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Incorporating water-insoluble nitric oxide (NO)-releasing molecules into biocompatible vesicles may allow for the tunable control of NO release on a specific target site. In vesicles, membrane fluidity plays an important role and influences the final therapeutic efficiency of drugs loaded into the vesicles. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of lipid fluidity on the NO release behavior of the photo-controllable ruthenium nitrosyl (Ru-NO) complex. In this regard, a new photoactive ruthenium nitrosyl complex (L.Ru-NO) with amphiphilic terpyridine ligand was synthesized and characterized in detail. L.Ru-NO was incorporated with commercial phospholipids to form nanoscale vesicles L.Ru-NO@Lip. The photoactive {Ru-NO}6 type complex released NO in the organic solvent CH3CN and aqueous liposome solution by irradiating under low-intensity blue light (λ = 410 nm, 3 W). To demonstrate the effect of lipid structure and fluidity on NO release, four different liposome systems L.Ru-NO@Lip1–4 were prepared by using phospholipids such as DOPC, DSPC, DPPC, and DMPC having different chain lengths and saturation. The NO-releasing abilities of these liposomes in aqueous medium were studied by UV–vis spectrum, colorimetric Greiss, and fluorescent DAF assay. The results show that the rate of NO release could be easily tuned by varying the lipid fluidity. The effect of temperature and pH on NO release was also studied. Further, the complex L.Ru-NO and liposomes L.Ru-NO@Lip1 were assayed as an antibacterial agent against the strains of bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

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Aims, Objectives and BackgroundThe number of refugees worldwide has increased, especially in recent times, due to wars, political instability and economic insecurity with Iran, Eritrea, Albania, Iraq and Syria being the top five countries for asylum applications. Consequently, there are increasing numbers of refugee and asylum-seeking children entering the United Kingdom who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services. These children often face health risks and therefore have complex health needs. Hence, it is vital for healthcare professionals in the emergency department to adopt a holistic approach to their care as this can have widespread positive implications beyond their clinical presentation and may shape their transition into a new country. This opinion article was undertaken with the aim of highlighting and summarising current best practice recommendations for addressing the needs of this complex patient group.Method and DesignA step-by-step screening tool (figure 1), CCHILDS (Communication, Communicable diseases, Health – physical and mental, Immunisation, Look after (safeguarding), Deficiencies, Sexual health) was formulated. This was created following a review of the literature, consultation with paediatric emergency clinicians and the use of current protocols in related disciplines (e.g. HEADDSS assessment tool). This tool can be used in the emergency setting by healthcare professionals in the assessment of refugee and asylum-seeking children and can serve as an aide memoire to cover the key aspects of a consultation.Abstract 1655 Figure 1Results and ConclusionThis opinion article summarises three main aspects in the assessment of a refugee or asylum-seeking child in the paediatric emergency department. Firstly, the key considerations regarding the child’s background prior to entering the UK and the barriers they may encounter to accessing healthcare. Secondly, the healthcare assessment upon arrival to the emergency department and a framework that could be used for clinical assessment. Finally, the consideration of their long-term healthcare needs and the importance of empowering these young individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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