bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF APPENDICULAR MASS
Authors: Ali Haithem
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION/ PURPOSE Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. Appendicular mass is a relatively common complication in improperly treated patients. The management of appendicular mass remains controversial. This study aims at determining factors affecting the effectiveness of conservative management of appendicular mass.
PATIENTS AND METHOD This was a retrospective study of 71 children younger than 15 years with appendicular mass who managed at Basra Children’s Specialty Hospital during the period between 2015 and 2019. Factors like age of the patient, duration of symptom prior to hospital admission, size of the mass, complications, hospital stay and outcome are reviewed.
RESULTS Appendicular mass complicates 3.9% of all cases of acute appendicitis. Conservative management of appendicular mass was effective in 84.5%. Appendicular mass occurred most frequently in children aged 5-10 year (48%). Male is more frequently affected than female with a ratio of 1.4. Regarding age effect on the efficacy of conservative management of appendicular mass, there is a significant association with P-value = 0.017. Duration of symptoms or size of the mass has no significant association with the success of conservative management. No mortality or major surgical complications are encountered. Although effective, conservative management prolong the length of hospital stay.
CONCLUSION I concluded that conservative management of appendicular mass in children should be revised particularly in children younger than 5 years old, wherein operative treatment may be the first option. The reasons for that are high rate of failure of conservative management with early progress to appendicular abscess. These could be explained by the underdevelopment of greater omentum and so lacking of its protective effect in limiting the spread of inflammation. In addition, early appendectomy has the advantage of decreased risk of adhesive intestinal obstruction, shortening of hospital stay (so that less economic burden), and avoidance of second readmission for interval appendectomy.
Proximal Jejunum Leiomyoma unmasked
as Acute Volvulus in an adult: a rare case report
with management review
Authors: Rajput Deepak , Kumar Navin , Mallik Dhiraj , Singh Ashok , Sharma Jyoti
Published: May 2021

Leiomyoma is one of the rarest mesenchymal tumors which usually arise from different layers of the small bowel. Since small bowel malignancy is a rare condition, these lesions are often detected incidentally. Clinical presentation of this uncommonly observed tumor includes intussusception, volvulus and perforation. However, they usually grow unnoticed until their increasing size starts causing symptoms. Volvulus, commonly seen in infants and children, refers to twisting of an intestinal loop and its mesentery, leading to bowel obstruction. The most common locations for volvulus are the sigmoid colon and caecum.

Here we report a case of proximal jejunum volvulus secondary to jejunal leiomyoma in an adult and discuss the varied presentation of jejunal leiomyoma, as well as diagnostic methods and treatment options
Institucionalização da EAD: Reflexões a partir da Gestão e Organização
Authors: Faria Juliana Guimarães
Published: May 2021

O texto objetiva refletir sobre a institucionalização da EaD nas instituições de educação superior (IES), a partir de uma perspectiva meso, considerando sua gestão e organização. Compreende-se que a EaD, a partir de estudos teóricos, pode ser vista como uma mudança estrutural nas IES, visto que altera a estrutura organizacional, os seus processos formais e as suas práticas institucionais. Os autores utilizados para as reflexões são Bauer (2008), Rodriguez (2007) e Glatter (1995). Nessa perspectiva, a sua institucionalização pode ser compreendida a partir de uma gestão que considere a EaD como um processo em implementação, e não como um acontecimento, e pode ser incorporada pela IES a partir de algumas fases específicas, considerando o diálogo constante como parte do clima organizacional.
Cibercultura na Universidade: Pontecialidades e Desafios na Formação Inicial de Professores
Authors: Pessoa Ana Paula Simões , Paniago Maria Cristina Lima
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as potencialidades e os desafios da cibercultura pela perspectiva dos alunos dos cursos de licenciaturas de uma universidade privada. Para isso, é apresentada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo com uma abordagem qualitativa, integrada ao Grupo de estudos e Pesquisas em Tecnologia Educacional e Educação à Distância (GETED), o qual vem desenvolvendo o projeto de pesquisa intitulado Cultura Digital em uma Universidade Intercultural: Relações entre tecnologias, professores e alunos. Os resultados alcançados apontam que a cultura digital nesse contexto ainda é pouco explorada pelos discentes, visto que eles utilizam o computador e a internet em casa para realizar atividades voltadas à universidade, tais como, fazer pesquisa ou projetos, por exemplo. Entretanto, observa-se que há uma abertura às tecnologias voltadas ao contexto educacional, visto que existe vontade por ambos os participantes de ver a tecnologia não apenas como ferramenta, mas também como um meio de ensino e aprendizagem de produção de cultura.
EaD: Oportunidade para a Realização Pessoal e Profissional
Authors: Santos Adriana Claudina , Maciel Aline Mara Alves
Published: May 2021

O propósito deste estudo é apresentar um relato de experiência de uma futura professora, que cursa Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas pela EAD. Apresentamos o contexto e as perspectivas da educação, com vistas à explanação da realização de um projeto de vida que se tornou viável pela oferta dessa modalidade de educação. Quanto a metodologia, o estudo caracteriza-se como relato de experiência. A EAD tem se apresentado como uma modalidade de educação, que redesenha uma nova concepção de universidade, cujo foco é os cidadãos. Consideramos que a educação a distância coloca-se como uma alternativa para o anseio por um processo educativo mais flexível, democrático e aberto.
A EAD no município de Sidrolândia: o Papel do Tutor nos Polos de EAD em Sidrolândia
Authors: Navarro Danielle Luzia Ramos de Moraes
Published: May 2021

A importância de se contemplar a EaD e o papel do tutor frente aos cursos de Educação a Distância é devido ao crescente número de instituições de EaD, principalmente nos locais interioranos do Brasil, e a procura de cursos oferecidos nesta modalidade por parte da população. Assim, este trabalho tem como proposta compreender como acontece a tutoria nos cursos de EAD nos polos presenciais do Município de Sidrolândia e como isso é mediado em conjunto com as tecnologias e recursos midiáticos. Para o alcance dos objetivos propostos foi necessário a realização de pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a organização da EaD e o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa de campo acerca da atuação do tutor na EaD em Sidrolândia- MS.
Formação Docente para a EAD
Authors: Ribeiro Rosselini Diniz Barbosa , Lima Cláudia Caetano Gonçalves Mendes
Published: May 2021

Este artigo apresenta um relato de experiência baseado em resultados obtidos em um curso de formação de professores para o uso de tecnologias digitais em função da implantação dos 20% da carga horária a distância em cursos presenciais. Desde 2010, o Instituto Federal de Goiás (IFG) oferece cursos técnicos de nível médio na modalidade a distância. A partir da Resolução CONSUP/IFG de nº 33/2017, ficam estabelecidas as diretrizes para a inclusão de carga horária a distância em cursos presenciais, normatizando a oferta dos 20%. Como inserir a modalidade a distância nas disciplinas presenciais e o que dizem os profissionais sobre esse desafio?
A Utilização da Lousa Digital na Formação Docente dos Anos Iniciais no Núcleo de Tecnologia Educacional do Município de Corumbá - MS
Authors: Tinôco Mishelly Ocuda Henrique de Lima
Published: May 2021

Este artigo é resultado da formação continuada realizado pelo Núcleo de Tecnologia Educacional de Corumbá no ano 2014 tendo como público alvo docentes do ensino fundamental da rede estadual de educação. O objetivo geral: Propiciar aos docentes recursos tecnológicos que enriqueçam suas metodologias, por meio das mídias digitais. Objetivos específicos são: a) Subsidiar as metodologias aplicadas com o uso da lousa digital; b) Utilizar a lousa digital concomitante com os applet de simulação e de animação e os jogos on-line e off-line; c) Dinamizar a consolidação dos direitos de aprendizagem dos alunos nos anos iniciais. A importância dos recursos tecnológicos na sociedade, favorece as habilidades necessárias à construção do conhecimento, no desenvolvimento didático-pedagógico.
O Uso da Tecnologia da Formação Continuada dos Professores da Educação do Campo
Authors: Jesus Kleide Ferreira de , Gama Suely Cristina Soares da
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo desenvolve estudo sobre a formação continuada de professores em serviço a distancia, modalidade de educação mediatizada que se utiliza os recursos tecnológicos, em uma abordagem contextualizada e reflexiva, tendo como enfoque um grupo de professores residentes no Assentamento Padroeira do Brasil em Nioque/MS que participaram do curso de aperfeiçoamento a distância: “Especialização em Educação do Campo”, ofertado pela Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Neste sentindo procurou-se conhecer o contexto de atuação dos professores, suas dificuldades e avanços, por meio de questionários estabelecidos com os professores cursistas.
Laborátorio de Ciências: Recursos Didáticos e Estratégias Pedagógicas em pauta na Formação EAD
Authors: Santos Glaucia Reis Silva , Maciel Aline Mara Alves
Published: May 2021

O interesse pela inclusão escolar e dúvidas encontradas pelos professores que se deparam com estudantes com deficiências em salas de aula comum, principalmente nas aulas práticas de Ciências em laboratórios. O presente trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre estudantes com baixa visão e aulas práticas de ciências em laboratório, tendo como objetivo discutir estratégias pedagógicas e recursos didáticos para aulas de Ciências em contexto de formação EaD. Acentuando-se a importância de debater os pressupostos para o desenvolvimento de um trabalho que obtenha sucesso no processo de escolarização do estudante com deficiência
A teoria das inteligências múltiplas na EAD: uma reflexão sobre a escola do futuro
Authors: Souza Regina Farias de
Published: May 2021

Este relato de caso pretendeu, por meio de uma reflexão sobre a experiência realizada na disciplina de Língua Inglesa - EaD, ofertada na UFGD, levantar questões quanto à necessidade de uma exploração mais ampla por parte dos educadores com relação ao melhor aproveitamento do material didático, levando em consideração a teoria das inteligências múltiplas na sua elaboração, que seriam de grande utilidade não só no ensino-aprendizagem na sala de aula, mas principalmente em outros espaços e circunstâncias da vida. Esta reflexão pretendeu nos incitar a pensar no que temos feito para que essas interferências possam ser aproveitadas de forma a desenvolver consciências cidadãs críticas e construtivas das ideias e produtos oferecidos pela EaD, a fim de criar ou recriar estes conhecimentos de forma mais eficiente.
Role of Nasal Lavage Fluid Galactomannan Levels For Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Leukemia
Authors: Salehi Mohammadreza , Hashemi Seyed Jamal , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Emami Amir Hossein , SafaeeNodehi Seyed Reza , Rasolinezhad Mehrnaz , Ahmadikia Kazem , DehghanManshadi Seyed Ali , Abdollahi Alireza , Amali Amin , Mokhtarian Maryam
Published: May 2021

Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most prevalent invasive infection with high mortality among patients with leukemia. Early diagnosis of IA has been a challenging topic in this group of patients. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the galactomannan levels of nasal lavage fluid (NALF) as a possible auxiliary method for IA diagnosis in patients with leukemia. Methods: In a prospective study, 32 adult patients with leukemia who were taking induction and/or consolidation chemotherapy with fever and neutropenia were included. In all patients, galactomannan (GM) levels of serum and NALF, and mycological examinations were evaluated before the first dose of antifungal therapy. Results: Fourteen (43.7%) patients had NALF GM ≥ 0.5; however, in 16 (50%) patients the level of serum GM was ≥ 0.5. The elevated level of NALF GM had a significant association with the proven IA cases (P = 0.048). The GM level of NALF with a cut-off value of 0.45 (by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) had 78% sensitivity and 64% specificity for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (P = 0.033). Conclusions: Due to its non-invasive nature, GM level of NALF may be contributory to be used as part of the diagnostic work‐up of IA particularly in leukemic patients with thrombocytopenia which prohibits acquiring bronchoalveolar lavage.
Comparative Evaluation of the Analgesic Effects of Pistacia atlantica Leaves, Gum, and Fruit Extracts in Rats
Authors: Tanideh Nader , Ameri Alireza , Jamshidzadeh Akram , Keshavarz Pedram , Tanideh Romina , Farshad Omid , Pouya Nazanin , Irajie Cambyz , Iraji Aida , Dehshahri Shahdab
Published: May 2021

Background: Pistacia atlantica (PA) trees grow in all areas of Iran. Pistacia atlantica fruit is edible and mostly consumed by residents. Also, PA leaves, gum, and fruit are considered to have medicinal value in traditional medicine. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the analgesic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of PA leaves, gum, and fruit. Methods: Seventy-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 12 groups, including control and test groups. In the positive control group, the rats received the standard drug paracetamol at a dose of 100 mg/kg, IP. In the test groups, the rats received leaves, gum, and fruit extracts at the doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, IP. Then, the rats were assessed for antinociception by the tail-flick and formalin tests. In this study, the ethical guidelines approved by the Ethics Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences regarding the use of animals in experimental studies were followed. Results: The results showed that the leaves extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg and the gum extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg had a substantial analgesic effect, as demonstrated by the increase in the latency time in the tail-flick test and the decrease in the pain sensitivity in the formalin test (P < 0.05). The fruit extract, compared with the other parts of the plant, had no analgesic effect. Conclusions: The stronger analgesic effects of PA leaves extract, compared to those observed for the extracts of other parts of PA, might be due to the higher concentration of components with analgesic properties in PA leaves.
Émergence et trajectoire des controverses entourant l’enseignement de l’histoire au Québec et au Canada
Authors: Lanoix Alexandre , Warren Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2021

L’article s’intéresse aux débats entourant l’enseignement de l’histoire au Québec et au Canada en puisant dans les écrits qui portent sur les controverses scientifiques et publiques. Il présente l’émergence et l’évolution de controverses au Canada et au Québec de la fin des années 1980 à nos jours. Il propose une réflexion sur les facteurs qui ont fait en sorte que la controverse a été soulevée avec beaucoup plus de force au Québec et qu’elle a mené à des changements significatifs dans les programmes de formation.
L’impact des représentations sociales de l’enseignement de l’histoire et de ses finalités sur les pratiques des enseignant⋅e⋅s au Québec : recherche exploratoire
Authors: Jadoulle Jean-Louis
Published: May 2021

Cette étude multicas porte sur les pratiques observées de cinq enseignant⋅e⋅s d’histoire et leurs représentations de l’enseignement de leur discipline et de ses finalités. Elle suggère un tableau enrichi des finalités attribuées par les enseignante⋅s d’histoire du Québec en mettant en évidence trois profils : polyvalent, intellectuel et pratique. Elle invite à remettre en question le constat généralement admis à propos de la prédominance des pratiques magistrocentrées au Québec. Selon nos observations, trois enseignants sur cinq développent des pratiques qui relèvent de l’apprentissage-recherche. Cette étude montre également l’existence d’écarts entre les paradigmes de référence qui marquent les représentations et les pratiques observées. Les finalités assignées à l’enseignement de l’histoire semblent de meilleurs prédicteurs des pratiques.
CM1-driven assembly and activation of yeast γ-tubulin small complex underlies microtubule nucleation
Authors: Brilot Axel F , Lyon Andrew S , Zelter Alex , Viswanath Shruthi , Maxwell Alison , MacCoss Michael J , Muller Eric G , Sali Andrej , Davis Trisha N , Agard David A
Published: May 2021

Microtubule (MT) nucleation is regulated by the γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC), conserved from yeast to humans. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, γTuRC is composed of seven identical γ-tubulin small complex (γTuSC) sub-assemblies, which associate helically to template MT growth. γTuRC assembly provides a key point of regulation for the MT cytoskeleton. Here, we combine crosslinking mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-EM structures of both monomeric and dimeric γTuSCs, and open and closed helical γTuRC assemblies in complex with Spc110p to elucidate the mechanisms of γTuRC assembly. γTuRC assembly is substantially aided by the evolutionarily conserved CM1 motif in Spc110p spanning a pair of adjacent γTuSCs. By providing the highest resolution and most complete views of any γTuSC assembly, our structures allow phosphorylation sites to be mapped, surprisingly suggesting that they are mostly inhibitory. A comparison of our structures with the CM1 binding site in the human γTuRC structure at the interface between GCP2 and GCP6 allows for the interpretation of significant structural changes arising from CM1 helix binding to metazoan γTuRC.
Myoglobin primary structure reveals multiple convergent transitions to semi-aquatic life in the world's smallest mammalian divers
Authors: He Kai , Eastman Triston G , Czolacz Hannah , Li Shuhao , Shinohara Akio , Kawada Shin-ichiro , Springer Mark S , Berenbrink Michael , Campbell Kevin L
Published: May 2021

The speciose mammalian order Eulipotyphla (moles, shrews, hedgehogs, solenodons) combines an unusual diversity of semi-aquatic, semi-fossorial, and fossorial forms that arose from terrestrial forbearers. However, our understanding of the ecomorphological pathways leading to these lifestyles has been confounded by a fragmentary fossil record, unresolved phylogenetic relationships, and potential morphological convergence, calling for novel approaches. The net surface charge of the oxygen-storing muscle protein myoglobin (ZMb), which can be readily determined from its primary structure, provides an objective target to address this question due to mechanistic linkages with myoglobin concentration. Here, we generate a comprehensive 71 species molecular phylogeny that resolves previously intractable intra-family relationships and then ancestrally reconstruct ZMbevolution to identify ancient lifestyle transitions based on protein sequence alone. Our phylogenetically informed analyses confidently resolve fossorial habits having evolved twice in talpid moles and reveal five independent secondary aquatic transitions in the order housing the world’s smallest endothermic divers.
Genetic variation, environment and demography intersect to shape Arabidopsis defense metabolite variation across Europe
Authors: Katz Ella , Li Jia-Jie , Jaegle Benjamin , Ashkenazy Haim , Abrahams Shawn R , Bagaza Clement , Holden Samuel , Pires Chris J , Angelovici Ruthie , Kliebenstein Daniel J
Published: May 2021

Plants produce diverse metabolites to cope with the challenges presented by complex and ever-changing environments. These challenges drive the diversification of specialized metabolites within and between plant species. However, we are just beginning to understand how frequently new alleles arise controlling specialized metabolite diversity and how the geographic distribution of these alleles may be structured by ecological and demographic pressures. Here, we measure the variation in specialized metabolites across a population of 797 natural Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. We show that a combination of geography, environmental parameters, demography and different genetic processes all combine to influence the specific chemotypes and their distribution. This showed that causal loci in specialized metabolism contain frequent independently generated alleles with patterns suggesting potential within-species convergence. This provides a new perspective about the complexity of the selective forces and mechanisms that shape the generation and distribution of allelic variation that may influence local adaptation.
Ir56d-dependent fatty acid responses in Drosophila uncover taste discrimination between different classes of fatty acids
Authors: Brown Elizabeth B , Shah Kreesha D , Palermo Justin , Dey Manali , Dahanukar Anupama , Keene Alex C
Published: May 2021

Chemosensory systems are critical for evaluating the caloric value and potential toxicity of food. While animals can discriminate between thousands of odors, much less is known about the discriminative capabilities of taste systems. Fats and sugars represent calorically potent and attractive food sources that contribute to hedonic feeding. Despite the differences in nutritional value between fats and sugars, the ability of the taste system to discriminate between different rewarding tastants is thought to be limited. In Drosophila, taste neurons expressing the ionotropic receptor 56d (IR56d) are required for reflexive behavioral responses to the medium-chain fatty acid, hexanoic acid. Here, we tested whether flies can discriminate between different classes of fatty acids using an aversive memory assay. Our results indicate that flies are able to discriminate medium-chain fatty acids from both short- and long-chain fatty acids, but not from other medium-chain fatty acids. While IR56d neurons are broadly responsive to short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids, genetic deletion of IR56d selectively disrupts response to medium-chain fatty acids. Further, IR56d+ GR64f+ neurons are necessary for proboscis extension response (PER) to medium-chain fatty acids, but both IR56d and GR64f neurons are dispensable for PER to short- and long-chain fatty acids, indicating the involvement of one or more other classes of neurons. Together, these findings reveal that IR56d is selectively required for medium-chain fatty acid taste, and discrimination of fatty acids occurs through differential receptor activation in shared populations of neurons. Our study uncovers a capacity for the taste system to encode tastant identity within a taste category.
Construction of an immune-related signature with prognostic value for colon cancer
Authors: Lv Yunxia , Wang Xinyi , Ren Yu , Fu Xiaorui , Li Taiyuan , Jiang Qunguang
Published: May 2021

Background

Colon cancer is the third most common malignant tumor in the world. Although immunotherapy has been used in cancer treatment, there is still no first-line immunotherapy method for colon cancer. Therefore, it is essential to search for potential immunotherapy targets and molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis.

Methods

In this study, we downloaded transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and immune-related genes from the ImmPort database. Then we filtered genes with prognostic value and constructed an immune-related signature. Patients were classified into low- and high-risk groups, and we exerted a series of analysis between the signature and clinical phenotypes. Additionally, we used protein-protein interaction networks, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to explore the underlying mechanism of this signature. Furthermore, the accuracy of this signature was verified, using two data sets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO).

Results

We selected 12 immune-related genes to construct the immune-related signature. Low-risk group had a higher level of immunity compared to high-risk group. The expression level of HLA genes and checkpoint-related genes were statistically different in low- and high-risk groups. This signature showed its prognostic value in TCGA cohort and 2 GEO data sets. The signature also had strong correlation with TNM classification, stage, survival state and lymphatic invasion. The mechanism of the signature may be related to several transcription factors and CD8+ T cell in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this immune-related signature is of great prognosis value for colon cancer and its biofunction might be correlated with HLA genes, checkpoint-related genes and high-infiltrating T cells in tumor tissues.
Variance of vegetation coverage and its sensitivity to climatic factors in the Irtysh River basin
Authors: Han Feifei , Yan Junjie , Ling Hong-bo
Published: May 2021

Background

Climate change is an important factor driving vegetation changes in arid areas. Identifying the sensitivity of vegetation to climate variability is crucial for developing sustainable ecosystem management strategies. The Irtysh River is located in the westerly partition of China, and its vegetation cover is more sensitive to climate change. However, previous studies rarely studied the changes in the vegetation coverage of the Irtysh River and its sensitivity to climate factors from a spatiotemporal perspective.

Methods

We adopted a vegetation sensitivity index based on remote sensing datasets of high temporal resolution to study the sensitivity of vegetation to climatic factors in the Irtysh River basin, then reveal the driving mechanism of vegetation cover change.

Results

The results show that 88.09% of vegetated pixels show an increasing trend in vegetation coverage, and the sensitivity of vegetation to climate change presents spatial heterogeneity. Sensitivity of vegetation increases with the increase of coverage. Temperate steppe in the northern mountain and herbaceous swamp and broadleaf forest in the river valley, where the normalized difference vegetation index is the highest, show the strongest sensitivity, while the desert steppe in the northern plain, where the NDVI is the lowest, shows the strongest memory effect (or the strongest resilience). Relatively, the northern part of this area is more affected by a combination of precipitation and temperature, while the southern plains dominated by desert steppe are more sensitive to precipitation. The central river valley dominated by herbaceous swamp is more sensitive to temperature-vegetation dryness index. This study underscores that the sensitivity of vegetation cover to climate change is spatially differentiated at the regional scale.
Histopathological analysis of zebrafish after introduction of non-biodegradable polyelectrolyte microcapsules into the circulatory system
Authors: Borvinskaya Ekaterina , Gurkov Anton , Shchapova Ekaterina , Mutin Andrei , Timofeyev Maxim
Published: May 2021

Polyelectrolyte microcapsules are among the most promising carriers of various sensing substances for their application inside the bloodstream of vertebrates. The long-term effects of biodegradable microcapsules in mammals are relatively well studied, but this is not the case for non-biodegradable microcapsules, which may be even more generally applicable for physiological measurements. In the current study, we introduced non-biodegradable polyelectrolyte microcapsules coated with polyethylene glycol (PMs-PEG) into the circulatory system of zebrafish to assess their long-term effects on fish internal organs with histopathologic analysis. Implantation of PMs-PEG was not associated with the formation of microclots or thrombi in thin capillaries; thus, the applied microcapsules had a low aggregation capacity. The progression of the immune response to the implant depended on the time and the abundance of microparticles in the tissues. We showed that inflammation originated from recognition and internalization of PMs-PEG by phagocytes. These microcapsule-filled immune cells have been found to migrate through the intestinal wall into the lumen, demonstrating a possible mechanism for partial microparticle elimination from fish. The observed tissue immune response to PMs-PEG was local, without a systemic effect on the fish morphology. The most pronounced chronic severe inflammatory reaction was observed near the injection site in renal parenchyma and within the abdominal cavity since PMs-PEG were administered with kidney injection. Blood clots and granulomatosis were noted at the injection site but were not found in the kidneys outside the injection site. Single microcapsules brought by blood into distal organs did not have a noticeable effect on the surrounding tissues. The severity of noted pathologies of the gills was insufficient to affect respiration. No statistically significant alterations in hepatic morphology were revealed after PMs-PEG introduction into fish body. Overall, our data demonstrate that despite they are immunogenic, non-biodegradable PMs-PEG have low potential to cause systemic effects if applied in the minimal amount necessary for detection of fluorescent signal from the microcapsules.
TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphism association with diabetes and obesity in an elderly cohort from Brazil
Authors: Bride Lais , Naslavsky Michel , Lopes Yamamoto Guilherme , Scliar Marilia , Pimassoni Lucia HS , Sossai Aguiar Paola , de Paula Flavia , Wang Jaqueline , Duarte Yeda , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Zatz Mayana , Imbroisi Valle Errera Flávia
Published: May 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are complex pandemic diseases in the 21st century. Worldwide, the T allele rs7903146 in the TCF7L2 gene is recognized as a strong GWAS signal associated with T2DM. However, the association between the C allele and obesity is still poorly explored and needs to be replicated in other populations. Thus, the primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the TCF7L2 rs7903146 association with T2DM according to BMI status and to determine if this variant is related to obesity and BMI variation in a cohort of elderly Brazilians.

Methods

A total of 1,023 participants from an elderly census-based cohort called SABE (Saúde, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento—Health, Well-Being and Aging) were stratified by BMI status and type 2 diabetes presence. The TCF7L2 genotypes were filtered from the Online Archive of Brazilian Mutations (ABraOM—Online Archive of Brazilian Mutations) database, a web-based public database with sequencing data of samples of the SABE’s participants. Logistic regression models and interaction analyses were performed. The BMI variation (∆BMI) was calculated from anthropometric data collected in up to two time-points with a ten-year-assessment interval.

Results

The association between the rs7903146 T allele and T2DM was inversely proportional to the BMI status, with an increased risk in the normal weight group (OR 3.36; 95% CI [1.46–7.74]; P = 0.004). We confirmed the T allele association with risk for T2DM after adjusting for possible confound ing variables (OR 2.35; 95% CI [1.28–4.32]; P = 0.006). Interaction analysis showed that the increased risk for T2DM conferred by the T allele is modified by BMI (Pinteraction = 0.008), age (Pinteraction = 0.005) and gender (Pinteraction = 0.026). A T allele protective effect against obesity was observed (OR 0.71; 95% CI [0.54–0.94]; P = 0.016). The C allele increased obesity risk (OR 1.40; 95% CI [1.06–1.84]; P = 0.017) and the CC genotype showed a borderline association with abdominal obesity risk (OR 1.28; 95% CI [1.06–1.67]; P = 0.045). The CC genotype increased the obesity risk factor after adjusting for possible confounding variables (OR 1.41; 95% CI [1.06–1.86]; P = 0.017). An increase of the TT genotype in the second tertile of ∆BMI values was observed in participants without type 2 diabetes (OR 5.13; 95% CI [1.40–18.93]; P = 0.009) in the recessive genetic model.

Conclusion

We confirmed that the rs7903146 is both associated with T2DM and obesity. The TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele increased T2DM risk in the normal weight group and interacted with sex, age and BMI, while the C allele increased obesity risk. The TT genotype was associated with a lesser extent of BMI variation over the SABE study’s 10-year period.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SWETAPRADARA (LEUCORRHOEA): A CASE STUDY
Authors: Talapatra Trisha , Ghosh Sukumar
Published: May 2021

Leucorrhoea means unusual excessive vaginal discharge, commonly known as white discharge. Sometimes it is physiological but when it turns into pathological, causes various problem. Ayurveda mentioned this disorder as ‘Swetapradara’ and described clearly its causes, symptoms, pathology and management. The term ‘Swetapradara’ is not described by ‘Brihatrayee’ (Great Trios), but it is mentioned in Commentary on Charaka Samhita by Acharya Chakrapani “Pandure Pradare iti Swetapradare”. According to Modern Science Leucorrhoea is strictly defined as an excessive normal vaginal discharge and should fulfil the following criteria- the excess secretion is evident from persistent vulva moistness, non-purulent and non- offensive, non-irritant and never causes pruritus, which is due to unhygienic toilet habits, impaired immune functions, pelvic inflammatory disease, psychosomatic cause, hormonal imbalance, genital wound etc. The excessive secretion has 3 main causes- physiological excess, cervical cause and vaginal cause. It is a Kaphaja disorder along with rasa dhatu dushti (vitiation) and Apana vayu vaigunya (vitiation). In this case report, a female patient of 38 years age suffering from Swetapradara for 2 years complaints of white discharge associated with katisula (lower back pain), daurbalya (weakness), kandu (mild itching) and sometimes daha (burning sensation). She was treated by Shamana therapy (palliative treatment) for 1 month, and it shows significant result.
A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF JATAMANSYADI KWATHA AND SHIRODHARA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
Authors: Chaudhary Vijay , Agrawal Ankita , Masand Sameet
Published: May 2021

Hypertension is emerging as a pandemic in the society. It can lead to severe health complications and increases the risk of many fatal diseases. Though a lot of potent antihypertensive drugs are available today but none of them is free from untoward effects. Due to these reasons the public acceptability for currently available antihypertensive drugs is very poor. The present study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic formulation i.e., Jatamansyadi Kwatha and Shirodhara in the management of stage - I hypertension. Twenty patients of either sex of stage-I essential hypertension in the age group of 20-80 years were registered for the present study. Registered patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group-I, hypertensive patients were managed with Jatamansyadi Kwatha and in group-II patients, in addition to the administration of Jatamansyadi Kwatha, Shirodhara was also done. The duration of trial was 30 days. After one month of therapy, statistically highly significant reduction in both systolic B.P. and diastolic B.P. was observed in both groups. In group-II patients, statistically significant reduction in mean arterial B.P., pulse pressure and pulse rate were observed. Whereas in group-I, the effect of therapy on mean arterial B.P., pulse pressure and pulse rate were statistically insignificant. Therapy given in Group-II has shown the marginal advantage over the therapy given in Group-I. However statistically highly significant reduction was observed in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both the groups but the intergroup difference between the therapies was statistically insignificant.
CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND CYTOTOXIC EFFICACY BETWEEN TWO QUERCETIN-AU-NANOCONJUGATES SYNTHESIZED USING PURE TRI-SODIUM CITRATE AND ITS NATURAL ALTERNATIVE - LEMON EXTRACT
Authors: Kulavi Sohini , Nandi Subhadra , Das Chandrima , Sengupta Titav , Saha Moumita , Ghosh Chandreyi , Ghosh Pranabesh , Saha Arpita , Chatterjee Sirshendu
Published: May 2021

Green synthesis of AuNPs that have potential anticancer properties is relatively simple, cheap and eco-friendly compared to the conventional chemical/physical approaches. Quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anticancer properties, i.e., induction of apoptosis, tumour suppression, etc. This study aims to characterize and compare between two differentially synthesized Quercetin-Au-Nanoconjugates, Q-Au-NCTSC and Q-AU-NCLE using a pure biochemical reductant, trisodium citrate and its natural alternative, citrus lemon extract respectively. Antibacterial and anticancer effects of both the nanoconjugates would also be checked and compared to analyze whether the use of a lemon extract has any impact on its structure and functional properties. A series of physicochemical characterizations viz. UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, Zeta Potential, FT-IR, and SEM of the nanoconjugates were done. Further, evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity was done against two Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus; Bacillus Subtilis; and two Gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Klebsiella pneumonia and cytotoxicity efficacy were checked on breast cancer (MCF7) cell line. Effective reduction of Au+3 to Au0 with quantum confinement in nano-regime was confirmed by a change of bulk colour of the HAu+3Cl4 solution, whereas conjugation of Quercetin to AuNPs was confirmed by FTIR. DLS showed the average size of the Q-Au-NCTSC and Q-Au-NCLE are 30 nm and 35.6 nm, respectively. The Q-Au-NCLE has shown comparatively better stability and antibacterial activity. In the case of cytotoxicity study on MCF7 cell line, the Q-Au-NCLE showed better efficacy (cell death ~ 75%) with respect to Q-Au-NCTSC (cell death ~66%). Natural sources rich in citric acid would serve as the best alternative to tri-sodium citrate in the synthesis of Au-NPs and different nanoconjugates for biomedical applications.
A REVIEW ON AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF MADATYA (ALCOHOL), MADATYAYA AND ITS MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AGAD TANTRA
Authors: Singh Preeti , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: May 2021

Ayurveda is an ancient science of life which deals with physical, mental and spiritual health of human being. Agad tantra is one of the 8 branches of Ayurveda which deals with the study of poisons and its treatment. Madya affect the mind causing inebriation, enhance Tamo guna and affect the intellect the person. Alcohol is a substance which leads to the mal-functioning of the body’s functions which are Dosha, Dhatu and Mala and make them abnormal. The term ‘Madya’ is an indicative word to all of alcoholic beverages mentioned in Ayurveda, the method of preparing alcoholic beverages was a part of culture in this region of world going as far back as the time of Rigveda (3000 B.C.).
REVIEW ON THE PLANTS REPORTED IN THE ETHNOBOTANICAL PRACTICES FOR DIARRHEAL DISEASE IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: Chandrashekhar Karnam
Published: May 2021

No need to say that diarrhoeal disease is one of the major health concerns of the entire world. Many treatment modalities are put forth and tried to achieve the best control over the morbidity and mortality caused by the diarrhoeal disease. The resistance to the anti-microbial drugs, development of carrier state, misuse of antimicrobial drugs by the common people and change in the course of the disease after the use of antimicrobial drugs are really the worrisome issues in treating diarrhoeal disease. On the top of it, the prevalence of diarrhoea in children is so much high and severe that addressing it with a proper therapy, in some cases and in some occasions becomes very difficult. Initial approach with effective herbs, sometimes, makes wonders. Tribal people staying away from the urban areas, have their own plant remedies for treating different diarrhoeas. Uttar Pradesh is one among such states of India that possesses enormous knowledge of traditional practices such as ethno-medicine and folklore practices. Their utility needs to be brought under the ambit of the main streams of health practices. For the reason, some of them, may turn in to the remarkable source of drugs or lead compounds or the drug candidates. This study is based mainly on the data published in the articles related to ethnobotany, folklore practice and local utilization of medicinal plants by the people of different zones of Uttar Pradesh. This review reveals 117 medicinal plants belonging to 53 different botanical families utilized in the ethnobotanical practices for treating diarrhoeal disease in Uttar Pradesh.
REVIEW ON THE CONCEPT OF ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF AMAVATA AND ITS MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VIRUDDHA AHARA
Authors: . Shashikala , S J Lolashri
Published: May 2021

Ayurveda is one of the ancient medical sciences which is potential and effective in current scenario. Unlike other medical sciences instead of focusing on treatment of any particular disease, Ayurveda focuses more on the healthy living and wellbeing of the person. For healthy living, Ayurveda has given a prime importance to ahara in trayopastambha. Ahara should be wholesome in accordance with desha, kala, prakriti and vaya. It plays an important role in healthy life. By its opposite guna, veerya, vipaka, matra, samyoga, is considered as viruddha ahara the regular indulgence in it leads to many autoimmune disorders. In our classics it is clearly mentioned viruddha ahara as prime Nidana in Amavata. Hence viruddha ahara plays an important role in Samprapti of Amavata.
BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA (PUNARNAVA): A REVIEW BASED ON ITS AYURVEDIC AND MODERN THERAPEUTIC USES
Authors: Kumari Isha , Kaurav Hemlata , Chaudhary Gitika
Published: May 2021

Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava), is a perennial herb which is a member of Nyctaginaceae family, mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is one of the most important medicinal herbs which has been used in traditional medicine systems since from the ancient times. The extract of each part of Boerhavia diffusa is associated with wide range of therapeutic properties which are used in the treatment of various ailments. It is utilized in various ways in different cultures. Number of phytochemical constituents are present in this medicinal herb for example punarnavine, hypoxanthine 9-L-arabinofuranoside, hentriacontane, β-sitosterol, hexacosanoic, stearic, palmitic, arachidic acids, boerhavin and boerhavic acid, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid etc. Some of the therapeutic properties of Boerhavia diffusa include hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrinolytic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immuno-modulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-depressant, anti-obesity. The present review paper is focused on the Ayurvedic overview of Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava), its phytochemical constituents, associated therapeutic properties and its utilization in traditional medicinal system like Ayurveda and Folk system.
Magnetic Assembly of a Multifunctional Guidance Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Antman‐Passig Merav , Giron Jonathan , Karni Moshe , Motiei Menachem , Schori Hadas , Shefi Orit
Published: May 2021

Nerve growth conduits are designed to support and promote axon regeneration following nerve injuries. Multifunctionalized conduits with combined physical and chemical cues, are a promising avenue aimed at overcoming current therapeutic barriers. However, the efficacious assembly of conduits that promote neuronal growth remains a challenge. Here, a biomimetic regenerative gel is developed, that integrates physical and chemical cues in a biocompatible “one pot reaction” strategy. The collagen gel is enriched with magnetic nanoparticles coated with nerve growth factor (NGF). Then, through a remote magnetic actuation, highly aligned fibrillar gel structure embedded with anisotropically distributed coated nanoparticles, combining multiple regenerating strategies, is obtained. The effects of the multifunctional gels are examined in vitro, and in vivo in a 10‐mm rat sciatic nerve injury model. The magneto‐based therapeutic conduits demonstrate oriented and directed axonal growth, and improve nerve regeneration in vivo. The study of multifunctional guidance scaffolds that can be implemented efficiently and remotely provides the foundation to a novel therapeutic approach to overcome current medical obstacles for nerve injuries.
Advanced High Entropy Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Nguyen Thi Xuyen , Liao Yi‐Cheng , Lin Chia‐Chun , Su Yen‐Hsun , Ting Jyh‐Ming
Published: May 2021

A new type of lanthanum‐based high entropy perovskite oxide (HEPO) electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction is reported. The B‐site lattices in the HEPO consist of five consecutive first‐row transition metals, including Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. Equimolar and five non‐equimolar HEPO electrocatalysts are studied for their OER electrocatalytic performance. In the five non‐equimolar HEPOs, the concentration of one of the five transition metals is doubled in individual samples. The performances of all the HEPOs outperform the single perovskite oxides. The optimized La(CrMnFeCo2Ni)O3 HEPO exhibits an outstanding OER overpotential of 325 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and excellent electrochemical stability after 50 h of testing.
An Engineered Protein Adhesive with Properties of Tissue Integration and Controlled Release for Efficient Cartilage Repair
Authors: Zhang Jinrui , Li Bo , Zuo Jianlin , Gu Rui , Liu Bin , Ma Chao , Li Jingjing , Liu Kai
Published: May 2021

Cartilage damage is a prevalent health concern among humans. The inertness of cartilage, the absence of self‐healing properties, and the lack of appropriate repair materials that integrate into the tissue pose a significant challenge for cartilage repair. Thus, it is important to develop novel soft biomaterials with strong tissue adhesion and chondrogenic capabilities for cartilage repair. Herein, a new type of protein adhesive is reported that exhibits superior cartilage repair performance. The material is fabricated by the electrostatic combination of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and positively charged elastin‐like protein, which is derived from natural components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The adhesive showed robust adhesion properties on different tissue substrates, offering a favorable environment for cartilage tissue integration. Noncovalent bonding between CS molecules in the glue allows for its controlled release, which is required for efficient chondrogenic differentiation. When implanted into a rat model of cartilage defect, this protein adhesive exhibited beneficial healing effects, as evidenced by enhanced chondrogenesis, sufficient ECM production, and lateral integration. Therefore, this engineered protein complex is a promising candidate for translational application in the field of cartilage repair.