bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management of Giant Hepatic Haemangioma - Need for Redefining the Nomenclature According to the Size
Authors: Kaman Lileswar , Naik Anil , Savlania Ajay , Raypattanaik Niladri
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Haemangiomas are the most common benign tumours of the liver. Most of them are asymptomatic. Giant hepatic haemangioma is defined as size greater than 5 cm in diameter. The surgical treatment for giant hepatic haemangioma is not very well defined and reported. Here we analysed the treatment outcome of giant hepatic haemangiomas and redefined the nomenclature according to the size and proposing an algorithm for management of all hepatic haemangiomas.
Material and Methods: Retrospective analyses of 6 giant hepatic haemangioma more than 10 cm in size treated by a single surgeon were included. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, managements and outcomes were recorded. Review of literature was done for definitions, management strategies and outcome of giant haemangiomas and an algorithm was proposed.
Results: Five patients were female and the mean age was 36.6 years (range 32 to 45). Pain abdomen was the most common symptoms (100%). Ultrasound abdomen was the initial diagnostic modality followed by contrast enhanced computed tomography. The mean size of haemangioma was 17.4cm (range 12cm to 32cm). Four patients had haemangioma in the left lobe and two had in the right lobe of liver. Formal hepatectomy was done in three patients and enucleation was done in three patients. The mean operating time was 3.66 hours (range 2.5 hours to 5 hours). The mean blood loss was 840ml (range 300ml to 1500ml). There was no surgical morbidity or mortality. On follow-up no haemangioma related complications are reported.
Conclusions: Giant hepatic haemangioma is mostly symptomatic. Hepatectomy and enucleation can be done without significant morbidity and mortality. There is a need for redefining the nomenclature of giant hepatic haemangiomas according to the size.
WHY DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY
Authors: Firat Necattin , Mantoglu Baris , Akin Emrah , Bas Enes , Altintoprak Fatih
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Abdominal pain requires rapid diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergency circumstances. Sometimes the diagnosis of the disease cannot be accomplished with laboratory and imaging methods, and an invasive procedure such as diagnostic laparoscopy may be required to obtain a diagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy is also performed therapeutically, but laparotomy is inevitable in some cases. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in diagnosis and treatment and to retrospectively examine the factors that force the surgeon to perform a laparotomy.
Material and Methods:
Patients over the age of 18 who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in the general surgery clinic of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between January 2013 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients under 18 years of age and patients diagnosed before surgery were excluded. Demographic data of the patients, whether there was a conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy, postoperative morbidity, and mortality were recorded.
Results:
The data of 347 patients in total were evaluated retrospectively between the specified dates. 216 of the patients were previously diagnosed, laparoscopic procedures performed for staging purposes and they were not included in the study. The remaining 131 patients were included in the study. 68 of the patients were women and 63 were men. 79.4% of the patients were diagnostic laparoscopies performed due to emergency circumstances, and 20.6% for abdominal pain evaluation. While the procedure was concluded laparoscopically in 64.9% of the patients, the operation was continued by performing laparotomy in 35.1%.
Conclusion:
Despite the increase in the variety and frequency of use of imaging modalities, a laparoscopic intervention is an essential approach in both diagnosis and treatment when the diagnosis is doubtful, especially in emergency cases in appropriate cases.
Gastric ulcer bleeding in acquired hemophilia A patient and persistent inhibitor successfully treated with endoscopic methods of hemostasis
Authors: Szczepanik Andrzej B. , Pielaciński Konrad , Oses-Szczepanik Anna M. , Paluszkiewicz Piotr
Published: May 2021

Gastric ulcer bleeding in an AHA patient with persistent inhibitor can be effectively stopped with endoscopic methods of hemostasis and appropriate dosing of rFVIIa. In the event of recurrent bleed-ing episodes the treatment should be repeated several times, in or-der to minimize indications to surgical treatment as far as possible. Surgery in AHA patients with persistent inhibitor must be avoid-ed due to the risk of uncontrolled fatal bleeding; it should only be undertaken in immediately life-threatening situations. 
Can Dysfunctional Distal Colon Atrophy be prevented with Olive Oil in Rats with Colostomy? An Experimental Animal Study
Authors: Atıcı Ahmet , Demir Emel , Gürsoy Didar , Çelikkaya Mehmet , Akçora Bülent
Published: May 2021

Introduction
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of pure olive oil on distal colon atrophy in rats.
Materials and Methods
The study included 28 male albino Wistar rats weighing 300-350g. A total of 28 animals were randomly allocated into four groups: group 1: control group (n = 6); group 2: ostomy group (n = 6); group 3: ostomy + saline group (n=8); group 4: ostomy + olive oil group (n = 8). Initially, group 1 did not undergo any procedure. The same surgical procedure was performed for groups 2, 3, and 4 as described below. A two-centimeter-long mid-line incision was made and the colon was divided into sections measuring 5 cm from the distal to the caecum in all cases. A proximal and distal stoma were created 2 cm apart at the midline using single layer interrupted, colomusculo-cutaneous sutures. All rats were kept under daily surveillance until they were terminated postoperatively after the 1st month. Group 2 did not undergo any procedure. Groups 3 and 4 were given 2 ml of saline and olive oil twice daily, respectively. At the end of the 1st month, the rats were re-operated at the point of the previous incision. A biopsy was taken from the proximal and distal stoma of all rats in the same way for histopathological analysis.
Results
Group 1 showed no significant differences in terms of mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter between the proximal and distal colon. However, there were significant differences between the proximal and distal colostomy for each parameter in groups 2, 3, 4. However, proximal and distal ostomy mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter differences were very small in group 4 when compared with group 2 and group 3.
Conclusion
The administration of pure olive oil through the distal colon before the colostomy closure may reduce the difference in diameter between the proximal and distal intestine segments. A more straightforward surgical procedure may be achieved as a result of the reduction of the proximal and distal intestinal diameter differences.
O Processo de Institucionalização da Educação a Distância na UFMS: Trajetórias, Retrocessos e Avanços
Authors: Batista Erlinda Martins , Riedner Daiani Damm Tonetto
Published: May 2021

Este artigo enfoca a institucionalização da modalidade de educação a distância no contexto da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, tendo como base as vivências institucionais (administrativas e pedagógicas) registradas em documentos oficiais e também nas experiências das autoras. Tal processo abrange desde as iniciativas do primeiro trabalho educacional a distância realizado pelo GAECIM em meados de 1995, até a criação da SEDFOR em 2017, com vistas à ampliação da EaD na UFMS. No entanto, as ações ainda são pequenas frente aos desafios técnicos, pedagógicos, tecnológicos e de infraestrutura verificados.
Considerações em Avaliação para Professores do Curso de Pedagogia da Faculdade de Educação a Distância: uma disciplina universitária
Authors: Souza Aroldo Alcantara de Paula
Published: May 2021

Avaliar talvez seja uma das atividades docentes mais complexas e angustiantes. É a realidade imposta pela escola de educação básica contemporânea e a realização de um trabalho inovador pode tornar a atividade obrigatória em aporte para uma avaliação processual, formativa e emancipatória. A escola contemporânea se vale ainda de uma pedagogia do exame. Avaliar, dentro da nossa concepção, é reorganizar o plano de ensino a partir das aprendizagens efetivas da turma é realizar na prática uma nova didática, mais inclusiva e pedagógica, direcionada a partir dos resultados das avaliações anteriores, menos técnica e numérica.
Educação Matemática com a inserção das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação: uma proposta de Reconstrução do Processo de Ensino e Aprendizagem
Authors: Moura Simone de Paula Rodrigues , Fonseca Maria Aparecida
Published: May 2021

Este artigo apresenta diferentes olhares sobre as novas tecnologias e a educação matemática. As atividades docentes desenvolvidas atualmente possibilitam reflexões e alternativas teórico-metodológicas na utilização das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TICs) nos cursos de formação de professores. Assim, a princípio busca-se diferenciar Matemática e Educação Matemática. Prossegue-se com o diálogo sobre a Educação Matemática com inserção das (TICs). Por fim menciona-se a criação de um blog para o conhecimento e mediação na capacitação de acadêmicos do curso de pedagogia da UniEVANGÉLICA, objetivando não apenas a compreensão de tais tecnologias e os conceitos da ciência em estudo, mas como uma proposta de reconstrução do processo de ensino e aprendizagem.
Formação de Professores de Ciências da Natureza para o uso de Aparatos Digitais: Teoria e Prática no Processo de Mediação
Authors: Echalar Jhonny David , Queirós Wellington Pereira de , Echalar Adda Daniela Lima Figueiredo
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho buscou analisar quais a relação teoria e prática presente em publicações acadêmicas sobre a formação de professores de Ciências da Natureza para o uso de tecnologias. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de um levantamento bibliográfico entre 2006 e 2016, em periódicos da área de Ensino de Ciências com análise de seus conteúdos, sendo possível a construção de categorias de análise. Foram identificados sete artigos que foram analisados em três categorias: teoria, prática e “teoria-prática”. Percebemos que o uso de tecnologias aparece no contexto de processos formativos centrados no praticismo de um curso e não como um constructo social.
Narrativas sobre Currículo e Tecnologias em Classes Hospitalares
Authors: Oliveira Adriana Da Silva Ramos de , Paniago Maria Cristina Lima
Published: May 2021

O artigo corresponde a reflexões de uma pesquisa de doutorado em andamento. O objetivo é apresentar narrativas sobre as práticas pedagógicas nos hospitais. Especificamente relatar sobre as necessidades de adaptações e flexibilizações curriculares para o ambiente hospitalar, apontar as possibilidades de utilização de tecnologias educacionais nesses espaços. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo. Obteve-se como resultados que a pesquisa de campo possibilitou através do acesso aos documentos históricos conhecermos as práticas pedagógicas das classes hospitalares de Campo Grande/MS; que os espaços são equipados com tabletes, notebooks e que os professores fazem uso de tecnologias educacionais principalmente para atender aos que estão em leitos de isolamento.
A Generalized Log-Weibull Distribution with Bio-Medical Applications
Authors: Kumar C. Satheesh , Nair Subha R.
Published: May 2021

Here we consider a generalized log-transformed version of the Weibull distribution and investigate some of its important properties like expressions for the cumulative distribution function hazard rate function, quantile function, characteristic function, raw moments, incomplete moments, etc. The distribution and moments of order statistics are obtained along with some results on certain structural properties of the distribution. The maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the distribution is attempted for both complete and censored data sets and the usefulness of the distribution is illustrated with the help of real-life data sets from biomedical fields.
AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS STRESS AMONG AYURVEDA PRACTITIONERS DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Mathew Bindu Mary , Elamon Amrutha
Published: May 2021

The COVID – 19 pandemic is found to create immense stress in different strata of society. The study was conducted to assess the stress among Ayurveda practitioners during the COVID-19 scenario. The study conducted was an observational study. A questionnaire in the form of a Google doc was distributed to the study population by snow ball method. The sample size was fixed to be 60. The responses received were statistically analyzed. The study identified that some Ayurveda practitioners has confront considerable amount of stress in their daily life during the scenario of COVID-19. Fear and anxiety about the novel disease and what could possibly happen as a result of the disease is the basic cause in inducing the stress. Ayurveda Practitioners who are exposed to patients in a daily basis is one among the highly risked community in getting infected. The psycho somatic as well as financial well being of the whole world has been affected with COVID-19 and the lockdowns. In such a scenario, the stress among Ayurveda practitioners who are one among the critically exposed group to corona virus should be considered and adequate strategies should be created to ease the situation. Timely intervention should be done to aid Ayurveda practitioners in managing stress during the time of COVID-19.
COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF TWO VALUABLE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF FAMILY APOCYNACEAE (CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS (L.) G.DON. AND ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS (L.) R.BR.)
Authors: Mohanty Srushti Prajna , Mahakur Bhaswatimayee , Mitra Debasis , Rout Susant Kumar , Barik Durga Prasad
Published: May 2021

Medicinal plants are the significant sources of bioactive compounds worldwide. This study is aimed at qualitative phytochemical screening of leaves constituents of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. and Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. This analysis of both extracts of plant leaves was done using different solvents such as water, methanol and ethanol using standard methods. The presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, iridoids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and vitamins were examined in qualitative study of Catharanthus roseus and Alstonia scholaris. Only ethanol extract contains flavonoids. Steroids are found exclusively in aqueous extracts. This screening gave negative results for the presence of anthraquinones in all the extracts of both the leaves tested. The aqueous extract contains a substantially higher number of phytochemicals in both the leaves’constituents. Extensive study and research on the phytochemical analysis of the plant Catharanthus roseus and Alstonia scholaris will provide wide range information for scientists and researchers regarding apocynaceae family. This can be used to develop new therapies for society's health.
REVIEW ON PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM PLANT (SALVADORACEAE)
Authors: Rayadurgam Naveen , Babu A Narendra , Nagalakshmi J , Padmavathi B , Kiranmai K , Prameel V Naga Sai , Gowthami V , Deepthi B
Published: May 2021

Medicinal Plants have played a central role in the prevention and treatment of diseases since prehistoric times. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their extensive use in different countries. However, today it is essential to pay for the scientific proof as to whether it is rational to use a plant or its active principles. Hence the present communication constitutes a review with adequate information on the medicinal properties, ethno-medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of an Indian medicinal plant, Azima tetracantha Lam belonging to the family of Salvadoraceae. A wide range of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from A. tetracantha Lam which possesses activities like as stimulant, expectorant, anti-asthmatic activity, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diarrhoeal, insecticidal, anti-microbial, antivenom activity, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemic activities. Hence, extracts of Azima tetracantha could form one of the best options for developing novel natural medicine.
A REVIEW ON ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA): MIND AND BODY REJUVENATOR
Authors: Thakur Shifali , Kaurav Hemlata , Chaudhary Gitika
Published: May 2021

Withania somnifera or “Ashwagandha” is generally utilized as a folk medicine to cure different diseases. According to Indian Traditional System (Ayurveda), Ashwagandha is considered as one of the most significant medicinal plant and the best adaptogenic. It is a primary source from where we get withanolides (steroidal lactones), a class of phytochemicals which are utilized as main constituent in numerous formulations endorsed for several ailments. It is referred as a sedative, diuretic, mitigating, mainly used for boosting up the energy, endurance and acts as an adaptogen that exerts a solid immune stimulatory system. It is specially used as nervine tonic. Ashwagandha is utilized for treating cold and cough, ulcers, gauntness, diabetes, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, a sleeping disorder, feeble dementia, sickness, Parkinson's illness, joint inflammation, intestinal contaminations, bronchitis, asthma, ineptitude and sexual problem in patients.
A calibration CT mini‐lung‐phantom created by 3‐D printing and subtractive manufacturing
Authors: Guo H. Henry , Persson Mats , Weinheimer Oliver , Rosenberg Jarrett , Robinson Terry E. , Wang Jia
Published: May 2021

We describe the creation and characterization of a calibration CT mini‐lung‐phantom incorporating simulated airways and ground‐glass densities. Ten duplicate mini‐lung‐phantoms with Three‐Dimensional (3‐D) printed tubes simulating airways and gradated density polyurethane foam blocks were designed and built. Dimensional accuracy and CT numbers were measured using micro‐CT and clinical CT scanners. Micro‐CT images of airway tubes demonstrated an average dimensional variation of 0.038 mm from nominal values. The five different densities of incorporated foam blocks, simulating ground‐glass, showed mean CT numbers (±standard deviation) of −897.0 ± 1.5, −844.1 ± 1.5, −774.1 ± 2.6, −695.3 ± 1.6, and −351.0 ± 3.7 HU, respectively. Three‐Dimensional printing and subtractive manufacturing enabled rapid, cost‐effective production of ground‐truth calibration mini‐lung‐phantoms with low inter‐sample variation that can be scanned simultaneously with the patient undergoing lung quantitative CT.
Piezoelectricity of the Transmembrane Protein ba3 Cytochrome c Oxidase
Authors: O'Donnell Joseph , Cazade Pierre‐André , Guerin Sarah , Djeghader Ahmed , Haq Ehtsham Ul , Tao Kai , Gazit Ehud , Fukada Eiichi , Silien Christophe , Soulimane Tewfik , Thompson Damien , Tofail Syed A. M.
Published: May 2021

Controlling the electromechanical response of piezoelectric biological structures including tissues, peptides, and amino acids provides new applications for biocompatible, sustainable materials in electronics and medicine. Here, the piezoelectric effect is revealed in another class of biological materials, with robust longitudinal and shear piezoelectricity measured in single crystals of the transmembrane protein ba3 cytochrome c oxidase from Thermus thermophilus. The experimental findings from piezoresponse force microscopy are substantiated using a range of control measurements and molecular models. The observed longitudinal and shear piezoelectric responses of ≈2 and 8 pm V−1, respectively, are comparable to or exceed the performance of commonly used inorganic piezoelectric materials including quartz, aluminum nitride, and zinc oxide. This suggests that transmembrane proteins may provide, in addition to physiological energy transduction, technologically useful piezoelectric material derived entirely from nature. Membrane proteins could extend the range of rationally designed biopiezoelectric materials far beyond the minimalistic peptide motifs currently used in miniaturized energy harvesters, and the finding of robust piezoelectric response in a transmembrane protein also raises fundamental questions regarding the molecular evolution, activation, and role of regulatory proteins in the cellular nanomachinery, indicating that piezoelectricity might be important for fundamental physiological processes.
3D Printing Unique Nanoclay‐Incorporated Double‐Network Hydrogels for Construction of Complex Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Guo Zhongwei , Dong Lina , Xia Jingjing , Mi Shengli , Sun Wei
Published: May 2021

The development of new biomaterial inks with good structural formability and mechanical strength is critical to the fabrication of 3D tissue engineering scaffolds. For extrusion‐based 3D printing, the resulting 3D constructs are essentially a sequential assembly of 1D filaments into 3D constructs. Inspired by this process, this paper reports the recent study on 3D printing of nanoclay‐incorporated double‐network (NIDN) hydrogels for the fabrication of 1D filaments and 3D constructs without extra assistance of support bath. The frequently used “house‐of‐cards” architectures formed by nanoclay are disintegrated in the NIDN hydrogels. However, nanoclay can act as physical crosslinkers to interact with polymer chains of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) and alginate (Alg), which endows the hydrogel precursors with good structural formability. Various straight filaments, spring‐like loops, and complex 3D constructs with high shape‐fidelity and good mechanical strength are fabricated successfully. In addition, the NIDN hydrogel system can easily be transformed into a new type of magnetic responsive hydrogel used for 3D printing. The NIDN hydrogels also supported the growth of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and displayed potential calvarial defect repair functions.
Stimulation of Local Cytosolic Calcium Release by Photothermal Heating for Studying Intra‐ and Intercellular Calcium Waves
Authors: Zhu Dingcheng , Feng Lili , Feliu Neus , Guse Andreas H. , Parak Wolfgang J.
Published: May 2021

A methodology is described that allows for localized Ca2+ release by photoexcitation. For this, cells are loaded with polymer capsules with integrated plasmonic nanoparticles, which reside in endo‐lysosomes. The micrometer‐sized capsules can be individually excited by near‐infrared light from a light pointer, causing photothermal heating, upon which there is a rise in the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i can be analyzed with a Ca2+ indicator fluorophore. In this way, it is possible to excite local lysosomal Ca2+ release in a desired target cell.
Iron‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Cyanoalkylsulfonylation of 2,3‐Allenoic Acids, Sulfur Dioxide, and Cycloketone Oxime Esters: Access to Cyanoalkylsulfonylated Butenolides
Authors: Zheng Xiangyun , Zhong Tianshuo , Yi Xiao , Shen Qitao , Yin Chuanliu , Zhang Lei , Zhou Jian , Chen Junyu , Yu Chuanming
Published: May 2021

An iron‐catalyzed three‐component cyanoalkylsulfonylation of 2,3‐allenoic acids, K2S2O5, and the ring‐opening of cyclobutanone oxime esters is described. The radical tandem cyclization route allows access to diverse cyanoalkylsulfonylated butenolides in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Moreover, the products are further converted, offering the corresponding derivatives.

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Hydrogels: A Promising Vehicle for the Topical Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Barbosa Ana Isabel , Torres Tiago , Lima Sofia A. Costa , Reis Salette
Published: May 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with a high worldwide prevalence. AD is characterized by fluctuating and recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itch, being associated with high physical and psychological impact leading to disturbed sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Most of the patients have mild to moderate forms of atopic dermatitis and topical therapies (emollients, corticosteroids, calcineurin, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors) are the mainstay of therapy for these patients. Hydrogels are explored in the field of cutaneous application and have proven to be a good solution as a topical vehicle for atopic dermatitis, due to their high water content, improved drug delivery, responsiveness to stimuli and versatility in terms of preparation and drug‐loading, representing a good alternative to regular ointments or creams. This review highlights some of the atopic dermatitis characteristics and the use of hydrogels in the management of this disease. An outline of hydrogels as drug delivery systems for bioactive compounds is discussed, as well as their major advantages and drawbacks when compared to other galenic forms, and also an overview of clinical trials and patents engaged in the past 20 years.
In Vivo Induction of Regulatory T Cells Via CTLA‐4 Signaling Peptide to Control Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Prevent Disease Relapse
Authors: Kim Gil‐Ran , Kim Won‐Ju , Lim Sangho , Lee Hong‐Gyun , Koo Ja‐Hyun , Nam Kyung‐Ho , Kim Sung‐Min , Park Sung‐Dong , Choi Je‐Min
Published: May 2021

Regulatory T cells play a key role in immune tolerance to self‐antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases. However, no drugs targeting Treg cells have been approved for clinical trials yet. Here, a chimeric peptide is generated by conjugation of the cytoplasmic domain of CTLA‐4 (ctCTLA‐4) with dNP2 for intracellular delivery, dNP2‐ctCTLA‐4, and evaluated Foxp3 expression during Th0, Th1, Treg, and Th17 differentiation dependent on TGF‐β. The lysine motif of ctCTLA‐4, not tyrosine motif, is required for Foxp3 expression for Treg induction and amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Transcriptome analysis reveals that dNP2‐ctCTLA‐4‐treated T cells express Treg transcriptomic patterns with properties of suppressive functions. In addition, the molecular interaction between the lysine motif of ctCTLA‐4 and PKC‐η is critical for Foxp3 expression. Although both CTLA‐4‐Ig and dNP2‐ctCTLA‐4 treatment in vivo ameliorated EAE progression, only dNP2‐ctCTLA‐4 requires Treg cells for inhibition of disease progression and prevention of relapse. Furthermore, the CTLA‐4 signaling peptide is able to induce human Tregs in vitro and in vivo as well as from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of multiple sclerosis patients. These results collectively suggest that the chimeric CTLA‐4 signaling peptide can be used for successful induction of regulatory T cells in vivo to control autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Jahn–Teller Distortion Induced Mn2+‐Rich Cathode Enables Optimal Flexible Aqueous High‐Voltage Zn‐Mn Batteries
Authors: Dai Lixin , Wang Yan , Sun Lu , Ding Yi , Yao Yuanqing , Yao Lide , Drewett Nicholas E. , Zhang Wei , Tang Jun , Zheng Weitao
Published: May 2021

Although one of the most promising aqueous batteries, all Zn‐Mn systems suffer from Zn dendrites and the low‐capacity Mn4+/Mn3+ process (readily leading to the occurrence of Jahn–Teller distortion, which in turn causes structural collapse and voltage/capacity fading). Here, the Mn3+ reconstruction and disproportionation are exploited to prepare the stable, Mn2+‐rich manganese oxides on carbon‐cloth (CMOs) in a discharged state through an inverted design, which promotes reversible Mn2+/Mn4+ kinetics and mitigates oxygen‐related redox activity. Such a 1.65 V Mn2+‐rich cathode enable constructing a 2.2 V Zn‐Mn battery, providing a high area capacity of 4.16 mA h cm–2 (25 mA h cm–2 for 10 mL electrolyte) and superior 4000‐cycle stability. Moreover, a flexible hybrid 2.7 V Zn‐Mn battery is constructed using 2‐pH hydrogel electrolytes to demonstrate excellent practicality and stability. A further insight has been gained to the commercial application of aqueous energy storage devices toward low‐cost, high safety, and excellent energy density.
Halide Perovskite Materials for Photo(Electro)Chemical Applications: Dimensionality, Heterojunction, and Performance
Authors: Pan Shuang , Li Jun , Wen Zhangchuan , Lu Rong , Zhang Qingcheng , Jin Huile , Zhang Lijie , Chen Yihuang , Wang Shun
Published: May 2021

In recent years, halide perovskite materials have sparked intensive research, including their burgeoning development in the field of photo(electro)chemical catalysis. Halide perovskite materials are based on abundant and low‐cost elements with a rich structural composition and a variety of molecular and morphological dimensionalities. They possess versatile advantages over other photo(electro)catalytic materials owing to the facile adjustment of electronic properties via molecular and compositional engineering. Thus, the rapid development of perovskite photo(electro)catalysts in the past 4–5 years has opened up new opportunities for diverse photo(electro)chemical applications, ranging from photocatalytic organic reactions (e.g., chemical transformations, photopolymerization, and degradation) to solar‐to‐chemical fuel conversion (e.g., water splitting and CO2 reduction). This review aims to provide an up‐to‐date discussion on recent applications of halide perovskite photo(electro)catalytic materials, emphasizing their crystal and morphological dimensionality, synthetic methodologies, heterojunction structures, and fundamental structure‐activity relationships. Furthermore, current challenges and future research directions for the rational design of halide perovskite materials to boost their overall catalytic performance and stability are identified and envisaged respectively.
Determining the Criticality of Li‐Excess for Disordered‐Rocksalt Li‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Lee Jinhyuk , Wang Chao , Malik Rahul , Dong Yanhao , Huang Yimeng , Seo Dong‐Hwa , Li Ju
Published: May 2021

The development of Li‐excess disordered‐rocksalt (DRX) cathodes for Li‐ion batteries and interpretation through the framework of percolation theory of Li diffusion have steered researchers to consider “Li‐excess” (x > 1.1 in LixTM2−xO2; TM = transition metal) as being critical to achieving high performance. It is shown that this is not necessary for Mn‐rich DRX‐cathodes demonstrated by Li1.05Mn0.90Nb0.05O2 and Li1.20Mn0.60Nb0.20O2, which both deliver high capacity (>250 mAh g−1) regardless of their Li‐excess level. By contextualizing this finding within the broader space of DRX chemistries and confirming with first‐principles calculations, it is revealed that the percolation effect is not crucial at the nanoparticle scale. Instead, Li‐excess is necessary to lower the charging voltage (through the formation of condensed oxygen species upon oxygen oxidation) of certain DRX cathodes, which otherwise would experience difficulties in charging due to their very high TM‐redox potential. The findings reveal the dual roles of Li‐excess – modifying the cathode voltage in addition to promoting Li diffusion through percolation – that must be simultaneously considered to determine the criticality of Li‐excess for high‐capacity DRX cathodes.
Conventional anddata‐drivenmodeling of filtered drag, heat transfer, and reaction rate ingas–particleflows
Authors: Zhu Li‐Tao , Ouyang Bo , Lei He , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: May 2021

This study presents conventional and artificial neural network‐based data‐driven modeling (DDM) methods to model simultaneously the filtered mesoscale drag, heat transfer and reaction rate in gas–particle flows. The dataset used for developing the DDM is filtered from highly resolved simulations closed by our recently formulated microscopic drag and heat transfer coefficients (HTCs). Results reveal that the filtered drag correction is nearly independent of filter size when including the filtered gas phase pressure gradient. We further find that the filtered HTC correction critically depends on the added filtered temperature difference marker while the filtered reaction rate correction shows weak dependence on the additional markers. Moreover, compared with conventional correlations, DDM predictions agree better with filtered resolved data. Comparative analysis is also conducted between existing HTC corrections and our work. Finally, the applicability of conventional and data‐driven models coupled with coarse‐grid computational fluid dynamics simulations for pilot‐scale (reactive) gas–particle flows is validated comprehensively.
Encephalitis with Autoantibodies against the Glutamate Kainate Receptors GluK2
Authors: Landa Jon , Guasp Mar , Míguez‐Cabello Federico , Guimarães Joana , Mishima Takayasu , Oda Fumiko , Zipp Frauke , Krajinovic Vladimir , Fuhr Peter , Honnorat Jerome , Titulaer Maarten , Simabukuro Mateus , Planagumà Jesus , Martínez‐Hernández Eugenia , Armangué Thais , Saiz Albert , Gasull Xavier , Soto David , Graus Francesc , Sabater Lidia , Dalmau Josep ,   GluK2 encephalitis study group
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to report the identification of antibodies against the glutamate kainate receptor subunit 2 (GluK2‐abs) in patients with autoimmune encephalitis, and describe the clinical‐immunological features and antibody effects.

Methods

Two sera from 8 patients with similar rat brain immunostaining were used to precipitate the antigen from neuronal cultures. A cell‐based assay (CBA) with GluK2‐expressing HEK293 cells was used to assess 596 patients with different neurological disorders, and 23 healthy controls. GluK2‐ab effects were determined by confocal microscopy in cultured neurons and electrophysiology in GluK2‐expressing HEK293 cells.

Results

Patients’ antibodies precipitated GluK2. GluK2 antibody‐specificity was confirmed by CBA, immunoprecipitation, GluK2‐immunoabsorption, and GluK2 knockout brain immunohistochemistry. In 2 of 8 samples, antibodies reacted with additional GluK2 epitopes present in GluK1 or GluK3; in both, the reactivity was abrogated after GluK2 immuno‐absorption. Six of 8 patients developed acute encephalitis and clinical or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of predominant cerebellar involvement (4 presenting as cerebellitis, which in 2 patients caused obstructive hydrocephalus), and 2 patients had other syndromes (1 with cerebellar symptoms). One of the samples showed mild reactivity with non‐kainate receptors (alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors [AMPAR] and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors [NMDAR]) leading to identify 6 additional cases with GluK2‐abs among patients with anti‐AMPAR (5/71) or anti‐NMDAR encephalitis (1/73). GluK2‐abs internalized GluK2 in HEK293 cells and neurons; these antibody‐effects were reversible in neurons. A significant reduction of GluK2‐mediated currents was observed in cells treated with patients’ GluK2 serum following the time frame of antibody‐mediated GluK2 internalization.

Interpretation

GluK2‐abs associate with an encephalitis with prominent clinicoradiological cerebellar involvement. The antibody effects are predominantly mediated by internalization of GluK2. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:107–123
Interactions of linagliptin, rabeprazole sodium, and their formed complex with bovine serum albumin: Computational docking and fluorescence spectroscopic methods
Authors: Hossain Md. Jamal , Sultan Md. Zakir , Rashid Mohammad A. , Kuddus Md. Ruhul
Published: May 2021

The foremost aim of this thermodynamic study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) profiles of linagliptin (LG), rabeprazole sodium (RS), and their 1:1 formed complex by interacting with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at physiological pH 7.4. The molecular interactions of these ligands with the desired biomolecule were substantiated by the spectral quelling of fluorescence intensity of BSA. The fluorescent test and molecular docking revealed that the quenching mechanism was a spontaneous and exothermic static process, and the protein gained its secondary structure due to the interactions. The spectroscopic method was exercised to determine the thermodynamic factors that supported the interactions mediated by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. The activation energy of the formed complex was higher than its precursor drugs while interacting with BSA, and the energy transformation profiles were studied by UV‐fluorescence overlaid curves according to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory. The double log plot verified that these ligands bound with protein at a 1:1 ratio, which was confirmed by the approximately estimated values of the binding parameters. The drastically lower value of the binding constant of the formed complex suggested the lower half‐life as well as its triggered elimination rate from the cardiovascular system, which may be an initial indicator of the reduced hypoglycemic property of linagliptin. Moreover, the UV–vis and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic methods affirmed the conformational changes of the BSA due to drug‐protein complexation and polarity alterations in the microenvironment of disparate chromophores of the biomolecule.
Preparation of a fluid diversion agent for profile control in elevated temperature and high salinity reservoirs
Authors: Liu Pingde , Li Weitao , Wei Falin , Hu Futang , Zhu Xiuyu , Jia Zhiwei
Published: May 2021

To improve the thermal stability of organic polymer gels applied for profile control in elevated temperature and high salinity reservoirs, a temperature‐tolerant, and salt‐resistant polymer CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM) was synthesized using acrylamide, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane‐sulfonic acid, and 4‐propylphenylacrylamide.The effect of component weight percentage on CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM) properties was investigated, and its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The rheological properties of CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM) were also investigated. The results showed that CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM) has high apparent viscosity at different temperatures. Based on CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM), phenolic resin (PF), and a thermal stabilizer (TSA), a fluid diversion agent for profile control in elevated temperature and high salinity reservoirs was prepared. The optimized formula for the fluid diversion agent was as follows: 0.4–0.5 wt% CP (AM‐AMPS‐PPAM) + 0.3–0.4 wt% PF + 0.2–0.3 wt% TSA. In high salinity formation water, the apparent viscosity of the fluid diversion agent was greater than 1.2 × 104 mPa·s, with a gelation time of 5 to 30 h at 115°C and retention rate of the apparent viscosity of greater than 85% for 90 days. The results indicate that the diversion agent exhibited good thermal stability.
Quantifying alignment in carbon nanotube yarns and similar two‐dimensional anisotropic systems
Authors: Kaniyoor Adarsh , Gspann Thurid S. , Mizen Jenifer E. , Elliott James A.
Published: May 2021

The uniaxial orientational order in a macromolecular system is usually specified using the Hermans factor which is equivalent to the second moment of the system's orientation distribution function (ODF) expanded in terms of Legendre polynomials. In this work, we show that for aligned materials that are two‐dimensional (2D) or have a measurable 2D intensity distribution, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) textiles, the Hermans factor is not appropriate. The ODF must be expanded in terms of Chebyshev polynomials and therefore, its second moment is a better measure of orientation in 2D. We also demonstrate that both orientation parameters (Hermans in three dimensional (3D) and Chebyshev in 2D) depend not only on the respective full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of the peaks in the ODF but also on the shape of the fitted functions. Most importantly, we demonstrate a method to rapidly estimate the Chebyshev orientation parameter from a sample's 2D Fourier power spectrum, using an analysis program written in Python which is available for open access. As validation examples, we use digital photographs of dry spaghetti as well as scanning electron microscopy images of direct‐spun carbon nanotube fibers, proving the technique's applicability to a wide variety of fibers and images.
Intestinal proteases profiling from Anticarsia gemmatalis and their binding to inhibitors
Authors: Silva‐Júnior Neilier R. , Cabrera Yaremis M. , Barbosa Samuel L. , Barros Rafael de A. , Barros Edvaldo , Vital Camilo E. , Ramos Humberto J. O. , Oliveira Maria Goreti A.
Published: May 2021

Although the importance of intestinal hydrolases is recognized, there is little information on the intestinal proteome of lepidopterans such as Anticarsia gemmatalis. Thus, we carried out the proteomic analysis of the A. gemmatalis intestine to characterize the proteases by LC/MS. We examined the interactions of proteins identified with protease inhibitors (PI) using molecular docking. We found 54 expressed antigens for intestinal protease, suggesting multiple important isoforms. The hydrolytic arsenal featured allows for a more comprehensive understanding of insect feeding. The docking analysis showed that the soybean PI (SKTI) could bind efficiently with the trypsin sequences and, therefore, insect resistance does not seem to involve changing the sequences of the PI binding site. In addition, a SERPIN was identified and the interaction analysis showed the inhibitor binding site is in contact with the catalytic site of trypsin, possibly acting as a regulator. In addition, this SERPIN and the identified PI sequences can be targets for the control of proteolytic activity in the caterpillar intestine and serve as a support for the rational design of a molecule with greater stability, less prone to cleavage by proteases and viable for the control of insect pests such as A. gemmatalis.
Bmcas‐1 plays an important role in response against BmNPV infection in vitro
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Zi‐qin , Huang Xin‐ming , Ding Xin‐yi , Zhao Chun‐xiao , Li Mu‐wang , Wu Yang‐chun , Liu Qiu‐ning , Wang Xue‐yang
Published: May 2021

Apoptosis, as one kind of innate immune system, is involved in host response against pathogens innovation. Caspases play a vital role in the execution stage of host cell apoptosis. It has been reported that Bmcaspase‐1 (Bmcas‐1) has a close relationship with Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection for its differentially expressed patterns after viral infection. However, its underlying response mechanism is still unclear. The significant differential expression of Bmcas‐1 in different tissues of differentially resistant strains revealed its vital role in BmNPV infection. To further validate its role in BmNPV infection, budded virus (BV)‐eGFP was analyzed after knockdown and overexpression of Bmcas‐1 by small interfering RNA and the pIZT‐mCherry vector, respectively. The reproduction of BV‐eGFP obviously increased at 72 h after knockdown of Bmcas‐1, and decreased after overexpression in BmN cells. Moreover, the conserved functional domain of Cas‐1 among different species and the closed evolutionary relationship of Cas‐1 in Lepidoptera hinted that Bmcas‐1 might be associated with apoptosis, and this was also validated by the apoptosis inducer, Silvestrol, and the inhibitor, Z‐DEVD‐FMK. Therefore, Bmcas‐1 plays an essential antiviral role by activating apoptosis, and this result lays a fundament for clarifying the molecular mechanism of silkworm in response against BmNPV infection and breeding of resistant strains.
Differences in the Oral Microbiome in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis and Individuals at Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared to Healthy Individuals
Authors: Kroese Johanna M. , Brandt Bernd W. , Buijs Mark J. , Crielaard Wim , Lobbezoo Frank , Loos Bruno G. , van Boheemen Laurette , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Zaura Egija , Volgenant Catherine M. C.
Published: May 2021

Objective

It has been suggested that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may originate at the oral mucosa. The aim of the present study was to assess the oral microbiome and periodontal condition in patients with early RA and individuals at risk of developing RA compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Three groups were recruited (n = 50 participants per group): 1) patients with early RA (meeting the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2010 classification criteria), 2) individuals at risk of developing RA (those with arthralgia who were positive for RA‐associated autoantibodies), and 3) healthy controls. A periodontal examination was conducted to assess the presence of bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). The microbial composition of subgingival dental plaque, saliva, and tongue coating was assessed using 16S ribosomal DNA amplicon sequencing, and findings were compared between groups with permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA).

Results

There were no significant differences in any of the 3 periodontal variables between patients with early RA, at‐risk individuals, and healthy controls (P = 0.70 for BOP, P = 0.30 for PPD, and P = 0.57 for PISA, by Kruskal‐Wallis test). PERMANOVA analyses comparing microbial composition between the groups showed significant differences in the microbial composition of saliva (F = 2.08, P = 0.0002) and tongue coating (F = 2.04, P = 0.008), but not subgingival dental plaque (F = 0.948, P = 0.51). However, in post hoc tests, no significant differences in microbial composition of the saliva or tongue coating were observed between the early RA group and the at‐risk group (F = 1.12, P = 0.28 for saliva; F = 0.834, P = 0.59 for tongue coating). In assessing microbial diversity based on the number of zero‐radius operational taxonomic units per sample, Prevotella in the saliva and Veillonella in the saliva and tongue coating were each found at a higher relative abundance in samples from patients with early RA and at‐risk individuals compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

The results show similarities in the oral microbiome between patients with early RA and at‐risk individuals, since in both groups, the oral microbiome was characterized by an increased relative abundance of potentially proinflammatory species when compared to that in healthy controls. These findings suggest a possible association between the oral microbiome and the onset of RA.
Quantile modeling through multivariate log‐normal/independent linear regression models with application to newborn data
Authors: Morán‐Vásquez Raúl Alejandro , Mazo‐Lopera Mauricio A. , Ferrari Silvia L. P.
Published: May 2021

In this article, we propose and study the class of multivariate log‐normal/independent distributions and linear regression models based on this class. The class of multivariate log‐normal/independent distributions is very attractive for robust statistical modeling because it includes several heavy‐tailed distributions suitable for modeling correlated multivariate positive data that are skewed and possibly heavy‐tailed. Besides, expectation‐maximization (EM)‐type algorithms can be easily implemented for maximum likelihood estimation. We model the relationship between quantiles of the response variables and a set of explanatory variables, compute the maximum likelihood estimates of parameters through EM‐type algorithms, and evaluate the model fitting based on Mahalanobis‐type distances. The satisfactory performance of the quantile estimation is verified by simulation studies. An application to newborn data is presented and discussed.