Allergic asthma (AA) is a common asthma phenotype, and its diagnosis requires both the demonstration of IgE‐sensitization to aeroallergens and the causative role of this sensitization as a major driver of asthma symptoms. Therefore, a bronchial allergen challenge (BAC) would be occasionally required to identify AA patients among atopic asthmatics. Nevertheless, BAC is usually considered a research tool only, with existing protocols being tailored to mild asthmatics and research needs (eg long washout period for inhaled corticosteroids). Consequently, existing BAC protocols are not designed to be performed in moderate‐to‐severe asthmatics or in clinical practice. The correct diagnosis of AA might help select patients for immunomodulatory therapies. Allergen sublingual immunotherapy is now registered and recommended for controlled or partially controlled patients with house dust mite‐driven AA and with FEV1 ≥ 70%. Allergen avoidance is costly and difficult to implement for the management of AA, so the proper selection of patients is also beneficial. In this position paper, the EAACI Task Force proposes a methodology for clinical BAC that would need to be validated in future studies. The clinical implementation of BAC could ultimately translate into a better phenotyping of asthmatics in real life, and into a more accurate selection of patients for long‐term and costly management pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Despite much efforts to stabilize sodium metal anodes for promoting their commercial applications, achieving a safe cycling process without intrinsic dendrite growth remains difficult owing to the unstable reaction interface and irregular sodium metal propagation. Herein, fluorine‐superdoped carbon nanotubes with a fluorine content of 14.38 at% are achieved using a new oxidation‐assisted plasma strategy, and then alternately assembled with cellulose nanofibrils to form periodical conductive/dielectric composite paper with outstanding mechanical properties. The superdoping of fluorine facilitates the construction of a NaF‐dominated solid electrolyte interphase layer, while the periodical conductive/dielectric network re‐homogenizes electric field distribution around irregular sodium protrusions, realizing a "bottom‐up" sodium orientation deposition and the "self‐correction" functionality during sodium plating/stripping process. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the specific oxygen species (CO/CO) and fluorine species (semi‐ionic CF/covalent CF2) on the surface of carbon matrix, could remarkably trap active fluorine fragments and generate NaF with sodium metal, respectively, which promotes the superdoping of fluorine and forms dendrite‐free sodium anodes. This delicate structure renders the sodium anodes a low nucleation overpotential of ≈7 mV, high Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% over 300 cycles at 3 mA cm−2, stable operation for up to 2100 h under ≈16 mV, and excellent full battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
*ELECTROPHORETIC displays, *SANDWICH construction (Materials), *WEARABLE technology
Abstract
A self‐cracking structure is introduced to construct a stretchable electrophoretic e‐paper display device. Unlike the conventional sandwich structure, the proposed device directly forms electrodes upon the display layer without laminating an extra layer. This structure avoids layer‐to‐layer mismatch under the long‐term loading cycles and exhibits high stretchability and robustness. A prototype is demonstrated to simultaneously have stretchable, washable, and rewritable features, which provides a new paradigm for future wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Thunberg, Gunilla, Johnson, Ensa, Bornman, Juan, Öhlén, Joakim, and Nilsson, Stefan
Subjects
*UNIVERSAL design, *FACILITATED communication, *PATIENT autonomy, *MOBILE apps, *CHILD development, *MULTILINGUALISM, *PATIENT-centered care, *PEDIATRICS, *CHILDREN with disabilities, *COMMUNICATIVE disorders, *HEALTH literacy, *PHOTOGRAPHY, *PATIENT-professional relations, *DECISION making in clinical medicine
Abstract
Person‐centred care, with its central focus on the patient in partnership with healthcare practitioners, is considered to be the contemporary gold standard of care. This type of care implies effective communication from and by both the patient and the healthcare practitioner. This is often problematic in the case of the paediatric population, because of the many communicative challenges that may arise due to the child's developmental level, illness and distress, linguistic competency and disabilities. The principle of universal design put forth in conventions and legislation means that the design of products and services should be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible. Augmentative and alternative communication encompasses strategies, for example pictures and apps, that are typically used with people with communication disability. In this position paper, we argue for the universal use of augmentative and alternative communication to support person‐centred communication and care for children, regardless of age or potential disability. Clinical examples are shared from three different paediatric care settings where pictorial supports were applied universally. Interviews were conducted with children and adolescents (with and without disabilities), parents and healthcare practitioners, and the principles of universal design were used as a framework to demonstrate how person‐centred communication is supported in paediatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
This paper conceptualises digital displacement as both a way through which the digital, dynamic and fragile spatialities of contentious politics can be examined and as a geographic critique of censorship. Digital displacement, understood here as the act of removing users from the digital places and spaces they wish to remain in and use, often through the act of deletion, is conceptualised through the digital displacement of two contentious political groups that attempted to contest the forced eviction of migrants from Beijing in 2017; hashtag focused #BeijingSurgery# and instant messaging group using BeijingTogether. Explored through participant observation, interviews and playful digital exploration, this paper examines the spatialities that made multiple digital displacements possible and the activist spatialities that emerged during and post‐displacement. In exploring this, I develop a flexible vocabulary around digital place, space, scale, territory and mobility to analyse the practices of digital displacement, to understand the socio‐spatial positionality of activists involved in digitally centred contentious politics and to contextualise their territorial positionality within Chinese digital territory and global digital territories. Through the examination of #BeijingSurgery# and BeijingTogether, the article highlights: the importance of digital territorial positionality for both activists and the digital places and spaces used for contentious politics; that within systems of digital spatial governance, deletion and displacement can be effective strategies of repressive governance with wide‐ranging displacement effects; and that while digital displacement is not necessarily the ending point of contentious politics, the re‐production of activist spatialities is more difficult when the authority being protested against governs the digital territory used for protest. This paper conceptualises digital displacement as: a way through which the digital, dynamic and fragile spatialities of contentious politics can be examined; a way to understand China's digital territorialization project; and as a geographic critique of censorship. Digital displacement is conceptualised through the ethnographic research conducted in Beijing and examines efforts to contest the forced eviction of migrants from Beijing in 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Zhang, Mingze, Li, Lu, Liu, Heqian, Jia, Haifeng, Liu, Ji, and Meng, Fanhao
Subjects
*ELECTRIC transformers, *ELECTRIC power systems, *ELECTRIC insulators & insulation, *POLYMERIZATION, *MOISTURE content of paper
Abstract
The stable operation of transformers is an important guarantee of power system security. The temperature distribution of main insulation is different in long‐term operation. The temperature difference between the local hottest spot temperature and the average oil temperature in the transformer exceeds 30 K. Therefore, the oil‐paper insulation inside the transformer will exhibit non‐uniform ageing after long‐term operation. At present, frequency domain dielectric response (FDS) technology is widely used in transformer ageing assessment. However, the existing assessment methods are only used for overall insulation ageing assessment. The average moisture content and polymerization degree of the overall insulation between each phase winding are obtained. But it still cannot be used to assess the non‐uniform ageing of the transformer's main insulation. The radial, axial, and two directions non‐uniform ageing models have been made in the laboratory in this study. The FDS and physicochemical properties of non‐uniform ageing models were tested. The variation law of FDS for non‐uniform ageing models was analysed. Meanwhile, the dielectric relaxation model of non‐uniform ageing for main insulation was established. The method of frequency division iterative calculation was proposed. Combined with the Fessler moisture balance formula of ageing oil‐paper insulation, the quantitative assessment method for ageing parameters of the non‐uniform ageing model can be realized. Compared the calculated results with the chemical analysis results, the relative error of the polymerization degree calculation is less than 4%, and the error of the moisture content calculation is less than 0.3%. The calculation results can meet the needs of the engineering apply. Therefore, this method can realize the quantitative assessment of transformer main insulation ageing, which is of great significance to assess the transformer insulation state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Introduction: Drug checking services for harm reduction and overdose prevention have been implemented in many jurisdictions as a public health intervention in response to the opioid overdose crisis. This study demonstrates the first on‐site use of paper spray mass spectrometry for quantitative drug checking to address the limitations of current on‐site drug testing technologies. Methods: Paper spray mass spectrometry was used to provide on‐site drug checking services at a supervised consumption site in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada during a 2‐day pilot test in August 2019. The method included the targeted quantitative measurement of 49 drugs and an untargeted full scan to assist in identifying unknown/unexpected components. Results: During the pilot, 113 samples were submitted for analysis, with 88 (78%) containing the client expected substance. Fentanyl was detected in 45 of 59 expected fentanyl samples, and in 50 (44%) samples overall at a median concentration of 3.6% (w/w%). The synthetic precursor of fentanyl, 4‐anilino‐N‐phenethyl‐piperidine (4‐ANPP), was found in 74.0% of all fentanyl samples at a median concentration of 2.2%, suggesting widespread poor manufacturing practices. Etizolam was detected in 10 submitted samples anticipated to be fentanyl at a median concentration of 2.5%. No clients submitting these samples expected etizolam or a benzodiazepine in their sample. In three instances, it was co‐measured with fentanyl, and in seven cases it was detected alone. Discussion and Conclusions: The quantitative capabilities and low detection limits demonstrated by paper spray mass spectrometry offer distinct benefits over existing on‐site drug checking methods and harm reduction services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from complex matrices like traditional Chinese medicines still challengeable because of the low specificity, efficiency and high false positive rate in the current screening methods. Herein, we reported a method for screening ligands of beta2‐adrenoceptor from Rheum palmatum L extract. The method involved in immobilization of beta2‐adrenoceptor on a paper material of polytetrafluoroethylene membrane by a site‐specific covalent method, characterization of the immobilized receptor by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, parallel screening of Rheum palmatum L extract by immobilized beta2‐adrenoceptor column and the control column, identification of the screened compounds by mass spectrometry and the binding mechanism analysis of the screened compounds with beta2‐adrenoceptor by molecular docking. Morphological analysis showed beta2‐adrenoceptor was successfully immobilized. Aloe‐emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion were screened as the potential bioactive compounds binding to the receptor from Rheum palmatum L extract. Van der Waals force and π‐π stacking interactions were the main driving forces for these compounds to bind with the receptor. These results indicated that paper‐based receptor chromatography with a peak‐missing strategy is reliable in screening and identifying bioactive compounds within medicinal plants that bind to G protein coupled receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Background: The clinical effects of smartphone‐based interventions for bipolar disorder (BD) have yet to be established. Objectives: To examine the efficacy of smartphone‐based interventions in BD and how the included studies reported user‐engagement indicators. Methods: We conducted a systematic search on January 24, 2022, in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Web of Science. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to calculate the standardized difference (Hedges' g) in pre‐post change scores between smartphone intervention and control conditions. The study was pre‐registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021226668). Results: The literature search identified 6034 studies. Thirteen articles fulfilled the selection criteria. We included seven RCTs and performed meta‐analyses comparing the pre‐post change in depressive and (hypo)manic symptom severity, functioning, quality of life, and perceived stress between smartphone interventions and control conditions. There was significant heterogeneity among studies and no meta‐analysis reached statistical significance. Results were also inconclusive regarding affective relapses and psychiatric readmissions. All studies reported positive user‐engagement indicators. Conclusion: We did not find evidence to support that smartphone interventions may reduce the severity of depressive or manic symptoms in BD. The high heterogeneity of studies supports the need for expert consensus to establish ideally how studies should be designed and the use of more sensitive outcomes, such as affective relapses and psychiatric hospitalizations, as well as the quantification of mood instability. The ISBD Big Data Task Force provides preliminary recommendations to reduce the heterogeneity and achieve more valid evidence in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
2016; 56: 1340 - 7. 7 Trial to reduce Alloimmunization to platelets study G. leukocyte reduction and ultraviolet B irradiation of platelets to prevent alloimmunization and refractoriness to platelet transfusions. In the TRAP trial, 82% and 79% of patients did not make lymphocytotoxic antibodies in response to leukoreduced and UV-B irradiated platelets, respectively.7 However, about 20% of the patients given either leukoreduced or UV-B irradiated platelets still developed HLA alloimmunization even though they had never been pregnant or transfused. Keywords: Administration EN Administration 1706 1714 9 09/13/22 20220901 NES 220901 During the second part of the 20th century, Dr E. Donnall Thomas worked on refining bone marrow transplantations using a dog model at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center ("The Hutch") in Seattle, WA. [Extracted from the article]
Patients with supp-SM grade 6 N0P1/N1P1 modifiers are at significantly increased risk of surgical morbidity, and could serve as a operability boundary in the selection of patients for microsurgical AVM resection. PROPHYLACTIC ANTI-REFLUX PROCEDURE IS NOT NECESSARY FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPARO... ACH Fung, HM Hui, MKY Mok, PHY Chung and KKY Wong Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR B Aim: b Laparoscopic gastrostomy is a frequently performed procedure for children requiring long-term enteral tube nutrition. B Results: b Cancer detection rate for MRI fusion biopsy (45.3%, 53/117 patients) was higher than sTPBx (32.1%, 84/262 patients, I p i = 0.013). Patients with Supp-SM grade 6 and N0P0/N1P0 subtypes ("good 6") had comparable outcomes as Supp-SM grade 5 patients ( I p i = .51), while those with N0P1/N1P1 subtypes ("bad 6") had similar outcomes to grade 7 patients ( I p i = .59). [Extracted from the article]
*HYPOSPADIAS, *HORMONE receptor positive breast cancer, *PSYCHOLOGY of students, *BREAST cancer surgery, *AXILLARY lymph node dissection
Abstract
Seventy-seven patients (29%) had node-negative breast cancers and one patient had isolated internal mammary chain nodal metastasis. Sirolimus devices were effective with a PP rate of 86.3%, 92.5% of patients were free from TLR, and 87.7% of patients had Rutherford improvement. There was no significant difference in other perioperative morbidities including anastomotic bleeding (0.0% vs 3.2%, I p i = 0.470), postoperative ileus (8.6% vs 0.0%, I p i = 0.241), internal herniation (0.0% vs 3.2%, I p i = 0.470). Total Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis For Reconstruction Following Laparosco... MY Chan, CK So, SH Cheung, CT Lam and TL Chow United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR B Aim: b Total intracorporeal anastomosis with double loop reconstruction following gastrectomy was firstly described Professor Parisi. [Extracted from the article]
Noble, Adam J., Haddad, Sara, Coleman, Niamh, and Marson, Anthony G.
Subjects
*READABILITY (Literary style), *PEOPLE with epilepsy, *PAMPHLETS, *DRUGS, *PREGABALIN, *COLLEGE students
Abstract
Objective: The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is an authoritative document that all people with epilepsy in the EU receive when prescribed antiseizure medication (ASM). We undertook the first independent, comprehensive assessment to determine how understandable they are. Regulators state that when patients are asked comprehension questions about them, ≥80% should answer correctly. Also, recommended is that PILs have a maximum reading requirement of US grade 8. Methods: Study 1: We obtained 140 current ASM PILs written in English. "Readability" was assessed using four tests, with and without adjustment for influence of familiar, polysyllabic words. A total of 179 online materials on epilepsy were also assessed. Study 2: Two PILs from Study 1 were randomly selected (Pregabalin Focus; Inovelon) and shown to 35 people from the UK epilepsy population. Their comprehension was assessed. Study 3: To understand whether the student population provides an accessible alternative population for future examination of ASM PILs, Study 3 was completed, using the same methods as Study 2, except that participants were 262 UK university students. Results: Study 1: No PIL had a reading level of grade 8. Median was grade 11. Adjusting for context, the PILs were still at grade 10.5. PILs for branded ASMs were most readable. PILs were no more readable than (unregulated) online materials. Study 2: Users struggled to comprehend the PILs' key messages. The eight questions asked about pregabalin were typically answered correctly by 54%. For Inovelon, it was 62%. Study 3: Most student participants comprehended the PILs' key messages. The questions about Inovelon were answered correctly by 90%; for pregabalin it was 86%. Significance: This is the first independent and comprehensive examination of ASM PILs. It found that PILs being used fail to meet recommendations and regulatory requirements and risk not being understandable to a substantial proportion of users. In finding that people from the epilepsy population differ markedly in comprehension of PILs compared to students, this study highlights the importance of completing user testing with the target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Objectives: The present review aims to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art von Willebrand disease (VWD) treatment focusing on specific clinical settings (obstetrics, surgery, long‐term prophylaxis and comorbidities) as well as on the use of a Von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate with low FVIII content. Methods: Literature research and case reports. Results and Conclusions: Considering that patients affected by VWD have an intact ability to synthesize FVIII, in order to avoid excessive levels of FVIII, a highly purified plasma VWF concentrate with low FVIII content could be particularly useful in those patients and clinical circumstances at high thrombotic risk as well as for long‐term prophylaxis. When deciding the optimal therapeutic strategy, physicians should take into account both the patient's history and the differences among available concentrates according to the clinical situations requiring treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Roy, Noémi B. A., Da Costa, Lydie, Russo, Roberta, Bianchi, Paola, Mañú‐Pereira, Maria del Mar, Fermo, Elisa, Andolfo, Immacolata, Clark, Barnaby, Proven, Melanie, Sanchez, Mayka, van Wijk, Richard, van der Zwaag, Bert, Layton, Mark, Rees, David, and Iolascon, Achille
Firstly, much of globin gene testing required for pre- and neonatal diagnosis requires a rapid turnaround time and analysis of a small number of genes, making it unwieldy and unnecessary to be testing all of the genes on a panel. Diamond-Blackfan anaemia
AD
RPL11
1p36.11
Ribosomal protein L11
NM 000975.5
Diamond-Blackfan anaemia 7
AD
RPL15
3p24.2
Ribosomal protein L15
NM 002948.5
? Globin gene variants are the commonest cause of inherited anaemia, and all patients should be formally assessed for their presence, using a combination of haemoglobin analysis and specific genetic tests for suspected variants, and by inclusion on NGS panels, depending on local practice. Finally, NGS-based genetic testing is useful for the identification of complex modes of inheritance that are recognised to account for at least 4% of diagnosed Mendelian conditions.20 Recommendations NGS should only be used in cases where acquired causes are thought to be very unlikely (IA) Appropriate consent should be obtained (IA) Globin gene abnormalities should be considered and investigated appropriately before NGS is carried out, including haemoglobin analysis and sequencing of individual globin genes, depending on the genetic distribution that is already known in the local population. [Extracted from the article]
Background: Anaphylaxis, which is rare, has been reported after COVID‐19 vaccination, but its management is not standardized. Method: Members of the European Network for Drug Allergy and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology interested in drug allergy participated in an online questionnaire on pre‐vaccination screening and management of allergic reactions to COVID‐19 vaccines, and literature was analysed. Results: No death due to anaphylaxis to COVID‐19 vaccines has been confirmed in scientific literature. Potential allergens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polysorbate and tromethamine are excipients. The authors propose allergy evaluation of persons with the following histories: 1—anaphylaxis to injectable drug or vaccine containing PEG or derivatives; 2—anaphylaxis to oral/topical PEG containing products; 3—recurrent anaphylaxis of unknown cause; 4—suspected or confirmed allergy to any mRNA vaccine; and 5—confirmed allergy to PEG or derivatives. We recommend a prick‐to‐prick skin test with the left‐over solution in the suspected vaccine vial to avoid waste. Prick test panel should include PEG 4000 or 3500, PEG 2000 and polysorbate 80. The value of in vitro test is arguable. Conclusions: These recommendations will lead to a better knowledge of the management and mechanisms involved in anaphylaxis to COVID‐19 vaccines and enable more people with history of allergy to be vaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Students and junior researchers are important stakeholders in scholarly publishing, but there is relatively little research into their reading needs and barriers. This study hoped to understand the similarities and differences between junior researchers and students, between this group and more senior researchers and between different disciplines. The research comprised two parts: initial interviews to ascertain the main barrier and needs items, followed by a large‐scale online survey. The survey received 673 responses from Chinese students and junior researchers. The survey revealed that poor presentation leading to poor understanding was a common barrier, but there were disciplinary differences, with humanities scholars having fewer barriers than other disciplines. Postgraduates reported more barriers than undergraduates, and also scored information needs more highly. The results identify needed improvements in the presentation of articles and explanation of terminology in order to better engage with students and junior researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Since the production of large and conspicuous flowers can be costly, self‐pollinated or asexually reproducing plants are expected to lose characters for pollinator attraction. However, some plants still produce conspicuous flowers despite not relying on pollinators for fertilization, suggesting overlooked benefits of receiving flower visitors. Here, we present visitor‐mediated microbial dispersal as a potential benefit of receiving flower visitors. Recent studies revealed that diverse microbes inhabit plant surfaces or plant tissues and that these microbes substantially benefit host plants. Animal flower visitors disperse these microbes. Since some microbes can migrate to seeds, the enhanced dispersal via visitors can modulate microbial communities of the next generations. Microbial dispersal via flower visitors may improve plant fitness via increased opportunities to receive microbes mutualistic for seeds and higher variances in seed microbial communities that function as "bet‐hedging." We can test this hypothesis by comparing microbial communities and the performance of seeds from experimentally visitor‐excluded flowers and naturally animal‐visited control flowers. Further experiments with sterilization or microbe inoculation may confirm the contribution of specific taxa or microbial community structures to the observed effects on seed performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1703.12165 The authors conducted outdoor mesocosm experiments (Figure 1a) and revealed that plant-soil feedback effects experienced by the parent plant changed seed quality and initial performance of a common grassland forb. Their results illustrated that plant-soil feedback effects changed seed quality and initial performance in a common grassland forb. I Ecological Research i , 36(1):32-44 b Title: How plant-soil feedbacks influence the next generation of plants. [Extracted from the article]
Conventional nature conservation has attempted to protect biodiversity, ecological integrity (i.e., composition and biomass/abundance of native species), and ecosystem services in parallel, assuming generally positive relationships among them. However, many native species are potentially weakened by and maladapted to a new, warmer climate. Such native species may not be able to offer ecosystem services at previous levels. If the relationship between ecosystem services and native species is no longer positive due to climate change, pursuing ecological integrity could be ineffective for maximizing ecosystem services. Hence, there is room to investigate future relationships among biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem services. This investigation can be done by describing the changes in ecosystem services as a function of biodiversity and ecological integrity. Herein, biodiversity and ecological integrity can be expressed by phylogenetic diversity and species intactness indices based on abundance, respectively. According to my hypothetical figure, the metrics of biodiversity and ecological integrity are potentially not positively but rather negatively related to ecosystem services. The hypothetical figure can be examined and improved using three different approaches: computer simulations (e.g., the LANDIS‐II forest simulation model), collection of actual data (e.g., measuring ecosystem services of some sites with psychrophilic and thermophilic species), and questionnaire surveys about cultural services (e.g., using digitally manipulated photographs and generative adversarial networks). Thus, we can successfully enable practitioners to understand new relationships, which will be relevant to ecosystem management under changing climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
*GONADS, *SEX change in animals, *GENDER transition, *CHRONOBIOLOGY
Abstract
Sex change is a well‐known phenomenon in teleost fishes, and it takes several days to a few months depending on the species and direction of sex change. However, the underlying factors influencing the time required for sex change (TS) remain unclear. Given that the time for producing a new gonad largely determines TS, the gonad type (i.e., whether fish retain the gonad of opposite sex or not [delimited or non‐delimited]) and metabolic rate may affect TS. This study sought to test two hypotheses: (1) the delimited gonad shortens TS and (2) TS scales with mass0.1−0.2, because the metabolic scaling exponent (β) in fishes is 0.8–0.9 and biological times scale with mass1−β in general. We compiled data on TS for 12 female‐to‐male and 14 male‐to‐female sex‐changing species from the literature. Results of individual examinations of the effects of gonad type and mass were consistent with our hypotheses. However, upon simultaneous examination of the effects of gonad type and mass, these effects became unclear because of their strong multicollinearity. The compiled data for delimited and non‐delimited gonads were biased toward the smaller and larger species, respectively, precluding us from being able to statistically distinguish between these effects. Small species with non‐delimited gonads and large species with delimited gonads exist; however, their TS has not been measured with high temporal resolution thus far. Therefore, additional experiments on these species are required to statistically distinguish between, as well as to better understand, the effects of gonad type and mass on TS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Accurate and up‐to‐date biodiversity forecasts enable robust planning for environmental management and conservation of landscapes under a wide range of uses. Future predictions of the species composition of ecological communities complement more frequently reported species richness estimates to better characterize the different dimensions of biodiversity. The models that make community composition forecasts are calibrated with data on species' geographic patterns for the present, which may not be good proxies for future patterns. The future establishment of novel communities represents data on species interactions unaccounted for by these models. However, detecting them in a systematic way presents challenges due to the lack of monitoring data for landscapes with high environmental turnover, where such communities are likely to establish. Here, we propose lightweight monitoring over both ecological and anthropogenic disturbance gradients using passive sensors (i.e., those that operate continuously without much human input) to detect novel communities with the aim of updating models that make community composition forecasts. Monitoring over these two gradients should maximize detection of novel communities and improve understanding of relationships between community composition and environmental change. Further, barriers regarding cost and effort are reduced by using relatively few sensors requiring minimal upkeep. Ongoing updates to community composition forecasts based on novel community data and better understanding of the associated uncertainty should improve future decision‐making for both resource management and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Ecologists and evolutionary biologists have revealed that adaptive microevolution (i.e., allele frequency changes through time) and behavioral changes occur rapidly enough to affect contemporary ecological dynamics, and we can consider rapid adaptation for better conservation and management of wild populations. However, previous studies tended to focus on adaptation that increases population densities (e.g., evolutionary rescue), and did not pay attention to adaptation that decreases population densities (e.g., evolutionary suicide). Here, we demonstrate that controlling trait adaptation may be potentially important for decreasing population densities. One possibility is introducing "selfish" genotypes to populations. If the genotypes increase their reproductive success at the expense of population growth (e.g., cheaters in subsocial ants or coercive males in damselflies), we can decrease population densities (intraspecific adaptation load). The other possible option is diverting trait values of animals from the value that maximizes population growth (ecological trap). For example, we may be able to change behavior of a deer population by hunting so that they will not approach the best habitat with ample resources (landscape of fear). Then, we can consider the optimal allocation of our effort to directly decrease their population densities and control their trait values. However, we should carefully conduct controlling trait adaptation because it may result in unintended outcomes through modified genetic compositions and behaviors, such as increasing genetic variation of the focal population that enhances adaptation to changing environments by introducing selfish genotypes or a transient increase of population densities by modified behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
In the era of globalization, biological invasions are one of the most serious social issues. Thus, managing its impact is an urgent task. It is essential to control nonnative species before they become established. However, it is insufficient to address establishment debt, which occurs when a nonnative species has been introduced into an area but has not yet been established in the wild. In particular, unintentionally introduced or contaminated organisms of the aquatic ornamental pet trade are referred to as "hitchhikers" and have not received much attention in the context of establishment debt. To understand the nature of establishment debt, including that of aquatic hitchhikers, I propose the monitoring of nonnative species inhabiting artificial isolated waters, such as indoor aquariums, and the construction of a database using environmental DNA metabarcoding. This idea would be an effective nonregulatory management approach when implemented broadly, at the country level. Furthermore, implementation of this strategy in combination with border biosecurity and field monitoring may promote accurate prioritization, rapid species identification, and effective invasion pathway assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Disturbance is common in natural ecosystems, but increasingly defines them. While there are many descriptions for the dynamics of an ecosystem's response to disturbance, there are few descriptions for the dynamics of the disturbance itself. I describe a novel application of a model based on the production of amplitude envelopes in acoustics and electronic music synthesis, with varying parameters Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release (ADSR). I show that varying the parameters of the ADSR model is sufficient to produce and vary the qualitative disturbance regimes described by previous authors, and is capable of producing dynamics not previously considered. I tested the utility of the ADSR model by applying it to a logistic growth model. I found that manipulating the attack and release parameters of the ADSR model changes the population dynamics estimated by these models. This implies that responses to disturbance are determined not only by the resilience and resistance of the ecological system, but also the dynamics of the disturbance itself. My hope is that the ADSR model will prove useful to researchers in either describing disturbances in long‐term ecological data, or in producing disturbances for simulations or experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Data regarding the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of carcinoid syndrome (CS) and carcinoid heart disease (CHD) were identified by searches of the MEDLINE database using specific terms in human studies: CS; CHD; screening; epidemiology; diagnosis; treatment; prognosis. CS, carcinoid syndrome; CHD, carcinoid heart disease; MDT, multidisciplinary team; PRRT, peptide receptor radioligand, therapy; SSA, somatostatin analogues; u5-HIAA, urinary 5-hydroxiindolic acid gl Ultimately, all patients develop symptomatic progression of CS when on an SSA. 2 TABLELevel of evidence and grade of recommendation as specified in the GRADE criteria HT
Level of evidence for studies of diagnostic tests
Criteria
1
An independent, masked comparison with reference standard among an appropriate population of consecutive patients
2
An independent, masked comparison with reference standard among non-consecutive patients or confined to a narrow population of study patients
3
An independent, masked comparison with an appropriate population of patients, but reference standard not applied to all study patients
4
Reference standard not applied independently or masked
5
Expert opinion with no explicit critical appraisal, based on physiology, bench research, or first principles
ht A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL BACKGROUND a. Tumour burden is a relevant contributor to CS-associated mortality.4 CHD is present in approximately 20%-50% of CS patients and is a major prognostic indicator, with reduced overall survival at 3 years of 31% in patients with CHD, compared to 69% in patients without CHD.8 d. [Extracted from the article]
Currently available European Alpine Altitude Climate Treatment (AACT) programs combine the physical characteristics of altitude with the avoidance of environmental triggers in the alpine climate and a personalized multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation approach. The reduced barometric pressure, oxygen pressure, and air density, the relatively low temperature and humidity, and the increased UV radiation at moderate altitude induce several physiological and immunological adaptation responses. The environmental characteristics of the alpine climate include reduced aeroallergens such as house dust mites (HDM), pollen, fungi, and less air pollution. These combined factors seem to have immunomodulatory effects controlling pathogenic inflammatory responses and favoring less neuro‐immune stress in patients with different asthma phenotypes. The extensive multidisciplinary treatment program may further contribute to the observed clinical improvement by AACT in asthma control and quality of life, fewer exacerbations and hospitalizations, reduced need for oral corticosteroids (OCS), improved lung function, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), improved exercise tolerance, and improved sinonasal outcomes. Based on observational studies and expert opinion, AACT represents a valuable therapy for those patients irrespective of their asthma phenotype, who cannot achieve optimal control of their complex condition despite all the advances in medical science and treatment according to guidelines, and therefore run the risk of falling into a downward spiral of loss of physical and mental health. In the light of the observed rapid decrease in inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, AACT can be considered as a natural treatment that targets biological pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The electrochemical literature describes a plethora of devices for various applications. Design and development of such paper‐based analytical device(PAD) for sensing applications is paramount of interest. In this work, a PAD was developed using common office‐hold items like paper, pencil, crayons and scotch tape. On a paper, a three‐electrode system was developed by simple drawing with pencils, and the accessible area was confined by creating a hydrophobic barrier using color crayons. The newly developed PAD can hold a low‐dead volume of 25 μL for the analysis and is sealed at the bottom using scotch tape. In our preliminary approach, uric acid (UA), a critical biomarker, was demonstrated as a model analyte for the application of the developed PAD as an electrochemical sensor. The sensor exhibited better analytical performance for UA sensing in a wide range (0.1–1 mM) with appreciable reproducibility, sensitivity (0.3×10−3 A M−1) and selectivity over common interferents (ascorbic acid, urea and glucose). Furthermore, the developed electroanalytical approach was validated by testing the UA in non‐invasive bio‐sample (human urine). Such a cheap, portable, disposable, biocompatible, eco‐friendly and fully‐drawn PAD paves the way for the development of affordable 'lab on paper' devices for a wide range of bioanalytical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Sampattavanich, Nattaporn, Chandayani, Nudcha, Intarasupht, Julphat, and Nakakes, Artit
Subjects
*SUNSCREENS (Cosmetics), *IN vivo studies, *BACKGROUND radiation, *ULTRAVIOLET radiation, *PETROLEUM
Abstract
Background: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major cause of photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. An appropriate application of sunscreen can effectively protect UV damage but cause unpleasant skin oiliness. Oil blotting paper is commonly used to reduce oiliness in some parts of the world although its influence on the efficacy of sunscreen has not been carefully investigated. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sunscreen after applying oil blotting paper. Materials and methods: Measurement of oiliness and sunscreen efficacy was compared before and after the use of oil blotting paper in 11 healthy volunteers, 10 females, and 1 male. Specifically, 3 zones on each subject's back were exposed to UVR from a solar simulator, that is, 1) no sunscreen, 2) sunscreen (organic sunscreen at 2 mg/cm2 SPF 30) left on for 30 minutes, and 3) sunscreen left on for 30 minutes followed by application of oil blotting paper. Skin oiliness was also compared before and after oil blotting using a sebumeter. All areas were phototested for the comparison of the minimal erythema dose (MED) and sun protection factor (SPF). Results: The averaged MED of our subjects is 4.3 standard erythema doses (SED) in the unprotected area. The averaged MED was decreased after oil blotting from 89.8 SED to 59.8 SED. The SPF was also decreased from 20.70 to 13.99. Conclusions: Application of oil blotting paper significantly reduces the efficacy of organic sunscreen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Bibliometric quantification is frequently used as metrics for the evaluation of the scientific performance of researchers and institutions. The researchers' merit is usually assessed by the analysis of quantitative parameters such as the number of publications, the impact factor of journals, the total number of citations, or the h‐index, although the limitations in translating these indicators into the impact of the outcome of scientific production are a matter of harsh criticism. To assess, based on factual evidences, the validity of traditional bibliometric analyses to conclude on the impact of papers to advance the state of the art, we carried out an innovative methodology on selected publications (test set). This methodology is based on identifying those citations of the test set papers that truly embed the methods, concepts, or hypotheses to build new knowledge and formulate conclusions. The results show that the percentage of citations that reflect the real impact of the papers of the test set has an average value of 12.4% of total citations and is not related to the impact factor of the journal where the test set papers were published. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates factually, using experimental data, the total failure of using quantitative bulk citation analyses to conclude on the scientific impact of publications. Only a careful analysis of how the work described in papers was embedded on the subsequent work and/or conclusions of others can tell about the real contribution of a published work to the development of new knowledge and advancement of science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Palladium nanoparticles decorated on polyaniline coated carbon fiber paper electrode (Pd‐PANI/CFP) was employed for TEMPO ((2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl) mediated electrocatalytic oxidation of pyridyl methanol to pyridyl carboxaldehyde using cyclic voltammetry in aqueous acidic media using a surfactant. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Optical profilometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pd‐PANI/CFP electrode has exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol owing to higher electrochemically active surface area of the modified electrode. CV studies suggested higher electrochemical activity for Pd‐PANI/CFP electrode when compared to PANI/CFP and bare CFP electrodes towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
This document is an introduction to a special collection of papers in honor of Robert Deschenaux, a chemist who made significant contributions to the field of soft materials. Deschenaux was born in Switzerland in 1957 and obtained his PhD in chemistry in 1983. Throughout his career, he conducted research on various topics including metal complexes, liquid-crystalline materials, and dendrimers. Deschenaux also played a role in teaching and promoting chemistry. The special collection of papers was organized to celebrate his retirement and his outstanding contributions to the field. [Extracted from the article]
The flexible electrodes are the crucial components for fabricating wearable supercapacitors. In this study, we present a quick and convenient method to prepare graphene paper (GP) as a flexible current collector on a large scale by an easy one‐step method. The composite electrode integrated with GP and MnO2 as a flexible supercapacitor was obtained by an electrochemical deposition method without using binder or conductive agent. The substrate (GP) of electrode not only provides mechanical strength, but also contributes energy storage capacity. The MnO2 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of GP further improved the electrochemical performance of composite. The neat GP can give a specific capacitance of 184 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. At a current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of the GP/MnO2 composite with a deposition time of 30 s is as high as 410 F/g. The method presented here shows great potential for the development of flexible electrode materials in practical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Peter, Johannes, Ott, Alexander, Riedel, Ralf, Ionescu, Emanuel, and Kleebe, Hans‐Joachim
Subjects
*AMMONIA, *CERAMICS, *TRANSMISSION electron microscopy, *CERAMIC coating, *CERAMIC fibers, *SCANNING electron microscopy
Abstract
SiFeO(N,C)‐based ceramic papers were prepared via a one‐pot synthesis approach by dip‐coating a cellulose‐based paper template with a polymeric perhydropolysilazane precursor modified with iron(III)acetylacetonate. The preceramic composites were subsequently pyrolyzed in ammonia atmosphere at 500, 700, and 1000°C, respectively, and the characteristics of the three resulting ceramic papers were comparatively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that in each sample, the morphology of the template is successfully transferred on the ceramic system, with the cellulose‐derived fibers being converted to elemental carbon encased by a SiFeO(N,C) coating. Electron transparent cross‐sectional samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were prepared from the ceramic papers, employing a standard ultramicrotomy slice cutting procedure, allowing for a detailed characterization of their in situ generated micro‐/nanostructure as well as occurring crystalline phases. TEM imaging and diffraction revealed that depending on pyrolysis temperature a different microstructure with a distinct phase assemblage is generated in the polymer‐derived ceramic papers. Crystallization from the polymer precursor starts with the precipitation of wüstite (Fe(1‐x)O) nanoparticles at 700°C inside the ceramic coating and secondary ε‐FexN at the fiber‐coating interface. Upon pyrolysis at 1000°C however, the sample primarily accommodates metallic α‐iron nanocrystals that impart ferromagnetic characteristics to the ceramic paper. The results show that the template‐assisted polymer‐derived ceramic route is a feasible approach in the production of complex ceramic compounds with fibrous paper‐like morphology. By adjusting the pyrolysis temperature, microstructure and phase composition of the ceramic paper can be conveniently tailored to the needs of its respective application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Although there have been significant advances in fingerprinting techniques, studies on how these techniques affect other criminal evidence are limited. Synthetic cannabinoids (SC), which are illegal substances frequently encountered in crime scenes and are widely used worldwide, are available in various forms in the market (pill, powder, liquid, and herbal product). These synthetic cannabinoid substances have recently been introduced to places such as prisons and rehabilitation centers, primarily via an infused piece of paper. The first seizure of the paper‐impregnated form of AB‐PINACA and AB‐FUBINACA in Turkey was observed in 2014. This study investigates the effects of fingerprint development methods on the concentrations of these SCs impregnated on paper. Therefore, eccrine and sebaceous fingerprints of volunteers were imprinted on the papers before and after they were impregnated with AB‐PINACA and AB‐FUBINACA. Six different fingerprint development methods were applied. Fingerprint development methods were later checked in 384 fingerprints. AB‐PINACA and AB‐FUBINACA infused on papers were extracted by the liquid−extraction method, and concentrations were analyzed via LC‐MS/MS. After applying Thermanin, 1,2‐indandione, iodine vapor, DFO, and 5‐MTN fingerprint development methods, the concentration levels of AB‐FUBINACA were 26.25, 19.60, 21.43, 17.76, and 17.77 ng/cm2, while the concentration levels of AB‐PINACA were 1.1, 0.98, 1.31, 1.28, and 1.22 ng/cm2, respectively. Finally, although the best fingerprint visualization was obtained on papers that were applied the Ninhydrin method, the method failed to detect SCs on papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Endo 1,4‐β‐d‐xylanases (EC3.2.1.8) are one of the key lignocellulose hydrolyzing enzymes. Xylan, which is present in copious amounts on earth, forms the primary substrate of endo‐xylanases, which can unchain the constituent monosaccharides linked via β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds from the xylan backbone. Researchers have shown keen interest in the xylanases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 10 and 11, whereas those placed in other glycoside hydrolase families are yet to be investigated. Various microbes such as bacteria and fungi harbor these enzymes for the metabolism of their lignocellulose fibers. These microbes can be used as miniature biofactories of xylanase enzymes for a plethora of environmentally benign applications in pulp and paper industry, biofuel production, and for improving the quality of food in bread baking and fruit juice industry. This review highlights the potential of microbes in production of xylanase for industrial biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
To explore the aging assessment method of the oil–paper insulation in power transformers, the polarization and depolarization current (PDC) characteristics of oil–paper composite insulation samples are investigated under high applied voltage. Based on the asymmetry of polarization absorption current and depolarization current and the polarity effect of insulation pressboard, the repeated polarization current test method is proposed. A novel aging characteristic parameter, which is the ratio of the normalized charge for the first polarization and the normalized charge for the second polarization, is extracted. The difference between the decay rates of the first polarization current and the second polarization current increases at first and then decreases with the polarization time, and decreases with increasing aging degree of the pressboard. The more serious the insulation aging is, the smaller the variation range of aging characteristic parameter with polarization time is, and the closer the value is to 1. With decrease in the DP, the maximum of aging characteristic parameter changes in a decreasing trend. The aging condition of the oil–paper composite insulation can be assessed by the repeated polarization current method and the relationship between the aging characteristic parameter and the polarization time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Silage quality remains an important issue in farming, as do limitations in the range of products suitable for animal fodder. We therefore explored the microorganisms that are critical for the fermentation quality of paper mulberry silage. Low (unwilted) and high (wilted) dry matter (DM) paper mulberry were harvested at two cutting times. These were ensiled for 0, 3, 7, 14, and 56 days, respectively. Compared with unwilted silages, wilting significantly decreased (p < 0.05) silage pH value, ammonia‐N concentration, and yeast counts but increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid content. In addition, higher (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) contents were also observed in wilted silages. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed that wilting reduced the abundance of Enterobacter, while increasing that of Lactobacillus. Single‐molecule real‐time sequencing (SMRT) revealed that the silage was enriched in the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Lactobacillus rhamnosus after wilting, which showed a positive correlation with CP and lactic acid content. We conclude that wilting may help preserve paper mulberry silage, facilitating its use as a new fodder resource. Moreover, L. rhamnosus has the potential to be developed as a new inoculant for the modulation in wilted silages, particularly paper mulberry silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
X-ray spectroscopy is a valuable technique for the study of many materials systems. Characterizing reactions in situ and operando can reveal complex reaction kinetics, which is crucial to understanding active site composition and reaction mechanisms. In this project, the design, fabrication and testing of an open-source and easy-to-fabricate electrochemical cell for in situ electrochemistry compatible with X-ray absorption spectroscopy in both transmission and fluorescence modes are accomplished via windows with large opening angles on both the upstream and downstream sides of the cell. Using a hobbyist computer numerical control machine and free 3D CAD software, anyone can make a reliable electrochemical cell using this design. Onion-like carbon nanoparticles, with a 1:3 iron-to-cobalt ratio, were drop-coated onto carbon paper for testing in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of the carbon paper showed the expected behavior, with no increased ohmic drop, even in sandwiched cells. Chronoamperometry was used to apply 0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, with and without 15 min of oxygen purging to ensure that the electrochemical cell does not provide any artefacts due to gas purging. The XANES and EXAFS spectra showed no differences with and without oxygen, as expected at 0.4 V, without any artefacts due to gas purging. The development of this open-source electrochemical cell design allows for improved collection of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy data and enables researchers to perform both transmission and fluorescence simultaneously. It additionally addresses key practical considerations including gas purging, reduced ionic resistance and leak prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Fernández‐Figueras, M.T., Malvehi, J., Tschandl, P., Rutten, A., Rongioletti, F., Requena, L., Kittler, H., Kerl, K., Kazakov, D., Cribier, B., Calonje, E., André, J., Kempf, W., Cardoso, J., Filosa, A., Hetzer, S., Kervarrec, T., Llamas‐Velasco, M., Valeska Matter, A., and Rickaby, W.
Subjects
*BASAL cell carcinoma, *HISTOPATHOLOGY, *DELPHI method, *THERAPEUTIC complications, *SKIN cancer
Abstract
Background: Histopathological classification of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has important prognostic and therapeutic implications, but reproducibility of BCC subtyping among dermatopathologists is poor. Objectives: To obtain a consensus paper on BCC classification and subtype definitions. Methods: A panel of 12 recognized dermatopathologists (G12) from nine European countries used a modified Delphi method and evaluated 100 BCC cases uploaded to a website. The strategy involved five steps: (I) agreement on definitions for WHO 2018 BCC subtypes; (II) classification of 100 BCCs using the agreed definitions; (III) discussion on the weak points of the WHO classification and proposal of a new classification with clinical insights; (IV) re‐evaluation of the 100 BCCs using the new classification; and (V) external independent evaluation by 10 experienced dermatopathologists (G10). Results: A simplified classification unifying infiltrating, sclerosing, and micronodular BCCs into a single "infiltrative BCC" subtype improved reproducibility and was practical from a clinical standpoint. Fleiss' κ values increased for all subtypes, and the level of agreement improved from fair to moderate for the nodular and the unified infiltrative BCC groups, respectively. The agreement for basosquamous cell carcinoma remained fair, but κ values increased from 0.276 to 0.342. The results were similar for the G10 group. Delphi consensus was not achieved for the concept of trichoblastic carcinoma. In histopathological reports of BCC displaying multiple subtypes, only the most aggressive subtype should be mentioned, except superficial BCC involving margins. Conclusions: The three BCC subtypes with infiltrative growth pattern, characteristically associated with higher risk of deep involvement (infiltrating, sclerosing, and micronodular), should be unified in a single group. The concise and encompassing term "infiltrative BCCs" can be used for these tumors. A binary classification of BCC into low‐risk and high‐risk subtypes on histopathological grounds alone is questionable; correlation with clinical factors is necessary to determine BCC risk and therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Winter in climatic regions with low temperatures is a challenge for overwintering insects. They are exposed to temperature extremes, which directly cause mortality or lead to energy depletion. The winter hibernaculum of paper wasp gynes protects from predators and rain, but only poorly from ambient temperature. In order to detect physiological adaptations to differing climates, we compared the respiratory metabolism of overwintering gynes of two polistine species from the Mediterranean climate in Italy (Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus), and of one species from the temperate climate in Austria (Polistes dominula). The wasps' CO2 emission was measured with stop‐flow respirometry in a temperature range from 2.5 to 20 °C. The mass‐specific standard (resting) metabolic rate, the main type of metabolism of the dormant insects during overwintering, increased exponentially with ambient temperature but was suppressed in comparison to individuals measured in the summer, which conserves the energy stores. In addition, it was lower in the Mediterranean species (P. dominula and P. gallicus) in comparison to the temperate species (P. dominula), especially at higher temperatures. The active metabolic rate was suppressed to a similar amount. The suppressed metabolism of the overwintering Mediterranean gynes could be an adaptation to the higher winter temperatures to prevent a premature depletion of the energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
*DRUG side effects, *CONTRAINDICATIONS, *THERAPEUTICS, *DRUG allergy, *ANTINEOPLASTIC agents
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs have been widely used in the treatment of cancer disease for about 70 years. The development of new treatments has not hindered their use, and oncologists still prescribe them routinely, alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents. However, all chemotherapeutic agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), with different incidences depending on the culprit drug. These reactions are the third leading cause of fatal drug‐induced anaphylaxis in the United States. In Europe, deaths related to chemotherapy have also been reported. In particular, most reactions are caused by platinum compounds, taxanes, epipodophyllotoxins and asparaginase. Despite their prevalence and relevance, the ideal pathways for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these reactions are still unclear, and practice remains considerably heterogeneous with vast differences from center to center. Thus, the European Network on Drug Allergy and Drug Allergy Interest Group of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology organized a task force to provide data and recommendations regarding the allergological work‐up in this field of drug hypersensitivity reactions. This position paper aims to provide consensus on the investigation of HSRs to chemotherapeutic drugs and give practical recommendations for clinicians that treat these patients, such as oncologists, allergologists and internists. Key sections cover risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, the role of skin tests, in vitro tests, indications and contraindications of drug provocation tests and desensitization of neoplastic patients with allergic reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs. Statements, recommendations and unmet needs were discussed and proposed at the end of each section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in China in November 2019. Most governments have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by imposing a lockdown. Some evidence suggests that a period of isolation might have led to a spike in alcohol misuse, and in the case of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), social isolation can favour lapse and relapse. The aim of our position paper is to provide specialists in the alcohol addiction field, in psychopharmacology, gastroenterology and in internal medicine, with appropriate tools to better manage patients with AUD and COVID-19,considering some important topics: (a) the susceptibility of AUD patients to infection; (b) the pharmacological interaction between medications used to treat AUD and to treat COVID-19; (c) the reorganization of the Centre for Alcohol Addiction Treatment for the management of AUD patients in the COVID-19 era (group activities, telemedicine, outpatients treatment, alcohol-related liver disease and liver transplantation, collecting samples); (d) AUD and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Telemedicine/telehealth will undoubtedly be useful/practical tools even though it remains at an elementary level; the contribution of the family and of caregivers in the management of AUD patients will play a significant role; the multidisciplinary intervention involving experts in the treatment of AUD with specialists in the treatment of COVID-19 disease will need implementation. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly leading addiction specialists towards a new governance scenario of AUD, which necessarily needs an in-depth reconsideration, focusing attention on a safe approach in combination with the efficacy of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The paper does not explicitly mention non-motor symptoms as part of the clinical presentation of ET, but extensively quotes other neurologists who reported that ET-patients are often clinically presenting with a névrose trémulante (C. Achard) or psychical degeneration associated with a neuropathic stock (F. Raymond). Interestingly, Critchley separates essential tremor into mild high frequency tremor (resembling thyrotoxic or psychogenic tremor), medium frequency tremor (resembling Parkinsonian tremor) and even low-frequency intention tremor. Since then, there are two studies reporting that ET families22 and early-onset ET patients23 have a longer life expectancy but larger series are lacking. [Extracted from the article]
Forensic examiners must determine whether both latent fingerprint development and DNA profiling can be performed on the same area of an evidence item and, if only one is possible, which examination offers the best chance for identification. Latent fingerprints can be enhanced by targeting different components of fingerprint residues with sequential chemical treatments. This study investigated the effects of single‐reagent and sequential latent fingerprint development processes on downstream DNA analysis to determine the point at which latent fingerprint development should be stopped to allow for DNA recovery. Latent fingerprints deposited on copy paper by one donor were developed using three sequential processes: 1,8‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (DFO) → ninhydrin → physical developer (PD); 1,2‐indanedione‐zinc (IND‐Zn) → ninhydrin → PD; and IND‐Zn → ninhydrin → Oil Red O (ORO) → PD. Samples were examined after the addition of each chemical treatment. DNA was collected with cotton swabs, extracted, quantified, and amplified. DNA yields, peak heights, number of alleles obtained, and percentage of DNA profiles eligible for CODIS upload were examined. DNA profiles were obtained with varying degrees of success, depending on the number and type of treatments used for latent fingerprint development. The treatments that were found to be the least harmful to downstream DNA analysis were IND‐Zn and IND‐Zn/laser, and the most detrimental treatments were DFO, DFO/laser, and PD. In general, as the number of treatments increase, the opportunities for DNA loss or damage also increase, and it is preferable to use fewer treatments when developing latent fingerprints prior to downstream DNA processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Plain language summary: This paper deals with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer in premenopausal high risk women. Some women have an alteration in their genetic code, which makes them more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Two well‐known genes which can carry an alteration are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Examples of other genes associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer include RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, PALB2 and Lynch syndrome genes. Women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer, may also be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women at increased risk can choose to have an operation to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which is the most effective way to prevent ovarian cancer. This is done after a woman has completed her family. However, removal of ovaries causes early menopause and leads to hot flushes, sweats, mood changes and bone thinning. It can also cause memory problems and increases the risk of heart disease. It may reduce libido or impair sexual function. Guidance on how to care for women following preventative surgery who are experiencing early menopause is needed. HRT is usually advisable for women up to 51 years of age (average age of menopause for women in the UK) who are undergoing early menopause and have not had breast cancer, to minimise the health risks linked to early menopause. For women with a womb, HRT should include estrogen coupled with progestogen to protect against thickening of the lining of the womb (called endometrial hyperplasia). For women without a womb, only estrogen is given. Research suggests that, unlike in older women, HRT for women in early menopause does not increase breast cancer risk, including in those who are BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers and have preventative surgery. For women with a history of receptor‐negative breast cancer, the gynaecologist will liaise with an oncology doctor on a case‐by‐case basis to help to decide if HRT is safe to use. Women with a history of estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer are not normally offered HRT. A range of other therapies can be used if a woman is unable to take HRT. These include behavioural therapy and non‐hormonal medicines. However, these are less effective than HRT. Regular exercise, healthy lifestyle and avoiding symptom triggers are also advised. Whether to undergo surgery to reduce risk or not and its timing can be a complex decision‐making process. Women need to be carefully counselled on the pros and cons of both preventative surgery and HRT use so they can make informed decisions and choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The latest outbreak of a coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), evolved into a worldwide pandemic with massive effects on health, quality of life, and economy. Given the short period of time since the outbreak, there are several knowledge gaps on the comparative and zoonotic aspects of this new virus. Within the One Health concept, the current EAACI position paper dwells into the current knowledge on SARS‐CoV‐2's receptors, symptoms, transmission routes for human and animals living in close vicinity to each other, usefulness of animal models to study this disease and management options to avoid intra‐ and interspecies transmission. Similar pandemics might appear unexpectedly and more frequently in the near future due to climate change, consumption of exotic foods and drinks, globe‐trotter travel possibilities, the growing world population, the decreasing production space, declining room for wildlife and free‐ranging animals, and the changed lifestyle including living very close to animals. Therefore, both the society and the health authorities need to be aware and well prepared for similar future situations, and research needs to focus on prevention and fast development of treatment options (medications, vaccines). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]