Full Text PDF Research Articles

In-Hospital Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism Among Nonagenarians (Insights from the National Inpatient Sample)

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. 1 Benjamin EJ Virani SS Callaway CW Chamberlain AM Chang AR Cheng S Chiuve SE Cushman M Delling FN Deo R de Ferranti SD Ferguson JF Fornage M Gillespie C Isasi CR Jiménez MC Jordan LC Judd SE Lackland D Lichtman JH Lisabeth L Liu S Longenecker CT Lutsey PL Mackey JS Matchar DB Matsushita K Mussolino ME Nasir K O'Flaherty M Palaniappan LP Pandey A Pandey DK Reeves MJ Ritchey MD Rodriguez CJ Roth GA Rosamond WD Sampson UKA Satou GM Shah SH Spartano NL Tirschwell DL Tsao CW Voeks JH Willey JZ Wilkins JT Wu JH Alger HM Wong SS Muntner P American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke Statistics-2018 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2018; 137: e67-e492 Crossref PubMed Scopus (4660) Google Scholar The incidence of PE has been increasing in the last decade, with recent advances in imaging modalities that enable the detection of small PE. 2 Stein PD Matta F Hughes MJ. Hospitalizations for high-risk pulmonary embolism. Am J Med. 2021; 134: 621-625 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (2) Google Scholar Despite the advances in treatment modalities, mortality remains high and estimated at 10% within the first 30 days of the index event. 1 Benjamin EJ Virani SS Callaway CW Chamberlain AM Chang AR Cheng S Chiuve SE Cushman M Delling FN Deo R de Ferranti SD Ferguson JF Fornage M Gillespie C Isasi CR Jiménez MC Jordan LC Judd SE Lackland D Lichtman JH Lisabeth L Liu S Longenecker CT Lutsey PL Mackey JS Matchar DB Matsushita K Mussolino ME Nasir K O'Flaherty M Palaniappan LP Pandey A Pandey DK Reeves MJ Ritchey MD Rodriguez CJ Roth GA Rosamond WD Sampson UKA Satou GM Shah SH Spartano NL Tirschwell DL Tsao CW Voeks JH Willey JZ Wilkins JT Wu JH Alger HM Wong SS Muntner P American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke Statistics-2018 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2018; 137: e67-e492 Crossref PubMed Scopus (4660) Google Scholar Older population, especially those with multiple co-morbidities, are at a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes and treatment complications of PE. The estimated mortality after PE was approximately 18.9% in patients aged >80 years, 3 Polo Friz H Molteni M Del Sorbo D Pasciuti L Crippa M Villa G Meloni DF Primitz L Galli A Rognoni M Cavalieri d'Oro L Arpaia G Cimminiello C Mortality at 30 and 90 days in elderly patients with pulmonary embolism: a retrospective cohort study. Intern Emerg Med. 2015; 10: 431-436 Crossref PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar and this cohort is underrepresented in clinical trials. 4 Shenoy P Harugeri A. Elderly patients' participation in clinical trials. Perspect Clin Res. 2015; 6: 184-189 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar Contemporary data about in-hospital outcomes of acute PE in nonagenarians are scarce. To this end, we sought to assess the baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of PE for this cohort in clinical practice in the United States.

Comment on: The Effect of Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections and Payer Coverage on Total Knee Arthroplasty Procedures: Evidence From Large US Claims Database.

Comment on: The Effect of Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections and Payer Coverage on Total Knee Arthroplasty Procedures: Evidence From Large US Claims Database.

Catalyst: The roles of chemistry in clean water for all

Dr. Young-Shin Jun is a professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and director of the Environmental NanoChemistry Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis. She solves important energy and environmental challenges by using nanoscale interfacial reactions and nucleation. Her research interests in clean water include the development of novel materials, membrane processes, resource recovery, and managed aquifer recharge. She received a 2011 US National Science Foundation CAREER award, and she was named a 2015 Kavli Fellow by the US National Academy of Sciences, a 2016 Frontier of Engineering Fellow by the US National Academy of Engineering, and a 2019 American Chemical Society Fellow. Dr. Young-Shin Jun is a professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and director of the Environmental NanoChemistry Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis. She solves important energy and environmental challenges by using nanoscale interfacial reactions and nucleation. Her research interests in clean water include the development of novel materials, membrane processes, resource recovery, and managed aquifer recharge. She received a 2011 US National Science Foundation CAREER award, and she was named a 2015 Kavli Fellow by the US National Academy of Sciences, a 2016 Frontier of Engineering Fellow by the US National Academy of Engineering, and a 2019 American Chemical Society Fellow. Reaction: Harnessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) for water purificationZhu et al.ChemJune 08, 2023In BriefReactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in water purification. We outline their natural presence in the water matrix through a variety of chemical and photochemical processes and discuss advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that draw inspiration from natural principles to boost ROS generation. Moreover, we summarize key challenges in ROS-based technologies for water and wastewater treatment, explain their fundamental origins, and propose strategies for minimizing energy and chemical usage while mitigating the formation of toxic byproducts. Full-Text PDF Reaction: Avoid fairy dust when engineering water-purification technologiesPaul WesterhoffChemJune 08, 2023In BriefThis Catalysis article discusses the risks of using nanomaterials for water purification and alternative strategies, painting a fuller picture of research in clean water. Full-Text PDF Molecular design of covalent organic frameworks for seawater desalination: A state-of-the-art reviewJrad et al.ChemMay 11, 2023In BriefConventional materials’ limitations are slowing the innovation in desalination to make it more accessible and energy efficient. Novel materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), provide design flexibility and could help achieve a breakthrough in desalination. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of desalination technologies and their technical challenges, as well as an understanding of the design principles of COFs. This report comprehensively discusses both of these issues while providing insights on how to design COFs for each specific desalination technology. Full-Text PDF

Live-attenuated Chikungunya vaccine: a possible new era

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen that causes periodic explosive outbreaks of chikungunya, an illness characterised by severe polyarthralgia and myalgia that can progress to chronic debilitating rheumatic disease. 1 Bartholomeeusen K Daniel M LaBeaud DA et al. Chikungunya fever. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2023; 9: 17 Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar The pandemic potential of chikungunya virus was best exemplified in 2013, when a major outbreak in South America led to over 1 million infections in a matter of months. 2 Zeller H Van Bortel W Sudre B Chikungunya: its history in Africa and Asia and its spread to new regions in 2013–2014. J Infect Dis. 2016; 214: S436-S440 Crossref PubMed Scopus (22) Google Scholar The pooled incidence of post-chikungunya chronic articular symptoms in the Americas was 52% in studies done between 2014 and 2018, 3 Edington F Varjão D Melo P Incidence of articular pain and arthritis after chikungunya fever in the Americas: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Joint Bone Spine. 2018; 85: 669-678 Crossref PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar leading to the loss of over 150 000 disability-adjusted life-years in Latin America in 2014 alone. 4 Cardona-Ospina JA Diaz-Quijano FA Rodríguez-Morales AJ Burden of chikungunya in Latin American countries: estimates of disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) lost in the 2014 epidemic. Int J Infect Dis. 2015; 38: 60-61 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (27) Google Scholar In 2018, chikungunya virus was listed as a priority pathogen for vaccine development by WHO, 5 Mehand MS Al-Shorbaji F Millett P Murgue B The WHO R&D blueprint: 2018 review of emerging infectious diseases requiring urgent research and development efforts. Antiviral Res. 2018; 159: 63-67 Crossref PubMed Scopus (171) Google Scholar and candidate vaccines have been in various stages of clinical trials for over 60 years. However, no chikungunya virus vaccine has yet met the threshold for regulatory approval based on efficacy or surrogate marker data. Safety and immunogenicity of a single-shot live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine: a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trialThe strong immune response and the generation of seroprotective titres in almost all vaccinated participants suggests that VLA1553 is an excellent candidate for the prevention of disease caused by chikungunya virus. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Dalpiciclib in advanced breast cancer.

Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer is largely not curable. Anti-oestrogen agents improve the prognosis of patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, but resistance eventually occurs. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 increases endocrine therapy efficacy, leading to the approval of CDK4/6 inhibitors palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib in the this treatment setting. 1 Spring LM Wander SA Andre F et al. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: past, present, and future. Lancet. 2020; 395: 817-827 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (180) Google Scholar Dalpiciclib plus letrozole or anastrozole versus placebo plus letrozole or anastrozole as first-line treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (DAWNA-2): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trialOur findings suggest that dalpiciclib plus letrozole or anastrozole could be a novel standard first-line treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, and is an alternative option to the current treatment landscape. Full-Text PDF

Transcarotid artery revascularization for the management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries-is it a game changer?

In their 10 patient case series, Walker et al, describe excellent outcomes from the use of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) for the treatment of patients with severe blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI).1Dr. Patrick Walker et al. Transcarotid Artery Revascularization in Blunt Carotid Injury. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 20XX, 1(1), XX-XX. doi: XXXX.Google Scholar. For a single center over only 2 years this is a large cohort for a relatively rare problem. It is important to note that the primary treatment for BCVI is antithrombotic therapy with antiplatelets and/or anticoagulation. It has been shown that transfemoral carotid artery stenting for BCVI is rarely necessary or beneficial over antithrombotic therapy and the EAST guidelines recommend against routine stenting of grade II or III BCVI.(2)Burlew C.C. Biffl W.L. Moore E.E. Pieracci F.M. Beauchamp K.M. Stovall R. Wagenaar A.E. Jurkovich G.J. Endovascular stenting is rarely necessary for the management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries.J Am Coll Surg. 2014; 218: 1012-1017https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2014.01.042Crossref PubMed Scopus (45) Google Scholar,(3)Kim D.Y. Biffl W. Bokhari F. Brakenridge S. Chao E. Claridge J.A. Fraser D. Jawa R. Kasotakis G. Kerwin A. et al.Evaluation and management of blunt cerebrovascular injury: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020; 88: 875-887https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000002668Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar The Denver group found an alarmingly high 45% occlusion rate in patients treated with stenting vs. only 5% in those treated with antithrombotic therapy and concluded that stenting for BCVI had an unacceptable risk profile.(4)Cothren C.C. Moore E.E. Ray C.E. Ciesla D.J. Johnson J.L. Moore J.B. Burch J.M. Carotid artery stents for blunt cerebrovascular injury: risks exceed benefits.Arch Surg. 2005; 140 (; discussion 485-486): 480-485https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.140.5.480Crossref PubMed Scopus (111) Google Scholar It seems clear that stenting is rarely indicated for BCVI and this is consistent with the experience of the Maryland Shock Trauma study, as the authors point out that their center diagnoses approximately 300 carotid BCVIs per year, of which only 2-3% were selected for TCAR. It's possible that TCAR may be associated with a lower stroke and complication rate in BCVI patients in a similar manner to its benefits for carotid occlusive disease. Namely, by the use of dynamic flow reversal, which was found by Naazie, et al. in their Vascular Quality Initiative study to be the primary mechanism for stroke protection in TCAR.(5)Naazie I.N. Magee G.A. Mathlouthi A. Elsayed N. Dakour-Aridi H. Malas M.B. Primary mechanism of stroke reduction in transcarotid artery revascularization is dynamic flow reversal.J Vasc Surg. 2021; 74: 187-194https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2020.10.082Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar Although the focus of this series is on the novel use of TCAR in the setting of BCVI requiring stenting, the authors describe another innovation, which is the use of Supera stents (Abbott, Plymouth, MN). The authors state that they prefer Supera stents for this application because of its flexibility and length, as they often stent up to the skull base to treat the entirety of the injury. At first glance, this seems to be an usual choice, but their results suggest that the authors may be on to something. Further study is necessary to determine if TCAR is a gamechanger for the management of BCVI and which of these two innovations is the primary reason for improved outcomes. Transcarotid Artery Revascularization in Blunt Carotid InjuryJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and TechniquesPreviewTranscarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with flow reversal has substantially changed the management of carotid artery stenosis, enabling an endovascular approach with a periprocedural stroke rate as low or lower than that of open carotid surgery. The use of TCAR in blunt carotid injury has not yet been described. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Retraction and republication: 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study

On Nov 24, 2022, The Lancet published an Expression of Concern1The Lancet EditorsExpression of concern: 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2022; 401: 90Summary Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar about the Article 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study2Huang C Huang L Wang Y et al.6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 397: 220-232Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2236) Google Scholar by Chaolin Huang and colleagues, because of the substantive data correction request from the authors following comments from a reader, who was concerned about data and symptom questionnaire inconsistencies between this Article2Huang C Huang L Wang Y et al.6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 397: 220-232Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2236) Google Scholar and another Article, 1-year outcomes in hospital survivors with COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study3Huang L Yao Q Gu X et al.1-year outcomes in hospital survivors with COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 398: 747-758Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (411) Google Scholar by Lixue Huang and colleagues. We commissioned a series of formal investigations into these alleged data inconsistencies. First, we invited a Chinese statistical reviewer and the former statistical reviewer who provided a review of the original version of the Article by Chaolin Huang and colleagues2Huang C Huang L Wang Y et al.6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 397: 220-232Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2236) Google Scholar to review the corrected data and the reasons for doing so. Both reviewers agreed that the changes were realistic and reasonable. Second, we contacted a clinical reviewer who saw both Articles on the 6-month2Huang C Huang L Wang Y et al.6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 397: 220-232Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2236) Google Scholar and the 12-month3Huang L Yao Q Gu X et al.1-year outcomes in hospital survivors with COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 398: 747-758Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (411) Google Scholar follow-up to assess whether the symptom questionnaires used in the 6-month and 1-year follow-up visits were different. The clinical reviewer confirmed the differences between the two questionnaires were minimal and did not preclude the comparison of the proportion of COVID-19 survivors with symptoms at 6 months and 12 months. The Chinese versions of the questionnaires have also been reviewed by all the China editors of The Lancet Group, who came to a similar conclusion. Third, we asked the China–Japan Friendship Hospital, the institute of the corresponding author of the Article,2Huang C Huang L Wang Y et al.6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study.Lancet. 2021; 397: 220-232Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2236) Google Scholar to assess the validity of the corrected data; the hospital organised a data review committee to go through the data and confirmed the corrected data were valid. Given these results, we invited a resubmission with the corrected data, and organised formal peer review of the fully revised paper with the corrected data by all the previous clinical reviewers and the statistical reviewer. Following the retraction guidelines4Committee on Publication EthicsRetraction guidelines.https://publicationethics.org/retraction-guidelinesDate accessed: June 6, 2023Google Scholar of The Committee on Publication Ethics, we have decided to retract the original published version of the Article and publish a corrected version using the retraction and republication process recommended in cases where substantive changes are required. • View the republished version of the article RETRACTED: 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort studyAt 6 months after acute infection, COVID-19 survivors were mainly troubled with fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, and anxiety or depression. Patients who were more severely ill during their hospital stay had more severe impaired pulmonary diffusion capacities and abnormal chest imaging manifestations, and are the main target population for intervention of long-term recovery. Full-Text PDF

WASH and health: from global estimates to whys and hows

New, relevant studies have been published, improving our understanding of the extent to which different interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) can reduce childhood diarrhoea 1 Wolf J Hubbard S Brauer M et al. Effectiveness of interventions to improve drinking water, sanitation, and handwashing with soap on risk of diarrhoeal disease in children in low-income and middle-income settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2022; 400: 48-59 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar and the burden of a series of health outcomes. 2 Wolf J Johnston RB Ambelu A et al. Burden of disease attributable to unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in domestic settings: a global analysis for selected adverse health outcomes. Lancet. 2023; (published online June 5.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00458-0 Google Scholar These efforts provide figures that can inform public policies, support advocacy for these essential needs and human rights, and promote the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Burden of disease attributable to unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in domestic settings: a global analysis for selected adverse health outcomesWASH-attributable burden of disease estimates based on the levels of service established under the SDG framework show that progress towards the internationally agreed goal of safely managed WASH services for all would yield major public-health returns. Full-Text PDF Open Access

The false lumen problem.

The false lumen problem.

Candy-plug: Failure to launch.

Dr. Miles and colleagues describe an initial series of 6 cases using the “candy plug” technique to induce false lumen thrombosis after TEVAR for TBAD.1Dr. Daniel Miles et al. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 20XX, 1(1), XX-XX. doi: XXXX.Google Scholar They report good initial technical success with very limited follow up, in accordance with other similar case series. While this initial result appears promising, the safety and effectiveness of this technique remain poorly understood. My reservations about the technique are founded on the following:1.Failure to launch. The technique was first described 10 years ago yet there remain no larger published series demonstrating safety or effectiveness.2Kolbel T. Lohrenz C. Kieback A. Diener H. Debus E.S. Larena-Avellaneda A. Distal false lumen occlusion in aortic dissection with a homemade extra-large vascular plug: the candy-plug technique.J Endovasc Ther. 2013; 30: 484-489Crossref Scopus (117) Google Scholar This technique is readily available to any provider in a contemporary aortic practice. Why has no one published follow up data beyond 1 year?2.Publication bias. In personal communications, I have heard of several “candy plug” procedures resulting in early aortic rupture. Surgeons rarely share such experiences in a public forum and even more rarely publish them. This publication bias skews the publicly available data to over-report positive results. The lack of larger series or longer-term outcomes suggest this bias is occurring with this specific technique. Furthermore, efforts to overcome the limitations of single center reports, such as meta-analysis will also fail to overcome publication bias and may, in fact, enhance it.3.Natural history of TBAD after TEVAR. It remains very unclear to me that “candy plug” changes the natural history in comparison with TEVAR alone. In one retrospective review from our own institution, 80% of patients undergoing TEVAR for TBAD were free from revision aortic surgery by 3-year follow up.3Nathan DP, Shalhub S, Tang GL, Sweet MP, Verrier ED, Tran NT, Aldea GS, Starnes BW. Outcomes after stent graft therapy for dissection-related aneurysmal degeneration in the descending thoracic aorta. J Vasc Surg 2-5;61:1200-1207.Google Scholar This real-world cohort shows that TEVAR alone is safe and reasonably effective in the short to medium term, an experience shared by innumerable other aortic specialists throughout the world.4.Lack of standardization. There are no clear and specific sizing guidelines to optimize how best to do this procedure. Like parallel grafting, this technique creates gutters and has competing stents within an aneurysmal aorta. This begs several important technical questions. Without standardization in case planning, the variability in how the operation is conducted renders quantitative assessment of the outcomes difficult and reproducibility impossible. In order to support the increased use of this and other “false lumen management” techniques, we must first demonstrate that they are safe and then demonstrate that they are effective. Safety is demonstrated when larger cohorts of consecutive cases are reported along with procedural complications and short-term data on aortic expansion or rupture. Effectiveness, on the other hand, will only be clear when medium to longer term (e.g. 3-5 year) data demonstrate reduced incidence of aortic expansion and need for aortic reintervention in comparison to patients treated with TEVAR alone. Clear and specific technical guidance about the sizing strategies are required both to ensure consistency in procedural conduct as well as to facilitate broader utilization that might expect similar results. The SVS reporting standards specifically request reporting of these strategies in future publications.4Lomardi J.V. et al.Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons reporting standards for type B aortic dissections.J Vasc Surg. 2020; 71: 723-747Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (176) Google Scholar Until such data are available, these efforts remain nice demonstrations of technical capability, but they cannot be confused with meaningful improvement in the care of patients with TBAD and should be used with caution. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic DissectionJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and TechniquesPreviewPersistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and increased risk of rupture. We present our initial experience using a modified “Candy-Plug” (CP) technique for FL embolization. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Nanotherapeutics for solid organ transplantation: new kid onthe block.

Nanotherapeutics for solid organ transplantation: new kid onthe block.

Nanoconfined superfluid for highly efficient chemical reactions

Highly efficient chemical reactions are vital for the development of green growth and sustaining industrial society, yet achieving effective flow reactions under mild conditions remains challenging. In a recent research article published in Matter, Pang and colleagues 1 Pang S. Peng D. Hao Y. Song B. Zhang X. Jiang L. Regulating interlayer spacing of aminated graphene oxide membranes for efficient flow reactions. Matter. 2023; 6: 1173-1187 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar achieved a nanoconfined superfluid-based chemical reaction with ∼100% conversion and reaction time of less than 29 s at 22°C using multilayer aminated graphene oxide nanoconfined membranes. These findings highlight the potential for nanoconfined membranes to revolutionize the field of chemical synthesis. Highly efficient chemical reactions are vital for the development of green growth and sustaining industrial society, yet achieving effective flow reactions under mild conditions remains challenging. In a recent research article published in Matter, Pang and colleagues 1 Pang S. Peng D. Hao Y. Song B. Zhang X. Jiang L. Regulating interlayer spacing of aminated graphene oxide membranes for efficient flow reactions. Matter. 2023; 6: 1173-1187 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar achieved a nanoconfined superfluid-based chemical reaction with ∼100% conversion and reaction time of less than 29 s at 22°C using multilayer aminated graphene oxide nanoconfined membranes. These findings highlight the potential for nanoconfined membranes to revolutionize the field of chemical synthesis. Regulating interlayer spacing of aminated graphene oxide membranes for efficient flow reactionsPang et al.MatterFebruary 13, 2023In BriefIt remains a challenge to achieve effective flow reactions under mild conditions. Here, we report a strategy of regulating interlayer spacing of aminated graphene oxide membranes for efficient Knoevenagel condensation. Through decreasing the interlayer spacing, a flow reaction with ∼100% conversion is achieved at 22°C with a short reaction time (<29 s). This work presents a new strategy for efficient and rapid flow reactions under mild conditions. Full-Text PDF

Reaction: Harnessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) for water purification

Shishu Zhu received his PhD from the Harbin Institute of Technology in 2019 and became an associate professor at the South China University of Technology (SCUT) in 2023. His research fields include in situ chemical oxidation processes, the transport and deposition of contaminants, and organic geochemistry. Wenxiao Zheng is a PhD candidate at SCUT. His research focuses on identifying and controlling toxic byproducts in reactive-species-initiated wastewater treatment. Weijian Duan is a research fellow at SCUT. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge electrochemical strategies for nitrogen and carbon removal from wastewater. Chunhua Feng received his PhD from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2007 and then joined SCUT as an assistant professor. He is now a professor at SCUT. His research interests are environmental electrochemistry, reactive-species-based geochemistry, and wastewater treatment. Shishu Zhu received his PhD from the Harbin Institute of Technology in 2019 and became an associate professor at the South China University of Technology (SCUT) in 2023. His research fields include in situ chemical oxidation processes, the transport and deposition of contaminants, and organic geochemistry. Wenxiao Zheng is a PhD candidate at SCUT. His research focuses on identifying and controlling toxic byproducts in reactive-species-initiated wastewater treatment. Weijian Duan is a research fellow at SCUT. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge electrochemical strategies for nitrogen and carbon removal from wastewater. Chunhua Feng received his PhD from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2007 and then joined SCUT as an assistant professor. He is now a professor at SCUT. His research interests are environmental electrochemistry, reactive-species-based geochemistry, and wastewater treatment. Reaction: Avoid fairy dust when engineering water-purification technologiesPaul WesterhoffChemJune 08, 2023In BriefThis Catalysis article discusses the risks of using nanomaterials for water purification and alternative strategies, painting a fuller picture of research in clean water. Full-Text PDF Catalyst: The roles of chemistry in clean water for allYoung-Shin JunChemJune 08, 2023In BriefUnderstanding nanoscale interfacial reactions unlocks the chemistry controls that are critical for generating clean water. This catalysis article discusses three important roles of chemistry in clean water: understanding and controlling evolving interfaces induced by nucleation, deciphering and utilizing hidden interfaces in nanoconfined spaces, and harnessing interfaces with functionalized surfaces. Chemically guided developments of new materials and technologies for purifying clean water can bring all water resources back to one H2O, which supports life for all people. Full-Text PDF

Review of the monarchE trial suggests no evidence to support use of adjuvant abemaciclib in women with breast cancer.

When localised cancer is resected surgically, some patients will have recurrence of their disease, and the likelihood of dying from the cancer is then high. Adjuvant therapies are offered before or after surgery in the hope of reducing the probability of recurrence, thereby improving survival. The scientific and clinical community is continuously searching for new adjuvant therapies that can increase survival and cure rates, but when potential advances are proposed, the data must be carefully analysed to establish if the new therapy performs as we hope. Only some patients recur, such that—by default—adjuvant therapy overtreats many patients in the hope of curing a few more. Review of the monarchE trial suggests no evidence to support use of adjuvant abemaciclib in women with breast cancer – Authors' replyThe monarchE investigators respectfully disagree with the comments of Tomer Meirson and colleagues in their Essay in The Lancet Oncology regarding the role of adjuvant abemaciclib in patients with early breast cancer. monarchE was a large, global, randomised study conducted in patients with high-risk, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, early breast cancer.1 This population was selected on the basis of their substantial unmet medical need, as shown by the high risk of recurrence observed in the control group (>20% at 4 years); outcomes that justified consideration of additional treatment with abemaciclib. Full-Text PDF

To give or not to give: what is the evidence?

Social inequality is precipitated by insufficient access to resources such as money, education, jobs, growth opportunities, social connections, and networks, resulting in poverty. Under the effects of clusters of social and economic disadvantages, affected populations are unable to manage their health conditions. 1 McGrail K Morgan J Siddiqi A Looking back and moving forward: addressing health inequities after COVID-19. Lancet Reg Health Am. 2022; 9100232 Google Scholar Inequity transpired ruthlessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2 Nana-Sinkam P Kraschnewski J Sacco R et al. Health disparities and equity in the era of COVID-19. J Clin Transl Sci. 2021; 5: e99 Crossref PubMed Scopus (31) Google Scholar Millions of people in poverty lost their lives, although access to oxygen, timely testing, vaccines, and treatment could potentially have saved them. The effects of cash transfer programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention and care outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studiesCash transfer programmes have a positive effect on mitigating HIV incidence for individuals who have to meet health-care conditionalities and on increasing retention in HIV care for pregnant women. These results show the potential of cash transfer programmes for HIV prevention and care, especially among people in extreme poverty, and highlight that cash transfer programmes must be considered when developing policies for HIV/AIDS control, as indicated by the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target of the HIV care continuum. Full-Text PDF

Computer-aided detection in real-world colonoscopy: enhancing detection or offering false hope?

Colorectal cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, posing an important global health challenge. Screening colonoscopy with removal of neoplastic lesions has been recognised as one of the most effective methods of preventing colorectal cancer. 1 Zauber AG Winawer SJ O'Brien MJ et al. Colonoscopic polypectomy and long-term prevention of colorectal-cancer deaths. N Engl J Med. 2012; 366: 687-696 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2095) Google Scholar Adenoma detection rate (ADR) serves as a crucial quality indicator in colonoscopy, as it is inversely associated with post-colonoscopy (interval) colorectal cancer. 2 Kaminski MF Regula J Kraszewska E et al. Quality indicators for colonoscopy and the risk of interval cancer. N Engl J Med. 2010; 362: 1795-1803 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1431) Google Scholar However, it is estimated that around a quarter of colorectal neoplasms are missed during a single colonoscopy procedure. 3 van Rijn JC Reitsma JB Stoker J Bossuyt PM van Deventer SJ Dekker E Polyp miss rate determined by tandem colonoscopy: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006; 101: 343-350 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1056) Google Scholar To address this issue, computer-aided detection (CADe) systems using artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as promising tools that allow increased detection of colorectal neoplastic lesions, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of colonoscopy. 4 Misawa M Kudo SE Mori Y et al. Current status and future perspective on artificial intelligence for lower endoscopy. Dig Endosc. 2021; 33: 273-284 Crossref PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar Effect of real-time computer-aided detection of colorectal adenoma in routine colonoscopy (COLO-GENIUS): a single-centre randomised controlled trialOur findings support the benefits of CADe, even in a non-academic centre. Systematic use of CADe in routine colonoscopy should be considered. Full-Text PDF

Objective Guidelines Needed for the Uniform Collection of Data in National Registries

Association between Interstitial Lung Disease and Outcomes after Lung Cancer ResectionThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryPreviewPrior studies have noted that patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD) possess an increased incidence of lung cancer and risk of postoperative respiratory failure and mortality. We sought to understand the impact of ILD on national-scale outcomes of lung resection. Full-Text PDF

Comment on: Exercise for counteracting weight recurrence after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Bariatric surgery is effective for the treatment of obesity and related co-morbidities such as diabetes [ [1] Kirwan J.P. Courcoulas A.P. Cummings D.E. et al. Diabetes remission in the Alliance of Randomized Trials of Medicine Versus Metabolic Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes (ARMMS-T2D). Diabetes Care. 2022; 45: 1574-1583 Crossref PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar ]. Despite the overall effectiveness of this medical treatment for obesity, weight recurrence may still occur in response to bariatric surgery and remission from diabetes may not be sustained [ [2] Courcoulas A.P. Gallagher J.W. Neiberg R.H. et al. Bariatric surgery vs lifestyle intervention for diabetes treatment: 5-year outcomes from a randomized trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020; 105: 866-876 Crossref PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar ]. This suggests the need for ongoing treatment to augment the effectiveness of bariatric surgery to prevent weight recurrence and to sustain other related health benefits. Exercise for counteracting weight recurrence after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsSurgery for Obesity and Related DiseasesPreviewExercise is recommended to prevent post-surgical weight recurrence. Yet, whether exercise interventions are efficacious in this regard has not been systematically evaluated. Moreover, clinicians lack evidence-based information to advise patients on appropriate exercise frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) for preventing weight recurrence. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving exercise interventions specifying FITT and weight measurement ≥12 months post-surgery. Full-Text PDF

Stressed during cycling: Electrochemically induced mechanical deformation in Ni-rich cathode materials

The polycrystalline architecture of Ni-rich cathode materials faces complex stresses during electrochemical cycling. Recently in Matter, Wang et al. discussed different modalities of the O3-O1 phase transformation due to electrochemically induced mechanical deformation using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and applying an artificial-intelligence-assisted super-resolution algorithm. The polycrystalline architecture of Ni-rich cathode materials faces complex stresses during electrochemical cycling. Recently in Matter, Wang et al. discussed different modalities of the O3-O1 phase transformation due to electrochemically induced mechanical deformation using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and applying an artificial-intelligence-assisted super-resolution algorithm. Direct observation of chemomechanical stress-induced phase transformation in high-Ni layered cathodes for lithium-ion batteriesWang et al.MatterFebruary 27, 2023In BriefMechanical degradation and phase transformation are two main causes of the failure of battery cathodes. Aided by deep-learning-aided super-resolution imaging, we discover that severe chemomechanical deformation during battery operation triggers phase transformation and the formation of bending bands and kinks in layered oxide cathodes. The failure mechanism uncovers the connection between mechanical degradation and phase transformation in layered oxides, and it provides useful guidance for the development of advanced layered cathodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Full-Text PDF

Enhancing colon cancer care in restricted-resource settings.

Colon cancer ranks third among the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide and was projected to claim more than 900 000 lives in 2020, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's GLOBOCAN data. 1 Sung H Ferlay J Siegel RL et al. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021; 71: 209-249 Crossref PubMed Scopus (30514) Google Scholar The overall survival rate for colon cancer varies on the basis of clinical and pathological factors, such as staging, performance status, and geographical location. Despite the lower incidence, survival of colon cancer in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is considerably reduced compared with high-income and very-high-income countries, which is probably attributable to disparities in diagnostic and treatment access. Considering expected increases in colon cancer incidence due to demographic and dietary changes, there is an urgent and unmet need to enhance cancer care in LMICs through better resource allocation and cost-effective interventions to achieve optimal value for money and reduce health inequalities. 2 Khan SZ Lengyel CG Challenges in the management of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2023; (published online April 6.)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctarc.2023.100705 Crossref Scopus (0) Google Scholar Global application of National Comprehensive Cancer Network resource-stratified guidelines for systemic treatment of colon cancer: a population-based, customisable model for cost, demand, and procurementWe have developed a customisable model that can be applied at global, national, and subnational levels to estimate systemic treatment needs, forecast drug procurement, and calculate expected drug costs on the basis of local data. This tool can be used to plan resource allocation for colon cancer globally. Full-Text PDF