bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vinylbenziodoxol(on)es: Synthetic Methods and Applications
Authors: Declas Nina , Pisella Guillaume , Waser Jerome
Published: October 2020

Cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents are now frequently used in synthetic organic chemistry, either as oxidants or group‐transfer reagents. Vinylbenziodoxol(on)es (VBXs) bearing alkene substituents have been less investigated than the corresponding trifluoromethyl or alkynyl reagents. Nevertheless, since 2016 the development of new synthetic methods to access VBXs has awakened the interest of the synthetic community, leading to new transformations highlighting their unique reactivity as electrophilic alkene synthons. In this review, an overview of the synthesis and applications of VBX reagents will be presented. The review is organized according to the two main classes of VBX reagents reported so far – simple alkyl/aryl‐substituted VBXs and heteroatom (S, O, N, X)‐substituted VBXs – as they differ significantly from the point of view of synthetic access.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy of HPV tests for the screening of cervical cancer in low‐resource settings
Authors: Magdi Rana , Elshafeey Farida , Elshebiny Mohamed , Kamel Menna , Abuelnaga Yasmeen , Ghonim Mohanad , Nabhan Ashraf ,   ECEBM Working Group
Published: October 2020

Background

HPV tests for the screening of cervical cancer in low‐income countries (LICs) might improve early detection and preventive efforts.

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of HPV tests for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN 2+) in LICs.

Search strategy

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were searched on June 1, 2020. References of relevant studies were hand‐searched.

Selection criteria

Diagnostic test accuracy studies were included if women had an HPV test for cervical cancer screening, followed by verification with colposcopy and colposcopy‐directed biopsy. The primary target was CIN2+.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Bivariate diagnostic random‐effects meta‐analysis was used.

Main results

Eleven studies including 82 556 women were eligible, most of which were at low risk of bias. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio of hybrid capture test of samples collected from the cervix by healthcare providers for detecting CIN2+ and CIN3+ was 42.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.7–76.3) and 97.1 (95% CI 35.3–215.0), respectively.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates that hybrid capture tests can be used for screening of cervical cancer in LICs. Future studies are warranted for self‐sampling and for low‐cost HPV tests.
Distribution patterns and diversity of riverine fishes of the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
Authors: Masese Frank O. , Achieng’ Alfred O. , Raburu Philip O. , Lawrence Ted , Ives Jessica T. , Nyamweya Chrisphine , Kaunda‐Arara Boaz
Published: October 2020

The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is a global hotspot of aquatic biodiversity, but aquatic ecosystems are under threat from multiple stressors. Most studies on fish have focused on Lake Victoria, while patterns of fish diversity, distribution, and assemblage structure in influent rivers remain poorly understood. To assess threats and conservation status of riverine fishes, we used sampling surveys and searches of published and gray literature to compile data on diversity, distribution, and abundance. In total, 72 fish species were found to inhabit Kenyan rivers and associated wetlands and lakes (excluding Lake Victoria). Low‐order streams (first to third order) in headwaters of rivers are species‐poor and dominated by small‐bodied cyprinids (Enteromius spp.) and clariids (Clarias spp.). A small number of fishes are endemic to rivers, and species turnover across river basins is low. Species dominance is high, with 10 species accounting for >90% of all individuals and weights. Two cyprinid species (Labeobarbus altianalis and Labeo victorianus) account for >65% of all individuals and weights (biomass) per unit effort. Most species occur in small numbers and low biomass is insufficient to sustain a commercial riverine fishery. A review of the literature continues to indicate a reduction in migratory runs of potamodromous fishes from Lake Victoria into influent rivers, although some species, such as L. victorianus and L. altianalis, also maintain stenotopic populations in rivers. Most of the exotic fishes introduced in Lake Victoria, such as Oreochromis nilotics, Oreochromis, Coptodon zillii, Coptodon rendalli, and Gambusia affinis, have invaded and established themselves in rivers, thereby posing a threat to riverine populations. Although this study focuses on Kenyan rivers, the distribution patterns of fishes reflect other rivers of the LVB and have broad implications on threats to riverine biodiversity in other regions undergoing development around the world.
Apoptosis oxidative damage‐mediated and antiproliferative effect of selenylated imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and in vivo
Authors: dos Santos Daniela Coelho , Rafique Jamal , Saba Sumbal , Almeida Gabriela M. , Siminski Tâmila , Pádua Cynthia , Filho Danilo W. , Zamoner Ariane , Braga Antonio L. , Pedrosa Rozangela C. , Ourique Fabiana
Published: October 2020

Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines (IP) and organoselenium compounds have been widely exploited in medicinal chemistry due to their pharmacological activities. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has few treatment options, and unfortunately, the prognosis is poor. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic drugs is urgent. The present study aimed at evaluating the antitumor mechanism of selenylated IP against HepG2 cells and in vivo. The selenylated IP named IP‐Se‐06 (3‐((2‐methoxyphenyl)selanyl)‐7‐methyl‐2‐phenylimidazol[1,2‐a]pyridine) showed high cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 0.03 µM) and selectivity for this tumor cell line. At nontoxic concentration, IP‐Se‐06 decreased the protein levels of Bcl‐xL and increased the levels of p53, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. This compound decreased the level of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 protein and changed the levels of proteins involved in the drive of the cell cycle, tumor growth, and survival (cyclin B1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2). In addition, IP‐Se‐06 decreased the number of cells in the S phase. In addition, IP‐Se‐06 led to increased generation of reactive oxygen species, changed antioxidant defenses, and caused DNA fragmentation. Finally, IP‐Se‐06 significantly inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites tumors in mice, increased survival time, and inhibited angiogenesis. Therefore, IP‐Se‐06 may be an important compound regarding the development of a therapeutic drug for HCC treatment.
Scanning electron microscopic screening; Can it be a taxonomic tool for identification of traditional therapeutic plants
Authors: Jalal Mehreen , Shaheen Shabnum , Saddiqe Zeb , Harun Nidaa , Abbas Moneeza , Khan Farah
Published: October 2020

The limiting factor in the utilization of herbal medicine is the risk of replacement or substitution of their plant resources. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before its use in herbal medicines is essentially required. Hence, the prime objective of this study was to provide some reliable morpho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological tools for the identification of nine traditional therapeutic plants of district Lahore. For this study, scanning electron microscopic and light microscopic approaches has been employed. Results reported great variations in qualitative and quantitative morpho‐anatomical features of the epidermal cell, stomatal complexes, trichomes, silica bodies and oil droplets. For example, Aegle marmelos L. can be distinguished from Cestrum diurnum L. based on epidermal cell shapes, as irregular cells in former and lobed cells shape in later one. Similarly unicellular, bicellular, and multicellular trichomes could be an identification basis for Cynodon dactylon L., Lantana camara L., and Pongamia pinnata L., respectively. In combination with these morpho‐anatomical characters, SEM‐based morpho‐palynological characterization also reported diagnostic value. Both the Aegle marmelos and Lantana camara possessed similar cell shape (irregular) but can be delimited based on their pollen morphology as spheroidal pollen was reported in Aegle marmelos whereas prolate in Lantana camara. Moreover, quantitative characters also aid well for species delimitation, such as prolate pollen found in both Cestrum diurnum and Terminalia chebula Retz. but both of these varied in their P/E ratio, that is, 0.97 and 0.88, respectively. The leaf epidermal characters in correlation with morph‐palynological traits showed potential for taxonomic resolution at the species level.

Research Highlights

This study provides valuable morpho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological tools for the nine traditional therapeutic plants of the district, Lahore, Pakistan. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies provided useful systematic data for the identification of studied plants. This systematic data include moprho‐anatomical and morpho‐palynological keys for the studied plants. This data can be used for future identification purposes.
In vitro and In vivo digestion comparison of bee pollen with or without wall‐disruption
Authors: Wu Wei , Qiao Jiangtao , Xiao Xingying , Kong Lingjie , Dong Jie , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Bee pollen is considered as a treasure trove of human and animal nutrients as a result of its extensive nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, the sophisticated pollen wall can largely limit the digestibility and bioavailability of these nutrients.

RESULTS

An ultrasonication and high shear technique was used to break the walls of five species of bee pollen, including rape bee pollen, lotus bee pollen, camellia bee pollen, wuweizi bee pollen and apricot bee pollen. We compared the digestibilities of bee pollen with or without wall‐disruption. After in vitro and in vivo digestion, unbroken bee pollen grains were still intact and the fragments of wall‐disrupted bee pollen still remained as fragments. Mouse in vivo digestion results suggested that the wall‐disrupted bee pollen was more easily emptied from the gastrointestinal tract than unbroken bee pollen. After dynamic in vitro digestion, the digestibilities of protein and crude fat in wall‐disrupted bee pollen significantly increased to more than 80%; similarly, the release rates of amino acids and reducing sugars in all wall‐disrupted samples were almost 1.5 and 2 times as much as those of unbroken samples.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results obtained in the present study, we strongly recommend that bee pollen should be wall‐disrupted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Upfront or intermediate treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with cytoreduction plus HIPEC: Results of a retrospective study
Authors: Spiliotis John , Iavazzo Christos , Fotiou Alexandros , Kopanakis Nikolaos , Terra Alexios , Efstathiou Elias , Margari Charalambia , Tsiatas Marinos
Published: October 2020

Background

Newly diagnosed advanced‐stage ovarian cancer patients are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, primary or intermediate cytoreductive surgery, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal timing of cytoreduction plus HIPEC for advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

Advanced ovarian cancer patients treated with cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC at three different hospitals between 2005 and 2019 were subgrouped regarding their time of management with cytoreduction plus HIPEC, upfront or intermediate. We retrospectively assessed the overall survival (OS), the progression‐free survival (PFS), and the disease‐free survival (DFS) of these groups.

Results

A total of 112 ovarian cancer patients were contained. Of whom, 47 patients were in the upfront group with 24 (51.1%) to be alive, while 65 patients were included in the intermediate group with 34 (52.3%) to be alive. OS (48 vs. 30 months) and DFS (42 vs. 20 months) indicated no significant difference. Although the same median PFS was observed in both groups (10 months), a higher mean PFS was observed in the upfront group (11.9 vs. 9 months, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

The treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with upfront cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC is feasible with the same survival results. Further, larger prospective studies need to verify our results.
Duodenal, ampullary, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Oncologic outcomes are driven by tumor biology and tissue of origin
Authors: Schmocker Ryan K. , Wright Michael J. , Ding Ding , Javed Ammar A. , Cameron John L. , Lafaro Kelly , Burns William R. , He Jin , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Burkhart Richard A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Periampullary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from the duodenum, ampulla, and periampullary pancreas. Duodenal and ampullary NETs are rare and may have distinct biologic behavior from pancreatic NETs (P‐NETs). We examined the outcomes of these entities.

Methods

An institutional database was queried for patients undergoing resection for pancreatic head, duodenal, or ampullary NETs from 2000 to 2018. Patients with MEN1 syndrome or follow up less than 12 months were excluded.

Results

Three hundred and ten patients were identified. Tumor locations were ampulla (n = 15), duodenum (n = 35) and pancreas (n = 260). Median follow‐up and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were 60.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 34.8–99.3) and 171.7 (IQR: 84.0–NR) months. Clinicopathologic data and survival outcomes were similar for duodenal and ampullary NETs (RFS: p = .347 and overall survival [OS]: p = .246) and were combined into an intestinal subtype (IS) group. There were no differences in OS or RFS when comparing IS‐NET and P‐NET. On multivariate analysis, tissue of origin was not associated with risk of recurrence. The current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging guidelines, which account for origin tissue, were predictive of outcomes for all subtypes.

Conclusion

Tissue of origin does not appear to impact long‐term outcomes when comparing IS‐NETs and P‐NETs. The AJCC staging system offers good discriminatory capacity in the context of the tissue type.
Cardiac Measurements of Size and Shape in Fetuses With Absent or Reversed End‐Diastolic Velocity of the Umbilical Artery and Perinatal Survival and Severe Growth Restriction Before 34 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Portella Percy Pacora , Andrade Edgar Hernandez , Yeo Lami , Romero Roberto
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the end‐diastolic size and shape of the 4‐chamber view as well as the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) in growth‐restricted fetuses before 34 weeks' gestation with absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity of the umbilical artery and compare the results between those with perinatal deaths and those who survived the neonatal period.

Methods

Forty‐nine fetuses with growth restriction and absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity of the umbilical artery were studied. The size, shape, and sphericity index of the 4‐chamber view, RV, and LV were assessed. The number and percentage of fetuses with z score values of less than −1.65 and greater than 1.65 were computed.

Results

Of the 49 fetuses, there were 13 perinatal deaths (27%) and 36 (63%) neonatal survivors. Measurements that were unique for neonatal survivors were an increased RV apical transverse width and decreased measurements of the following: LV and RV widths, LV and RV areas, as well as RV sphericity indices.

Conclusions

Fetuses with a smaller RV and LV size and area and those with a globular‐shaped RV were at significantly lower risk for perinatal death.
Nanomaterials‐Based Surface Protein Imprinted Polymers: Synthesis and Medical Applications
Authors: Pan Mingfei , Hong Liping , Xie Xiaoqian , Liu Kaixin , Yang Jingying , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2020

Proteins are an essential part of organisms and play a very important role in life activities. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) can prepare functional materials with specific identification abilities. In recent years, various molecularly imprinted materials have been widely used in the fields of solid‐phase extraction, bionic sensing, and on‐line analysis. Due to the limit of the properties of protein macromolecules, the development of MIT for protein molecules is relatively slow. With the continuous deepening on the research of nanomaterials and surface molecular imprinting technology, a large numbers of interesting and successful strategies appear on imprinted protein. Some surface protein imprinting materials with excellent properties and unique functions are applied in proteomics, biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and other fields, showing great potential application value. This paper summarizes the latest preparation and analysis strategies of surface protein imprinting based on nanomaterials, introduces medical application of protein imprinting materials in sample separation and purification, proteomics, biomedical and other aspects in recent years, and looks forward to the development opportunities and challenges in protein imprinting field.
Surface modification of PDMS substrates for tumour cell adhesion: Influence of roughness parameters
Authors: da Silveira Gabriel Augusto Teixeira , Rocha Neto João Batista Maia , Kerwald Jonas , Carvalho Hernandes Faustino , Beppu Marisa Masumi
Published: October 2020

Surface properties play a key role in how biomaterials interact with the environment. Surface topography has also been reported to be influential in some research, although its effect is still not well elucidated. In this study, nano‐roughened polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were developed through a chemically etched intermediate surface. Additionally, PDMS substrates containing 10–30 μm diameter micropillars were functionalized with multilayers of chitosan (CHI) and hyaluronic acid (HA) via layer‐by‐layer. Such substrates were submitted to cell adhesion assays with PC3 tumour cells. The characterization of these substrates was carried out using an atomic force microscopy (AFM), and some roughness parameters were estimated. Through a statistical description of the topography, we investigated the effects of these surface parameters on PC3 cell adhesion. AFM results indicated a significant modification in the PDMS surface topography and the cell adhesion assays suggest that smoother surfaces induce the PC3 cell adhesion, especially the ones with a high Hurst exponent value. In addition to the AFM analysis, the surface modification of the LbL‐functionalized substrates was monitored by contact angle and UV‐visible measurements. The improved wettability and the significant Alcian Blue absorbance of the functionalized substrates suggest that the HA/CHI film deposition was successfully accomplished. The LbL functionalization increased the cell capture potential of the PDMS substrates, in which lower diameter micropillars favour the cell adhesion mechanism. Although much work is still needed, the findings advance progress towards the fundamental understanding of the role of nanoscale fractal roughness in cell adhesion and can contribute to the development of new biomaterials with applications in biomedical systems, such as biosensors.
The protective effect of fibroblast growth factor‐21 in alcoholic cardiomyopathy: a role in protecting cardiac mitochondrial function
Authors: Ferrer‐Curriu Gemma , Guitart‐Mampel Mariona , Rupérez Celia , Zamora Monica , Crispi Fatima , Villarroya Francesc , Fernández‐Solà Joaquim , Garrabou Gloria , Planavila Anna
Published: October 2020

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) resulting from chronic alcohol misuse is one of the main contributors leading to heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a well‐established cardioprotective factor. We aimed to study the role of FGF21 in experimentally induced models and clinical affected patients with cardiac damage due to chronic alcohol consumption. We found that circulating FGF21 levels and cardiac FGF21 and β‐klotho protein levels were increased in subjects with chronic alcohol consumption. As an experimental model of ACM, we fed wild‐type and Fgf21 knockout (Fgf21−/−) mice with a 4% alcohol liquid diet for 4 and 12 weeks. FGF21 circulating levels and FGF21 expression in the myocardium were also increased in wild‐type mice after chronic alcohol intake. Fgf21−/− mice develop a higher degree of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction after chronic alcohol consumption than wild‐type mice. Moreover, the myocardium of Fgf21−/− mice showed signs of metabolic deregulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction after alcohol intake. Finally, human cardiac biopsies from patients with chronic alcohol consumption developing ACM presented a higher degree of oxidative stress which positively correlated with the FGF21 protein levels in the myocardium. We conclude that plasma levels and cardiac myocyte FGF21 expression were induced in response to chronic alcohol consumption. The lack of FGF21 aggravated cardiac damage produced by ACM, in association with enhanced mitochondrial and oxidative stress, thus pointing to FGF21 as a protective agent against development of alcohol‐induced cardiomyopathy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and numerical investigation of mechanical and erosion behavior of barium sulphate filled glass fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Choudhary Mahavir , Sharma Ankush , Agarwal Pankaj , Singh Tej , Patnaik Tapan , Patnaik Amar
Published: October 2020

This research work evaluates the effect of barium sulphate contents on the physical, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and erosion wear properties of fixed glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Composites with 0 to 30 wt% barium sulphate were prepared by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique under controlled pressure condition. The manufactured composites were characterized for physical (density, void content, and hardness), mechanical (tensile, flexural, and inter‐laminar shear strengths), dynamic mechanical, and erosion wear properties including numerical and experimental analysis. Experimental results show that the addition of increased barium sulphate content results in increased density, void content, hardness, interlaminar shear strength, and fracture toughness of the composites, while tensile and flexural properties were found to decrease above 10 wt% barium sulphate content. Erosion results revealed that the maximum wear rate was found between the ranges of 45° to 75° impingement angle, which shows semi‐ductile nature of the composites. Moreover, computational fluid dynamic (CFD simulation by ANSYS fluent) analysis was introduced to calculate the erosive wear rate, erosion scar, and then tracking the particle trajectories in order to validate the numerical results by comparing the obtained experimental results for validation. Finally, the erosion efficiency was calculated as a function of impact velocity of the proposed particulate filled composites and eroded samples were analyzed through scanning electron microscope to observe the wear characteristics of the composites.
Structure‐function analysis of the maize bulliform cell cuticle and its potential role in dehydration and leaf rolling
Authors: Matschi Susanne , Vasquez Miguel F. , Bourgault Richard , Steinbach Paul , Chamness James , Kaczmar Nicholas , Gore Michael A. , Molina Isabel , Smith Laurie G.
Published: October 2020

The hydrophobic cuticle of plant shoots serves as an important interaction interface with the environment. It consists of the lipid polymer cutin, embedded with and covered by waxes, and provides protection against stresses including desiccation, UV radiation, and pathogen attack. Bulliform cells form in longitudinal strips on the adaxial leaf surface, and have been implicated in the leaf rolling response observed in drought‐stressed grass leaves. In this study, we show that bulliform cells of the adult maize leaf epidermis have a specialized cuticle, and we investigate its function along with that of bulliform cells themselves. Bulliform cells displayed increased shrinkage compared to other epidermal cell types during dehydration of the leaf, providing a potential mechanism to facilitate leaf rolling. Analysis of natural variation was used to relate bulliform strip patterning to leaf rolling rate, providing further evidence of a role for bulliform cells in leaf rolling. Bulliform cell cuticles showed a distinct ultrastructure with increased cuticle thickness compared to other leaf epidermal cells. Comparisons of cuticular conductance between adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, and between bulliform‐enriched mutants versus wild‐type siblings, showed a correlation between elevated water loss rates and presence or increased density of bulliform cells, suggesting that bulliform cuticles are more water‐permeable. Biochemical analysis revealed altered cutin composition and increased cutin monomer content in bulliform‐enriched tissues. In particular, our findings suggest that an increase in 9,10‐epoxy‐18‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid content, and a lower proportion of ferulate, are characteristics of bulliform cuticles. We hypothesize that elevated water permeability of the bulliform cell cuticle contributes to the differential shrinkage of these cells during leaf dehydration, thereby facilitating the function of bulliform cells in stress‐induced leaf rolling observed in grasses.
The evaluation of the correct use and ease‐of use of the ELLIPTA DPI in children with asthma
Authors: Halverson Philip , Liem Joel , Heyes Logan , Preece Andy , Bareille Philippe , Rees Jamie , Jain Renu , Stanford Richard H. , Lenney Warren , Collison Kathryn , Sharma Raj
Published: October 2020

Rationale

Asthma studies show many children use inhalers incorrectly even after instruction. For two age groups of children with asthma, we determined the proportions who used the once‐daily ELLIPTA dry‐powder inhaler (DPI) correctly, and who found it easy to use.

Methods

This was a multicenter, single‐arm, stratified, open‐label, placebo study (NCT03478657). Children aged 5–7 and 8–11 years were trained in, and required to demonstrate, correct placebo ELLIPTA DPI use at their first clinic visit. The inhaler was used at home once daily for 28 ± 2 days. On returning to the clinic, children were randomized to an age‐appropriate, ease‐of‐use questionnaire that had been developed and validated previously, and which rated the inhaler as “easy” or “hard” to use. Following questionnaire completion, children were then asked to demonstrate correct inhaler use. Correct use and ease‐of use were assessed in each age group (co‐primary endpoints) and overall (secondary endpoints).

Results

Of 222 enrolled children, 221 completed the study. Among children aged 5–7 years, 92% (n = 81/88) demonstrated correct ELLIPTA use on their first attempt, compared with 93% (n = 124/133) aged 8–11 years. Of these children, 98% (5–7 years: n = 79/81; 8–11 years: n = 121/124) rated the inhaler easy to use. Overall, 93% (n = 205/221) demonstrated correct inhaler use on their first attempt, and 98% (n = 200/205) rated it easy to use.

Conclusion

ELLIPTA DPI was used correctly and easily by most children on their first attempt without additional training.
Adolescents' experiences with patient engagement in respiratory medicine
Authors: Groot Barbara , Dedding Christine , Slob Elise , Maitland Henriette , Teunissen Truus , Rutjes Niels , Vijverberg Susanne
Published: October 2020

Objective

Adolescent engagement in decision‐making processes in health care and research in the field of chronic respiratory diseases is rare but increasingly recognized as important. The aim of this study was to reflect on adolescents' motives and experiences in the process of establishing an advisory council for adolescents with a chronic respiratory disease.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation study was undertaken to assess the process of starting an advisory youth council in a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. Data collection consisted of observations of council meetings, in‐depth interviews with youth council members, and moderated group discussions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore the experiences of the council members (n = 9, aged 12–18 years, all with a chronic respiratory disease). Two‐hour council meetings took place in the hospital to provide solicited and unsolicited advice to improve research and care.

Results

Three themes were identified as motives for adolescents to engage in an advisory council: (1) experience of fun and becoming empowered by their illness; (2) the value of peer support and contact; and (3) being able to contribute to care and research. The council's output consisted of solicited advice on information leaflets for patients, study procedures, and dietary menu options for hospitalized children. The council struggled to have their unsolicited advice heard within the hospital.

Conclusions

Council members experienced engagement as beneficial at the individual, group, and organizational levels. However, meaningful youth engagement requires connectedness with, and official support from, officials at all levels within an organization.
Climate change in healthcare: Exploring the potential role of inhaler prescribing
Authors: Starup‐Hansen Joachim , Dunne Henry , Sadler Jonathan , Jones Anna , Okorie Michael
Published: October 2020

Climate change has been described as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. As a result, governments around the world are committing to legislative change in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs). The healthcare sector makes a significant contribution to GHGEs and in line with national legislation in the UK, the NHS has recently committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The management of asthma and COPD largely depends on the prescribing of medications that are delivered through inhalers. In the UK, the use of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), which rely on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants accounts for 3.5% of the NHS’s total carbon footprint. In contrast, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) have a much lower carbon footprint due to the absence of a HFC propellant. Here we review evidence of the impact of inhaler choices across four domains: environmental impact, clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and patient preferences. We find that as well as a lower global‐warming potential, DPIs have additional benefits over pMDIs in other domains and should be considered first line where clinically appropriate.
Homogeneous Base‐Free Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethyfufural to 2, 5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid over Au/Mg(OH)2 Catalysts
Authors: Cai Chiliu , Xu Jiangong , Wang Haiyong , Xin Haosheng , Zhang Qi , Wang Chenguang , Ma Longlong , Liu Qiying
Published: October 2020

2, 5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) obtained from selective 5‐hydroxymethyfufural (HMF) oxidation is an important biodegradable polyester monomer and its production strongly depends on homogeneous base additives. The production of FDCA over solid base catalyst is green and environment‐friendly. Herein, Au/Mg(OH)2 as the metal‐solid base catalyst, was prepared by a simple colloidal method and applied to the oxidation of HMF. Detailed characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, TGA, CO2‐TPD, etc.) were performed to uncover the structure‐activity relationship of the catalyst. 92.6 % yield of FDCA was achieved under the optimal reaction condition. Moreover, a plausible mechanism for HMF oxidation over the metal‐solid base catalyst was proposed by combining the surface properties of catalyst with the oxidation reaction results.
Role of smart concrete in strain sensing and structural properties of reinforced concrete beam
Authors: Cholker Arvind Kumar , Tantray Manzoor Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Present work demonstrates the experimental investigation on four large scale reinforced concrete (RC) beams cast with and without smart concrete to study strain and damage sensing properties (for health monitoring), effect of carbon fiber (CF) on ultimate strength, crack pattern, and stiffness response under monotonically increased loading. A total of four beams, one without and three with smart concrete (CF‐based concrete) having similar dimensions, similar percentage of reinforcement, similar aspect ratio, same grade of steel but having variable strengths of concrete were cast and tested for evaluating above said properties. Micro CFs were placed only in mid‐span region for a length of 350 mm and a depth of 55.5 mm at top and bottom surface of the beam from economical point of view for health monitoring. From obtained experimental results, it was found that RC beam embedded with smart concrete can be used for structural health monitoring (SHM) and obtained fractional change in resistance of smart concrete can be corelated with compressive strain in concrete and tensile strain in steel up to good extent. Along with strain and damage sensing properties, the effect of smart concrete on structural properties is also reported and it was found that, apart from showing positive results for SHM, it also increases ultimate strength carrying capacity of the same RC beam. Also the experimentally obtained ultimate strength values were compared with theoretical predicted values using IS456‐2000, ACI 318–11, and CSA A23.3–04 codes.
Impacts of ammonia loading and biofilm age on the prevalence of nitrogen‐cycling microorganisms in a full‐scale submerged attached‐growth reactor
Authors: Zhao Weilun , Vermace Rebecca R. , Mattes Timothy E. , Just Craig
Published: October 2020

This study reports the impacts of seasonal ammonia load changes and biofilm age on the quantity of biomass and on the prevalence of ammonia‐ and nitrite‐metabolizing organisms within a submerged attached‐growth reactor (SAGR™) following lagoon treatment. Ammonia (NH3) loadings (0.12–3.17 kg/d) in the primary SAGR were measured over 223 days from May to December in 2017. Adjustment of the wastewater flow path on September 1 successfully increased NH3 loading to the primary SAGR, which subsequently caused reactor biomass to increase. The NH3 removal rate in October (0.5 kg/d) was greater than rates in June and July (0.3 and 0.2 kg/d) despite a water temperature decrease from >24 to 15.6°C. This elevated removal rate in October, and the sustained removal rate in December (0.4 kg/d, 5.3°C) were associated with a measured increase in microbial biomass. The relative abundance of the anammox organism C. Brocadia was 5 times greater in the mature biofilm after 686 days of growth, and the genus Pseudomonas increased sevenfold. The presence of Pseudomonas, which contains denitrifying species, and anammox suggests a high potential for removal of total nitrogen in SAGRs.

Practitioner points

Pseudomonas prevalence and the presence of anammox suggest a high potential for total nitrogen removal in mature SAGR biofilms.

The abundance of the anammox microorganism C. Brocadia was greater after 686 days of biofilm growth compared with 33 days.

Simple operational changes can increase biomass in the SAGR to maintain, or even increase, NH3 transformation rates during cold weather.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Hungary
Authors: Juhász Gábor
Published: October 2020

Given the recent salience of anti-immigrant propaganda and politics in Hungary, the inclusiveness of the Hungarian social legislation towards individuals in a situation of international mobility is a particularly relevant topic. The first section of this chapter gives an overview of the Hungarian welfare system and the main migration feature in the country. The second section closely examines differences in terms of access of nationals and non-nationals to social security benefits. The third section demonstrates that, despite negative public attitude to migration and anti-migration government measures, the Hungarian social legislation is not particularly restrictive concerning migrants’ entitlement to social security benefits. We conclude that it is probably due to the filtering effect of contributory benefits that dominate the Hungarian welfare system and prevent gaining access to the most essential benefits without work. At the same time, the chapter identifies several obstacles that foreign (and particularly non-EU) residents face when trying to access social security benefits in Hungary.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Italy
Authors: Chiaromonte William
Published: October 2020

This chapter presents the main characteristics of the Italian social security system, on the one hand, and Italian migration history and key policy developments, on the other hand, in order to analyze the principal eligibility conditions for accessing social benefits (unemployment, health care, pensions, family benefits and guaranteed minimum resources) for national residents, non-national residents and non-resident nationals.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Latvia
Authors: Kamenska Anhelita , Tumule Jekaterina
Published: October 2020

This chapter discusses the link between migration and welfare in Latvia. In general, the Latvian social security system may be described as a mixture of elements taken from the basic security (where eligibility is based on contributions or residency, and flat-rate benefits are provided) and corporatist (with eligibility based on labour force participation and earnings-related benefits) models. The country has experienced significant social policy and migration-related changed during the past decades. This chapter focuses on the current Latvian legislation, by closely examining the differential access to social protection benefits of resident nationals, foreigners living in Latvia and Latvian citizens residing abroad across five core policy areas: unemployment, health care, pensions, family benefits and social assistance. Our results show that the Latvian social security benefits are generally based on the principle of employment, social insurance contributions, and permanent residence. Most of the social benefits and services are available to socially insured permanent residents. At the same time, the state offers minimum protection to non-insured permanent residents. Foreigners with temporary residence permits who are not socially insured are the least socially protected group.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Belgium
Authors: Melin Pauline
Published: October 2020

Access to social benefits in Belgium is not conditional upon nationality but rather on periods of insurance to the Belgian social security system. Despite the lack of nationality conditions, a number of social benefits are made conditional upon residence of the beneficiary in Belgium. Consequently, even though the Belgian social security system appears, at first sight, as neutral regarding the migration trajectory of its beneficiaries, it might be more difficult for migrants to access, retain and export social security benefits from Belgium when compared to resident nationals. This chapter thus compares the conditions of access to social benefits for nationals and non-nationals residing in Belgium, as well as Belgian citizens residing abroad. It aims to analyse whether migration decisions impact access to and retention of social security benefits. More particularly, the analysis focuses on access to unemployment benefits, healthcare, old-age pensions, family benefits and guaranteed minimum income. Finally, this chapter also questions whether access to social benefits might have a consequence for the residence status of non-nationals in Belgium.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Croatia
Authors: Špadina Helga
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on migrants’ access to social protection in Croatia by providing an in-depth analysis of social entitlements in the area of family benefits, pension insurance, unemployment benefits, health care and social welfare benefits. By highlighting the partial harmonization of the national social legislation to the EU acquis, the chapter puts forward the still limited scope of social rights of EU nationals, even several years after Croatia’s accession to the EU. Non-EU nationals have even more limited access to social rights, and they do not enjoy the full scope of family benefits, the right to social housing or other specific social rights, including unemployment benefits and contributory pensions. The chapter also sheds light to on-going discussions on reform of the social system in Croatia, with possible changes of the entitlement to the national pension and family benefits reform.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in the Czech Republic
Authors: Koldinská Kristina
Published: October 2020

This chapter discusses the Czech social security system from the perspective of migrant workers and their families. The Czech Republic is a central European country whose population is quite homogeneous, so its migration policy is not a very welcoming one. Access to social security benefits for third-country nationals is connected to long-term residence. EU citizens have equal access to social benefits as Czech nationals. The chapter explains basic characteristics of the Czech social protection system (unemployment benefits, health care system, pension insurance, family benefits and social assistance benefits), with a special emphasis on accessibility for migrant workers and their families.
Do EU Member States Care About their Diasporas’ Access to Social Protection? A Comparison of Consular and Diaspora Policies across EU27
Authors: Lafleur Jean-Michel , Vintila Daniela
Published: October 2020

Despite the growing literature on sending states’ engagement with their populations abroad, little is known so far about their role in helping the diaspora deal with social risks. As argued in this chapter, this is mainly because past studies on sending states’ policies and institutions for the diaspora have failed to systematically focus on social protection, while also ignoring that regional integration dynamics often constrain domestic responses to the welfare needs of nationals residing abroad. This volume aims to fill this research gap by comparatively examining the type of diaspora infrastructure through which EU Member States address the vulnerabilities faced by populations abroad in five core areas of social protection: health care, pensions, family, unemployment, and economic hardship. Drawing on data from two original surveys with national experts, we operationalize the concepts of descriptive infrastructure for non-residents (i.e. the presence of diaspora-related institutions) and substantive infrastructure (i.e. policies that provide and facilitate access to welfare for nationals abroad) in order to propose a new typology of states’ engagement with their diaspora in the area of social protection.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Finnish Citizens Abroad
Authors: Malin Maili
Published: October 2020

With 1.6 million Finnish-origin individuals abroad, the focus in Finland has traditionally been on Finnish cultural associations and educational programmes over any other type of engagement with this population. This chapter provides an overview of Finland’s diaspora policies, with a focus on social protection. It shows that Finland does not have a specific global policy of supporting Finns abroad, but rather a regional approach with Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). Similarly, this chapter shows that Finland has a somewhat decentralized approach to diaspora engagement by which its strong network of non-profit organizations abroad perform a role traditionally given to public authorities in the area of social protection and consultation. The diaspora policy of the Finnish Government could be characterised as reactionary, since Finnish missions increasingly help Finnish tourists abroad. A strong Nordic cooperation in the field of social protection has widened after huge immigration of Finnish people to Sweden, and bilateral social agreements have been established with countries where Finns have immigrated historically like the United States and Australia.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for French Citizens Abroad
Authors: Arrighi Jean-Thomas , Lafleur Jean-Michel
Published: October 2020

While predominantly a country of immigration, France also counts with a sizeable population of citizens abroad of around three million individuals (4% of the domestic population). This chapter provides a general overview of France’s diaspora institutions, consular policies and social protection policies for citizens abroad. It describes in detail expatriates’ conditions of eligibility and access to welfare in the areas of unemployment, health care, pensions, family benefits and economic hardship. It shows that France, by European standards, has a comparatively strong level of engagement with its expatriates, particularly in the areas of electoral rights, culture and social protection. This must be understood in the light of France’s colonial history, its continued ambition to be a global actor, and its well-developed domestic welfare state that has increasingly become de-territorialised.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Latvian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Lulle Aija
Published: October 2020

This chapter shows that Latvia is a country whose diaspora policies are shaped by ethnic identity arguments that introduce some differences of treatment between two categories of individuals residing abroad: citizens and the specific category of Russian-origin “non-citizens”. We show that, because most of diaspora concentrates in Western destination countries with strong welfare states, Latvia has little incentives to act in this area. Social protection policies in Latvia are mainly related to repatriation support. Repatriation is understood as help to return for those, mainly ethnic Latvians, who left the country before 1990s. Support for recent emigrants is limited to consular support, gradual extension of opportunities to vote from abroad, language training, weekend schools. In 2018, the first pilot programme was carried out to provide information support for return migrants under the umbrella of regional development vision in Latvia.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Lithuanian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Gudelis Dangis , Klimavičiūtė Luka
Published: October 2020

Although the Lithuanian Government has an active programme (Global Lithuania) to engage with citizens residing abroad, there is a lack of social protection policies for non-resident nationals who are facing economic difficulties. This is due to the public opinion that Lithuanians abroad are in a better financial position to contribute rather than benefit from the already limited state budget. Nevertheless, some assistance exists in the area of health care: Lithuanian consulates help Lithuanians abroad with evacuations or if they get into an accident and wish to return to Lithuania. Consulates also assist emigrants with the receipt of pensions and family-related documents.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Dutch Citizens Abroad
Authors: Jansen Joost , Goverts Robbert
Published: October 2020

This chapter provides an overview of the Dutch diaspora policy infrastructure and key policies (e.g. cultural, economic, and political) implemented in the Netherlands. While presenting some key characteristics of the (history of the) Dutch diaspora, it also discusses a recent controversy over dual citizenship, which provides a relevant context to analyse the architecture of diaspora engagement policies in the Netherlands. Subsequently, we discuss the degree to which the Netherlands implements social protection policies that aim to provide assistance to Dutch nationals residing abroad. Overall, we show that the Netherlands is characterized by a political climate that prioritizes immigration policies over emigration policies and also appeals to individual responsibility whether it concerns Dutch citizens living in the Netherlands or abroad.