bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Extent of Lymph Node Dissection on Precise Staging and Survival in Clinical I–II Pure-Solid Lung Cancer Undergoing Lobectomy
Authors: Chen Donglai , Mao Yiming , Wen Junmiao , Shu Jian , Ye Fei , She Yunlang , Ding Qifeng , Shi Li , Xue Tao , Fan Min , Chen Yongbing , Chen Chang
Published: November 2021

Background: This study sought to determine the optimal number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) and examined node stations (ENSs) in patients with radiologically pure-solid non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lobectomy and ipsilateral lymphadenectomy by investigating the impact of ELNs and ENSs on accurate staging and long-term survival. Materials and Methods: Data from 6 institutions in China on resected clinical stage I–II (cI–II) NSCLCs presenting as pure-solid tumors were analyzed for the impact of ELNs and ENSs on nodal upstaging, stage migration, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Correlations between different endpoints and ELNs or ENSs were fitted with a LOWESS smoother, and the structural break points were determined by Chow test. Results: Both ELNs and ENSs were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS (ENS hazard ratio [HR], 0.690; 95% CI, 0.597–0.797; P<.001; ELN HR, 0.950; 95% CI, 0.917–0.983; P=.004) and RFS (ENS HR, 0.859; 95% CI, 0.793–0.931; P<.001; ELN HR, 0.960; 95% CI, 0.942–0.962; P<.001), which were also associated with postoperative nodal upstaging (ENS odds ratio [OR], 1.057; 95% CI, 1.002–1.187; P=.004; ELN OR, 1.186; 95% CI, 1.148–1.226; P<.001). A greater number of ELNs and ENSs correlated with a higher accuracy of nodal staging and a lower probability of stage migration. Cut-point analysis revealed an optimal cutoff of 18 LNs and 6 node stations for stage cI–II pure-solid NSCLCs, which were validated in our multi-institutional cohort. Conclusions: Extensive examination of LNs and node stations seemed crucial to predicting accurate staging and survival outcomes. A threshold of 18 LNs and 6 node stations might be considered for evaluating the quality of LN examination in patients with stage cI–II radiologically pure-solid NSCLCs.
Prevalence of Anemia and Compliance With NCCN Guidelines for Evaluation and Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Hufnagel Demetra Hypatia , Mehta Sumit Tushar , Ezekwe Chinyere , Brown Alaina J. , Beeghly-Fadiel Alicia , Prescott Lauren Shore
Published: November 2021

Background: NCCN recommends evaluation and treatment of all patients with cancer who have anemia. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of anemia among patients with gynecologic cancer and compliance with the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Hematopoietic Growth Factors. Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with primary gynecologic cancer between 2008 and 2018. We identified tumor registry–confirmed patients using ICD-O codes from the Synthetic Derivative database, a deidentified copy of Vanderbilt’s electronic medical records. Patients were included if they were between ages 18 and 89 years, received initial care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and had a hemoglobin measurement within the first 6 months of diagnosis. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level ≤11 g/dL and was graded using CTCAE version 5.0. Results: A total of 939 patients met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 60 years. The most common malignancy was uterine cancer. At the time of cancer diagnosis, 186 patients (20%) were noted to have anemia. Within 6 months of diagnosis, 625 patients (67%) had anemia, of whom 200 (32%) had grade 3 anemia and 209 (33%) underwent any evaluation of anemia, including 80 (38%) with iron studies performed. Of the patients with iron studies performed, 7 (9%) had absolute iron deficiency and 7 (9%) had possible functional iron deficiency. Among those with anemia within 6 months of diagnosis, 260 (42%) received treatment for anemia, including blood transfusion (n=205; 79%), oral iron (n=57; 22%), intravenous iron (n=8; 3%), vitamin B12 (n=37; 14%), and folate supplementation (n=7; 3%). Patients with ovarian cancer were significantly more likely to have anemia and undergo evaluation and treatment of anemia. Conclusions: Anemia is pervasive among patients with gynecologic cancer, but compliance with the NCCN Guidelines is low. Our data suggest that there are opportunities for improvement in the evaluation and management of anemia.
Experience, Perceptions, and Recommendations Concerning COVID-19–Related Clinical Research Adjustments
Authors: Gerber David E. , Sheffield Thomas Y. , Beg M. Shaalan , Williams Erin L. , Clark Valerie L. , Xie Yang , Holbein M.E. Blair , Skinner Celette Sugg , Lee Simon J. Craddock
Published: November 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA and NIH altered clinical trial requirements to protect participants and manage study conduct. Given their detailed knowledge of research protocols and regular contact with patients, clinicians, and sponsors, clinical research professionals offer important perspectives on these changes. Methods: We developed and distributed an anonymous survey assessing COVID-19–related clinical trial adjustment experiences, perceptions, and recommendations to Clinical Research Office personnel at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Responses were compared using the Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 94 of 109 contacted research personnel (87%) responded. Among these individuals, 58% had >5 years’ professional experience in clinical research, and 56% had personal experience with a COVID-19–related change. Respondents perceived that these changes had a positive impact on patient safety; treatment efficacy; patient and staff experience; and communication with patients, investigators, and sponsors. More than 90% felt that positive changes should be continued after COVID-19. For remote consent, telehealth, therapy shipment, off-site diagnostics, and remote monitoring, individuals with personal experience with the specific change and individuals with >5 years’ professional experience were numerically more likely to recommend continuing the adjustment, and these differences were significant for telehealth (P=.04) and therapy shipment (P=.02). Conclusions: Clinical research professionals perceive that COVID-19–related clinical trial adjustments positively impact multiple aspects of study conduct. Those with greatest experience—both specific to COVID-19–related changes and more generally—are more likely to recommend that these adjustments continue in the future.
Methylene Blue for the Treatment of Intractable Pain From Oral Mucositis Related to Cancer Treatment: An Uncontrolled Cohort
Authors: Roldan Carlos J. , Chung Matthew , Feng Lei , Bruera Eduardo
Published: November 2021

Background: Oral mucositis is a complication of cancer therapy, causing severe pain that affects oral functioning, nutrition, and quality of life, as well as therapy nonadherence or dose-limiting toxicity. Anecdotal experience has suggested that methylene blue (MB) oral rinse may be an effective and safe treatment of this oral pain. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MB oral rinse for the treatment of oral pain due to mucositis in patients with cancer, we retrospectively evaluated patients who experienced refractory pain despite conventional therapy. Results: We identified 281 patients who received MB oral rinse. Most were receiving treatment for leukemia (n=85; 30.3%) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (n=84; 29.9%). The most common treatments were radiation therapy alone (n=108; 38.4%) and chemoradiation (n=86; 30.6%). Median duration of symptoms was 14 days. Mean (SD) numeric rating scale pain scores were 7.7 (1.83; median, 8) before MB oral rinse and 2.51 (2.76; median, 2) after MB oral rinse (P<.0001). Most patients achieved pain control within the first 3 doses. The effectiveness of MB oral rinse was independent of patient age, sex, cancer type, cancer stage, MB dilution, and pain duration or baseline pain scores. The lowest response to treatment was reported in individuals with esophageal mucositis. Few patients experienced adverse effects of MB oral rinse (n=13; 4.6%); 10 had a transient burning sensation, 2 had transient blue discoloration of the teeth and mouth, and 1 had increased pain. Conclusions: MB oral rinse is an effective and safe treatment for refractory pain from oral mucositis related to cancer treatment.
Hepatobiliary Cancers, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Authors: Benson Al B. , D’Angelica Michael I. , Abbott Daniel E. , Anaya Daniel A. , Anders Robert , Are Chandrakanth , Bachini Melinda , Borad Mitesh , Brown Daniel , Burgoyne Adam , Chahal Prabhleen , Chang Daniel T. , Cloyd Jordan , Covey Anne M. , Glazer Evan S. , Goyal Lipika , Hawkins William G. , Iyer Renuka , Jacob Rojymon , Kelley R. Kate , Kim Robin , Levine Matthew , Palta Manisha , Park James O. , Raman Steven , Reddy Sanjay , Sahai Vaibhav , Schefter Tracey , Singh Gagandeep , Stein Stacey , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Venook Alan P. , Yopp Adam , McMillian Nicole R. , Hochstetler Cindy , Darlow Susan D.
Published: November 2021

The NCCN Guidelines for Hepatobiliary Cancers focus on the screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer, and cancer of the bile ducts (intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). Due to the multiple modalities that can be used to treat the disease and the complications that can arise from comorbid liver dysfunction, a multidisciplinary evaluation is essential for determining an optimal treatment strategy. A multidisciplinary team should include hepatologists, diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and pathologists with hepatobiliary cancer expertise. In addition to surgery, transplant, and intra-arterial therapies, there have been great advances in the systemic treatment of HCC. Until recently, sorafenib was the only systemic therapy option for patients with advanced HCC. In 2020, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab became the first regimen to show superior survival to sorafenib, gaining it FDA approval as a new frontline standard regimen for unresectable or metastatic HCC. This article discusses the NCCN Guidelines recommendations for HCC.
Human enhancement and functional diversity: Ethical concerns of emerging technologies and transhumanism
Authors: Serra Miquel-Àngel
Published: November 2021

The concepts of posthuman, transhuman, transhumanism and human enhancement, and their use of emerging technologies, are described together with their scientific and social implications. Genome editing techniques for enhancement purposes, as well as their scientific, societal, and ethical drawbacks are specifically discussed. In particular, we focus on a perspective of personal and collective responsibility and social inclusion, considering all people, with their functional diversity or different abilities. Pros and cons of proposals for radical transformation as endorsed by transhumanism (genome editing), their impact on future generations and on subjects with functional diversity, and the need of a global ethical frame, are discussed.
Som (i serem) efímers: La ficció sobre un futur amb humans millorats
Authors: Prieto Pep
Published: November 2021

Les ficcions sobre el futur, i els humans que l’han de poblar, estan fonamentades en la consciència de les nostres limitacions i d’allò que mai no podrem arribar a ser. Aquestes representacions, ja siguin utòpiques o distòpiques, expressen la nostra contradicció entre els nostres anhels i els nostres dubtes.
Nacimiento, auge y extinción de un fenómeno de intolerancia política: la lucha contra la propaganda radical en Nueva York y Washington D.C. (1918-1920)
Authors: Migliucci Dario
Published: November 2021

Objective/Context: This article analyzes a historical period—the first years after the end of the First World War—that was deeply marked by the way in which different actors in American society reacted to the propaganda activities of radical movements. Specifically, it looks at how the battle against radicalism was fought in Washington D.C. and New York. Methodology: The article follows the traditional historiographic method of analysis and contextualization of primary sources. Archival documentation has been collected at the New York State Archives and the National Archives and Records Administration, while newspaper material was consulted in the United States Library of Congress. Originality: When academic literature addresses the issue of radical propaganda during the first years of the interwar period, the main objective is usually to study the repression campaigns organized by legislators and the Department of Justice. This research focuses on the interaction between political leaders and other actors in American society at the time: officials, journalists, ordinary citizens, among others. Conclusions: The anxiety generated in certain sectors of the population by the dissemination of radical propaganda was constantly stimulated by politicians in search of visibility. Thus, citizen restlessness turned into a feeling of blind anger towards those who spread the doctrines of radical movements. There existed a climate of strong enthusiasm around these repression campaigns as well. The sudden extinction of this phenomenon was due to the fact that these inquisitorial campaigns were ultimately perceived by many citizens as “anti-American” initiatives.
Teachers Unions’ Leadership and Their Impact on Educational Reforms in Israel
Authors: Sorek Zion , Gaziel Haim , Ifanti Amalia A.
Published: November 2021

This article examines the politics of the teacher unions in the education reforms in Israel. In particular, the impact of the Histadrut Hamorim (HH) and the Irgun Hamorim (IH) teacher unions in the three educational reforms that took place in the country, in the years 1968, 2008 and
2011 respectively, was analyzed. For this purpose, a systematic literature review on the topic was carried out. Firstly, the discourse about the teacher unions potential influence upon the education reform decision policies was studied. Secondly, the role of the teacher unions in the education
policy reforms in Israel was examined from a historical perspective, with special reference to the two unions under consideration. In conclusion, our study revealed that the impact of the teacher unions upon the education policy formation relating to the reforms as suggested in this piece
of work seemed to be concerned with the unions’ political and ideological attachment to the political party in power.
The Mouse Action Recognition System (MARS) software pipeline for automated analysis of social behaviors in mice
Authors: Segalin Cristina , Williams Jalani , Karigo Tomomi , Hui May , Zelikowsky Moriel , Sun Jennifer J , Perona Pietro , Anderson David J , Kennedy Ann
Published: November 2021

The study of naturalistic social behavior requires quantification of animals’ interactions. This is generally done through manual annotation—a highly time-consuming and tedious process. Recent advances in computer vision enable tracking the pose (posture) of freely behaving animals. However, automatically and accurately classifying complex social behaviors remains technically challenging. We introduce the Mouse Action Recognition System (MARS), an automated pipeline for pose estimation and behavior quantification in pairs of freely interacting mice. We compare MARS’s annotations to human annotations and find that MARS’s pose estimation and behavior classification achieve human-level performance. We also release the pose and annotation datasets used to train MARS to serve as community benchmarks and resources. Finally, we introduce the Behavior Ensemble and Neural Trajectory Observatory (BENTO), a graphical user interface for analysis of multimodal neuroscience datasets. Together, MARS and BENTO provide an end-to-end pipeline for behavior data extraction and analysis in a package that is user-friendly and easily modifiable.
Helicobacter pylori virulence factors: relationship between genetic variability and phylogeographic origin
Authors: Rodriguez Aura M. , Urrea Daniel A. , Prada Carlos F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract from human stomachs and causes diseases including gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric lymphoma (MALT), and gastric cancer, with a higher prevalence in developing countries. Its high genetic diversity among strains is caused by a high mutation rate, observing virulence factors (VFs) variations in different geographic lineages. This study aimed to postulate the genetic variability associated with virulence factors present in the Helicobacter pylori strains, to identify the relationship of these genes with their phylogeographic origin.

Methods

The complete genomes of 135 strains available in NCBI, from different population origins, were analyzed using bioinformatics tools, identifying a high rate; as well as reorganization events in 87 virulence factor genes, divided into seven functional groups, to determine changes in position, number of copies, nucleotide identity and size, contrasting them with their geographical lineage and pathogenic phenotype.

Results

Bioinformatics analyses show a high rate of gene annotation errors in VF. Analysis of genetic variability of VFs shown that there is not a direct relationship between the reorganization and geographic lineage. However, regarding the pathogenic phenotype demonstrated in the analysis of many copies, size, and similarity when dividing the strains that possess and not the cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI), having a higher risk of developing gastritis and peptic ulcer was evidenced. Our data has shown that the analysis of the overall genetic variability of all VFs present in each strain of H. pylori is key information in understanding its pathogenic behavior.
Monitoring newt communities in urban area using eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Charvoz Léo , Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil Laure , Reo Emanuela , Thiébaud Jacques , Pawlowski Jan
Published: November 2021

Newts are amphibians commonly present in small ponds or garden pools in urban areas. They are protected in many countries and their presence is monitored through visual observation and/or trapping. However, newts are not easy to spot as they are small, elusive and often hidden at the bottom of water bodies. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a popular tool for detecting newts, with a focus on individual species using qPCR assays. Here, we assess the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding compared to conventional visual surveys of newt diversity in 45 ponds within urban areas of Geneva canton, Switzerland. We designed newt-specific mitochondrial 16S rRNA primers, which assign the majority of amplicons to newts, and were able to detect four species known to be present in the region, including the invasive subspecies Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis, native to the Italian peninsula, that has been introduced in the Geneva area recently. The obtained eDNA results were congruent overall with conventional surveys, confirming the morphological observations in the majority of cases (67%). In 25% of cases, a species was only detected genetically, while in 8% of cases, the observations were not supported by eDNA metabarcoding. Our study confirms the usefulness of eDNA metabarcoding as a tool for the effective and non-invasive monitoring of newt community and suggests its broader use for the survey of newt diversity in urban area at larger scales.
Prediction of early recurrence and response to adjuvant Sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma after resection
Authors: Zheng Liming , Gu Xi , Zheng Guojun , Li Xin , He Meifang , Liu Longgen , Zhou Xike
Published: November 2021

Background

Early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major obstacle to improving the prognosis, and no widely accepted adjuvant therapy guideline for patients post-liver resection is available. Currently, all available methods and biomarkers are insufficient to accurately predict post-operation HCC patients’ risk of early recurrence and their response to adjuvant therapy.

Methods

In this study, we downloaded four gene expression datasets (GSE14520, GSE54236, GSE87630, and GSE109211) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and identified 34 common differentially expressed genes associated with HCC dysregulation and response to adjuvant sorafenib. Then, we constructed a novel 11-messenger RNA predictive model by using ROC curves analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, and LASSO Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, we validated the predictive values of the risk model in GSE14520 and TCGA-LIHC cohorts by using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, multivariable Cox regression analysis, and decision curve analysis, respectively.

Results

The risk score model could identify patients with a high risk of HCC recurrence at the early stage and could predict the response of patients to adjuvant sorafenib. Patients with a high risk score had a worse recurrence rate in training cohorts (2-year: p < 0.0001, hazard ratio (HR): 4.658, confidence interval 95% CI [2.895–7.495]; 5-year: p < 0.0001, HR: 3.251, 95% CI [2.155–4.904]) and external validation cohorts (2-year: p < 0.001, HR: 3.65, 95% CI [2.001–6.658]; 5-year: p < 0.001, HR: 3.156, 95% CI [1.78–5.596]). The AUC values of the risk score model for predicting tumor early recurrence were 0.746 and 0.618, and that of the risk score model for predicting the response to adjuvant sorafenib were 0.722 and 0.708 in the different cohort, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis and decision curve analysis also showed that the risk score model was superior to and independent of other clinicopathologic characteristics. Moreover, the risk score model had excellent abilities to predict the overall survival and HCC recurrence of patients with the same tumor stage category.

Conclusions

Our risk model is a reliable and superior predictive tool. With this model, we could optimize the risk stratification based on early tumor recurrence and could evaluate the response of patients to adjuvant sorafenib after liver resection.
CROSSING BOUNDARIES. THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF INTERCULTURAL BIBLE READING IN SECULAR / POST-SECULAR CONTEXTS
Authors: Jonker Louis
Published: November 2021

Intercultural biblical hermeneutics is a fairly recent development in biblical scholarship in general. It emphasises that biblical interpretation almost always takes place in contexts where an array of cultural values and beliefs determine the outcome of the interpretative process. Although this branch of biblical hermeneutics emerged from the need to reflect theoretically on how Christians from different socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts engage the biblical texts, and one another on account of those texts, this approach may also be widened to include the interpretation of the Bible in non-Christian contexts (including the contexts of other religions and secular contexts) or even to engage in discourse on the interpretation of authoritative texts of different traditions (such as the Qur’an in Islam, in addition to the Tenakh of Judaism, and the Old and New Testament of Christianity). In research on intercultural biblical hermeneutics, it has been noticed that intercultural interpretation holds enormous transformative potential. My paper will examine how this could be of use in engagements between religious, secular and post-secular contexts.
THE (IR)RELEVANCE OF BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP? A CHALLENGE, AND AN OPPORTUNITY
Authors: Giffone Benjamin D.
Published: November 2021

Has biblical scholarship become irrelevant to modern secular societies? Are the threats to the viability of biblical scholarship of the same nature as the threats to other areas of the humanities (history, philosophy, literature), or is there a qualitative difference? What about the role of technology in biblical research and biblical education? What is the future of the institutions of biblical scholarship such as universities, seminaries, journals, and academic presses? What is the role of biblical scholars in secular and post-secular societies, as contrasted with scholars in/from emerging communities? This essay argues that the problem of “validation” lies at the heart of biblical scholarship’s irrelevancy within the broader secularity of modern world and that this problem is even more evident in the scholarly discourse coming from regions like Eastern Europe and South Africa. However, the loss of authority of biblical scholarship more generally represents an opportunity for these communities. Rather than becoming enamoured of validation from the North Atlantic world, Bible-reading communities must cultivate their own forms of validation based in their unique histories with the Bible, and the affinities between their own histories/cultures and the cultures that produced the Old and New Testament texts.
Collaborations Practice Implementation on Education for Sustainable Development in Host Universities of Regional Centres of Expertise, Kenya
Authors: Ng’ang’a Nancy , Thinguri Ruth , Macharia Ayub
Published: November 2021

The study sought to assess the scope of collaborations practice implementation on education for sustainable development (ESD) in host universities of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) in Kenya as well as the challenges faced thereof. The study was conducted using a mixed methodology with concurrent model of triangulation and descriptive survey research design to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study established that host universities had made efforts to implement RCE collaborations practice on ESD through creation of new partnerships. Cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders was well supported by the host universities through collaborative governance where stakeholders were involved in decision making.  The study recommended that host universities of RCEs should be more intentional in creating awareness on RCEs and ESD through university community outreach programs in order to build capacity in social learning and networking on ESD.
Effect of Calcination on the Chemical and Microstructural Properties of Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Rehman Khalil Ur , Ahmad Afaq , Ahmad Fawad , Khan Ezaz Ali , Siffat Muhammad Armaghan
Published: November 2021

This research study is aimed to evaluate the effects of different calcination temperatures on the properties of rice husk ash such as the chemical and microstructural properties. Rice husk ash is not utilized properly; it is not dumped with proper handling which is also causing environmental issues. Currently researchers are working on supplementary cementitious materials in concrete, in light of which, this research study is aimed to evaluate the effects of burning on Rics Husk Ash (RHA) structure and its pozzolanic reactivity for utilizing it in concrete. The rice husk is burnt at temperatures of 600-800°C for a duration of 8, 16 and 24 hours and for evaluating different chemical and structural properties through tests of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). It is concluded that burning of rice husk at 600-800°C for duration of 24 hours gives us more reactive and amorphous material and can be used as a cement substitute for sustainable concrete production.
Prediction of COVID-19 New Cases Using Multiple Linear Regression Model Based on May to June 2020 Data in Ethiopia
Authors: Argawu Alemayehu Siffir , Gobebo Gizachew , Bedane Ketema , Senbeto Temesgen , Lemessa Reta , Galdassa Agassa
Published: November 2021

The aims of this study was to predict COVID-19 new cases using multiple linear regression model based on May to June 2020 data in Ethiopia. The COVID-19 cases data was collected from the Ethiopia Ministry of Health Organization Facebook page. Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression model were used in the study. And, the COVID-19 new cases was positively correlated with the number of days, daily laboratory tests, new cases of males, new cases of females, new cases from Addis Ababa city, and new cases from foreign natives. In the multiple linear regression model, COVID-19 new cases was significantly predicted by the number of days at 5%, the number of daily laboratory tests at 10%, and the number of new cases from Addis Ababa city at 1% levels of significance. Then, the researchers recommended that Ethiopian Government, Ministry of Health, and Addis Ababa city administrative should give more awareness and protections for societies, and they should open again more COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. And, this study will help the government and doctors in preparing their plans for the next times.
Vaginal Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System
Authors: Mohite Bhaskar , Patel Rakesh , Kayande Nandu , Thenge Raju
Published: November 2021

Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are delivery systems which utilize the property of bioadhesion of certain polymers which become adhesive on hydration and hence can be used for targeting a drug to a particular region of the body for extended periods of time. Many of these delivery routes, particularly those through the nasal, ocular, reproductive and gastrointestinal system, involve contact with mucosal surfaces. The gastrointestinal route has been particularly popular among medical staff and patients alike. Although convenient, unfortunately, this route can be very inefficient for a number of reasons, including too rapid transit of the drug-containing delivery system past the optimum site for absorption, which is normally the small intestine and to a lesser degree the stomach and colon. Mucoadhesive formulations use polymers as the adhesive component. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are available in the form of tablets, films, patches, and gels for oral, buccal, nasal, ocular, vaginal, rectal and topical routes for both systemic and local effects. This review article represents the various aspects of vaginal drug delivery system, bioadhesion mechanism, Theory of bioadhesion, factors affecting bioadhesion, various types of vaginal formulation etc.
Role of Ayurveda in Pandemic Situation (COVID-19) and Involvement of Pranwah Srotas with Its Treatment: Review Article
Authors: Preeti Dabral , Madhu Pathak
Published: November 2021

Pandemic disease affects the whole world.COVID-19 is a Pandemic disease which deteriorates an individual's life, not only in a specific country but the whole world is suffering. Individuals health, life, economy affected by this Corona virus. It is proven that corona virus can infect people of all ages, but there are people with high risk of contamination who are elderly, individuals with a compromised immunity system and people with health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, asthma, lung disease etc. It is highly contagious that's why it is more dangerous than other viruses of its family. we can prevent from this viral disease by taking such precautions no antibiotics is beneficial in corona virus infection so we can prevent ourselves from this virus by taking preventive measures. Sushrut has mentioned aupsargik rog (communicable disease) in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient science, which believe in preventive measures for healthy persons and treat a patient by medicines which is described in ayurvedic textbook and Aachar rasayan.
Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 AND Cardiovascular Disease: A Mini Review
Authors: Rai Srinidhi
Published: November 2021

Objective of the review is to explore the role of angiopoietin like 3 protein (ANGPTL3) as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. ANGPTL3 (human), one member of the angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) family, has been identified as an important regulator of lipid metabolism. Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevation of plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and reduction of plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), has been verified as a causal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), leading to a high mortality rate in general population. There may be an association between ANGPTL3, dyslipidemia, diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
Formulation and Evaluation of Orodispersible Tablet for Anti-Asthamatic Drug
Authors: M. Lokade Amitkumar , G. Shete Priya , G. Shete Neha , S. Khobragade Deepak , D. Pimpale Awdhut , Gawali Rahul W. , S. Jirvankar Pranita , Chandewar Shital A.
Published: November 2021

Objective iof ithe ipresent iwork iis ito idevelop iorodispersible itablets iof iSalbutamol i ito iimprove ibioavailability, idisintegration itime, idissolution iefficacy iand ipatient icompliance. iOrodispersible itablets iare ithe ifast igrowing iand ihighly iaccepted idrug idelivery isystem iin inow idays imainly ito iimprove ipatient icompliance. iOrodispersible itablets ihave inumber iof iadvantages iover iconventional idosage iforms, ibecause iof ithat iOrodispersible itablets ihave iemerged ias ian ialternative ito iconventional idosage iforms. Orodispersible itablets idissolve ior idisintegrates iinstantly ion ithe ipatient itongue ior ibuccal imucosa. iOrodispersible itablets iof isolbutamol i iwere iprepared iusing isuperdisintegrants, iCrospovidone,Mannitol (Pearlitol iSD-200), ias idiluents iby idirect icompression imethod. iNine iformulations iwere iprepared iusing ithe isuperdisintegrants iat ilower, iintermediate i& ihigher iconcentration. iMannitol iis iused ito ienhance ithe iorganoleptic iproperties iof itablets. iTablets iwere ievaluated ifor iuniformity iof iweight, ihardness, ifriability, iwater iabsorption iratio, idispersion itime, idisintegration itime iand iin ivitro idrug irelease. iAll ithe iformulations ishowed idisintegration itime iless ithan i33 mins iand idrug irelease iby idissolution i(100% iat ithe iend iof i10 imins).
Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Biomedical Sensing Devices
Authors: Ali Md. Azahar , Hu Chunshan , Yttri Eric A. , Panat Rahul
Published: November 2021

Additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing, is a rapidly evolving technique that allows for the fabrication of functional materials with complex architectures, controlled microstructures, and material combinations. This capability has influenced the field of biomedical sensing devices by enabling the trends of device miniaturization, customization, and elasticity (i.e., having mechanical properties that match with the biological tissue). In this paper, the current state‐of‐the‐art knowledge of biomedical sensors with the unique and unusual properties enabled by 3D printing is reviewed. The review encompasses clinically important areas involving the quantification of biomarkers (neurotransmitters, metabolites, and proteins), soft and implantable sensors, microfluidic biosensors, and wearable haptic sensors. In addition, the rapid sensing of pathogens and pathogen biomarkers enabled by 3D printing, an area of significant interest considering the recent worldwide pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, is also discussed. It is also described how 3D printing enables critical sensor advantages including lower limit‐of‐detection, sensitivity, greater sensing range, and the ability for point‐of‐care diagnostics. Further, manufacturing itself benefits from 3D printing via rapid prototyping, improved resolution, and lower cost. This review provides researchers in academia and industry a comprehensive summary of the novel possibilities opened by the progress in 3D printing technology for a variety of biomedical applications.
Flexible Photodetectors Based on All‐Solution‐Processed Cu Electrodes and InSe Nanoflakes with High Stabilities
Authors: Li Peng , Hao Qiaoyan , Liu Jidong , Qi Dianyu , Gan Haibo , Zhu Jiaqi , Liu Fei , Zheng Zijian , Zhang Wenjing
Published: November 2021

Flexible electronics attract extensive interest in academic research and commercial markets. Fabrication of electronics on flexible substrates remains a great challenge though. Mostly, components of electronics including metal electrodes and functional materials are created via physical vapor deposition (PVD) in conjunction with photolithography. Nevertheless, ultrathin polymeric substrates are susceptible to environmental shocks during PVD. In this paper, a full‐solution process for fabricating copper (Cu) electrodes of micrometer (µm) scale on polymeric substrates is realized under ambient conditions via photolithography‐patterning polymer‐assisted metal deposition (pp‐PAMD). Apart from low fabrication costs from instruments capitals and energy inputs, these flexible Cu electrodes show superior mechanical durability. As a proof‐of‐concept application, large‐quantity and high‐quality indium selenide (InSe) nanoflakes, obtained by liquid electrochemical intercalation and ultrasonic exfoliation, are deposited on top of flexible Cu electrodes to construct all‐solution‐processed flexible photodetectors. The as‐fabricated flexible InSe photodetectors demonstrate excellent operational stability during 5000 continuous laser on‐off cycles, shelf stability under ambient storage conditions without encapsulation for 20 weeks, thermal viability from 90 to 360 K, and flexible stability upon mechanical bending at a radius (r) of 2 mm for 5000 cycles. This work implies the potential of pp‐PAMD technique and prospects of solution processes in fabricating flexible electronics.
Hydrogel Ionotronics with Ultra‐Low Impedance and High Signal Fidelity across Broad Frequency and Temperature Ranges
Authors: Yao Bowen , Wu Shuwang , Wang Ruoxing , Yan Yichen , Cardenas Anne , Wu Dong , Alsaid Yousif , Wu Wenzhuo , Zhu Xinyuan , He Ximin
Published: November 2021

Ionotronics, emerging devices that couple gel ionic conductors and electronic circuits, have shown great promise as stretchable alternatives with multi‐functionalities to conventional rigid devices, ranging from energy harvesting to sensing, displaying, and actuation. However, current hydrogel ionotronics’ performances are still unsatisfactory: i) upon high alternating current frequency (> 1000 Hz), the ionic conductivity dominates but is rather low and drops further drastically as temperature decreases; ii) upon low frequency (< 1000 Hz), the unstable and high impedance at the electrode/hydrogel interface dominates unfavorably but has been overlooked previously. To remedy these issues, herein, a systematic strategy is proposed by employing a highly ionically‐conductive anti‐freezing hydrogel and electronically‐conductive porous polymer films with high electrical‐double‐layer capacitance as electrodes to connect the hydrogel and metal leads. The hydrogel has an ultra‐high conductivity, while being transparent, stretchable, and easily prepared by one‐step photo‐gelation. Meanwhile, the conducting polymer electrodes realize a stable and low interfacial impedance and improved voltage tolerance, enabling much higher fidelity of ion‐electron signal transduction than using gold electrodes. This strategy can be applied to construct various ionotronics for broad applications, including triboelectric nanogenerators, touch panels, displays, soft robotics, and multifunctional electronics with broad operational frequency and temperature ranges.
Exchange Coupling in Synthetic Anion‐Engineered Chromia Heterostructures
Authors: Lin Shan , Wang Zhiwen , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Shengru , Jin Qiao , Yao Hongbao , Xu Shuai , Meng Fanqi , Yin Xinmao , Wang Can , Ge Chen , Guo Haizhong , Tang Chi Sin , Wee Andrew T. S. , Gu Lin , Jin Kui‐juan , Yang Hongxin , Guo Er‐Jia
Published: November 2021

Control of magnetic states by external factors has garnered a mainstream status in spintronic research for designing low power consumption and fast‐response information storage and processing devices. Previously, magnetic‐cation substitution was the conventional approach to induce ferromagnetism in an intrinsic antiferromagnet. Theoretically, anion doping is proposed to be another means to change magnetic ground states. Here, the authors demonstrate the synthesis of high‐quality single‐phase chromium oxynitride thin films using in‐situ nitrogen doping. Unlike antiferromagnetic monoanionic chromium oxide and nitride phases, chromium oxynitride exhibits a robust ferromagnetic and insulating state, as demonstrated by the combination of multiple magnetization probes and theoretical calculations. With increasing the nitrogen content, the crystal structure of chromium oxynitride transits from trigonal (Rc) to tetragonal (4 mm) phase and its saturation magnetization reduces significantly. Furthermore, they achieve a large and controllable exchange bias field in the chromia heterostructures by synthetic anion engineering. This work reflects the anion engineering in functional oxides towards potential applications in giant magnetoresistance and tunnelling junctions of modern magnetic sensors and read heads.
Mixed‐Dimensional MoS2/Ge Heterostructure Junction Field‐Effect Transistors for Logic Operation and Photodetection
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Liming , Zhang Yichi , Yang Maolong , Lin Dongdong , Zhang Ningning , Jiang Zuimin , Liu Maliang , Zhu Zhangming , Hu Huiyong
Published: November 2021

There has been a growing interest in electronic and optoelectronic devices based on heterostructures between atomically thin 2D and 3D semiconductor materials. This paper proposes a 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/3D germanium (Ge) junction field‐effect transistor (JFET). Typical electrical characteristics of the JFET are observed, with a low subthreshold swing of ≈88 mV/dec and a high on/off ratio of ≈105. The device exhibits a bidirection photoresponse in which the photocurrent polarity is reversed depending on the wavelength of light. Under visible illumination at 532 nm, the positive photoresponsivity of this device can be modulated by the gate voltage, reaching a peak value of 66 A W−1. In contrast, the device exhibits a tunable negative photoresponse behavior under an infrared illumination of 1550 nm. This is attributed to the competition between the negative photoresponse from the bolometric effect in MoS2 and the positive photoresponse from photogenerated carriers in Ge. Based on these interesting characteristics in this JFET, three controllable current states (−1, 0, and 1) are realized by changing the gate voltage and infrared light. These results indicate that the device has promising potential as a multifunctional optoelectronic unit, including signal amplification, broadband photodetection, and multilogic calculations.
Internal Electric Field on Steering Charge Migration: Modulations, Determinations and Energy‐Related Applications
Authors: Yue Xiaoyang , Fan Jiajie , Xiang Quanjun
Published: November 2021

Energy‐related problems induced by ever‐continuous fossil consumption have arisen as one of the most challenging issues in the 21st century, imposing urgent demands on advanced materials to achieve high energy utilization and a sustainable society. In various solar energy utilization and solar‐to‐fuel energy conversion processes, charge carriers are the main and inevitable participators, and the charge dynamics related to their generation, migration, separation, and utilization is the key to advance the material design for settling the above issues. Internal electric field (IEF), also named as built‐in electric field, could guide directional migration of charge carriers, achieving effective charge separation, utilization, and prolonged lifetimes. This critical review begins with the discussion on various modulation strategies toward the IEF together with in‐detail elucidated mechanisms on its formation. Some cascade systems for telling the conclusive role from the induced IEF and the intrinsic design strategy are discussed. Then, a summary of the state‐of‐the‐art advances in the characterization means toward the IEF from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives is provided. Finally presented are IEF modulations in several specific energy‐related applications concerning solar cell, photocatalysis, photodetectors, and batteries to better understand its superiority for well‐performed material design, followed by perspectives on future development and opportunities of the IEF design.
Broadly Applicable Hydrogel Fabrication Procedures Guided by YAP/TAZ‐Activity Reveal Stiffness, Adhesiveness, and Nuclear Projected Area as Checkpoints for Mechanosensing
Authors: Gandin Alessandro , Torresan Veronica , Ulliana Lorenzo , Panciera Tito , Contessotto Paolo , Citron Anna , Zanconato Francesca , Cordenonsi Michelangelo , Piccolo Stefano , Brusatin Giovanna
Published: November 2021

Mechanical signals are pivotal ingredients in how cells perceive and respond to their microenvironments, and to synthetic biomaterials that mimic them. In spite of increasing interest in mechanobiology, probing the effects of physical cues on cell behavior remains challenging for a cell biology laboratory without experience in fabrication of biocompatible materials. Hydrogels are ideal biomaterials recapitulating the physical cues that natural extracellular matrices (ECM) deliver to cells. Here, protocols are streamlined for the synthesis and functionalization of cell adhesive polyacrylamide‐based (PAA‐OH) and fully‐defined polyethyleneglycol‐based (PEG‐RGD) hydrogels tuned at various rigidities for mechanobiology experiments, from 0.3 to >10 kPa.  The mechanosignaling properties of these hydrogels are investigated in distinct cell types by monitoring the activation state of YAP/TAZ. By independently modulating substrate stiffness and adhesiveness, it is found that although ECM stiffness represents an overarching mechanical signal, the density of adhesive sites does impact on cellular mechanosignaling at least at intermediate rigidity values, corresponding to normal and pathological states of living tissues. Using these tools, it is found that YAP/TAZ nuclear accumulation occurs when the projected area of the nucleus surpasses a critical threshold of approximatively 150 µm2. This work suggests the existence of distinct checkpoints for cellular mechanosensing.
Mass‐Manufactured Beam‐Steering Metasurfaces for High‐Speed Full‐Duplex Optical Wireless‐Broadcasting Communications
Authors: Tao Jin , You Quan , Li Zile , Luo Ming , Liu Zichen , Qiu Ying , Yang Yan , Zeng Yongquan , He Zhixue , Xiao Xi , Zheng Guoxing , Yu Shaohua
Published: November 2021

Beam‐steering devices, which are at the heart of optical wireless‐broadcasting communication links, play an important role in data allocation and exchange. An ideal beam‐steering device features large steering angles, arbitrary channel numbers, reconfigurability, and ultracompactness. However, these criteria have been achieved only partially with conventional beam‐steering devices based on waveguides, micro‐electricalmechanical systems, spatial light modulators, and gratings, which will substantially limit the application of optical wireless‐broadcasting communication techniques. In this study, an ultracompact full‐duplex metabroadcasting communication system is designed and experimentally demonstrated, which exhibits beam steering angles up to ±40°, 14 broadcasting channels with capacity for downstream and upstream links up to 100 and 10 Gbps for each user channel, three operating modes for flexible signal switching, and metadevice dimensions as small as 2 mm × 2 mm. In particular, the beam‐steering metadevices are mass‐manufactured by a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) processing platform, which shows their potential for large‐scale commercial applications. The demonstrated metabroadcasting communication system merges optical wireless‐broadcasting communications and metasurfaces, which reduces the complexity of beam‐steering devices while significantly increasing their performance, opening up a new avenue for high‐quality optical wireless‐broadcasting communications.