From Sn(II) to Sn(IV): Enhancing Lewis Acidity Via Oxidation

We demonstrate the increased Lewis acidity on going from Sn(II) to Sn(IV) by oxidizing TpMe2SnOTf (OTf = SO3CF3) to TpMe2SnF(OTf)2. Replacement of the fluoride ion in TpMe2SnF(OTf)2 by a triflate, resulting in TpMe2Sn(OTf)3 further enhances the Lewis acidity at tin. 119Sn NMR spectroscopy, modified Gutmann-Beckett test, computational analysis, and catalytic phosphine oxide deoxygenation support the claims.

Assessment of post-vaccination immune response to peste des petits ruminants virus in small ruminants in the central and western regions of India

The cross-sectional serosurvey for post-vaccination assessment of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus (PPRV) antibodies in sheep and goats was carried out in different states in the central and western regions of India after the implementation of vaccination under the PPR control programme. The serum samples (n = 4687) were collected from sheep (n = 1539) and goats (n = 3148) from August 2017 to March 2018 at various epidemiological units (n = 301) of the studied regions using a stratified random sampling method and PPR competitive ELISA kit was employed to detect PPRV antibodies. The results revealed 34, 21, 52, 74, 68, and 65% of prevalence of PPRV antibodies in small ruminants in Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan states, respectively, with a difference in seropositivity in sheep and goats across the states in sheep (p < 0.01) and goats (p < 0.01). Further, this serosurvey revealed that 60% of the epi-units (n = 185) had > 50% prevalence of post vaccination PPRV antibodies across states due to variations in vaccination rates and patterns. The vaccination coverage and the reported outbreaks varied between the states in the studied regions. Due to continuous vaccination under the control program, the reported PPR outbreaks have progressively declined in most of the studied states, and the PPR risk areas are confined to a few districts and sporadically, outbreaks are reported indicating the effectiveness of vaccination. These findings provide valuable information on potential PPRV episystems, and will assist with activities regarding intensive surveillance, vaccination, biosecurity, and modification of policy decisions towards designing and implementing control and eradication measures. Further, the present situation necessitates continuous mass vaccination and active surveillance programs to make these regions free from PPR in consonance with the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy under the PPR Global Eradication Program.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-022-00796-6.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Effects of high temperatures on poor mental health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

In the context of warming temperature and increased prevalence of mental disorders, a growing body of literature suggests the adverse effects of high temperatures on mental health. However, no study has quantitatively summarised the evidence. This study therefore systematically reviews the epidemiological evidence and summarises the quantitative effects of high temperatures on mental health outcomes, including mortality and morbidity.

Methods

A systematic search of peer-reviewed epidemiological studies in five databases that linked high temperatures and mental health was conducted on literature published till November 2020. A range of mental health conditions were defined using ICD-10 classifications. We included studies that examined the quantitative association between temperatures and mental health mortality or morbidity (i.e. hospital admissions, emergency presentations) in the general population. Random-effects models were used to summarise the percentage changes in mental health outcomes per 1 °C temperature increase.

Results

The keyword search yielded 4560 citations from which 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For 1 °C increase in temperature, the risk of mental health-related mortality and morbidity increased by 2.2% (95%CI: 1.5-2.9%) and 0.9% (95%CI: 0.7-1.5%). The greatest risk was associated with mortality attributed to substance-related mental disorders (4.6%; 95%CI: 0-10.1%), and organic mental disorders (3.3%; 95%CI: 2-4.6%). A 1 °C temperature rise was also associated with a statistically significant increase in morbidity such as mood disorders, organic mental disorders, and schizophrenia. Higher risk was evident for elderly and populations living in tropical and subtropical climate zones.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of poor mental health outcomes. These risks will likely increase with a warming climate.

Key messages

High temperatures are associated with poor mental health outcomes, including mortality and morbidity. The findings reinforce the need for preventive intervention to protect vulnerable populations.

Heatwave-related morbidity in Australia: Effect modification by Individual and Area-level factors

Background

Heatwaves are associated with increases in mortality, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions. However, evidence regarding heatwave impacts on general practice (GP) visits is limited. The objectives of this study were to quantify the impact of heatwaves on GP visits in Australia and identify the individual and area-level factors that modify the heatwave-GP visits association.

Methods

Warm-season (October-March) GP visits data (2011-2016) were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Using a case-crossover approach we assessed the effect of heatwaves (defined using Excess Heat Factor) on GP visits at the Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) spatial unit (reflecting suburbs), as well as effect modification by individual and area-level factors. Results are reported as percent increase in GP visits during severe/extreme heatwaves compared with non-heatwaves.

Results

Nationally, GP visits increased by 4% (95%CI: 3-4%) during severe/extreme heatwaves. But impacts varied with the highest effect observed in Canberra (16.4%; 95%CI:15.4-17.4%), Adelaide (14.9%; 95%CI: 14.3-15.4%), and regional Victoria (13.5%; 95%CI: 13-14%). A gradient of impact was found within locations, for example, vulnerable SA2s nationally were featured by a higher proportion of populations with no air-conditioning, low income, limited English proficiency, living alone, and a prevalence of diabetes and circulatory diseases. Individual-level factors included those: living alone, with limited English proficiency, with diabetes, hypertension and using anti-coagulants and diuretic medications.

Conclusions

Heatwaves increase GP visits in Australia, with impacts varied between locations and populations, affecting certain areas and individuals disproportionately. Our results using an individual and area-level linked data suggest that local area and individual vulnerabilities should be incorporated when developing place-based interventions combating heatwave-health impacts.

Key messages

Heatwaves increase GP visits in Australia, but with spatial variability across and within locations. Individual and area-level factors contribute to heatwave-vulnerability.

Experimental observation of asymmetrical microwave jets and far-field distribution generated by a dual-material system

In this paper, we report the experimental and numerical investigation of plane wave diffraction by an all-dielectric dual-material cuboid. Edge diffraction by a cuboid leads to the generation of a narrow, high intensity beam in the near-field region called a photonic jet. We examine the dependence of the jet behavior and orientation on the materials and dimensions of constitutive parts in the microwave frequency domain. The possibility to shift and deviate the resultant microwave jet in the near-field region of such a structure depending on the size of constitutive parts is demonstrated numerically. Experimentally, we observe a shift in the spatial position of the jet. The experimental asymmetric electric field profile observed in the far-field region is attributed to the input of multiple edge waves generated by the dual-material cuboid. The presented results may be scaled at different frequency bands such as optical frequencies for designing nanostructures enabling the focusing and deviation functionality and creation of new optical devices which would satisfy the needs of emerging nanophotonic applications.

Towards eradication of peste des petits ruminants: post-vaccination evaluation in sheep and goats in Southern Peninsular India

The cross-sectional seroprevalence study of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats was carried out in the Southern Peninsular region of India to ascertain the prevalence of PPR virus (PPRV) antibodies at the epidemiological units (epi-units) level in the small ruminant population. The serum samples were collected from various epi-units (villages) in the different states and union territory (UT) in Southern Peninsular region using a stratified random sampling methodology from August 2017 to March 2018. A total of 6643 serum samples [sheep (n = 2785) and goats (n = 3858)] were collected from 360 epi-units and were screened by PPR competitive ELISA kit for the detection of PPRV antibodies. The results revealed that the seroprevalence of PPR in small ruminants in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala states, and Puducherry UT was 87.0%, 66.4%, 64.3%, 47.8%, 11.4%, and 50.4%, respectively in the studied region. Further, the results of the chi-squared test revealed that the PPRV antibodies across different states and UT in the region were associated (sheep-χ² = 218.8, p < 0.01; goats-χ² = 827.1, p < 0.01), as all the states and UT adopted the PPR vaccination programme. The study also implies that the small ruminants in some of the epi-units (n = 102) had < 30% seroprevalence, which necessitates comprehensive intensive vaccination and active surveillance programmes to make this region as PPR free zone.

Heatwave-related Mortality in Australia: Who's impacted the most?

Background

The impacts of heatwaves on the risk of mortality have been well-documented worldwide. However, impacts are not equally spread across the population with certain subgroups and locations affected more than others, warranting local evidence to guide and improve prevention and adaptation strategies. The objectives of this study were to identify the person and area-level socio-demographic, health, and environmental factors that modify the heatwave-mortality association in Australia.

Methods

Warm-season (October-March) mortality (2007-2017) were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Heatwaves were defined using Excess Heat Factor, a normalised metric of heatwave severity. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to model heatwave-mortality associations at the Statistical Areas 2 (SA2) spatial unit. Effect modification by person and area-level factors was assessed using interaction terms.

Results

Nationally, mortality increased by 2% (Relative Risk-RR 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.03) during heatwaves with 1418 excess deaths (95%CI: 723-2113). But impacts varied with the highest effect observed in Adelaide (RR 1.08; 95%CI: 1.04-1.12) and Regional Tasmania (RR 1.11; 95%CI: 1.04-1.18). A gradient of impact was found within locations, for example, vulnerable SA2s in Adelaide were featured by a higher proportion of people in rental housing, inaccessibilities (vehicle and internet), low vegetation, newer houses, and a prevalence of respiratory and psychological diseases. Person-level factors included those: renting privately, with a low English-speaking ability, with chronic health conditions (diabetes, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) and using antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedative medications.

Conclusions

Our results, leveraging person and area-level linked data, highlight the need to consider contextual and individual risk factors and the importance of developing place-based targeted interventions to reduce heatwave health impacts.

Key messages

Heatwaves increase mortality in Australia. Heatwave-vulnerability is determined by individual and community-level factors.

Coligand modulated oxidative O-demethylation of a methyl ether appended tetradentate N-ligand in Co(ii) complexes

Two Co(ii) complexes of the formula CoL^OMeX₂ (X = Cl^- (1a); X = I^- (1b)), where L^OMe is 2-methoxy-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) aniline, were synthesized and their structure, spectra and reactivity were studied. Upon oxidation of 1a and 1b, the ligand L^OMe undergoes demethylation at the metal centre resulting in the formation of Co(iii) complexes with modified phenoxide ligands. This is the very first example of oxidative O-demethylation reported at a Co(ii) centre. The oxidative behaviour exhibits a striking dependence on the nature of coligands coordinated to the metal centre. The Co(ii) complex 1a with stronger chloro coligands requires a strong oxidising agent like t-BuOOH for oxidative demethylation and the subsequent formation of a mononuclear Co(iii) complex with a demethylated ligand, CoL^O-Cl₂ (2). On the other hand, complex 1b with weaker iodo coligands undergoes oxidation in the presence of the weak oxidant O₂ to form a dihydroxo bridged binuclear Co(iii) complex [Co₂(L^O-)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ (3) with modified phenoxide ligands. The oxidation of 1b to 3 is monitored and the intermediate Co(ii) iodo aqua complex [CoL^OMeI(H₂O)]⁺ and Co(ii) diaqua complex [CoL^OMe(H₂O)₂]²⁺ are isolated and characterised.

A global update on rare non-tuberculous mycobacteria in humans: epidemiology and emergence

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have evolved as an emerging group of pathogens globally. Due to the pitfalls in identification, the majority of them are not familiar or remain 'rare' to clinicians and microbiologists. In available literatures, a consolidated global data analysis is non-existent on rarely encountered NTM. A systematic review and meta-analysis have been carried out on 100 rare NTM species, which are possibly identified only by DNA sequencing methods, to establish their global epidemiology, emergence and clinical relevance. Articles published in English from 1956 to 2018 reporting rare NTM species were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, Ovid and Embase. A total of 447 articles matched the selection criteria, and 1670 rare NTM cases were identified from 52 countries. The majority of the incidences were reported from North America (33.4%), followed by Europe (23.8%) and Asia (20.8%). Of 100 species, 43 were defined as emerging species, with 1351 (80.9%) new incidence cases globally. In total, 87 species caused clinically relevant pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases. Interestingly, some NTM species showed significant geographic predominance, such as M. conceptionense to South Korea, M. shinjukuense to Japan; M. arupense and M. nonchromogenicum to the United States and M. riyadhense to Saudi Arabia. Rare NTM species mainly caused pulmonary infection (67.1%), while extrapulmonary infections generally comprised mycobacteremia and skin/soft tissue infections. In conclusion, the majority of rarely encountered NTM species are now well-established pathogens with valid clinical implications. The emergence of these rare pathogens warrants immediate local and international follow-ups. Their increasing clinical and pathological significance should not be disregarded.

Amidomagnesium cations

We report the synthesis, structure and reactivity of molecular amidomagnesium cations bearing tris{2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl}amine (Me₆TREN). Me₆TREN binds to the cationic magnesium centre exhibiting κ⁴ and κ³ coordination modes in [Me₆TREN-Mg-N(SiHMe₂)₂]⁺ and [Me₆TREN-Mg-N(SiMe₃)₂]⁺ respectively. [Me₆TREN-Mg-N(SiHMe₂)₂]⁺ reacts with benzophenone resulting in the insertion of the carbonyl group across β-SiH bond. The reaction between [Me₆TREN-Mg-N(SiMe₃)₂]⁺ and CO₂ leads to [Me₆TREN-Mg-OSiMe₃]⁺, while the reaction with H₂O results in [Me₆TREN-Mg-OH]₂²⁺. Attempts to prepare hydridomagnesium cations from [Me₆TREN-Mg-N(SiMe₃)₂]⁺ using KH resulted in the precipitation of MgH₂ and the isolation of [(Me₆TREN)K(THF)₃]⁺.

Cost and cost-effectiveness of health behavior change interventions implemented with self-help groups in Bihar, India

Introduction

Health interventions implemented with self-help groups (SHGs) enhance the relevance and acceptability of the health services. The Parivartan program was implemented in eight districts of Bihar with women’s self-help groups to increase adoption of maternal and newborn health behaviors through layering health behavior change communication. This study estimates the cost and cost-effectiveness of a health behavior change program with SHGs in Bihar.

Methods

Cost analysis was conducted from a provider’s perspective. All costs have been presented in US dollars for the purpose of international comparisons and converted to constant values. The effectiveness estimate was based on the reported changes in select newborn care practices. A decision model approach was used to estimate the potential number of neonatal deaths averted based on adoption of key newborn care practices. Using India’s life expectancy of 65 years, cost per life year saved was calculated. A one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted using the upper and lower estimates for various variables in the model, and functionality of SHGs.

Results

The cost of forming an SHG group was US$254 and that of reaching a woman within the group was US$19. The unit cost for delivering health interventions through the Parivartan program was US$148 per group and US$11 per woman reached. During an 18 months period, Parivartan program reached around 17,120 SHGs and an estimated 20,544 pregnant women resulting in an estimated prevention of 23 neonatal deaths at a cost of US$3,825 per life year saved.

Conclusion

SHGs can be an effective platform to increase uptake of women’s health interventions and follow-up care, and also to broaden their utility beyond microfinance, particularly when they operate at a larger scale.

Potential of short-wave infrared spectroscopy for quantitative depth profiling of stratum corneum lipids and water in dermatology

We demonstrate the feasibility of short wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy combined with tape stripping for depth profiling of lipids and water in the stratum corneum of human skin. The proposed spectroscopic technique relies on differential detection at three wavelengths of 1720, 1750, and 1770 nm, with varying ratio of the lipid-to-water absorption coefficient and an 'isosbestic point'. Comparison of the data acquired using SWIR spectroscopy with that obtained by a gold standard for non-invasive quantitative molecular-specific skin measurements, namely confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS), revealed specificity of the proposed modality for water and lipid quantification. At the same time, we provide evidence showing aberrant sensitivity of Corneometer hydration read-outs to the presence of skin surface lipids, and a lack of sensitivity of the Sebumeter when attempting to measure the lipids of the cornified lipid envelope and intracellular lipid layers. We conclude that a spectroscopic SWIR-based spectroscopic method combined with tape stripping has the potential for depth profiling of the stratum corneum water and lipids, due to superior measurement sensitivity and specificity compared to the Corneometer and Sebumeter.

From helical supramolecular arrays to gel-forming networks: lattice restructuring and aggregation control in peptide-based sulfamides to integrate new functional attributes

While supramolecular organisation is central to both crystallization and gelation, the latter is more complex considering its dynamic nature and multifactorial dependence. This makes the rational design of gelators an extremely difficult task. In this report, the assembly preference of a group of peptide-based sulfamides was modulated by making them part of an acid-amine two-component system to drive the tendency from crystallization to gelation. Here, the peptide core directed the assembly while the long-chain amines, introduced through salt-bridges, promoted layering and anisotropic development of primary aggregates. This proved to be very successful, leading to gelation of a number of solvents. Apart from this, it was possible to fine-tune their aggregation using an amphiphilic polymer like F-127 as an additive to get honey-comb-like 3D molecular architectures. These gels also proved to be excellent matrices for entrapping silver nanoparticles with superior emissive properties.

[(Cp2M)2B9H11] (M = Zr or Hf): early transition metal 'guarded' heptaborane with strong covalent and electrostatic bonding

We have isolated and structurally characterized two new transition metal complexes of the heptaborane, [(Cp₂M)₂B₉H₁₁] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅; M = Zr or Hf).

Among the series of stable closo-borate dianions, [B_nH_n]^2–, the X-ray crystallographic structure of [B₇H₇]^2– was determined only in 2011. To explore its chemistry and stability, we have isolated and structurally characterized two new transition metal complexes of the heptaborane, [(Cp₂M)₂B₉H₁₁] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅; M = Zr or Hf). The structures of [(Cp₂M)₂B₉H₁₁] contain a pentagonal bipyramidal B₇ core, coordinated by two {Cp₂M} and two {BH₂} units equatorially. Structural and spectroscopic characterizations and DFT calculations show that [(Cp₂M)₂B₉H₁₁] complexes are substantially more stable than the parent dianion, in either [B₇H₇]^2– or (ⁿBu₄N)₂[B₇H₇]. Our theoretical study and chemical bonding analyses reveal that the surprising stability of the two new heptaborane metal complexes is due to multi-center covalent bonds related to the two exo-{Cp₂M} units, as well as electrostatic interactions between the {Cp₂M} units and the B₇ core. The facile syntheses of the heptaborane metal-complexes will allow further exploration of their chemistry.

High sensitivity optical measurement of skin gloss

We demonstrate a low-cost optical method for measuring the gloss properties with improved sensitivity in the low gloss regime, relevant for skin gloss properties. The gloss estimation method is based on, on the one hand, the slope of the intensity gradient in the transition regime between specular and diffuse reflection and on the other on the sum over the intensities of pixels above threshold, derived from a camera image obtained using unpolarized white light illumination. We demonstrate the improved sensitivity of the two proposed methods using Monte Carlo simulations and experiments performed on ISO gloss calibration standards with an optical prototype. The performance and linearity of the method was compared with different professional gloss measurement devices based on the ratio of specular to diffuse intensity. We demonstrate the feasibility for in-vivo skin gloss measurements by quantifying the temporal evolution of skin gloss after application of standard paraffin cream bases on skin. The presented method opens new possibilities in the fields of cosmetology and dermatopharmacology for measuring the skin gloss and resorption kinetics and the pharmacodynamics of various external agents.

Dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes with double phosphate ester bridges and tetradentate ligands having anisole or quinoline appendages

Phosphate esters provide a rigid and stable polymeric backbone in nucleic acids. Metal complexes with phosphate ester groups have been synthesized as structural and spectroscopic models of phosphate-containing enzymes. Dinucleating ligands are used extensively to synthesize model complexes since they provide the support required to stabilize such complexes. The crystal structures of two dinuclear CoII complexes, namely bis(μ-diphenyl phosphato-κ2 O:O′)bis({2-methoxy-N,N-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]aniline-κ4 N,N′,N′′,O}cobalt(II)) bis(perchlorate), [Co(C12H10O4P)2(C19H19N3O)2](ClO4)2, and bis(μ-diphenyl phosphato-κ2 O:O′)bis({N,N-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]quinolin-8-amine-κ4 N,N′,N′′,O}cobalt(II)) bis(perchlorate), [Co(C12H10O4P)2(C21H18N4)2](ClO4)2, with tetradentate 2-methoxy-N,N-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]aniline (L 1) and N,N-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]quinolin-8-amine (L 2) ligands are reported. The complexes have similar structures, with distorted octahedral geometries around the metal centres. Both are centrosymmetric (Z′ = 0.5), with the CoII centres doubly bridged by diphenyl phosphate ester groups. A number of aromatic–aromatic interactions are present and differ between the two complexes as the anisole group in L 1 is replaced by a quinoline group in L 2. A detailed study of these interactions is presented.

Sensitive Skin: Assessment of the Skin Barrier Using Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sensitive skin (SS), a frequently reported condition in the Western world, has been suggested to be underlined by an impaired skin barrier. The aim of this study was to investigate the skin barrier molecular composition in SS subjects using confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRS), and to compare it with that of non-SS (NSS) individuals as well as atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) subjects, who frequently report SS.

METHODS

Subjects with SS (n = 29), NSS (n = 30), AD (n = 11), and AR (n = 27) were included. Stratum corneum (SC) thickness, water, ceramides/fatty acids, and natural moisturizing factor (NMF) were measured by CRS along with transepidermal water loss and capacitance on the ventral forearm, thenar, and cheek. Sebum levels were additionally measured on the forearm and cheek.

RESULTS

No differences between SS and NSS subjects were found regarding SC thickness, water, and NMF content, yet a trend towards lower ceramides/fatty acids was observed in the cheek. Compared to AD subjects, the SS group showed higher ceramides/fatty acid content in the forearm, whereas no differences emerged with AR. The correlation of macroscopic biophysical techniques and CRS was weak, yet CRS confirmed the well-known lower content of NMF and water, and thinner SC in subjects with filaggrin mutations.

CONCLUSION

The skin barrier in SS is not impaired in terms of SC thickness, water, NMF, and ceramides/fatty acid content. The failure of biophysical techniques to follow alterations in the molecular composition of the skin barrier revealed by CRS emphasizes a strong need in sensitive and specific tools for in vivo skin barrier analysis.

Controlling the oxidation of bis-tridentate cobalt(ii) complexes having bis(2-pyridylalkyl)amines: ligand vs. metal oxidation

Two bis-tridentate chelated cobalt(ii) complexes, which differ in the ligand structure by a methylene group, activate molecular oxygen (O₂), and give different oxidation products.

Fractional laser photothermolysis using Bessel beams

Fractional photothermolysis uses lasers to generate a pattern of microscopic columnar thermal lesions within the skin stimulating collagen remodeling. In this paper we investigate the use of Bessel beams as an alternative to conventional Gaussian beams in creating laser photothermal lesions of different aspect ratios in skin. We show for the first time the improved photothermal lesion depth-to-diameter aspect ratio using Bessel beams in ex vivo human skin as well as in numerical simulations using electric field Monte Carlo photon transport, finite difference methods and Arrhenius model. Bessel beams allow the creation of deep and narrow thermal lesions necessary for improved efficacy in fractional photothermolysis.

Quantitative and simultaneous non-invasive measurement of skin hydration and sebum levels

We report a method on quantitative and simultaneous non-contact in-vivo hydration and sebum measurements of the skin using an infrared optical spectroscopic set-up. The method utilizes differential detection with three wavelengths 1720, 1750, and 1770 nm, corresponding to the lipid vibrational bands that lay "in between" the prominent water absorption bands. We have used an emulsifier containing hydro- and lipophilic components to mix water and sebum in various volume fractions which was applied to the skin to mimic different oily-dry skin conditions. We also measured the skin sebum and hydration values on the forehead under natural conditions and its variations to external stimuli. Good agreement was found between our experimental results and reference values measured using conventional biophysical methods such as Corneometer and Sebumeter.

The use of plant stress biomarkers in assessing the effects of desiccation in zygotic embryos from recalcitrant seeds: challenges and considerations

Zygotic embryos from recalcitrant seeds are sensitive to desiccation. In spite of their sensitivity, rapid partial dehydration is necessary for their successful cryopreservation. However, dehydration to water contents (WCs) that preclude lethal ice crystal formation during cooling and rewarming generally leads to desiccation damage. This study investigated the effects of rapid dehydration on selected stress biomarkers (electrolyte leakage, respiratory competence, rate of protein synthesis, superoxide production, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and degree of cellular vacuolation) in zygotic embryos of four recalcitrant-seeded species. Most biomarkers indicated differences in the levels of stress/damage incurred by embryos dried to WCs < and >0.4 g·g(-1) , within species; however, these changes were often unrelated to viability and percentage water loss when data for the four species were pooled for regression analyses. Dehydration-induced electrolyte leakage was, however, positively related with percentage water loss, while biomarkers of cellular vacuolation were positively related with both percentage water loss and viability. This suggests that electrolyte leakage and degree of cellular vacuolation can be used to quantify dehydration-induced stress/damage. Biomarkers such as superoxide production, whilst useful in establishing the nature of the dehydration stress incurred may not be able to distinguish the effects of different WCs/drying times. Irrespective of which biomarker is used, the data suggest that understanding differences in desiccation sensitivity across recalcitrant-seeded species will remain a challenge unless these biomarkers are related to a generic desiccation stress index that integrates the effects of percentage water loss and drying time.

Hypo-electronic triple-decker sandwich complexes: synthesis and structural characterization of [(Cp*Mo)2{μ–η6:η6-B4H4E-Ru(CO)3}] (E = S, Se, Te or Ru(CO)3 and Cp* = η5-C5Me5)

Electron-poor triple-decker complexes, [(Cp*Mo)₂{μ–η⁶:η⁶-B₄H₄ERu(CO)₃}] (E = S, Se, Te, Ru(CO)₃) with hexagonal bridging ring composed of boron, ruthenium and chalcogen atoms.

Microspectroscopic Confocal Raman and Macroscopic Biophysical Measurements in the in vivo Assessment of the Skin Barrier: Perspective for Dermatology and Cosmetic Sciences

Skin barrier function, confined to the stratum corneum, is traditionally evaluated using established, noninvasive biophysical methods like transepidermal water loss, capacitance and conductance. However, these methods neither measure skin molecular composition nor its structure, hindering the actual causes of skin barrier change or impairment. At the same time, confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRS) can directly measure skin molecular composition and structure and has proven itself to be a powerful technique for biomolecular analysis. The aims of this literature review were to evaluate noninvasive biophysical methods in view of CRS and to outline a direction towards more specific and informative skin measurement methods. We address this by investigating, for the first time, the relation between in vivo assessment of the skin barrier using indirect biophysical methods and the actual skin composition and structure as given by CRS, and emphasize the high potential of CRS for dermatology and cosmetic sciences. CRS acceptance in these fields will require close collaboration between dermatologists, skin scientists and spectroscopy experts towards simplifying the technology and creating robust, rapid, easy-to-use and less expensive CRS applications.

Homometallic Cubane Clusters: Participation of Three-Coordinated Hydrogen in 60-Valence Electron Cubane Core

This work describes the synthesis, structural characterizations, and electronic structures of a series of novel homometallic cubane clusters [(Cp*Ru)2{Ru(CO)2}2BH(μ3-E)(μ-H)B(μ-H)3M], (2, M = Cp*Ru, E = CO; 3, M = Ru(Cp*Ru)2(μ-CO)3(μ-H)BH), E = BH), [(Cp*Ru)3(μ3-CO)(BH)3(μ3-H)3], 4, and [(Cp*Ru)2(μ3-CO){Ru(CO)3}2(BH)2(μ-H)B], 5 (Cp* = η(5)-C5Me5). These cubane clusters have been isolated from a thermally driven reaction of diruthenium analogue of pentaborane(9) [(Cp*RuH)2B3H7], 1, and [Ru3(CO)12]. Structural and spectroscopic studies revealed the existence of triply bridged hydrogen (μ3-H) atoms that participate as a vertex in the cubane core formation for compounds 2, 3, and 4. In addition, the crystal structure of these clusters clearly confirms the presence of an electron precise borane ligand (borylene fragment) which is triply bridged to the trimetallic units. Bonding of these novel complexes has been studied computationally by DFT methods, and the studies demonstrate that the cubane clusters 2 and 3 possess 60 cluster valence electrons (cves) with six metal-metal bonds. All the new compounds have been characterized in solution by mass spectrometry; IR; and (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR studies, and the structural types were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis of compounds 2-5.