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Less than 20% of Australians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) meet recommended glucose targets. Technology use is associated with better glycaemia, with the most advanced being automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which are now recommended as gold‐standard T1D care. Our Australian AID trial shows a wide spectrum of adults with T1D can achieve recommended targets. Other studies, including lived experience data, are supportive. Insulin pumps are not subsidised for most Australian adults with T1D. We advocate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Hypothesis: In diabetes haptoglobin (Hp) 2 vs Hp 1 allelic product is associated with cardiac and renal complications. Few studies report both Hp phenotype and Hp levels. In a Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial substudy we evaluated the Hp phenotype, Hp levels, and fenofibrate effects. Materials and Methods: In 480 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) the Hp phenotype was assessed and the Hp level quantified (both using ELISAs assays) in plasma from baseline, after 6 weeks of fenofibrate, and (in n = 200) at 2 years post‐randomization to fenofibrate or placebo. Results: The Hp phenotypes 1‐1, 2‐1, and 2‐2 frequencies were 15%, 49%, and 36%, respectively. Baseline Hp levels differed by phenotype (P < 0.0001) and decreased (median 21%) after 6 weeks fenofibrate in all phenotypes (adjusted mean (95% CI): −0.27 (−0.32, −0.23) mg/mL in Hp 1‐1, −0.29 (−0.31, −0.27) mg/mL in Hp 2‐1 and −0.05 (−0.07, −0.02) mg/mL in Hp 2‐2 (P = 0.005 and P = 0.055 vs Hp 1‐1 and Hp 2‐1, respectively)). At 2 years post‐randomization the Hp levels in the placebo group had returned to baseline, whilst the fenofibrate‐group levels remained similar to the 6 week levels. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetes, Hp levels differ by Hp phenotype and are decreased by fenofibrate in all phenotypes, but the effect is diminished in Hp 2‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gold standard for measuring insulin sensitivity (IS) is the hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp, a time, costly, and labor‐intensive research tool. A low insulin sensitivity is associated with a complication‐risk in type 1 diabetes. Various formulae using clinical data have been developed and correlated with measured IS in type 1 diabetes. We consolidated multiple formulae into an online calculator (bit.ly/estimated‐GDR), enabling comparison of IS and its probability of IS <4.45 mg/kg/min (low) or >6.50 mg/kg/min (high), as measured in a validation set of clamps in 104 adults with type 1 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity calculations using different formulae varied significantly, with correlations (R2) ranging 0.005–0.87 with agreement in detecting low and high glucose disposal rates in the range 49–93% and 89–100%, respectively. We demonstrate that although the calculated IS varies between formulae, their interpretation remains consistent. Our free online calculator offers a user‐friendly tool for individual IS calculations and also offers efficient batch processing of data for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 6002 Australian adults with type 2 diabetes and a median 5‐year follow‐up in the FIELD (Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) trial, baseline socioeconomic status (SES) and self‐reported education level were not related to development of on‐trial sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy. Similarly, in a retinal photography substudy (n = 549), two‐step diabetic retinopathy progression was not related to SES or education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal vessel calibre metrics were evaluated at baseline and 2 years in a FIELD substudy (n = 208). Central retinal venule calibre was significantly reduced by fenofibrate and unchanged by placebo. Arteriole metrics did not change. Larger studies relating retinal vessel calibre to future diabetes complications and response to therapy are merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To measure skin autofluorescence in youth (<18 y.o.) and adults (≥18 y.o.) and to assess its relationship with type 1 diabetes, chronic complications and smoking. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study (n = 383) skin autofluorescence was measured in 269 people with type 1 diabetes (67 with vascular complications) and 114 people without diabetes, covering eight decades of age. Associations of skin autofluorescence with demographics and traditional risk factors were assessed. Results: Skin autofluorescence increased with age in people with diabetes: for those with complications it increased by a mean ± se of 0.029 ± 0.003 arbitrary units per year (r = 0.76) and, for those without complications, it increased by 0.028 ± 0.002 arbitrary units (r = 0.77). These increases were higher than for people without diabetes, whose skin autofluorescence increased by 0.022 ± 0.002 arbitrary units (r = 0.78) per year (p = 0.004). Mean ±se age‐adjusted skin autofluorescence was higher in people with diabetes complications vs people without diabetes complications (1.85 ± 0.04 vs 1.66 ± 0.02 arbitrary units) and people without diabetes (1.48 ± 0.03 arbitrary units; all P < 0.0001). Age‐adjusted skin autofluorescence was higher in current smokers and recent ex‐smokers vs non‐smokers and longer‐term ex‐smokers (1.86 ± 0.06 vs 1.63 ± 0.02 arbitrary units; P = 0.0005). Skin autofluorescence area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.94) for retinopathy and 0.56 (95% CI 0.47–0.65) for nephropathy. Conclusions: Skin autofluorescence increases with age, but faster in people with diabetes, particularly in those with complications and in smokers, consistent with accelerated aging. Skin autofluorescence may facilitate complication screening and prediction. Longitudinal studies are merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a major cause of vision loss globally, yet this devastating complication is largely preventable. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy necessitates screening. Ocular imaging is widely used clinically, both for the screening and management of diabetic retinopathy. Common eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal vessel thrombosis, and signs of systemic conditions, such as hypertension, are frequently revealed. As well as imaging by a skilled clinician during an eye examination, non‐ophthalmic clinicians, such as general practitioners, endocrinologists, nurses and trained health workers, can also can carry out diabetic eye screening. This process usually comprises local imaging with remote grading, mostly human grading. However, grading incorporating artificial intelligence is emerging. In a clinical research context, retinal vasculature analyses using semi‐automated software in many populations have identified associations between retinal vessel geometry, such as vessel caliber, and the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other chronic complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Similarly, evaluation of corneal nerves by corneal confocal microscopy is revealing diabetes‐related abnormalities, and associations with and predictive power for other chronic diabetes complications. As yet, the value of retinal vessel geometry and corneal confocal microscopy measures at an individual level is uncertain. In this article, targeting non‐ocular clinicians and researchers, we review existent and emerging ocular imaging and grading tools, including artificial intelligence, and their associations between ocular imaging findings and diabetes and its chronic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analysed insulin antibodies in 149 adults with type 1 diabetes and 2859 people without diabetes. We have determined that insulin antibody levels are higher in adults with, versus without, diabetes and that the levels are falling, and more patients are becoming antibody‐negative post islet cell transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For optimal diabetes management HbA1c, lipid and renal function measurements are key. Suitable point‐of‐care systems can provide such data in remote areas, diabetes camps, disaster relief, small community hospitals and in community screening days in disadvantaged regions. Some systems are currently used in Australian rural, remote and indigenous health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications in adults. Little is known about the relative contribution of inflammation in common types of diabetes in youth: type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD). This study investigates inflammatory markers by diabetes type and complication status, and assesses indicators of inflammation and complications. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 134 T1D, 32 T2D, 32 CFRD and 48 subjects without diabetes (including 11 with CF and normal glucose tolerance) was undertaken. Inflammation was assessed by sE‐selectin by ELISA, hsCRP by turbidimetry, WCC and ESR. Nephropathy was defined by albuminuria, autonomic neuropathy by heart rate variability, and peripheral neuropathy by vibration and thermal threshold testing and retinopathy by seven‐field stereoscopic fundus photography. Descriptive statistics, parametric and non‐parametric ANOVA and regression analyses were performed, with significance at P < .05. Results: Of 198 diabetic participants; 49% female, mean (SD) age, median diabetes duration and median HbA1c were 16 (2.5) and 6 (3–9) years, and 8.1 (6.9‐9.3)%, respectively. All inflammatory markers were lower in T1D than in other diabetes groups (P < .05) but higher than in non‐diabetic controls. T2D (n = 32) and CFRD (n = 32) subjects had comparable elevated levels of inflammation. Body mass index (BMI) was a strong independent explanatory variable of inflammation. In multivariate analysis, hsCRP and ESR were associated with complications in addition to HbA1c, BMI, and diastolic BP. Conclusions: Circulating inflammatory markers are elevated in adolescents with diabetes, being higher and comparable in T2D and CFRD than in T1D. Inflammation is independently associated with diabetes complications, consistent with inflammation driving vascular pathology in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailoring synthetic strategies toward complex, but well‐defined, molecular architectures is an important aspect of Today's organic chemistry. Herein, we present designs to build up [3]rotaxanes of Type 2.1 and Type 3 that feature both a polyyne and a cumulene axle in a single mechanically interlocked molecule. The combination of two sp‐hybridized carbon chains was achieved by functionalization of a phenanthroline‐based macrocycle, which allowed the coupling of two [2]rotaxanes toward Type 3 [3]rotaxanes with two polyynes, two cumulenes, or one polyyne and one cumulene axle. The structures have been established by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopies, as well as high‐resolution mass spectrometry. A [3]rotaxane of Type 3, featuring two [9]cumulene axles, has been assembled and spectroscopically characterized despite expectations that it would be unstable. This represents only the second cumulene rotaxane reported to date. All designs and attempts to form [3]rotaxanes of Type 2.1, which combine a polyyne and cumulene threaded through a single macrocycle, have been unsuccessful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an efficient methodology for the synthesis of tetrafunctionalized double‐decker silsesquioxanes via hydrosilylation reaction. An investigation of the catalytic system, olefin structure, chemical and steric surrounding of Si−H moiety in the respective reagent was carried out on the progress, selectivity and rate of hydrosilylation process. Two alternative synthetic pathways for obtaining a variety of functionalized double‐decker silsesquioxanes with high yields based on the Pt catalysts were developed. These parallel routes concern reverse Si−H and −CH=CH2 reactive groups placement in the double‐decker silsesquioxane core. As a result, a series of new tetrasubstituted double‐decker silsesquioxanes derivatives were obtained with high yield and selectivity and comprehensively characterized in detail by spectroscopic analyses. Make it a double! Studies on the hydrosilylation (HS) reaction of Si−H and Si−Vi tetrasubstituted DDSQs are presented. An investigation of the catalytic system, olefin and silane electronic and steric surrounding in the respective reagent on the progress, selectivity and rate of HS was carried out. Elaborated, Pt‐based catalytic systems enabled synthesis of a series of new generation of DDSQ‐based compounds of high application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a global concern that physician‐researchers are 'a dying breed'. Recent studies of clinical career choices of Australian medical students and doctors have signalled the rising age of medical graduates, generational shifts in work–life attitudes and increased proportion of female graduates. There are scant data regarding Australian physician‐researchers. Aims: To develop and utilise a questionnaire determining respondent characteristics and 'push' and 'pull' factors for medical graduates to incorporate research into their careers. Methods: We developed and administered an 88‐item online survey, including quantitative and qualitative questions, to medical students, faculty and alumni of Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, asking about their medical career, research experience and interest and reasons for doing or not doing medical research. Responses to all 74 quantitative questions are reported here. Results: Data from 427 respondents (44% female; mean ± standard deviation age 38 ± 13 years; 56% completed or undertaking a PhD) were analysed. Attractions of research included a desire to improve human health, intellectual stimulation and career diversity. Barriers included low funding rates, job insecurity and low salaries. Although few were prepared to undertake or recommend full‐time research, 71% would recommend part‐time research. Respondents perceived a smaller‐than‐actual gap between clinical and research salaries, and if comparable (75–100% of a clinician's) salaries were available, 89% would like to spend 21–60% of their work time undertaking research. Conclusion: Many Australian medical students and doctors are interested in research, especially part time. Perceived obstacles include job insecurity, low funding rates and salary. Respondents underestimated clinical and research salary differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: In people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) can be slept through and can cause seizures, arrhythmias and death. Hypoglycaemia avoidance can induce hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Patient behaviour impacts clinical outcomes and may be changed by education. Aim: To develop and utilise a survey to evaluate patient self‐management of overnight glycaemia in adults with T1D. Methods: Adults with T1D attending two Australian tertiary referral diabetes clinics completed a survey about their diabetes self‐management and glycaemic control, including responses to hypothetical pre‐bed blood glucose (BG) levels (4–20 mmol/L). Statistical analyses included t‐tests, Chi square tests and ANOVA with significance considered at P < 0.05. Results: There were 205 participants (103 females), with a mean (SD) age of 41 (17) years, T1D duration of 20 (16) years, HbA1c of 7.8(1.4)%, (61.3(8.2) mmol/mol), 38% on insulin pump therapy (CSII) and 36% with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness (IHA). Mean (SD) number of BG tests/day was 5.4 (2.7). Patients set higher BG target levels at bedtime and overnight: 7.5(1.4) and 7.1(1.3) mmol/L, respectively, compared to daytime (6.9(1.0); P < 0.0001 and P = 0.002 respectively). Only 36% of participants reported treating nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) with the recommended refined, then complex, carbohydrate. Only 28% of patients made safe choices in all bedtime BG scenarios, with higher rates for CSII users, P = 0.0005. Further education was desired by 32% of respondents, with higher rates in those with (44%) versus without IHA (25%), P = 0.006. Conclusions: Many adults with T1D have suboptimal knowledge and behaviour regarding overnight BG self‐management. A survey, piloted herein, may facilitate the identification of patients who could benefit from further education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High perceptual load reduces distractor processing and increases inattentional blindness for unexpected stimuli. We reported previously that high perceptual load reduces memory accuracy and impairs eyewitness identification. Here, we used eye tracking to investigate whether memory impairments under load are due to inattentional blindness or a failure to visually inspect stimuli. Seventy-two participants viewed high or low load versions of a video depicting a theft and identified characters in the video from photographic line-ups. High perceptual load impaired participants' ability to identify the peripheral character (witness) but not the central character (thief). There was no effect of perceptual load on number of ocular fixations on the witness, time to first fixation or total visit duration. We conclude that memory impairments under load are due to attentional failures rather than differences in visual search behaviour. These findings suggest that high perceptual load scenes may hamper eyewitnesses' ability to encode easily visible stimuli. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To test the hypothesis that non-invasive skin autofluorescence, a measure of advanced glycation end products, would provide a surrogate measure of long-term glycaemia and be associated with early markers of microvascular complications in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Methods Forearm skin autofluorescence (arbitrary units) was measured in a cross-sectional study of 135 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes [mean ± sd age 15.6 ± 2.1 years, diabetes duration 8.7 ± 3.5 years, HbA1c 72 ± 16 mmol/mol (8.7 ± 1.5%)]. Retinopathy, assessed using seven-field stereoscopic fundal photography, was defined as ≥1 microaneurysm or haemorrhage. Cardiac autonomic function was measured by standard deviation of consecutive RR intervals on a 10-min continuous electrocardiogram recording, as a measure of heart rate variability. Results Skin autofluorescence was significantly associated with age ( R2 = 0.15; P < 0.001). Age- and gender-adjusted skin autofluorescence was associated with concurrent HbA1c ( R2 = 0.32; P < 0.001) and HbA1c over the previous 2.5-10 years ( R2 = 0.34-0.43; P < 0.002). Age- and gender-adjusted mean skin autofluorescence was higher in adolescents with retinopathy vs those without retinopathy [mean 1.38 (95% CI 1.29, 1.48) vs 1.22 (95% CI 1.17, 1.26) arbitrary units; P = 0.002]. In multivariable analysis, retinopathy was significantly associated with skin autofluorescence, adjusted for duration ( R2 = 0.19; P = 0.03). Cardiac autonomic dysfunction was also independently associated with skin autofluorescence ( R2 = 0.11; P = 0.006). Conclusions Higher skin autofluorescence is associated with retinopathy and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The relationship between skin autofluorescence and previous glycaemia may provide insight into metabolic memory. Longitudinal studies will determine the utility of skin autofluorescence as a non-invasive screening tool to predict future microvascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Insulin loses potency when stored at high temperatures. Various clay pots part-filled with water, and other evaporative cooling devices, are used in less-resourced countries when home refrigeration is unavailable. This study examined the cooling efficacy of such devices. Methods Thirteen devices used in Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali, India, Pakistan and Haiti (10 clay pots, a goat skin, a vegetable gourd and a bucket filled with wet sand), and two identical commercially manufactured cooling wallets were compared. Devices were maintained according to local instructions. Internal and ambient temperature and ambient humidity were measured by electronic loggers every 5 min in Khartoum (88 h), and, for the two Malian pots, in Bamako (84 h). Cooling efficacy was assessed by average absolute temperature difference (internal vs. ambient), and % maximal possible evaporative cooling (allowing for humidity). Results During the study period, mean ambient temperature and humidity were 31.0°C and 32.0% in Khartoum and 32.9°C and 39.8% in Bamako. All devices reduced the temperature ( P < 0.001) with a mean ( sd) reduction from 2.7 ± 0.5°C to 8.3 ± 1.0°C, depending on the device. When expressed as % maximal cooling, device efficacy ranged from 20.5% to 71.3%. On cluster analysis, the most efficacious devices were the goat skin, two clay pots (from Ethiopia and Sudan) and the suspended cooling wallet. Conclusions Low-cost devices used in less-resourced countries reduce storage temperatures. With more efficacious devices, average temperatures at or close to standard room temperature (20-25°C) can be achieved, even in hot climates. All devices are more efficacious at lower humidity. Further studies are needed on insulin stability to determine when these devices are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Concerns have been expressed 'that the physician-researcher is a dying breed'. As yet there are few Australian data. Aims To compare over time: (i) research progress of Sydney Medical School (SMS) medical practitioner - PhD awardees; (ii) National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grant success rates for physician-researchers; and (iii) compare current NHMRC, NSW University and NSW Public Hospital pay scales for physician-researchers. Methods We evaluated 303 medical practitioners awarded a University of Sydney/ SMS PhD in 1989-2012 and their publications. We assessed 1990-2014 NHMRC grants to physicians and non-physicians (nationally) and compared physician salaries from NHMRC, the University of Sydney and NSW public hospitals. Results SMS PhD completions by clinicians increased ≈2.4-fold since 1989, with a recent decline, whilst non-medical PhD awardees rose 10-fold. The median time of PhD award after medical degree completion was stable at 13 years. A lower percentage of the more recent physician-researchers had completed specialty training at PhD award (34% in 2011-2012 vs 71% in 1989-1990, P = 0.017). Publication rates were stable, but low. Although NHMRC funding increased >10-fold since 1990, national project grant success rates declined (35% in 1990, 17% in 2013 and 15% in 2014, P < 0.0001), with physician-led funded grants declining from 29% in 1989 to 21% in 2013, P = 0.002. Current NHMRC and University salaries are less than comparable-stage public hospital salaries. Conclusion Since 1989, more medical graduates are completing SMS PhDs, although more often prior to completing clinical Fellowships, and many have ongoing, albeit low, research activity. Nationally NHMRC project grant success rates have declined significantly, as has the proportion of funded physician-led projects. Medical practitioner salaries from NHMRC and from Universities are less than in public hospitals. The Australian physician-researcher is at-risk. Knowledge and actions are needed to protect our medical research capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Stabilisierung langer [ n]Cumulene wird üblicherweise erreicht, indem sterisch anspruchsvolle 'Schutzgruppen' an den Enden angebracht werden, welche die reaktive Kohlenstoffkette abschirmen. Wir stellen hier eine alternative Strategie vor: Stabilisierung durch Einfädeln der sp-Kohlenstoffkette in einen Phenanthrolin-basierten Makrocyclus. Dies führt zu stabilen [9]Cumulen-Rotaxanen, die es uns erlaubten, die Eigenschaften von [ n]Cumulenen in Abhängigkeit von ihrer Länge in bis dato unerreichtem Detail zu untersuchen. Dabei nutzten wir quantitative UV/Vis-Spektroskopie, Cyclovoltammetrie und dynamische Differenzkalorimetrie. Die experimentellen Befunde können durch DFT-Rechnungen reproduziert und verstanden werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stabilization of long [ n]cumulenes has traditionally been achieved by placing sterically bulky 'protecting groups' at the termini, which shield the reactive carbon chain from unwanted reactions. Herein, we present an alternative strategy: stabilization through threading the sp-hybridized carbon chain through a phenanthroline-based macrocycle. The result is stable [9]cumulene rotaxanes that enable the study of properties as a function of length for [ n]cumulenes in unprecedented detail, including by quantitative UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental results are supported by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Verwendung von Cumulenen in chemischen Umsetzungen eröffnet die Möglichkeit, strukturell interessante und potenziell nützliche konjugierte Moleküle herzustellen. Die Cycloadditionsreaktion eines Tetraaryl[5]cumulens mit dem elektronenarmen Olefin Tetracyanoethylen liefert außergewöhnliche Produkte, darunter funktionalisierte Dendralene und Alkylidencyclobutane sowie ein symmetrisches [4]Radialen mit einer besonderen Solvatochromie, dessen λmax ‐ Werte sich dem Nah ‐ IR ‐ Bereich nähern. Diese kohlenstoffreichen Produkte wurden spektroskopisch und röntgenographisch (für fünf der Verbindungen) untersucht. Auch ein möglicher Ablauf der Cycloadditionsreaktion wurde mithilfe mechanistischer und theoretischer Untersuchungen ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen das Potenzial von [5]Cumulenen, als Vorstufen für neuartige konjugierte Systeme zu dienen. Außergewöhnliche Strukturen und interessante elektronische Eigenschaften kennzeichnen die cyclischen Produkte der Reaktion von TCNE mit einem Tetraaryl[5]cumulen. DFT ‐ Rechnungen und mechanistische Untersuchungen zeigen einen möglichen Reaktionsweg auf. Durch Addition von MeOH, EtOH oder Br2 an Intermediate wurden zudem interessante Dendralene erhalten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cumulenes in synthetic transformations offers the possibility to form structurally interesting and potentially useful conjugated molecules. The cycloaddition reaction of a tetraaryl[5]cumulene with the electron-deficient olefin tetracyanoethylene affords unusual products, including functionalized dendralenes and alkylidene cyclobutanes, as well as a symmetric [4]radialene that shows unique solvatochromism, with λmax values approaching the near-IR region. These carbon-rich products have been investigated spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallographic analysis (five structures). The cycloaddition reaction sequence has also been explored by mechanistic and theoretical studies. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the potential of [5]cumulenes to serve as precursors for unprecedented conjugated structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BLA=0? Nicht so schnell! Eine Serie von Tetraarylcumulenen bis zum [9]Cumulen wurde synthetisiert und kristallographisch analysiert. Die Röntgenstrukturanalysen zeigen eine signifikante Reduktion der Bindungslängenalternanz (BLA) mit zunehmender Moleküllänge, jedoch scheint sich diese Tendenz einem Grenzwert anzunähern, bevor eine Cumulenstruktur mit BLA=0 erreicht wird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BLA=0? Not so fast! A series of tetraarylcumulenes up to the length of a [9]cumulene has been synthesized and analyzed by X‐ray crystallography. The structural data show a distinct reduction in bond‐length alternation (BLA) as a function of molecule length, but this trend appears to reach a limit before a cumulenic structure with BLA=0 is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabet. Med. 29, 726-733 (2012) Abstract Objective To determine if ocular and skin autofluorescence, reflecting advanced glycation end-products, and vascular stiffness correlate in non-diabetic and Type 1 diabetic subjects and if levels differ by diabetes status. Research design and methods Patients with Type 1 diabetes ( n = 69, 19 with and 50 without vascular complications) and 60 subjects without diabetes (control) had ocular and skin autofluorescence and pulse-wave analysis performed in the fasted state. Correlations between measures within groups used the Pearson or Spearman correlation-coefficient and measures between groups were compared by anova. Results Lens and skin autofluorescence correlated in control (r = 0.58, P = 0.0001) and in Type 1 diabetes (r = 0.53, P = 0.001). Corneal autofluorescence correlated with lens ( r = 0.53, r = 0.52, P = 0.0001) and skin autofluorescence ( r = 0.34, P = 0.01 and r = 0.49, P = 0.00001) in control and Type 1 diabetes respectively. In Type 1 diabetes, small and large artery elasticity correlated inversely and systemic vascular resistance correlated positively with skin autofluorescence (all P = 0.001), and with lens and corneal autofluorescence (all P < 0.03). In Type 1 diabetes tissue advanced glycation end-products correlated with C-reactive protein and inversely with the estimated glucose disposal rate and with circulating advanced glycation end-product levels. Relative to non-diabetic subjects, lens, corneal and skin fluorescence were increased (all P < 0.001) and small artery elasticity was decreased in diabetes ( P = 0.04). Lens, corneal and skin autofluorescence were greater (all P = 0.0001) in patients with Type 1 diabetes with complications compared to those without complications, but small artery elasticity did not differ significantly. Conclusions Ocular and skin autofluorescence and vascular stiffness correlate in non-diabetic and Type 1 diabetes subjects and are increased in Type 1 diabetes. Tissue advanced glycation end-products correlate with vascular risk factors, including circulating advanced glycation end-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every collection of n (arbitrary-oriented) unit squares admits a translative packing into any square of side length √2.5 · n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine if levels of coated-platelets, which are potentially pro-thrombotic, are increased in end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis, a condition associated with high cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, coated-platelet levels were measured by flow cytometry in 25 end-stage renal failure haemodialysis patients and 25 controls without renal disease. Associations between coated-platelet levels and clinical and biochemical factors relevant to renal and cardiovascular disease were evaluated. Results: Mean ± SD coated-platelet levels were higher in the dialysis group than in the control group (39.3 ± 14.3% vs 30.9 ± 10.3%, P = 0.02). The number of subjects with high coated-platelet levels (>40%) was larger in the dialysis than in the control group (13/25 vs 4/25, χ2 test, P = 0.007). On univariate analysis, coated-platelet levels correlated with serum C-reactive protein levels in renal failure ( r = 0.47, P = 0.02) and inversely with white cell count in the control group ( r = −0.60, P = 0.001). Coated-platelet levels were higher in dialysis patients reporting alcohol abstinence than among those reporting ‘social’ drinking (44.3 ± 12.6 vs 28.8 ± 13.5%, P = 0.01). Age, gender, body weight, smoking, diabetes, lipid levels and lipid-lowering drugs were not associated with coated-platelet levels (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: Coated-platelet levels are increased in haemodialysis patients relative to subjects with normal renal function, and are related to inflammation and alcohol abstinence. Other vascular risk factors, such as smoking, lipids and diabetes, were not related to coated-platelet levels. Coated-platelets may be implicated in the increased thrombosis and vascular risk in end-stage renal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristic tissue fluorescence is associated with advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation in experimental diabetes models, but its utility in patients with type 1 diabetes remains to be established. We studied 148 patients with type 1 diabetes and 77 healthy age-matched control subjects. Low-molecular weight (LMW) fluorophore levels were estimated in plasma samples obtained after an overnight fast. Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 4.7% and 6.4%, respectively. LMW fluorophore levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes than in control subjects (6.3 ± 0.6 AU/mL vs. 4.1 ± 0.3; P = 0.007). However, all of this difference came from patients with microvascular complications (n = 67, 7.5 ± 1.3). There was no significant difference in LMW fluorescence between complication-free patients (4.4 ± 0.2) and control subjects (P > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, LMW fluorophores correlated with measures of renal function (P < 0.05) but not with diabetes per se. In addition, there was no correlation between LMW fluorophores and the markers of oxidative stress or systemic inflammation. Longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine whether the association between LMW fluorophores and nephropathy is cause or effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma from two diabetic rat models and human diabetic patients was analyzed to investigate the hypothesis that enhanced oxidative stress in diabetes promotes lipid-derived protein modification. We evaluated the nonenzymatic modification of plasma protein by oxidized phospholipids, including measurement of protein-bound pentanedioate, nonanedioate, and hexanoate, all derived from oxidation of phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids. Generally pentanedioate was higher in diabetic compared with nondiabetic control groups, and nonanedioate was also higher in the diabetic rat models. We conclude that diabetes is associated with higher levels of phospholipid-derived protein modification in both animal models and human diabetes. Their role in the development of diabetes vascular complications warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions substantially altered daily lives of pregnant women, exaggerating the prevalence of anxiety when compared to the pre-COVID studies (38% vs 15%). Pre-pregnancy anxiety or depression diagnosis and intentional social contact avoidance increased the risk of anxiety diagnosis (aOR 3.4 and 3.2). COVID-19 pandemic outbreak influenced general and mental health worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose. Appendicular endometriosis mimicking appendicitis is a rare finding. Inguinal tumor in the course of appendicular endometriosis located within an inguinal hernia sac and infiltrating the periosteum of the pubic bone has not yet been described. Case Report. This paper describes a case of a rapidly enlarging, solid, unmovable, very painful upon palpation inguinal tumor, in a 36-year-old nulliparous woman. During surgery, a hard (approximately 4 cm in diameter) tumor infiltrating the periosteum of the right pubic bone and continuous with the inguinal hernia sac was dissected. The distal segment of the vermiform appendix was an element of the dissected tumor. Histological examination revealed endometriosis of the distal vermiform appendix. After 6 months of hormone treatment, she was referred for reoperation due to tumor recurrence. Once again histological examination of the resected tissue revealed endometriosis. There was no further recurrence of the disease with goserelin therapy. In addition to the case report, we present a review of the literature about endometriosis involving the vermiform appendix and the inguinal canal (Amyand’s hernia). Conclusion. This case expands the list of differential diagnoses of nodules found in the inguinal region of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first example of a new class of carbon‐rich molecules is introduced, namely, a derivative of tetraethynyl[5]cumulene (TE5C). The use of sterically demanding pendent groups is the decisive structural feature to provide a stable product. Whereas triisopropylsilyl groups are seemingly not sufficiently large to afford an isolable cumulene product, switching to the larger tris(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)methyl ('supertrityl') groups gives a crystalline, stable compound ([5]TE). The structural and electronic properties of [5]TE are examined in comparison to its closest known molecular relatives, tetraaryl[5]cumulenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given the concerns that physician-researchers are 'at risk', and ≈50% of Australian medical students are female, the evaluation of female physician-researchers is important. Aims To compare over time (i) research-related metrics of male and female physician-researchers from Sydney Medical School; and (ii) National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project grant leadership by gender. Methods The Sydney Medical School (SMS) PhD award lists from 1989 to 2012 were cross-referenced with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency database, and registered medical practitioners were searched for in the Scopus database for publications and H-indexes. The gender of medical-practitioner Chief Investigator A ( CIA) in Australia on funded NHMRC Project grants in 1990 to 2014 was also compared. Results Of the medical practitioners awarded University of Sydney PhD, females increased from 14 to 55% in 1989-1990 and 2009-2010 and decreased to 38% in 2011-2012 (overall increase, P = 0.047). PhD award timings relative to MBBS and clinical fellowship completions were similar for both genders ( P > 0.05). Post- PhD, as many women as men publish and have similar H-indexes, but women publish fewer papers (0.7 vs 1.0 publications per year, P = 0.028). On medical practitioner-led, funded NHMRC project grants between 1999 and 2014, female CIA increased from 7.5 to 19.5%, P < 0.0001. For the 17% of project grant applications funded to commence in 2014, 21% were medical practitioner-led, of whom 19.5% were female. Conclusions Since 1989, more female medical practitioners are completing SMS PhD at similar times in their careers to males. However, relative to their male peers, they publish less. Fewer female than male medical practitioner-researchers hold NHMRC Project Grant CIA status nationally, although the rates are increasing. In addressing physician-researcher workforce issues, including retention, attention should be given to factors impacting females [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover page of the journal "Angewandte Chemie" is presented.

Review: 177 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sp ‐ Hybridisierte Kohlenstoff ‐ Allotrope mit Polyin ‐ Gerüst sind gut bekannt, über die Eigenschaften ihrer Cumulen ‐ Formen weiß man jedoch wenig. In ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 1862 ff. bieten R. R. Tykwinski und Mitarbeiter durch Synthese, spektroskopische Untersuchungen und kristallographische Analysen von Cumulenen mit bis zu neun aufeinander folgenden Doppelbindungen ([9]Cumulen) neue Einblicke in die Eigenschaften von Cumulenen, z. B. ihre Bindungslängenalternanz. Grafik: Annie Tykwinski, nach einem Konzept von D. Wendinger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sp‐Hybridized carbon allotropes based on a polyyne framework are well documented, while properties of the cumulenic form of these allotropes remain mysterious. In their Communication on page 1817 ff., R. R. Tykwinski and co‐workers shed new light on the properties of cumulenes (such as bond length alternation) through the synthesis, spectroscopic study, and crystallographic analysis of cumulenes that contain up to nine consecutive double bonds (i.e., a [9]cumulene). Cover art: Annie Tykwinski; based on a concept from D. Wendinger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an abstract of the article "Neurodegeneration and Glial Cells Activation in the Rat Hippocampus After Global Transient Ischemia," by O. Orzylowska, B. Oderfeld-Nowak, B. Kaminska, M. Zaremba, S. Januszewski and M. Mossakowski. The authors examined the degeneration of glial cells in the hippocampus of male adult Wistar rats suffering from cerebral ischemia.