Structural Engineering of Red Luminogens to Realize High Emission Efficiency through ACQ-to-AIE Transformation.

Deep red/near-infrared (NIR, >650 nm) emissive organic luminophores with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behaviours have emerged as promising candidates for applications in optoelectronic devices and biological fields. However, the molecular design philosophy for AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with narrow band gaps are rarely explored. Herein, we rationally designed two red organic luminophores, FITPA and FIMPA, by considering the enlargement of transition dipole moment in the charge-transfer state and the transformation from aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) to AIE. The transition dipole moments were effectively enhanced with a "V-shaped" molecular configuration. Meanwhile, the ACQ-to-AIE transformation from FITPA to FIMPA was induced by a methoxy-substitution strategy. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrated that the ACQ-to-AIE transformation originated from a crystallization-induced emission (CIE) effect because of additional weak interactions in the aggregate state introduced by methoxy groups. Owing to the enhanced transition dipole moment and AIE behaviour, FIMPA presented intense luminescence covering the red-to-NIR region, with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of up to 38 % in solid state. The promising cell-imaging performance further verified the great potential of FIMPA in biological applications. These results provide a guideline for the development of red and NIR AIEgens through comprehensive consideration of both the effect of molecular structure and molecular interactions in aggregate states.

Dupilumab long-term efficacy in patients with non-OCS-dependent asthma with and without evidence of allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The open-label extension TRAVERSE study (NCT02134028) assessed dupilumab long-term safety and efficacy in patients who completed Phase 2/3 dupilumab asthma studies. This post hoc analysis evaluated long-term efficacy in type 2 patients with and without evidence of allergic asthma who enrolled in TRAVERSE from Phase 3 QUEST (NCT02414854) and Phase 2b (NCT01854047) studies. Non-type 2 patients with evidence of allergic asthma were also assessed. METHODS: Unadjusted annualized exacerbation rates during parent study and TRAVERSE treatment period, and changes from parent study baseline in pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and in 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) scores were assessed in patients from QUEST and Phase 2b; change from parent study baseline in total IgE level was assessed in patients enrolled from Phase 2b. RESULTS: 2062 patients from Phase 2b and QUEST enrolled in TRAVERSE. Of these, 969 were type 2 with evidence of allergic asthma; 710 were type 2 without evidence of allergic asthma; and 194 were non-type 2 with evidence of allergic asthma at parent study baseline. In these populations, reductions in exacerbation rates observed during parent studies were sustained during TRAVERSE. Type 2 patients who switched from placebo arm to dupilumab in TRAVERSE experienced similar reductions in severe exacerbation rates, and improvements in lung function and asthma control to those patients who already received dupilumab during the parent study. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab efficacy was sustained for up to 3 years in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe type 2 inflammatory asthma, with or without evidence of allergic asthma.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02134028.

Asthma control in Brazil: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To explore asthma control in patients undergoing pharmacotherapy on studies in the last 20 years in Brazil. Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease with a high prevalence worldwide. Even with a variety of drug treatment improvements, attaining asthma control is challenging, since it should have a personalized approach. In Brazil, studies on the prevalence of asthma control are scarce and usually from a small sample size. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was performed to assess asthma control in Brazilian population. Terms related to "asthma", "asthma control" and "Brazil" were used in the search strategies in PubMed, BVSalud, Embase and Cochrane Library, including Brazilian Journal of Allergy and Immunology as data sources. A narrative synthesis was performed to report key outcome. STUDY SELECTIONS: In total, 23 studies were included. Most of them were conducted in the Southeastern and Northeast regions, in a short duration. RESULTS: Pediatric and non-pediatric population were assessed, with a higher proportion of female. In pediatric population, those with poorly controlled asthma usually had severe or persistent disease. In elderly, an increased asthma severity was found, although proper treatment might be effective. Most studies (70%) also described exacerbations, hospitalizations (48%), quality of life (39%), and emergency visits (30%). Despite heterogeneity of outcomes and population, studies show an important prevalence of uncontrolled asthma even in patients being treated, with better disease control with treatment improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Studies in Brazil have shown that asthma control remains a challenge and there is still a need for improvement on disease management.

Anti-IL-5/5Ra biologics improve work productivity and activity in severe asthma: a RAPSODI registry-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe asthma is associated with a serious disease burden, partially caused by limitations in activity and work impairment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to relate treatment with biologics targeting IL-5/5Ra to work productivity and activity in the long term in a real-world context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a registry-based multi-center cohort study evaluating data from adults with severe eosinophilic asthma included in the Dutch Register of Adult Patients with Severe Asthma for Optimal DIsease management (RAPSODI). Patients that started with anti-IL-5/5Ra biologics and completed the work productivity and activity improvement questionnaire, were included. Study and patient characteristics were compared between the employed and unemployed patients. Work productivity and activity impairment are related to accompanying improvements in clinical outcomes. RESULTS: At baseline, 91 of 137 patients (66%) were employed which remained stable throughout the follow-up period. Patients in the working age category were younger and had significantly better asthma control (p = 0.02). Mean overall work impairment due to health decreased significantly from 25.5% (SD2.6) to 17.6% (SD 2.8) during 12 months anti-IL-5/5Ra biologics treatment (P = 0.010). There was a significant association between ACQ6 and overall work improvement after targeted therapy (ß = 8.7, CI 2.1-15.4, P = 0.01). The improvement of asthma control of 0.5 points on the asthma Control Questionnaire was associated with an overall work impairment of -9%. CONCLUSIONS: Work productivity and activity in severe eosinophilic asthma improved after starting anti-IL-5/5Ra biologics. Clinically relevant improvement in asthma control was associated with an overall work impairment score of -9% in this study.

Thunderstorm asthma in seasonal allergic rhinitis: The TAISAR study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma epidemics associated with thunderstorms have had catastrophic effects on individuals and emergency services. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is present in the vast majority of people who develop thunderstorm asthma (TA), but there is little evidence regarding risk factors for TA among the SAR population. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify risk factors for a history of TA and hospital presentation in a cohort of individuals with SAR. METHODS: This multicenter study recruited adults from Melbourne, Australia, with a past diagnosis of TA and/or self-reported SAR. Clinical information, spirometry results, white blood cell count, ryegrass pollen-specific (RGP-sp) IgE concentration, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide were measured to identify risk factors for a history of TA in individuals with SAR. RESULTS: From a total of 228 individuals with SAR, 35% (80 of 228) reported SAR only (the I-SAR group), 37% (84 of 228) reported TA symptoms but had not attended hospital for treatment (the O-TA group), and 28% (64 of 228) had presented to the hospital for TA (the H-TA group). All patients in the H-TA group reported a previous asthma diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis of factors associated with O-TA and H-TA indicated that lower FEV1 value and an Asthma Control Questionnaire score higher than 1.5 were associated with H-TA. Higher blood RGP-sp IgE concentration, eosinophil counts, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide level were significantly associated with both O-TA and H-TA. Receiver operating curve analysis showed an RGP-sp IgE concentration higher than 10.1 kU/L and a prebronchodilator FEV1 value of 90% or lower to be biomarkers of increased H-TA risk. CONCLUSION: Clinical tests can identify risk of a history of TA in individuals with SAR and thereby inform patient-specific treatment recommendations.

A nurse-led Asthma Care Team transitioning patients from hospital to home improves asthma control: A pilot study exploring an alternative model of care.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent asthma admissions are frequent in our patients at a tertiary Australian hospital and are commonly related to poor health literacy and medication adherence. A need exists to improve these asthma self-management skills within our current model of care, especially during the vulnerable postdischarge period. AIM: To examine if the addition of a nurse-led Asthma Care Transition Team (ACTT) compared with usual care alone (UC) (1) improves asthma control at 12 weeks posthospital discharge; the number of patients using a Written Action Plan (WAP), compliance with inhaler therapy at 12 weeks, and readmission rates at 6 months. METHODS: Adults admitted with asthma were randomised to either: UC: involving review of asthma medication and self-management skills by the ward team prior to discharge; a standard 6-week post discharge clinic visit and a 12-week study visit where an independent assessor assessed outcomes; or ACTT: In addition to UC, involved ACTT nurse-led review at 1 week and 6 weeks. Key aspects included a pre defined, structured review reinforcing education and self-management skills, and telephone support during working hours. RESULT: Sixty participants (UC and ACTT) had similar baseline characteristics: Mean age: 41 vs 38 years, asthma duration: 20 vs 18 years, baseline Asthma Control Questionnaire 3.1 vs 3.4. At 12 weeks Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) improved significantly in both groups but more so with ACTT; ACTT group had a higher uptake of WAP and a trend to reduced readmissions. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATION: A nurse-led ACTT improves asthma control and self-management skills following discharge and may lead to fewer readmissions.

The effect of statins for asthma. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of statins on asthma by systematically reviewing and conducting a meta-analysis on all clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, that examined the effects of statins on asthma. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE databases, and Cochrane reviews were searched to identify RCTs and observational studies, conducted through June 16, 2020, that assessed the effect of statins as a treatment for asthma. A meta-analysis was conducted using the following main outcomes: asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak flow (PEF), and asthma exacerbation (asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization). RESULTS: Our search revealed 11 RCTs and 8 observational studies that met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis demonstrated that statin treatment significantly improved ACT scores (mean difference: 1.61, P < 0.001) and ACQ scores (mean difference: -0.38, P < 0.001) compared to a placebo. Furthermore, statin treatment significantly reduced asthma-related ED visits (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 [0.75-0.92], P < 0.001, number needed to treat [NNT], 5.9). However, statin treatment did not improve pulmonary function (FEV1 and PEF). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that statins have the potential to improve asthma control and reduce asthma exacerbation without any improvement in pulmonary function.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at publisher's website.

Voice bubbling therapy for vocal cord dysfunction in difficult-to-treat asthma - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Dysfunctional breathing often coexists with asthma and complicates asthma control, especially in difficult-to-treat asthma. Voice bubbling therapy (VBT) by a specialized speech therapist may influence the breathing pattern. This pilot study investigated the effect of voice bubbling therapy (VBT) in participants with difficult-to-treat asthma, who fulfilled criteria for dysfunctional breathing pattern. METHOD: Twenty-four patients were randomized between VBT and usual care (UC). VBT is blowing into a glass (resonance) tube (28 cm in length, 0.9 cm inner diameter) which ends in a bowl of water (1.5 litre). Lung function, capillary blood gas and questionnaires were measured at baseline, at 6 and 18 weeks of follow up. RESULTS: No difference in ACQ and quality of life was found after VBT compared to UC group. However, after six weeks of bubbling therapy, pCO2 levels measured in capillary blood gas were higher (baseline median (IQR) pCO2 = 33.00 (17.25 - 38.6) mmHg; week 6 pCO2 = 36.00 (29.00 - 42.3) mmHg) p = 0.01. Moreover, ΔpCO2 (baseline - 18 weeks of follow up) was significantly correlated with ΔAQLQ (rs = 0.78, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: VBT in participants with difficult-to-treat asthma resulted in a higher average pCO2 level, indicating the treatment may improve hyperventilation. However, this did not improve asthma control or quality of life. VBT may have value for a better management of asthma related symptoms.

COVID-19 in a severe eosinophilic asthmatic receiving benralizumab - a case study.

INTRODUCTION: Only little is known about COVID-19 in patients with asthma. There is no data on COVID-19 in patients with severe asthma or patients with asthma who are treated with monoclonal antibodies. CASE STUDY: Here, we present the case of a severe eosinophilic asthmatic in whom benralizumab treatment, an anti-IL-5R monoclonal antibody, was initiated 2 years ago. Prior to benralizumab treatment, every viral infection had resulted in a prolonged course of oral corticosteroids (OCS). Since initiation of benralizumab, the patient has had good asthma control. Mid-March 2020, the patient developed high fever. RESULTS: A SARS-CoV-2-PCR (nasopharyngeal swab) was positive. The patient's symptoms subsided after few days. No OCS was needed. The asthma control questionnaire 6-item scale worsened moderately in the week of the infection and returned to normal levels thereafter. The asthma control test, measuring longer term asthma control, showed no decline. CONCLUSION: The course of COVID-19 was very mild in this particular patient with severe eosinophilic asthma. So far, there is no evidence that would suggest a more severe course of COVID-19 in patients with asthma. It is worth noting, that prior to the initiation of benralizumab this patient had multiple exacerbations per year triggered by viral infections (4/year), which all required OCS. Whilst only anecdotal, this case study provides the first evidence to support the current recommendation of continuing monoclonal antibodies in patients with severe asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An investigation of genetic variability of DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and 3B does not provide evidence for a major role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder and dimensional anxiety phenotypes.

While DNA methylation patterns have been studied for a role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, the role of the enzymes establishing DNA methylation-DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)-has yet to be investigated. In an effort to investigate DNMT genotype-specific effects on dimensional anxiety traits in addition to the categorical phenotype of panic disorder, 506 panic disorder patients and 3112 healthy participants were assessed for anxiety related cognition [Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ)], anxiety sensitivity [Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI)] as well as pathological worry [Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)] and genotyped for five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNMT3A (rs11683424, rs1465764, rs1465825) and DNMT3B (rs2424932, rs4911259) genes, which have previously been found associated with clinical and trait-related phenotypes. There was no association with the categorical phenotype panic disorder. However, a significant association was discerned between DNMT3A rs1465764 and PSWQ scores in healthy participants, with the minor allele conveying a protective effect. In addition, a marginally significant association between questionnaire scores (PSWQ, ASI) in healthy participants and DNMT3B rs2424932 was detected, again with the minor allele conveying a protective effect. The present results suggest a possible minor role of DNMT3A and DNMT3B gene variation in conveying resilience towards anxiety disorders. As the observed associations indicated a protective effect of two SNPs particularly with pathological worry, future studies are proposed to explore these variants in generalized anxiety disorder rather than panic disorder.

Effects of Concentration on Aggregation of BODIPY-Based Fluorescent Dyes Solution.

Despite significant progress in understanding of dye aggregation, there are still processes that need to be further explored and which can significantly affect aggregation. In this work it was shown that the aggregation of dyes is influenced not only by dye concentration, but also by solvent polarity. It was found that nature, positions and number of fluorescent peaks may be controlled by simultaneous varying of both water fraction and dye concentration. This effect is most pronounced for molecular rotors, which aggregates' geometry may be stabilized in different separate states depending on the aggregation degree. The concentration effect plays a significant role in dye aggregation and should be considered in new studies in order to prevent misinterpretation or to obtain new results in fields of molecular sensing or fine-tuning of fluorescence color. In this paper aggregation caused spectral changes are discussed in line with the dye structure preorganization as the strategy for the fine tuning of practically valuable spectral characteristics.

ACQ-to-AIE Transformation: Tuning Molecular Packing by Regioisomerization for Two-Photon NIR Bioimaging.

The traditional design strategies for highly bright solid-state luminescent materials rely on weakening the intermolecular π-π interactions, which may limit diversity when developing new materials. Herein, we propose a strategy of tuning the molecular packing mode by regioisomerization to regulate the solid-state fluorescence. TBP-e-TPA with a molecular rotor in the end position of a planar core adopts a long-range cofacial packing mode, which in the solid state is almost non-emissive. By shifting molecular rotors to the bay position, the resultant TBP-b-TPA possesses a discrete cross packing mode, giving a quantum yield of 15.6±0.2 %. These results demonstrate the relationship between the solid-state fluorescence efficiency and the molecule's packing mode. Thanks to the good photophysical properties, TBP-b-TPA nanoparticles were used for two-photon deep brain imaging. This molecular design philosophy provides a new way of designing highly bright solid-state fluorophores.

Naphthalonitriles featuring efficient emission in solution and in the solid state.

In this work, a series of γ-substituted diphenylnaphthalonitriles were synthesized and characterized. They show efficient emission in solution and in the aggregated state and their environment responsiveness is based on having variable substituents at the para-position of the two phenyl moieties. The excited state properties were fully investigated in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions and in THF/H2O mixtures. The size of the aggregates in aqueous media were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy studies revealed that all the molecules show intense fluorescence both in solution and in the aggregated state. In THF solutions, a blue emission was observed for the unsubstituted (H), methyl- (Me) and tert-butyl- (t-Bu) substituted γ-diphenylnaphthalonitriles, which can be attributed to a weak π-donor capability of these groups. On the other hand, the methoxy- (OMe), methylsulfanyl- (SMe) and dimethylamino- (NMe2) substituted compounds exhibit a progressive red-shift in emission compared to H, Me and t-Bu due to a growing π-electron donating capability. Interestingly, upon aggregation in water-containing media, H, Me and t-Bu show a slight red-shift of the emission and a blue-shift is observed for OMe, SMe and NMe2. The crystal structure of Me allowed a detailed discussion of the structure-property relationship. Clearly, N-containing substituents such as NMe2 possess more electron-donating ability than the S-based moieties such as SMe. Moreover, it was found that NMe2 showed higher luminescence quantum yields (ΦF) in comparison to SMe, indicating that N-substituted groups could enhance the fluorescence intensity. Therefore, the π-donor nature of the substituents on the phenyl ring constitutes the main parameter that influences the photophysical properties, such as excited state lifetimes and photoluminescence quantum yields. Hence, a series of highly luminescent materials from deep blue to red emission depending on substitution and environment is reported with potential applications in sensing, bioimaging and optoelectronics.

The clinical benefit of mepolizumab replacing omalizumab in uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Mepolizumab and omalizumab are treatments for distinct but overlapping severe asthma phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: To assess if patients eligible for both biologics but not optimally controlled with omalizumab experience improved asthma control when switched directly to mepolizumab. METHODS: OSMO was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, 32-week trial in patients with ≥2 asthma exacerbations in the year prior to enrollment, despite receiving high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other controller(s), plus omalizumab (≥4 months). At baseline, patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥150 cells/µL (or ≥300 cells/µL in the prior year) and an Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-5 score ≥1.5 discontinued omalizumab and immediately commenced mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks. Endpoints included change from baseline in ACQ-5 score (primary), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and the proportions of ACQ-5 and SGRQ responders, all at Week 32, and the annualized exacerbation rate over the study period. RESULTS: At Week 32 (intent-to-treat population [n = 145]), the least squares (LS) mean changes (standard error [SE]) in ACQ-5 and SGRQ total scores were -1.45 (0.107) and -19.0 (1.64) points; with 77% and 79% of patients achieving the minimum clinically important differences (ACQ-5: ≥0.5 points; SGRQ: ≥4 points), respectively. The annualized rate of clinically significant exacerbations was 1.18 events/year, a 64% reduction from 3.26 events/year during the previous year. Safety and immunogenicity profiles were consistent with previous trials. CONCLUSION: After directly switching from omalizumab to mepolizumab, patients with uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma experienced clinically significant improvements in asthma control, health status, and exacerbation rate, with no tolerability issues reported.

Insights into the Aggregation Behaviour of a Benzoselenadiazole-Based Compound and Generation of White Light Emission.

We have designed and synthesized the benzoselenadiazole (BDS) based donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) π-conjugated compound 4,7-di((E)styryl)benzo[2,1,3]selenadiazole (1). A single-crystal study of 1 shows J-type molecular aggregation in the solid state. The crystal packing of 1 shows head-to-head dimeric intermolecular assembly via Se⋅⋅⋅N interactions while staircase-type interlock molecular packing has occurred via Se⋅⋅⋅π interaction. The staircase-type interlock packing of dimeric molecular arrangement induces sheet-type, herringbone type architecture along crystallographic a axis and ab plane via CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Interestingly, the J-type aggregation of 1 in solid state changes to H-type aggregation upon UV-irradiation. Moreover, our spectroscopic findings in solution state reveal H-type of aggregation of 1 in 90 % aqueous THF. We have further demonstrated white light emission in the binary mixture of 1 and 1-pyrenemethanol (2) in 90 % aqueous THF. Our study reveals solvent specific co-assembly of H-aggregated 1 and 2 in 90 % aqueous THF solution, which shows white light emissive properties with the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates (0.32, 0.31). The observed white light emission arises mainly due to the combination of red light from H-aggregated 1, blue light from monomeric 2 and green light from excimers of 2.

Asthma control and quality of life in a real-life setting: a cross-sectional study of adult asthma patients in Japan (ACQUIRE-2).

Objective: The level of asthma control in adult asthma patients receiving treatment in clinical practice from allergy and/or respiratory specialists in Japan remains unclear. We conducted the ACQUIRE-2 study (NCT02640742) to evaluate level of asthma control, asthma symptoms, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and reliever medication use in this setting. Methods: This observational study was undertaken between December 2015 and June 2016 in 58 medical institutions across Japan. We enrolled outpatients aged ≥20 years diagnosed with asthma for ≥1 year who were being managed by specialists. Criteria to evaluate the level of asthma control were based on modified definitions of the Asthma Prevention and Management Guideline 2015, Japan (JGL 2015) and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2012. Asthma symptoms, HR-QoL, and reliever medication use were also evaluated. Results: Of 1250 enrolled patients, 1175 were analyzed, 62.9% of whom were women. Mean (± standard deviation) age and duration of asthma were 59.7 ± 14.5 years and 16.9 ± 14.0 years, respectively. Using JGL 2015-based criteria, 24.4%, 69.2%, and 6.5% of patients had well-controlled, insufficiently-controlled, and poorly-controlled asthma, respectively. Using GINA-based criteria, 35.1%, 49.8%, and 15.1% of patients had controlled, partly controlled, and uncontrolled asthma, respectively. Daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms were experienced by 51.5% and 44.9% of patients, respectively. The mean MiniAQLQ score was 5.8 ± 1.0 (7-point scale). Conclusions: Asthma was not well-controlled in the majority of patients in this study. To achieve better asthma control, improvements in symptom monitoring and management may be required.

AIE/ACQ Effects in Two DR/NIR Emitters: A Structural and DFT Comparative Analysis.

The effects of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and of aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) were observed and discussed on two solid materials based on a phenylenevinylene (PV) and a dicyano-PV structure. The brightest emitter in solid films shows a high fluorescence quantum yield in the deep red/near IR (DR/NIR) region (75%). The spectroscopic properties of the two crystalline solids have been described and compared in terms of crystallographic data and time dependent DFT analysis. The influence of the cyano-substituents on AIE/ACQ mechanism activation was discussed.

Spontaneously Self-Assembled Naphthalimide Nanosheets: Aggregation-Induced Emission and Unveiling a-PET for Sensitive Detection of Organic Volatile Contaminants in Water.

A simple design strategy of long alkyl chain substitution was formulated to block the detrimental π-π interaction that potentially transforms the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) chromophores into aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active smart nanomaterials. The long octadecyl pendant chain substituted naphthalimide (NI) derivatives self-assembled into fluorescent nanosheets (NS)-like structures that spontaneously have surfaces coated with NI cores in water. The fluorescent NS were subsequently used to recognize the organic volatile contaminants (OVCs) at ppb levels via an acceptor-excited photoinduced electron transfer (a-PET) mechanism, unveiled as the first representative example. A new design strategy is thereby provided to detect toxic xylene derivatives in water using smart nanomaterials.

Highly sensitive INHIBIT and XOR logic gates based on ICT and ACQ emission switching of a porphyrin derivative.

Fluorescence-switch-based logic devices are very sensitive compared with most of the reported devices based on UV/Vis absorption systems. Herein, we demonstrate that a simple molecule, 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP), shows protonation-induced multiple emission switches through intramolecular charge transfer and/or aggregation-caused quenching. Highly sensitive INHIBIT and XOR logic gates can be achieved by combining the intermolecular assembly with the intramolecular photoswitching of diprotonated TAPP (TAPPH2(2+)). In addition, molecular simulations have been performed by DFT for a better understanding of the emission-switching processes.

Validation and psychometric properties of the Asthma Control Questionnaire among children.

BACKGROUND: The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a patient-centered tool for evaluating asthma control. It has been validated in adults, but not well-validated among children. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change of the ACQ for assessing asthma control in children ages 6 to 17 years. A threshold value for poor disease control and a minimally important difference were also determined. METHODS: Data from 305 asthmatic children enrolled in a clinical trial were examined. The ACQ was administered at 8 visits. We analyzed results for the combined age group and for the 6- to 11-year-old and 12- to 17-year-old age groups separately. RESULTS: Overall, the Cronbach α value (internal consistency) for the ACQ was 0.74 at baseline, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (test-retest reliability) for repeated questionnaires among stable patients was 0.53. The Pearson correlations between the ACQ and other asthma questionnaires were moderate to strong (-0.64 to -0.73). Mean ACQ scores were higher (worse) in patients whose peak flow decreased, who used more rescue medications, or who sought medical care for asthma than in patients who were stable (P < .0001 for all measures). Changes in ACQ scores were significantly different among patients with deteriorating, improving, or stable asthma symptoms (P ≤ .01). The optimal threshold indicating poor asthma control was 1.25 or greater. The minimally important difference was established to be 0.40. Results for the separate age groups were similar. CONCLUSION: The ACQ is a moderately reliable, valid, and responsive tool with adequate psychometric properties for assessing recent asthma control among children.