bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiophene‐Fused 1,4‐Diazapentalene: A Stable C=N‐Containing π‐Conjugated System with Restored Antiaromaticity
Authors: Usuba Junichi , Fukazawa Aiko
Published: October 2021

A thiophene‐fused 1,4‐diazapentalene (TAP) was rationally designed and synthesized as a C=N‐containing 4n π‐electron system that exhibits restored antiaromaticity impaired by the doping with C=N bonds. X‐ray crystallographic analysis and quantum chemical calculations revealed that the annulation of thiophene rings with the 1,4‐diazapentalene moiety resulted in a much higher antiaromaticity than the pristine 1,4‐diazapentalene. These effects can be ascribed to the reduced bond alternation of the eight‐membered‐ring periphery caused by stabilization of the less‐stable bond‐shifted resonance structure upon increasing the degree of substitution of imine moieties. Consequently, TAP underwent facile hydrogenation even under mild conditions because of its pronounced antiaromaticity and the high aromaticity of the corresponding hydrogenated product H2‐TAP. In addition, the electrophilic C=N moieties in TAP led to the formation of a dense π‐stacked structure. These results highlight the effect of partial replacement of C=C bonds with C=N bonds in antiaromatic π‐electron systems.
Ruthenium‐ and Copper‐Catalyzed Propargylic Substitution Reactions of Propargylic Alcohol Derivatives with Hydrazones
Authors: Liu Shiyao , Tanabe Yoshiaki , Kuriyama Shogo , Sakata Ken , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: October 2021

Ruthenium‐ and copper‐catalyzed propargylic substitution reactions of propargylic alcohol derivatives with N‐monosubstituted hydrazones as ambident nucleophiles are achieved in which N‐monosubstituted hydrazones exhibit impressive different reactivities depending on different catalytic systems, behaving as carbon‐centered nucleophiles to give the corresponding propargylic alkylated products in ruthenium catalysis, or as nitrogen‐centered nucleophiles to afford the corresponding propargylic aminated products in copper catalysis. DFT calculations were carried out to investigate the detailed reaction pathways of these two systems. Further transformation of propargylic substituted products affords the corresponding multisubstituted pyrazoles as cyclization products in good to high yields.
Evaluation of headache in patients with cancer
Authors: Bernstein Carolyn A.
Published: October 2021

Headache is a common complaint and is often benign. When patients with cancer describe new headaches, it is important to ensure that there are no emergent or concerning etiologies, including metastatic disease. This review article details primary and secondary headaches. Red flags—the do‐not‐miss warning signs—are described. An initial approach to the evaluation, including suggestions for imaging, features to look for in a targeted examination, and when to request a consultation, is outlined. An overview of headache etiologies is described with a particular emphasis on the most common types: migraine and tension. The classification of headaches, based on criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd edition; beta version), is reviewed. Medications used for treatment, including newer biological agents, are described, and there are details about both abortive and preventive medication therapies. Suggestions for complementary and integrative therapies, some of which may be synergistic in treating other cancer symptoms, are outlined; they include mindfulness therapies, which are gaining traction in treating a variety of medical conditions. Readers should have an understanding of headache evaluation in patients with cancer and should know how to formulate a plan for a diagnosis. In addition, readers will gain familiarity with common treatments, both pharmacological and complementary/integrative.
Uncertainty quantification in subject‐specific estimation of local vessel mechanical properties
Authors: Rego Bruno V. , Weiss Dar , Bersi Matthew R. , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: October 2021

Quantitative estimation of local mechanical properties remains critically important in the ongoing effort to elucidate how blood vessels establish, maintain, or lose mechanical homeostasis. Recent advances based on panoramic digital image correlation (pDIC) have made high‐fidelity 3D reconstructions of small‐animal (e.g., murine) vessels possible when imaged in a variety of quasi‐statically loaded configurations. While we have previously developed and validated inverse modeling approaches to translate pDIC‐measured surface deformations into biomechanical metrics of interest, our workflow did not heretofore include a methodology to quantify uncertainties associated with local point estimates of mechanical properties. This limitation has compromised our ability to infer biomechanical properties on a subject‐specific basis, such as whether stiffness differs significantly between multiple material locations on the same vessel or whether stiffness differs significantly between multiple vessels at a corresponding material location. In the present study, we have integrated a novel uncertainty quantification and propagation pipeline within our inverse modeling approach, relying on empirical and analytic Bayesian techniques. To demonstrate the approach, we present illustrative results for the ascending thoracic aorta from three mouse models, quantifying uncertainties in constitutive model parameters as well as circumferential and axial tangent stiffness. Our extended workflow not only allows parameter uncertainties to be systematically reported, but also facilitates both subject‐specific and group‐level statistical analyses of the mechanics of the vessel wall.
Larval fish body growth responses to simultaneous browning and warming
Authors: Huss Magnus , van Dorst Renee M. , Gårdmark Anna
Published: October 2021

Organisms are facing global climate change and other anthropogenic pressures, but most research on responses to such changes only considers effects of single drivers. Observational studies and physiological experiments suggest temperature increases will lead to faster growth of small fish. Whether this effect of warming holds in more natural food web settings with concurrent changes in other drivers, such as darkening water color (“browning”) is, however, unknown. Here, we set up a pelagic mesocosm experiment with large bags in the Baltic Sea archipelago, inoculated with larval Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) and zooplankton prey and varying in temperature and color, to answer the question how simultaneous warming and browning of coastal food webs impact body growth and survival of larval perch. We found that browning decreased body growth and survival of larval perch, whereas warming increased body growth but had no effect on survival. Based on daily fish body growth estimates based on otolith microstructure analysis, and size composition and abundance of available prey, we explain how these results may come about through a combination of physiological responses to warming and lower foraging efficiency in brown waters. We conclude that larval fish responses to climate change thus may depend on the relative rate and extent of both warming and browning, as they may even cancel each other out.
Structural Elucidation, Aggregation, and Dynamic Behaviour of N,N,N,N‐Copper(I) Schiff Base Complexes in Solid and in Solution: A Combined NMR, X‐ray Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Investigation
Authors: Gerz Isabelle , Jannuzzi Sergio Augusto Venturinelli , Hylland Knut T. , Negri Chiara , Wragg David S. , Øien‐Ødegaard Sigurd , Tilset Mats , Olsbye Unni , DeBeer Serena , Amedjkouh Mohamed
Published: October 2021

A series of Cu(I) complexes of bidentate or tetradentate Schiff base ligands bearing either 1‐H‐imidazole or pyridine moieties were synthesized. The complexes were studied by a combination of NMR and X‐ray spectroscopic techniques. The differences between the imidazole‐ and pyridine‐based ligands were examined by 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The magnitude of the 15Nimine coordination shifts was found to be strongly affected by the nature of the heterocycle in the complexes. These trends showed good correlation with the obtained Cu−Nimine bond lengths from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. Variable‐temperature NMR experiments, in combination with diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) revealed that one of the complexes underwent a temperature‐dependent interconversion between a monomer, a dimer and a higher aggregate. The complexes bearing tetradentate imidazole ligands were further studied using Cu K‐edge XAS and VtC XES, where DFT‐assisted assignment of spectral features suggested that these complexes may form polynuclear oligomers in solid state. Additionally, the Cu(II) analogue of one of the complexes was incorporated into a metal‐organic framework (MOF) as a way to obtain discrete, mononuclear complexes in the solid state.
Combining Diastereomeric Resolution and Viedma Ripening by Using a Racemic Resolving Agent
Authors: Lerdwiriyanupap Tharit , Belletti Giuseppe , Tinnemans Paul , Meekes Hugo , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Vlieg Elias , Flood Adrian E.
Published: October 2021

In spite of the many resolution techniques available to separate enantiomers, diastereomeric resolution still remains the most widely used technique in industry. However, drawbacks of this technique are the limited yield of the desired enantiomer and the expensive enantiopure resolving agent that is required. We show here for the first time that a combination of diastereomeric resolution with Viedma ripening using a racemic resolving agent can also provide a single stereoisomer when using an excess of the racemic resolving agent, without the need for the resolving agent to racemize. The requirements of this process are, like for an enantiomeric system, that the compound crystallizes as a racemic conglomerate and that at least one chiral center in the target molecule is racemizable. In addition, owing to the presence of the racemization reaction, substantial improvement in the yield can be obtained. We here demonstrate this approach using a metastable conglomerate salt of rac‐2‐phenylglycinamide with rac‐N‐acetyl tryptophan.
Performance analysis of non‐orthogonal multiple access assisted cooperative relay system with channel estimation errors and imperfect successive interference cancellation
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Bansal Matadeen
Published: October 2021

This article studies a new non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) assisted decode‐and‐forward cooperative relay (NOMA‐DFCR) system, where the downlink NOMA principle is employed to communicate between a source‐destination pair through a dedicated relay. Performance of the proposed system is analyzed in terms of the outage probability (OP), system throughput (ST), and ergodic sum rate with channel estimation errors (CEEs) and imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC). An approximate expression of the OP and the diversity order of the presented scheme are derived. To gain further insights, asymptotic analysis of the OP is carried out at high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) regime. Further, we also investigate the impact of power allocation coefficients and CEEs on the system performance. Moreover, the OP of orthogonal multiple access (OMA) assisted cooperative relay system is evaluated and compared with the proposed scheme. To validate the correctness of the derived analytical results, Monte Carlo simulations are performed. Numerical and simulation results have shown that the proposed system outperforms its OMA counterpart and the schemes in References 14 and 15, in terms of both the ST and OP.
Data rescue in selected countries in connection with the EUMETNET DARE activity
Authors: Chimani Barbara , Auer Ingeborg , Prohom Marc , Nadbath Mateja , Paul Anita , Rasol Dubravka
Published: October 2021

In situ data are an essential need in the analyses of past and current climate change. All over the world, different data rescue activities try to extend existing time series and to retrieve data in spatial and temporal data sparse regions. Also in Europe, part of the historic data is still only available in paper archives, without any digital access to these sources. The EUMETNET Data Rescue activity was started in order to investigate the potential for additional long‐term stations, to monitor the progress of data rescue in European countries and to support participants with know‐how exchange and international connections to facilitate data exchange. The activity raised the awareness of the need for data rescue and ongoing activities. This paper will provide information on the data rescue activities of 4 EUMETNET countries focusing on different aspects and in different states of the data rescue process. While Austria, Croatia and Slovenia are connected by a partly common history which is also displayed in the history of their meteorological network, Catalonia has a different historical background. Nevertheless, the problems data rescue is confronted with are similar for all activities. Therefore, the selected countries will provide a good overview of the problems and solutions discussed during the EUMETNET meetings. This paper wants to offer insight into different strategies for data rescue as well as into ongoing activities. Moreover, the importance of cooperation in regard to data rescue is underlined and examples of possible partnerships are provided.
Effects of vibration and target size on the use of varied computer input devices in basic human‐computer interaction tasks
Authors: Wang Hailiang , Tao Da , Cai Jian , Qu Xingda
Published: October 2021

Pointing and dragging are fundamental actions by input devices when interacting with computer graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Cockpits on modern vehicles have been increasingly equipped with GUIs, enabling pointing and dragging tasks to be frequently performed under vibration conditions. However, factors influencing these fundamental actions under vibration conditions have not been fully explored. This study aimed to explore the effects of vibration, input devices, and target size on the performance and perceived workload in basic human–computer interaction tasks. Twenty‐seven participants completed an experiment where they were required to conduct two pointing tasks and one dragging‐and‐dropping task using four input devices (mouse, touchscreen, trackball, and remote hand‐controller) under static and three vibration conditions (lateral, fore‐and‐aft, and omnidirectional vibration) with two target sizes (small and large). The results indicated that vibration caused longer task completion time, higher error rates, and more workload in completing pointing and dragging tasks. Both target size and input device affected task performance in vibration environments. Highest workload was perceived when using remote hand‐controller, followed by trackballs under all vibration conditions; there was no significant difference between mouse and touchscreen, except in terms of physical demand. The findings suggest that practitioners should fully consider the joint effects of input device, target size, and vibration to counteract adverse influence of vibration and optimize user interface designs of human‐computer systems in vibration environments.
“What you see is what you get”—abnormal endometrial sonographic findings are sufficient for direct surgical hysteroscopy: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pomeranz Meir , Klein Zvi , Mulla Doron , Ovadia Michal , Sharvit Merav , Schonman Ron , Daykan Yair , Arbib Nissim
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the possibility of referring women with uterine polyps larger than 1.5 cm directly to surgical hysteroscopy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all women referred to a university‐affiliated tertiary medical center for hysteroscopy, with the diagnosis of endometrial polyp, from 01/2013 to 05/2016. Women were referred for surgical hysteroscopy based on TVUS findings. PPV of TVUS for detecting intrauterine polyps was evaluated relating to pathology as gold standard, with sub‐group analysis relating to polyp size and other parameters.

Results

We selected 1.5 cm as a cutoff size for subgroup analysis of endometrial polyps. PPV of TVUS for the entire cohort of 295 cases eligible for analysis, was 79.3%. TVUS describing polyps ≥1.5 cm had PPV of 92.1%, higher than the PPV for smaller polyps. Among post‐menopausal women in this group, PPV was as high as 96.2%. Use of doppler or saline was found to improve PPV in the entire cohort. Indication for performing TVUS did not affect the PPV.

Conclusion

TVUS describing polyps ≥1.5 cm may suffice for direct referral of women to surgical hysteroscopy. A personalized approach based on the initial diagnosis may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures for patients.
A ketamine package for use in emergency cesarean delivery when no anesthetist is available: An analysis of 401 consecutive operations
Authors: Burke Thomas F. , Mantena Sreekar , Opondo Kennedy , Orero Solomon , Rogo Khama
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a ketamine‐based anesthesia package to support emergency cesarean section when no anesthetist is available.

Methods

A prospective case‐series was conducted between December 11, 2013 and September 30, 2021 across nine sub‐county hospitals in Kenya. Non‐anesthetist healthcare providers undertook an evidence‐based five‐day training course. A structured instrument was used to collect preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data, and patients were contacted 6 months following the surgery to collect outcomes. The primary outcome measures were maternal and newborn survival and the ability of the ketamine package (ESM‐Ketamine) to safely support cesarean deliveries.

Results

A total of 401 emergency cesarean sections were performed using ketamine, administered by 54 non‐anesthetist providers. All mothers survived to discharge. Brief oxygen desaturations were recorded among 33 (8.2%) mothers, and agitation and hallucinations occurred among 13 (3.2%). There were no maternal serious adverse events. At 6‐month follow‐up, 94.2% of mothers who could be reached reported no complaints. Additionally, 402 (92.4%) of the 435 operative births survived to discharge.

Conclusion

The ESM‐Ketamine package can be used by trained non‐anesthetist providers to support emergency cesarean sections when no anesthetist is available. Ketamine has significant potential to increase access to emergency cesarean deliveries in resource‐limited settings.
Impact of remote delivery of clinical pharmacy services on health disparities and access to care
Authors: Emmons Roshni P. , Harris Ila M. , Abdalla Maha , Afolabi Titilola M. , Barner Amanda E. , Baxter Michael V. , Bisada Miriam , Chase Aaron M. , Christenberry Emily J. , Cobb Brooklyn T. , Dang Yen , Hickman Carolyn M. , Mills Alex R. , Wease Heather
Published: October 2021

The use of technology to deliver remote clinical pharmacy services can help broaden the patient reach and improve health‐related outcomes, especially for individuals residing in rural locations. However, it can also promulgate health disparities and inequities, hindering access to care for vulnerable patient populations such as those with a lower socioeconomic or literacy background. This dichotomy of effect requires a thorough examination to create solutions that eliminate inequities. The 2021 American College of Clinical Pharmacy Public and Professional Relations Committee has developed this white paper to examine the potential impact of remote delivery of clinical pharmacy services on health disparities and access to care and proposes solutions and calls to action for clinical pharmacists to address these areas.
An in vivo and in vitro model on the protective effect of corilagin on doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity via regulation of apoptosis and PI3‐K/AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Ding Lianqin , Li Di , Li Ming , Zhao Dexia , Govindhan Annamalai , Santhoshkumar Mani , Xiang Hongli
Published: October 2021

Globally, doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardio dysfunction is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in cancerous patients. An adverse event of cardiotoxicity is the main deem to restrict in the clinical application by oncologists. Corilagin (CN) is well known for its antioxidative, anti‐fibrosis, and anticancer effects. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the action of CN on DOX‐induced experimental animals and H9c2 cells. The myocardium‐specific marker, CK‐MB, and the influx of mitochondrial calcium levels were measured by using commercial kits. Biochemical indices reflecting oxidative stress and antioxidant attributes such as malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were also analyzed in DOX‐induced cardiotoxic animals. In addition, mitochondrial ROS were measured by DCFH‐DA in H9c2 cells under fluorescence microscopy. DOX induction significantly increased oxidative stress levels and also modulated apoptosis/survival protein expressions in myocardial tissues. Western blots were used to measure the expressional levels of Bax/Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, PI3‐K/AKT, and PPARγ signaling pathways. Histological studies were executed to observe morphological changes in myocardial tissues. All of these DOX‐induced effects were attenuated by CN (100 mg/kg bw). These in vitro and in vivo results point towards the fact that CN might be a novel cardioprotective agent against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity through modulating cardio apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Association between HIV PrEP indications and use in a national sexual network study of US men who have sex with men
Authors: Weiss Kevin M. , Prasad Pragati , Sanchez Travis , Goodreau Steven M. , Jenness Samuel M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. United States Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical practice guidelines define biobehavioral indications for initiation. To assess guideline implementation, it is critical to quantify PrEP nonusers who are indicated and PrEP users who are not indicated. We sought to estimate current PrEP use among US men who have sex with men (MSM), characterize whether their PrEP use aligned with their current indications for PrEP, and assess whether the association between PrEP indications and PrEP use differed by demography or geography.

Methods

Using data from a US web‐based sexual network study of MSM between 2017 and 2019, we measured PrEP usage and assessed whether respondents met indications for PrEP. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate the relationship between PrEP indications and PrEP use, with adjustment for geography, age and race/ethnicity.

Results

Of 3508 sexually active, HIV‐negative MSM, 34% met indications for PrEP. The proportion with current PrEP use was 32% among MSM meeting indications and 11% among those without indications. Nearly 40% of those currently using PrEP did not meet indications for PrEP, and 68% of MSM with indications for PrEP were not currently using PrEP. After adjusting for geography and demographics, MSM with PrEP indications were about three times as likely to be currently using PrEP. This association varied slightly, but not significantly, by geographic region, age and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Indications for PrEP strongly predicted current PrEP use among US MSM. However, we identified substantial misalignment between indications and use in both directions (indicated MSM who were not benefitting from PrEP, and MSM taking PrEP while not presently being indicated). PrEP underuse by those at greatest risk for HIV acquisition may limit the projected impact of PrEP implementation, despite reported increases in PrEP provision. This calls for further implementation efforts to improve PrEP delivery to those most in need during periods of elevated sexual risk and to close the gap between indications and uptake.
Ablation with zero‐fluoroscopy of premature ventricular complexes from aortic sinus cusps: A single‐center experience
Authors: Sánchez‐Millán Pablo J. , Gutiérrez‐Ballesteros Guillermo , Molina‐Lerma Manuel , Macías‐Ruiz Rosa , Jiménez‐Jáimez Juan , Tercedor Luis , Álvarez Miguel
Published: October 2021

Background

Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes from aortic sinus cusps (ASC‐PVC) is a complex procedure that conventionally requires coronary catheterization (CC) to localize coronary artery ostium (CAO). Little published information is available on the mapping and ablation with zero‐fluoroscopy (ZF) of ASC‐PVC. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of ASC‐PVC ablation with a ZF approach guided by 3D intracardiac echocardiography integration in the electroanatomical mapping system (ICE 3D‐EAM).

Methods

This observational study included one patient cohort treated conventionally and another treated with ICE 3D‐EAM‐guided ZF ablation. Clinical, efficacy, and safety outcomes were evaluated acutely and at 3 months follow‐up.

Results

The study included 21 patients with ASC‐PVC: 10 in the ZF group (age 49 ± 16 years, 60% males) and 11 in the control group (age 47 ± 15 years, 27% males). Fluoroscopy was not required for any patient in the ZF group. Acute success was obtained in 80% of the ZF group vs 55% of the control group (P = .36). The recurrence rate was 30% in the ZF group vs 27% in the control group (P = 1). One nonsevere complication was observed in the ZF group (P = .48).

Conclusions

ZF catheter ablation of ASC‐PVC guided by ICE 3D‐EAM is feasible, effective, and safe.
The feasibility of electromagnetic sensing aided post pyloric feeding tube placement (CORTRAK) in patients with thrombocytopenia with or without anticoagulation on the intensive care unit
Authors: Stecher Stephanie Susanne , Barnikel Michaela , Drolle Heidrun , Pawlikowski Alexandra , Tischer Johanna , Weiglein Tobias , Alig Annabel , Anton Sofia , Stemmler Hans Joachim , Fraccaroli Alessia
Published: October 2021

Background

The successful initiation of enteral nutrition is frequently hampered by various complications occurring in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Successful placement of a nasojejunal tube by CORTRAK enteral access system (CEAS) has been reported to be a simple bedside tool for placing the postpyloric (PP) feeding tube.

Methods

We evaluated the efficacy and side effects using CEAS to establish EN in patients with critical illness, thrombocytopenia, and/or anticoagulation.

Results

Fifty‐six mechanically ventilated patients were analyzed. Twenty‐four of them underwent prior hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Sixteen patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment because of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The median platelet count at PP placement was 26 g/L (range, 4–106 g/L); 16 patients received therapeutic anticoagulation (activated partial thromboplastin time, 50–70 s). CEAS‐assisted placement of a PP nasojejunal tube was performed successfully in all patients. The most frequent adverse event was epistaxis in 27 patients (48.2%), which was mostly mild (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1, n = 21 [77.8%], and grade 2, n = 6). A significant association between a low platelet count and bleeding complications was observed (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Performed by an experienced operator, CEAS is a simple, rapidly available, and effective bedside tool for safely placing PP feeding tubes for EN in patients with thrombocytopenia, even when showing an otherwise‐caused coagulopathy in the ICU. Higher‐grade bleeding complications were not observed despite their obvious correlation to thrombocytopenia. A prospective study is in preparation.
Individual and combined effects of contact insecticides and high temperatures on Mediterranean flour moth,Ephestia kuehniellaZeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Javanshir Mina , Karimzadeh Roghaiyeh , Hejazi Mir J , Shayestehmehr Hakimeh
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Mediterranean flour moth or mill mothEphestia kuehniellaZeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a common pest of cereals and flour throughout the world. In this study, eggs, third instar larvae, pupae and adults ofE. kuehniellawere exposed to five elevated temperatures at a range of 45 to 65 °C for 5, 8, 10, 14, 18, 23 and 30 min. The effect of cypermethrin and dichlorvos was assessed on third instar larvae. The larvae were exposed to the insecticides on glass and concrete arenas and their mortality was recorded 24 h after treatment. To determine combination effects, the third instar larvae were transferred into the Petri dishes treated with LC25(lethal concentration that kills 25%) of each insecticide and exposed to high temperatures for the period of time equal to LTi25values (time needed for killing 25% of tested insects).

RESULTS

Exposing the eggs, third instar larvae and adults ofE. kuehniellato 55 °C for 30, 18 and 30 min respectively, resulted in 100% mortality. In the pupa, exposure to 65 °C caused 100% mortality after 23 min. Based on the LTe50values (temperature needed to cause 50% mortality in the tested population), pupa was the most tolerant life stage to the temperatures tested. The LC50values of cypermethrin and dichlorvos were 423.1 and 2608.5 mg active ingredient (a.i.) L−lon glass, and 2525.0 and 13502.8 mg a.i. L−lon concrete, respectively. The effect of cypermethrin was synergized by high temperatures.

CONCLUSION

High temperatures, cypermethrin and dichlorvos were effective againstE. kuehniella. Exposure to combination of lower doses of cypermethrin and high temperatures at short time intervals may have potential in managing this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid high‐resolution melting method to identify human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) 3′ untranslated region polymorphism +3142C/G (rs1063320)
Authors: Ben Salah Hamza , Jelassi Refka , Zidi Ines , Ben Amor Amor , Bizid Sondes , Ammi Radhia , Guizani Lamia , Bouratbine Aida , Aoun Karim , Chelbi Hanen
Published: October 2021

Background

HLA‐G is a non‐classical class I gene of the human Major Histocompatibility encoding molecules with immune‐modulatory properties. Expression of HLA‐G is being largely studied in pathological conditions, such as tumors, viral infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, grafted tissues, among others. HLA‐G +3142C/G (rs1063320: dbSNP database) polymorphism is located in 3′ UTR of HAL‐G and plays a key role in determining the magnitude of gene and protein expression. The detection of HLA‐G +3142C/G polymorphism in the most published report is done through polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic digestion. Therefore, it is so interesting to develop a rapid and sensitive assay to genotype HLA‐G +3142C/G polymorphism. High‐resolution melt analysis (HRM) is a technology that is based on the analysis of the melting profile of PCR products through gradual temperature increase. The aim of this work is to apply high‐resolution melt method for genotyping the HLA‐G +3142C/G polymorphism.

Methods

DNA from 118 individuals was extracted from whole blood with QIAamp® DNA blood mini kit (Qiagen, Germany). Primer couple was designed using Primer 3 online tools so as to have only one SNP in the target sequence for high HRM efficiency. Positive Controls were identified using DNA sequencing and used as reference when assigning genotypes for trial samples.

Results

We were able to recognize the three genotypes with similar accuracy than DNA sequencing using high resolution melting method. Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium test shows that our population is in equilibrium for the studied SNP. Genotypes frequencies of +3142C/G polymorphism in Tunisian general population are 0.475 for heterozygote G/C, 0.186 for homozygote G/G and 0.339 for homozygote C/C.

Conclusion

HRM is a cost‐effective method suitable for SNP genotyping.
Low‐power dual‐band voltage‐controlled oscillator using a fourth‐order resonant technique
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsin , He Sih‐Sian
Published: October 2021

A low‐power dual‐band voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) using a fourth‐order resonant technique implemented in 0.18‐μm CMOS process is presented in this letter. By utilizing a fourth‐order LC‐type resonant network and a current‐reused technique, the proposed VCO operates in the dual‐band mode and improves the overall performance. The tuning ranges of band 1 and band 2 are from 3.39 to 3.68 GHz and from 7.2 to 7.57 GHz controlled by a controlled‐voltage VC, respectively. The measured phase noises at 1 MHz frequency offset are −117.39 dBc/Hz and −113.58 dBc/Hz for output frequencies of 3.68 and 7.21 GHz, respectively. Besides, the figures‐of‐merit (FOM) at 3.68 and 7.21 GHz output frequencies are −182.5 and −184.5 dBc/Hz, respectively. The proposed VCO core consumes 4.2 mW from a 1.2‐V supply.
Nusinersen by subcutaneous intrathecal catheter for symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy patients with complex spine anatomy
Authors: Carson Vincent J. , Young Millie , Brigatti Karlla W. , Robinson Donna L. , Reed Robert M. , Sohn Jihee , Petrillo Marco , Farwell Wildon , Miller Freeman , Strauss Kevin A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

Intrathecal administration of nusinersen is challenging in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have spine deformities or fusions. We prospectively studied the safety and efficacy of nusinersen administration via an indwelling subcutaneous intrathecal catheter (SIC) for SMA patients with advanced disease.

Methods

Seventeen participants commenced nusinersen therapy between 2.7 and 31.5 years of age and received 9 to 12 doses via SIC. Safety was assessed in all participants. A separate efficacy analysis comprised 11 nonambulatory, treatment‐naive SMA patients (18.1 ± 6.8 years) with three SMN2 copies and complex spine anatomy.

Results

In the safety analysis, 14 treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) occurred among 12 (71%) participants; all were related to the SIC and not nusinersen. Device‐related AEs interfered with 2.5% of nusinersen doses. Four SICs (24%) required surgical revision due to mechanical malfunction with or without cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 2), and one (6%) was removed due to Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis. In the efficacy analysis, mean performance on the nine‐hole peg test improved in dominant (15.9%, P = 0.012) and nondominant (19.0%, P = 0.008) hands and grip strength increased by 44.9% (P = 0.031). We observed no significant changes in motor scales, muscle force, pulmonary function, or SMA biomarkers. All participants in the efficacy cohort reported one or more subjective improvement(s) in endurance, purposeful hand use, arm strength, head control, and/or speech.

Discussion

For SMA patients with complex spine anatomy, the SIC allows for reliable outpatient administration of nusinersen that results in meaningful improvements in upper limb function, but introduces risks of technical malfunction and iatrogenic infection.
Palliative care is not associated with decreased intensity of care: Results of a chart review from a large children's hospital
Authors: Sedig Laura K. , Spruit Jessica L. , Southwell Jessica , Paul Trisha K. , Cousino Melissa K. , McCaffery Harlan , Pituch Kenneth , Hutchinson Raymond
Published: October 2021

Background

Palliative care is an important component of pediatric oncology care, especially for children who will not be cured of their disease. However, barriers remain to integration of this service. One barrier is the perception that it indicates “giving up.” This study examined if palliative care involvement was associated with a decreased intensity of care at the end of life for children with malignancy at a large academic center with a well‐established palliative care program.

Procedure

This is a retrospective chart review that measured intensity of care as the number of emergency department visits, hospital days, and intensive care unit days in the last one and three months of life. The data were compared for patients with and without palliative care involvement and with and without hospice involvement.

Results

Palliative involvement was not associated with a decrease in the intensity of care in the last three months of life. Hospice care was associated with a decreased intensity of care. These results held true in analyses adjusted for age at death, gender, and type of malignancy.

Conclusions

These data can reassure patients, families, and providers that palliative involvement does not necessitate decreased intensity of care. Patients and families often choose hospice care to decrease the amount of time spent at the hospital and it was associated with meeting that goal.
Registration of aphid‐resistant ‘California Blackeye 77’ cowpea
Authors: Huynh Bao‐Lam , Duong Tra , Clark Nicholas E. , Long Rachael , Light Sarah E. , Dahlquist‐Willard Ruth M. , Ehlers Jeffrey D. , Close Timothy J. , Roberts Philip A.
Published: October 2021

‘California Blackeye 77’ (CB77) (Reg. no. CV‐344, PI 698656) is a blackeye‐type cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] cultivar developed by the University of California, Riverside. CB77 is distinguished from the industry standard cultivars, ‘California Blackeye 46’ (CB46) and ‘California Blackeye 5’ (CB5), by its ability to resist infestation caused by cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch), a destructive sap‐sucking insect pest prevalent in the Central Valley of California and warm‐to‐hot regions worldwide. CB77 was developed by introgression of two known quantitative trait loci for aphid resistance from the African cowpea breeding line IT97K‐556‐6 into CB46 through marker‐assisted backcrossing. Genotyping with 51,128 single nucleotide polymorphism markers reveals that CB77 is near‐isogenic to CB46 and carries two resistance haplotypes (∼4 Mb in total) from IT97K‐556‐6. On‐station and on‐farm trials with aphid infestations confirmed the inherent resistance in CB77 (aphids covered 0–10% of plant surface area without causing any crown damage, whereas check CB46 had aphids covering 60–70% of plant surface area and causing severe crown damage). Under protected conditions, CB77 showed grain yield, seed quality, and other agronomic characteristics equivalent to CB46 and better yield than CB5. CB77 could therefore be substituted for CB46 and CB5 in production regions where aphids are present. The near‐isogenic pair CB77 and CB46 are also useful materials for resistance gene discovery.
Patient reported factors influencing the decision‐making process of men with localised prostate cancer when considering Active Surveillance—A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Cunningham Maggie , Murphy Mike , Sweeney Paul , Richards Helen L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Outcomes for men with localised prostate cancer managed with Active Surveillance (AS) are similar to outcomes for men who have received Active Treatment. This review explore men's perceptions of the factors that influence their decision‐making process when considering AS.

Method

A systematic review of studies was conducted up to May 2021, including qualitative studies which explored the decision making of men with localised prostate cancer when considering AS. Evidence was analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Thirteen papers, including 426 men, met inclusion criteria and were analysed in the review. Approximately half of the men had chosen AS and half had chosen Active Treatment. The choice of AS was not a one‐off decision but rather an ongoing behaviour. Four themes were identified and considered within a temporal model: pre‐diagnosis representations of cancer and treatment; experience of testing and diagnosis; patient decision making; and emotional adjustment to AS. Key barriers and facilitators to men choosing AS were identified. In deciding whether or not to choose AS, men balanced a desire for quality of life against fear of cancer progression.

Conclusions

Both cognitive representations and emotional arousal influence how men decided whether or not to opt for AS. Interventions tailored to elicit and address emotional appraisals of risk, and increase trust in AS protocols, may be of value in helping men to make decisions around treatment for localised prostate cancer.
A case of prominent immunoglobulin G4‐positive lymphadenopathy in response to microscopic lung cancer
Authors: Yuzawa Motoi , Ohta Hiromitsu , Nomura Motoko , Minegishi Kentaro , Oshiro Hisashi , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro
Published: October 2021

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is established as a new clinical entity, characterized by high levels of plasma IgG4 and IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration. However, the elevation of plasma IgG4 and infiltration of IgG4‐positive cells have been observed in other diseases, including malignancy. We experienced a case of prominent IgG4‐positive lymphadenopathy, which was diagnosed as a reactive lesion in response to lung cancer. The cancerous lesion was so small in size that it was difficult to reveal the coexisting lung cancer. Surgical lymph node biopsy and endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration did not reveal lymph node metastasis of cancer. Mediastinal lymph node dissection finally revealed it. After the right upper lobectomy, the patient underwent postoperative chemotherapy and remains cancer‐free after 1 year. Our case suggests that close examination and careful follow‐up are necessary when IgG4‐positive lymphadenopathy is observed.
A case of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis due to oesophageal stenosis after radiation therapy
Authors: Horimoto Kazuhide , Kai Yoshiro , Fukuoka Atsuhiko , Tamaki Shinji , Yoshikawa Masanori , Hamada Kaoru , Muro Shigeo
Published: October 2021

A 66‐year‐old woman was hospitalized for recurrent pneumonia twice in 1 year. After treatment for pneumonia, chronic coughing, sputum and low‐grade fever continued, so she was referred and admitted to our hospital for investigation. Chest computed tomography revealed a lung infiltrative shadow and diffuse centrilobular micronodules. Histological findings from transbronchial lung biopsy showed chronic inflammation and giant cells in the bronchiole. These findings were compatible with diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis (DAB), which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchioles caused by recurrent aspiration of foreign bodies. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed stenosis of the oesophageal entrance, which was thought to be caused by radiation therapy for hypopharyngeal cancer 20 years before. Antibiotic treatment ameliorated the centrilobular nodule shadow. After discharge, there was no recurrence. This is the first case report of DAB resulting from oesophageal stenosis associated with hypopharyngeal cancer and will serve as an educational case.
River water temperatures are higher during lower flows after accounting for meteorological variability
Authors: Booker Doug J. , Whitehead Amy L.
Published: October 2021

River water temperature is known to be important for water quality and ecosystem processes. We quantified the degree to which lower river flows are associated with warmer river water, after accounting for seasonality and meteorological variability. We applied a systematic methodology to analyse observed mean daily river water temperature and mean daily river flow from 47 sites draining mountain, hill, and lowland catchments across the Canterbury region of Aotearoa New Zealand. We fitted regression models to remove seasonal patterns from all variables, then removed correlations between water temperature and each of three meteorological variables (solar radiation, air temperature, and earth temperature) before quantifying water temperature‐river flow relationships. Strong seasonal patterns were present in water temperature and each meteorological variable across all sites. Many sites also showed strong seasonal patterns in river flows. We demonstrated that seasonal patterns must be accounted for before day‐to‐day associations between water temperature and meteorological variables or river flow can be characterised. Higher water temperatures were associated with lower flows for 46 of 47 sites, even after having accounted for seasonality and associations with each meteorological variable. Increases in water temperature associated with a hypothetical reduction in river flow from the median to the fifth percentile varied with the site but were 0.5°C on average. This finding has important implications for river flow management because it indicates that increased river water temperatures would accompany reduced river flows regardless of site or catchment characteristics.
Soil properties and topographic features influence within‐field variation in potato tuber yield in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Zebarth Bernie J. , Moreau Gilles , Dixon Tom , Fillmore Sherry , Smith Anne , Hann Sheldon , Comeau Louis‐Pierre
Published: October 2021

Reduced within‐field potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield variation may lead to increased productivity and reduced environmental impact. Using soil samples collected from 88 site‐years in commercial fields in New Brunswick, Canada from 2013–2017, this study examined how within‐field variation in potato tuber yield was related to soil properties and topographic features. At each of 774 sampling locations, a wide range of soil physical and chemical properties was measured in the lab and topographic features were assessed using a regional digital elevation model. Principal component (PC) analysis identified three PCs, which accounted for 79.1% of the total variation. The PC1 (41.3% of total variance) was dominated by soil texture (i.e., sand, silt) and the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (i.e., soil organic C, particulate organic matter C, and soil C/N ratio). Under rain‐fed potato production in New Brunswick, finer soil texture and increased soil organic matter pools are expected to enhance soil water availability and thereby improve yield. The PC2 (22.7% of total variance) was related primarily to parameters associated with soil fertility, and PC3 (15.1% of total variance) was related primarily with concave or convex landforms, which may influence yield through drought or excess water. This study demonstrated the value in using multivariate approaches to identify the factors that control within‐field yield variability in the presence of significant regional variation in soil properties and environmental conditions. The findings point to the value of enhancing the quantity and quality of soil organic matter as a key strategy to overcome yield limitations under rain‐fed production.
Contrary Logic Pair Library, Parity Generator/Checker and Various Concatenated Logic Circuits Engineered by a Label‐Free and Immobilization‐Free Electrochemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer System
Authors: Zhu Liping , Yu Linying , Meng Tian , Peng Yao , Yang Xiurong
Published: October 2021

Herein, a label‐free and immobilization‐free electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL‐RET) system based on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCNNs)/Ru(phen)32+ donor/acceptor pair is developed, in which the ECL‐RET is regulated by regulating the diffusivity of Ru(phen)32+ molecules toward the negatively charged GCNNs through logically programmed DNA hybridization reactions. The two optical signals of GCNNs (445 nm) and Ru(phen)32+ (593 nm) show completely opposite changes through the same one‐time DNA hybridization reaction. Based on this ECL‐RET system, a contrary logic pair (CLP) library, a parity generator/checker system for differentiating the erroneous bits during data transmission, the parity checker to identify the even/odd natural numbers from 0 to 9, and a series of concatenated logic circuits including a six‐input logic gate capable of implementing of 64 input combinations for meeting the needs of computational complexity are developed. The ECL‐RET‐based molecular logic system avoids the time‐consuming, costly and inefficient labeling procedures and the laborious processes of immobilization, presenting great potential for building more complicated and advanced logic gates, and providing a refreshing inspiration for the construction of combinatorial logic circuits based on ECL method.