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Intertidal environments are highly dynamic and exhibit both regular and periodic fluctuations in environmental parameters. The interplay of these parameters controls the distribution and abundance of infaunal organisms resulting in sporadic bioturbation distributions that are well‐documented but not fully understood. This study investigates topographic controls on infaunal distributions at East Beach in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. East Beach is a sandy intertidal flat characterized by sand dunes that give rise to two alternating shore‐parallel subenvironments: topographically high dune crests and topographically low interdunes. The dunes remain relatively fixed in their position between major storm events, resulting in geographically stable subenvironments. Photogrammetric reconstructions of dune surfaces are used to characterize surface features and quantify invertebrate burrow openings along dune profiles. This is supplemented by X‐ray radiography and examinations of porewater and organic matter content from the two subenvironments. These results show a clear inverse relationship between burrow abundance and elevation at the dune scale, with the interdunes displaying significantly higher bioturbation intensities compared to dune crests. The burrow distributions appear to be strongly influenced by water saturation, presumably due to its role in controlling oxygen availability and preventing desiccation. This research provides insights into the local factors controlling infaunal distributions and the impact of palaeo‐topography on bioturbation, particularly in intertidal settings. Additionally, these data assist in interpreting heterogeneous bioturbation distributions in the sedimentary record, which are normally not interpreted due to a paucity of analogue models developed in modern environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted intracellular delivery of therapeutic proteins remains a significant unmet challenge in biotechnology. A promising approach is to leverage the intrinsic capabilities of bacterial toxins like diphtheria toxin (DT) to deliver a potent cytotoxic enzyme into cells with an associated membrane translocation moiety. Despite showing promising clinical efficacy, widespread deployment of DT-based therapeutics is complicated by the prevalence of pre-existing antibodies in the general population arising from childhood DT toxoid vaccinations, which impact the exposure, efficacy, and safety of these potent molecules. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a distant DT homolog from the ancient reptile pathogen Austwickia chelonae that we have dubbed chelona toxin (ACT). We show that ACT is comparable to DT structure and function in all respects except that it is not recognized by pre-existing anti-DT antibodies circulating in human sera. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ACT delivers heterologous therapeutic cargos into target cells more efficiently than DT. Our findings highlight ACT as a promising new chassis for building next-generation immunotoxins and targeted delivery platforms with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Synopsis: Pre-existing antibodies against diphtheria toxin (DT) from childhood vaccinations limit the efficacy and widespread use of DT-based immunotoxins. A toxin platform retaining the structural and functional features of DT but not recognized by pre-existing antibodies in human sera was developed. Distant DT homologs (ACT1 and ACT2) derived from the reptile pathogen Austwickia chelonae were found to have functional translocases and catalytic domains. ACT toxins evade recognition by pre-existing antibodies to DT in human sera, showing antibody titers below the limit of quantification. Engineered ACT-based immunotoxins retargeted to cancer-associated receptors killed receptor positive cancer cells. ACT could represent promising alternative immunotoxin platform for cancer therapy with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Pre-existing antibodies against diphtheria toxin (DT) from childhood vaccinations limit the efficacy and widespread use of DT-based immunotoxins. A toxin platform retaining the structural and functional features of DT but not recognized by pre-existing antibodies in human sera was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposites, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-clay systems, leverage intricate interactions between components to fine-tune their thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties. In our study, we functionalized montmorillonite clay nanofillers (CloisiteNa+) to fabricate recycled PETclay nanocomposites. The nanofillers underwent a three-step functionalization process, involving the treatment with (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), the grafting of initiating coatings (multifunctional peroxide initiator, [MPI]) onto clay/APTES, and the subsequent fabrication of grafted brushes using poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) or poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA). The functionalization process and the properties of the modified clay were successfully confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The fabrication of nanocomposites, incorporating both clay and functionalized clay, influenced the thermal behavior of the composites, whereas the nanofillers had no discernible impact on the flow temperature. The PET and nanocomposites exhibited liquid viscoelastic behavior, with the exception of PET with clay, which displayed shear-thinning and “rubberlike” behavior. Rheological curves and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated improved dispersion and compatibility for clay/APTES and clay functionalized with PBA-grafted brushes within the PET matrix. In some instances, the utilization of functionalized clay resulted in enhanced compatibility and customized properties in PET-organoclay nanocomposites compared with conventional fillers. These findings bear implications for a broad spectrum of applications involving PET-organoclay nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional impairment is associated with treatment toxicity and worse overall survival in patients with cancer. We aimed to (1) evaluate the association of nutritional impairment with psychological health and quality of life (QOL) and (2) examine which measures of nutrition had the strongest association with psychological health and QOL among older adults receiving cancer treatment with palliative intent. Methods: This secondary analysis was performed on baseline data from a nationwide cluster randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02107443; PI: Mohile). Adults age ≥70 with advanced cancer and ≥1 geriatric assessment (GA) impairment were enrolled from 2014 to 2017. In line with geriatric oncology standards, we defined nutritional impairment as Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF) ≤11, body mass index (BMI) <21 kg/m2, or >10% involuntary weight loss in the past 6 months. We conducted multivariable linear regressions to evaluate the association of nutritional impairment with each measure of psychological health and QOL: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15, range 0–15), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7, range 0–21), NCCN Distress Thermometer (NCCN DT, range 0–10), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G, range 0–108). Analyses were adjusted for patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and GA. Results: Among 541 patients, the mean age was 77 (range 70–96) and 60% had nutritional impairment. Mean baseline scores: GDS‐15 3.1 (SD 2.7), GAD‐7 2.9 (SD 4.0), NCCN DT 2.9 (SD 2.7), and FACT‐G 80 (SD 15). In the adjusted model, compared to those with no nutritional impairment, older adults with nutritional impairment had greater depression (β = 0.79, 95% CI 0.36–1.23) and anxiety severity (β = 0.86, 95% CI 0.19–1.53), and worse QOL (β = −6.31, 95% CI −8.62 to −4.00). Of the measures of nutrition, MNA‐SF ≤11 demonstrated the strongest associations with depression, anxiety, distress, and QOL. Conclusion: Nutritional impairment is associated with impaired psychological health and worse QOL. Clinicians should use the MNA‐SF to screen older adults for nutritional impairment and offer tailored supportive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic activation of rearranged during transfection (RET) has been reported to facilitate lineage differentiation and cell proliferation in different cytogenetic subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Herein, we demonstrate that RET is significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated in AML subtypes containing rearrangements of the lysine methyltransferase 2A gene (KMT2A), commonly referred to as KMT2A‐rearranged (KMT2A‐r) AML. Integrating multi‐epigenomics data, we show that the KMT2A‐MLLT3 fusion induces the development of CCCTC‐binding (CTCF)‐guided de novo extrusion enhancer loop to upregulate RET expression in KMT2A‐r AML. Based on the finding that RET expression is tightly correlated with the selective chromatin remodeler and mediator (MED) proteins, we used a small‐molecule inhibitor having dual inhibition against RET and MED12‐associated cyclin‐dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) in KMT2A‐r AML cells. Dual inhibition of RET and CDK8 restricted cell proliferation by producing multimodal oxidative stress responses in treated cells. Our data suggest that epigenetically enhanced RET protects KMT2A‐r AML cells from oxidative stresses, which could be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements play a pivotal role in modern technologies, thereby driving an escalating demand for their procurement. To effectively extract these elements from aqueous solutions, it is imperative to explore innovative sorbent materials. In this context, a hydrogel sorbent material was developed by employing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and shungite—an economical, naturally occurring, easily processable, and sustainable material. This was achieved through the freezing–thawing method, employing sodium borate as a crosslinking agent. The physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels were determined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, Zetasizer analysis, and elemental analysis. The shungite‐incorporated PVA hydrogels displayed notable characteristics, including a substantial swelling capacity of 61% and a specific surface area of 32.8 m2/g. Most significantly, these hydrogels exhibited a remarkable affinity for La3+ ions, with an uptake ratio of 134 mg/g. This was followed by Nd3+, Dy3+, and Er3+ ions, which displayed uptake ratios of 79, 74, and 73 mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing peptide‐based materials with controlled morphology is a critical theme of soft matter research. Herein, we report the formation of a novel, patterned cross‐β structure formed by self‐assembled C3‐symmetric peptide amphiphiles based on diphenylalanine and benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide (BTA). The cross‐β motif is an abundant structural element in amyloid fibrils and aggregates of fibril‐forming peptides, including diphenylalanine. The incorporation of topological constraints on one edge of the diphenylalanine fragment limits the number of β‐strands in β‐sheets and leads to the creation of an unconventional offset‐patterned cross‐β structure consisting of short 3×2 parallel β‐sheets stabilized by phenylalanine zippers. In the reported assembly, two patterned cross‐β structures bind parallel arrays of BTA stacks in a superstructure within a single‐molecule‐thick nanoribbon. In addition to a threefold network of hydrogen bonds in the BTA stack, each molecule becomes simultaneously bound by hydrogen bonds from three β‐sheets and four phenylalanine zippers. The diffuse layer of alkyl chains with terminal polar groups prevents the nanoribbons from merging and stabilizes cross‐β‐structure in water. Our results provide a simple approach to the incorporation of novel patterned cross‐β motifs into supramolecular superstructures and shed light on the general mechanism of β‐sheet formation in C3‐symmetric peptide amphiphiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responsive polymer systems have the ability to change properties or behavior in response to external stimuli. The properties of responsive polymer systems can be fine‐tuned by adjusting the stimuli, enabling tailored responses for specific applications. These systems have applications in drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, and more, as their ability to adapt and respond to dynamic environments leads to improved performance. However, challenges such as synthesis complexity, sensitivity limitations, and manufacturing issues need to be addressed for successful implementation. In our review, we provide a comprehensive summary on stimuli‐responsive polymer systems, delving into the intricacies of their mechanisms and actions. Future developments should focus on precision medicine, multifunctionality, reversibility, bioinspired designs, and integration with advanced technologies, driving the dynamic growth of sensitive polymer systems in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy is an invasive procedure which is used to diagnose rejection following an orthotopic heart transplant. Endomyocardial biopsy is widely regarded as low risk with all‐cause complication rates below 5% in most safety studies. Following transplant, some patients require therapeutic anticoagulation. It is unknown whether anticoagulation increases endomyocardial biopsy bleeding risk. Methods: Records from 2061 endomyocardial biopsies performed for post‐transplant rejection surveillance at our institution between November 2016 and August 2022 were reviewed. Bleeding complications were defined as vascular access‐related hematoma or bleeding, procedure‐related red blood cell transfusion, and new pericardial effusion. Relative risk and small sample‐adjusted 95% confidence interval was calculated to investigate the association between bleeding complications and anticoagulation. Results and Conclusions: The overall risk of bleeding was 1.2% (25/2061 cases). There was a statistically significant increase in bleeding among patients on intravenous (RR 4.46, CI 1.09–18.32) but not oral anticoagulants (RR.62, CI.15–2.63) compared to patients without anticoagulant exposure. There was a trend toward increased bleeding among patients taking warfarin with INR ≥ 1.8 (RR 3.74, CI.90–15.43). Importantly, no bleeding events occurred in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants such as apixaban. Based on these results, intravenous rather than oral anticoagulation was associated with a significantly higher risk of bleeding complications following endomyocardial biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since gaining independence, Ukraine has recognised the need to reform its vocational education and training (VET) system to better align with new economic realities. This necessity was largely driven by the country's increasing openness to the world and its desire to integrate with the European Union, which became especially pronounced after the Euromaidan protests in 2014. As a result, the government has pursued policies that are more closely aligned with the European Union. This led to greater international cooperation in the sphere of VET in Ukraine. The study on which this article reports analyses the impact of international organisations and cooperation programmes, as well as actions, initiatives and projects, on the changes and reforms in the Ukrainian VET system from 2013 to 2022 on normative and institutional levels. We adopt a theoretical framework that explains the areas and instruments of influence on policymaking in education used by international organisations. The method applied in the study is interviews with experts from international projects and initiatives currently active in Ukraine. Our findings indicate that international cooperation programmes have had a significant impact on the development of vocational education in Ukraine, particularly in areas such as the governance of the VET system, public‐private partnerships, quality assurance, qualifications frameworks, and digitalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy lifestyle during pregnancy influences the pregnant woman's and child's physical and mental health, impacting perinatal outcomes. Healthy lifestyle beliefs are predictors of lifestyle behaviors, requiring a valid and reliable instrument to assess them during prenatal care. The 16‐item Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale (HLBS) measures a person's beliefs about their ability to live a healthy lifestyle. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of the HLBS among pregnant women. A methodological study was developed in two phases: cross‐cultural adaptation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version in a nonprobability sample of 192 Portuguese pregnant women. The exploratory factor analysis suggested three subscales, which explained 53.8% of the total variance. Cronbach's α was 0.83 for the overall scale and for the subscales ranged between 0.71 and 0.81. The HLBS is a reliable and valid instrument to assist health professionals in assessing the ability of Portuguese pregnant women to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Assessing healthy lifestyle beliefs potentially contributes to the development of health behavior interventions in pregnant women and consequently improves perinatal outcomes through evidence‐based practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption is a reliable method for removing organic pollutants from water. This article provides data on the use of hybrid composites as adsorbents for Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine 6G (R6G) uptake from aqueous solutions. The organo‐inorganic spherical particles were prepared using tetraethyl orthosilicate and a styrene‐acrylic copolymer through a one‐pot sol‐gel technique. The powder structures were characterised using various methods, including elemental analysis, acid‐base titration, zeta potential measurement, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the adsorption process demonstrated a preference for a pH of 6 in the case of MB, whereas for R6G, the optimal pH for adsorption was observed to be 7. The findings indicated that the pseudo‐second‐order model accurately described the kinetic data, while the equilibrium data aligned with the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined to be 212.5 mg/g for MB and 323.1 mg/g for R6G, suggesting that both chemisorption and physical adsorption occurred on the surface of the adsorbent material. The composites were found to be regenerable with an HCl:EtOH mixture up to 3 cycles. These findings suggest that silica/styrene‐acrylic copolymer composites are promising sorbents for removing MB and R6G dyes from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between blood product transfusion and short‐term morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation utilizing machine learning. Preoperative recipient characterstics, procedural variables, perioperative blood product transfusions, and donor charactersitics were included in the model. The primary composite outcome was occurrence on any of the following six endpoints: mortality during index hospitalization; primary graft dysfunction at 72 h post‐transplant or the need for postoperative circulatory support; neurological complications (seizure, stroke, or major encephalopathy); perioperative acute coronary syndrome or cardiac arrest; and renal dysfunction requiring renal replacement therapy. The cohort included 369 patients, with the composite outcome occurring in 125 cases (33.9%). Elastic net regression analysis identified 11 significant predictors of composite morbidity: higher packed red blood cell, platelet, cryoprecipitate and plasma volume from the critical period, preoperative functional dependence, any preoperative blood transfusion, VV ECMO bridge to transplant, and antifibrinolytic therapy were associated with higher risk of morbidity. Preoperative steroids, taller height, and primary chest closure were protective against composite morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomy of the nasal cavity and its structures, as well as other elements building a scaffold for olfactory organs, differs significantly among various groups of mammals. Understanding anatomical conditions of quality of olfaction are being studied worldwide and is a complex problem. Among many studies regarding bone and epithelial structures of turbinates and connected anatomical structures, few studies describe the vascularization of turbinates. Ethmoid turbinates are above all covered in olfactory epithelium containing branched axons that receive olfactory stimuli and as olfactory nerves penetrate the cribriform lamina of the ethmoid bone conveying information from smell receptors to the brain. Differences in vascularization of the cribriform plate and turbinates may add crucial information complementing studies regarding the olfactory organ's bone and soft tissue structures. In the study, we describe the vascularization of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone of 54 Artiodactyla and Carnivora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One pillar of protein chemical synthesis based on the application of ligation chemistries to cysteine is the group of reactions enabling the selective desulfurization of cysteine residues into alanines. Modern desulfurization reactions use a phosphine as a sink for sulfur under activation conditions involving the generation of sulfur‐centered radicals. Here we show that cysteine desulfurization by a phosphine can be effected efficiently by micromolar concentrations of iron under aerobic conditions in hydrogen carbonate buffer, that is using conditions that are reminiscent of iron‐catalyzed oxidation phenomena occurring in natural waters. Therefore, our work shows that chemical processes taking place in aquatic systems can be adapted to a chemical reactor for triggering a complex chemoselective transformation at the protein level, while minimizing the resort to harmful chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Gold nanoparticles are widely used for biomedical applications, but the precise molecular mechanism of their interaction with cellular structures is still unclear. Assuming that intracellular calcium fluctuations associated with surface plasmon‐induced calcium entry could modulate the activity of potassium channels, we studied the effect of 5 nm gold nanoparticles on calcium‐dependent potassium channels and associated calcium signaling in freshly isolated rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and cultured hippocampal neurons. Methods: Outward potassium currents were recorded using patch‐clamp techniques. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration were measured using the high affinity Ca2+ fluorescent indicator fluo‐3 and laser confocal microscope. Results: In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, plasmonic gold nanoparticles increased the amplitude of currents via large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels, which was potentiated by green laser irradiation near plasmon resonance wavelength (532 nm). Buffering of intracellular free calcium with ethylene glycol‐bis‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) abolished these effects. Furthermore, using confocal laser microscopy it was found that application of gold nanoparticles caused oscillations of intracellular calcium concentration that were decreasing in amplitude with time. In cultured hippocampal neurons gold nanoparticles inhibited the effect of EGTA slowing down the decline of the BKCa current while partially restoring the amplitude of the slow after hyperpolarizing currents. Conclusion: We conclude that fluctuations in intracellular calcium can modulate plasmonic gold nanoparticles‐induced gating of BKCa channels in smooth muscle cells and neurons through an indirect mechanism, probably involving the interaction of plasmon resonance with calcium‐permeable ion channels, which leads to a change in intracellular calcium level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosis of residual or recurrent tumor in soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) is a differential diagnostic challenge since post‐therapeutic changes impede diagnosis. Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to detect local recurrence of STS of the limb. Study Type: Prospective. Population: A totalof 64 consecutive patients with primary STS of the limbs were prospectively included 3–6 months after surgery between January 2016 and July 2021. Field Strength/Sequence: A 1.5 T; axial DWI echo‐planar imaging sequences and DCE‐MRI using a 3D T1‐weighted spoiled gradient‐echo sequence. Assessment: The quantitative DCE‐MRI parameters relative plasma flow (rPF) and relative mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated and ADC mapping was used to quantify diffusion restriction. Regions of interest of tumor growth and postoperative changes were drawn in consensus by two experts for diffusion and perfusion analysis. An additional morphological assessment was done by three independent and blinded radiologists. Statistical Test: Unpaired t‐test, ROC‐analysis, and a logistic regression model were applied. Interobserver reliability was calculated using Fleiss kappa statistics. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 11 patients turned out to have local recurrence. rPF was significantly higher in cases of local recurrence when compared to cases without local recurrence (61.1–4.5) while rMTT was slightly and significantly lower in local recurrence. ROC‐analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (SEM ± 0.05) for rPF while a three‐factor multivariate logistic regression model showed a high diagnostic accuracy of rPF (R2 = 0.71). Compared with morphological assessment, rPF had a distinct higher specificity and true positive value in detection of LR. Data Conclusion: DCE‐MRI is a promising additional method to differentiate local recurrence from benign postoperative changes in STS of the limb. Especially specificity in detection of LR is increased compared to morphological assessment. Evidence Level: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the natural ligand of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase. This ligand–receptor couple is essential for the maturation process of hepatocytes. Previously, the rational design of a synthetic protein based on the assembly of two K1 domains from HGF led to the production of a potent and stable MET receptor agonist. In this study, we compared the effects of K1K1 with HGF during the differentiation of hepatocyte progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In vitro, K1K1, in the range of 20 to 200 nM, successfully substituted for HGF and efficiently activated ERK downstream signaling. Analysis of the levels of hepatocyte markers showed typical liver mRNA and protein expression (HNF4α, albumin, alpha‐fetoprotein, CYP3A4) and phenotypes. Although full maturation was not achieved, the results suggest that K1K1 is an attractive candidate MET agonist suitable for replacing complex and expensive HGF treatments to induce hepatic differentiation of hiPSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that the field of organocatalysis is continuously expanding during the last decades. With increasing computational capacity and new techniques, computational methods have provided a more economic approach to explore different chemical systems. This review offers a broad yet concise overview of current state‐of‐the‐art studies that have employed novel strategies for catalyst design. The evolution of the all different theoretical approaches most commonly used within organocatalysis is discussed, from the traditional approach, manual‐driven, to the most recent one, machine‐driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that latent oxalyl thioester surrogates are a powerful means to modify peptides and proteins in highly dilute conditions in purified aqueous media or in mixtures as complex as cell lysates. Designed to be shelf‐stable reagents, they can be activated on demand to enable ligation reactions with peptide concentrations as low as a few hundred nM at rates approaching 30 M−1 s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful management of big tunnelling projects requires the complete documentation of technical and financial data as well as their ongoing evaluation. The current study reviews the possibilities for digital documentation of tunnel construction with the subsequent integration of this data with an invoicing software. It suggests an implementation model, a building information modeling (BIM) project element list and a digital on‐site data recording tool for a workflow in New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) projects. This digital resource enables central data management that improves and speeds up automated invoicing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native chemical ligation reaction of peptide thioesters with cysteinyl peptides is a pivotal chemical process in the production of native or modified peptides and proteins, and well beyond in the preparation of various biomolecule analogs and materials. To benefit from this reaction at its fullest and to access all the possible applications, the experimentalist needs to know the factors affecting its rate and how to control it. This concept article presents the fundamental principles underlying the rate of the native chemical ligation and its homogeneous catalysis by nucleophiles. It has been prepared to serve as a quick guide in the search for an appropriate catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) prolongs survival in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) until ±35 years of age. This study evaluates the implementation of a HMV pilot project in children with DMD in Ukraine. Methods: Children with DMD were invited to Kirovograd Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, for 5 days’ training with non-invasive ventilation. Donated equipment comprised second-hand Covidien PB560 ventilators from Belgium. Due to the absence of carbon dioxide pressure and pulse oximetry monitoring, indications for HMV included sleep-related symptoms, restrictive lung function test, loss of ambulation for more than 1 year, or age greater than 17 years. Master class lectures on HMV were conducted for Ukrainian doctors in conjunction with patient training. Results: Twelve Ukrainian physicians took part in face-to-face master classes and 50 Ukrainian physicians participated in online master classes. Simultaneously, eight Duchenne inpatients, mean age 15.4 (SD: 1.8) years and body mass index 25.8 (SD: 4.0), were included in the study. All patients chose nasal masks and volume-pressure-assisted control mode. After 6 weeks, one patient stopped HMV, two others used HMV partially during sleep, and 5/8 used nocturnal HMV increasingly with few complaints. Follow up via phone call was organized after hospitalization. Conclusions: Implementation of HMV is feasible in DMD inpatients in Ukraine. In the short term, the Ukrainian parliament should recognize official centers for HMV, and define the funding policy of equipment for HMV, and its maintenance. Local distributors should deliver equipment for HMV and devices for monitoring carbon dioxide pressure and pulse oximetry in specialized centers for HMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly exposed to simultaneous auditory and visual stimulation in retail environments. Consistently, there is rising practitioner interest in how to interact the visual appearance of products and packaging with music sounds. This study addresses the intriguing question whether music systematically changes how people like what they see. We propose a cross‐modal homeostasis effect that explains how music changes the inverted‐U relationship between the perceived complexity of visuals and how much people like them. We show that the presence of music (irrespective of its complexity) shifts the optimal level of visual complexity towards liking of relatively simple visuals. Thus, while the mere presence of music decreases consumers' liking of complex visuals, it increases their liking of simpler visuals. Given the omnipresence of background music across business environments, the results have important implications, as music can have unexpected cross‐modal consequences for the evaluation of visuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the standard liquid crystal (LC) geometry, one generally finds a quasi‐parabolic director profile in the vertical direction, where the directors are aligned with an applied field in the center of the cell. In contrast, using a numerical energy minimization approach, we find that there are multiple metastable solutions where the director profile is oscillatory. At low voltages, we find small oscillations, which evolve into standard soliton‐like domain walls as the applied voltage is increased. We predict the thickness of the domain wall with a simple analytic model that gives a good comparison to our numerical calculations, in the standard domain wall regime. For dual‐frequency nematic LCs, the occurrence of this regime can be tuned by a change of the biasing frequency. Moreover, we investigate how domain walls can affect the optical properties of LC‐based devices. For instance, we find that the transmittance curve shifts to higher voltages as domain walls are introduced. This shift can be used to create an efficient tunable filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a multi‐institutional validation of a high‐fidelity, perfused, inanimate, simulation platform for robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using incorporated clinically relevant objective metrics of simulation (CROMS), applying modern validity standards. Materials and Methods: Using a combination of three‐dimensional (3D) printing and hydrogel casting, a RAPN model was developed from the computed tomography scan of a patient with a 4.2‐cm, upper‐pole renal tumour (RENAL nephrometry score 7×). 3D‐printed casts designed from the patient's imaging were used to fabricate and register hydrogel (polyvinyl alcohol) components of the kidney, including the vascular and pelvicalyceal systems. After mechanical and anatomical verification of the kidney phantom, it was surrounded by other relevant hydrogel organs and placed in a laparoscopic trainer. Twenty‐seven novice and 16 expert urologists, categorized according to caseload, from five academic institutions completed the simulation. Results: Clinically relevant objective metrics of simulators, operative complications, and objective performance ratings (Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills [GEARS]) were compared between groups using Wilcoxon rank‐sum (continuous variables) and parametric chi‐squared (categorical variables) tests. Pearson and point‐biserial correlation coefficients were used to correlate GEARS scores to each CROMS variable. Post‐simulation questionnaires were used to obtain subjective supplementation of realism ratings and training effectiveness. Results: Expert ratings demonstrated the model's superiority to other procedural simulations in replicating procedural steps, bleeding, tissue texture and appearance. A significant difference between groups was demonstrated in CROMS [console time (P < 0.001), warm ischaemia time (P < 0.001), estimated blood loss (P < 0.001)] and GEARS (P < 0.001). Six major intra‐operative complications occurred only in novice simulations. GEARS scores highly correlated with the CROMS. Conclusions: This perfused, procedural model offers an unprecedented realistic simulation platform, which incorporates objective, clinically relevant and procedure‐specific performance metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disagreements between patients and caregivers about treatment benefits, care decisions, and patients' health are associated with increased patient depression as well as increased caregiver anxiety, distress, depression, and burden. Understanding the factors associated with disagreement may inform interventions to improve the aforementioned outcomes. Methods: For this analysis, baseline data were obtained from a cluster‐randomized geriatric assessment trial that recruited patients aged ≥70 years who had incurable cancer from community oncology practices (University of Rochester Cancer Center 13070; Supriya G. Mohile, principal investigator). Patient and caregiver dyads were asked to estimate the patient's prognosis. Response options were 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, 2 to 5 years, and >5 years. The dependent variable was categorized as exact agreement (reference), patient‐reported longer estimate, or caregiver‐reported longer estimate. The authors used generalized estimating equations with multinomial distribution to examine the factors associated with patient‐caregiver prognostic estimates. Independent variables were selected using the purposeful selection method. Results: Among 354 dyads (89% of screened patients were enrolled), 26% and 22% of patients and caregivers, respectively, reported a longer estimate. Compared with dyads that were in agreement, patients were more likely to report a longer estimate when they screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.81; P =.001), and caregivers reported greater distress (β = 0.12; P =.03). Compared with dyads that were in agreement, caregivers were more likely to report a longer estimate when patients screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.82; P =.005) and had lower perceived self‐efficacy in interacting with physicians (β = −0.10; P =.008). Conclusions: Several patient and caregiver factors were associated with patient‐caregiver disagreement about prognostic estimates. Future studies should examine the effects of prognostic disagreement on patient and caregiver outcomes. Nearly one‐half (48%) of older patients and caregivers disagree with each other about the patient's prognosis; specifically, 26% of patients and 22% of caregivers report a longer estimate of the patient's prognosis. Caregiver distress, patient communication self‐efficacy, polypharmacy, and oncologist sex are associated with patient‐caregiver agreement about prognostic estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]