Age, Gender, and Liver Enzyme Impact Hospital Stay in COVID-19 Minority Patient with Cancer in the USA: Does Race Matters in the Pandemic?

Patients with cancer are known to have a poor prognosis when infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed in this study to assess health outcomes in COVID-19 patients with different cancers in comparison to non-cancer COVID-19 patients from different centers in the United States (US). We evaluated medical records of 1,943 COVID-19 Cancer patients from 3 hospitals admitted between December 2019 to October 2021 and compared them with non-cancer COVID-19 patients. Among 1,943 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 18.7% (n=364) have an active or previous history of cancer. Among these 364 cancer patients, 222 were African Americans (61.7%) and 121 were Caucasians (33.2%). Cancer patients had significantly longer hospitalization compared to controls (8.24 vs 6.7 days). Overall, Lung cancer is associated with high mortality. Patients with a previous history of cancer were more prone to death (p=0.04) than active cancer patients. In univariate and multivariate analyses, predictors of death among cancer patients were male sex, older age, presence of dyspnea, elevated troponin, elevated AST (0.001) and ALT (0.05), low albumin (p=0.04) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.001). Patients with a previous history of cancer were more prone to death when compared to active cancer COVID-19 patients. Early recognition of cancer COVID-19 patients' death-associated risk factors can help determine appropriate treatment and management plans for better prognosis and outcome.

Combination of ensemble machine learning models in photocatalytic studies using nano TiO2 - Lignin based biochar

Synergizing photocatalytic reactions with machine learning methods can effectively optimize and automate the remediation of pollutants. In this work, commercial Degussa TiO2 nanoparticles and lignin based biochar (LB) where used to prepare TiO2: lignin based biochar (TLB) composites using ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method. The photocatalytic property of the TLB composites where studied by conducting the photocatalytic degradation of a Basic blue 41 (BB41) dye. The influence of calcination temperature, T:LB compositions, catalyst dosage, initial dye pH, initial dye concentration, and illumination time on photocatalytic dye degradation were experimentally studied. The degradation efficiency of 96.72 % was obtained under optimized conditions for the photocatalyst calcined at 500 °C containing a 1:1 wt percentage of TiO2 and LB. The experimental data was further used to predict the photocatalytic degradation efficiency using Gradient Tree Boosting (GTB) and Extra Trees (ET) models. The GTB model gave the highest prediction accuracy of 94 %. The permutation variable importance revealed catalyst dosage and dye concentration as the most influential parameters in the prediction of the photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency.

Methyl orange dye adsorbed biochar as a potential Brønsted acid catalyst for microwave-assisted biodiesel production

Biodiesel production from non-edible oils utilizing a highly efficient eco-friendly catalyst is a crucial necessity for replacing fossil fuels. In the present work, biochar has been applied for both energy and environmental purposes. The biochar was made by slow pyrolysis from a variety of biomass, primarily cassava peel, irul wood sawdust, and coconut shell. All biochars were used as adsorbents to remove an anionic dye (methyl orange) by conducting batch adsorption studies. The biochar made from cassava peels showed the highest dye adsorption, and it was characterized using elements analysis (CHNS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area analyzer (BET), total acid density, and sulfonic acid group density to successfully confirm the presence of weak (-OH) and strong (-COOH, -SO3H) acidic groups. Furthermore, for microwave-assisted biodiesel production from Millettia pinnata seed oil, the dye adsorbed biochar made from cassava peel was utilized as a Brønsted acid catalyst. The catalyst having a surface area of 4.89 m2/g, an average pore width of 108.77 nm, a total acid density of 3.2 mmol/g, and a sulfonic acid group density of 1.9 mmol/g exhibits distinctive mesoporous properties that contribute to a biodiesel yield of 91.25%. By utilizing the catalyst for three more cycles and getting a yield of more than 75%, the reusability of the catalyst was investigated.

Conventionally Fractionated vs. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Treatment of Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: Local Control and Survival Outcomes in a Retrospective Single-Institutional Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Unresectable pancreatic cancer (UPC) is associated with dismal survival outcomes, with a reported median survival of 8-12 months. The role of radiotherapy (RT) and the choice of optimal fractionation remains unclear. Our objective was analyzing the outcomes associated with local radiotherapy as well as determine the best radiotherapeutic approach to treat these patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From a database of 209 radiation plans of patients treated for pancreatic cancer in a single institution between August 2007 to August 2021, patients with UPC were selected for this REB approved retrospective study.

RESULTS

From the 209 plans, 136 unique patients were identified who had RT for UPC. The mean age of the cohort was 67.6 years, 10% were >80 years and 37% were female. Median follow-up was 9.3 months. 54 patients had distant metastases at the time of RT and were analyzed separately. Outcomes where analyzed based on whether patients received Conventionally fractionated RT (CFRT) (defined as >15 fractions) (n = 23 (17%)), Hypofractionated RT (HypoRT) (defined as ≤15 fractions and EQD2<40Gy for α/β = 3) (n = 40 (29%)) and those treated with Stereotactic Body RT (SBRT) (defined as ≤5 fractions and EQD2≥40Gy for α/β = 3) (n = 19 (14%)). The mean overall survival (OS) and freedom from progression (FFP) in the SBRT cohort was 17.2 and 7.4 months respectively, in the CFRT cohort was 22.6 and 9.9 months respectively and in the HypoRT cohort was 11.4 and 4.9 months respectively. All CFRT patients received chemotherapy. Mean OS was drastically lower in SBRT and HypoRT patients who did not receive any chemotherapy (11.9 and 3.4 months respectively). Patients with metastatic disease at presentation and receiving HypoRT had mean OS of 13.4 months. The average EQD2 for the cohorts were 45.4 Gy, 49.2 Gy and 30.3 Gy for CFRT, SBRT and HypoRT respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that CFRT with concurrent chemotherapy offers better therapeutic outcomes in patients with UPC compared to HypoRT. The role of dose escalated SBRT needs to be explored as an equal alternative.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Anti-TNF-Experienced Patients with Crohn's Disease Initiating Vedolizumab Versus Ustekinumab

BACKGROUND

Primary and secondary non-response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), yet limited research has compared the effectiveness of subsequent biological therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in anti-TNF-experienced patients with CD, focusing on patient-prioritized patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, internet-based cohort study nested within IBD Partners. We identified anti-TNF-experienced patients initiating with CD vedolizumab or ustekinumab and analyzed PROs reported approximately 6 months later (minimum 4 months, maximum 10 months). Co-primary outcomes were Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains of Fatigue and Pain Interference. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported short Crohn's disease activity index (sCDAI), treatment persistence, and corticosteroid use. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to control for a number of potential confounders and incorporated into linear and logistic regression models for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 141 vedolizumab and 219 ustekinumab initiators were included in our analysis. After adjustment, we found no differences between treatment groups in our primary outcomes of Pain Interference or Fatigue or the secondary outcome of sCDAI. However, vedolizumab was associated with lower treatment persistence (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) and higher corticosteroid use at follow-up assessment (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6).

DISCUSSION

Among anti-TNF experienced patients with CD, Pain Interference or Fatigue was not significantly different 4-10 months after starting ustekinumab or vedolizumab. However, reduced steroid use and increased persistence suggest superiority of ustekinumab for non-PRO outcomes.

Composites of Lignin-Based Biochar with BiOCl for Photocatalytic Water Treatment: RSM Studies for Process Optimization

Textile effluents pose a massive threat to the aquatic environment, so, sustainable approaches for environmentally friendly multifunctional remediation methods degradation are still a challenge. In this study, composites consisting of bismuth oxyhalide nanoparticles, specifically bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanoplatelets, and lignin-based biochar were synthesized following a one-step hydrolysis synthesis. The simultaneous photocatalytic and adsorptive remediation efficiency of the Biochar-BiOCl composites were studied for the removal of a benchmark azo anionic dye, methyl orange dye (MO). The influence of various parameters (such as catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, and pH) on the photo-assisted removal was carried out and optimized using the Box-Behnken Design of RSM. The physicochemical properties of the nanomaterials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen sorption, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The maximum dye removal was observed at a catalyst dosage of 1.39 g/L, an initial dye concentration of 41.8 mg/L, and a pH of 3.15. The experiment performed under optimized conditions resulted in 100% degradation of the MO after 60 min of light exposure. The incorporation of activated biochar had a positive impact on the photocatalytic performance of the BiOCl photocatalyst for removing the MO due to favorable changes in the surface morphology, optical absorption, and specific surface area and hence the dispersion of the photo-active nanoparticles leading to more photocatalytic active sites. This study is within the frames of the design and development of green-oriented nanomaterials of low cost for advanced (waste)water treatment applications.

Effective Usage of Biochar and Microorganisms for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Pesticides

The bioremediation of heavy metal ions and pesticides is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Microbial remediation is considered superior to conventional abiotic remediation processes, due to its cost-effectiveness, decrement of biological and chemical sludge, selectivity toward specific metal ions, and high removal efficiency in dilute effluents. Immobilization technology using biochar as a carrier is one important approach for advancing microbial remediation. This article provides an overview of biochar-based materials, including their design and production strategies, physicochemical properties, and applications as adsorbents and support for microorganisms. Microorganisms that can cope with the various heavy metal ions and/or pesticides that enter the environment are also outlined in this review. Pesticide and heavy metal bioremediation can be influenced by microbial activity, pollutant bioavailability, and environmental factors, such as pH and temperature. Furthermore, by elucidating the interaction mechanisms, this paper summarizes the microbe-mediated remediation of heavy metals and pesticides. In this review, we also compile and discuss those works focusing on the study of various bioremediation strategies utilizing biochar and microorganisms and how the immobilized bacteria on biochar contribute to the improvement of bioremediation strategies. There is also a summary of the sources and harmful effects of pesticides and heavy metals. Finally, based on the research described above, this study outlines the future scope of this field.

Low genetic confirmation rate in South Indian subjects with a clinical diagnosis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) who underwent targeted next-generation sequencing for 13 genes

PURPOSE

To screen for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) variants in subjects with an early age of onset and positive family history of diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

60 subjects with onset of diabetes between 3 and 30 years of age and parental history (onset < 35 years) of diabetes were recruited after excluding autoimmune, pancreatic and syndromic forms of diabetes. Detailed pedigree chart and clinical data were recorded. MODY genetic testing (MODY 1-13) was performed and variant classification was done adhering to the ACMG guidelines.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of subjects were as follows: mean age of onset of diabetes 19.9 ± 7 years, mean duration of diabetes 6.3 ± 6.8 years, BMI 23.3 ± 3 kg/m² and C-peptide 1.56 ± 1.06 nmol/l. Four out of sixty (6.6%) were positive for variants classifiable as pathogenic/likely pathogenic: one patient with HNF4Ac.691C > T, (p.Arg231Trp), two with HNF 1A c.746C > A(p.Ser249Ter) and c.1340C > T(p.Pro447Leu), and one with ABCC8 c.4544C > T (p.Thr1515Met). MODY 1 and MODY 3 variants were documented in the paediatric age group (< 18 years).

CONCLUSION

A genetic diagnosis of MODY could be confirmed in only 6.6% (4/60) of patients clinically classifiable as MODY. This is less than that reported in clinically diagnosed MODY subjects of European descent. Newly published population data and more stringent criteria for assessment of pathogenicity and younger age of onset of type 2 diabetes in Indians could have contributed to the lower genetic confirmation rate. Apart from variants in the classical genes (HNF1A, HNF4A), a likely pathogenic variant in a non-classical gene (ABCC8) was noted in this study.

Role of coconut shell biochar and earthworm (Eudrilus euginea) in bioremediation and palak spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) growth in cadmium-contaminated soil

The contamination of soil with heavy metals is known to affect the yield the soil fertility, which in turn affects the growth of agricultural crops. This study investigates the role of coconut shell biochar (CSB) and earthworms (Eudrilus euginea) in the bioremediation and growth of Palak spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) in cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. The soils were amended with different combinations of CSB and earthworms and incubated for 35 days. Later, the soil samples were analyzed for the changes in the soil properties, soil enzyme activity, and heavy metal contents. It is observed that the treatments with both CSB and earthworms resulted in the improvement of soil properties and soil enzyme activity which was directly related to soil fertility. Meanwhile, the maximum removal of 94.38% of total Cd content in the soil was obtained for the soil sample contain both CSB and earthworms. The improved soil properties resulted in a higher germination percentage of Spinacia oleracea L. seeds in the Cd contaminated soil.

Report of a new meq gene size: The first study on genetic characterisation of Marek's disease viruses circulating in Iranian commercial layer and backyard chicken

1. In recent months, several outbreaks with clinical signs of MDV-1 were reported in Iranian parent and laying hen farms, in addition to backyard chickens. Several meq gene sequences from these outbreaks were amplified and molecularly characterised.2. The meq protein sequences revealed three different sizes, namely the standard 339 aa, a shorter form of 338 aa lacking a proline residue at position 191, and a very short (vs) size of 265 aa. Based on sequence and size, the 265 aa meq has never been reported from international research groups before. The protein has only one PPPP repeat motif suggesting it belongs to a highly virulent strain.3. The standard meq sequences showed 100% BLAST identity to the vv+ isolate Polen5. However, the 338 aa form clustered to the clade usually reported from North America.4. This is the first report on genetic analysis of MDV-1 from Iran, but further study is required to obtain a better picture of the diversity and prevalence of different MDV-1 strains circulating in the country's farms, backyard poultry and other bird species.

Assessment of differentially methylated loci in individuals with end-stage kidney disease attributed to diabetic kidney disease: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

A subset of individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are predisposed to developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the most common cause globally of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Emerging evidence suggests epigenetic changes in DNA methylation may have a causal role in both T1DM and DKD. The aim of this exploratory investigation was to assess differences in blood-derived DNA methylation patterns between individuals with T1DM-ESKD and individuals with long-duration T1DM but no evidence of kidney disease upon repeated testing to identify potential blood-based biomarkers. Blood-derived DNA from individuals (107 cases, 253 controls and 14 experimental controls) were bisulphite treated before DNA methylation patterns from both groups were generated and analysed using Illumina's Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays (n = 862,927 sites). Differentially methylated CpG sites (dmCpGs) were identified (false discovery rate adjusted p ≤ × 10^-8 and fold change ± 2) by comparing methylation levels between ESKD cases and T1DM controls at single site resolution. Gene annotation and functionality was investigated to enrich and rank methylated regions associated with ESKD in T1DM.

RESULTS

Top-ranked genes within which several dmCpGs were located and supported by functional data with methylation look-ups in other cohorts include: AFF3, ARID5B, CUX1, ELMO1, FKBP5, HDAC4, ITGAL, LY9, PIM1, RUNX3, SEPTIN9 and UPF3A. Top-ranked enrichment pathways included pathways in cancer, TGF-β signalling and Th17 cell differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Epigenetic alterations provide a dynamic link between an individual's genetic background and their environmental exposures. This robust evaluation of DNA methylation in carefully phenotyped individuals has identified biomarkers associated with ESKD, revealing several genes and implicated key pathways associated with ESKD in individuals with T1DM.

Endovascular and percutaneous transabdominal embolisation of pseudoaneurysms in pancreatitis: an experience from a tertiary-care referral centre

AIM

To analyse the technical challenges, clinical success, and associated complications of endovascular and percutaneous embolisation of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients referred for embolisation of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms between January 2014 and March 2019 was conducted. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed to assess the morphology of the aneurysms prior to any intervention. Percutaneous or endovascular embolisation was performed. Details of CTA and methods of embolisation were recorded. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients (mean age, 40.69 ± 13.41 years, 73 male) underwent embolisation during the study period. Pseudoaneurysms were related to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in 44 (55%) patients and acute pancreatitis (AP) in 36 (45%) patients. Pseudoaneurysms were detected in 65 (81.2%) patients on CTA. The most common site of pseudoaneurysms was gastroduodenal artery (GDA) followed by splenic artery. Seven patients were treated with percutaneous thrombin injection and five were treated with percutaneous glue injection under ultrasound/fluoroscopy guidance. The remaining patients (n=68) underwent catheter angiography with endovascular embolisation. Technical success was achieved in 4/7 (57%) percutaneous thrombin cases and in all the cases (5/5, 100%) with percutaneous glue or endovascular (68/68,100%) embolisation.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular or percutaneous embolisation of pseudoaneurysms has high technical success with an excellent safety profile.

Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus in Turkish layer chickens

1. There is no current data about the genotypes of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in Turkish poultry flocks; hence, this study was performed to analyse CVI988/Rispens, turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine viruses and MDV field viruses as well as to perform phylogenetic analysis of MDV in Turkish layer chickens. 2. In 2017 and 2018, a total of 602 spleen samples from 49 layer flocks were collected from the Marmara, West Black Sea and Aegean regions. DNA was extracted from the spleen samples and the samples were analysed by real-time PCR probe assay to detect CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine viruses and MDV field strains. Samples found positive for MDV by real-time PCR were subjected to PCR using the Meq gene primers for phylogenetic analysis. 3. Amongst 49 flocks, virulent MDV was detected in nine flocks. CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine strains were detected in 47 flocks and HVT in all 49 flocks. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and tumours in the oviduct were observed in chickens of affected flocks. Virulent MDV was detected in 120 out of 602 spleen samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that MDVs detected in this study were closely related to MDV strains from Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, India and China but showed diversity with MDV strains from Egypt and Hungary. Multiple sequence analysis of the Meq protein revealed several point mutations in deduced amino acid sequences. Interestingly, CVI988/Rispens vaccine virus from China (AF493555) showed mutations at position 66 (G66R) and 71 (S66A) along with two other vaccine strains from China (GU354326.1) and Russia (EU032468.1), in comparison with the other vaccine strain CVI988/Rispens (DQ534538). The molecular analyses of the Meq gene suggested that Turkish field strains of MDV are in the class of virulent or very virulent pathotypes. 4. The results have shown that MDV still affects poultry health, and the phylogenetic and amino acid variation data obtained will help in vaccination and control strategies.

Metal Organic Frameworks as Desulfurization Adsorbents of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT from Fuels

Ultradeep desulfurization of fuels is a method of enormous demand due to the generation of harmful compounds during the burning of sulfur-containing fuels, which are a major source of environmental pollution. Among the various desulfurization methods in application, adsorptive desulfurization (ADS) has low energy demand and is feasible to be employed at ambient conditions without the addition of chemicals. The most crucial factor for ADS application is the selection of the adsorbent, and, currently, a new family of porous materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), has proved to be very effective towards this direction. In the current review, applications of MOFs and their functionalized composites for ADS are presented and discussed, as well as the main desulfurization mechanisms reported for the removal of thiophenic compounds by various frameworks. Prospective methods regarding the further improvement of MOF's desulfurization capability are also suggested.

Molecular detection of Marek's disease virus in feather and blood samples from young laying hens in Colombia

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an immunosuppressive pathogen that can cause low production efficiency and high mortality rates in chickens. There is no current information on the MDV serotypes and pathotypes circulating in vaccinated commercial farms in Colombia where the birds are vaccinated in the incubator with Gallid herpesvirus (GaHV-2) and Meleagrid herpesvirus 1 (MeHV-1). Based on that, the main focus of this study was to understand the MDV's infection dynamics for the three known serotypes and to detect wild-virus pathogenic strains in 4-layer poultry farms in Antioquia. Samples of blood, feathers and spleens were collected from three randomly chosen animals according to age category: 1, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) that differentiates between the three serotypes of MDV was used to assess viral loads over time, and phylogenetic analysis of the Meq oncogene was done to compare the strains of MDV with those of known pathogenicity. Meleagrid herpesvirus 1 (MeHV-1) was detected in all blood and feather follicle samples with an average number of genome copies (per 10,000 cells) of 31.44 in blood as expected as a result of vaccination. GaHV-2 was also detected in almost 100% of the blood and feather follicle samples throughout all defined age categories, with an average of 10.65 genome copies in blood samples. Gallid herpesvirus 3 (GaHV-3) was detected in 72% of blood and 84.61% of feather samples, with less than 1 copy per 10,000 cells. Based on the number of 132 bp repeats of the BamHI-H and BamHI-D regions in pooled feather samples, there were 70% (8/25) of attenuated MDV and 30% (17/25) of virulent MDV strains circulating in the farms. Virus isolation was performed successfully from every farm. In conclusion, different strains of MDV are circulating for up to 120 days in layers in Antioquia-Colombia and could be of major impact in poultry health. Keywords: Marek's disease virus (MDV); Antioquia-Colombia; qPCR; PCR; Meq gene phylogeny.

Thermo-Photocatalysis: Environmental and Energy Applications

Catalysis is an integral part of a majority of chemical operations focused on the generation of value-added chemicals or fuels. Similarly, the extensive use of fossil-derived fuels and chemicals has led to deterioration of the environment. Catalysis currently plays a key role in mitigating such effects. Thermal catalysis and photocatalysis are two well-known catalytic approaches that were applied in both energy and environmental fields. Thermo-photocatalysis can be understood as a synergistic effect of the two catalytic processes with key importance in the use of solar energy as thermal and light source. This Review provides an update on relevant contributions about thermo-photocatalytic systems for environmental and energy applications. The reported activity data are compared with the conventional photocatalytic approach and the base of the photothermal effect is analyzed. Some of the systems based on the positive aspects of thermo- and photocatalysis could be the answer to the energy and environmental crisis when taking into account the outstanding results with regard to chemical efficiency and energy saving.

Bridging Barriers, Building Partners: Success of a Multistakeholder Collaborative Effort in Building and Implementing a Free Mammography Programme for Underprivileged Malaysian Women

Background and context: Research has revealed two large problems in the Malaysian breast cancer control context. First, a large disparity existed in diagnostic stages of Malaysian patients during first presentation; with a large percentage of patients presenting in Stage 3 or 4. Second, patients presenting in later stages of disease were revealed to be of lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Shortcomings are thus thought to exist in the capability of women from lower socioeconomic groups to access breast cancer screening. To address these gaps, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia conceptualized and put together a multistakeholder collaborative project. Aim: The aim of this project was to build, finance and implement a free mammography program for underprivileged Malaysian women. Strategy/Tactics: To ensure geographic equity in provision of this program, 14 individual private hospitals in 10 different states in peninsular Malaysia were negotiated with and agreed to provide the mammogram at highly competitive prices. To address transport and other costs which may have acted as a barrier for patients to attend their screening, transportation costs for groups going for their screening was also subsidized. Additional stakeholders' engaged were nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) especially those working with the economically underprivileged such as religious and other community NGOs. They were roped in as partners to spread the message, identify eligible participants and schedule visits. Some NGOs carried this out as part of their own outreach activities; reserving specific days at the screening centers for themselves. Program/Policy process: The program consisted of a free mammogram provided to Malaysian women above 40 years of age who were determined to be underprivileged; defined for this program as those having a monthly household income below the poverty line (RM5000). If the mammogram was found to be suspicious, a confirmatory breast ultrasound was also performed sans payment. Once conceptualized, the program was successfully pitched by NCSM to ETIQA Insurance, a large Malaysian insurer, who agreed to fund this project as part of their sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. In total, the program funded mammograms for 5000 women over a period of 1 year from July 2017 to July 2018. NCSM advertised the program through various channels; including traditional media, social media, and at various outreach programs and events. Outcomes/What was learned: The program has run for 8 months and has already screened 3550 women nationwide. The multistakeholder collaborative effort has been highly successful at creating awareness on breast cancer screening and providing accurate breast cancer screening for a large number of underprivileged women, some for the first time in their lives.

Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics

Depleting conventional fuel reserves has prompted the demand for the exploration of renewable resources. Biomass is a widely available renewable resource that can be valorized to produce fuels, chemicals, and materials. Among all the fractions of biomass, lignin has been underutilized. Due to its complex structure, recalcitrant nature, and heterogeneity, its valorization is relatively challenging. This review focuses on the utilization of lignin for the preparation of composite materials and their application in the field of photocatalysis and photovoltaics. Lignin can be used as a photocatalyst support for its potential application in photodegradation of contaminants. The interaction between the components in hybrid photocatalysts plays a significant role in determining the photocatalytic performance. The application of lignin as a photocatalyst support tends to control the size of the particles and allows uniform distribution of the particles that influence the characteristics of the photocatalyst. Lignin as a semiconductive polymer dopant for photoanodes in photovoltaic cells can improve the photoconversion efficiency of the cell. Recent success in the development of lignosulfonates dopant for hole transport materials in photovoltaics will pave the way for further research in lignin-based high-performance organic electronic devices.

Development of photocatalyst coated fluoropolymer based microreactor using ultrasound for water remediation

Formation of thin layers of photocatalyst in photo-microreactor is a challenging work considering the properties of both catalyst and the microchannel material. The deposition of semiconductor materials on fluoropolymer based microcapillary requires the use of economical methods which are also less energy dependent. The current work introduces a new method for depositing nanoparticles of TiO₂ on the inner walls of a hexafluoropropylene tetrafluoroethylene microtube under mild conditions using ultrasound technique. During the ultrasonication process, changes in the polymer surface were observed and characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Confocal Microscopy. The rough patches form sites for catalyst deposition resulting in the formation of thin layer of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the inner walls of the microtube. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂ coated fluoropolymer based microcapillary was evaluated for removal of phenol present in water.

Correction: Selective photocatalysis of lignin-inspired chemicals by integrating hybrid nanocatalysis in microfluidic reactors

Correction for 'Selective photocatalysis of lignin-inspired chemicals by integrating hybrid nanocatalysis in microfluidic reactors' by Juan Carlos Colmenares et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, DOI: .

Selective photocatalysis of lignin-inspired chemicals by integrating hybrid nanocatalysis in microfluidic reactors

In an ideal symbiosis of nanophotocatalysis and microflow chemistry, this tutorial review delineates a micro-highway decorated with semiconductor-based photocatalytic thin layers for the selective transformations of lignin-based chemicals to high-value organic products.

Belatacept Conversion in an HIV-Positive Kidney Transplant Recipient With Prolonged Delayed Graft Function

We report an HIV-positive renal transplant recipient with delayed graft function who was converted from tacrolimus to belatacept in an attempt to improve renal function. The patient had kidney biopsies at 4 and 8 weeks posttransplant that revealed acute tubular necrosis and mild fibrosis. After 14 weeks of delayed function, belatacept was initiated and tacrolimus was weaned off. Shortly after discontinuing tacrolimus, renal function began to improve. The patient was able to discontinue dialysis 21 weeks posttransplant. HIV viral load was undetectable at last follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of belatacept use in a patient with HIV.

Chronobiologic Considerations in Pharmacologic and Toxicologic Studies: Fact or Fancy

Previous studies showing circadian variation in pharmacologic response to drugs in man and experimental animals have been reviewed. The chronobiologic response is discussed in terms of the pharmacologic factors that determine drug action. The importance of internal markers in chronopharmacologic studies is emphasized and is illustrated by our studies with the antihypersive drugs. Identification of chronobiologic variations in the therapeutic and toxic response to drugs, when present, along with an understanding of their mechanisms, would permit the design of optimal therapeutic regimens for these drugs.

Peroxide-assisted microwave activation of pyrolysis char for adsorption of dyes from wastewater

In this study, mesoporous activated biochar with high surface area and controlled pore size was prepared from char obtained as a by-product of pyrolysis of Prosopis juliflora biomass. The activation was carried out by a simple process that involved H2O2 treatment followed by microwave pyrolysis. H2O2 impregnation time and microwave power were optimized to obtain biochar with high specific surface area and high adsorption capacity for commercial dyes such as Remazol Brilliant Blue and Methylene Blue. Adsorption parameters such as initial pH of the dye solution and adsorbent dosage were also optimized. Pore size distribution, surface morphology and elemental composition of activated biochar were thoroughly characterized. H2O2 impregnation time of 24h and microwave power of 600W produced nanostructured biochar with narrow and deep pores of 357m(2)g(-1) specific surface area. Langmuir and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms described the adsorption equilibrium, while pseudo second order model described the kinetics of adsorption.