, male, with cognitive deficit that started after a car accident that occurred at the age of 6 years, attends the ophthalmology clinic of the University Hospital Antônio Pedro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with complaints of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia in both eyes (AO) started approximately 8 months ago. Family members reported that after the accident, the patient had the habit of spending mornings and afternoons looking at the sun.

Discussion: Solar retinopathy is caused by the photochemical and thermal effects of ultraviolet radiation on retinal cells, especially in the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Symptoms can start a few hours after direct observation of the sun, and in most cases a bilateral involvement, although asymmetrically with variable visual acuity.

Conclusions: A Solar retinopathy has a multifactorial origin, as it is related to the exposure time and the susceptibility of each individual. The use of hats and sunglasses with protection against ultraviolet rays and anti-reflection are effective preventive measures to be adopted if there is a need for exposure and observation of sunlight.
The USA National Phenology Network's Buffelgrass Green‐up Forecast map products
Authors: Gerst Katharine L. , Crimmins Theresa M. , Posthumus Erin , Marsh R. Lee , Switzer Jeff , Wallace Cynthia
Published: November 2021

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris syn. Pennisetum ciliare) was introduced to Sonoran Desert in the early 20th century and has become widespread at low elevations. This perennial bunchgrass accumulates abundant biomass that can carry fires through ecosystems not adapted to fire, resulting in devastating impacts for native cacti and other plant and animal life.

Buffelgrass is most effectively managed through the application of herbicide when the grass is at least 50% green. Because the grass rapidly greens up following summer monsoon rainfall, it is possible to forecast green‐up using daily rainfall measurements.

In 2019, the USA National Phenology Network (USA‐NPN) released daily Buffelgrass Green‐up Forecast maps for the state of Arizona based on the PRISM 4 km daily total precipitation product. The daily digital Buffelgrass Green‐up Forecast maps are a freely available data product and meet the FAIR principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability. They are permanently archived and publicly accessible as raster and image layers from the USA‐NPN website.

These map layers support planning the timing of management activities to maximize buffelgrass treatment efficacy and researchers seeking to incorporate daily estimates of buffelgrass greenness in their analyses.
Plant Waxes
Authors: von Wettstein‐Knowles Penny
Published: November 2021

Waxes, found primarily in the cuticle of vascular plants, prevent uncontrolled water loss. They comprise a diverse mixture of aliphatics, triterpenoids, flavonoids and/or phenolic lipids, such as, alkylresorcinols. Aliphatic carbon skeletons are fatty acid synthase (FAS) products extended by fatty acid elongase (FAE) enzyme complexes and type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) to 20–34 carbons ± keto groups that serve as substrates for associated reductive, decarb and enoic pathways plus variants thereof. Study of
eceriferum
(
cer
) mutants, reverse genetic molecular approaches and biochemistry have led to increasingly detailed biosynthetic pathways in
Arabidopsis
and the
Gramineae
. Nevertheless, many enzymes remain unidentified. How many FAEs and type III PKSs are specific for wax, that is, not contributing to other pathways such as sphingolipid biosynthesis, is unknown. Our knowledge is rudimentary concerning regulation of biosynthesis or translocation of aliphatics during synthesis and thereafter from the endoplasmic reticulum into and onto the cuticle's aerial surface.

Key Concepts

Epidermal cells synthesise secondary metabolites called waxes localised in and on the cuticle surface, which protect against water loss.

Waxes include a very diverse collection of aliphatic compounds.

Waxes may also include other compounds with long carbon skeletons such as phenolic lipids, for example, alkylresorcinols, that function in defence against bacteria and fungi.

Primer substrates for waxes are synthesised by fatty acid synthase (FAS) in plastids.

FAS products are extended by fatty acid elongases (FAEs) and type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) to give skeletons with as many as 32 carbons.

Enzymes in associated pathways localised in the endoplasmic reticulum convert the long carbon skeletons into a broad range of compounds.

A handful of genes participating in biosynthesis of the waxes and their translocation within the epidermal cells have been cloned and characterised.

The
Cer‐cqu
gene cluster in barley encodes three enzymes in the β‐diketone synthase (DKS) polyketide pathway.

Some of the enzymes may also participate in the synthesis of related aliphatics found in cutin, suberin and sphingolipids, for example.
Degradation of Misfolded Secretory and Membrane Proteins and Associated Diseases
Authors: Kaufman Randal J , Popolo Laura
Published: November 2021

Protein homeostasis is maintained through a balance among protein synthesis, folding, assembly and degradation. The latter is crucial also to prevent accumulation of misfolded products in the cell. The conjugation to ubiquitin marks proteins for degradation by the proteasome. Secretory and membrane proteins are monitored for proper folding and oligomerisation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this compartment, defective proteins are recognised and targeted to the proteasome in a process called ER‐associated protein degradation or ERAD. A first step of retrotranslocation across the ER membrane to the cytosol is required. Ubiquitylation is carried out by ER enzymes and is also functionally intertwined with retrotranslocation. Malfunctioning of ERAD machinery or accumulation of folding‐defective proteins in the ER is associated with various human diseases ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to cancer. The design of drugs that meliorate ERAD or promote protein folding could provide new therapeutic strategies against these diseases.

Key Concepts

The ER is the organelle where secretory or membrane proteins are folded and assembled with the aid of chaperones and oxidoreductases before they exit the ER.

A quality control inside the ER monitors protein folding, and terminally misfolded or unassembled proteins are selectively recognised and targeted to ERAD.

Trimmed N‐glycans of terminally misfolded luminal glycoproteins are signals for recognition as a substrate for degradation.

ERAD substrates are sorted to different degradation pathways based on the location of the misfolded region and the topology of the protein.

ERAD involves several factors that are organised in modules and cooperate in the processes of substrate recognition, retrotranslocation, ubiquitylation and targeting of substrates to the proteasome where cleavage occurs.

The retrotranslocation of the substrates from the ER to the cytosol is mediated by still undefined channel proteins.

Retrotranslocated substrates are ubiquitylated on the cytosolic side of the ER by membrane‐associated E3 ubiquitin ligases.

In ERAD, ubiquitylation is dynamically interconnected with substrate extraction from the ER membrane, delivery to the proteasome, removal of the N‐glycan chains from glycosylated polypeptides and processing of the substrates for final disposal.

Malfunctioning of ERAD components or accumulation of misfolded substrates causes various human diseases.
Evolutionary Medicine
Authors: Dolgova Olga
Published: November 2021

Evolutionary medicine is a fast‐growing research field providing biomedical scientists with evolutionary perspective for the comprehension of the human health and disease as a result of evolutionary processes, such as selective constraints, trade‐offs, conflicts between different systems within the same organism and mismatches between our modern lives and the environment where human beings evolve. The present human genome and phenotypes are essentially Palaeolithic: they are not adapted to the modern lifestyle, thus favouring the so‐called diseases of civilization. Molecular evolution has helped to revolutionise our understanding of cancer, of autoimmune disease, and of the origin, spread, and pathogenesis of emerging diseases, emotional disruptive behaviour and mental diseases, where it has revealed historical processes and suggested new therapies. An evolutionary perspective of medicine works as a comprehensive scaffolding for organising medical principles and ideas (as it does in biology in general) that otherwise would remain unconnected.

Key Concepts

Evolutionary medicine studies the dynamic consequences of natural selection acting on the human lineage and underlying human health and disease.

Originated from Darwinian Evolutionary Theory, Evolutionary medicine has undergone an exponential growth since the early 1990s providing a comprehensive framework, which places medical principles and ideas within evolutionary context.

The complex genetic diseases within evolutionary perspective can be explained by evolutionary conflicts, mismatches between genotypes and modern environment, trade‐offs as a result of evolutionary innovations and selective constraints.

Evolutionary perspective can provide us with therapeutic targets for exclusively human diseases, especially for diseases in which evolutionary mechanisms act over short time periods.

Evolutionary framework needs to be integrated into the precision medicine to complex pathologies, accounting for the life history of human populations.
Major Histocompatibility Complex: Human
Authors: Kaufman Jim
Published: November 2021

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large genetic region with hundreds of genes, among them the most polymorphic loci known in humans and other vertebrates. MHC genes are intensively studied because they influence so many important traits, including compatibility of transplants, autoimmunity, resistance to infectious diseases and reproduction.

Key Concepts

The human MHC (HLA) is a large genetic region with hundreds of genes, including the classical class I and class II MHC molecules that are responsible for tissue graft rejection.

Human classical class I and class II MHC molecules have hundreds of alleles, are well‐expressed across many tissues and present peptides to T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, while nonclassical MHC molecules (some of which are encoded outside of the MHC) lack one or more of these properties.

Human classical class I and class II MHC molecules are polymorphic due to a molecular arms race with pathogens, with MHC molecules selecting pathogens that no longer express the previously presented peptides, which then drives the appearance of new alleles of MHC molecules that bind the newly evolved pathogen peptides.

Human classical class I and class II MHC molecules play key roles in resistance to infectious disease, susceptibility to autoimmune disease, allergy and asthma, and in reproduction.

Human classical class I MHC molecules present peptides primarily derived from the cytoplasm and nucleus where viruses replicate, and are recognized by cytotoxic CD8‐bearing T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells.

Human classical class II MHC molecules present peptides primarily derived from intracellular vesicles and the extracellular space where many different kinds of pathogens are found, and are recognized by a variety of CD4‐bearing T cells with nuanced responses depending on the nature of the pathogen.

Human nonclassical MHC molecules (particularly class I molecules encoded outside of the MHC) have a wide variety of functions, only some of which are involved with immunity.

Not all genetic associations with the human MHC involve classical and nonclassical MHC genes, since other genes in the MHC have alleles which affect many biological functions.
Circadian Programmes in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Cohen Susan E
Published: November 2021

Cyanobacteria are bacteria that express circadian (daily) rhythms. In rhythmic environments, the fitness of cyanobacteria is improved when this clock is operational and when its circadian period is similar to the period of the environmental cycle. In cyanobacteria, three key proteins (KaiA, KaiB and KaiC) form a core molecular clockwork that orchestrates rhythmic outputs including global rhythms of gene expression, cell division, compaction of the chromosome and metabolism. KaiA, KaiB and KaiC form a multiprotein nanomachine that can reconstitute a circadian oscillator
in vitro
, and this oscillator appears to function as a posttranslational oscillator (PTO)
in vivo
.
In vivo
, an extended clock network allows the core oscillator to synchronize with the environment and relate temporal information to clock‐controlled activities. Models of the complete
in vivo
system have important implications for our understanding of circadian clocks in higher organisms, including mammals.

Key Concepts

Prokaryotic cyanobacteria have a circadian timekeeping system that enhances fitness.

These cells exhibit pervasive circadian regulation of gene expression.

A circadian rhythm of the phosphorylation of the central clock protein KaiC can be reconstituted
in vitro
with three proteins derived from cyanobacteria (KaiA, KaiB and KaiC) and ATP.

KaiA, KaiB and KaiC are the only circadian clock proteins for which the 3D structure of full‐length proteins is known.

Structural, biochemical and biophysical methods have been used to study the mechanism by which KaiC is rhythmically phosphorylated and dephosphorylated.

Rhythmic associations of the extended clock network with the KaiABC oscillator help to coordinate rhythmic outputs.
Molecular Clock: Testing
Authors: Mello Beatriz , Kumar Sudhir , Battistuzzi Fabia Ursula
Published: November 2021

The molecular clock hypothesis originally rested on the assumption of rate constancy across lineages of a phylogeny, which would produce an approximately steady rate of accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid or amino acid changes through time. This assumption has been questioned on the basis of increasingly large data sets, which have shown significant variability of evolutionary rates in lineages. To address this issue, tests have been developed to examine whether rates of molecular evolution vary significantly among taxonomic groups or phylogenetic lineages. Two major types of tests exist: those based on comparisons of genetic distances and those based on likelihood ratios. The first ones compare genetic distances between two species (or groups of species) relative to an outgroup; the latter ones compare maximum likelihood values for the same phylogeny calculated with and without the constant rate assumption. In those cases where the rate constancy assumption is violated, modern molecular clocks (relaxed clocks) are now being applied to implement rate heterogeneity in the time estimation process.

Key Concepts

Evolutionary rates among lineages can be constant or variable.

The first molecular clock methods developed (strict, or global, clocks) assumed constant rates.

Many datasets have been shown to violate the rate constancy assumption.

Testing for rate constancy is a key step before estimating times.

Parametric and nonparametric rate tests are available.

Variable rates may follow different distributions (autocorrelated or uncorrelated).

While autocorrelation seems more common, it is advisable to test for the best fitting distribution.
Human Evolution: Early Radiations
Authors: Wood Bernard A , McRae Ryan T
Published: November 2021

We interpret the early radiations within the hominin clade as including all of the taxa in genera other than
Homo
. While the taxa in
Australopithecus
,
Kenyanthropus
and
Paranthropus
are almost certainly hominins, others in the genera
Ardipithecus
,
Orrorin
and
Sahelanthropus
may not be hominins but belong in one or more closely related clades. All of the taxa in
Australopithecus
,
Kenyanthropus
and
Paranthropus
have brain sizes one third (or less) to one half the average size of later
Homo
, postcranial skeletons that combine adaptations for bipedalism with retention of upper limbs adapted for climbing, and postcanine teeth that are relatively larger than those of chimpanzees and bonobos, covered by enamel that is thicker than that seen in chimpanzees and bonobos. Some (e.g.
Paranthropus boisei
) have exceptionally large postcanine teeth with hyper‐thick enamel cusps.

Key Concepts

Morphological and genetic features separate humans from our closest relatives in the genus
Pan

The earliest potential hominins retain many ‘ape‐like’ features such as arms adapted for climbing

All early hominins have chewing teeth that are relatively larger, and with thicker enamel, than in the genus
Pan

By the time of
Australopithecus afarensis
, hominins were fully bipedal

A radiation of megadont and hyper‐megadont hominins (
Paranthropus
) is found in eastern and southern Africa
Factors Affecting the Coarsening and Agglomeration of Alumina Particles in Cu–Al2O3 Composites Prepared with Internal Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Sixiang , Zhang Tingxiao , Wang Minjing
Published: November 2021

Alumina dispersion strengthened copper (DS‐Cu) shows excellent properties regarding mechanical behavior, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and radiation resistance, making it a promising candidate of heat sink materials for fusion divertor applications. Compared to mechanical alloying, traditional internal oxidation route has merits of reduced contamination and capability of mass production. However, the tailoring of oxide particles, either intra‐ or intergranular, is essential to further improve the properties of DS‐Cu fabricated through internal oxidation route. Herein, the origins of coarsening and agglomeration of alumina particles are uncovered through a dedicated combining investigation between powder metallurgy and Rhines‐pack method, and contributing factors, such as grain boundaries, diffusion distance, concentration of Al, atomization, and the existence of water vapor, are identified. The effects of Ti doping on tailoring the size, shape, and distribution of intergranular and intragranular particles are demonstrated also. This study is of significance for the further improvement of properties of DS‐Cu fabricated with the combination of powder metallurgy and internal oxidation.
Superior Antidegeneration Hierarchical Nanoengineered Wicking Surfaces for Boiling Enhancement
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Zhao Yongyi , Ma Jingcheng , Fu Wuchen , Yan Xiao , Rabbi Kazi Fazle , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: November 2021

Micro‐ and nano‐structured surfaces having high wicking capability enable excellent liquid transport efficiency and have great promise in water desalination, atmospheric water harvesting, biomedical device development, and electronics thermal management applications. However, the poorly understood degeneration of surface wickability during exposure to air represents the main hindrance to societal application of structured surfaces. Here, the authors investigate wicking degeneration on structured surfaces and elucidate the importance of environmental volatile organic compound adsorption from air. Based on their developed mechanistic understanding, the authors design a highly scalable, cost‐effective, and hierarchical structure having both superior wicking capability and antidegeneration performance. Year‐long continuous surface wickability measurements demonstrate a 4100% higher surface wickability durability of this structure when compared to widely used single‐tier surface structures. Pool boiling tests coupled with in situ and in‐liquid optical microscopy are used to characterize the effect of wicking degradation on boiling heat transfer performance. This work demonstrates the previously unidentified coexistence of several dry areas underneath individual bubbles during boiling on highly wicking structured surfaces, resulting in significant augmentation of the three‐phase contact line length. In addition, this work outlines design guidelines for the fabrication of surface wicking structures having high performance and durability.
Reprogramming Tumor‐Associated Macrophages via ROS‐Mediated Novel Mechanism of Ultra‐Small Cu2−xSe Nanoparticles to Enhance Anti‐Tumor Immunity
Authors: Zheng Yanhui , Han Yaobao , Wang Tingting , Liu Hanghang , Sun Qiao , Hu Shijun , Chen Jianquan , Li Zhen
Published: November 2021

Reprogramming tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) from tumor‐supportive M2 phenotype to anti‐tumor M1 phenotype holds great promise in tumor immunotherapy. However, there are few reports on the remodeling of TAMs by inorganic nanoparticles due to their unclear intrinsic polarization mechanism. In this article, a novel signaling pathway of repolarizing TAMs into M1‐like macrophages is reported to boost anti‐tumor immunity using ultra‐small Cu2−xSe nanoparticles (CS NPs). The mechanism is totally different from the conventional ROS‐mediated polarization mechanism. It is revealed that CS NPs can effectively generate ROS in the macrophages to trigger auto‐ubiquitination of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which activates the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) to facilitate the expression of its downstream gene interleukin‐23 (IL‐23), and eventually remodels the TAMs into M1‐like macrophages. It is shown that CS NPs can significantly inhibit the growth of melanoma tumor (B16F10) by repolarizing TAMs into M1‐like macrophages, and enhance the adaptive anti‐tumor immunity by inducing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, it is found that CS NPs can also effectively inhibit the recurrence of distal tumor. The study shows the novel macrophage polarization mechanism for TAMs‐targeted cancer immunotherapy, and demonstrates the great potential of ultra‐small Cu2−xSe nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy.
Toward Stable and Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yang Dexin , Zhao Baodan , Yang Tao , Lai Runchen , Lan Dongchen , Friend Richard H. , Di Dawei
Published: November 2021

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are a promising class of materials for next‐generation display and lighting applications. Since the first demonstration of bright electroluminescence (EL) from perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) in 2014, the EQEs of these devices increased from below 1% to more than 20% in merely four years. Despite the meteoritic rise of device efficiencies that placed the new LED technology in the spotlight, many scientific and technical challenges remain, preventing PeLEDs from advancing further into practical applications. The success of inorganic III‐V LEDs, or commercial LED technologies in general, lies in the ability to demonstrate the reliable generation of blue EL. For PeLEDs, high operational stability and efficient blue EL remain to be some of the most pressing goals. To accelerate further developments in these areas, the recent progress in the research of PeLEDs is reviewed. The authors attempt to establish preliminary connections between the degradation mechanisms and the strategies for improvements, exemplified by a selection of recent representative works in the field. Lessons learned from organic LEDs and perovskite solar cells point toward some of the most important directions. This progress report serves as a catalyst for further interdisciplinary research involving materials scientists, chemists, and physicists working together to realize operationally stable PeLEDs.
Untethered Microrobots for Active Drug Delivery: From Rational Design to Clinical Settings
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Ting , Lu Yuan
Published: November 2021

Recent advances of untethered microrobots, which navigate the complex regions in vivo for therapeutics, have presented promising multiple applications on future healthcare. Microrobots used for active drug delivery system (DDS) have been demonstrated for advanced targeting distribution, improved delivery efficiency, and reduced systemic side effects. In this review, the therapeutic benefits of active DDS are presented compared to the traditional passive DDS, which illustrate the historical reasons for choosing active DDS. An integrated 5D radar chart analysis model containing the core capabilities of the active DDS is innovatively proposed. It would be a practical tool for measurement and mapping of the field of active delivery, followed by the evolutions and bottlenecks of each technical module. The comprehensive consideration of microrobots before clinical application is also discussed from the aspects of robot ethics, dosage, quality control and stability control in actual production. Gastrointestinal and blood administration, as two major clinical scenes of drug delivery, are discussed in detail as examples of the potential bedside applications of active DDS. Finally, combined with the reported analysis model, the current status and future outlook from the translation prospect to the clinical scenes of microrobots are provided.
Fluorine‐Free Nanoporous Low‐k Dielectric Film Covalently Grafted on Si via Aryldiazonium Chemistry
Authors: Cao Liangliang , Wu Yunwen , Hang Tao , Li Ming
Published: November 2021

Fluorine‐free nanoporous low‐k dielectric film containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) cage nanostructure is covalently grafted onto a p‐Si(100) surface via aryldiazonium chemistry, in an open environment without any inert gas protection. The method is based on two‐step reduction of aryldiazonium salts. First, 4‐nitrobenzene diazonium tetrafluoroborate (NBD) is reduced and a polynitrophenyl (PNP) passivation layer is formed on the p‐Si(100) surface, in an aqueous media with hydrofluoric acid being added. Second, NBD is reduced by electrons provided by external pulse power supply, and initiates octavinylsilsesquioxane polymerizing to form the film, which is composed of PNP and massive POSS cage, leading to a low k value. The average dielectric constant of the film is 2.12 at the range of 600 to 1700 nm wavelength, much lower than some low‐k materials reported by recent literature and traditional materials. The prepared films completely cover the Si substrate and are compact and thickness controllable. In particular, the k value can be controlled though the concentration of NBD. The low‐k properties imply they will be suitable to be utilized as high‐performance dielectric materials in future higher frequency communication field.
Epitaxial III–V/Si Vertical Heterostructures with Hybrid 2D‐Semimetal/Semiconductor Ambipolar and Photoactive Properties
Authors: Chen Lipin , Léger Yoan , Loget Gabriel , Piriyev Mekan , Jadli Imen , Tricot Sylvain , Rohel Tony , Bernard Rozenn , Beck Alexandre , Le Pouliquen Julie , Turban Pascal , Schieffer Philippe , Levallois Christophe , Fabre Bruno , Pedesseau Laurent , Even Jacky , Bertru Nicolas , Cornet Charles
Published: November 2021

Hybrid materials taking advantage of the different physical properties of materials are highly attractive for numerous applications in today's science and technology. Here, it is demonstrated that epitaxial bi‐domain III–V/Si are hybrid structures, composed of bulk photo‐active semiconductors with 2D topological semi‐metallic vertical inclusions, endowed with ambipolar properties. By combining structural, transport, and photoelectrochemical characterizations with first‐principle calculations, it is shown that the bi‐domain III–V/Si materials are able within the same layer to absorb light efficiently, separate laterally the photo‐generated carriers, transfer them to semimetal singularities, and ease extraction of both electrons and holes vertically, leading to efficient carrier collection. Besides, the original topological properties of the 2D semi‐metallic inclusions are also discussed. This comb‐like heterostructure not only merges the superior optical properties of semiconductors with good transport properties of metallic materials, but also combines the high efficiency and tunability afforded by III–V inorganic bulk materials with the flexible management of nano‐scale charge carriers usually offered by blends of organic materials. Physical properties of these novel hybrid heterostructures can be of great interest for energy harvesting, photonic, electronic or computing devices.
Polysulfide Catalytic Materials for Fast‐Kinetic Metal–Sulfur Batteries: Principles and Active Centers
Authors: Cheng Menghao , Yan Rui , Yang Zhao , Tao Xuefeng , Ma Tian , Cao Sujiao , Ran Fen , Li Shuang , Yang Wei , Cheng Chong
Published: November 2021

Benefiting from the merits of low cost, ultrahigh‐energy densities, and environmentally friendliness, metal–sulfur batteries (M–S batteries) have drawn massive attention recently. However, their practical utilization is impeded by the shuttle effect and slow redox process of polysulfide. To solve these problems, enormous creative approaches have been employed to engineer new electrocatalytic materials to relieve the shuttle effect and promote the catalytic kinetics of polysulfides. In this review, recent advances on designing principles and active centers for polysulfide catalytic materials are systematically summarized. At first, the currently reported chemistries and mechanisms for the catalytic conversion of polysulfides are presented in detail. Subsequently, the rational design of polysulfide catalytic materials from catalytic polymers and frameworks to active sites loaded carbons for polysulfide catalysis to accelerate the reaction kinetics is comprehensively discussed. Current breakthroughs are highlighted and directions to guide future primary challenges, perspectives, and innovations are identified. Computational methods serve an ever‐increasing part in pushing forward the active center design. In summary, a cutting‐edge understanding to engineer different polysulfide catalysts is provided, and both experimental and theoretical guidance for optimizing future M–S batteries and many related battery systems are offered.