bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Long-span Reinforced Concrete Composite Slabs under Different Splicing Methods
Authors: Hai Liu
Published: March 2022

Based on the long-span slab in an assembled building project, ABAQUS is used to simulate the mechanical properties and failure modes of the slab under the condition of the whole span cast-in-place slab and the two-way rebar truss composite slab (hereinafter referred to as composite slab) with different splicing methods, in which the slabs adopt fixed support and the slab loads are uniformly distributed load. The finite element simulation results show that the integrity and mechanical properties of the whole span cast-in-place slab are not different from those of the parallel splicing two-way composite slab, but they are obviously better than the parallel cross splicing two-way composite slab; In the same slab span, the cast-in-place seam of the composite slab in the middle cracks first due to stress concentration, and with the increase of the uniformly distributed load of the slab, the crack will pass through the cast-in-place seam and develop to the composite slab on both sides, and finally all the concrete at the bottom of the slab will crack and fail. According to the simulation results, the following suggestions are given: if the truss rebar composite slab is adopted for the long-span slab, the two-way composite slab should be adopted, and the cast-in-place seam should be arranged in the direction of less stress, and the seam should not be arranged in both directions.
Development of an Environment and Climate Data Acquisition System (EC-DAQS) for Radio Propagation Studies
Authors: Durodola O. M. , Makama E. K. , Odewumi B. J. , Nathan A. L.
Published: March 2022

Most weather monitoring systems used for measuring meteorological parameters are imported. For many developing countries like Nigeria, importing measuring instruments is practically bedeviled with problems due to erratic exchange rates. This has hampered weather-related research especially in radio propagation studies where finite weather data are required. In the quest to develop a home-grown monitoring system, this paper presents an Environment and Climate data acquisition system (EC-DAQS). In the EC-DAQS, an Arduino Mega2560 microcontroller along with six environment and weather sensors were coded to measure, record and display atmospheric parameters. For digital signal processing and data logging, the sensors were interconnected to the microcontroller through an analogue-to-digital-converter (ADC). The measured data were displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen remotely connected to the controller. Temperature, Ultraviolet Violet (UV) rays, humidity and sound level were tested and calibrated with “off-the shelf” instruments. The mean bias error (MBE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) were used to validate the temperature readings from the EC-DAQS with readings from a standard infra-red thermometer. The low results of the MBE (0.16°C) and RMSE (0.51°C) – showed close proximity between the EC-DAQS and the standard infra-red digital thermometer measurements. Also, the equation obtained from modelling is a straight line of near unity slope (0.994) and a correlation of 99.98%. The EC-DAQS developed will be a useful meteorological instrument, and a suitable replacement for imported weather stations in terms of performance, cost and maintenance. It will also provide some invaluable data needed for radio-propagation research and applications.
Use of One-factor Design of Experiments (DOE) for Regression Modeling: A Robust Methodology
Authors: Khan Soban Qadir , Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir W.
Published: March 2022

In the present research era, high accuracy methods as a statistical analysis tool are increasing. Therefore, researchers are more focused to produce reliable and accurate results. Hence, the use of data modeling techniques is more focused to meet the needs of the current research trend. On the other hand, Design of Experiment (DOE) is extensively used among various scientific fields; however, its limitations do not allow these study designs for modeling purposes. Therefore, this study was designed to develop a methodology combining statistical methods that can provide to use one-factor DOE study designs for modeling and predictions. The addition of Fuzzy regression and multilayer feedforward (MLFF) neural network along with multiple linear regression would provide more accurate results with high accuracy. Furthermore, the developed methodology was tested on a dataset to test the methodology's performance and results provided that methodology provided regression models through MLR and fuzzy with high accuracy with the testing of the model's predictability through MLFF.
Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Dental Practitioners towards Palliative Dental Care: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Pereira Christina , Acharya Siddharth , Pereira Treville , Shetty Subraj , Gotmare Swari , Kallianpur Ruchika
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Palliative care is active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. In a multidisciplinary approach for rendering palliative care, a dentist’s role is vital, but overlooked. Oral cavity is home to numerous microorganisms aggravating disease process. A trained dentist helps treat and manage oral manifestations of systemic diseases from diagnosis to relief from pain and discomfort. Dental expression in palliative care is extended dental services to provide preeminent feasible oral care to terminally ill or advanced diseased patients. Oral conditions impact quality of life of patients and initiation and progression of these lesions may be related to the succession of disease, its treatment or both.

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental practitioners towards palliative dental care.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based study conducted on 50 dental academicians and practitioners across Mumbai which included specialists in Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics and Oral Pathology. A closed-ended, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire would be prepared for the study.

Results: All participants completed their masters in dental surgery. Eighty five percent participants had come across patients requiring palliative care. All except 4 male and 1 female respondent acknowledged importance of palliative care in dentistry. 56.8% participants were aware of hospitals providing palliative dental care. All participants considered palliative care to be interdisciplinary. 94 participants believed dental problems to be common in palliative care. Majority respondents suggested a sugar-free diet while 19 proposed a spicy diet for cases requiring palliative care. Fluoride based mouthwash was recommended by 40 participants and 30 recommended chlorhexidine based while 10 preferred alcohol-based. While 70 participants had not attended any seminars, workshops, symposiums and/ or conferences on palliative care, 80 were willing to do so.
WEBSITE AS AN COMMUNICATION TOOL AND BRANDING STRATEGY IN TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES
Authors: Martini Erni , Wibowo Lili Adi , Rahayu Agus , Hurriyati Ratih
Published: March 2022

This research had the purpose of investigating the utilization of a company's official website as a com­munication medium and for online branding purposes in the telecommunication industry in Indonesia. This study used a population of official websites from seven telecommunication companies in Indonesia. The indicators that had been used to analyze website content, website ease of use, and website interactivity. The results of this study showed that 100% of telecommunication companies in Indonesia had a website that can be used as an online branding strategy. The indicators that were mostly used by these companies for online branding were website content (100%) and website ease of use (93.65%), while the use of website interactivity (53%) still needed to be maximized. The findings of this study were useful in revealing how tele­com­mu­ni­cations companies in developing countries used their websites as a communication medium for online branding
MANIPULAÇÃO DE PLANO OCLUSAL NO SENTIDO HORÁRIO EM CIRURGIA ORTOGNÁTICA: RELATO DE CASO.
Authors: Tourinho Lais Fernandes , Calvacante Weber Céo , Neto Antônio Irineu Trindade , Gaeta Noeele Fraga Matos , Damasceno Milena Merces
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: O presente trabalho consiste em um relato de caso clínico sobre amanipulação do plano oclusal em cirurgia ortognática. Descrição do caso: O caso apresentado trata de um paciente do sexo feminino que apresentava padrão facial classe III, com discrepância oclusal antero-posterior de 4 mm. Tendo em vista que um avanço de maxila ou recuo de mandíbula ou com-binação dos dois movimentos nesta magnitude parecia ser insuficiente parapromover bom resultado estético, foi utilizada a rotação do plano oclusal do complexo maxilomandibular no sentido horário. A rotação horária teve comoponto de fulcro aproximadamente a espinha nasal anterior e obteve  comoresultados o aumento dos ângulos do plano oclusal, do plano mandibular edo incisivo inferior; retração da ponta do incisivo superior; e diminuição daangulação dos incisivos superiores e da projeção do mento. Conclusão: Notratamento cirúrgico foram alcançados resultados estéticos satisfatórios sem  odesenvolvimento de implicações sobre articulações temporomandibulares eespaço aéreo posterior.
OBTENÇÃO DE MODELOS EM ORTODONTIA – UM GUIA CLÍNICO PARTE 2: MODELAGEM
Authors: Bittencourt Marcos Alan Viera , Sobral Márcio Costa
Published: March 2022

Os modelos de estudo, em Ortodontia, permitem a realização de uma análise tridimensional da oclusão do paciente, possibilitando a observação de aspec- tos de fundamental importância, como as inclinações axiais dos dentes, seu alinhamento nas respectivas arcadas, más posições individuais, assimetrias, desvios de linha média, formato do palato, enfim, uma série de detalhes que poderiam  passar  despercebidos  ao  exame  clínico.  Além  disso,  constituem valiosa fonte de registro legal, sendo de grande utilidade na comparação das diferentes fases do tratamento, na transferência de pacientes e no reestudo de casos anteriormente tratados. Dada a sua importância, parece óbvio que estes devem reproduzir perfeitamente a condição existente na boca. Para tal, é indispensável que o profissional tenha conhecimento profundo a respeito da técnica e dos materiais envolvidos nas duas principais etapas do processo, a moldagem precisa da região de interesse e o preenchimento adequado da mesma. O objetivo deste trabalho, no presente capítulo, é revisar a literatura existente sobre a técnica de modelagem em Ortodontia e descrever um pro- tocolo para a adequada realização desta etapa.
BIOSSEGURANÇA EM ODONTOLOGIA E OCORRÊNCIA DE ACIDENTES DE TRABALHO: A PERCEPÇÃO DE ESTUDANTES DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO FEDERAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Rabelo Rosângela , Viana Maria Isabel
Published: March 2022

Objetivo:  Avaliar a  percepção de estudantes de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior sobre Biossegurança em Odontologia e ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho. Material e Métodos:  Estudo descritivo e exploratório, envolvendo alunos entre o 4º e 11º semestres do Curso de Odontologia de uma Institui- ção de ensino Superior, utilizando para coleta de dados questionário semi-estruturado, auto-aplicável, organizado em partes: dados sociodemográficos e acadêmicos; situação vacinal; aspectos de biossegurança; exposição ocupa- cional e acidentes de trabalho. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram baixa cobertura vacinal contra hepatite B (83,8%) e outras vacinas; conhecimento insuficiente  e  inadequado  quanto  ao  cumprimento  das  precauções-padrão (62,8%); elevada ocorrência de acidentes (37%). O semestre em curso foi o único fator associado à ocorrência de acidentes (p-valor<0,001). Em relação aos protocolos pós-exposição, 56% referiram não ter conhecimento, embora 65,9% reconheçam que as medidas devem ser adotadas nas primeiras 02 ho- ras. Conclusão: Elevado percentual dos estudantes apresentou conhecimento em relação às formas de transmissão e prevenção da Hepatite B, contudo os acidentes ocorreram com maior frequência (p<0,001) entre os alunos do 8o ao 11o semestre. Pode-se analisar que os alunos consideram-se seguros na prática clínica e por isto negligenciam as precações padrão.
REPOSICIONAMENTO TARDIO DE DENTE PERMANENTE COM INTRUSÃO TRAUMÁTICA: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: De Oliveira Gabriel Queiroz Vasconcelos , Dantas Renata Moura Xavier , De Souza Samara Ramos , Costa Marcelo Victor Omena Caldas , De Paula Daniel Miranda , De Azevedo Roberto Almeida
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: Apresentar o caso clínico de reposicionamento cirúrgico tardio de um incisivo permanente com luxação intrusiva. Descrição do caso: Paciente vítima de acidente ciclístico, cursando com traumatismo alvéolo-dentário na região ântero-superior. Ao exame físico facial, observou-se edema em lábio superior, ausência do dente 11, luxação lateral do dente 21, luxação extrusiva do dente 12 e concussão do dente 13, bem como laceração gengival associada. Ao exame de imagem, observou-se deslocamento intrusivo severo do dente 11, com mudança da angulação de seu eixo. O primeiro atendimento restringiu-se à realização de suturas intra-orais e encaminhamento ambulatorial para posterior reposicionamento cirúrgico do dente intruído, que foi realizado no terceiro dia após o trauma. Após 15 dias do reposicionamento e fixação semi--rígida, a paciente iniciou o tratamento endodôntico dos dentes 11, 12 e 21. No acompanhamento pós-operatório de dois anos, a paciente se encontrava com os dentes ântero-superiores estáveis e sem evidências de reabsorção interna e/ou externa. Conclusão: O reposicionamento tardio de dentes com intrusão severa, associado ao tratamento endodôntico, é passível e preconizado por amenizar o impacto psicológico gerado pela perda de um dente, bem como por manter o espaço e postergar uma possível reabilitação protética.
PREVALÊNCIA DA PERIODONTITE EM PACIENTES PORTADORES DE DOENÇA ISQUÊMICA DO CORAÇÃO DO HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO PROFESSOR EDGARD SANTOS (HUPES)
Authors: Alves Patrícia Mascarenhas , Passos Luiz Carlos , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal , Rapp Gisela Estela
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência da periodontite em pacientes portadores de doença isquêmica do coração (DIC) no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal da Bahia (HUPES). Materiaisemétodos: A profundidade de sonda- gem (PS) foi realizada em seis sítios de todos os dentes presentes, por um periodontista calibrado (kappa > 0,9) em 131 indivíduos (75 homens 56 mu- lheres) na faixa etária de 35 a 99 anos. Periodontite foi considerada presente quando houve perda do nível de inserção clínica (PNIC) ³ 4 mm associada à PS ³ 4 mm em pelo menos quatro sítios em dentes diferentes. Os registros de sexo, idade, etnia, estado civil, tabagismo, frequência de escovação dental, sedentarismo, dislipidemia, hipertensão, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC), diabetes mellitus (DM), índice de placa (IPL) e índice gengival (IG) foram coletados. Resultados: A população de estudo (N=135) apresentou taxa de edentulismo total de 2,9% (N = 4). Dos 131 pacientes dentados, 73 (55,7 %) apresentaram periodontite. Houve associação positiva significativa entre periodontite e ICC, IPL e IG (p <0,001) e DM (p = 0,02). Conclusões: A prevalência de periodontite nos pacientes com DIC foi de 55,7 %. Neste estudo exploratório houve associação positiva entre a periodontite e ambos, ICC e DM, bem como com IPL e IG. Futuros estudos são necessários para confirmar estes resultados, que suportam a hipótese de que a periodontite é um mecanismo subjacente na patogênese da ICC e da DM.
PROTOCOLOS PARA REMOÇÃO DE RETENTORES INTRARRADICULARES DE FIBRA DE VIDRO: UMA REVISÃO CRÍTICA
Authors: Silva Luciana Oliveira , De Souza Bruno Peixoto , Lima Emilena Maria Castor Xisto , De Oliveira Viviane Maia Barreto
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: investigar na literatura especializada os protocolos para a remoção de retentores intrarradiculares de pino de fibra de vidro. Nestes estudos as va- riáveis pontas diamantadas, brocas de largo e peso bem como kits específicos para remoção de pinos foram estudados isoladamente e associados ao ultras- som com insertos de diversas formas, com e sem cobertura diamantada. Em alguns casos as remoções foram facilitadas com a utilização do microscópio operatório. Consideraçõesfinais: o uso de ultrassom é um método valioso para a remoção de pinos de fibra de vidro, aumentando a sua eficiência quando associado à magnificação do microscópio. No entanto, novas investigações envolvendo a combinação dos procedimentos da vibração ultrassônica, bro- cas e kits de brocas são necessários, visando aumentar a previsibilidade e a eficácia dessa técnica.
SÍNDROME DE EHLER-DANLOS TIPO III - RELATO DE UM RARO CASO
Authors: De Souza Samara Ramos , Melo Maysa Nogueira de Barros , Neto Paulo Ribeiro Queiroz , Macêdo Thiago Felippe Oliveira , Júnior Braúlio Carneiro
Published: March 2022

A Síndrome de Ehler-Danlos (SED) compreende um grupo de doenças heredi- tárias do tecido conjuntivo que partilham um defeito na formação do coláge- no. Dos diferentes subtipos da doença, o tipo III (Hipermobilidade Articular) afeta pequenas e grandes articulações, ocasionando luxações e subluxações recorrentes. A mandíbula é o único osso móvel do complexo maxilofacial e pa- cientes portadores de SED podem apresentar episódios de luxação recorrentes, necessitando de tratamento. Na falência de tratamentos conservadores (placas miorrelaxantes, fonoaudiologia e fisioterapia), dentre os inúmeros tratamentos cirúrgicos existentes, a técnica de instalação de placas na eminência articular é uma terapêutica eficaz, segura, de realização simples, reversível, não alte- rando as funções normais da articulação temporomandibular e sendo preferida pelos autores no tratamento dos casos de luxação recorrente da mandíbula. O presente artigo tem como objetivo relatar um raro caso de SED tipo III que teve como tratamento escolhido a técnica cirúrgica de instalação de placa na eminência articular, além de discutir a respeito da melhor técnica cirúrgica a ser empregada.
ALTERAÇÕES DO CONTORNO AXIAL EM COROAS CERÂMICAS E SEUS EFEITOS SOBRE A SAÚDE GENGIVAL CHANGES IN THE AXIAL CONTOUR OF PROTHETIC CROWNS - EFFECTS ON HEALTH GINGIVAL
Authors: ARAUJO Nara Santos , CARVALHO Leilane dos Anjos de , SILVA Ebele Adaobi da
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: Este estudo observacional mensurou a configuraçãodo contorno axial em coroas totais (Cts) cimentadas sobre dentee verificou a condição do tecido gengival adjacente. Material eMétodos: Foram avaliadas 104 coroas do tipo metalocerâmica outotalmente cerâmica e com período de funcionamento entre 1-5 anos.Dentes homólogos ou vizinhos foram utilizados como controle. Acondição do tecido gengival marginal foi avaliada clinicamente atravésdo Índice de Placa (IP) e do Índice Gengival (IG). Adicionalmenteforam obtidas réplicas em resina epóxi da região cervical dos dentesrestaurados para verificação do contorno axial vestibular através demicroscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Resultados: A presençade sobrecontorno na face vestibular foi registrada em 87,5% das Ctsavaliadas. A análise dos dados mostrou que os valores do IP no gruporestaurado foram significativamente menores (P<0,001) em relação aogrupo controle. Os valores do IG foram semelhantes entre os grupos(P=0,194), prevalecendo a condição de saúde gengival. Conclusão:Nos pacientes com higiene oral adequada, a presença de Cts comboa adaptação marginal, porém com sobrecontorno axial na facevestibular, não mostrou alterações significativas no tecido gengivallivre.ABSTRACTPurpose: This observational study measured the configuration of theaxial contour in total crowns (TCs) and verified the condition of theadjacent gingival tissue. Methods: One hundred four metal-ceramicand all-ceramic crowns with the period of installation ranging from1-5 years were evaluated. Homologous or adjacent teeth were used ascontrols. The marginal gingival tissue condition was clinically evaluatedthrough the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Epoxy resinreplicas were obtained from the cervical region of the restored teethin order to verify the axial contour using scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Results: The presence of buccal axial overcontour was recordedin 87.5% of the TCs. The PI in the restored group was significantlylower (P < 0.001) than control group. The GI in the restored group wassimilar to the control group (P = 0.165), indicating good gingival health.Conclusion: In cases with satisfactory oral hygiene, with TCs exhibitinggood marginal adaptation but presence of buccal axial overcontour,no significant alterations were observed in the free gingival tissue.
KSR induces RAS‐independent MAPK pathway activation and modulates the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors
Authors: Paniagua Guillem , Jacob Harrys K.C. , Brehey Oksana , García‐Alonso Sara , Lechuga Carmen G. , Pons Tirso , Musteanu Monica , Guerra Carmen , Drosten Matthias , Barbacid Mariano
Published: March 2022

The kinase suppressor of rat sarcoma (RAS) proteins (KSR1 and KSR2) have long been considered as scaffolding proteins required for optimal mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signalling. However, recent evidence suggests that they play a more complex role within this pathway. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of KSR1 or KSR2 is sufficient to activate the MAPK pathway and to induce cell proliferation in the absence of RAS proteins. In contrast, the ectopic expression of KSR proteins is not sufficient to induce cell proliferation in the absence of either rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF) or MAPK‐ERK kinase proteins, indicating that they act upstream of RAF. Indeed, KSR1 requires dimerization with at least one member of the RAF family to stimulate proliferation, an event that results in the translocation of the heterodimerized RAF protein to the cell membrane. Mutations in the conserved aspartic acid–phenylalanine–glycine motif of KSR1 that affect ATP binding impair the induction of cell proliferation. We also show that increased expression levels of KSR1 decrease the responsiveness to the KRASG12C inhibitor sotorasib in human cancer cell lines, thus suggesting that increased levels of expression of KSR may make tumour cells less dependent on KRAS oncogenic signalling.
CRISPR‐mediated knockout of VEGFR2/KDR inhibits cell growth in a squamous thyroid cancer cell line
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Lin , Lee Chia‐Hwa , Huang Li‐Chi , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Liu Wei‐Ni , Lin Chun‐Yu , Hsu Kai‐Wen , Lee Ai‐Wei , Lin Ching‐Ling
Published: March 2022

Squamous and anaplastic thyroid cancers are the most aggressive and life‐threatening cancer types in humans, with the involvement of lymph nodes in 59% of cases and distant metastases in 26% of cases of all thyroid cancers. The median survival of squamous thyroid cancer patients is < 8 months and therefore is of high clinical concern. Here, we show that both VEGFC and VEGFR2/KDR are overexpressed in thyroid cancers, indicating that VEGF/VEGFR signaling plays a carcinogenic role in thyroid cancer development. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we established a KDR knockout (KO) SW579 squamous thyroid cancer cell line that exhibited dramatically decreased colony formation and invasion abilities (30% and 60% reduction, respectively) when compared to scrambled control cells. To validate the potential of KDR as a therapeutic target for thyroid cancers, we used the KDR RTK inhibitor sunitinib. Protein analysis and live/dead assay were performed to demonstrate that sunitinib significantly inhibited cell growth signal transduction and induced cell apoptosis of SW579 cells. These results suggest that selective targeting of KDR may have potential for development into novel anti‐cancer therapies to suppress VEGF/VEGFR‐mediated cancer development in patients with clinical advanced thyroid cancer.
Picornavirus translation strategies
Authors: Francisco‐Velilla Rosario , Embarc‐Buh Azman , Abellan Salvador , Martinez‐Salas Encarnacion
Published: March 2022

The genome of viruses classified as picornaviruses consists of a single monocistronic positive strand RNA. The coding capacity of these RNA viruses is rather limited, and thus, they rely on the cellular machinery for their viral replication cycle. Upon the entry of the virus into susceptible cells, the viral RNA initially competes with cellular mRNAs for access to the protein synthesis machinery. Not surprisingly, picornaviruses have evolved specialized strategies that successfully allow the expression of viral gene products, which we outline in this review. The main feature of all picornavirus genomes is the presence of a heavily structured RNA element on the 5´UTR, referred to as an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element, which directs viral protein synthesis as well and, consequently, triggers the subsequent steps required for viral replication. Here, we will summarize recent studies showing that picornavirus IRES elements consist of a modular structure, providing sites of interaction for ribosome subunits, eIFs, and a selective group of RNA‐binding proteins.
Prognostic value of serum/plasma neurofilament light chain for COVID‐19‐associated mortality
Authors: Masvekar Ruturaj R. , Kosa Peter , Jin Kimberly , Dobbs Kerry , Stack Michael A. , Castagnoli Riccardo , Quaresima Virginia , Su Helen C. , Imberti Luisa , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: March 2022

Objective

Given the continued spread of coronavirus 2, the early predictors of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) associated mortality might improve patients' outcomes. Increased levels of circulating neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neuronal injury, have been observed in severe COVID‐19 patients. We investigated whether NfL provides non‐redundant clinical value to previously identified predictors of COVID‐19 mortality.

Methods

We measured serum or plasma NfL concentrations in a blinded fashion in 3 cohorts totaling 338 COVID‐19 patients.

Results

In cohort 1, we found significantly elevated NfL levels only in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. Longitudinal cohort 2 data showed that NfL is elevated late in the course of the disease, following the two other prognostic markers of COVID‐19: decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Significant correlations between ALC and LDH abnormalities and subsequent rise of NfL implicate that the multi‐organ failure is the most likely cause of neuronal injury in severe COVID‐19 patients. The addition of NfL to age and gender in cohort 1 significantly improved the accuracy of mortality prediction and these improvements were validated in cohorts 2 and 3.

Interpretation

A substantial increase in serum/plasma NfL reproducibly enhanced COVID‐19 mortality prediction. Combined with other prognostic markers, such as ALC and LDH that are routinely measured in ICU patients, NfL measurements might be useful to identify the patients at a high risk of COVID‐19‐associated mortality, who might still benefit from escalated care.
Clinical and diagnostic features of anti‐neurofascin‐155 antibody‐positive neuropathy in Han Chinese
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Liu Chang , Li Wei , Zhang Dong , Shan Yi , Zheng Jinfan , Shan Jingli , Zhao Yuying , Yan Chuanzhu , Wang Qinzhou
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical features of Han Chinese patients with anti‐neurofascin‐155 (NF155) antibody‐positive neuropathy.

Methods

We screened 194 patients with peripheral neuropathy for NF155 antibodies using a cell‐based assay (CBA) and teased‐fiber immunofluorescence assay. We summarized the clinical findings of seropositive patients.

Results

The sera from 17 patients reacted to human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with NF155. Eleven of these patients had the immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4 isotype, a younger onset age, tremor, higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid protein, a larger diameter of the lumbosacral nerve root on magnetic resonance imaging, and the distal demyelinating symmetric phenotype. Most patients responded to steroids and rituximab. For the remaining six seropositive patients in CBA, the predominant antibody isotype was IgG3, IgG1, or undetectable, and only one patient with IgG3 showed a positive result in the teased‐fiber immunofluorescence assay. These patients did not share the typical features displayed by patients with the IgG4 isotype.

Interpretation

In the Han Chinese population, a significant proportion of patients who fulfilled the criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy diagnosis had anti‐NF155 IgG4 antibody‐positive neuropathy and displayed specific phenotypes. Ambiguous staining patterns may appear, and the potential for false positivity should be considered. For patients who presented with specific phenotypes, identifying antibodies and subtypes involved a significant laboratory workup.
Association Between Metabolically Different Adiposity Subtypes and Osteoarthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Mulugeta Anwar , Eshetie Tesfahun C. , Kassie Gizat M. , Erku Daniel , Mekonnen Alemayehu , Lumsden Amanda , Hyppönen Elina
Published: March 2022

Objective

In this Mendelian randomization (MR) study, the objective was to investigate the causal effect of metabolically different adiposity subtypes on osteoarthritis.

Methods

We performed 2‐sample MR using summary‐level data for osteoarthritis (10,083 cases and 40,425 controls) from a genome‐wide association using the UK Biobank, and for site‐specific osteoarthritis from the Arthritis Research UK Osteoarthritis Genetics consortium. We used 3 classes of genetic instruments, which all increase body mass index but are associated with different metabolic profiles (unfavorable, neutral, and favorable). Primary analysis was performed using inverse variance weight (IVW), with additional sensitivity analysis from different MR methods. We further applied a nonlinear MR using UK Biobank data to understand the nature of the adiposity–osteoarthritis relationship.

Results

Greater metabolically unfavorable and metabolically neutral adiposity were associated with higher odds of osteoarthritis (IVW odds ratio [OR] 1.56 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31, 1.85] and OR 1.60 [95% CI 1.15, 2.23], respectively). The estimate for the association between metabolically favorable adiposity and osteoarthritis was similar, although with notable imprecision (OR 1.55 [95% CI 0.70, 3.41]). Using site‐specific osteoarthritis, metabolically unfavorable, neutral, and favorable adiposity were all associated with higher odds of knee osteoarthritis (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.04, 1.98], OR 2.28 [95% CI 1.04, 4.99], and OR 6.80 [95% CI 2.08, 22.19], respectively). We found generally consistent estimates with a wider confidence interval crossing the null from other MR methods. The nonlinear MR analyses suggested a nonlinear relationship between metabolically unfavorable adiposity and osteoarthritis (Pnonlinear = 0.003).

Conclusion

Metabolic abnormalities did not explain the association between greater adiposity and the risk of osteoarthritis, which might suggest that the association is largely due to a mechanical effect on the joints.
Coupled Focused Acoustic Vortices Generated by Degenerated Artificial Plates for Acoustic Coded Communication
Authors: Li Xin‐Rui , Wu Da‐Jian , Luo Yan‐Chun , Yao Jie , Liu Xiao‐Jun
Published: March 2022

Acoustic vortices (AVs) show great significance in acoustic communication. However, the lack of confidentiality and the cross‐talks in communications based on traditional AVs remain problems. Here, a degenerated centrosymmetric circular hole plate (DCHP) is designed to generate coupled focused acoustic vortices (CFAVs) with pure orbital angular momentums (OAMs) in both air and water. When an acoustic plane wave transmits through DCHP, two focused acoustic vortices (FAVs) with opposite topological charges are produced simultaneously, and the coupling between them results in a focused acoustic petal beam (FAPB). The OAM of the CFAV can be simply modulated by the angular interval of the adjacent holes on DCHP and the CFAV can be focused at any distances by adjusting the positions of holes. The DCHPs are demonstrated to be able to generate FAPBs numerically and experimentally. Furthermore, 8 FAPBs with different OAMs are set as 8 bases to represent 8 bits of ASCII binary code, and the information encoding and decoding for acoustic communication are realized in water using them. The proposed DCHP provides a convenient method to achieve CFAVs, which may be helpful to enhance the security, reduce the false information, and increase the information capacity in acoustic communication.
Characterization of Miniature Probes for Cryosurgery, Thermal Ablation, and Irreversible Electroporation on Small Animals
Authors: Ranjbartehrani Pegah , Etheridge Michael , Ramadhyani Satish , Natesan Harishankar , Bischof John , Shao Qi
Published: March 2022

Focal therapies, including cryosurgery, thermal ablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE) are widely used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases, aimed at exposing cancer cells to extreme physical conditions leading to cell death. Focal ablation outcomes are extensively studied in small animal preclinical models, such as mice; however, robust engineering characterization of these treatments is largely lacking, due in a large part to the lack of control in applying clinical devices (cm scale) to mouse tumors (mm scale). To address this issue, miniaturized probes are designed and built for controlled application of cryosurgery, thermal ablation, and IRE and their performance is evaluated using ex vivo porcine liver tissue and an in vivo MC‐38 tumor model. These experimental results are compared to simulated conditions in heat transfer (cryosurgery and thermal ablation) and electrical (IRE) models. Agreements of physical quantities between measurement and modeling are shown for all the focal therapy cases. The in vivo outcome is further correlated with tumor growth delay. The characterization improves the understanding of the energy dose to create tissue damage, therefore enables to better understand outcomes in preclinical studies and predict and optimize the outcome of future clinical procedures.
Microbial Metabolite Inspired β‐Peptide Polymers Displaying Potent and Selective Antifungal Activity
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Shi Chao , Cong Zihao , Chen Qi , Bi Yufang , Zhang Junyu , Ma Kaiqian , Liu Shiqi , Gu Jiawei , Chen Minzhang , Lu Ziyi , Zhang Haodong , Xie Jiayang , Xiao Ximian , Liu Longqiang , Jiang Weinan , Shao Ning , Chen Sheng , Zhou Min , Shao Xiaoyan , Dai Yidong , Li Maoquan , Zhang Lixin , Liu Runhui
Published: March 2022

Potent and selective antifungal agents are urgently needed due to the quick increase of serious invasive fungal infections and the limited antifungal drugs available. Microbial metabolites have been a rich source of antimicrobial agents and have inspired the authors to design and obtain potent and selective antifungal agents, poly(DL‐diaminopropionic acid) (PDAP) from the ring‐opening polymerization of β‐amino acid N‐thiocarboxyanhydrides, by mimicking ε‐poly‐lysine. PDAP kills fungal cells by penetrating the fungal cytoplasm, generating reactive oxygen, and inducing fungal apoptosis. The optimal PDAP displays potent antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration as low as 0.4 µg mL−1 against Candida albicans, negligible hemolysis and cytotoxicity, and no susceptibility to antifungal resistance. In addition, PDAP effectively inhibits the formation of fungal biofilms and eradicates the mature biofilms. In vivo studies show that PDAP is safe and effective in treating fungal keratitis, which suggests PDAPs as promising new antifungal agents.
Long‐term eltrombopag for bone marrow failure depletes iron
Authors: Young David J. , Fan Xing , Groarke Emma M. , Patel Bhavisha , Desmond Ronan , Winkler Thomas , Larochelle Andre , Calvo Katherine R. , Young Neal S. , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: March 2022

Eltrombopag (EPAG) has been approved for the treatment of aplastic anemia and for immune thrombocytopenia, and a subset of patients require long‐term therapy. Due to polyvalent cation chelation, prolonged therapy leads to previously underappreciated iron depletion. We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated at the NIH for aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and unilineage cytopenias, comparing those treated with EPAG to a historical cohort treated with immunosuppression without EPAG. We examined iron parameters, duration of therapy, response assessment, relapse rates, and common demographic parameters. We included 521 subjects treated with (n = 315) or without EPAG (n = 206) across 11 studies with multiyear follow‐up (3.6 vs. 8.5 years, respectively). Duration of EPAG exposure correlated with ferritin reduction (p = 4 × 10−14) regardless of response, maximum dose, or degree of initial iron overload. Clearance followed first‐order kinetics with faster clearance (half‐life 15.3 months) compared with historical responders (47.5 months, p = 8 × 10−10). Risk of iron depletion was dependent upon baseline ferritin and duration of therapy. Baseline ferritin did not correlate with response of marrow failure to EPAG or to relapse risk, and timing of iron clearance did not correlate with disease response. In conclusion, EPAG efficiently chelates total body iron comparable to clinically available chelators. Prolonged use can deplete iron and ultimately lead to iron‐deficiency anemia mimicking relapse, responsive to iron supplementation.
NHC‐Organocatalysed Hydroacylation of Unactivated or Weakly Activated C−C Multiple Bonds and Ketones
Authors: Thalakottukara Dolly David , Gandhi Thirumanavelan
Published: March 2022

N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) are versatile organocatalysts owing to their umpolung capability – i. e. the catalytic transformation of electrophilic aldehydes into nucleophilic species. Profoundly, aldehyde umpolungs were exploited in Benzoin and Stetter reactions, whereas hydroacylation of unactivated carbon‐carbon multiple bonds (alkenes and alkynes) are challenging and highly desired. Normally, catalytic hydroacylation of alkenes was achieved by transition metal catalysts based on rhodium, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, and iridium. However, the metal‐catalyzed strategy is accompanied by undesired side reactions, such as decarbonylation of aldehydes, and thus demands installation of directing group in the aldehydes. In contrast, NHCs overcome these downsides and utilize the umpolung strategy beyond the Benzoin and Stetter reactions to implement catalytic hydroacylation of unpolarised and unactivated carbon‐carbon multiple bonds (alkenes and alkynes) under mild reaction conditions with step‐ and atom‐economy. In addition, this unconventional transformation is extended to catalytic asymmetric catalysis. This highlight covers the progress and practicality of NHC‐catalyzed hydroacylation of alkenes, alkynes, arynes, and ketones to access biologically relevant organics. Both inter‐and intramolecular hydroacylation reactions in combination with Stetter were presented and key mechanistic pathways were discussed.
Photothermal Nanoconfinement Reactor: Boosting Chemical Reactivity with Locally High Temperature in a Confined Space
Authors: Zhang Han‐Chao , Kang Zhan‐Xiao , Han Jiang‐Jin , Wang Peng , Fan Jin‐Tu , Sheng Guo‐Ping
Published: March 2022

A photothermal nanoconfinement reactor (PNCR) system is proposed and demonstrated by using hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNs) to enhance the performance of the chemical reaction. Under light irradiation, the local temperature of the HCN inner void space was much higher than the bulk solution temperature because the confined space concentrates heat and inhibits heat loss. Using the temperature‐sensitive model reaction, peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation to oxidize micropollutant, it is shown that the degradation rate of sulfamethoxazole in the PNCR system is 7.1 times of that without nanoconfinement. It is further discovered that the high‐quality local heat inside the nanoconfined space shifted the model reaction from an otherwise non‐radical pathway to a radical‐based pathway. This work provides an interesting strategy to produce a locally high temperature, which has a wide range of applications to energy and environmental fields.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Adhesive and Conductive Gels with Anion‐Coordinated Triple Helicate Junctions
Authors: Gao Yiwei , Zhao Jie , Huang Zehuan , Ronson Tanya K. , Zhao Fen , Wang Yue , Li Boyang , Feng Chenlu , Yu You , Cheng Yongliang , Yang Dong , Yang Xiao‐Juan , Wu Biao
Published: March 2022

The fabrication of anion‐coordinated assemblies into functional soft materials remains a major challenge. To this end, four C2‐symmetric anion‐binding ligands equipped with ortho‐phenylene‐bridged bis(urea) and amine or amide ends were designed, which generated A2L3 triple helical architectures upon self‐assembly with phosphate ions. Hierarchical intermolecular hydrogen bonds among the terminal amine/amide groups and urea moieties resulted in the formation of functional gels. The obtained gels were further applied for conductive adhesion between different surfaces, displaying excellent flexibility and selective wettability. The viscoelastic gels constructed from anion‐coordinated assemblies described in this work represent the first example of a new class of anion‐coordination‐driven smart materials.
Korrelative elektrochemische Mikroskopie zur Aufklärung der lokalen ionischen und elektronischen Eigenschaften der Festkörper‐Elektrolyt Zwischenphase in Li‐Ionen‐Batterien
Authors: Santos Carla S. , Botz Alexander , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Ventosa Edgar , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Die Festkörper‐Elektrolyt‐Zwischenphase (SEI) spielt eine Schlüsselrolle für die Stabilität von Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien (LIB), da die SEI den kontinuierlichen Abbau des Elektrolyten an der Anode verhindert. Die SEI fungiert als isolierende Schicht für den Elektronentransfer und ermöglicht dennoch den Ionenfluss durch die Schicht. Wir kombinieren zum ersten Mal die Rückkopplungs‐ und Multifrequenz‐Wechselstrommodi der elektrochemischen Rastermikroskopie (SECM), um die lokalen elektronischen und ionischen Eigenschaften der SEI quantitativ zu bewerten, indem wir die SEI‐Bildungsbedingungen und die verwendeten Elektrolyte der Li‐Ionen‐Batterien variieren. Korrelationen zwischen den elektronischen und ionischen Eigenschaften der resultierenden SEI auf einer Modell‐Cu‐Elektrode zeigen die Machbarkeit der vorgeschlagenen Strategie, um die beiden wesentlichen Eigenschaften einer SEI zu quantifizieren: ionische und elektronische Leitfähigkeit in Abhängigkeit von den Bildungsbedingungen; Ergebnisse, die voraussichtlich einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Bereich der LIBs haben werden.
Metal→Carbon Dative Bonding
Authors: Litle Elishua D. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: March 2022

As part of our interest in unusual bonding situations, we are now targeting complexes featuring metal→carbon dative bonds. Here, we report on the formation of such linkages in a series of Group 10 complexes featuring a triarylphosphine ligand functionalized at the γ position by a carbenium ion. Through combined synthetic, spectroscopic, and computational studies, we show that the M→Ccarbenium interaction present in these complexes scales with the basicity of the donor, confirming its dative nature.
Angiopep‐2 and cyclic RGD dual‐targeting ligand modified micelles across the blood–brain barrier for improved anti‐tumor activity
Authors: Lei Yujie , Chen Shihong , Zeng Xuan , Meng Yan , Chang Cong , Zheng Guohua
Published: March 2022

In this paper, three polymers of Angiopep‐2 conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐β‐cyclodextrin (Ang‐2‐PEG‐βCD), cyclic RGD (cRGD)‐PEG‐βCD, Ad‐PCL‐FITC and corresponding double‐targeted polymer micelles (D‐T micelles) were successfully prepared by host–guest self‐assembly. Transmission electron microscope images showed that uniformly dispersed spherical supermolecular micelles could be formed. The colloidal stability of D‐T micelles in 5% glucose and 10% FBS solution were good within 24 h, which was fine in distilled water at room temperature within 2 weeks. The results of fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry demonstrating the prepared double‐targeted micells showed high intracellular delivery efficiency in both brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3 cell) and glioma cells (C6 cell). As expected, based on the specific recognition between the peptides and the receptors, the D‐T micelles exhibited better anti‐tumor efficacy than free chemotherapy drug and non‐targeted micelles both in vitro and in vivo, indicating the great potential of D‐T micelles developed here as promising vehicle for glioma targeted drug delivery.
Green cross‐linked coir cellulose nanocrystals/poly (vinyl alcohol) composite films with enhanced water resistance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability
Authors: Rao Xin , Ou Zhiqiang , Zhou Qi , Fu Lingying , Gong Yue , Wen Qin , Du Xueyu , Liang Chen
Published: March 2022

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based materials have received enormous attention ascribed to the merits of good mechanical properties, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness, but its widespread applications are severely hindered by poor water resistance. In the current study, self‐made coir cellulose nanocrystal (CCNC) was applied as a reinforcing filler together with a cost‐effective and green cross‐linker (oxalic acid, OA) for preparation of CCNC/OA/PVA composite film via solution casting. After the thermal treatment of 120°C for 2 h, the ultimate product exhibited remarkable improvements in tensile strength (132.4 MPa), Young's modulus (4427.1 MPa), water resistance (degree of swelling: 33.6%; contact angle: 84.7°; solubility: 0.9%), and thermal stability relative to the cleavage of the polymer chains (depolymerization). A reinforced synergetic effect of physical interaction (hydrogen bond) and hydrophobic ester linkages has been suggested according to the comprehensive analyses of functional groups, crystal structure, thermal behavior and stability, and fracture surface morphology.
Rational engineering in Escherichia coli for high‐titer production of baicalein based on genome‐scale target identification
Authors: Ji Dongni , Li Jianhua , Ren Yuhong , Wang Yong
Published: March 2022

Baicalein is a bioactive flavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Microbial synthesis of flavonoids has been intensively developed owing to the eco‐friendly nature of the process. However, the titer of the flavonoids obtained is still at a low level, and effective methods to enhance these titers are lacking. In this study, the synthetic performance of baicalein‐producing engineered Escherichia coli was rationally evaluated to enhance the expression of key enzymes. Transcriptional analyses of baicalein‐overproducing strain and a control strain enabled the identification of 13 beneficial genes, including eight genes that are seemingly irrelevant to baicalein metabolism. With the combination of the enzyme assembly and modularization strategy, the engineered DN‐8 strain produced 367.8 mg/L baicalein in fed‐batch fermentation, the maximum titer reported to date.