bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Células fúngicas permanecem viáveis por até doze dias em lesões de cromomicose tratadas pela criocirurgia com nitrogênio líquido
Authors: Castro Luiz G. M. , Salebian Alberto , Lacaz Carlos da Silva
Published: April 2005

FUNDAMENTOS: A criocirurgia com nitrogênio líquido (C-N2L) é um método terapêutico que vem sendo usado com freqüência crescente no tratamento da cromomicose. Acreditava-se anteriormente que as temperaturas baixas poderiam destruir o agente infectante, mas foi demonstrado que as culturas fúngicas em temperaturas tão baixas como -196°C não causaria a morte do mesmo. Apesar da comprovada eficácia, ainda não se conhece o exato mecanismo de cura. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o período de persistência de fungos viáveis em lesões de cromomicose tratadas pela C-N2L. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Cinco pacientes com cromomicose tiveram suas lesões tratadas pela C-N2L. Foram colhidos, em diferentes intervalos de tempo após a criocirurgia, fragmentos do tecido tratado. A coleta, realizada com punch de 4mm, foi feita em três períodos diferentes: de 0 a 48h, de cinco a sete dias e de 10 a 14 dias após a realização da criocirurgia. Os fragmentos obtidos foram inoculados em Agar Sabouraud para verificação de crescimento de colônias fúngicas. Cada paciente teve um total de três amostras colhidas, uma em cada um dos três períodos mencionados. RESULTADOS: O crescimento de colônias foi maior nas coletas mais precoces, enquanto nas amostras colhidas entre o pós-operatório imediato e o quinto dia de pós-operatório o índice de viabilidade foi de 7/8 (87,5%), e naquelas colhidas a partir do sexto dia de pós-operatório foi de apenas 2/7 (28,5%). O maior período de pós-operatório que demonstrou positividade foi de 12 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados confirmam os achados anteriores, os quais demonstraram que as baixas temperaturas alcançadas pela C-N2L não são responsáveis pela destruição dos fungos nas lesões de cromomicose. Os autores acreditam que fenômenos biológicos tardios, como necrose ou imunoestimulação sejam os verdadeiros responsáveis pela erradicação dos fungos nas lesões de cromomicose.
Ocorrência de onicomicose em pacientes atendidos em consultórios dermatológicos da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Araújo Adauto José Gonçalves de , Bastos Otilio Machado P. , Souza Maria Auxiliadora Jeunon , Oliveira Jeferson Carvalhaes de
Published: April 2005

FUNDAMENTOS: A infecção por dermatófitos afeta aproximadamente 40% da população mundial, representa 30% de todas as infecções micóticas cutâneas, e a onicomicose por dermatófito é a mais freqüente, representando entre 18 e 40% de todas as onicopatias. A onicomicose é causada primariamente por dermatófitos, Candida spp. e outros fungos não dermatófitos. Entre os agentes fúngicos, os dermatófitos, particularmente Trichophyton rubrum, são os mais comuns desses patógenos. Atualmente, Candida spp. pode invadir a unha distal e proximal. As onicomicoses provocadas por fungos não dermatófitos vêm aumentando em sua prevalência, e, pela similaridade clínica com a onicomicose por dermatófito, é necessário o diagnóstico laboratorial para sua diferenciação. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a ocorrência de onicomicose na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 2.920 pacientes entre janeiro de 1998 e dezembro de 1999, dos quais 1.416 apresentaram anormalidades nas unhas. RESULTADOS: A confirmação micológica de onicomicose foi possível em 565 dos 2.920 pacientes, e a prevalência estimada pontual na cidade do Rio de Janeiro é 19,34%. Os homens foram responsáveis por 34,16% das onicomicoses, e as mulheres por 65,84%. A distribuição por agente etiológico dos 224 pacientes com onicomicose que apresentaram cultura positiva foi: dermatófitos 64,7%, Candida spp. 30,1% e outros não dermatófitos 5,2%. CONCLUSÃO: A microbiota fúngica é completamente trocada no mundo periodicamente em sua composição quantitativa e qualitativa, sendo afetada por vários fatores ambientais. Assim, o exame periódico da composição desta microbiota vem a ser vantajoso e de importância epidemiológica e terapêutica.
Ceratodermia mutilante de Vohwinkel: relato de três casos em uma família
Authors: Cavalcante Lúcia Isabel de Sá , Holanda Érica de Magalhães , Almeida Thereza Lúcia Prata de , Accioly-Filho José Wilson
Published: April 2005

A ceratodermia hereditária mutilante ou síndrome de Vohwinkel é afecção dermatológica rara caracterizada pelo espessamento cutâneo das palmas, plantas e dorso de mãos e pés, e por constrições em faixa dos dedos (pseudoainhum). São relatados três casos em uma família, envolvendo duas gerações. Em todos havia, adicionalmente, perda auditiva neurossensorial. Discutem-se o diagnóstico diferencial com outras ceratodermias palmoplantares e o tratamento com retinóides. Trata-se da primeira descrição dessa entidade no Brasil.
Conhecimentos atuais sobre a biologia dos melanócitos no folículo piloso humano
Authors: Oliveira Isabel Oliveira de , Almeida Junior Hiram Larangeira de
Published: April 2005

Os processos de crescimento e pigmentação do cabelo não são completamente conhecidos. Da mesma forma, o papel que os melanócitos foliculares desempenham nesses processos ainda não foi esclarecido. A identificação do destino dos melanócitos foliculares ao final da fase de crescimento do folículo piloso e a localização do reservatório dessas células, que voltam a povoar a porção inferior do novo folículo ao final da fase telógena do ciclo de crescimento do cabelo, constituem objeto de estudo. Investigações têm sido realizadas visando identificar se os melanócitos são responsáveis por algum sinal molecular de comunicação envolvido com as mudanças observadas na estrutura do folículo piloso durante o ciclo do cabelo. Alguns fatores têm sido descritos como participantes dos processos essenciais para a biologia dos melanócitos. A importância da proteína antiapoptótica, Bcl-2, para a manutenção dos melanócitos já foi demonstrada. A via SCF/kit foi mencionada como um mecanismo primário para a regulação dos processos de proliferação e diferenciação dos melanócitos. Por outro lado, o mecanismo de ação dos androgênios sobre as células do folículo piloso tem sido objeto de muitos estudos que tentam explicar como esses hormônios participam da regulação dos processos de crescimento e pigmentação do cabelo. Portanto, o objetivo dessa revisão é apresentar os atuais conhecimentos envolvendo a biologia dos melanócitos foliculares.
Tinea nigra: relato de seis casos no Estado do Paraná
Authors: Giraldi Susana , Marinoni Leide Parolim , Bertogna Jeanine , Abbage Kerstin Taniguchi , Oliveira Vânia Carvalho de
Published: April 2005

Seis casos de Tinea nigra diagnosticados no Serviço de Dermatopediatria do Hospital de Clínicas de Curitiba, UFPR, no período entre 1978 e 2001 são descritos. Trata-se de quatro crianças em idade escolar que tiveram contato com areia da praia e dois adolescentes. Em um dos casos as lesões são de localização plantar bilateral, configurando o primeiro desse tipo relatado na literatura nacional.
Angiomatose bacilar: revisão da literatura e documentação iconográfica
Authors: Velho Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira , Souza Elemir Macedo de , Cintra Maria Letícia , Mariotto Andréa , Moraes Aparecida Machado de
Published: April 2005

A angiomatose bacilar é uma das bartoneloses humanas. É doença sistêmica de manifestação cutânea freqüente. Caracteriza-se por lesões angioproliferativas causadas pela Bartonella henselae e pela B. quintana, que comprometem especialmente indivíduos imunodeficientes. Deve ser bem conhecida pelos dermatologistas, pois é potencialmente fatal, mas responsiva à antibioterapia. Para estabelecer o diagnóstico nosológico eles deverão sugeri-lo ao anatomopatologista, facilitando a diferenciação histológica, sobretudo, com o granuloma piogênico e o sarcoma de Kaposi. O presente artigo apresenta revisão da literatura e fotografias clínicas, de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de transmissão.
Avaliação do conhecimento quanto a prevenção do câncer da pele e sua relação com exposição solar em freqüentadores de academia de ginástica, em Recife
Authors: Hora Clarissa da , Batista Conceição Virgínia Costa , Guimarães Patricia de Barros , Siqueira Roberta , Martins Sarita
Published: April 2005

FUNDAMENTOS: O câncer da pele tem aumentado sua prevalência mundial. É importante saber o nível de conhecimento da população recifense. OBJETIVOS: Diante da carência de dados estatísticos referentes ao conhecimento e prevenção relativos à exposição solar e seus danos, sendo o principal o câncer da pele; conduziu-se um estudo epidemiológico nas principais academias de ginástica da cidade de Recife, PE. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos freqüentadores das academias de ginástica daquela cidade sobre a prevenção e conhecimento relativo ao câncer da pele. MÉTODOS: Foram aplicados 500 questionários com 22 itens referentes à caracterização individual por meio de dados como idade, sexo, renda familiar, grau de instrução, hábitos relativos à exposição solar. Para análise estatística foi aplicado o teste Qui- quadrado de Pearson. As freqüências das respostas foram agrupadas em gráficos e tabelas que permitiram discutir os resultados e compará-los com a literatura. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se o predomínio do sexo feminino e da faixa etária abaixo dos 40 anos na amostra. A cor branca prevaleceu em relação à negra. A renda familiar modal ficou acima dos 10 salários mínimos. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos indivíduos conhece os riscos e danos relacionados à exposição solar, assim como também os meios de proteção. Porém os entrevistados expunham-se a esses riscos valendo-se de variadas medidas de proteção.
Ulceração das placas psoriáticas - efeito cutâneo adverso do metotrexato em altas doses no tratamento da psoríase: relato de três casos
Authors: Ataíde Deborah Skusa de Torre , Esmanhoto Luciana Dorigo Kucharski , Helmer Karin Adriane , Guerra Ivette Renata Caron , Guimarães Christine de Campos Graf , Moritz Sandra
Published: April 2005

Os autores relatam três casos de pacientes portadores de psoríase que utilizaram inadvertidamente doses elevadas de metotrexato e apresentaram ulceração das lesões cutâneas de psoríase. Os efeitos adversos cutâneos do metotrexato são raros, algumas vezes dose-dependentes, outras idiossincrásicos ou relacionados com alteração de metabolização da droga, ou, ainda, interações medicamentosas
Vasculite ou vasculopatia livedóide?
Authors: Zanini Maurício , Wulkan Cláudio , Bertino Danielle , Ito Lúcia
Published: April 2005

Vasculite livedóide ou atrofia branca não é uma vasculite verdadeira. Acredita-se ser um distúrbio primário na fibrinólise que estabelece uma vasculopatia oclusiva. Assim, não sendo uma vasculite, a expressão vasculopatia livedóide é preferível. Essa definição fisiopatológica reflete-se em novas perspectivas terapêuticas.
Paracoccidioidomicose da região ocular: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura
Authors: Gervini Roberto Lopes , Vettorato Gerson , Lecompte Sergio Martinez , Biasi Tatiana Basso , Ruthner Fernanda Goulart , Kronbauer Fernando Leite
Published: April 2005

No Brasil, a paracoccidioidomicose é doença endêmica que pode afetar diversos órgãos, sendo pouco comum o envolvimento da região ocular. Nessa forma, é freqüente o acometimento de conjuntivas e pálpebras, configurando-se em afecção importante a considerar no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões da região orbitária. Mesmo nas formas localizadas deve ser feita a avaliação sistêmica, uma vez que a ocorrência da paracoccidioidomicose na região ocular pode ser parte de doença multifocal. Relatam-se dois casos de paracoccidioidomicose da região ocular e faz-se uma revisão dos 55 casos descritos na literatura até o momento.
Pesquisa do linfonodo sentinela em pacientes com melanoma: experiência com fitato marcado com Tecnécio-99m e revisão da literatura
Authors: Sapienza Marcelo T. , Tavares Marcia G. M. , Endo Irene S. , Campos Neto Guilherme C. , Lopes Margarida M. M. F. , Nakagawa Sérgio , Belfort Francisco A. , Soares Jr. Jose , Lewin Shlomo , Marone Marilia M. S.
Published: April 2005

FUNDAMENTOS: A progressão linfática do melanoma maligno habitualmente se inicia pelo linfonodo sentinela (LNS), cuja análise histopatológica permite predizer o acometimento de toda a cadeia. OBJETIVO: O trabalho tem por objetivo descrever a utilização do 99mTc-Fitato na detecção do LNS em pacientes com melanoma maligno, revisando as indicações e informações fornecidas por sua biópsia. MÉTODO: A pesquisa de LNS foi realizada por meio da linfocintilografia com 99mTc-Fitato em 92 pacientes com melanoma (54,0±14,3 anos). Após 18-24 horas, 88 pacientes foram submetidos à localização intra-operatória com detector portátil, seguida da ressecção e análise histopatológica do LNS. RESULTADOS: A linfocintilografia permitiu a identificação do LNS em todos os estudos, havendo detecção intra-operatória em 98,8% dos casos. O LNS estava acometido em 23 pacientes (26%). O valor preditivo negativo foi de 100% e não se observaram reações adversas pelo uso do 99mTc-Fitato. CONCLUSÃO: A detecção do LNS pode ser realizada com diferentes radiofármacos, incluindo o 99mTc-Fitato, que apresenta vantagens de custo e disponibilidade no Brasil. A pesquisa de LNS resulta em maior acurácia e menor morbidade no estadiamento de pacientes com melanoma maligno
Dermatoses pediátricas no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Authors: Santos Josemir Belo dos , Cordeiro Leilane Oliveira , Cordeiro Lillian Oliveira , Guimarães Patrícia de Barros , Corrêa Paula Maria Rodrigues de B. , Carvalho Silvia da Costa
Published: April 2005

FUNDAMENTOS: Numerosas condições dermatológicas podem afetar a população pediátrica. Há poucos estudos sobre a dermatologia pediátrica no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Estudar as dermatoses pediátricas no Hospital das Clínicas do Recife, Pernambuco - Brasil. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Durante o período de maio de 1999 a maio de 2000, foram analisados 307 prontuários de crianças atendidas no Ambulatório de Dermatologia da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Foram encontrados os dados referentes a caracterização individual, procedência, motivo da consulta, diagnóstico clínico laboratorial e tratamentos previamente realizados. RESULTADOS: As dermatoses alérgicas foram as mais freqüentes (17,64%), seguidas pelas desordens pigmentares (15,54%) e infecções virais (13,44%). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados encontrados estão de acordo com a literatura. Quanto às infecções, representam um grande percentual dos casos analisados, devendo-se isso provavelmente ao baixo nível socioeconômico dos pacientes em estudo. A caracterização da epidemiologia dos problemas cutâneos em crianças deve ser uma prioridade de estudos futuros.
Tratamento sistêmico da psoríase - Parte II: Imunomoduladores biológicos
Authors: Arruda Lúcia , Ypiranga Sylvia , Martins Gladys Aires
Published: April 2005

Em continuidade ao capítulo da edição anterior dos Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, nesta segunda parte da EMC-D serão discutidas as novas drogas, os imunomoduladores biológicos, que agem em determinadas fases da imunopatogênese da doença, modificando fenotipicamente sua evolução. Também serão discutidos alguns aspectos imunológicos que, atualmente, são responsáveis pelo desencadeamento da doença
Linfoma cutâneo de células B: relato de caso
Authors: Nunes Mariana de Gusmão , Pierro Ana Paula Soares de Moura , Coutinho Maria Fernanda Villela , Morais José Carlos Oliveira de , Carneiro Sueli Coelho da Silva , Azulay David Rubem
Published: April 2005

Os linfomas cutâneos são classificados em linfomas de células B ou de células T, sendo os primeiros menos freqüentes. O linfoma cutâneo de células B (LCCB) pode ser primário ou secundário, tendo o último história natural mais agressiva, com pior prognóstico. Os autores apresentam um caso de LCCB secundário com três anos de evolução, curso indolente, sem envolvimento de outros órgãos além da pele, com ótima resposta ao tratamento quimioterápico. A distinção entre LCCB primário e secundário é muito difícil de ser realizada, uma vez que eles são clínica e histopatologicamente indistinguíveis. Deve-se sempre pesquisar o acometimento de órgãos internos para então definir o prognóstico.
Nevo de Sutton simulando nevo em cocar: relato de caso
Authors: Zanini Maurício , Machado Filho Carlos D'Apparecida , Paschoal Francisco Macedo , Le Vocci Francisco
Published: April 2005

Os autores relatam um caso de nevo halo de Sutton simulando clinicamente o nevo em cocar. Nevo em cocar é uma rara variante do nevo nevomelanocítico adquirido que apresenta característico aspecto de lesão em alvo. Pode determinar dificuldade diagnóstica com nevo nevomelanocítico displásico, melanoma e nevo halo de Sutton.
Projecting the Future Registered Nurse Workforce After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Auerbach David I. , Buerhaus Peter I. , Donelan Karen , Staiger Douglas O.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Health care delivery systems rely on a well-prepared and adequately sized registered nurse (RN) workforce. The US RN workforce decreased by more than 100 000 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic—a far greater single-year drop than observed over the past 4 decades. The implication for the longer-term growth of the RN workforce is unknown.

Objective

To describe recent trends in RN employment through 2023 and forecast the growth of the RN workforce through 2035.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Descriptive analysis of recent trends since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in RN employment using data from the US Bureau of the Census Current Population Survey and including employed RNs aged 23 to 69 years from 1982 through 2023, and retrospective cohort analysis of employment trends by birth year and age to project the age distribution and employment of RNs through 2035.

Main Outcome and Measures

Annual full-time equivalent (FTE) employment of RNs by age, demographics, and sector of employment; forecast of RN workforce by age through 2035.

Results

The final sample included 455 085 RN respondents aged 23 to 69 years. After a sharp decline in 2021, RN employment recovered, and the total number of FTE RNs in 2022 and 2023 was 6% higher than in 2019 (3.35 million vs 3.16 million, respectively). Using data on employment, education, and population through 2022, the size of the RN workforce was projected to increase by roughly 1.2 million FTEs to 4.56 million by 2035, close to prepandemic forecasts. Growth will be driven primarily by RNs aged 35 to 49 years, who are projected to compose nearly half (47%) of the RN workforce in 2035, up from 38% in 2022.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the rebound in the total size of the US RN workforce during 2022 and 2023 indicates that the earlier drop in RN employment during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic was likely transitory. Updated forecasts of the future RN workforce are very close to those made before the pandemic.
Modernize Precision Oncology With Decentralized Trial Tools
Authors: Beg Muhammad Shaalan , Subbiah Vivek
Published: February 2024

This Viewpoint examines how modern precision oncology clinical trials, bolstered by decentralized trial tools, can enhance access to cancer treatments and reduce the burden of trial participation on clinics and participants.
Presence of Copy Number Variants Associated With Esotropia in Patients With Exotropia
Authors: Martinez Sanchez Mayra , Chan Wai-Man , MacKinnon Sarah E. , Barry Brenda , Hunter David G. , Engle Elizabeth C. , Whitman Mary C.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Strabismus is a common ocular disorder of childhood. There is a clear genetic component to strabismus, but it is not known if esotropia and exotropia share genetic risk factors.

Objective

To determine whether genetic duplications associated with esotropia are also associated with exotropia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2005 to December 2023. Individuals with constant or intermittent exotropia of any magnitude or a history of surgery for exotropia were recruited from pediatric ophthalmic practices. Data were analyzed from March to December 2023.

Exposure

Genetic duplication.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Presence of genetic duplications at 2p11.2, 4p15.2, and 10q11.22 assessed by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction. Orthoptic measurements and history of strabismus surgery were performed.

Results

A total of 234 individuals (mean [SD] age, 19.5 [19.0] years; 127 female [54.3%]) were included in this study. The chromosome 2 duplication was present in 1.7% of patients with exotropia (4 of 234; P = .40), a similar proportion to the 1.4% of patients with esotropia (23 of 1614) in whom it was previously reported and higher than the 0.1% of controls (4 of 3922) previously reported (difference, 1.6%; 95% CI, 0%-3.3%; P < .001). The chromosome 4 duplication was present in 3.0% of patients with exotropia (7 of 234; P = .10), a similar proportion to the 1.7% of patients with esotropia (27 of 1614) and higher than the 0.2% of controls (6 of 3922) in whom it was previously reported (difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.6%-5.0%; P < .001). The chromosome 10 duplication was present in 6.0% of patients with exotropia (14 of 234; P = .08), a similar proportion to the 4% of patients with esotropia (64 of 1614) and higher than the 0.4% of controls (18 of 3922) in whom it was previously reported (difference, 5.6%; 95% CI, 2.5%-8.6%; P < .001). Individuals with a duplication had higher mean (SD) magnitude of deviation (31 [13] vs 22 [14] prism diopters [PD]; difference, 9 PD; 95% CI, 1-16 PD; P = .03), were more likely to have constant (vs intermittent) exotropia (70% vs 29%; difference, 41%; 95% CI, 20.8%-61.2%; P < .001), and had a higher rate of exotropia surgery than those without a duplication (58% vs 34%; difference, 24%; 95% CI, 3%-44%; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, results suggest that the genetic duplications on chromosomes 2, 4, and 10 were risk factors for exotropia as well as esotropia. These findings support the possibility that esotropia and exotropia have shared genetic risk factors. Whether esotropia or exotropia develops in the presence of these duplications may be influenced by other shared or independent genetic variants or by environmental factors.
The central pattern of weakness of ALS: Morphological correlates in whole‐body muscle MRI
Authors: Wimmer Nathalie , Müller Hans‐Peter , Metze Patrick , Rasche Volker , Ludolph Albert C. , Kassubek Jan
Published: February 2024

Objective

Monosynaptically cortically innervated α‐motoneurons are early and strongly involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Consequently, the muscles that receive the strongest direct corticomotoneuronal input are the clinically most affected. To objectify this concept in vivo through morphological image correlates, whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with muscle signal analysis was performed in patients with ALS compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Modified Dixon‐based whole‐body MRI was acquired in patients with ALS (n = 33) and matched healthy controls (n = 30). Manual labeling of limb muscle MRI was performed, and a specific subset of nine muscles, selected as pairs of muscle groups with different corticomotoneuronal input, was analyzed per subject based on their volume, fat fraction, and functional remaining muscle area (fRMA).

Results

Statistical analysis of 978 muscles in total revealed significantly decreased volumes, decreased fRMA, and increased fat fraction in the muscles of patients with ALS compared to controls. The clinical degree of pareses of directly innervated muscles was significantly worse than that of less directly innervated muscles in each comparison. The muscles receiving stronger direct corticomotoneuronal input showed more pronounced morphological involvement compared to those with less monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal input (fRMA, significant in three pairwise comparisons).

Interpretation

In conclusion, whole‐body MRI‐based muscle analysis provided additional evidence for a characteristic pattern of pareses in ALS. This technical approach (parameterization and quantification of muscle alterations from MRI) to patients with ALS could pave the way for the future establishment of a diagnostic algorithm of muscle MRI for ALS and may serve as a biomarker.
Advanced Composite Solid Electrolyte Architecture Constructed with Amino‐Modified Cellulose and Carbon Nitride via Biosynthetic Avenue
Authors: Yin Sha , Huang Yang , Liu Yihong , Cheng Long , Chen Ming , Xu Yifan , Seidi Farzad , Xiao Huining
Published: February 2024

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) solid electrolytes are regarded as a promising candidate for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries owing to their high safety and interfacial compatibility. However, PEO electrolyte is plagued by relatively weak structural strength and unsatisfactory Li+ conductivity. Herein, a mechanically strong and Li+ conductively favorable cellulosic scaffold of PEO is fabricated through amino (‐NH2) modification and g‐C3N4 (CN) incorporation of bacterial cellulose (BC) under a microbial circumstance. The biologically ‐NH2 modified BC (B‐NBC) is entangled with CN nanosheets (CN@B‐NBC) through an in situ secretion of nanocellulose followed by hydrogen bond‐induced self‐assembly. The ‐NH2 groups from B‐NBC weaken the complexation of Li+ with its counterpart, thus facilitating the release of more free Li+. CN with strong C‐N covalence and extra lone electrons of N further strengthens the BC skeleton and meanwhile offers sufficient anchors for Li+ migration. After infiltrating by LiTFSI/PEO (LP), the LP/CN@B‐NBC composite solid electrolyte (CSE) exhibits high lithium transference number and ionic conductivity. Upon coupling with LiFePO4 cathode, the full battery exhibits a remarkably high specific capacity, superior rate capability, and decent cycling stability. This work pioneers the attempts of chemical decoration and ingredient incorporation of BC architecture in CSE with the aid of a bottom‐up biosynthetic avenue.
A PROTAC Augmenter for Photo‐Driven Pyroptosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Daipeng , Zou Yang , Huang Haiqiao , Yin Jikai , Long Saran , Sun Wen , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Chen Xiaoqiang , Peng Xiaojun
Published: February 2024

Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has recently emerged as a promising strategy for inducing post‐translational knockdown of target proteins in disease treatment. The degradation of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), an essential nuclear protein for gene transcription, induced by PROTAC is proposed as an epigenetic approach to treat breast cancer. However, the poor membrane permeability and indiscriminate distribution of PROTAC in vivo results in low bioavailability, limiting its development and application. Herein, a nano “targeting chimera” (abbreviated as L@NBMZ) consisting of BRD4‐PROTAC combined with a photosensitizer, to serve as the first augmenter for photo‐driven pyroptosis in breast cancer, is developed. With excellent BRD4 degradation ability, high biosafety, and biocompatibility, L@NBMZ blocks gene transcription by degrading BRD4 through proteasomes in vivo, and surprisingly, induces the cleavage of caspase‐3. This type of caspase‐3 cleavage is synergistically amplified by light irradiation in the presence of photosensitizers, leading to efficient photo‐driven pyroptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo outcomes demonstrate the remarkable anti‐cancer efficacy of this augmenter, which significantly inhibits the lung metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. Thus, the photo‐PROTAC “targeting chimera” augmenter construction strategy may pave a new way for expanding PROTAC applications within anti‐cancer paradigms.
Controllable Manipulation of Large‐Volume Droplet on Non‐Slippery Surfaces Based on Triboelectric Contactless Charge Injection
Authors: Tan Liming , Zeng Qixuan , Xu Fan , Zhao Qing , Chen Ai , Wang Tingyu , Tao Xingming , Yang Yuchen , Wang Xue
Published: February 2024

Controllable droplet manipulation is crucial in diverse scientific and engineering fields. Traditional electric‐based methods usually rely on commercial high‐voltage (HV) power sources, which are typically bulky, expensive, and potentially hazardous. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a highly studied device that can generate HV output with limited current, showing great potential in droplet manipulation applications. However, current TENG‐based approaches usually utilize traditional free‐standing TENGs that produce short‐pulsed alternating‐current signals. This limitation hinders continuous electrostatic forces necessary for precise droplet control, leading to complex circuitry and suboptimal droplet motion control in terms of volume, distance, direction, and momentum. Here, a triboelectric contactless charge injection (TCCI) method employing a novel dual‐functional triboelectric nanogenerator (DF‐TENG), is proposed. The DF‐TENG can produce both high voltage and constant current during unidirectional motion, enabling continuous corona discharges for contactless charge injection into the droplets. Using this method, a large‐volume droplet (3000 µL) can be controlled with momentum up to 115.2 g mm s−1, quintupling the highest value recorded by the traditional methods. Moreover, the TCCI method is adaptable for a variety of non‐slippery substrates and droplets of different compositions and viscosities, which makes it an ideal manipulation strategy for droplet transport, chemical reactions, and even driving solids.
An isotope study on nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency and movement in soil in a mimicked vermicompost‐based organo‐mineral fertilizer
Authors: Sitzmann Tomas J. , Sica Pietro , Zavattaro Laura , Moretti Barbara , Grignani Carlo , Oberson Astrid
Published: February 2024

Vermicompost (VC), a stabilized organic material with high organic and humic carbon, and favorable aggregation properties, was tested as a fraction of organo‐mineral fertilizers (OMFs), where organic and mineral fractions interact in hotspot areas with surrounding soil. Solutions containing 33P radioisotope and 15N‐labeled mineral fertilizers were combined with VC at two ratios of organic carbon (Corg) to mineral nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (OMF7.5C and OMF15C) to simulate OMF granules. Control treatments included unfertilized soil (N0P0), mineral fertilizer (MFNP), and sole VC at two rates (OF7.5C and OF15C). Nitrogen and P uptake by Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) were measured over in 8 weeks. Furthermore, MFNP, OMF7.5C, and OMF15C treatments were incubated for 10 days without plant to measure atom% 15N excess and 33P radioactivity, as indicators of N and P movement from two soil layers (surrounding fertilizer hotspot and below it). In the pot study, OMF15C caused 24% lower biomass and less nutrient recovery derived from fertilizer (N, 11% and P, 8.5%), compared to MFNP. In the incubation study, OMF15C exhibited +19% atom% 15N excess in the combined two soil layers, relative to MFNP, and +28% 33P radioactivity in the soil surrounding the hotspot, and −89% in the soil below it. We interpreted this as a reduction in nutrient availability of the combined VC + mineral fertilizers, due to lower P mobility in soil. The combination of VC with mineral fertilizers can reduce P movement in soil. A higher Corg:N:P ratio resulted in lower nutrient use efficiency in 2 months.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Stereospecific Deoxygenation of trans‐ Aromatic Epoxides to (Z)‐Alkenes: An Efficient Route to Access (Z)‐Cinnamic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Akkarasamiyo Sunisa , Chitsomkhuan Saranya , Buakaew Supawadee , Samec Joseph S. M. , Songsri Chonthicha , Kuntiyong Punlop
Published: February 2024

A stereospecific deoxygenation of trans‐epoxy cinnamic acid derivatives to access (Z)‐cinnamamides, (Z)‐cinnamyl alcohol and (Z)‐cinnamyl amines using a catalytic system based on nickel triflate and triphenylphosphine has been developed. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yield (up to 92 % isolated yield) and excellent stereospecificity (Z : E ratio up to>99 : 1). The transformation has a broad functional group tolerance including amides, amines, alcohols and esters. The power of the methodology was demonstrated in the key step of the total synthesis of biologically active natural product, N‐cis‐feruloyl tyramine from readily available trans‐ferulic acid. A reaction mechanism involving activation of epoxide via coordination of the oxygen atom and the neighboring O‐ or N‐atoms to the nickel catalyst and formation of Ph3P‐carbon bond is proposed. This method is important for synthesis of highly desirable functionalized (Z)‐alkenes from readily available (E)‐alkenes.
Toward Individual Treatment in Cervical Artery Dissection: Subgroup Analysis of the TREAT‐CAD Randomized Trial
Authors: Kaufmann Josefin E. , Gensicke Henrik , Schaedelin Sabine , Luft Andreas R. , Goeggel‐Simonetti Barbara , Fischer Urs , Michel Patrik , Strambo Davide , Kägi Georg , Vehoff Jochen , Nedeltchev Krassen , Kahles Timo , Kellert Lars , Rosenbaum Sverre , von Rennenberg Regina , Riegler Christoph , Seiffge David , Sarikaya Hakan , Zietz Annaelle , Wischmann Johannes , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Hänsel Martin , Globas Christoph , Bonati Leo H. , Brehm Alex , De Marchis Gian Marco , Peters Nils , Nolte Christian H. , Christensen Hanne , Wegener Susanne , Psychogios Marios‐Nikos , Arnold Marcel , Lyrer Philippe , Traenka Christopher , Engelter Stefan T. ,   for the TREAT‐CAD Trial
Published: February 2024

Objective

Uncertainty remains regarding antithrombotic treatment in cervical artery dissection. This analysis aimed to explore whether certain patient profiles influence the effects of different types of antithrombotic treatment.

Methods

This was a post hoc exploratory analysis based on the per‐protocol dataset from TREAT‐CAD (NCT02046460), a randomized controlled trial comparing aspirin to anticoagulation in patients with cervical artery dissection. We explored the potential effects of distinct patient profiles on outcomes in participants treated with either aspirin or anticoagulation. Profiles included (1) presenting with ischemia (no/yes), (2) occlusion of the dissected artery (no/yes), (3) early versus delayed treatment start (</>median), and (4) intracranial extension of the dissection (no/yes). Outcomes included clinical (stroke, major hemorrhage, death) and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes (new ischemic or hemorrhagic brain lesions) and were assessed for each subgroup in separate logistic models without adjustment for multiple testing.

Results

All 173 (100%) per‐protocol participants were eligible for the analyses. Participants without occlusion had decreased odds of events when treated with anticoagulation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07–0.86). This effect was more pronounced in participants presenting with cerebral ischemia (n = 118; OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04–0.55). In the latter, those with early treatment (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07–0.85) or without intracranial extension of the dissection (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.11–0.97) had decreased odds of events when treated with anticoagulation.

Interpretation

Anticoagulation might be preferable in patients with cervical artery dissection presenting with ischemia and no occlusion or no intracranial extension of the dissection. These findings need confirmation. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:886–897
Directing in Vitro Selection towards G‐quadruplex‐forming Aptamers to Inhibit HMGB1 Pathological Activity
Authors: Napolitano Ettore , Criscuolo Andrea , Riccardi Claudia , Esposito Carla L. , Catuogno Silvia , Coppola Gabriele , Roviello Giovanni N. , Montesarchio Daniela , Musumeci Domenica
Published: February 2024

In the search for novel, effective inhibitors of High‐Mobility Group Box1 (HMGB1)—a protein involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in cancer—we herein discovered a set of anti‐HMGB1 G‐quadruplex(G4)‐forming aptamers by using an in vitro selection procedure applied to a doped library of guanine‐rich oligonucleotides. The selected DNA sequences were then studied in a pseudo‐physiological buffer mimicking the extracellular medium, where HMGB1 exerts its pathological activity, using spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and chromatographic techniques. All the oligonucleotides proved to fold into monomeric G4s and in some cases also dimeric species, stable at physiological temperature. Remarkably, the protein preferentially recognized the sequences forming dimeric parallel G4 structures, as evidenced by a properly designed chemiluminescent binding assay which also highlighted a good selectivity of these aptamers for HMGB1. Moreover, all aptamers showed anti‐HMGB1 activity, inhibiting protein‐induced cell migration. The acquired data allowed identifying L12 as the best anti‐HMGB1 aptamer, featured by high thermal and enzymatic stability, no toxicity at least up to 5 μM concentration on healthy cells, along with potent anti‐HMGB1 activity (IC50 ca. 28 nM) and good binding affinity for the protein, thus indicating it as a very promising lead candidate for in vivo studies.
Hitting the Mark With Benchmarking: Measuring Utility Performance in Lee County, Florida
Authors: Cohen Nicole , Nyfennegger Jennifer , Desai Dharmin , Duverge Charlie , Barroso Henry
Published: February 2024

Key Takeaways

Benchmarking can help water and wastewater utilities identify improvement areas to tackle challenges such as aging infrastructure, resource constraints, and climate change.

Lee County Utilities (LCU) conducted a thorough analysis of operations, customer relations, and business management, aligning with Effective Utility Management principles.

By evaluating metrics alongside comparable utilities on a statewide and national scale, LCU identified areas for improvement and adopted best practices for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Minneapolis Implements Levels of Service for Its Water Utility
Authors: Anderson Brett , Slaven Kevin
Published: February 2024

Key Takeaways

Levels of service (LOS) are goals that define how a utility manages its assets to deliver services to stakeholders.

LOS help water utilities align objectives with daily operations and support internal and external communication.

To take full advantage of the capabilities of LOS in asset and performance management, utilities should develop a well‐thought‐out plan.
Modulation Strategies and Activity Descriptors of Spinel Electrocatalysts for Lithium−Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Pan Yu , Xu Ruizhe , Hu Anjun , Zhao Chuan , Li Runjing , Zhou Bo , Liu Jing , Long Jianping
Published: February 2024

The exploitation of high energy density lithium−oxygen batteries (LOBs) holds significant importance for energy storage and applications. An efficient cathode catalyst can effectively prevent the accumulation of the insulating insoluble discharge product Li2O2, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance. Spinel materials, widely available and cost‐effective, exhibit superior catalytic activity, making them ideal candidates for LOBs cathode catalysts. This review aims to offer a comprehensive and insightful overview of the recent progress in the design of spinel‐type electrocatalysts for LOBs. This review exhaustively summarizes various modification strategies applied to spinel materials and emphasizes the influential role of catalytic descriptors in designing highly active spinel‐type catalysts. This review provides guidance for the design and utilization of high‐performance spinel‐type catalysts, thereby contributing to the dynamic development of LOBs.
Evolution of a Combined UV/Vis and NMR Setup with Fixed Pathlengths for Mass‐limited Samples
Authors: Herold Dominik , Brauser Matthias , Kind Jonas , Thiele Christina M.
Published: February 2024

The investigation of reaction mechanisms is a complex task that usually requires the use of several techniques. To obtain as much information as possible on the reaction and any intermediates – possibly invisible to one technique – the combination of techniques is a solution. In this work we present a new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy and compare it to an established alternative. The presented approach allows a versatile usage of different commercially‐available components like mirrors and fiber bundles as well as different fixed pathlengths according to double transmission or single transmission measurements. While a previous approach is based on a dip‐probe setup for conventional NMR probes, the new one is based on a micro‐Helmholtz coil array (LiquidVoxel™). This makes the use of rectangular cuvettes possible, which ensure well‐defined pathlengths allowing for quantification of species. Additionally, very low quantities of compound can be analyzed due to the microfabrication and small cuvette size used. As proof‐of‐principle this new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy is used to examine a well‐studied photochromic system of the dithienylethene compound class. A thorough comparison of the pros and cons of the two setups for combined UV/Vis and NMR measurements is performed.
Aggregation/Crystallization‐Induced Emission in Naphthyridine‐Based Carbazolyl‐Modified Donor‐Acceptor Boron Dyes Tunable by Fluorine Atoms
Authors: Potopnyk Mykhaylo A. , Mech‐Piskorz Justyna , Angulo Gonzalo , Ceborska Magdalena , Luboradzki Roman , Andresen Elina , Gajek Arkadiusz , Wisniewska Agnieszka , Resch‐Genger Ute
Published: February 2024

Four donor‐acceptor boron difluoride complexes based on the carbazole electron donor and the [1,3,5,2]oxadiazaborinino[3,4‐a][1,8]naphthyridine acceptor were designed, synthesized, and systematically spectroscopically investigated in solutions, in dye‐doped polymer films, and in the solid states. The dyes exhibit an intense blue to red solid‐state emission with photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 59 % in pure dye samples and 86 % in poly(methyl methacrylate) films. All boron complexes show aggregation‐induced emission and reversible mechanofluorochromism. The optical properties of these dyes and their solid state luminescence can be tuned by substitution pattern, i. e., the substituents at the naphthyridine unit. Exchange of CH3‐ for CF3‐groups does not only increase the intramolecular charge transfer character, but also provides a crystallization‐induced emission enhancement.
Late‐heading parental selection in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.)
Authors: Getz Megan M. , Robbins Matthew D. , Thorsted Kimberly , Jensen Kevin B. , Robins Joseph G. , Creech J. Earl , Bushman B. Shaun
Published: February 2024

Dactylis glomerata L., orchardgrass or cocksfoot, is frequently planted as a companion crop in perennial forage legumes such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, many commercial orchardgrass cultivars flower earlier than legumes, resulting in a reduction in grass yield and nutritional value if harvested to maximize the legume. Additionally, during orchardgrass seed production over years, later flowering can gradually shift to earlier flowering. In this study, we employed parental selection based on half‐sib family (HS‐family) trait values for dry matter yield (DMY) and heading date (HD), and augmented it with marker‐assisted selection to enrich for late‐heading‐associated alleles in six vernalization and flowering time candidate genes. The parent population resulted from polycrossing three late‐heading orchardgrass germplasm sources and evaluating 94 HS‐families. HDs differed by years and locations for both the parent and HS‐family populations. Of the 313 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified within the candidate genes, 16 were associated with HD with a range of effects from 0.48 to 3.37 days to heading. An SNP detected across multiple years and locations in this study was also found in a previous study, within the intron of the Constans 1 gene (DgCO1). DMY was not highly significant in this study, highlighting a large environmental effect alongside lower variation across the HS‐families. However, parental plants fixed for the SNP within DgCO1 showed a trend to later heading as well as higher DMY.
Convolutional neuronal network for identifying single‐cell‐platelet–platelet‐aggregates in human whole blood using imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Poschkamp Broder , Bekeschus Sander
Published: February 2024

Imaging flow cytometry is an attractive method to investigate individual cells by optical properties. However, imaging flow cytometry applications with clinical relevance are scarce so far. Platelet aggregation naturally occurs during blood coagulation to form a clot. However, aberrant platelet aggregation is associated with cardiovascular disease under steady‐state conditions in the blood. Several types of so‐called antiplatelet drugs are frequently described to reduce the risk of stroke or cardiovascular diseases. However, an efficient monitoring method is missing to identify the presence and frequency of platelet–platelet aggregates in whole blood on a single cell level. In this work, we employed imaging flow cytometry to identify fluorescently labeled platelets in whole blood with a conditional gating strategy. Images were post‐processed and aligned. A convolutional neural network was designed to identify platelet–platelet aggregates of two, three, and more than three platelets, and results were validated against various data set properties. In addition, the neural network excluded erythrocyte–platelet aggregates from the results. Based on the results, a parameter for detecting platelet–platelet aggregates, the weighted platelet aggregation, was developed. If employed on a broad scale with proband and patient samples, our method could aid in building a future diagnostic marker for cardiovascular disease and monitoring parameters to optimize drug prescriptions in such patient groups.
Machine learning assisted dual port metasurface loaded MIMO antenna with linearly polarized to circularly polarized conversion features for n257 band of 5G mm‐wave applications
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , Singh Suyash Kumar , Ranjan Pinku , Sharma Anand , Singh Vivek
Published: February 2024

In this communication, a dual port printed multi‐input and multi‐output (MIMO) antenna with high isolation of dimension 12 × 8.5 × 0.8 mm3 is designed, analyzed, and investigated for 28‐GHz 5G mm‐wave applications. The metasurface layer is suspended over the MIMO antenna to convert the linearly polarized (LP) wave to a circularly polarized (CP) wave. The unit cell of the metasurface consists of a square‐shaped conducting strip with one side of diagonal points interconnected. The conducting strip and rectangular gap between the strips etched on the substrate are capable of generating the π/2 phase shifted electric field components (Ex and Ey) resulting in polarization conversion from LP to CP. The machine learning concept is used to characterize the dimensional configuration of the antenna to achieve the optimum throughput. The MIMO diversity performance parameters and antenna essential results are validated by the measured counterparts.
Understanding OCR's Complaint and Resolution Process
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2024

The Office for Civil Rights is the enforcement arm of the United States Department of Education. OCR enforces numerous federal civil rights laws, including Section 504 and Title II of the ADA, that prohibit discrimination. To this end, the agency investigates complaints filed by students or other persons against their educational institution. This article explores frequently asked questions about the OCR complaint process.