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In the ancient Mediterranean, large ceramic storage containers known as dolia, which ranged in capacity from 150 to over 1,000 liters, were important farm equipment for the storage of wine, olive oil, and other foods. Because they are often poorly preserved, little is known about how they were made, much less the scale of their production. This paper draws on data from Pompeii to discuss how mathematical modeling can help us estimate their capacities and weight, and thus what their production and procurement entailed. The paper presents methods adaptable for a range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Arylcyclobutanones display unique reactivity that makes them valuable synthetic intermediates and target molecules. We describe the preparation of α-aryl- and α-heteroarylcyclobutanones through a direct α-arylation reaction. Problematic fragmentations are avoided by the use of LiOtBu, which promotes a rapid but reversible self-aldol reaction that slowly releases the enolate required for α-arylation. We also demonstrate the ring expansion of α-arylcyclobutanones, a process that is highlighted in the stereoselective synthesis of 1-methoxy coniothyrinone D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Arylcyclobutanones display unique reactivity that makes them valuable synthetic intermediates and target molecules. We describe the preparation of α-aryl- and α-heteroarylcyclobutanones through a direct α-arylation reaction. Problematic fragmentations are avoided by the use of LiOtBu, which promotes a rapid but reversible self-aldol reaction that slowly releases the enolate required for α-arylation. We also demonstrate the ring expansion of α-arylcyclobutanones, a process that is highlighted in the stereoselective synthesis of 1-methoxy coniothyrinone D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of the marine fungus-derived natural product ascospiroketal is described. This concise synthesis relies on a unique AgI-promoted tandem cascade cyclization that provides direct access to the correctly configured tricyclic core of the natural product from a linear precursor. The synthesis of candidate stereostructures of ascospiroketal A allowed for the confident assignment of both the relative and absolute stereochemistry of this unusual octaketide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of four candidate stereostructures for the marine octaketide ascospiroketal A have been achieved. These concise and highly stereocontrolled syntheses feature a unique AgI-promoted cyclization cascade involving an oxetanyl ketochlorohydrin to access the entire tricyclic core of the natural product in one step. These syntheses also establish the full stereochemistry for the ascospiroketal natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of four candidate stereostructures for the marine octaketide ascospiroketal A have been achieved. These concise and highly stereocontrolled syntheses feature a unique AgI-promoted cyclization cascade involving an oxetanyl ketochlorohydrin to access the entire tricyclic core of the natural product in one step. These syntheses also establish the full stereochemistry for the ascospiroketal natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A short, 8-step synthesis of the marine natural product pachastrissamine has been developed that relies on a diastereoselective aldol reaction between a suitably protected hydantoin and an optically enriched α-chloroaldehyde. This synthetic route provides new opportunities for exploring structure activity relationships within this family of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified Feist-Bénary furan synthesis has been developed that involves a lithium aldol reaction between a methyl ketone and an α-chloroaldehyde followed by a thermally induced tetrahydrofuran formation/dehydration sequence and affords 2,5-disubstituted furans in good overall yield. This process is demonstrated on multigram scale and is amenable to the production of symmetric or asymmetric furans that incorporate a range of substituents (e.g., aryl, tert-butyl, ferrocenyl). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A silver(I)-promoted intramolecular hemiacetal alkylation has been developed that converts readily available keto-chlorodiols into functionalized spiroacetals containing 5,5-, 5,6-, and 5,7-membered ring systems. The efficiency of this process is demonstrated in a concise total synthesis of the fungal metabolites cephalosporolides E and F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings of two patients with complete defects in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with disruptions in Bruch membrane in Stargardt disease (STGD1). Methods: Two patients with STGD1 were referred to our clinic for further evaluation. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), electroretinography (ERG) and Microperimetry (MP-1) were performed to assess the retinal anatomy and function. Screening for mutations in the ABCA4 gene was carried out and detected mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing. Results: Both patients had bilateral macular geographic atrophy (GA) and yellowish subretinal pisciform flecks and mutations were detected in the ABCA4 gene by chip screening. SD-OCT revealed marked atrophy of the retina in the central macula, with focal defects in the RPE with disruptions in Bruch membrane and herniation of the retina through the defect in three of four eyes. Conclusion: This case report highlights the necessity for a detailed ophthalmic examination including SD-OCT of patients with STGD1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of Grignard reagents to cyclic sulfamidate imines has been developed as a facile method for the synthesis of N-substituted quaternary sulfamidates. By way of ring opening with an appropriate nucleophile, versatile synthons for 1,2-amino alcohols, 1,2-diamines, and ?-amino acids are produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the National Popular Vote (NPV) legislation and its impact on the presidential election process in the U.S. The election of the president through the electoral college is mandated by Article II of the U.S. Constitution. The electoral college is composed of electors appointed by each state and the District of Columbia. Under the NPV legislation, a state-based mechanism is proposed to achieve direct popular election of the president.

Purpose: To present data and an hypothesis for the late development of open angle glaucoma (OAG) after vitrectomy.Design: A retrospective observational case series.Methods: The records of 453 eyes that had undergone vitrectomy were reviewed for postoperative OAG. Eyes with confounding factors were excluded. Sixty-eight eyes of 65 patients that underwent routine vitrectomy were followed for a mean of 56.9 months (range, seven to 192 months). For the main outcome measures, patients were classified into three groups: patients with suspected glaucoma, patients in whom glaucoma developed after the operation, and patients with pre-existing glaucoma.Results: In glaucoma suspects, the mean intraocular pressure was significantly higher in the operated eye compared with the fellow eye (P = .0001). In eyes with new onset glaucoma, 23 of 34 eyes (67.6%) had it in the vitrectomized eye only. In phakic eyes, the time interval between vitrectomy and the development of glaucoma (mean, 45.95 months) was significantly longer than eyes that were nonphakic at the time of vitrectomy (mean, 18.39 months; P = .0115). When the interval between cataract surgery in phakic eyes to the development of glaucoma was compared with the interval from vitrectomy to glaucoma diagnosis in the nonphakic group, the difference was not statistically significant. In eyes with glaucoma before the operation, the mean number of antiglaucoma medications that were required to control the intraocular pressure was significantly higher in the vitrectomized eye, compared with the fellow eye (2.9 medications +/- 1.2 vs 2.0 medications +/- 1.4; P = .0215; n = 14).Conclusion: There is an increased risk of OAG after vitrectomy. The presence of the lens may be protective. In established OAG before the operation, the number of antiglaucoma medications may increase after surgery. Oxidative stress is hypothesized to have a role in the pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess cataract progression after intravitreal triamcinolone injection. Design: Retrospective, interventional, case-control study. Methods: Forty-two phakic eyes of 37 patients were injected one, two, or three times with intravitreal triamcinolone for various indications. Noninjected phakic fellow eyes served as the control. The mean follow-up time for single injection was 12 months, for multiple injections was 14 months, and for control group was 13 months. Lens status, best-corrected visual acuity, and refractive errors were recorded at baseline and at each follow-up examination. Results: At the last follow-up, changes in posterior subcapsular cataract and refractive error from baseline were significantly different between single triamcinolone-injected eyes and the control group [0.7 ± 0.2 (mean ± SEM [arbitrary unit] vs 0.2 ± 0.1, P = .02; and −0.5 ± 0.1 diopter vs −0.2 ± 0.1 diopter, P = .01, respectively). For multiple-injected eyes and control eyes, change from baseline in corticonuclear cataract (1.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.2 ± 0.1), posterior subcapsular cataract (1.1 ± 0.2) and refractive error (−1.8 ± 0.4 diopters) were significantly different (P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). Visual acuity did not change after single injection (P = .83) and in control group (P = .19) but decreased after multiple injections (P = .006). Eleven study eyes and two control group eyes underwent cataract extraction during study period. Corticonuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract progression significantly correlated with follow-up time (P = .003 and P = .02, respectively) and number of injections (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). Conclusions: Single intravitreal triamcinolone injection induces posterior subcapsular cataract development, whereas multiple injections result in all-layer cataract progression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To report macular hole formation among siblings within four families.Observational case series.Four families were identified who had macular holes among siblings from within three multiphysician tertiary-care referral retina practices.In the first family, two sisters in their seventh decade developed Stage 2 macular holes requiring surgical intervention; two male siblings were unaffected. In a second family, three of four siblings were affected, including one brother with a Stage 4 macular hole, one sister with a Stage 3 macular hole, and a third sister with a lamellar macular hole. In a third family, two siblings (one man, one woman) developed macular holes within 1 year of each other. Three years later, the male sibling developed a macular hole in the fellow eye. In the last family, twin sisters developed macular holes (unilateral in one sister, bilateral in the other), and their deceased father may also have had bilateral macular holes.The occurrence of macular holes in these four sets of siblings suggests a possible genetic component in the formation of macular holes in these individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PURPOSE. To measure vitreous levels of solubleintercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cellularadhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in the eyes of patients with retinal detachment(RD) due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR) and to determine whether the levels of these mediators correlated withclinical parameters of disease. METHODS. Undiluted vitreous specimens were collected from 50 eyes of 48patients undergoing vitrectomy for traction RD due to PDR (21 specimens) andrecurrent RD due to PVR (19 specimens). Control vitreous specimens were obtainedfrom patients undergoing macular hole repair (10 specimens). The levels ofsICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured in each sample by specific enzyme-linkedimmunoadsorbent assays. RESULTS. Vitreous levels of sICAM-1 were significantly increased in vitreousspecimens from both PVR (median ± SD; 12.0 ± 76.3 ng/ml; P <0.01) and PDR (8.4 ± 24.0 ng/ml; P < 0.01) when compared to vitreousfrom eyes with macular holes (0.3 ± 4.2 ng/ml). Vitreous levels ofsVCAM-1 were significantly increased in both PVR (36.5 ± 255.2 ng/ml;P < 0.001) and PDR (26.2 ± 93.5 ng/ml; P < 0.01) when comparedto control vitreous (17.7 ± 7.8 ng/ml). The vitreous levels of sICAM-1were higher in cases of PDR which developed recurrent proliferative disease(P < 0.01) and recurrent RD (P = 0.01), whereas the levels of sICAM-1 inPVR and sVCAM-1 in PDR and PVR did not significantly correlate with theseclinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS. Soluble forms of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are increased in the vitreouscavity of patients with RD due to PDR or PVR, reflecting the inflammatorynature of these conditions and suggesting a possible role for these mediatorsin the pathogenesis of proliferative retinal disease. The vitreous levelsof these sCAMs at the time of surgery may serve as a marker of inflammation,but their specific levels do not predict the likelihood of recurrent prolife... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The irradiation-induced swelling effect were significantly suppressed in HfNbTaTiZr refractory high-entropy alloy. • The nanoindentation hardness after the irradiation was almost unchanged. • The radiation damage range far exceeded the simulated results and the range of implanted species. The lattice distortion and diffusion kinetics of refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs), which may be endowed with superior radiation tolerance, render RHEAs candidate materials for nuclear and aerospace systems. To investigate the irradiation behavior of body-centered cubic (BCC) RHEAs, the specimens were irradiated by 300 keV Ni+ to a fluence of 1.5 × 1016 cm−2 at 100 °C, reaching a high damage level to over 30 displacements per atom (dpa). The results revealed that the swelling and hardening effects were significantly suppressed compared to those of conventional nuclear materials. Further microstructural characterization showed that the damage range far exceeded the simulated results and the range of implanted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we develop a new index theory for noncompact manifolds endowed with an admissible exhaustion by compact sets. This index theory allows us to provide examples of noncompact manifolds with exotic positive scalar curvature phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To introduce a surgical approach for removing intruded scleral buckle resulting from Miragel''s implant. Design: Interventional case report. Methods: After cutting and releasing scleral band externally, a pars plana Fragmatome was used to break up and aspirate pieces of the Miragel''s implant that had grown into the eye, filling the vitreous cavity. Results: The intruding Miragel''s buckle was shaved to the plane of the retina without any complication. The retina was completely attached. Conclusion: Use of ultrasonic fragmentation by a pars plana approach was effective in removing the intavitreally expanded buckling element without harming the retina. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate a possible relationship between seizure frequency and the lunar cycle, we reviewed the occurrence of seizures recorded in our epilepsy monitoring unit over a 3-year period. Analysis of the total number of seizures (epileptic plus nonepileptic) showed no significant association. A separate analysis revealed that for nonepileptic seizures, there was an increase at the full moon, and for epileptic seizures, an increase in the last quarter. We conclude that there is no “full moon” effect on seizures as a whole, although there is a possible effect on nonepileptic seizures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate PDE5/6 inhibition with sildenafil to reduce choroidal ischemia and treat age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Sildenafil was prescribed to treat participants with macular degenerations or macular dystrophies measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, color fundus photography, enhanced depth imaging, and best-corrected visual acuity. Results: No change in calcified drusen was noted. Vitelliform-type soft drusen were not substantially changed. A participant with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy had a significant improvement in vision as well as in photoreceptor and ellipsoid layers. Conclusions: Our research supports sildenafil as a safe treatment for age-related and vitelliform macular degenerations. Thickened Bruch’s membrane reduces the beneficial effect of perfusion increase, but all eyes appear to benefit from PDE6. Notably, maintenance or improvement in the photoreceptor layer may be the most significant result of sildenafil and is consistent with PDE6 inhibition. Thus, sil­denafil treatment of macular degeneration offers significant potential for vision retention and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified Feist-Benary furan synthesis is developed that involves a lithium aldol reaction between a methyl ketone and an α-chloroaldehyde followed by a thermally induced tetrahydrofuran formation/dehydration sequence and affords 2,5-disubstituted furans in decent overall yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This novel spirocyclization yields spiroacetals, a common motif in natural products, e. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "A new sigmoid splint for colonoscopy: Early experience," by Stanley F. Chang, Jill Lanford and Michael W. Peterson is presented.

Fluorination reactions are essential to modern medicinal chemistry, thus providing a means to block site-selective metabolic degradation of drugs and access radiotracers for positron emission tomography imaging. Despite current sophistication in fluorination reagents and processes, the fluorination of unactivated CH bonds remains a significant challenge. Reported herein is a convenient and economic process for direct fluorination of unactivated CH bonds that exploits the hydrogen abstracting ability of a decatungstate photocatalyst in combination with the mild fluorine atom transfer reagent N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide. This operationally straightforward reaction provides direct access to a wide range of fluorinated organic molecules, including structurally complex natural products, acyl fluorides, and fluorinated amino acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorination reactions are essential to modern medicinal chemistry, thus providing a means to block site-selective metabolic degradation of drugs and access radiotracers for positron emission tomography imaging. Despite current sophistication in fluorination reagents and processes, the fluorination of unactivated CH bonds remains a significant challenge. Reported herein is a convenient and economic process for direct fluorination of unactivated CH bonds that exploits the hydrogen abstracting ability of a decatungstate photocatalyst in combination with the mild fluorine atom transfer reagent N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide. This operationally straightforward reaction provides direct access to a wide range of fluorinated organic molecules, including structurally complex natural products, acyl fluorides, and fluorinated amino acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A planar magnetic micropump using a permalloy thin-film strip and PDMS check valves. [•] Magnetic actuation and planar configuration enables simple structure, easy fabrication, full integration and remote control. [•] A volume resolution of 1 nL per stroke desirable for applications to implantable biomedical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop methods to assess the effects of epiretinal membranes (ERM) and macular holes (MH) coexisting with glaucoma on pre-operative retinal structure and function and evaluate post-operative outcomes. Methods: Seven eyes of 7 patients with glaucoma, 6 with ERMs and 1 with MH, were enrolled; 4 underwent vitrectomy for ERM and one for MH. Visual fields (VFs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were obtained pre- and post-operatively. The 10-2VF deviation map was overlayed on ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) deviation maps derived from OCT macula and disc cube scans. Optic nerve circle scans were obtained to assess RNFL thickness, and OCT b-scans associated with VF defects were compared pre- and post-operatively. Results: Examination of pre-operative VFs and OCT scans showed the importance of determining the extent to which glaucomatous damage contributed to VF loss; verifying automated segmentation of the GCL + IPL and RNFL; and assessing foveal anatomy. Evaluation of post-operative structure–function outcomes required correction of magnification changes in OCT scans and repeated follow-up visits to clarify the origin of VF changes. Conclusions: Pre-operative comparisons of VFs and OCT scans may be beneficial in guiding surgical planning, and evaluating outcomes, in eyes with glaucoma undergoing macular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children are susceptible to severe or fatal enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of EV71vac, an aluminium phosphate-adjuvanted inactivated EV71 vaccine in children aged 2-71 months.Methods: We did a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial at five hospitals in Taiwan and two in Vietnam. Children aged 2-71 months were stratified by country and age, and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive two doses of EV71vac or placebo via intramuscular injection 56 days apart. Children aged 2-23 months received a third booster dose on day 366. The primary endpoint was the clinical efficacy of the total vaccinated cohort against EV71-associated diseases during the follow-up period, from 14 days after the second dose to when 15 cases of EV71 infections were confirmed in the per-protocol population. Our safety analysis included all participants who received at least one dose of EV71vac. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03865238, and is complete.Findings: Between April 23 and Dec 25, 2019, of 3663 children assessed, 3061 were randomly assigned, of whom 3049 were vaccinated: 1521 children in the EV71vac group and 1528 in the placebo group. By May 20, 2021, our primary efficacy analysis included 2959 children, with 1476 children in the EV71vac group and 1483 children in the placebo group. The vaccine efficacy of EV71vac was 96·8% (95% CI 85·5-100) against EV71 associated diseases (p<0·0001). The percentage of participants who reported solicited adverse events were similar in both groups: 865 (56·9%) in the EV71vac group and 852 (55·8%) in the placebo group. Almost all reported solicited adverse events were mild and self-limited.Interpretation: EV71vac is safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective in preventing EV71 associated diseases in children aged 2-71 months.Funding: Medigen Vaccine Biologics and A+ Industrial Innovative R&D Program of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]