A saccharide fluorescent receptor based on 1,1'-binaphthol was developed. The boronic acids groups are directly attached to the 3,3'-positions of BINOL which acted as probes to saccharides. The methyl protected receptor R1 showed better response to D-fructose compared to other saccharides in the fluorescence quenching experiment. To improve the selectivity of D-glucose, the triethylene glycol protected receptor R2 was developed. Receptor R2 has a better water-solubility than R1 that can be applied in completely aqueous environment. With receptor R2, D-glucose has a different response to other saccharides that can be useful for the distinction of D-glucose.

New imidazolium/benzimidazolium‐containing receptors (R)‐1–(R)‐6 were developed as multifunctional receptors for both chromogenic and chiral anion recognition through multichannel. The ?uorescence spectra of (R)‐1 showed a distinct and intense peak at 454, 474 nm with AcO− and F−, respectively, indicating that (R)‐1 can be applied to the detection of fluoride and acetate ions by naked eye. Receptor (R)‐5, containing a lipophilic dodecyl appendage at imidazolium nitrogen, exhibited larger fluorescent responses than (R)‐1. The ratio of fluorescence enhancement for (R)‐5 with AcO− (I460/I369=16) and F− (I485/I369=11) was 32‐fold and 18‐fold over (R)‐1 with AcO− (I454/I369=0.5) and F− (I474/I369=0.6), respectively. Less electron‐deficient benzimidazolium receptor (R)‐2 only gave fluorescence enhance at 555 nm for F−. Only chelation enhanced quenching (CHEQ) effect was obtained in the case of mono‐imidazolium receptor (R)‐4. Furthermore, (R)‐1 and (R)‐5 displayed a remarkable binding ability for the t‐Boc alanine anion with interesting enantioselectivity [KL/KD=4.5 for (R)‐1 and 4.1 for (R)‐5)], whereas only negligible enantioselectivity ability (KL/KD=1.1) was obtained by using C1 symmetric receptor (R)‐4.

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Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic affects the process of care transition for patients with underlying chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the impact of the pandemic measures on discharge planning and continuum of care for vulnerable older patients from multi-stakeholder perspectives. Methods:We conducted focus group discussions and individual interviews with healthcare workers, community partners, government officials and family caregivers in Singapore. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.Results: A total of 53 individuals participated in the study. Discharge planning and care continuity in the community were affected primarily by the limited step-down care options and remote assessment of discharge needs. Participants felt a need to revisit the decision of 'essential' community services through engagement of all stakeholders to enhance care community.To improve better care transition, participants suggested the need for clearer communication of guidelines, improved intersectoral collaboration, shared responsibility of patient care through community engagement and employment of novel models of care. Conclusion:The pandemic measures generated challenges of safe discharge of patients and care continuity in the community. Findings shed light on the need to proactively assess care pathways and catalyse novel models to improve care transition beyond the pandemic.

Pain is a common symptom in patients with cancer. Up to two thirds of patients with cancer experience pain that requires a strong opioid for pain relief. Cancer pain management can be challenging as the pain experience differs among patients. A patient’s response to opioids and other analgesia depends on several factors such as the character and cause of pain, and the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug. Optimizing pain control is important, as pain can impact negatively on many aspects of a patient’s life such as mood, sleep, social interactions, cognition and physical function, resulting in physical, emotional and existential suffering. We will use the following case study to illustrate the process of pain assessment and the importance of understanding the aetiology of the pain in a patient with cancer. We will also discuss the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of cancer pain.