bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case series of Ectopia Lentis associated with Marfan's syndrome
Authors: Laad Sagarika , Singh Harpal , Singh Satendra , Ramnani Parag , Gupta Shashank , Gupta Ritu
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

To report 4 cases of Marfan's syndrome with ectopia lentis.

Methods:

Case 1- Fifty year old woman presented with sudden painless diminution of vision both eye since 1 day with history of blunt trauma by wood-log. Vision was counting finger 3 feet in both eyes, small pupil with sluggish reactions and posteriorly dislocated lens. B-scan showed posterior dislocation of lens in both eyes with retinal detachment in right eye. Case 2- Two sisters aged 15 and 12 year also presented with superotemporal subluxation of lens. Best corrected vision was 6/12 both eye in younger one and 6/9 in right and 6/12 in left eye of elder one. Case 3- A 22 year old male reported with painless diminution of vision since childhood. Vision was 1/60 in right and 6/60 in left eye. Anterior segment shows lens in anterior chamber in right eye and superonasal subluxation of lens in left eye. All patients presented with typical features of Marfan's syndrome like tall-statured with long, thin extremities; arachnodactly, prognathis and a high arched palate.

Results:

Case 1 improved with +10 D lens in left eye and no improvement in right as there was Retinal detachment present. She was referred to vitreoretinal surgeon. Case 2 are under observation and managed conservatively. Case3 is also referred to vitreoretinal surgeon. Conclusion-Ectopia lentis is reported as most common feature in Marfan's syndrome. Though posterior dislocation is rarely reported. There should be multifaceted approach to manage such cases and prevent sight-threatening complication.
Conjunctival Epithelial Inclusion Cyst
Authors: Tagare Shivraj , Christy Josephine S
Published: April 2021

We present a case of conjunctival inclusion cyst which was misdiagnosed as a lid swelling at first instance. The swelling moved upwards on lid closure mimicking a mobile chalazion. On lifting up the lid, the transilluminant conjunctival cyst was revealed at scleral tunnel. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of inclusion cyst. This case depicts the importance of lifting the lids and thorough examination in all cases of lid swelling because of potential underlying pathologies arising from inner coats of eye ball that can closely mimic it.
The Sterile Corneal Post-Operative Melting Point - NSAID Induced Keratolysis After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Ramesh Prasanna Venkatesh , Ramesh Shruthy Vaishali , Ramesh Meena Kumari , Rajasekaran Ramesh
Published: April 2021

Progressive sterile keratolysis is a rare yet potentially blinding condition after cataract surgery. Acute sterile corneal melt after cataract surgery is defined as: 1) occurrence of keratolysis within a month after cataract surgery, 2) absence of infection signs, and 3) appearance around paracentral cornea. Delayed detection in this 72 year old male with poor follo w up after cataract surgery resulted in near total corneal melt. The presumable factor responsible here could be long-term usage of NSAID (Nepafenac 0.1% eye drops). Screening for both ocular (Sjogren's syndrome) and systemic risk factors (rheumatoid arthritis) is essential to prevent such condition.
Weill Marchesani Syndrome: Microspherophakia
Authors: Chaurasiya Suraj Kumar
Published: April 2021

A rare case of Weill Marchesani syndrome in a 6 years old girl who presented with short stature, short broadhead, thickened skin with short stubby fingers and toes. On ocular examination, she had bilateral small spherical crystalline lens (microspherophakia) with stretched zonules causing anterior subluxation of the crystalline lens resulting in pupillary angle-closure glaucoma. Pentacam scheimpflug image measurement confirmed the presence of microspherophakia crystalline lens.
Hair In Punctum
Authors: Khanna Vaibhav , Chhabra Kanika
Published: April 2021

A middle-aged male presented to the Eye OPD with complaints of right eye foreign body sensation, pain, redness, watering for 10 days. Anterior segment examination revealed a hair in the punctum which was removed easily with atraumatic forceps. Patient was prescribed topical antibiotic eye drops and lubricants and followed up after one week. Hair in punctum is a rare phenomenon wherein eyelashes which are shed like regular hair are carried away by reflex lacrimal secretion and sucked into the lower punctum due to negative pressure created in the canaliculus secondary to eye blink. We describe a case of hair in punctum which was removed by a simple procedure, relieving the patient of his symptoms.
Smartphone Fundus Videography For Documentation Of Retinal And Optic Nerve Head Diseases
Authors: Hans Rajesh , Uzair Mohmad , Kaushik Aditi
Published: April 2021

Ophthalmological services are required everywhere throughout the country. The lack of availability of the equipment's like fundus camera at most of the smaller centers is still a discouraging factor for documentation of retinal and optic nerve head diseases. The smaller centers fulfill this need by referring the patients to tertiary or higher centers. Here, we describe a technique of Smartphone Fundus videography (SFV), which may prove useful for the necessary documentation. The generated data by this technique may be stored in any easily available electronic hardware and software. This data may also be used for temporal comparison of the diseases in the patients following up at various clinics by easily sharing the data using widely available smartphone applications.
Levels of Stress among Retired Civil Servants as Correlate of Their Adjustment Patterns in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Agha K. A. , Nwankwo C. A.
Published: April 2021

Aims: The study determined the relationship between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of retired civil servants, the relationship between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of male retired civil servants, as well as the relationship between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of female retired civil servants in Anambra state, Nigeria. 

Study Design:  The research design was a correlation survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Anambra state secretariat office, March 2010 to February 2020.

Methodology: The multistage sampling procedure was used to select a sample size of 513 retired civil servants from a population of 1500 retired civil servants in Anambra state (220 male and 252 female) (Source: Anambra state secretariat office, personal/accounts department, 2019). Levels of stress (LOS) and adjustment patterns questionnaires (APQ) were used to collect data which was administered through direct delivery approach. The validity of the questionnaires was carried out by three experts. The reliability coefficient for the levels of stress questionnaire (LSQ) was 0.78, while the reliability coefficient for adjustment pattern questionnaire was 0.85. Research questions 1, 2 and 3 were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r). The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test of correlation.

Results: Findings from the study revealed among others that; the relationship between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of retired civil servants is high and positive (r=0.661/n=472), while the relationship between levels of stress and adjustment patterns based on gender of retired civil servants is positively high for male (r=0.703/n=220), and moderately positive for female retired civil servants (r=0.577/n=252). Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that male and female retired civil servants should be encouraged to engage in meaningful activities that will reduce their stress levels. Also, the federal government should look into disbursement of funds and the payment of retired civil servants, the prioritizing of retirees’ payment of pension and gratuities can promote this process. Through this, retired civil servants will meet up financial obligations of their families, and in turn reduce the level of stress they undergo.

Conclusion: There is a high positive correlation between levels of stress and their adjustment patterns, it was also found that a high positive correlation between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of male and female retired civil servants in Anambra state. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between levels of stress and adjustment patterns of retired civil servants.
Inverse Dominating Set of an Interval-valued Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Shain Ahmed N. , Shubatah Mahiuob M. Q.
Published: April 2021

Inverse domination is very much useful in network theory, Radio Stations, Electrical stations and several fields of mathematics. In This article, inverse domination in an interval-valued fuzzy graphs is defined and studied. Some bounds on inverse domination number γ8(G). are provided for several interval-valued fuzzy graphs, such as complete, complete bipartite, star,.. etc. Furthermore, the relationship of γ8(G). with some others known parameters in interval-valued fuzzy graphs investigated with some suitable examples.
Transgenesis of Bioluminescence (BL) Gene and Its Potential Use for Malaria Residual Transmission Issue and Other Vector Borne Diseases: New Considerations for Vector and Vector Borne Diseases (VBD) Control
Authors: Carnevale G. , Carnevale P.
Published: April 2021

The present article considers the potential of transgenesis of the bioluminescent gene for malaria and other vector borne diseases (VBD) control. Vector control is an important component of every vector control operations for the vector borne disease control. Actually the bioluminescence phenomena and the green fluorescent protein GPF open great field of researches and “On December 10, 2008 Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie and Roger Tsien were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for "the discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein, GFP". Bio-molecular technologies and transgenesis open the field for getting BL mosquitoes such as Plasmodium (several references) for “Transmission Reducing Activity” (TRA) without any hazard on human beings and ecological level. For exemple BL mosquitoes would be of paramount importance for mark-release-recapture becoming easier to implement and giving more relevant and reliable data on relation between density (size of the population) and distance (and wind) as the vector population size decrease with increasing distance from the source of production (breeding site) or release point. BL appeared already of great interest to understand the relation vector/parasite and to assess transmission intensity. Our idea is to genetically produce “Bioluminescent Mosquitoes” allowing a better identification of their presence, behavior, densities, infected specimens, risk of transmission before/after vector control operations which could be greatly improved thanks to the targeting of mosquitoes resting site or flight range and any other biological component.
Set Theory INC# Based on Intuitionistic Logic with Restricted Modus Ponens Rule (Part. I)
Authors: Foukzon Jaykov
Published: April 2021

In this article Russell’s paradox and Cantor’s paradox resolved successfully using intuitionistic logic with restricted modus ponens rule.
Oscillation Criteria for a Class of Second-Order Dierential Equation with Neutral Term
Authors: Zhao Yu-Ping , Hua Fu
Published: April 2021

This paper is concerned with oscillation criteria for a class of second-order dierential equation with neutral term.We obtain sucient conditions for the oscillation of this equation by using  Riccati transformation and some analytical skill.
Reversible alteration of Nerve Conduction Velocity in Iron Deficient Anemic Patients in Response to Treatment
Authors: Sharma G. , Gupta S. , Atri S. K. , Sharma P.
Published: April 2021

Aim: Evaluation of nerve conduction in adult patients of iron deficiency anemia and to study the response to treatment.

Study Design: Prospective randomized control study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, PGIMS Rohtak

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with central and peripheral nervous system disturbances. Iron is an essential component of brain growth, myelination, nerve impulse conduction, protein synthesis, hormone production, fundamental aspects of cellular energy metabolism and is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Hence, its deficiency adversely affects motor performance, mental development as well as cognitive and behavioral functions. Since myelination is concerned with conduction in nerve fibers, iron deficiency potentially impairs neuronal transmission and leads to functional neurodeficit like dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system such as paresthetic complaints.

Method: Nerve conduction was recorded using RMS EMG EP MK2 machine in 30 newly diagnosed patients of iron deficiency anemia with haemoglobin less than 10.9-4 g/dl between 18-50 years of age who were followed up after 3 months of treatment and compared with 30 age and sex matched controls.

Results: An increase in distal latencies and a decrease in amplitude and nerve conduction velocities of motor and sensory component of all the nerves was seen in IDA patients as compared to the control groups which was reversible with iron replacement therapy.

Conclusion: Altered values of nerve conduction parameters indicates peripheral neuropathy in IDA individuals with or without polyneuropathy. Thus, nerve conduction study provides an objective method for monitoring the function of PNS, especially the clinically silent peripheral nerve compromise in patients of iron deficiency anemia before and after iron replacement therapy.  Thus NCS is a non-invasive test for early diagnosis and therefore early treatment to prevent complications.
Addressing Delamination through Advanced Semiconductor Die Design
Authors: Rodriguez Rennier S. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: April 2021

Innovations and breakthroughs are continuously driven in semiconductor manufacturing to overcome existing assembly limitations and recurring difficulties. This paper is focused on the resolution of the delamination issue during die attach assembly process. A new design of semiconductor die is presented to establish a robust adhesion or interface bonding between the silicon die and the epoxy material for die attach. The paper also provides the specialized design of manufacturing flow for the improved die design through advanced wafer fabrication method and wafer cutting technique. The realization of the advanced silicon die design would ultimately mitigate the delamination issue and would contribute for a robust die attach assembly process.
Die Attach Curing Program Automation of N2 Parameter for Process Robustness
Authors: Dinglasan Jerome , Rosa Rogel Dela , Gomez Frederick Ray
Published: April 2021

In the world of semiconductor industry, automation plays a big role on every manufacturing plants to improve efficiency, prevent product yield losses, and making sure that top quality products will be delivered on end user. On die attach curing process of manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuits (IC) devices, certain problems occur like wrong Nitrogen (N2) parameter setting on the oven curing machine, with human intervention during setup, causing leadframe oxidation related defects. The paper discussed the importance of automation system on processing semiconductor IC products on die attach curing process, eliminating mostly human intervention on setting up machine parameters, storing and managing programs, restrict unauthorize users from accessing, provide friendly user procedures to prevent human errors and prevent oxidation related defects.
A Prospective Observational Study on Prevalence and Prognostic Indicators among Tuberculosis and Multidrug Resistance Tuberculosis Patients in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Noorjahan A. , Bhargavi B. , Mallikarjuna K. , Ishaq B. Mohammad , Reddy L. Siva Sankar , Ugandar R. E.
Published: April 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable systemic infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality associated with it. Resistance to medications used to treat tuberculosis has been on the rise in recent years. (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis)  (MDR-TB)  is a significant challenge to (TB) control around the world. An observational research was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital to determine the interim pharmacological and microbial results of Rifampicin resistance TB patients. Data from Santhiram Medical College and General Hospital, Nandyal, Kurnool Dist. Andhra Pradesh were obtained from Aug 2020 to Feb 2021, after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The effects of the regimen are determined in terms of cure, finished treatment, treatment failure, number of patients moved to MDR-TB, number of patients who died in long-term MDR-TB regimen patients. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used to analyse the data. There were 82 male and 23 female out of 105 patients included in the study. Of these 75 patients were from rural areas and 40 from urban areas Using the Chi-square test and X2=12.1026, p=0.0005, which was important, the correlation between geographical spread and treatment result was determined. Out of 115 patients, 99 (86.09 percent) were cured of their disease, 06 (5.22 percent) died, 10 (8.69 percent) developed MDR-TB, and 2 (1.74 percent) were deemed medication errors. Males between the ages of 51 and 70 are more vulnerable to TB than females, according to our results. Compared to females of the same age, male patients over 40 years of age are more vulnerable to MDRTB. this was not part of the research objectives, emphasis should not be placed on this as either conclusion or recommendation.
Frequency of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis of Liver in Department of Medicine at People Medical College Hospital Nawabshah Pakistan
Authors: Daidano Jeando Khan , Shahzad Amir , Tunio Safdar Ali Pervez , Jamali Anwar Ali , Ahmer Arslan , Rind Muhammad Saleem
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Bacterial Infections in cirrhosis of liver is one of the main complications with increase mortality rate. Infection of ascitic fluid in cirrhosis of liver was introduced by Conn and fessel [2], termed as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Objective: To determine the frequency of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) in patients presenting with cirrhosis of liver.

Methodology: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was performed in the Medicine Ward at People’s Medical College Hospital Nawabshah Pakistan from 1st June 2018 to 31 July 2020. Total 100 admitted patients were selected for this study, male patient were 58 and female patient were 42. Consent was taken from the patients and their relatives. Primary and secondary outcomes measured. All the patients with diagnosis of cirrhosis of liver were included for this study, ascites due to other causes and patients on antibiotic therapy were excluded from this study. Ascitic fluid aspirated for culture and DR. Blood CP, Urea, Creatinine, LFT and PT was performed.

Results: Among these 100 patients 13 were culture positive raised ascites PMN, 17 were culture negative raised ascites PMN. E. coli was detected in majority of the culture positive patients. 70 patients presented with sterile ascites. SBP patients presented with fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, Encephalopathy and raised prothrombin time.

Conclusion: SBP common complication of cirrhosis associated with high mortality. All cirrhotic Patients admitted in medical wards with history of abdominal pain, fever and Encephalopathy, diagnostic paracentesis is compulsory. Early management with intravascular expansion with albumin and antibiotics with good prognosis mortality can be reduced.
Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 39 promotes human glioma cells migration and invasion by facilitating ADAM9 mRNA maturation
Authors: Xiao Yue , Ma Wenjing , Hu Weiwei , Di Qianqian , Zhao Xibao , Ma Xingyu , Chen Xinyi , Sun Ping , Wu Han , Wu Zherui , Chen Weilin
Published: April 2021

Glioma cells are characterized by high migration and invasion ability; however, the molecular mechanism behind both processes still remains to be investigated. Several studies have demonstrated that ubiquitin‐specific protease 39 (USP39) plays an oncogenic role in various cancer types. Here, we investigated the expression and function of USP39 in patients with glioma. Oncomine database analysis revealed that high USP39 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival in patients with glioma. Knockdown of USP39 in U251 and U87 cell lines significantly inhibited their migration and invasion in vitro. Gene expression profiling of glioma cells transduced with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against USP39 revealed that disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain‐containing protein 9 (ADAM9), a molecule previously related to tumor cell migration and invasion, was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, USP39 induced ADAM9 messenger RNA (mRNA) maturation and decreased the expression of integrin β1. Additionally, overexpression of ADAM9 inhibited the migration and invasion of glioma cells caused by USP39 depletion in vitro. USP39 promoted the invasion of glioma cells in vivo and reduced the overall survival of the mice. Altogether, our data show that USP39 induces mRNA maturation and elevates the expression of ADAM9 in glioma cells and may thus be considered potential target for treating patients with glioma.
Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Test Accuracy and Benefits and Harms of Common Treatments
Authors: Dua Anisha B. , Husainat Nedaa M. , Kalot Mohamad A. , Byram Kevin , Springer Jason M. , James Karen E. , Chang Lin Yih , Turgunbaev Marat , Villa‐Forte Alexandra , Abril Andy , Langford Carol , Maz Mehrdad , Chung Sharon A. , Mustafa Reem A.
Published: April 2021

This systematic review compares treatment options for patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and evaluates the test accuracy of studies used in diagnosing and monitoring GCA. These studies were used to inform evidence‐based recommendations for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Vasculitis Foundation (VF) vasculitis management guidelines. A systematic review and search of articles in English in Ovid Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Articles were screened for suitability, and studies presenting the highest level of evidence were given preference. Three hundred ninety‐nine full‐text articles addressing GCA questions were reviewed to inform 27 Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions. No benefit was found with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) compared with high‐dose oral GCs in patients with cranial ischemic symptoms (27.4% vs 12.3%; odds ratio [OR] 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75‐7.62], [very low certainty of evidence]). Weekly tocilizumab with a 26‐week GC taper was superior to a 52‐week GC taper in patients achieving remission (risk ratio 4.00 [95% CI 1.97‐8.12], [low certainty of evidence]). Non‐GC immunosuppressive therapies with GCs compared with GCs alone showed no statistically significant in relapse at 1 year (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.73‐1.04], [moderate certainty of evidence]) or serious adverse events (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.54‐1.20]; [moderate certainty of evidence]). Temporal artery biopsy has a sensitivity of 61% (95% CI 38%‐79%) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI 95%‐99%) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of suspected GCA. This comprehensive systematic review synthesizes and evaluates the benefits and harms of different treatment options and the accuracy of commonly used tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of GCA.
Suppression and Recovery of Martensitic Transformation and Magnetism in Mechanically and Thermally Treated Magnetic Shape‐Memory Ni−Mn−Ga Melt‐Spun Ribbons
Authors: Czaja Paweł , Chulist Robert , Wójcik Anna , Kowalczyk Maciej , Zackiewicz Przemysław , Szewczyk Arkadiusz , Schell Norbert , Maziarz Wojciech
Published: April 2021

As‐melt‐spun Ni50.2Mn28.3Ga21.5 ribbons are subjected to milling and subsequent annealing for various times. With progressing milling time, the martensitic transformation is gradually suppressed, magnetic moment deteriorates, whereas the crystal structure undergoes a body centered tetragonal (bct) into face centered cubic (fcc) change. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrates a twin‐deformed zone in fcc powder particles, which works to improve circularity of as‐produced powders. Subsequent annealing of as‐milled powders restores martensitic transformation and magnetism, as well as it reverts the fcc into the original 5M structure. It is hence showcased that due to an allotropic transformation, brittle Heusler alloys are mechanically optimized for 3D printing without loss of their functional properties.
Plasmonic Core–Shell Nanomaterials and their Applications in Spectroscopies
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Radjenovic Petar M. , Zhou Xiao‐Shun , Zhang Hua , Yao Jian‐Lin , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2021

Plasmonic core–shell nanostructures have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community recently due to their highly tunable optical properties. Plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopies are one of the main applications of plasmonic nanomaterials. When excited by an incident laser of suitable wavelength, strong and highly localized electromagnetic (EM) fields are generated around plasmonic nanomaterials, which can significantly boost excitation and/or radiation processes that amplify Raman, fluorescence, or nonlinear signals and improve spectroscopic sensitivity. Herein, recent developments in plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopies utilizing core–shell nanostructures are reviewed, including shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS), plasmon‐enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy, and plasmon‐enhanced nonlinear spectroscopy.
Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathode Design: Tailoring Metal‐Based Nanostructures for Robust Polysulfide Adsorption and Catalytic Conversion
Authors: Ng Sue‐Faye , Lau Michelle Yu Ling , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: April 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have a high specific energy capacity and density of 1675 mAh g−1 and 2670 Wh kg−1, respectively, rendering them among the most promising successors for lithium‐ion batteries. However, there are myriads of obstacles in the practical application and commercialization of Li‐S batteries, including the low conductivity of sulfur and its discharge products (Li2S/Li2S2), volume expansion of sulfur electrode, and the polysulfide shuttle effect. Hence, immense attention has been devoted to rectifying these issues, of which the application of metal‐based compounds (i.e., transition metal, metal phosphides, sulfides, oxides, carbides, nitrides, phosphosulfides, MXenes, hydroxides, and metal‐organic frameworks) as sulfur hosts is profiled as a fascinating strategy to hinder the polysulfide shuttle effect stemming from the polar–polar interactions between the metal compounds and polysulfides. This review encompasses the fundamental electrochemical principles of Li‐S batteries and insights into the interactions between the metal‐based compounds and the polysulfides, with emphasis on the intimate structure–activity relationship corroborated with theoretical calculations. Additionally, the integration of conductive carbon‐based materials to ameliorate the existing adsorptive abilities of the metal‐based compound is systematically discussed. Lastly, the challenges and prospects toward the smart design of catalysts for the future development of practical Li‐S batteries are presented.
Engineering Strategies for Immunomodulatory Cytokine Therapies: Challenges and Clinical Progress
Authors: Pires Ivan S. , Hammond Paula T. , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: April 2021

Cytokines are immunoregulatory proteins involved in many pathological states with promising potential as therapeutic agents. A diverse array of cytokines has been studied in preclinical disease models since the 1950s, some of which became successful biopharmaceutical products with the advancement of recombinant protein technology in the 1980s. However, following these early approvals, clinical translation of these natural immune signaling molecules has been limited due to their pleiotropic action in many cell types, and the fact that they have evolved to act primarily locally in tissues. These characteristics, combined with poor pharmacokinetics, have hindered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration routes due to dose‐limiting toxicities. However, given their clinical potential and recent clinical successes in cancer immunotherapy, cytokines continue to be extensively pursued in preclinical and clinical studies, and a range of molecular and formulation engineering strategies are being applied to reduce treatment toxicity while maintaining or enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a brief background on the characteristics of cytokines and their history as clinical therapeutics, followed by a deeper discussion on the engineering strategies developed for cytokine therapies with a focus on the translational relevance of these approaches.
Beyond Tolerance Factor: Using Deep Learning for Prediction Formability of ABX3 Perovskite Structures
Authors: Fedorovskiy Alexander E. , Queloz Valentin I. E. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2021

Deep learning (DL) is a modern powerful instrument for multiple purposes, including classification. In this study, this technique is applied to the task of perovskites formability. A commonly known perovskite dataset is used to try to make an instrument superior to the ‘classic’ geometric approach. The authors found that the resulting models allow the finding of inaccuracies in the data and can successfully forecast perovskite formability with an accuracy of over 98% for the best case.
Tunable Doping of Rhenium and Vanadium into Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Two‐Dimensional Electronics
Authors: Li Shisheng , Hong Jinhua , Gao Bo , Lin Yung‐Chang , Lim Hong En , Lu Xueyi , Wu Jing , Liu Song , Tateyama Yoshitaka , Sakuma Yoshiki , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Suenaga Kazu , Taniguchi Takaaki
Published: April 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) with unique electrical properties are fascinating materials used for future electronics. However, the strong Fermi level pinning effect at the interface of TMDCs and metal electrodes always leads to high contact resistance, which seriously hinders their application in 2D electronics. One effective way to overcome this is to use metallic TMDCs or transferred metal electrodes as van der Waals (vdW) contacts. Alternatively, using highly conductive doped TMDCs will have a profound impact on the contact engineering of 2D electronics. Here, a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using mixed molten salts is established for vapor–liquid–solid growth of high‐quality rhenium (Re) and vanadium (V) doped TMDC monolayers with high controllability and reproducibility. A tunable semiconductor to metal transition is observed in the Re‐ and V‐doped TMDCs. Electrical conductivity increases up to a factor of 108 in the degenerate V‐doped WS2 and WSe2. Using V‐doped WSe2 as vdW contact, the on‐state current and on/off ratio of WSe2‐based field‐effect transistors have been substantially improved (from ≈10–8 to 10–5 A; ≈104 to 108), compared to metal contacts. Future studies on lateral contacts and interconnects using doped TMDCs will pave the way for 2D integrated circuits and flexible electronics.
Au Clusters on Pd Nanosheets Selectively Switch the Pathway of Ethanol Electrooxidation: Amorphous/Crystalline Interface Matters
Authors: Lv Fan , Zhang Weiyu , Sun Mingzi , Lin Fangxu , Wu Tong , Zhou Peng , Yang Wenxiu , Gao Peng , Huang Bolong , Guo Shaojun
Published: April 2021

The development of ethanol electrooxidation catalysts with high activity and robust stability is essential for the commercialization of direct ethanol fuel cells. However, because of their low C1 selectivity, the electrocatalytic efficiency of catalysts for complete ethanol oxidation is still far from satisfying. Herein, a novel 2D PdAu heterogeneous catalyst for enhancing C1 selectivity to achieve highly efficient ethanol oxidation through phase and interphase engineering is designed. It is found that owing to the plentiful amorphous/crystalline interphases, the selectivity of C1 pathway on PdAu heterocatalyst can be improved up to 33.2% at a low potential, 10.4 times higher than commercial Pd/C (3.2%). Furthermore, 89.1% of initial mass activity of PdAu HNS can be retained after the accelerated degradation test of 2000 potential cycles, much higher than those of Pd NS (39.3%), commercial Pd/C (34.4%), and Pt/C (11.4%). The CO stripping and in situ Fourier transform infrared experiments reveal that 2D PdAu heterocatalyst, with intricate design of the amorphous Pd domain and the crystalline Au cluster interface, has better antipoisoning properties and stronger CC bond cleavage ability than pure Pd nanosheets. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that the introduction of Au clusters switches on the electroactivity of amorphous Pd as the electron pump to accomplish the complete oxidation of ethanol, in which the selectivity for C1 pathway is significantly boosted whereas the typical C2 pathway is substantially blocked.
Hierarchical Carbon Nanosheet Assembly with SiOx Incorporation and Nitrogen Doping Achieves Enhanced Lithium Ion Storage Performance
Authors: Wang Gongrui , Li Jie , Yu Lai , Gao Jingyu , Zhang Genqiang
Published: April 2021

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the markets of portable electronics due to the merits of a low self‐discharge rate, high voltage platform, environmental friendliness, and portability. However, the limited theoretical capacity of the current commercial anode material causes unsatisfied energy density of LIBs, which falls behind the ever‐increasing demands of society. Herein, a hierarchical porous carbon nanosheet assembly is successfully constructed with simultaneous SiOx incorporation and nitrogen doping (denoted as HPCNA‐(N, Si)) through a supramolecular assembly–based one‐pot strategy followed by a calcination process. Benefitting from the unique morphology, highly porous feature, and the synergy of SiOx incorporation and nitrogen doping, the HPCNA‐(N, Si) exhibits largely enhanced Li+ storage performance when evaluated as anode material for LIBs. Specifically, it can deliver a high specific capacity of 583.0 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1 with a stable cycling capability (700 cycles with an average attenuation rate of 0.32% at 1000 mA g−1). The possible origins of the promising Li+ storage behavior for HPCNA‐(N, Si) are unraveled based on the cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves, where a fair capacitive contribution of 63.6% at 0.9 mV s−1 could imply fast ion transfer kinetics for superior rate and cycling performance.
Dynamical coupling of ion adsorption with fluid flow in nanopores
Authors: Zhao Teng , Qing Leying , Long Ting , Xu Xiaofei , Zhao Shuangliang , Lu Xiaohua
Published: April 2021

To describe the commonly existing coupling between adsorption dynamics and fluid flow, a nonequilibrium molecular model is developed, upon which we systematically investigate the dynamical adsorption of ionic components from confined flows onto the charged surfaces of nanoscale pores, and find that a competition relation exists between the adsorption and flow. Promoting flow speed suppresses the adsorption amount, while enhancing adsorption strength reduces the flow speed. With the increase of flow speed, the contact density of co‐ion is enhanced while that of counterion is suppressed, leading to overall enhanced accumulation charge densities at pore surfaces. Besides, the accumulation charge density increases monotonically with the applied voltage in large pores, while displays a nontrivial relation with the applied voltage in small pores of several ion sizes. This work not only extends the theoretical framework of nonequilibrium molecular theories, but also provides novel insights into the regulation of interfacial dynamic processes.
Thermal transport and chemical conversion in single reacting sorbent particles
Authors: Yue Lindsey , Bayon Alicia , Lipiński Wojciech
Published: April 2021

The effects of particle size and carbon dioxide concentration on chemical conversion in engineered spherical particles undergoing calcium oxide looping are investigated. Particles are thermochemically cycled in a furnace under different carbon dioxide concentrations. Changes in composition due to chemical reactions are measured using thermogravimetric analysis. Gas composition at the furnace exit is evaluated with mass spectroscopy. A numerical model of thermal transport phenomena developed previously is adapted to match the physical system investigated in the present study. The model is used to elucidate effects of reacting medium characteristics on particle temperature and reaction extent. Experimental and numerical results show that (1) an increase in particle size results in a decrease in carbonation extent, and (2) the carbonation step consists of fast and slow reaction regimes. The reaction rates in the fast and slow carbonation regimes increase with increasing carbon dioxide concentration. The effect of carbon dioxide concentration and the distinction between the fast and slow regimes become more pronounced with increasing particle size.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection‐like grasping scissor forceps resection of a pedunculated colorectal lesion with high‐grade fibrosis complicating aborted hot snare polypectomy
Authors: Zimmer Vincent , Eltze Elke
Published: April 2021

Hot snare polypectomy (HSP) remains the reference standard in endoscopic resection of pedunculated colorectal lesions. Notwithstanding, in some unique instances, such as giant Paris Ip lesions, difficult‐to‐access stalks and/or high‐grade fibrosis, alternative resection techniques might be more appropriate to ensure wide‐margin en bloc resection. In a unique 55‐year‐old patient office‐based HSP performed elsewhere was aborted during electrosurgical snaring due to intraprocedural bleeding complications. Due to marked ring‐like fibrosis at the base of the small‐stalked pedunculated lesion, we opted for an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)‐like approach, utilizing a grasping scissor forceps device (ClutchCutter, Fuji). With a procedure time <10 min en bloc and R0 resection of a low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia was accomplished without difficulties. To the best of our knowledge, this report is unique and altogether novel for several reasons, including abortion of preceding HSP with high‐grade fibrosis and ESD‐like grasping scissor forceps resection as an innovative endoscopic bailout in such unreported setting.
Molecular signatures of long‐distance oceanic dispersal and the colonization of Pacific islands in Lycium carolinianum
Authors: Levin Rachel A. , Miller Jill S.
Published: April 2021

Premise

Long‐distance dispersal has been important in explaining the present distributions of many plant species. Despite being infrequent, such dispersal events have considerable evolutionary consequences, because bottlenecks during colonization can result in reduced genetic diversity. We examined the phylogeographic history of Lycium carolinianum, a widespread taxon that ranges from southeastern North America to several Pacific islands, with intraspecific diversity in sexual and mating systems.

Methods

We used Bayesian, likelihood, and coalescent approaches with nuclear and plastid sequence data and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to reconstruct the dispersal history of this species. We also compared patterns of genetic variation in mainland and island populations using single nucleotide polymorphisms and allelic diversity at the S‐RNase mating system gene.

Results

Lycium carolinianum is monophyletic and dispersed once from the North American mainland, colonizing the Pacific islands ca. 40,100 years ago. This dispersal was accompanied by a loss of genetic diversity in SNPs and the S‐RNase locus due to a colonization bottleneck and the loss of self‐incompatibility. Additionally, we documented at least two independent transitions to gynodioecy: once following the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands and loss of self‐incompatibility, and a second time associated with polyploidy in the Yucatán region of Mexico.

Conclusions

Long‐distance dispersal via fleshy, bird dispersed fruits best explains the unusually widespread distribution of L. carolinianum. The collapse of diversity at the S‐RNase locus in island populations suggests that self‐fertilization may have facilitated the subsequent colonization of Pacific islands following a single dispersal from mainland North America.
Ineffectiveness of high‐dose methotrexate for prevention of CNS relapse in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Puckrin Robert , El Darsa Haidar , Ghosh Sunita , Peters Anthea , Owen Carolyn , Stewart Douglas
Published: April 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse affects 5% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and portends a poor prognosis. Prophylactic intravenous high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX) is frequently employed to reduce this risk, but there is limited evidence supporting this practice. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to determine the CNS relapse risk with HD‐MTX in DLBCL patients aged 18–70 years treated in Alberta, Canada between 2012 and 2019. Provincial guidelines recommended HD‐MTX for patients at high‐risk of CNS relapse based upon CNS‐IPI score, double‐hit lymphoma, or testicular involvement. Among 906 patients with median follow‐up 35.3 months (range 0.29–105.7), CNS relapse occurred in 1.9% with CNS‐IPI 0–1, 4.9% with CNS‐IPI 2–3, and 12.2% with CNS‐IPI 4–6 (p < .001). HD‐MTX was administered to 115/326 (35.3%) high‐risk patients, of whom 96 (83.5%) had CNS‐IPI score 4–6, 45 (39.1%) had double‐hit lymphoma, and four (3.5%) had testicular lymphoma. The median number of HD‐MTX doses was two (range 1–3). Central nervous system relapse risk was similar with versus without HD‐MTX (11.2% vs. 12.2%, p = .82) and comparable to previous reports of high‐risk patients who did not receive CNS prophylaxis (10–12%). In multivariate and propensity score analyses, HD‐MTX demonstrated no association with CNS relapse, progression‐free survival, or overall survival. This study did not demonstrate a benefit of prophylactic HD‐MTX in this high‐risk patient population. Further study is required to determine the optimal strategy to prevent CNS relapse in DLBCL.
Gender differences in experience and reporting of acute symptoms among cleaning staff
Authors: Lee Soo‐Jeong , Kyung Minjung , Leung Cherry , Hong OiSaeng
Published: April 2021

Background

Cleaning tasks pose risks of hazardous chemical exposure and adverse health effects for cleaning workers. We examined gender differences among cleaning staff in the experience of chemical‐related symptoms and in reporting to supervisors.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional reports from 171 university hospital or campus cleaning staff on chemical exposures to cleaning products, experience of acute symptoms, reporting of symptoms to supervisors, as well as demographic and psychosocial factors (risk perception, job demand/control, supervisor/co‐worker support, and safety climate). Results were analized using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, job, and psychosocial factors. Interactions of gender and psychosocial variables were also examined.

Results

Men and women reported different frequencies for exposure‐related tasks. Acute symptoms of chemical exposure were more prevalent in women compared with men (46.0% vs. 25.4%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–5.46). Women were more concerned about exposure to cleaning chemicals (p = 0.029) but reported symptoms to their supervisor less often than men (18.5% vs. 40.6%, adjusted OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.09–0.93). More supervisor support was significantly associated with less frequent symptom experience among women (OR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.70–0.99). Asian workers and less educated workers were less likely than others to report symptoms to supervisors. Gender differences in symptom reporting to supervisors were not explained by psychosocial factors.

Conclusions

Women may have increased susceptibility or perception of symptoms from cleaning compared to men, but this may be mitigated by supervisor support. Female Asian workers with lower education may perceive more significant barriers in reporting work‐related symptoms to supervisors. Further research is needed to explore factors related to underreporting.
Oral processing, sexual selection, and size variation in the circumorbital region of Colobus and Piliocolobus
Authors: Fannin Luke D. , Plavcan J. Michael , Daegling David J. , McGraw W. Scott
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The function of the browridge in primates is a subject of enduring debate. Early studies argued for a role in resisting masticatory stresses, but recent studies have suggested sexual signaling as a biological role. We tested associations between circumorbital form, diet, oral processing, and social behavior in two species of colobus monkey–the king colobus (Colobus polykomos) and western red or bay colobus (Piliocolobus badius).

Materials and methods

We quantified circumorbital size and dimorphism in a sample of 98 crania. Controlling for age and facial size, we tested whether variation in circumorbital morphology can be explained by variation in diet, oral processing behavior, masticatory muscle size, and mating system. To contextualize our results, we included a broader sample of facial dimorphism for 67 anthropoid species.

Results

Greater circumorbital thickness is unrelated to the stresses of food processing. King colobus engages in longer bouts of anterior tooth use, chews more per ingestive event, and processes a tougher diet, yet circumorbital thickness of C. polykomos is reduced compared to P. badius. Differences in circumorbital development do not vary with wear or facial size. Greater sexual dimorphism is present in P. badius; comparisons across anthropoids indicated patterns of circumorbital dimorphism were decoupled from overall size dimorphism.

Conclusions

The expanded circumorbits of male red colobus monkeys evolved in response to intense male–male competition. This hypothesis is consistent with the pattern across anthropoid primates and highlights the underappreciated role of sexual selection in shaping the primate face.
Learnings from the development of Public Sector Multi‐source Enduring Linked Data Assets
Authors: von Sanden Nick , Neideck Geoff
Published: April 2021

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has a long history of realising value from data assets supported by our strong governance and analytical capability. Recent changes to technology, government policy and the complexity and volume of our data holdings have put increasing pressure on our existing processes for data collation, analysis and sharing/release. While the AIHW has already put in place a number of initiatives to respond to the changing demands on data, some slow response times have resulted from new developments required to meet some of the complex challenges posed by Multi‐source Enduring Linked Data Assets (MELDAs) such as the National Integrated Health Services Initiative (NIHSI). The learnings we are taking forward will provide smoother pathways for newer MELDAs such as the National Disability Data Asset. This paper outlines the new challenges faced with appropriately managing MELDAs, and the learnings of the AIHW have taken forward in realising value from this new type of data asset along with how MELDAs, such as the NIHSI, can be applied to address social policy questions in the future.