Implementation Strategies for Quality Improvement in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement (QI) programs based on person-centred outcome measures (PCOMs) play an important role in promoting optimal palliative care. However, routine use of PCOMs has been slow and difficult to implement, including within QI programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify implementation strategies that support the implementation of PCOMs as routine practice in hospital-based palliative care, as well as the implementation theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) guiding the design of these implementation strategies. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review framework. Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and PubMed) were systematically searched for literature published between 1 January 1990 and 8 March 2024. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen unique implementation strategies, identified from 11 included studies, were mapped onto the 73 Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) discrete implementation strategies, covering 52% of the ERIC strategies. The most commonly used categories were train and educate stakeholders, and support clinicians, followed by develop stakeholder interrelationships and use evaluation and iterative strategies. Three key themes emerged: what to do; how to do it; and who to do it with. Only four studies employed TMFs to guide the design of the implementation strategies in this review. CONCLUSIONS: To promote the implementation of PCOM-based QI programs, strategies should be developed based on identified/potential barriers and facilitators by using rigorous TMFs. The components of the implementation strategies must be reported transparently and consistently to enable replication and measurement in future research and practice. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This scoping review does not directly involve patients or the general public in its design or execution. However, it is part of an implementation study aimed at integrating the Palliative Care Outcome Collaboration (PCOC) model into routine clinical practice at a cancer hospital in China. Before the formal implementation, palliative care professionals from this hospital highlighted the need for a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence to support the effective adoption of the PCOC model in their specific clinical setting.

Genomics- and Transcriptomics-Guided Discovery of Clavatols from Arctic Fungi Penicillium sp. MYA5.

Clavatols exhibit a wide range of biological activities due to their diverse structures. A genome mining strategy identified an A5cla cluster from Penicillium sp. MYA5, derived from the Arctic plant Dryas octopetala, is responsible for clavatol biosynthesis. Seven clavatols, including one new clavatol derivate named penicophenone F (1) and six known clavatols (2-7), were isolated from Penicillium sp. MYA5 using a transcriptome mining strategy. These structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. Antibacterial, aldose reductase inhibition, and siderophore-producing ability assays were conducted on compounds 1-7. Compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated inhibitory effects on the ALR2 enzyme with inhibition rates of 75.3% and 71.6% at a concentration of 10 µM, respectively. Compound 6 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 4.0 µg/mL and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, compounds 1, 5, and 6 also showed potential iron-binding ability.

Symptom- and function-based trajectories of patients with dementia in hospital and community palliative care settings in the last two weeks of life: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide and many people with the condition require some level of palliative care. However, the trajectories of function and symptom burden in palliative care services at the end of life remain unclear. This study aimed to describe and compare the longitudinal trajectories of function and symptom burden among patients with dementia between hospital versus palliative community care services in the last two weeks of life. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study used data from the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration. Patients with dementia who died between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020 from the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration. Four validated clinical instruments were used to collect outcomes on each individual's function and symptom distress and severity. Multilevel models were used to estimate the differences in clinical trajectories between hospital and community-based palliative care in the last two weeks of life. RESULTS: Patients with dementia tended to have low levels of distress for most symptoms but increasing levels of functional impairment. There were no or only marginally significant differences in the symptom trajectories between the community and hospital groups (OR ranged from 0.57 to 1.97). Although clinical trajectories of function were relatively similar between two groups, statistically higher functional indicators were observed for people when admitted to community palliative care services (OR = 0.42 and 2.27, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that community-based palliative care services can be as effective as hospital-based care for many patients with dementia nearing the end of life. With appropriate support for families, community-based care could serve as a viable alternative to hospital-based care for some patients in the final stages of dementia.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of point-of-care outcome assessment tools in Chinese palliative care clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: A standardized national approach to routinely assessing palliative care patients helps improve patient outcomes. However, a quality improvement program-based on person centered outcomes within palliative care is lacking in Mainland China. The well-established Australian Palliative Care Outcome Collaboration (PCOC) national model improves palliative care quality. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate three measures that form part of the PCOC program for palliative care clinical practice in China: The PCOC Symptom Assessment Scale (PCOC SAS), Palliative Care Problem Severity Scale (PCPSS), Palliative Care Phase. METHODS: A study was conducted on cross-cultural adaptation and validation of PCOC SAS, PCPSS and Palliative Care Phase, involving translation methods, cognitive interviewing, and psychometric testing through paired assessments. RESULTS: Cross-cultural adaptation highlighted the need to strengthen the link between the patient's care plan and the outcome measures to improve outcomes, and the concept of distress in PCOC SAS. Analysis of 368 paired assessments (n = 135 inpatients, 22 clinicians) demonstrated that the PCOC SAS and PCPSS had good and acceptable coherence (Cronbach's a = 0.85, 0.75 respectively). Palliative Care Phase detected patients' urgent needs. PCOC SAS and PCPSS showed fair discriminant and concurrent validity. Inter-rater reliability was fair for Palliative Care Phase (k = 0.31) and PCPSS (k = 0.23-0.30), except for PCPSS-pain, which was moderate (k = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of PCOC SAS, PCPSS, and Palliative Care Phase can be used to assess outcomes as part of routine clinical practice in Mainland China. Comprehensive clinical education regarding the assessment tools is necessary to help improve the inter-rater reliability.

Characteristics of people diagnosed with dementia vs lung cancer and cardiovascular disease at commencement of community palliative care: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Most people diagnosed with dementia live and die in community settings. This study aimed to: (i) describe the palliative care needs of patients with dementia at commencement of community palliative care; (ii) compare palliative care needs between patients with dementia and those with lung cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: This is a population-based descriptive study that involved 8,727, 7,539 and 25,279 patients who accessed community palliative care across Australia principally because of dementia, CVD and lung cancer. Patients' functional abilities, symptom burden and clinical condition were assessed at commencement of community alliative care using five validated instruments: Resource Utilisation Groups-Activities of Daily Living, Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status, Symptoms Assessment Scale, Palliative Care Problem Severity Score and Palliative Care Phase. We fitted ordinal logistic regression models to examine the differences in these assessments for dementia versus CVD and lung cancer, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, patients with dementia generally had low levels of distress from symptoms but poor functional problems. Compared to the other two diagnostic groups, palliative care for dementia was often initiated later and with shorter contacts. Also, patients with dementia presented with poorer functional performance (adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.02, Confidence Interval (CI): 3.68 - 4.38 for dementia vs CVD; aOR = 17.59, CI: 15.92 - 19.44 for dementia vs lung cancer) and dependency (aOR = 5.68, CI: 5.28 - 6.12 for dementia vs CVD; aOR = 24.97, CI: 22.77 - 27.39 for dementia vs lung cancer), but experienced lower levels of distress and problem severity for the majority of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Community palliative care is often an ideal care option for many patients, particularly for those with dementia. We call for expansion of the palliative care workforce and options for home care support to optimize accessibility of community palliative care for dementia.

Transcriptomic and Hormonal Changes in Wheat Roots Enhance Growth under Moderate Soil Drying.

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate plant root growth under soil drying is an important challenge in root biology. We observed that moderate soil drying promotes wheat root growth. To understand whether metabolic and hormonic changes are involved in this regulation, we performed transcriptome sequencing on wheat roots under well-watered and moderate soil drying conditions. The genes upregulated in wheat roots under soil drying were mainly involved in starch and sucrose metabolism and benzoxazinoid biosynthesis. Various plant hormone-related genes were differentially expressed during soil drying. Quantification of the plant hormones under these conditions showed that the concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), cis-zeatin (CZ), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) significantly increased during soil drying, whereas the concentrations of salicylic (SA), jasmonic (JA), and glycosylated salicylic (SAG) acids significantly decreased. Correlation analysis of total root length and phytohormones indicated that CZ, ABA, and IAA are positively associated with wheat root length. These results suggest that changes in metabolic pathways and plant hormones caused by moderate soil drying help wheat roots grow into deeper soil layers.

Design and Synthesis of an Azo Reductase Responsive Flavonol-Indomethacin Hybrid Used for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colitis.

Human intestinal bacteria are the primary producers of azo reductase, and the content of azo reductase is closely associated with various intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The rapid detection of changes in azo reductase levels is crucial for diagnosing and promptly intervening in UC. In this study, a therapeutic agent, FAI, specifically targeting UC, was designed and synthesized. This agent was developed by linking the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin to flavonols with antioxidant activity via an azo bond (off-on). Breakage of the azo bond breaks results in the release of both fluorophores and drugs, achieving targeted tracing and integrated treatment effects. In vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging experiments were used to demonstrate the potential of FAI in the diagnosis of UC, together with synergistic therapeutic effects through the release of both fluorophores and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, this diagnostic agent shows promise as a potential tool for diagnosing and treating UC.

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Advance care planning (ACP) is designed to ensure that patients lacking autonomous decision-making capacity receive medical services in accordance with their expectations and preferences. Individuals with advanced cancer are a crucial target for ACP implementation. However, the current practice of ACP in this group in China is suboptimal, demanding high-quality implementation evidence to strengthen ACP in the clinical practice of patients with advanced cancer. The existing literature can be summarized into 27 pieces of evidence across 7 dimensions, including initiation time, intervention content, intervention providers, intervention modalities, communication skills, outcome indicators, and environmental support. The aforementioned evidence could provide crucial support for improving ACP implementation for patients with advanced cancer. Subsequent research efforts should integrate patient preferences and explore the most suitable implementation strategies for ACP in the Chinese population with advanced cancer, considering diverse aspects such as traditional culture, ACP education and training, legislative support, and healthcare system refinement.

Development of novel nitric oxide-releasing quinolinedione/furoxan hybrids as NQO1 inhibitors for intervention of drug-resistanthepatocellular cancer.

A series of novel nitric oxide (NO)-releasing 5,8-quinolinedione/furoxan hybrids (8a-h and 9a-h) were designed and synthesized through coupling different alkanolamine substituted phenylsulfonyl furoxan with 5,8-quinolinedione. Most compounds displayed high cytotoxic activity against drug-sensitive/-resistant cancer cells. In particular, the IC50 of 9a (0.42 µM) was about 9-fold lower than that of ß-lap (3.69 µM) and 12-fold lower than that of SAHA (5.24 µM) in drug-resistant cancer cells. Also, 9a was demonstrated to selectively inhibit the growth of Bel7402/5-FU cancer cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that 9a could serve as an NO donor and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) inhibitor (IC50 = 0.8 µM), which could induce the highest level of NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Bel-7402/5-FU cancer cells. Furthermore, 9a could promote tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy via regulation of apoptosis-related protein (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3) and autophagy-associated proteins (LC3 and p62) in Bel-7402/5-FU cells. Taken together, 9a may be considered as a promising candidate for a further comprehensive study involving drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma.

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Neuromuscular Block Reversal and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Resection of Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effect of sugammadex and neostigmine on neuromuscular block reversal and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing lung cancer resection. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, prospective study. SETTING: A single major urban teaching and university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred adult patients underwent elective radical resection of lung cancer under general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned into neostigmine (0.05 mg/kg) + atropine 0.02 mg/kg group and sugammadex (2 mg/kg) group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcomes were the incidence of any postoperative pulmonary complications, and the time to achieve 90% of train-of-four (TOF) after the administration of sugammadex or neostigmine. The secondary endpoints were the number of patients with TOF ratio (TOFr) <0.9 at the time of tracheal extubation, the incidence of readmission 30 days after discharge, and specific postoperative pulmonary complications. Results showed that the average time of recovery to TOFr ≥0.9 with sugammadex was 164.5 ± 27.7 seconds versus 562.9 ± 59.7 seconds with neostigmine + atropine treatment. Fewer sugammadex-treated patients did not achieve TOFr of 0.9 at the time of tracheal extubation than did neostigmine-treated participants. Patients in the sugammadex group had lower incidence of postoperative lung complications, and shorter durations of postanesthesia care unit stay and postoperative hospital stay than those in the neostigmine group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of readmission between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of sugammadex provided faster recovery of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block when compared with neostigmine. Moreover, for patients undergoing lung cancer resection, administration of sugammadex could reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and duration of postoperative hospital stay.

Symptom trajectories for palliative care inpatients with and without hyperactive delirium in the last week of life.

AIMS: Hyperactive delirium (HD) is a common and distressing symptom among palliative care patients. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of HD and associated symptoms among palliative care inpatients and evaluate relationships between HD development and symptom trajectories in this population. DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for all patients who died in a large Australian specialist palliative care unit between 1 January and 31 December 2019. Patients were assessed daily using the Symptoms Assessment Scale (SAS) and Palliative Care Problem Severity Scale (PCPSS). Multilevel models were used to estimate the differences in symptoms trajectories in the last 7 days of life between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 501 included patients, 64.5% (323) had an episode of HD. For 30% (95) of patients, HD occurred prior to admission. Compared with patients without HD, those with HD had significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for four of the seven SAS symptoms (sleep problems, appetite, fatigue and pain; OR range: 1.94-4.48, p < .05), and all four PCPSS items (OR range: 2.00-3.00, p < .05) in the last week of life. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care inpatients commonly experience HD in their last week of life. There are higher levels of symptom distress, complexity, psychological concerns and family/carer concerns among patients with HD compared with those without HD. IMPACT: The high prevalence of HD, and its association with higher levels of symptom distress, highlights the importance of routine screening and optimal management for HD among palliative care patients. Given the widely recognized challenges facing palliative care professionals in assessment and management of delirium, provision of relevant training among these professionals is recommended.

Palliative care needs and utilisation of different specialist services in the last days of life for people with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To (a) compare palliative care needs of lung cancer patients on their final admission to community-based and inpatient palliative care services; and (b) explore whether and how these care needs affect their utilisation of different palliative care services in the last days of life. METHODS: Descriptive study involving 17,816 lung cancer patients who received the last episode of palliative care from specialist services and died between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018. RESULTS: Both groups of patients admitted to community-based and inpatient palliative care services generally experienced relatively low levels of symptom distress, but high levels of functional impairment and dependency. "Unstable" versus "stable" palliative care phase (Odds ratio = 11.66; 95% Confidence Interval: 9.55-14.24), poorer functional outcomes and severe levels of distress from many symptoms predicted greater likelihood of use of inpatient versus community-based palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: Most inpatient palliative care admissions are not associated with high levels of symptom severity. To extend the period of home care and rate of home death for people with lung cancer, additional investment is required to improve their access to sufficiently skilled palliative care staff, multi-disciplinary teams and 24-hour home support in community settings.

Patient-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking and Accessing Support in Gynecologic and Breast Cancer Survivors With Sexual Problems: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies.

BACKGROUND: Greater understanding of patient-reported barriers and facilitators to seeking and accessing sexual health services will help formulate strategies to assist gynecologic and breast cancer patients to overcome obstacles to accessing sexual health support because they typically do not seek sexual education and/or treatment when confronted with sexual concerns. AIM: The objectives of this systematic review were to (i) explore the patient-reported barriers to seeking and accessing support for sexual problems in gynecologic and breast cancer survivors, and (ii) identify strategies used to successfully overcome the barriers to accessing sexual health information and/or treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures included factors that prevent and/or facilitate gynecologic and breast cancer patients with sexual concerns seeking and accessing sexual health-related services. METHODS: Systematic searches of major electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Chinese database CNKI) from January 2009 to July 2019 were used to identify the barriers and facilitators to seeking sexual education/treatment from the perspective of gynecologic and breast cancer survivors. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: 20 studies met the inclusion criteria including 12 qualitative, 6 quantitative, and 2 mixed methods studies. 4 interconnected themes were derived from 13 subthemes relating to the barriers/facilitators to seeking and accessing sexual health support. The most common barriers were embarrassment/discomfort in discussing sexual concerns, perceived discomfort of healthcare providers in discussing sexual issues, limitations of the healthcare system to address sexual problems, and the multidimensional nature of sexuality. Help-seeking for sexual health concerns was facilitated by: (i) oncology health professionals initiating and conducting open, honest discussions around sexual concerns with patients; (ii) the availability of information in multiple forms; and (iii) appropriate timing of information provision according to women's preferences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Oncology health professionals need to develop an open, honest, accepting communication style and be accessible to women with cancer and their partners within healthcare systems. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with guidelines. Variability in the primary aims and outcomes of the included studies precluded a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Training programs for providers of oncology care should enhance their knowledge of sexual issues in gynecologic and/or breast cancer, enhance their communication skills with patients, and improve their ability to consult or refer patients to psycho-oncologists or other mental health professionals. Dai Y, Cook OY, Yeganeh L, et al. Patient-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking and Accessing Support in Gynecologic and Breast Cancer Survivors With Sexual Problems: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. J Sex Med 2020;17:1326-1358.

Microplastics in the Coral Reef Systems from Xisha Islands of South China Sea.

The impacts of microplastics on coral reefs are gaining attention due to findings that microplastics affect coral health. This work investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, fish, and corals in 3 atolls from the Xisha Islands of South China Sea. In the seawater samples, microplastics were detected in the outer reef slopes, reef flats, and lagoons with abundances ranging from 0.2 to 11.2, 1.0 to 12.2, and 1.0 to 45.2 items L-1, respectively. Microplastic abundance was 0-12.0 items individual-1 (0-4.7 items g-1) in fish and 1.0-44.0 items individual-1(0.02-1.3 items g-1) in coral. The predominant shape and polymer of microplastics in seawater, fish, and coral were fibrous rayon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Microplastic sizes primarily ranged from 20-330 µm in both the seawater and fish, while there were relatively more 1-5 mm microplastics in the corals. The shape, size, color, and polymer type distribution patterns of microplastics in seawater more closely resembled those in fish gills than those in fish gastrointestinal tracts or coral samples. This study shows that microplastics are abundant in these coral reef systems and they are captured by fish or "trapped" by corals.

End-of-life care in rural general practice: how best to support commitment and meet challenges?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have specifically assessed the scope, nature and challenges of palliative and end-of-life care in rural general practice. These knowledge gaps limit the development of evidence-based policies and services for patients in the last months of life. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and other stakeholders on rural GPs' involvement and challenges in providing palliative and end-of-life care in regional Australia. METHODS: A qualitative study involving five focus groups with 26 GPs based in rural/regional Western Australia together with 15 individual telephone interviews with four GPs and 11 other stakeholders involved in end-of-life care across Australia. RESULTS: The rural GPs' central role in end-of-life care was recognized by the majority of participants but multiple challenges were also identified. Some challenges were comparable to those found in urban settings but others were more pronounced, including resource limitations and lack of training. Inappropriate payment models discouraged GPs' involvement in some aspects of end-of-life care, such as case conferences and home visits. Compared to GPs in urban settings, those in rural/regional communities often reported closer doctor-patient relationships and better care integration and collaboration. These positive aspects of care could be further developed to enhance service provision. Our study highlighted the importance of regular interactions with other professionals and patients in providing end-of-life care, but many GPs and other stakeholders found such interactions more challenging than the more "technical" aspects of care. CONCLUSIONS: Rural/regional GPs appear to be disproportionately affected by inappropriate payment models and limited resources, but may benefit from closer doctor-patient relationships and better care integration and collaboration relative to urban GPs. Systematic collection of empirical data on GP management at end-of-life is required to build on these strengths and address the challenges.

Intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 nanocrystals, and their application to the colorimetric detection of H2O2.

Nanocrystals (NCs) of type Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 (CZTSSe) were prepared via a solvothermal approach. They are shown to be highly efficient peroxidase (POx) mimics for colorimetric detection of H2O2. By varying the molar ratio of S and Se during preparation, the NCs showed different crystal structures, morphologies, surface properties, and POx-like activities. Among them, the type CZTSSe-0.25 NCs exhibit the strongest POx-like activities towards the catalytic oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine in the presence of H2O2 to generate a blue product. The enhanced activity is attributed to its more negative potential and larger specific surface of the NCs. Based on these findings, a rapid and ultrasensitive method was developed for the visual and colorimetric determination of H2O2. The method is selective, and the NCs are reusable and long-term stable. The detection limit of H2O2 is 50 nM. Kinetic and active species trapping experiments were performed to elucidate the POx-like mechanism of the NCs. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the process of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 nanocrystals catalyzing the oxidation of peroxidase substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 to induce a typical blue color reaction, which can be applied in colorimetric detection of H2O2.

Sublethal effects of chlorfenapyr on the life table parameters, nutritional physiology and enzymatic properties of Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae).

Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) is the major pest affecting Chinese chive production. Chlorfenapyr is a halogenated pyrrole-based pro-insecticide that is currently used to control insects and mites on a variety of crops. In the present study, fourth-instar larvae of B. odoriphaga were exposed to chlorfenapyr at LC1, LC20 and LC50 concentrations. The developmental duration of the treated larvae was not significantly different, but fecundity was significantly increased in the LC1 and LC20 treatment groups compared with the control group. The population parameters of the LC1 treatment group were increased significantly, whereas those of the LC50 treatment group were reduced significantly compared with the control. The food consumption by larvae and pupal weight were significantly increased under the LC1 treatment and decreased under the LC50 treatment compared with the control. Moreover, chlorfenapyr decreased the lipid, carbohydrate and trehalose contents significantly, whereas the total protein content was increased compared with the control. Additionally, the activities of protease, lipase and trehalase were significantly decreased. Chlorfenapyr treatment for 24 h also induced the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CarE) and O-demethylation. The results of this study suggest that low lethal concentrations of chlorfenapyr can affect oviposition, population development, the activities of digestion and detoxification enzymes, and nutrient accumulation in B. odoriphaga. This study provides valuable information for the assessment and rational application of chlorfenapyr for effective control of this pest.

Thiamethoxam, Clothianidin, and Imidacloprid Seed Treatments Effectively Control Thrips on Corn Under Field Conditions.

With the widespread adoption of no-tillage technology, outbreaks of thrips have caused serious damage to summer corn fields in China. Therefore, effective control of pest populations is often essential for cost-effective crop production. In this study, experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 to determine the control efficacy of seven neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments against corn thrips and the effects of these treatments on natural enemy population densities and emergence rates, seedling characteristics, and yield of corn. The results showed that among the tested neonicotinoid seed treatments, thiamethoxam (1.0 and 2.0 g active ingredient (AI)/kg of seeds), clothianidin (1.0 and 2.0 g AI/kg of seeds), and imidacloprid (2.0 g AI/kg of seeds) showed the highest control efficacy against corn thrips throughout the corn growing season. Seed treatments with acetamiprid, nitenpyram, dinotefuran, and thiacloprid at rates of 1.0 and 2.0 g AI/kg of seeds were difficult to effectively control thrips on summer corn. Neonicotinoid seed treatments showed no adverse effects on the numbers of spiders and lady beetles. Furthermore, treatments did not negatively influence the seedling growth or development of corn but did prevent yield losses. Therefore, treating corn seeds with thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid can provide effective protection against early-season thrips and reduce yield losses under field conditions.

Overexpression of Cardiac-Specific Kinase TNNI3K Promotes Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation into Cardiomyocytes.

Backgroud/Aims: The biological function of cardiac troponin I-interacting kinase (TNNI3K), a cardiac-specific functional kinase, is largely unknown. We investigated the effect of human TNNI3K (hTNNI3K) on the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into cardiomyocytes. METHODS: First, the time-space expression of endogenous Tnni3k was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting at 16 different time-points over a period of 28 days. Further, action potentials and calcium current with/without 5 µM nifedipine were measured by patch clamp for mESC-derived cardiomyocytes. HTNNI3K and mouse-derived siRNA were transfected into mESC using lentivirus vector to induce hTNNI3K overexpression and knock-down, respectively. RESULTS: The number of troponin-T (cTnT) positive cells was greater in the group with TNNI3K overexpression as compared to that in control group, while less such cells were detected in the mTnni3k knock-down group as evaluated on flow cytometry (FCM) and ImageXpress Micro system. After upregulation of connexin43, cardiac troponin-I (Ctni), Ctni, Gata4 were detected in mESCs with TNNI3K overexpression; however, overexpression of α-Actinin and Mlc2v was not detected. Interestingly, Ctnt, connexin40 and connexin45, the markers of ventricular, atrial, and pacemaker cells, respectively, were detected in by real-time PCR in TNNI3K overexpression group. CONCLUSION: our study indicated that TNNI3K overexpression promoted mESC differentiating into beating cardiomyocytes and induced up-regulating expression of cTnT by PKCε signal pathway, which suggested a modulation of TNNI3K activity as a potential therapeutic approach for ischemic cardiac disease.

The dynamic influence of emotional words on sentence comprehension: An ERP study.

In the present study, we explored the influence of emotional words on the semantic integration of their following neutral nouns during sentence comprehension. We manipulated the emotionality of verbs and the semantic congruity of their following (neutral) object nouns in sentences. Event-related potentials were recorded to the verbs, which were either negative or neutral, and to the object nouns, which were either semantically congruent or incongruent relative to the preceding contexts. We found an N400 and a P600 effect in response to the semantic congruity of the nouns when they followed the neutral verbs. However, the P600 (but not the N400) semantic congruity effect may have been attenuated when the nouns followed the negative verbs. Meanwhile, the negative verbs elicited a larger P2 and N400 than did the neutral verbs. The results indicate that the attention captured by emotional words impaired reanalysis of the following incongruent information, demonstrating a dynamic influence of emotional words on the semantic processing of following information during sentence comprehension.