New links between auxin and starch.

Auxin was one of the first plant hormones to be identified, but we are still discovering the roles of this “master” hormone. Here we discuss new evidence that links auxin with the synthesis and accumulation of one of humanity’s staple food ingredients, starch.

ACT I early feasibility study of the Voyager Ark vascular access device.

Objective: We report the 6-month outcomes of the Ark Cannulation Trial (ACT) I early feasibility study. This investigation examined the Ark as a potential innovative access tool for overcoming cannulation-related challenges and improving arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dependent hemodialysis through targeted cannulation.

Methods: During this first-in-human, interventional, prospective, single arm, single site investigation, 13 patients were treated.

Lucidity in deeply forgetful people: A national U.S. survey of caregivers' reactions.

Background: Despite the prevalence and challenge of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, glimmers of hope arise during lucid moments. Caregivers, often burdened, play a crucial role. The study explored emotional responses to witnessed episodes of unexpected lucidity in deeply forgetful people, aiming to highlight the significance and varying reactions, especially among caregivers of this population.

Fate of biosolids-bound PFAS through pyrolysis coupled with thermal oxidation for air emissions control.

Pyrolysis has been identified as a possible thermal treatment process for reducing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater solids, though off-gas from the pyrolysis unit can still be a source of PFAS emissions. In this work, the fate of PFAS through a laboratory-scale pyrolysis unit coupled with a thermal oxidizer for treatment of off-gasses is documented. Between 91.

Effect of a novel cannulation device for vascular access on AVF maturation in a goat carotid-jugular fistula model.

Objective: The Ark is a 3-D printed titanium device designed to be implanted around the draining vein of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) to facilitate vascular access. The purpose of this study was to assess AVF maturation after Ark implantation in a large animal model.

Methodology: End-to-side AVFs were created between the carotid artery and jugular vein in nine pygmy goats that included three control (AVF only) and six experimental (AVF and Ark device) animals.

How resilient were family planning programs during the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from 70 countries.

Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic fears of severe disruptions to family planning (FP) and access to services abounded. This paper uses a unique data source, a special Supplement added to the 2021 round of the National Composite Index for Family Planning (NCIFP), to assess in depth the resilience of FP programs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic across 70 countries spanning six regions.

Methods: The 2021 NCIFP included 961 key informants who were asked questions to assess interference in the countries' ability to achieve objectives, ability to maintain commitment to FP, and availability of information and services.

Ruminant model for hemodialysis cannulation.

Background: Preventative strategies that minimize hemodialysis access complications remain limited.

Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by developing a Caprine cannulation model to investigate the impact of repeated cannulations on vascular access patency rates.

Research Design And Measures: In this pilot study, a meta-analysis was conducted using experimental control data from four trials to explore the impact of Caprine breed (independent variable) on the dependent variables that affect hemodialysis cannulation, including AVF growth, AVF depth, and flow rate.

Taqman PACMAN: a simple molecular approach for positive rapid antigen test confirmation during periods of low prevalence.

Unlabelled: Antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) were widely deployed to enhance SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with national guidance for low prevalence settings, positive Ag-RDTs were confirmed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to avoid false positive results. However, increasing demands for positive Ag-RDT confirmation competed with other testing priorities in clinical laboratories.

Pet collars containing tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP): evaluation of the results of torsion and on-animal release studies and implications for post-application consumer exposure and risk analysis.

Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is the pesticidal active ingredient found in some flea and tick collars for dogs and cats. Recent studies sponsored by The Hartz Mountain Corporation, confirm the safety of TCVP as an active ingredient in pet collars. Based upon data from these new studies and results previously relied upon by the U.

Fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through two full-scale wastewater sludge incinerators.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging issue in wastewater treatment. High-temperature thermal processes, incineration being time-tested, offer the opportunity to destroy and change the composition of PFAS. The fate of PFAS has been documented through wastewater sludge incinerators, including a multiple hearth furnace (MHF) and a fluidized bed furnace (FBF).

Lucidity in the Deeply Forgetful: A Scoping Review.

Background: Even in severe states of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), accounts of an unexpected or paradoxical return of awareness and lucidity have been reported in some patients, documented formally, and studied.

Objective: A scoping review was undertaken to survey the literature on the topic.

Methods: Five databases were searched using pertinent search terms.

Plant Development in the Garden Pea as Revealed by Mutations in the Gene.

In common with other plant species, the garden pea () produces the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) from tryptophan via a single intermediate, indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA). IPyA is converted to IAA by PsYUC1, also known as Crispoid (Crd). Here, we extend our understanding of the developmental processes affected by the gene by examining the phenotypic effects of gene mutations on leaves, flowers, and roots.

Inequities in Family Planning in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Inequities in reproductive health are widespread, and periodic surveys can trace trends in inequities to guide policies and program implementation.

Methods: We examined National Composite Index for Family Planning surveys from 2017 and 2021 that assessed inequities in access to 7 contraceptive methods and traced patterns of discrimination involving 5 subgroups in low- and middle-income countries. These surveys use 10-25 informants in each country who are knowledgeable at the national level.

Estimated Dermal Penetration of Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) in Humans Based on Modeling and and Data.

Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is the pesticidal active ingredient in some collars for dogs and cats. The objective of this study was to provide a refined estimate of dermal penetration of TCVP in humans using predictions as well as and data. The dermal absorption of TCVP was previously studied in the rat and shown to be saturable, ranging from 21.

Prospective multicenter study of a novel endovascular venous anastomotic procedure and device for implantation of an arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis.

Introduction: The traditional sutured venous anastomosis used during arteriovenous graft implantation is associated with a high incidence of subsequent stenosis that is attributed to neointimal hyperplasia. Hyperplasia results from multiple factors, including hemodynamic abnormalities and vessel trauma during implantation. A novel anastomotic connector device was designed to provide an alternative, less traumatic, endovascular venous anastomosis that may ameliorate the clinical challenges associated with a sutured anastomosis.

Blastomycosis in New England: 5 Cases and a Review.

The geographic range of blastomycosis is thought to include New England, but documentation is sparse. We report 5 cases of infection with that were likely acquired in New England between 2011 and 2021. Our experience suggests that chart coding for the diagnosis of blastomycosis is imprecise and that mandatory reporting might help resolve uncertainties about the prevalence and extent of blastomycosis.

Trends in contraceptive method mix among adolescents and youth aged 15-24 in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Method mix - the percent distribution of contraceptive use by method among contraceptive users - reflects both client choice of method and method availability. In a country where clients have access to a wide range of methods at an affordable price, method mix is a strong proxy for method choice. In contrast, where access is limited by numerous factors - method availability, cost, or provider attitudes - method mix may not capture method choice well.

Mendel: From genes to genome.

Two hundred years after the birth of Gregor Mendel, it is an appropriate time to reflect on recent developments in the discipline of genetics, particularly advances relating to the prescient friar's model species, the garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). Mendel's study of seven characteristics established the laws of segregation and independent assortment.

What's the point in even trying? Women's perception of glass ceiling drains hope.

In this study, we focus on glass ceiling perceptions, characterized by women's subjective feelings about their ability to move upward in their organization. Drawing on social information processing and hope theory, we propose that glass ceiling perceptions decrease women's citizenship behaviors and increase their turnover intentions by draining their hope in the workplace. Moreover, we suggest that the strength of the association between glass ceiling perceptions, drained hope in the workplace, and these two outcomes is conditional upon women's perceptions of their work-family conflict.

Characterization of the cluster MabR prophages of Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen of concern in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients and is considered one of the most drug-resistant mycobacteria. The majority of clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates carry 1 or more prophages that are hypothesized to contribute to virulence and bacterial fitness. The prophage McProf was identified in the genome of the Bergey strain of Mycobacterium chelonae and is distinct from previously described prophages of Mycobacterium abscessus.

Avoiding False-Positive SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Results with Point-of-Care Molecular Testing on Residual Test Buffer.

Antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) have been widely used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In settings of low disease prevalence, such as asymptomatic community testing, national guidelines recommend confirmation of positive Ag-RDT results with a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This often requires patients to be recalled for repeat specimen recollection and subsequent testing in reference laboratories.

IN.PACT AV Access Randomized Trial: 12-Month Clinical Results Demonstrating the Sustained Treatment Effect of Drug-Coated Balloons.

Purpose: To present the 12-month outcomes of the IN.PACT AV Access Study, a prospective, single-blind trial enrolling participants with obstructive de novo or restenotic native upper extremity arteriovenous dialysis fistula lesions treated with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Materials And Methods: After successful high-pressure PTA, participants at 29 international sites were randomized 1:1 to treatment with an IN.