The novel herbicide icafolin-methyl is a plant-specific inhibitor of tubulin polymerization.

BACKGROUND: Without controlling weeds, it is estimated that about one third of global crop yields would be lost. Herbicides remain the most effective solution for weed control, but they face multiple challenges, such as the emergence and growth of resistant weed populations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for either herbicides with new modes of action or at least novel chemistries within established modes of action, with outstanding efficacy but without showing cross-resistance to the herbicides present in the prospective markets. RESULTS: Icafolin-methyl is a novel herbicide with a unique biological profile. It is hydrolyzed in planta to the carboxylic acid icafolin. After post-emergence application icafolin-methyl and icafolin both show high efficacy against the most relevant competitive weeds in cold and warm season cropping systems at low application rates, including resistant black-grass and rye-grass biotypes. Biochemical and genetic evidence is provided that icafolin-methyl and icafolin inhibit plant tubulin polymerization probably by binding to ß-tubulins. CONCLUSION: Icafolin-methyl is a novel non-selective herbicide with an established mode of action, but with a superior potency and spectrum, specifically after foliar application. This makes icafolin-methyl fundamentally different from existing tubulin polymerization inhibiting herbicides. It complements the farmers weed control toolbox, particularly with respect to resistance management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in children.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) proved to be effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in adults. In children, the experience of ICD therapy is limited. This retrospective study was undertaken to review our experience with ICD implantation in children with special consideration of psychosocial impact of this therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen children (f:5, m:11, median age 12.2 years, range 4-15.9 years) received an ICD. Eleven patients had survived sudden cardiac death with documented ventricular fibrillation (VF) and five patients had sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) with hemodynamic significance. The underlying heart disease was congenital in 5, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2, myocarditis in 2 and primary electrical in 7 patients. All leads were implanted transvenously. Mean follow up was 43.1 months (range 1-105 months). All patients are alive. In 7 patients, a total of 387 sustained VT episodes were detected by the ICD. At follow-up, 10 inappropriate shocks were delivered in four patients. One early and six late lead revisions were done in seven patients. 12/16 (75%) patients had concomitant antiarrhythmic drug therapy. About half of the adolescents showed signs of depression and/or anxiety. CONCLUSION: ICD therapy via transvenous access for prevention of sudden cardiac death is feasible and effective even in small children. However, the occurrence of lead complications is significant. Since about half of the adolescents showed signs of depression and/or anxiety, professional psychological surveillance should be considered in these patients.