Computational results show that the Np-L covalent interactions in Np IV L 2 are similar to those in the Np VI O 2 L(MeOH) complex, indicating that neither the presence of the axial oxo ligands nor the oxidation state significantly modify the nature of the Np-L bonds.Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the main regulators of T lymphocyte development and selection, requiring a three-dimensional (3D) environment to properly perform these biological functions. Imidazole ketone erastin nmr The aim of this work was to develop a 3D culture substrate that allows the survival and proliferation of TECs. Thus, electrospun fibrous meshes (eFMs) were functionalized with fibronectin, one of the major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of the thymus. For that, highly porous eFMs were activated using oxygen plasma treatment followed by amine insertion, which allows the immobilization of fibronectin through EDC/NHS chemistry. The medullary TECs presented increased proliferation, viability, and protein synthesis when cultured on fibronectin-functionalized eFMs (FN-eFMs). These cells showed a spread morphology, with increased migration toward the inner layers of FN-eFMs and the production of thymic ECM proteins, such as collagen type IV and laminin. These results suggest that FN-eFMs are an effective substrate for supporting thymic cell cultures.Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an important risk factor for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with AATD classically develop a different pattern of lung disease from those with usual COPD, decline faster and exhibit a range of differences in pathogenesis, all of which may be relevant to phenotype and/or impact of exacerbations. There are a number of definitions of exacerbation, with the main features being worsening of symptoms over at least 2 days, which may be associated with a change in treatment. In this article we review the literature surrounding exacerbations in AATD, focusing, in particular, on ways in which they may differ from such events in usual COPD, and the potential impact on clinical management. Hospital admissions and readmissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are associated with increased mortality and higher cost. The management of exacerbations with a shortened course of systemic corticosteroids has similar efficacy as compared to longer steroid courses, but actual overall steroid dose given is still variable. The outcomes associated with steroid side effects, such as hyperglycemia, need further evaluation. We hypothesized that the use of higher doses of corticosteroids, and the subsequent hyperglycemia, contributes to readmission. This is a retrospective study at a tertiary care referral center in central Texas between February 2014 and July 2016. Daily corticosteroid dose, blood glucose levels, and readmission rates at 30 and 31-90 days were recorded. Sample characteristics are described using descriptive statistics. A chi-square test or student's test were used to test for associations in bivariate comparisons. Multivariable logistic regression assessed tper day for a 5-day period) did not appear to affect the readmission rate in this cohort.Corticosteroid dose and hyperglycemia were not associated with an increased 30-day or 31-90-day readmission rate after COPD exacerbation discharge. In addition, using higher doses of corticosteroids instead of standard-of-care (prednisone 40 mg per day for a 5-day period) did not appear to affect the readmission rate in this cohort. Up to 50% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients do not receive recommended care for COPD. To address this issue, we developed Proactive Integrated Care (Proactive iCare), a health care delivery model that couples integrated care with remote monitoring. We conducted a prospective, quasi-randomized clinical trial in 511 patients with advanced COPD or a recent COPD exacerbation, to test whether Proactive iCare impacts patient-centered outcomes and health care utilization. Patients were allocated to Proactive iCare (n=352) or Usual Care ( =159) and were examined for changes in quality of life using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), symptoms, guideline-based care, and health care utilization. Proactive iCare improved total SGRQ by 7-9 units ( < 0.0001), symptom SGRQ by 9 units ( <0.0001), activity SGRQ by 6-7 units <0.001) and impact SGRQ by 7-11 units ( <0.0001) at 3, 6 and 9 months compared with Usual Care. Proactive iCare increased the 6-minute walk distance by 40 m ( <0.001), reduced annual COPD-related urgent office visits by 76 visits per 100 participants <0.0001), identified unreported exacerbations, and decreased smoking ( =0.01). Proactive iCare also improved symptoms, the ody mass index-airway bstruction- yspnea- xercise tolerance (BODE) index and oxygen titration ( <0.05). Mortality in the Proactive iCare group (1.1%) was not significantly different than mortality in the Usual Care group (3.8%; =0.08). Linking integrated care with remote monitoring improves the lives of people with advanced COPD, findings that may have been made more relevant by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Linking integrated care with remote monitoring improves the lives of people with advanced COPD, findings that may have been made more relevant by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mortality risk from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases significantly in the first year after a 30-day hospital readmission. To evaluate a comprehensive and collaborative pharmacist transitions of care service for patients hospitalized with COPD compared to usual care. In this within-site, retrospective study, discharge counseling, medication reconciliation, medication access assistance, therapy changes, and post-discharge long-term follow-up were provided to underserved adult patients with a primary care provider at the study clinic and admitted to the affiliated hospital with a primary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. Primary outcome was a 180-day composite of COPD-related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. Secondary outcomes were 30-, 60-, 90-, and 180-day events, costs, pharmacist interventions, time to follow-up, and pneumonia. Sixty-five patients were identified with a total of 101 index admissions. The mean age was 62.5 years, approximately 55.3% were female, and 67.