Search

Diapause is a vital survival strategy for insects, enabling them to conserve energy and endure adverse conditions. Understanding how diapause affects insect phenology and population dynamics is crucial for the effective management of insect pests. Predictive pest phenological models can be invaluable tools for providing essential information to support management strategies. This study presents a modelling framework to incorporate diapause into phenological models when biological information on variables regulating and functions describing diapause induction and termination are lacking or limited. In our framework, insect phenology is divided into a set of phases characterized by specific events (diapause induction and termination) and processes (development of diapausing and post‐diapausing biological stages). The phenology is simulated by a stage‐structured model based on the Kolmogorov equation, and the temperature‐dependent development rate functions are described by the Brière functional form. Our modelling framework was tested on a case study involving the prediction of the phenology of the codling moth, (Cydia pomonella L. 1758). Model calibration and validation were performed using four time‐series adult trap catch data collected in the Emilia Romagna Region from 2021 to 2023. The calibration procedure allowed obtaining realistic parameters related to the temperature threshold triggering diapause termination and the development rate function of post‐diapausing larvae and pupae. Model validation proved successful in simulating both the initial emergence and the overall phenological patterns of adults across the three observed generations. The methodological framework proposed here aims to facilitate the introduction of diapause in phenological models improving also their predictive abilities. The model may serve as an accurate and knowledge‐based tool for planning and implementing pest monitoring and control actions based on the realistic predictions provided by the model on the phenological status of the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge transfer (CT) crystals exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties with interesting applications. We present a rational and easy guide which allows to foresee the effective charge transfer co‐crystal production and that is based on the comparison of the frontier molecular orbital (MO) energies of a donor and acceptor couple. For the sake of comparison, theoretical calculations have been carried out by using the cheap and fast PM6 semiempirical Hamiltonian and pure HF/cc‐pVTZ level of the theory. The results are then compared with experimental results obtained both by chemical (bromine and iodine were used as the acceptor) and electrochemical doping (exploiting an original experimental set‐up by this laboratory: the electrochemical transistor). Infra‐red vibrational experimental results and theoretically calculated spectra are compared to assess both the effective donor‐acceptor (D/A) charge‐transfer and transport mechanism (giant IRAV polaron signature). XPS spectra have been collected (carbon (1 s) and iodine (3d5/2)) signals, yielding further evidence of the effective formation of the CT anthracene:iodine complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‐risk soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk wall (eSTS), as defined by the Sarculator nomogram, are more likely to benefit from (neo)adjuvant anthracycline‐based therapy compared to low/intermediate‐risk patients. The biology underpinning these differential treatment outcomes remain unknown. Methods: We analysed proteomic profiles and clinical outcomes of 123 eSTS patients. A Cox model for overall survival including the Sarculator was fitted to individual data to define four risk groups. A DNA replication protein signature‐Sarcoma Proteomic Module 6 (SPM6) was evaluated for association with clinicopathological factors and risk groups. SPM6 was added as a covariate together with Sarculator in a multivariable Cox model to assess improvement in prognostic risk stratification. Results: DNA replication and cell cycle proteins were upregulated in high‐risk versus very low‐risk patients. Evaluation of the functional effects of CRISPR‐Cas9 gene knockdown of proteins enriched in high‐risk patients using the cancer cell line encyclopaedia database identified candidate drug targets. SPM6 was significantly associated with tumour malignancy grade (p = 1.6e‐06), histology (p = 1.4e‐05) and risk groups (p = 2.6e‐06). Cox model analysis showed that SPM6 substantially contributed to a better calibration of the Sarculator nomogram (Index of Prediction Accuracy = 0.109 for Sarculator alone versus 0.165 for Sarculator + SPM6). Conclusions: Risk stratification of patient with STS is defined by distinct biological pathways across a range of cancer hallmarks. Incorporation of SPM6 protein signature improves prognostic risk stratification of the Sarculator nomogram. This study highlights the utility of integrating protein signatures for the development of next‐generation nomograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of multiple high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infections on the occurrence of persistence/recurrence of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) after conization/surgery for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was evaluated. Material and methods: A systematic search of Pubmed/Medine, Scopus, Cochrane databases from inception to June 30, 2023 was performed. Three reviewers independently screened the abstracts of the selected studies and extracted data from full‐text articles. The data were subsequently tabulated and compared for consistency. The bias associated with each included study was evaluated according to the OSQE method. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023433022. Results: Out of 1606 records screened, 22 full text articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 8321 subjects treated (loop electrosurgical excision, laser or surgery) because of HSIL were followed‐up and included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence of overall persistence and/or recurrence was 17.6 (95% CI: 12.3–23.5) in multiple and 14.3 (95% CI: 10.1–19.2) in single HR‐HPV infections detected shortly before or at surgery. The pooled rate of multiple HR‐HPV infections was 25% (95% CI: 20.4–30). The odds ratio of histologically confirmed HSIL persistence and/or recurrence was significantly higher (OR: 1.38, 95% CI:1.08–1.75, p = 0.01, heterogeneity = 39%) among multiple than single HR‐HPV infections. Increased risk of HSIL persistence/recurrence was more marked among studies with multiple HR‐HPVs prevalence ≥25% (12 studies, N = 3476) (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18–1.84, heterogeneity = 0%) and in those evaluating true histologically confirmed recurrence after at least 6 months of negative follow‐up (9 studies, N = 5073) (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.17–2.37, heterogeneity = 37%). Multiple HR‐HPVs infection detected during follow‐up visits had no effect on the risk of recurrence although the number of included studies was small (4 studies, N = 1248) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.68–1.39, heterogeneity = 0%). The risk of bias was rated as high in 10 and low‐moderate in 12 studies, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the risk of bias of the included studies (low/moderate vs. high), had a small, although not significant effect on the odds ratios of persistence/recurrence of HSIL (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.23–2 for low‐moderate risk of bias and OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.65–1.75 for high risk of bias; p‐value for subgroup differences = 0.17). Conclusions: Multiple HR‐HPVs infections at the time of standard treatment of HSIL entail a small but significant increased risk of persistence/recurrence of HSIL and should be taken into account in the follow‐up plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is a common disabling non‐motor symptom affecting patients with functional motor disorders (FMD). Objective: We aimed to explore ascending and descending nociceptive pathways with laser evoked potentials (LEPs) in FMD. Methods: We studied a "bottom‐up and top‐down" noxious paradigm applying a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) protocol and recorded N2/P2 amplitude in 21 FMD and 20 controls following stimulation of both right arm and leg at baseline (BS) (bottom‐up), during heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation (HNCS) with ice test (top‐down) and post‐HNCS. Results: We found a normal ascending pathway, but reduced CPM response (lower reduction of the N2/P2 amplitude) in FMD patients, by stimulating both upper and lower limbs. The N2/P2 amplitude ratio*100 (between the HNCS and BS) was significantly higher in patients with FMD than HC. Conclusions: Our results suggest that pain in FMD possibly reflects a descending pain inhibitory control impairment, therefore, providing a novel venue to explore the pathophysiology of pain in FMD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfatases catalyze essential cellular reactions, including degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). All sulfatases are post‐translationally activated by the formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) which is deficient in multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD), a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. Historically, patients were presumed to be deficient of all sulfatase activities; however, a more nuanced relationship is emerging. Each sulfatase may differ in their degree of post‐translational modification by FGE, which may influence the phenotypic spectrum of MSD. Here, we evaluate if residual sulfatase activity and accumulating GAG patterns distinguish cases from controls and stratify clinical severity groups in MSD. We quantify sulfatase activities and GAG accumulation using three complementary methods in MSD participants. Sulfatases differed greatly in their tolerance of reduction in FGE‐mediated activation. Enzymes that degrade heparan sulfate (HS) demonstrated lower residual activities than those that act on other GAGs. Similarly, HS‐derived urinary GAG subspecies preferentially accumulated, distinguished cases from controls, and correlated with disease severity. Accumulation patterns of specific sulfatase substrates in MSD provide fundamental insights into sulfatase regulation and will serve as much‐needed biomakers for upcoming clinical trials. This work highlights that biomarker investigation of an ultra‐rare disease can simultaneously inform our understanding of fundamental biology and advance clinical trial readiness efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many events, including the COVID‐19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient‐oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health‐related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face‐to‐face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face‐to‐face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology‐specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease‐specific instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper it is experimentally demonstrated that the electron‐spin/molecular‐handedness interaction plays a fundamental role in the chiral recognition process. This conclusion is inferred comparing current versus potential (I–V) curves recorded using chiral electrode surfaces, which are obtained via chemisorption of an enantiopure thiophene derivative: 3,3′‐bibenzothiophene core functionalized with 2,2′‐bithiophene wings (BT2T4). The chiral recognition capability of these chiral‐electrodes is probed via cyclic voltammetry measurements, where, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with enantiopure BT2T4 (BT2T4@AgNP) are used as the chiral redox probe. Then, the interface handedness is explored by recording spin‐polarized I–V curves in spin‐dependent electrochemistry (SDE) and magnetic‐conductive atomic force microscopy (mc‐AFM) experiments. The quality of the interfaces is thoroughly cross‐checked using X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, Raman, electrodesorption measurements, which further substantiate the metal(electrode)‐sulfur(thiophene) central role in the chemisorption process. Spin‐polarization values of about 15% and 30% are obtained in the case of SDE and mc‐AFM experiments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vascular access recirculation during hemodialysis is associated with reduced effectiveness and worse survival outcomes. To evaluate recirculation, an increase in pCO2 in the blood of the arterial line during hemodialysis (threshold of 4.5 mmHg) was proposed. The blood returning from the dialyzer in the venous line has significantly higher pCO2, so in the presence of recirculation, pCO2 in the arterial blood line may increase (ΔpCO2) during hemodialysis sessions. The aim of our study was to evaluate ΔpCO2 as a diagnostic tool for vascular access recirculation in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods: We evaluated vascular access recirculation with ΔpCO2 and compared it with the results of a urea recirculation test, which is the gold standard. ΔpCO2 was obtained from the difference in pCO2 in the arterial line at baseline (pCO2T1) and after 5 min of hemodialysis (pCO2T2). ∆pCO2 = pCO2T2–pCO2T1. Findings: In 70 hemodialysis patients (mean age: 70.52 ± 13.97 years; hemodialysis vintage of 41.36 ± 34.54, KT/V 1.4 ± 0.3), ∆pCO2 was 4 ± 4 mmHg, and urea recirculation was 7% ± 9%. Vascular access recirculation was identified using both methods in 17 of 70 patients, who showed a ∆pCO2 of 10 ± 5 mmHg and urea recirculation of 20% ± 9%; time in months of hemodialysis was the only difference between vascular access recirculation and non‐vascular access recirculation patients (22 ± 19 vs. 46 ± 36, p: 0.05). In the non‐vascular access recirculation group, the average ΔpCO2 was 1.9 ± 2 (p: 0.001), and the urea recirculation % was 2.8 ± 3 (p: 0.001). The ΔpCO2 correlated with the urea recirculation % (R: 0.728; p < 0.001). Discussion: ΔpCO2 in the arterial blood line during hemodialysis is an effective and reliable diagnostic tool for identifying recirculation of the vascular access but not its magnitude. The ΔpCO2 test application is simple and economical and does not require special equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is part of the European RFCS "FISHWALL" project entitled "Fire and Seismic performances of hybrid fire walls in case of single‐storey industrial and commercial steel buildings". The aim of the project is to design a hybrid firewall solution using sandwich panels for single‐storey buildings connected with the unprotected steel structure by means of fusible links, made of aluminium bolts. In this respect, the paper shows the results of preliminary numerical analyses performed on existing case studies of single‐storey steel buildings located in low and moderate seismicity zones and they were used: i) to estimate the seismic forces acting on the fusible links and ii) to subsequently design the specimens to be tested in the laboratory. In this respect, several finite elements models were developed in order to consider the widest range of configurations of the firewall with respect to the direction of the portal frame composing the steel buildings, i.e. firewall parallel and orthogonal to the portal frames. Based on the estimated forces, the design of the six different specimens was performed and it is thoroughly shown in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), using two mineral sources (sulphate and hydroxy forms), on the bone characteristics, skin strength/elasticity, and haematological parameters of broilers. A total of 1792 1‐day‐old male Cobb‐500 broiler chickens were randomly distributed among eight dietary treatments, using Cu sulphate (CSM) or hydroxychloride (CHC), and Zn sulphate (ZSM) or hydroxychloride (ZHC). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) low‐CSM/high‐ZSM, (2) high‐CSM/high‐ZSM, (3) low‐CHC/low‐ZHC, (4) low‐CHC/medium‐ZHC, (5) low‐CHC/high‐ZHC, (6) high‐CHC/low‐ZHC, (7) high‐CHC/medium‐ZHC, and (8) high‐CHC/high‐ZHC. On Day 42, blood samples were collected from one bird/pen to analyze the haematological parameters. Finally, two birds/pen were slaughtered, and the tibia and femur were collected to analyze the quality of bone and skin. The means were subjected to ANOVA and, when significant, compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05) or Dunnett's (p < 0.05) test. The haematological parameters were not influenced by mineral supplementation. However, the inclusion of low ZHC enhanced the skin strength compared to high ZHC (p = 0.046). Furthermore, the bone mineral density of the tibia proximal epiphysis, tibia ash and tibia mineral content were positively improved with supplementation of low‐CHC/medium‐ZHC compared to high‐CHC/medium‐ZHC. This study demonstrated that hydroxy compounds are potential alternatives for replacing sulphate supplements in broiler diets. Moreover, among the Cu and Zn levels, the low CHC (15 mg/kg) and medium ZHC (100 mg/kg) improved bone development and skin integrity, suggesting that the combination of Cu and Zn can be a nutritional strategy to prevent the incidence of leg disorders in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Although two doses of COVID‐19 vaccine elicited a protective humoral response in most persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), a significant group of them treated with immunosuppressive disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) showed less efficient responses. Methods: This prospective multicenter observational study evaluates differences in immune response after a third vaccine dose in pwMS. Results: Four hundred seventy‐three pwMS were analyzed. Compared to untreated patients, there was a 50‐fold decrease (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.3–100.0, p < 0.001) in serum SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels in those on rituximab, a 20‐fold decrease (95% CI = 8.3–50.0, p < 0.001) in those on ocrelizumab, and a 2.3‐fold decrease (95% CI = 1.2–4.6, p = 0.015) in those on fingolimod. As compared to the antibody levels after the second vaccine dose, patients on the anti‐CD20 drugs rituximab and ocrelizumab showed a 2.3‐fold lower gain (95% CI = 1.4–3.8, p = 0.001), whereas those on fingolimod showed a 1.7‐fold higher gain (95% CI = 1.1–2.7, p = 0.012), compared to patients treated with other DMTs. Conclusions: All pwMS increased their serum SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels after the third vaccine dose. The mean antibody values of patients treated with ocrelizumab/rituximab remained well below the empirical "protective threshold" for risk of infection identified in the CovaXiMS study (>659 binding antibody units/mL), whereas for patients treated with fingolimod this value was significantly closer to the cutoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has proved to be an exceptional reinforcing additive for composites, but the high cost of its synthesis has largely prevented its addition on industrial scales. Flash Joule heating provides a rapid, bulk‐scale method for graphene synthesis from coal materials, such as metallurgical coke (MC), into metallurgical coke‐derived flash graphene (MCFG). Here, this work investigates the properties of graphene‐epoxy composites in a higher nanofiller content regime than has previously been reported in literature. Composites with 20 to 50 wt% loading of MCFG are prepared by combining MCFG with diglycidyl ether bisphenol A epoxy precursor (DGEBA) and 1,5‐diamino‐2‐methylpentane. With a 1:2 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, the Young's modulus increases by 92% and with a 1:3 ratio, hardness increases by 140%. At a 1:4 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, compressive strength and maximum strain increase by 145% and 61%, respectively. At a 1:3 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, toughness increases by 496%. Finally, at a 1:1 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, GHG emissions, water consumption, and energy consumption are reduced by 33%, 47%, and 34%, respectively. As the cost of FG plummets, since it can be produced from very low cost materials like MC, in milliseconds with no solvent or water, the prospects are promising for its high‐loading use in composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on a retrospective study of primary DSRCT aiming at characterizing long‐term survivors (LTS). Methods: All consecutive patients treated at our institution for a primary DSRCT between 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients received multiagent chemotherapy ± surgery ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) ± whole abdomino‐pelvic radiotherapy (WAP‐RT) ± high‐dose chemotherapy ± maintenance chemotherapy (MC). Event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method. Patients alive, without evidence of disease at ≥36 months from diagnosis, were defined as LTS. Results: Thirty‐eight patients were identified. All received multiagent chemotherapy; 27/38 (71%) surgery (7/27 [26%] plus HIPEC), 9/38 (24%) WAP‐RT, 12/38 (32%) MC. At a median‐follow‐up of 37 months (IQR 18–63), overall median‐EFS and median‐OS were 15 and 37 months, respectively. All events occurred within 35 months. In patients who underwent surgery, median‐EFS and median‐OS were 19 and 37 months (23 and 43 months after R0/R1, and 10 and 19 months after R2 resection), respectively. LTS were 5/38 (13%), alive at 37, 39, 53, 64, 209 months. None had liver or extra‐abdominal metastasis at diagnosis, they all received R0/R1 resection, 3/5 had WAP‐RT, 2/5 MC, 1/5 received high‐dose chemotherapy, none HIPEC. Conclusions: In our series cure was likely achieved in 13% of DSRCT. LTS had no liver/extra‐abdominal disease, were treated with complete surgery, and possibly WAP‐RT/MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental study the autofluorescence of squamous carcinoma cells, stimulated by 6 different excitation wavelengths in the range 280–533 nm, has been compared with the autofluorescence of normal control keratinocytes. Skin cells were cultivated in vitro, to isolate their characteristic autofluorescence form the more complex one that would be originated by the complete skin tissue. Autofluorescence spectra in the visible range were complemented by absorption measurements. It was observed that the control cells showed characteristic emission (and absorption) structures due to typical endogenous chromophores [FAD and NAD(P)H, lipo‐pigments, porphyrins], that were severely dumped in pathological cells. The autofluorescence spectra were then elaborated by multivariate analysis: after a first exploratory data analysis by means of Principal Component Analysis, the whole dataset was used to develop classification models using partial least squares‐discriminant analysis, to differentiate between normal and pathological cells. This permitted us to identify the most suitable fluorescence spectral interval, in the 550–670 nm range, to discriminate between normal and pathological behavior, independently on the excitation wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X‐ray microscopy (XRM) is a non‐destructive characterization technique that provides quantitative information regarding the morphology/composition of the specimen and allows to perform multiscale and multimodal 2D/3D experiments exploiting the radiation‐matter interactions. XRM is particularly suitable to afford in situ images of inner parts of a battery and for the early diagnosis of its degradation in a non‐invasive way. Since traditional characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, XRD) often require the removal of a component from the encapsulated device that may lead to non‐desired contamination of the sample, the non‐destructive multi‐scale potential of XRM represents an important improvement to batteries investigation. In this work, we present the advanced technical features that characterize a sub‐micron X‐ray microscopy system, its use for the investigation of hidden and internal structures of different types of batteries and to understand their behavior and evolution after many charge/discharge cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe three patients with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability, mildly dysmorphic features, and hirsutism, all of which carry de novo sequence variants in the WW domain‐containing adaptor of the coiled‐coil (WAC) gene; two of these—c.167delA, p.(Asn56I1efs*136) and c.1746G>C, p.(Gln582His)—are novel pathogenic variants, and the third—c.1837C>T, p(Arg613*)—has been previously described. Diseases associated with WAC include DeSanto–Shinawi syndrome; to date, de novo heterozygous constitutional pathogenic WAC variants have caused a syndromic form of intellectual disability and mild dysmorphic features in 33 patients, yet potential associations with other clinical manifestations, such as oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenism, remain unknown, because the phenotypic spectrum of the condition has not yet been delineated. The patient bearing the novel c.167delA WAC gene variant presented a normal psychomotor development, oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and hirsutism, and hirsutism was also observed in the patient with the c.1746G>C WAC gene variant. Hypertrichosis and hirsutism have been described in nine DeSanto–Shinawi patients, only in 17 of the 33 aforementioned patients thus far reported this aspect, and no hormonal‐pattern data are available. In conclusion, we note that the pathogenic c.167delA WAC variant may be associated with a mild phenotype; and in addition to the neurodevelopmental problems nearly all DeSanto–Shinawi patients experience (i.e., intellectual disability and/or developmental delay), we recommend the addition of mild dysmorphic features, hirsutism, and hypertrichosis to this clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α‐Hydroxy amides are an essential class of compounds found in natural products and bioactive molecules of drug candidates. Herein we report a facile and direct approach to these compounds through oxalic acid decarbonylation/decarboxylation during the Passerini three‐component reaction (P‐3CR) under solvent‐free conditions with microwave heating. This very convenient methodology provides the title compounds through a possible concerted intramolecular decarbonylation/decarboxylation from the α‐acyloxy amide intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Charge-Transfer Complexes: Halogen-Doped Anthracene as a Case of Study," presents a method for predicting effective charge transfer in donor-acceptor co-crystals. The study compares the frontier molecular orbital energies of the donor-acceptor couple using theoretical and experimental data. The article includes an image of a vacuum evaporation setup with iodine as the acceptor. The authors of the article are Simone Gilioli, Roberto Giovanardi, Camilla Ferrari, Monica Montecchi, Andrea Gemelli, Andrea Severini, Fabrizio Roncaglia, Alberta Carella, Francesco Rossella, Davide Vanossi, Andrea Marchetti, Raanan Carmieli, Luca Pasquali, and Claudio Fontanesi. [Extracted from the article]

The precursors have significant influence on the catalytic activity of nonprecious electrocatalysts for effective water splitting. Herein, we report active electrocatalysts based on cobalt oxide (Co3O4) hierarchical nanostructures derived from four different precursors of cobalt (acetate, nitrate, chloride, and sulfate salts) using the low‐temperature aqueous chemical growth method. It has been found that the effect of precursor on the morphology of nanostructured material depends on the synthetic method. The Co3O4 nanostructures exhibited cubic phase derived from these four precursors. The Co3O4 nanostructures obtained from chloride precursor have demonstrated improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to other precursors due relatively higher content of Co3O4 nanostructures at the surface of material. An overpotential of 400 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm−2 was observed for HER. The Co3O4 nanostructures derived from the chloride precursor have shown favorable reaction kinetics via 34 mV dec−1 value of the Tafel slope for HER reaction. The Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor have also shown an excellent HER durability for 15 hr in alkaline media. Furthermore, the OER functional characterization was carried out onto Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor exhibited 220 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1. Importantly, the reason behind the favorable catalytic activity of Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor was linked to one order of magnitude smaller charge transfer resistance and higher amount of Co3O4 content at the surface of nanostructures than the Co3O4 nanostructures derived from other precursors. The performance of Co3O4 nanostructures derived from chloride precursor via the wet chemical method suggests that cobalt chloride precursor could be of great interest for the development of efficient, stable, nonprecious, and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts for the chemical energy conversion and storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is not completely understood. This study investigated the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to prognostic stratification based on the Sarculator nomogram for STS. Methods: This study analyzed data from ISG‐STS 1001, a randomized study that tested 3 cycles of neoadjuvant anthracycline plus ifosfamide (AI) or histology‐tailored (HT) chemotherapy in adult patients with STS. The 10‐year predicted overall survival (pr‐OS) was estimated with the Sarculator and was stratified into higher (10‐year pr‐OS < 60%) and lower risk subgroups (10‐year pr‐OS ≥ 60%). Results: The median pr‐OS was 0.63 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.51‐0.72) for the entire study population, 0.62 (IQR, 0.51‐0.70) for the AI arm, and 0.64 (IQR, 0.51‐0.73) for the HT arm. Three‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82‐0.93) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71‐0.86) in lower risk patients and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.70‐0.85) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.51‐0.72) in the higher risk patients (log‐rank test, P =.004). In higher risk patients, the 3‐ and 5‐year Sarculator‐predicted and study‐observed OS rates were 0.68 and 0.58, respectively, and 0.85 and 0.66, respectively, in the AI arm (P =.04); the corresponding figures in the HT arm were 0.69 and 0.60, respectively, and 0.69 and 0.55, respectively (P >.99). In lower risk patients, the 3‐ and 5‐year Sarculator‐predicted and study‐observed OS rates were 0.85 and 0.80, respectively, and 0.89 and 0.82, respectively, in the AI arm (P =.507); the corresponding figures in the HT arm were 0.87 and 0.81, respectively, and 0.86 and 0.74, respectively (P =.105). Conclusions: High‐risk patients treated with AI performed better than predicted, and this adds to the evidence for the efficacy of neoadjuvant AI in STS. Lay Summary: People affected by soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk wall are at some risk of developing metastasis after surgery.Preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy has been tested in clinical trials to reduce the chances of distant metastasis. However, study findings have not been conclusive.This study stratified the risk of metastasis for people affected by sarcomas who were included in a clinical trial testing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Exploiting the prognostic nomogram Sarculator, it found a benefit for chemotherapy when the predicted risk, based on patient and tumor characteristics, was high. This analysis of the ISG‐STS 1001 trial, which compares anthracycline plus ifosfamide and histology‐tailored chemotherapy in 5 high‐risk soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk wall, supports the Sarculator nomogram for stratifying patient risk in clinical practice and in clinical trials that will investigate perioperative therapies for soft tissue sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution of many species and populations inhabiting mountain tops are particularly vulnerable to these threats because they are constrained in altitudinal shifts. Apennines are a relatively narrow and low mountain chain located in Southern Europe, which hosts many isolated populations of mountain species. The butterfly Erebia pandrose was recorded for the last time in the Apennines in 1977, on the top of a single massif (Monti della Laga).We confirmed the presence of a small, isolated population of E. pandrose in the Apennines, at a distance of more than 400 km to any other known populations. Then, we examined the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial DNA marker of this species across the Palaearctic area and estimated the potential decline over the Alps and the Apennines due to future climatic changes.The Apennine population represents an endemic lineage characterised by eight mutations over the 658 bp analysed (1.2%). In the Alps and Apennines, this species has shifted uphill more than 3 m per year since the end of the 19th century and more than 22 m per year since 1995. Species distribution models suggested that these mountain populations will experience a generalised loss of climatic suitability, which, according to our projections, could lead to the extinction of the Apennine population in a few decades.Erebia pandrose has the potential to become a flagship species for advertising the risk of losing unique fractions of genetic diversity for mountain species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abandonment of agricultural land and the afforestation of grassland habitats represent major threats for butterflies in European and Mediterranean areas. A crucial goal for Lepidoptera conservation is to maintain and/or restore habitat quality by targeted management. Nevertheless, there are few experimental studies allowing to derive data‐driven strategies to protect butterflies of open grasslands in the Mediterranean region.We developed a habitat management strategy for the conservation of the Italian endemic butterfly Zerynthia cassandra by adopting a three‐step procedure: (i) characterising which environmental and host plant features influence oviposition on plants; (ii) identifying and testing the effect of a data‐driven habitat management intervention; (iii) understanding which micro‐habitat features promote Z. cassandra oviposition in restored places to optimise the intervention.Both patch (areas of 1 m radius hosting Aristolochia shoots) and plant features affect oviposition, with the strongest positive effects showed by high irradiation of the patch and plant quality (high number of flowers and leaves). Accordingly, the management consisted in vegetation cuts to increase irradiation, and 2 years of monitoring demonstrated that this procedure significantly increased oviposition (average increase of about 2 eggs per plant) and larval presence. Micro‐habitat sampling demonstrated that the maximum oviposition differed between vegetation structures, highlighting the importance of a local fine‐tuning before the intervention.We provided a data‐driven, effective, and sustainable management strategy to increase habitat suitability and oviposition for an endemic and endangered Mediterranean butterfly. Our framework can drive management strategies for other species with similar ecological requirements and subjected to similar threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing of printed electronics relies on the deposition of conductive liquid inks, typically onto polymeric or paper substrates. Among available conductive fillers for use in electronic inks, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high conductivity, low density, processability at low temperatures, and intrinsic mechanical flexibility. However, the electrical conductivity of printed CNT structures has been limited by CNT quality and concentration, and by the need for nonconductive modifiers to make the ink stable and extrudable. This study introduces a polymer‐free, printable aqueous CNT ink, and, via an ambient direct‐write printing process, presents the relationships between printing resolution, ink rheology, and ink‐substrate interactions. A model is constructed to predict printed feature sizes on impermeable substrates based on Wenzel wetting. Printed lines have conductivity up to 10 000 S m−1. The lines are flexible, with <5% change in DC resistance after 1000 bending cycles, and <3% change in DC resistance with a bending radius down to 1 mm. Demonstrations focus on i) conformality, via printing CNTs onto stickers that can be applied to curved surfaces, ii) interactivity using a CNT‐based button printed onto folded paper structure, and iii) capacitive sensing of liquid wicking into the substrate itself. Facile integration of surface mount components on printed circuits is enabled by the intrinsic adhesion of the wet ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ugi reactions are still a challenge when the concomitant use of ammonia and formaldehyde is required. Herein, we propose a strategy to overcome this challenge using hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as a singular key for the employment of these two simple starting materials in the Ugi reaction. Acylaminoacetamide derivatives were prepared in good to excellent yields by this new methodology. The scope and optimization of the reaction conditions were investigated. This novel methodology was successfully applied in the synthesis of two different diketopiperazines (DKPs) using the Ugi/Deprotection+Activation/Cyclization (UDAC) method. A continuous flow approach was also used in this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of EPPO Bulletin is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The growth of intra‐regional trade in the Global South begs the question of whether frameworks developed for the study of North–South global value chains can be used to study labour standards in emerging South–South networks. Critical of the structuralist approaches characterizing the literature, in this article I tackle the question of how formal and informal institutions interact to shape labour standards in South–South regional value chains. This is achieved in two stages. In the first part of the article, I build on Habermas's theory of communicative action to frame labour standards as the outcome of agents' interactions within and across firms, politico‐administrative institutions and workers' private and public spheres. Drawing on this framework, in the second part of the article I compare labour standards across the Kenya handbag and footwear sectors. While, in the former, interaction across informal institutions favoured an inclusive and consensual debate between workers and employers; in the latter, an overwhelming process of marketization and bureaucratization failed to provide an interactive space for workers' concerns to be voiced and negotiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is on the intermolecular interaction active between polyaniline (PANI) and 10‐camphorsulfonic acid (10CSA). Enantiopure 10CSA, present in the electropolymerization solution, promotes chiral induction in the supramolecular polyaniline polymer (cPANI). Tight integration of experimental data (circular dichroism, CD, near edge X‐ray absorption spectra, NEXAFS, conductive probe atomic force microscopy, CP‐AFM) and theoretical [density functional theory, (DFT)] results allows to unfold the nature of the electronic interaction between PANI and 10CSA and to shed light on the physical interactions inducing the chiral character to bulk pristine non‐chiral PANI: eventually yielding cPANI. The electropolymerization follows a "wet chemistry" method: electrochemical polymerization of aniline in the co‐presence in bulk solution of enantiopure 10‐camphorsulfonic acid (10CSA). The latter is exploited as chirality inductor. The method of integration between experimental results with ab‐initio theoretical calculations, strongly suggests that the chiral induction exerted by the CSA stems from exchange interaction between CSA and PANI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self‐assembly of electroactive organic molecules on transparent conductive oxides is a versatile strategy to engineer the interfacial energy‐level alignment and to enhance charge carrier injection in optoelectronic devices. Via chemical grafting of an aromatic oligothiophene molecule by changing the position of the phosphonic acid anchoring group with respect to the organic moiety (terminal and internal), the direction of the main molecular dipole is changed, i.e., from parallel to perpendicular to the substrate, to study the molecular arrangement and electronic properties at the organic–inorganic interface. It is found that the observed work function increase cannot solely be predicted based on the calculated molecular dipole moment of the oligothiophene‐based phosphonates. In addition, charge transfer from the substrate to the molecule has to be taken into account. Molecular assembly and induced electronic changes are analogous for both indium‐tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO), demonstrating the generality of the approach and highlighting the direct correlation between molecular coverage and electronic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) develops in ~30% of patients with psoriasis. The diagnosis of PsA is challenging, and there are no reliable molecular markers in clinical use. MicroRNAs are short non‐coding regulatory RNAs, which can be actively packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and secreted to the circulation. Objectives: To explore whether plasma‐derived EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for PsA in patients with psoriasis. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from patients with cutaneous‐only psoriasis (PsC) and patients with psoriasis and PsA. Plasma EVs were isolated using miRCURY™ Exosome Isolation Kit. RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed EV miRNAs in the discovery phase (PsC, n = 15; PsA, n = 14). In the validation phase (PsC, n = 29; PsA, n = 28), 41 selected miRNAs were analysed in plasma EVs by qPCR. The association of the identified miRNAs with PsA was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: RNA sequencing identified 19 plasma EV miRNAs with significantly different levels between PsA and PsC in the discovery cohort. Significantly lower levels of plasma EV let‐7b‐5p and miR‐30e‐5p in PsA vs. PsC were confirmed in the validation cohort, and their decreased levels were found to be associated with the presence of PsA. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI 0.53–0.83) for let‐7b‐5p and 0.69 (95% CI 0.55–0.84) for miR‐30e‐5p. Conclusions: Circulating EV microRNA levels are altered in patients with PsA as compared with PsC. Findings of this exploratory study suggest that circulating EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for arthritis in psoriasis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sunitinib is a standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Currently, the data available on the effects of sunitinib on endothelial dysfunction, metabolic changes, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are limited, and we aimed to evaluate these aspects in patients with RCC after a short period of treatment. Methods: Patients affected by metastatic RCC were enrolled and evaluated before starting sunitinib (T0) and after 40 days of treatment (T1) by the flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (IMT), ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI), and 24‐hour proteinuria. We also assessed serum metabolic and nutritional parameters at T0 and T1. Results: Twenty patients (7 female), with a mean age of 61.4 ± 12.0 years, were studied. Overtime, we observed a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (P =.002), FMD (P =.001) and in fasting plasma glucose levels (P =.04), as well as an increase in plasma insulin (P <.001), HOMA‐IR (P <.01), and serum total cholesterol levels (P =.01). Moreover at T1 we found a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P ≤.001) and 24‐hour proteinuria (P <.001) compared to baseline, whereas no changes in IMT and ABI were detected. Conclusion: The changes observed overtime after sunitinib treatment in terms of markers of early endothelial dysfunction, blood pressure, as well as in glucose/insulin metabolism and proteinuria may contribute to increase CV risk in RCC patients and suggest a strict follow‐up in this setting. Larger evidences are mandatory to confirm our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Ventilation vs. carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) is among the strongest cardiopulmonary exercise testing prognostic parameters in heart failure (HF). It is usually reported as an absolute value. The current definition of normal VE/VCO2 slope values is inadequate, since it was built from small groups of subjects with a particularly limited number of women and elderly. We aimed to define VE/VCO2 slope prediction formulas in a sizable population and to test whether the prognostic power of VE/VCO2 slope in HF was different if expressed as a percentage of the predicted value or as an absolute value. Methods and results: We calculated the linear regressions between age and VE/VCO2 slope in 1136 healthy subjects (68% male, age 44.9 ± 14.5, range 13–83 years). We then applied age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted formulas to predict VE/VCO2 slope to HF patients included in the metabolic exercise test data combined with cardiac and kidney indexes score database, which counts 6112 patients (82% male, age 61.4 ± 12.8, left ventricular ejection fraction 33.2 ± 10.5%, peakVO2 14.8 ± 4.9, mL/min/kg, VE/VCO2 slope 32.7 ± 7.7) from 24 HF centres. Finally, we evaluated whether the use of absolute values vs. percentages of predicted VE/VCO2 affected HF prognosis prediction (composite of cardiovascular mortality + urgent transplant or left ventricular assist device). We did so in the entire cardiac and kidney indexes score population and separately in HF patients with severe (peakVO2 < 14 mL/min/kg, n = 2919, 61.1 events/1000 pts/year) or moderate (peakVO2 ≥ 14 mL/min/kg, n = 3183, 19.9 events/1000 pts/year) HF. In the healthy population, we obtained the following equations: female, VE/VCO2 = 0.052 × Age + 23.808 (r = 0.192); male, VE/VCO2 = 0.095 × Age + 20.227 (r = 0.371) (P = 0.007). We applied these formulas to calculate the percentages of predicted VE/VCO2 values. The 2‐year survival prognostic power of VE/VCO2 slope was strong, and it was similar if expressed as absolute value or as a percentage of predicted value (AUCs 0.686 and 0.690, respectively). In contrast, in severe HF patients, AUCs significantly differed between absolute values (0.637) and percentages of predicted values (0.650, P = 0.0026). Moreover, VE/VCO2 slope expressed as a percentage of predicted value allowed to reclassify 6.6% of peakVO2 < 14 mL/min/kg patients (net reclassification improvement = 0.066, P = 0.0015). Conclusions: The percentage of predicted VE/VCO2 slope value strengthens the prognostic power of VE/VCO2 in severe HF patients, and it should be preferred over the absolute value for HF prognostication. Furthermore, the widespread use of VE/VCO2 slope expressed as percentage of predicted value can improve our ability to identify HF patients at high risk, which is a goal of utmost clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been shown to restore the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis by increasing testosterone (T) levels to physiological levels in patients with dysmetabolic conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the data are unclear regarding the effects on Sertoli cell (SC) function. Aim: To study SC function by assessing Inhibin B (IB) and anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels at baseline and after 3 months of CC treatment. Materials and methods: This is an ancillary study of a cross‐over, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial performed to evaluate androgen response to CC treatment in dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels treated with metformin. We evaluated SC function by assessing IB and AMH levels at baseline and after 3 months of each treatment in ten dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels. In all subjects, the influence of the clinical characteristics, metabolic and hormonal baseline parameters on SC and Leydig (LC) function, evaluated respectively with AMH, IB, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and T levels, was tested. Results: No significant changes were observed for IB and AMH concentrations after each treatment period. Whereas T and oestradiol (E2) levels were shown to be significantly higher in the CC plus metformin phase (CC/Met) only. No clinical, metabolic or hormonal parameters showed significant effects on serum AMH at baseline or after treatments. However, baseline T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 positively affected IB levels during CC/Met therapy (P = .003, P = .038 and P = .049, respectively). Baseline leptin and FSH had a negative (P = 031) and positive (P = .048) respectively role on T levels during CC/Met, as they were statistically significant compared to the placebo period (Plac/Met). Conclusion: Unlike the LC activity, CC was unable to influence SC function, as shown by the lack of IB and AMH serum modifications, thus suggesting an intrinsic nonreversible defect of SC cells in patients with dysmetabolic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although preliminary studies have demonstrated safety and effectiveness of single replacement therapy for growth hormone deficiency or testosterone deficiency in heart failure (HF), no data are available regarding the combined treatment with both GH and T in this setting. Thus, the aim of the present hypothesis generating pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple hormonal replacement therapies in chronic HF. Methods and results: Five stable HF with reduced ejection fraction patients, with a concomitant diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency and testosterone deficiency, on top of guideline‐based HF treatment underwent 1 year of GH replacement therapy by subcutaneous injections of somatotropin at a dose of 0.012 mg/kg every second day. After 12 months, a T replacement treatment was added at a dosage of 1000 mg every 3 months. Each patient underwent a complete M‐mode, two‐dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic examination, and an incremental symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise test on a bicycle ergometer at baseline (BL), after 1 year of GH treatment (V1), and after 1 year of combined GH + T treatments (V2). One‐year of GH treatment resulted in a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (+5.4%, P < 0.01), New York Heart Association functional class (P < 0.05), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (+19.3%, P < 0.01), and in a significant reduction in NT‐proBNP levels (−35.1%, P < 0.01). Notably, one additional year of combined GH and T replacement therapy induced a further increase in VO2 peak (+27.7%, final delta change + 52.44%, P < 0.01), as well as a significant improvement in muscular strength, as assessed by handgrip dynamometry (+17.5%, final delta change + 25.8%, P < 0.01). These beneficial effects were paralleled with an improvement of the overall clinical status (as assessed by New York Heart Association class). Of note, neither adverse effects nor cardiovascular events were reported during the follow‐up period. Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest for the first time that combined replacement therapy with GH and T could be considered safe and therapeutic in HF patients with multiple hormone deficiencies, supporting the hypothesis that multiple hormone deficiencies syndrome can be considered as a novel and promising therapeutic target in HF. Further studies with a more robust design and larger population are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prolonged application time of helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to better outcomes, but its timing can be influenced by the patient's tolerance. Aims and objectives: To investigate patients' pain and tolerance experience related to different options of helmet fixing system: 'armpits strap' versus 'counterweights system'. Design This was a non–randomized crossover study performed in a 10‐bed intensive care unit and referral extra corporeal membrane oxigenation (ECMO) centre of an Italian university hospital. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled. For helmet‐CPAP cycles performed with the armpit straps option, the mean pain numerical rate on a 0–10 scale was: 0·5 ± 1·4 at T0 (baseline), 1·5 ± 2·0 at T1 (after 1 h) and 2·6 ± 2·5 at T2 (end of cycle) (p = 0·023). The same analysis was performed for the counterweights fixing option. The mean score was 0·3 ± 0·6 at T0, 0·3 ± 0·2 at T1 and 0·5 ± 0·7 at T2 (p = 0·069). The mean duration for CPAP cycles performed with armpits strap and counterweights system was 3·0 ± 1·0 and 3·9 ± 2·3 h, respectively (p < 0·001). The mean section of the Basilic vein that was investigated before wearing the helmet was equal to 0·23 ± 0·20 cm2. After 1 h of therapy with the counterweight option and armpit straps, the mean increase of the vein's section was 0·27 ± 0·21(p = 0·099) and 0·30 ± 0·25, respectively (p = 0·080). Conclusions: The fixing system options in use to anchor the helmet during CPAP could worsen the pain experience level and cause device‐related pressure ulcers. When compared with the armpit straps option, the counterweights system appears to be a suitable approach to minimize the risks of pressure sores and pain during the treatment. Relevance to practice: The helmet CPAP is a reliable therapy to manage acute respiratory failure. Major improvements regarding pulmonary alveolar recruitment and oxygen levels are strictly related to a prolonged time of helmet CPAP cycles. Using a counterweight fixing system, where the armpits straps are not necessary, could be helpful in reducing patients' pain experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare truncating BRCA2 K3326X (rs11571833) and pathogenic CHEK2 I157T (rs17879961) variants have previously been implicated in familial pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but not in sporadic cases. The effect of both mutations in important DNA repair genes on sporadic PDAC risk may shed light on the genetic architecture of this disease. Both mutations were genotyped in germline DNA from 2,935 sporadic PDAC cases and 5,626 control subjects within the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) consortium. Risk estimates were evaluated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression with adjustment for possible confounders such as sex, age and country of origin. Statistical analyses were two‐sided with p values <0.05 considered significant. K3326X and I157T were associated with increased risk of developing sporadic PDAC (odds ratio (ORdom) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–2.52, p = 1.19 × 10−3 and ORdom = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.15–2.63, p = 8.57 × 10−3, respectively). Neither mutation was significantly associated with risk of developing early‐onset PDAC. This retrospective study demonstrates novel risk estimates of K3326X and I157T in sporadic PDAC which suggest that upon validation and in combination with other established genetic and non‐genetic risk factors, these mutations may be used to improve pancreatic cancer risk assessment in European populations. Identification of carriers of these risk alleles as high‐risk groups may also facilitate screening or prevention strategies for such individuals, regardless of family history. What's new? Mutations in BRCA2 and CHEK2 are associated with susceptibility to many cancers, including pancreatic. The survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains abysmal, and early diagnostic markers are urgently needed. Here, the authors investigated the effect of a truncating BRCA2 variant (rs11571833) and a missense CHEK2 variant (rs17879961) on sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma risk. Using data from the PANDoRA consortium, they tested a large number of samples, making this the first high‐power study to investigate these variants. Both variants, they found, increased the risk of non‐familial PDAC, and these variants may contribute to polygenic risk scores that help identify at‐risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomere deregulation is a hallmark of cancer. Telomere length measured in lymphocytes (LTL) has been shown to be a risk marker for several cancers. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) consensus is lacking whether risk is associated with long or short telomeres. Mendelian randomization approaches have shown that a score built from SNPs associated with LTL could be used as a robust risk marker. We explored this approach in a large scale study within the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) consortium. We analyzed 10 SNPs (ZNF676‐rs409627, TERT‐rs2736100, CTC1‐rs3027234, DHX35‐rs6028466, PXK‐rs6772228, NAF1‐rs7675998, ZNF208‐rs8105767, OBFC1‐rs9420907, ACYP2‐rs11125529 and TERC‐rs10936599) alone and combined in a LTL genetic score ("teloscore", which explains 2.2% of the telomere variability) in relation to PDAC risk in 2,374 cases and 4,326 controls. We identified several associations with PDAC risk, among which the strongest were with the TERT‐rs2736100 SNP (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.35–1.76; p = 1.54 × 10−10) and a novel one with the NAF1‐rs7675998 SNP (OR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.73–0.88; p = 1.87 × 10−6, ptrend = 3.27 × 10−7). The association of short LTL, measured by the teloscore, with PDAC risk reached genome‐wide significance (p = 2.98 × 10−9 for highest vs. lowest quintile; p = 1.82 × 10−10 as a continuous variable). In conclusion, we present a novel genome‐wide candidate SNP for PDAC risk (TERT‐rs2736100), a completely new signal (NAF1‐rs7675998) approaching genome‐wide significance and we report a strong association between the teloscore and risk of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that telomeres are a potential risk factor for pancreatic cancer. What's new? How does lymphocyte telomere length affect pancreatic cancer risk? These authors analyzed 10 SNPs associated with telomere length and their relationship with pancreatic cancer risk, using data from the Pancreatic Disease Research (PANDoRA) consortium. Each patient received a "teloscore" based on the combined SNP data, and it turned out that a low teloscore ‐ predicting a short telomere ‐ was associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk. The researchers also identified for the first time a significant genome‐wide association between a SNP, TERT‐rs2736100, and increased pancreatic cancer risk. They also discovered a completely novel association between a SNP, NAF1‐rs7675998, and decreased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS), deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, del(20)(q), often acquired in bone marrow (BM), may imply a lower risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML), due to the loss of the EIF6 gene. The genes L3MBTL1 and SGK2, also on chromosome 20, are in a cluster of imprinted genes, and their loss implies dysregulation of BM function. We report here the results of array comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) performed on BM DNA of six patients which confirmed the consistent loss of EIF6 gene. Interestingly, array single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed copy neutral loss of heterozygosity for EIF6 region in cases without del(20)(q). No preferential parental origin of the deleted chromosome 20 was detected by microsatellite analysis in six SDS patients. Our patients showed a very mild haematological condition, and none evolved into BM aplasia or MDS/AML. We extend the benign prognostic significance of del(20)(q) and loss of EIF6 to the haematological features of these patients, consistently characterized by mild hypoplastic BM, no or mild neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Some odd results obtained in microsatellite and SNP‐array analysis demonstrate a peculiar genomic instability, in an attempt to improve BM function through the acquisition of the del(20)(q). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]