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This paper focuses on the preparation and characterization of the reinforcement of an epoxy with metakaolin clay of grain size (45 ≤ d ≤60) µm as an eco-friendly inorganic material to improve its mechanical and physical properties with low-cost filler. Various proportions of (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60) wt.% of metakaolin were intrinsically mixed with epoxy to investigate their physical properties represented by moisture absorption. Tensile test was employed to determine their mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, modulus of elasticity, as well as compressive strength, flexural strength and Vickers hardness test which was used to specify hardness number. The obtained experimental results showed improvement in the modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and hardness with the addition of metakaolin. In contrast, the yield and tensile strength of the composite specimens which decrease with the increase in metakaolin content. Also, absorption of moisture test at different immersion times was carried out with different filler loadings of the prepared composite. The results of the test showed that a decreasing in water uptake for specimens with higher metakaolin content. From optical surface investigation using an optical microscope, it was found a reduction in porosity with an increase in the concentration of metakaolin and the specimen with weight percent of 60% is the highest homogeneity and less porosity and voids as compared to the other specimens. The prepared composite may find potential practical applications such as anti-corrosion coating, automotive components and medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a challenging disease in its presentation and management as it may cause life-threatening hemorrhaging in vital organs and may resist several lines of treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating patients with ITP. Methods: We systematically searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 10 October 2022. We included all clinical trials, either controlled or single arm, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in patients with ITP. We assessed the risk of bias using three tools (ROBINS-I, Cochrane ROB-2, and NIH), each for eligible study design. Results: Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 411 patients with ITP. We found that MMF demonstrated an overall response rate of (62.09%; 95% CI = [43.29 to 77.84]) and the complete response rate was (46.75%; 95% CI = [24.84 to 69.99]). The overall proportion of adverse events was (12%; 95% CI = [6 to 24]). After the sensitivity analysis, the overall response rate became 50%; 95% CI = [38 to 63]) and the complete response rate became (32%; 95% CI = [24 to 42]). However, MMF did not appear to affect white blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels significantly. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that MMF appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with ITP when combined with steroids and even in those who have not responded to standard therapies (steroid-resistant cases). Further research with well-designed studies is warranted to better understand the factors influencing treatment response and to refine the use of MMF in the management of ITP. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mycophenolate_meta/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis syndrome is fatal hyper‐inflammatory condition due to over‐activation of the immune system, being of primary and secondary types. This case report emphasizes the difficulty and challenge in and of the HLH diagnosis, and therapy should be employed promptly given the high mortality associated with HLH. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis is a rare and often fatal inflammatory disease that requires high suspicion in any patient with fever, unexplained cytopenia, splenomegaly and increased inflammatory markers. If diagnosed, treatment should be administered promptly without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in biotechnology have ensured that one of the main olive tree by-products is olive leaf extract (OLE), a rich source in bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to study the phenolic composition in different OLEs of three Tunisian varieties, namely, 'Sayali', 'Tkobri', and 'Neb Jmel'. The in vitro biodigestibility effect after 'Sayali' OLE addition to Californian-style 'Hojiblanca' table olives was also studied. This OLE contained bioactive molecules such as hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleropeine, Procianidine B1 (PB1), and p-cumaric acid. These compounds were also found in fresh olives after OLE was added. Furthermore, from fresh extract to oral digestion, the detected amount of bioavailable phenol was higher; however, its content decreased according to each phase of gastric and intestinal digestion. In the final digestion phase, the number of phenols found was lower than that of fresh olives. In addition, the phenolic content of Californian-style 'Hojiblanca' table olives decreased during the in vitro digestion process. The antioxidant activity of this variety decreased by 64% and 88% after gastrointestinal digestion, being the highest antioxidant capacity found in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluid, respectively. The results show us that the 'Sayali' variety is rich in phenolic compounds that are bioavailable after digestion, which could be used at an industrial level due to the related health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to assess the long-term persistent symptoms of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and COVID-19 infection at 9 months after acute infection. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted from May 20 to June 1, 2021. Results: A total of 112 patients were included in the present study. The most frequently reported persistent symptoms among DM group were fatigue (p = 0.01), shortness of breath (p = 0.01), and chest pain (p = 0.02) compared to non-DM group. Sulfonylurea use was associated with persistent cough (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Long-term persistent symptoms of COVID-19 infection are common among patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new sulfoximine derived bis(fluoroalkyl)phosphoramidates of the type MeRS(O)NP(O)(ORF)2 (R = Me or Ph; RF = CH2CF3, CH2C2F5, CH(CF3)2, CH2CH2C6F13 or CH2CH2C8F17) have been synthesized from phosphoramidation reaction of sulfoximine with bis(polyfluoroalkyl)phosphites as phosphorylating agents. These fluoroalkyl phosphoramidates were characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F and 31P) NMR, IR and elemental analyses. Different literature methods were examined; results showed that whilst the presence of fluoroalkoxy groups gave better reactivity than non fluorinated analogs in such reactions, the choice of the method for phosphoramidate formation depended upon the nature of both sulfoximine and fluoroalkoxy groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important preliminary tasks in a transcription system of historical document images is text line segmentation. Nevertheless, this task remains complex due to the idiosyncrasies of ancient document images. In this article, we present a complete framework for text line segmentation in historical Arabic or Latin document images. A two-step procedure is described. First, a deep fully convolutional networks (FCN) architecture has been applied to extract the main area covering the text core. In order to select the highest performing FCN architecture, a thorough performance benchmarking of the most recent and widely used FCN architectures for segmenting text lines in historical Arabic or Latin document images has been conducted. Then, a post-processing step, which is based on topological structure analysis is introduced to extract complete text lines (including the ascender and descender components). This second step aims at refining the obtained FCN results and at providing sufficient information for text recognition. Our experiments have been carried out using a large number of Arabic and Latin document images collected from the Tunisian national archives as well as other benchmark datasets. Quantitative and qualitative assessments are reported in order to firstly pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the different FCN architectures and secondly to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed post-processing method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green protocol has been developed for the preparation of 2,2′-(arylmethylene)bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ones) following the multicomponent condensation reaction between aromatic alde-hydes and dimedone with excellent yields. The reaction was carried out in water under microwave irradiation in the presence of montmorillonite KSF as a catalyst. The synthesized compounds were used for the functionaliza-tion of MCM-41 silica nanoparticles prepared by the modified Stöber method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research approach of several composite materials with 12 layers were suggested from perlon, kevlar and woven carbon fibers, and natural knitted kenaf, the purpose findings mechanical, physical properties and fatigue life that help to use the socket with good design at longest period. There are two best types of composite materials are used for to analysis of the fatigue and tensile properties of prosthetic socket below knee which laminated by using vacuum system. The pressure inside the stump of patient and the socket was 165 kpa. Originality of using natural kenaf fibers led to the improvement of the maximum tensile strength 39.35% and safety factor of 2.52, with research limitations at the lowest costs and longest period of time. So, the experimental and numerical techniques were used to calculate the fatigue characterizations for effect of kenaf reinforcement fiber of composite materials used. Therefore, the experimental work included manufacturing for composite samples with different lamination layers and various layer number of kenaf fiber, in addition to, calculated the mechanical properties and fatigue life of its samples. The experimental results of fatigue have a good agreement with those obtained using the Finite Element approach. It was found that sample with kenaf has a maximum number of cycles up to failure =18.35 × 105 cycle at stress ratio (R= -1). The analytical part, using ANSYS2020 R2 to model (BK) from suggested materials with and without kenaf for the patient suffering from lower knee amputation for diabetes. Practical implications of experimental and numerical methodology showed that kenaf fibers have achieved the requirements of safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presented the investigation of the effect of adding natural fiber kenaf fiber on the stress and deformation in below-knee socket prosthetic structures manufactured from composite laminated materials with various reinforcement fibers. This work included theoretical, experimental and numerical study, in theoretical part the weight of the patient on the remaining limb was analyzed mathematically using Matlab 2018 a program, the result of the pressure was 165 Kpa. As for experimental part, the artificial socket was manufactured from the second proposed composite materials with kenaf, testing the ground reaction force (GRF), as the results showed that the proportion of similarity between the uninjured leg and healthy is 96%. Numerical analysis part using the finite element method was adopted to estimate the Von Mises stresses and deformation behaviors for the below-knee prosthetic structures through ANSYS 2020 R2, The simulation using the mechanical properties of the relevant composite materials taken from previous published and the pressure generated from the mathematical equations was compared with the results using the pressure readings obtained from the experimental test F-Socket readings of a similar patient condition as input to the ANSYS program. The results of the composite material using kenaf showed that the highest value of Von-Mises stress is equal to (34.14 Mpa) for the experimental F-Socket test, while the value (48.9 MPa) was obtained from theoretical part, as the stress was reduced by the lamination with kenaf in the experimental F-Socket test (43.23%) and theoretically (10%), to reduces the deformation of the material and comfort of the patient during movement. Finally, the different between the results was calculated for the theoretical and experimental F-Socket analyzes were acceptable values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steric and energetic characterizations were performed for the adsorption of eugenol (EG), vanillin and ethyl vanillin (EV) onto the mouse eugenol olfactory receptor mOR-EG by using a proposed model expression established by statistical physics methods. We started with a modeling of dose-response curves. The calculated curves fit well the experimental data and the physico-chemical model parameters can be used for the characterization of the interactions between the eugenol, vanillin and ethyl vanillin molecules and the mouse eugenol receptor and the determination of the olfactory band for these three odorant molecules through the determination of the adsorption energy values and the adsorption energy distributions. Furthermore, thermodynamic functions of the odorant adsorption such as the configurational entropy, Gibbs free enthalpy and internal energy were calculated and their negative values indicate that the adsorption process included in the olfaction mechanism was exothermic and spontaneous nature. • Physical interpretations were derived from EG, vanillin and EV response curves modeling by a statistical physics treatment. • Calculation with statistical physics model was used to determine the RSDs and the AEDs. • Determination of olfaction band of eugenol, vanillin and ethyl vanillin molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni0.4Cd0.3Zn0.3Fe2O4 ferrites have been prepared through the use of sol-gel method at 900 °C and 1100 °C. Rietveld refinements of XRD patterns indicate that the prepared samples crystallize in the cubic spinel structure. Lattice constant and grain size are found to increase with sintering temperature. Magnetic measurements show that the maximum magnetization (Ms) rises, whereas both coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr) decrease when increasing the sintering temperature. Frequency and temperature dependence of electrical conductivity, electrical modulus, and electrical impedance have been studied using impedance spectroscopy technique. As the sintering temperature increases, the conductivity of the samples increases. The variation of imaginary part of modulus (M″) displays the presence of an electrical relaxation phenomenon and non-Debye nature. Nyquist representations have been analyzed using an electrical equivalent circuit. The obtained results reveal that the conduction mechanism of the samples is achieved basically of the grain boundary contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of structural, magnetic, critical, and magnetocaloric characterizations of La0.6Ca0.2Na0.2MnO3 perovskite have been reported. XRD analysis of the sample synthesized using sol-gel method shows good crystallization in the R 3 ¯ c rhombohedral structure. From M(T) curve, a second-order ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) phase transition appears at the Curie temperature (TC) around 275 K. Critical exponents (β, γ, and δ) have been evaluated using different techniques such as modified Arrott plots (MAP), Kouvel-Fisher (KF) method, and critical isotherm (CI). We found that the critical exponents of the prepared sample agree well with those of the mean-field model. We have also estimated the magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) and relative cooling power (RCP) for the sample which obey power laws as −∆SM = a(μ0H)n and RCP = A(μ0H)N, respectively. ΔSM and RCP values were relatively higher, making the sample promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration technology. The estimated values of the magnetic ordering parameters (n and N) are used to confirm the reliability of the evaluated critical exponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this article, a theoretical study was performed in order to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of methylene blue (MB) on Cortaderia selloana flower spikes (FSs) and on Cortaderia selloana flower spikes derived carbon fibers (CFs). For this objective, the Hill model developed using grand canonical ensemble was successfully applied. This model represents the general case of Langmuir model assuming that the receptor sites of CFs and FSs accepts a variable number of MB molecules and is defined by the number of molecules captured per adsorbent site (n). Based on the model parameters, the MB adsorption geometry was described at different temperatures indicating that the MB molecules were fixed by an angled position on the investigated adsorbents. The elucidation of the adsorption capacity showed that CFs was more effective for removing MB from wastewater than FSs. This behavior was detailed and corroborated by an energetic investigation. Moreover, the adsorption energy varies from 22.187 to 25.378 kJ mol−1 for FSs and from 24.503 to 27.412 kJ mol−1 for the CFs reflecting a physisorption process. Interestingly, and based on this energetic investigation, it was deduced that the adsorption mechanism of MB was endothermic. Excellent correlation between the number of molecules captured by the receptor site, the adsorption capacity, and the adsorption energy was observed. Highlights • Using the statistical physics, we could describe the adsorption of the MB onto CFs and FSs at the microscopic level. • The MB adsorption onto CFs and FSs is monolayer physisorption with one level of energy. • The temperature enhances the adsorption of MB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the feasibility of using cactus mucilage (CM) to elaborate biobased composite films blended with styrene-butadiene rubber latex (SBL). The CM was extracted and precipitated with ethanol (CMET) and isopropanol (CMIS). Mucilage-based films were formulated using three levels of mucilage (4, 6, and 8 wt%). The microstructure, thickness, moisture content, density, water contact angle, water vapor permeability, film solubility, thermal stability, and toughness of mucilage films blended with SBL (SBL/CMET and SBL/CMIS) were measured. The properties of mucilage-based films varied systematically, depending on the concentration of mucilage. The addition of SBL to CM film produces compatible, hydrophobic, flexible, and stiffer films with low moisture contents and good barrier properties. The mucilage film incorporated with 6 wt% CMET and CMIS reached the highest Young's modulus of 1512 ± 21 and 1988 ± 55 MPa, respectively. The DSC of produced films reveals that the Tg of SBL/CMIS is lower than that of SBL/CMIS. The synthesized films were structurally stable at high temperatures. The biodegradability of the composite films buried in the ground shows that the produced films are 100 % biodegradable after 40 days. Thus, CM blended with SBL can benefit specific applications, especially food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the biosensor system, olfactory receptor sites could be activated by odorant molecules and then the biological interactions are converted into electrical signals by a signal transduction cascade that leads the toopening of ion channels, generating a current that leads into the cilia and depolarizes the membrane. The aim of this paper is to present a new investigation that allows determining the olfactory band using a monolayer adsorption with identical sites modeling which may also describe the static and the dynamic sensitivities through the expression of the olfactory response. Moreover, knowing the size of receptor site in olfactory sensory neurons provides valuable information about the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. The determination of microreceptors and mesoreceptors is mostly carried out via physical adsorption and the radius is calculated using the Kelvin equation. The mean values of radius obtained from the maximum of the receptor size distributions peaks are 4 nm for ℓ-muscone and 6 nm for d-muscone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the correlation between magnetocaloric and electrical properties of La0.47Pr0.2Pb0.33MnO3 perovskite prepared using the sol-gel method. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows pure crystalline phase with rhombohedral R3c structure. Magnetic entropy change, relative cooling power (RCP) and specific heat were predicted from M(T, μ0H) data at different magnetic fields with the help of the phenomenological model. The magnetic entropy change reaches a maximum value | ΔSmax M | of about 3.96 J kg-1 K-1 for μ0H = 5 T corresponding to RCP of 183 J kg-1. These values are relatively higher, making our sample a promising candidate for the magnetic refrigeration. Electrical-resistivity measurements were well fitted with the phenomenological percolation model, which is based on the phase segregation of ferromagnetic-metallic clusters and paramagnetic-semiconductor regions. The temperature and magnetic field dependences of resistivity data, ρ(T, μ0H), allowed us to determine the magnetic entropy change (ΔSM). Results show that the asobtained magnetic entropy change values are similar to those determined from the phenomenological model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on statistical physics elements, the equilibrium adsorption of diclofenac (DFC) and nimesulide (NM) on activated carbon was analyzed by a multilayer model with saturation. The paper aimed to describe experimentally and theoretically the adsorption process and study the effect of adsorbate size using the model parameters. From numerical simulation, the number of molecules per site showed that the adsorbate molecules (DFC and NM) were mostly anchored in both sides of the pore walls. The receptor sites density increase suggested that additional sites appeared during the process, to participate in DFC and NM adsorption. The description of the adsorption energy behavior indicated that the process was physisorption. Finally, by a model parameters correlation, the size effect of the adsorbate was deduced indicating that the molecule dimension has a negligible effect on the DFC and NM adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large mineral fillers have long been used in papermaking for many reasons. The finish of the writing and printing paper depends on using the fillers as internal or surface treatments. During this study, Tamarisk sp. and Prunus amygdalus pulp-filled papers with raw phosphogypsum (PG) and calcined PG (CPG) at different percentages were studied. First, the prepared minerals (treated and untreated ones) were characterized by different analytical methods such as SEM and EDS. Subsequently, different handsheets with a basis weight 60 g − 2 were prepared on a Rapid Khöten sheet former following the standard method. The added amounts of PG and CPG fillers were included from 0% to 15% based on the pulp. The effects of incorporation as well as the quality fillers into physical and optical properties were assessed. It can be deduced that the incorporation of CPG at 800 °C improved filler retention by as high as 92%, and the optical properties of the filled paper was strikingly enhanced, while the strength properties were practically negatively influenced. It was clear that calcinationstepsreduce the fiber–filler–fiber bond. Thus, results are in accordance with the SEM observation, which confirmed the obtained physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Tunisia the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary coincides with the transition between two carbonate deposits: the Late Cenomanian Bahloul Formation at the bottom and the Early Turonian Gattar Member at the top. According to field study and microscope examination of the studied Formations throughout Tunisia, the Bahloul Formation consists of a deep-water condensed carbonate platform largely extended throughout Tunisia. Detailed analysis shows a particular richness in planktonic microfauna and ammonites. Thin bedded limestones within the Upper part exhibits a high TOC ratio and commonly called the black shales, whereas the Gattar Member displayed a rudist-bearing carbonate ramp which pinches northward while being progressively relayed by hemipelagic marls forming the so-called Annaba Member. The Cenomanian-Turonian transition was marked by relevant changes the main features of which are well recorded in the Tunisian carbonate platform. The changes consist of consecutive (i) shutdown and recovery of the carbonate factory and (ii) extinction, development and diversification of many faunal species. As matter of fact, during Late Cenomanian many planktonic foraminifers (Rotaliporidae) and rudists (Caprinidae) were extinct, and simultaneously the carbonate production rate fallen into 0.003–0.017 m k y −1 . During Early Turonian the carbonate platform recovered contemporaneously with the development and diversification of many planktonic foraminifera and rudists (Hippuritidae); the carbonate productivity rose to 0.125 m k y −1 in average. The whole previous changes are to be linked with the significant sea-level fluctuation and the contemporaneous oceanic anoxic event (OAE2) having occurred at the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an adsorption modeling has been presented to describe the interactions of a binary mixture of ℓ-muscone and d-muscone with the mouse muscone receptor MOR215-1. The formulation of the 2-dimensional monolayer models with identical and two types of sites for the perceived response of odor binary mixture odor are based on statistical physics and some theoretical hypothesis, in order to model pure and binary mixture dose-response curves. Thanks to the grand canonical ensemble of statistical physics, some pertinent physico-chemical parameters describing the adsorption process were introduced in the analytical model expressions. The results showed a high correlation of the 2-dimensional monolayer model using two types of sites with binary mixture of ℓ-muscone and d-muscone response curve. In this model, six physico-chemical parameters derived from the fitting of the experimental data by a numerical simulation were discussed. Furthermore, these statistical physics models include physico-chemical parameters specific to the respective effects of each compound in the binary mixture, which may help to clarify the inhibitory effects that are often seen in ℓ-muscone and d-muscone mixture through the determination of the involved new steric parameters. In addition, the calculation of the molar adsorption energies showed that the two muscone enantiomers and their racemic were physisorbed onto cell surface neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the grand canonical ensemble in statistical physics, a hydrogen absorption and desorption isotherms on LaNi 4.85 Al 0.15 alloy have been modeled by a monolayer model with two level of energy. The model has six physicochemical parameters which are deduced from the fitting of the isotherms at three temperatures T = 298 K, T = 303 K and T = 313 K. These parameters were used to better understand and compare between the absorption and desorption phenomena. A macroscopic study is achieved through thermodynamic functions as the internal energy, the entropy, the free enthalpy, the chemical potential, the enthalpy, and the free energy. We proved the coexistence of the α and β phases during absorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling of absorption and desorption isotherms of hydrogen on LaNi 4.85 Al 0.15 alloy at 298 K, 303 K and 313 K has been achieved through the use of grand canonical ensemble in statistical physics. In fact, a monolayer model with two levels of energy has been adopted to better fit the experimental data. Besides, six physicochemical parameters have been used to better describe the absorption and desorption processes from the point of view of α and β phases. These parameters are divided into two types. The first type of parameters contains four main parameters, namely the number of atoms per site, n α and n β , and the densities of hydrogen receptor sites N mα as well as N mβ . The second type of parameters are mainly the two energetic parameters P α and P β which respectively refer to the pressures at half saturations for the α phase and the β phase. Thanks to these steric and energetic parameters, we could compare the absorption and desorption processes to highlight the evolution of these parameters during hysteresis encountered in the desorption isotherms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olfactory response curves of muscone enantiomers on the mouse muscone receptor MOR215-1 modeling by a statistical physics treatment led us to better understand the olfactory phenomenon. Our objective in this modeling is to select an adequate model that presents a significant correlation with the olfactory response curves. The application of the grand canonical ensemble in statistical thermodynamics introduces some physico-chemical parameters in the theoretical model which allows to attain an expression of the single olfactory response R sin . Fitting results showed that the muscone enantiomers ( l -muscone and d -muscone) followed an adsorption model with one monolayer onto identical sites. The calculation of the molar adsorption energy showed that the two muscone enantiomers were physisorbed onto cell surface neurons. Then, the configurational entropy which gave an idea about order and disorder, was calculated according to the appropriate model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reduction of [Co(III)(tmsalen)(py)2]+ with NaBH4/PdCl2 and the successive oxidative addition of CH2ClI, carried out in neutral methanolic solution and followed by the addition of NaOH, afford a new dinuclear complex. The molecular structure reveals that it is formed by an octahedral [Co(tmsalen)(py)(OH)] unit connected to a β-folded [Co(tmsalenCH2)]+ fragment, in such a way that the latter metal completes the coordination sphere with the hydroxo group and a tmsalen oxygen from the former unit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction of a chiral cis-β-organocobalt salen-type complex, 1, racemic mixture of Δ and Λ enantiomers, with enantiomerically pure l-histidine and a non-chiral monocationic cobalt complex, 3, resulted quite unexpectedly in the cocrystallization of diastereomers. Each diastereomer is a dicobalt monocationic complex, where four positions around one metal center are occupied by the tetradentate ligand in a cis fashion, the remaining two positions being occupied by l-histidinate. Histidinate further axially coordinates the other Co atom through the nitrogen of the imidazole residue. The two diastereomers are related by a quasi-symmetry center. In this case, the opposite helical chirality of the metal complex 1 prevails over the identical configuration of the asymmetric carbon in the crystallization process and the diastereomers behave as if they were enantiomers. The reaction of the same cobalt complexes 1 and 3 with dl-histidine led to the formation of two pairs of enantiomers, which crystallized separately as racemic compound. Therefore, in this case, the chirality of the asymmetric center is the property that allows the mutual selective recognition of the “true” enantiomers and drives their cocrystallization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The synthesis of new fluoroalkyl ferrocenylphosphonates and their tin(IV) adducts is described. • The results show the effect of fluoroalkoxy groups on the reactivity of the starting products. • The viability of the phosphonate tin(IV) complexes as DSSC sensitizers is investigated. The synthesis of fluoroalkyl and non-fluorinated long chain alkyl ferrocenylphosphonates of the type FcP(O)(OR) 2 (Fc: ferrocenyl; R = CH 2 CF 3 (1), CH 2 C 2 F 5 (2), Et (3) n-Hex (4), n-Hep (5) and n-Oct (6)) from reaction of ferrocene with corresponding phosphorochloridates is reported. The ferrocenyl phosphonates 1-4 were used as ligands, which reacted with tin(IV) chloride to produce the new complexes [SnCl 4 (1) 2 ] (7), [SnCl 4 (2) 2 ] (8), [SnCl 4 (3) 2 ] (9) and [SnCl 4 (4) 2 ] (10). All these ferrocenylphosphonate derivatives were characterized with multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P and 119Sn) NMR, IR and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical behavior of these compounds was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV); the results show that fluoroalkyl groups render the reverse one-electron transfer oxidation reaction more difficult (ΔE 1/2 = 310–330 mV) as compared to non-fluorinated alkyl groups (ΔE 1/2 = 215–261 mV). Preliminary results from CV measurements on the viability of ferrocenyl-containing tin(IV) complexes 7–10 as sensitizers for TiO 2 -based dye sensitized solar cells are also described. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-coated balloons (DCB) have promising results in the management of in-stent restenosis (ISR), still their role remains a major challenge, and not well established in contemporary clinical practice. Aims: To provide a comprehensive appraisal of the efficacy and safety of DCBs in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR). Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, web of Science, Ovid, and Cochrane Central from inception until 30 March, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared DCB versus DES in ISR patients. Our primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and late lumen loss (LLL). Secondary clinical endpoints were all-cause death, cardiac death, MI, TLR, TVR, and stent thrombosis, and angiographic outcomes were MLD, and in-stent binary restenosis. Results: Ten RCTs comprising 1977 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of MACE was 15.57% in the DCB group compared to 14.13% in the DES group, with no significant difference in the risk of MACE following DCB (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87 to 1.44). Compared with the DES intervention, the risk of LLL was comparable to the DCB intervention (mean difference [MD] -0.08, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.02), while the incidence of TLR was increased in the DCB intervention (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.99). Conclusion: DCB was comparable to DES implantation is ISR patients regarding clinical outcomes, however it showed an increase in TLR events. Moreover, a RCT with large sample size and longer follow-up duration is warrened to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease that is frequently associated with other autoimmune conditions. Objective To perform serological screening for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with HT. Methods Our study included 88 consecutive serum specimens of patients with confirmed HT and 88 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. All study participants were tested for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies (CCP-Ab) and rheumatoid factor (RF). CCP-Ab and RF were performed using ELISA commercial kits. Statistical analysis was conducted using Epi Info, version 3. Results Out of 88 patients with HT, 15 (17.0%) had CCP-Ab or RF. The frequency of serological markers of RA was significantly higher in patients than in control individuals (17.0% vs 4.5%; P =.007). RF was more frequent in patients than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (13.6% vs 3.4%; P =.01). Isolated RF-IgM was absent in all controls and present in 6 patients with HT (6.8% vs 0%; P =.02). Out of 14 male patients, 3 (21.4%) had antibodies of RA. There was no significant difference in age between patients with CCP-Ab or RF and those without. Conclusion A high frequency of serological markers of RA was highlighted in patients with HT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot synthesis of new bis(polyfluoroalkyl)dialkylaminophosphoramidates (RF(CH2)2O)2P(O)NR2 (1–6) (RF = C6F13, NR2 = NC5H10 (1), NC4H8 (2), NEt2 (3); RF = C8F17, NR2 = NC5H10 (4), NC4H8 (5), NEt2 (6)) and polyfluoroalkyl bis(dialkylamino)phosphoramidates RF(CH2)2OP(O)(NR2)2 (9–14) (RF = C6F13, NR2 = NC5H10 (9), NC4H8 (10), NEt2 (11); RF = C8F17, NR2 = NC5H10 (12), NC4H8 (13), NEt2 (14)) was performed through phosphorylation of corresponding highly fluorinated alcohols with P(O)Cl3 in dry diethyl ether followed by aminolysis. However, the former phosphoramidates (1–6) and corresponding morpholinyl derivatives 7 and 8 were alternatively prepared in better yields from phosphoramidation reaction of bis(fluoroalkyl)phosphites with amines in the presence of I2 and H2O2 in dichloromethane. All these phosphoramidates were obtained in good yields and characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 31P and 19F) NMR, IR spectroscopy and HRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statistical physics approach has been well studied by our research team for liquid and gaseous adsorption systems. This treatment is based on the grand canonical partition function to give new interpretations of the adsorption process at molecular level for chemical senses: olfaction and taste. This work represents a contribution to understand the olfaction mechanism of four of enantiomeric terpenes by applying a statistical physics treatment that allows giving a physico-chemical meaning to parameters involved in the analytical model. It is possible to estimate the number of adsorbed molecules per site, the anchorage number, the receptor density, the concentration at half saturation and the molar adsorption energy. Through this selection of the best fitting model and through fitted values of these parameters, we showed that the adsorption of carvone and limonene enantiomers is not a multilayer process but a monolayer monosite process (monolayer adsorption model with identical and independent sites (n ≠ 1)). The physico-chemical model parameters can be used for the energetic characterization of the interactions between the carvone and the limonene enantiomers and the human olfactory receptor OR1A1 and the determination of an olfactory band of order of 14 kJ/mol, 7 kJ/mol, 9 kJ/mol, 8 kJ/mol for (R)-(−)-carvone, (S)-(+)-carvone, (R)-(+)-limonene and (S)-(−)-limonene, respectively, through the determination of the adsorption energy values and the adsorption energy distributions (AEDs). Thanks to the grand canonical formalism in statistical physics, the negative values of the Gibbs free enthalpy indicate that the adsorption process of the four enantiomeric terpenes onto the human olfactory receptor OR1A1 was spontaneous. The exothermic adsorption mechanism involved in the olfactory perception was explained via the negative values of the internal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has affected millions of people worldwide. Much research has been dedicated to our understanding of COVID-19 disease heterogeneity and severity, but less is known about recovery associated changes. To address this gap in knowledge, we quantified the proteome from serum samples from 29 COVID-19 convalescents and 29 age-, race-, and sex-matched healthy controls. Samples were acquired within the first months of the pandemic. Many proteins from pathways known to change during acute COVID-19 illness, such as from the complement cascade, coagulation system, inflammation and adaptive immune system, had returned to levels seen in healthy controls. In comparison, we identified 22 and 15 proteins with significantly elevated and lowered levels, respectively, amongst COVID-19 convalescents compared to healthy controls. Some of the changes were similar to those observed for the acute phase of the disease, i.e. elevated levels of proteins from hemolysis, the adaptive immune systems, and inflammation. In contrast, some alterations opposed those in the acute phase, e.g. elevated levels of CETP and APOA1 which function in lipid/cholesterol metabolism, and decreased levels of proteins from the complement cascade (e.g. C1R, C1S, and VWF), the coagulation system (e.g. THBS1 and VWF), and the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton (e.g. PFN1 and CFL1) amongst COVID-19 convalescents. We speculate that some of these shifts might originate from a transient decrease in platelet counts upon recovery from the disease. Finally, we observed race-specific changes, e.g. with respect to immunoglobulins and proteins related to cholesterol metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has affected millions of people worldwide. Much research has been dedicated to our understanding of COVID-19 disease heterogeneity and severity, but less is known about recovery associated changes. To address this gap in knowledge, we quantified the proteome from serum samples from 29 COVID-19 convalescents and 29 age-, race-, and sex-matched healthy controls. Samples were acquired within the first months of the pandemic. Many proteins from pathways known to change during acute COVID-19 illness, such as from the complement cascade, coagulation system, inflammation and adaptive immune system, had returned to levels seen in healthy controls. In comparison, we identified 22 and 15 proteins with significantly elevated and lowered levels, respectively, amongst COVID-19 convalescents compared to healthy controls. Some of the changes were similar to those observed for the acute phase of the disease, i.e. elevated levels of proteins from hemolysis, the adaptive immune systems, and inflammation. In contrast, some alterations opposed those in the acute phase, e.g. elevated levels of CETP and APOA1 which function in lipid/cholesterol metabolism, and decreased levels of proteins from the complement cascade (e.g. C1R, C1S, and VWF), the coagulation system (e.g. THBS1 and VWF), and the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton (e.g. PFN1 and CFL1) amongst COVID-19 convalescents. We speculate that some of these shifts might originate from a transient decrease in platelet counts upon recovery from the disease. Finally, we observed race-specific changes, e.g. with respect to immunoglobulins and proteins related to cholesterol metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 8-33% of individuals worldwide, independent of age or gender. Diagnosis relies on mucosal lesions or symptomatic discomfort, validated by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response. Lyon Consensus categorizes diagnostic tests as supportive, refuting, or inconclusive. A retrospective cohort study on 78 pediatric subjects at the 'Sfântul Ioan' Galați Hospital (February 2018-October 2020) aimed to assess GER incidence and management principles. Data analyzed using SPSS v26 revealed urban predominance (66.7%) and varied age distribution (1 month to 18 years), with heartburn as a prevalent symptom. Treatment modalities included antacids, PPIs, H2RAs, and prokinetics. Symptom relief and therapeutic response guided management, with PPIs commonly administered. This study underscores the need for comprehensive GERD diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies in pediatric populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main topic of this paper is to compute the first relative cohomology group of the Lie algebra of smooth vector fields , with coefficients in the space of trilinear differential operators that act on tensor densities, , vanishing on the Lie algebra . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is well known, but in secondary–progressive (SP)‐MS it is still controversial. Therefore, AHSCT activity was evaluated in SP‐MS using low‐dose immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide (Cy) as a comparative treatment. Methods: In this retrospective monocentric 1:2 matched study, SP‐MS patients were treated with intermediate‐intensity AHSCT (cases) or intravenous pulses of Cy (controls) at a single academic centre in Florence. Controls were selected according to baseline characteristics adopting cardinality matching after trimming on the estimated propensity score. Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses were used to estimate survival free from relapses (R‐FS), survival free from disability progression (P‐FS), and no evidence of disease activity 2 (NEDA‐2). Results: A total of 93 SP‐MS patients were included: 31 AHSCT, 62 Cy. Mean follow‐up was 99 months in the AHSCT group and 91 months in the Cy group. R‐FS was higher in AHSCT compared to Cy patients: at Year 5, 100% versus 52%, respectively (p < 0.0001). P‐FS did not differ between the groups (at Year 5: 70% in AHSCT and 81% in Cy, p = 0.572), nor did NEDA‐2 (p = 0.379). A sensitivity analysis including only the 31 "best‐matched" controls confirmed these results. Three neoplasms (2 Cy, 1 AHSCT) and two fatalities (2 Cy) occurred. Conclusions: This study provides Class III evidence, in SP‐MS, on the superior effectiveness of AHSCT compared to Cy on relapse activity, without differences on disability accrual. Although the suppression of relapses was observed in the AHSCT group only, AHSCT did not show advantages over Cy on disability, suggesting that in SP‐MS disability progression becomes based more on noninflammatory neurodegeneration than on inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few data are available so far on the antibody-mediated immune response to anti-SARS-Cov2 vaccination in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) treated with disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), therefore this issue was explored in a real-life cohort of pwMS. Materials and methods: Retrospective monocentric study on anti-spike protein antibody response in pwMS who had received vaccination for Sars-Cov2. Adverse events following vaccination were also recorded. Results: One hundred and twenty pwMS were included: 83 females (69%); median age at vaccination 42 years (range 21–73); 112/120 patients (93%) were receiving DMTs at vaccination. Anti-spike protein IgG antibodies were detectable in 102/120 (85%) cases overall, being the proportion lower in pwMS receiving anti-CD20 antibodies (14/31, 45%) compared to non-depletive treatments (77/78, 99%), p < 0.0001. Median anti-spike titre was lower in anti-CD20 antibodies and fingolimod-treated pwMS compared to those receiving other DMTs, and it correlated with anti-CD20 treatment duration (R − 0.93, p < 0.0001) and with age at vaccination in pwMS not receiving depletive treatments (R − 0.25, p = 0.028). Baseline CD19+ cell count (where available) was higher in the responder group than in non-responders, p < 0.0001. Two symptomatic COVID-19 infections were diagnosed over a median follow-up of 5 months (range 2–7); adverse events were aligned with the published literature. Conclusion: Antibody response to anti-COVID-19 vaccines was detected in most of the pwMS analysed, but frequency of responders was reduced in those receiving CD20 depleting therapies compared to other DMTs-treated pwMS. Investigations on cell-mediated immune response are needed to assess whether a protective immune response is elicited also in non-antibody responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Flower-visiting interactions, such as nectarivory and pollination, are considered to form networks with higher interaction specialization than other plant–animal facultative mutualisms. However, subsets within each network sometimes are different from the complete system. Social wasps are one subset within flower-visiting networks; they use nectar as a secondary food of adults. Some of the visited plants depend on wasps for pollination, and many are further benefited through predation of herbivores captured to feed wasp larvae. Therefore, mutual dependence is lower in the wasp subset compared to complete pollination networks, so we expected wasp–flower networks to exhibit more generalistic interactions. Quantitative datasets were built by recording wasp visits to flowers in six Brazilian localities in four ecoregions, and comparisons were made with complete pollination networks from the literature (with different taxa included). Nestedness (NODF = 0.39 ± 0.06) was similar in wasp–flower and complete pollination networks (NODF = 0.32 ± 0.18). Interaction specialization in wasp–flower networks was lower (median H 2 ’ = 0.31 ± 0.09) than in complete pollination networks (median H 2 ’ = 0.55 ± 0.17). Modularity in wasp–flower networks (M = 0.36 ± 0.05) was also lower than in complete pollination networks (M = 0.47 ± 0.09); there were on average 5 ± 1 modules on each network formed by species of different genera. In summary, our findings confirm that wasps that feed on nectar interact with similar subsets of plants; therefore, wasp–flower networks are more generalistic than other pollination networks. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that, despite some universal properties found in facultative mutualisms, parts of a system differ from the complete system. Furthermore, mutual dependence influences interaction specialization, and so it is an important structuring factor of mutualistic networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The synthesis of new tin(IV) complexes containing polyfluoroalkyl phosphoryl ligands is described. • The results show the effect of the nature of the ligand substitution on the stereochemistry of the resulting complex. • The ligand donor ability via donation to the tin center was estimated on the basis of 119Sn NMR spectra. The synthesis and characterization of a new series of octahedral tin tetrachloride complexes SnCl 4.2L (L = RR 2 N) 2 P(O)O(CH 2) 2 C 6 F 13 ; NR 2 = NC 5 H 10 (1); NC 4 H 8 (2); N(CH 2 CH 2) 2 O (3); NEt 2 (4), L = RR 2 N) 2 P(O)O(CH 2) 2 C 8 F 17 ; NR 2 = NC 5 H 10 (5); NC 4 H 8 (6); N(CH 2 CH 2) 2 O (7), L = R 2 NP(O)(O(CH 2) 2 C 6 F 13) 2 ; NC 5 H 10 (8); NC 4 H 8 (9); N(CH 2 CH 2) 2 O (10); NEt 2 (11), L = R 2 NP(O)(O(CH 2) 2 C 8 F 17) 2 ; NR 2 = NC 5 H 10 (12); NEt 2 (13) and L = P(O)(O(CH 2) 2 C 6 F 13) 3 (14) are described. The adducts were prepared from SnCl 4 and 2 equiv. of the ligand, L in anhydrous CH 2 Cl 2. These new adducts were characterized by multinuclear (1H, 19F, 31P, 119Sn) NMR, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The NMR spectra show, at room temperature, the existence of phosphoramidate complexes as mixtures of cis and trans isomers with predominance of the trans form for all complexes except the phosphate adduct 14, which shows only the cis isomer. The difference could be interpreted in terms of the Lewis basicity of the ligand and steric factors. The solution behavior of these complexes in the presence of excess ligand was also investigated using 31P NMR spectroscopy. The results are discussed and compared to those obtained for closely related systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, an original three-dimensional formulation of the FTn finite volume method based on the bounded high-resolution CLAM schema and using the blocked-off-region technique has been developed. Firstly, this model is applied for 3D inhomogeneous L-shaped absorbing/emitting and isotropically scattering media. Both isothermal medium and medium with internal uniform and non-uniform volumetric heat generation are considered. Secondly, the present FTn FVM results for 3D combustion chamber with five baffles are illustrated and discussed. All tests bring to the fore the advantages, in 3D problems, of the FTn FVM comparatively with the standard FVM especially for inhomogeneous media with discontinuous volumetric heat sources. However these benefits still quantitative and no qualitative discrepancy between the FTn FVM and the popular FVM results are registered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this work is to investigate the adsorption of an anionic dye, the Murexide (MX) present in aqueous solution, on activated carbon, derived from prickly pear seed cake biomass after bio-oil extraction. The obtained adsorbent used was characterized by Bohem titration, pH of point of zero charge (pHPZC), FTIR spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (SBET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The different experimental parameters of the adsorption process, such as temperature, contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dose, were studied. For the optimization of the process, the effects of these parameters were investigated using the full factorial experimental design methodology. Design Expert 11.1.2.0 Trial software was used for generating the statistical experimental design and analysing the observed data. Langmuir and Freundlich's adsorption models were employed to provide a description of the equilibrium isotherm. The adsorption process was found to obey Langmuir, which indicates that the Murexide had formed a monolayer onto activated carbon. Furthermore, according to the regression coefficients, it was observed that the kinetic adsorption data can fit better by the pseudo-second-order model compared to the first-order Lagergren's model. The thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of Murexide occurs in a spontaneous and exothermic process. The regeneration process of the exhausted adsorbent was studied to assess the economic and operational feasibility. According to the obtained findings, it is proposed that the activated carbon prepared from prickly pear seed cake retains a high potential for Murexide removal and is suitable for repetitive usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nanomaterials, such as Ag-nanoparticles (AgNPs), have recently been shown to have a broad range of applications in the chemical industry, medicine, biology, and many areas. In this work, the effect of nanostructure on the biological efficiency of prepared surfactants (R10, R12) based on the benzamide group was reported. FTIR and 1HNMR spectra were collected to confirm the structure of these surfactants. In addition, the nanostructures of the prepared surfactants assembled on Ag-nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated using UV and TEM techniques. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of the prepared surfactants and their associated nanostructures were studied. The results showed that, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, the antibacterial effectiveness of R12AgNPs against all bacteria was better than R12. In contrast, the antibacterial activity of R10AgNPs against all bacteria was lower than R10. This might be explained by the fact that AgNPs were effective on the manufactured surfactant's CMC (R10), which decreased the amount of surfactant molecules at the cell membrane and decreased the antibacterial activity. The outcomes showed that the cationic surfactants (R10, R12) that were synthesized favored AgNP dispersion and enhanced their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical physics modelling was performed to analyze the adsorption forces and the thermodynamics of the removal of nitrobenzene molecules using an activated carbon obtained from apricot stones. This adsorbent was prepared using phosphoric acid activation and exhibited a surface area of 1762 m2 g−1, total pore volume of 1.09 cm3 g−1 and an experimental maximum adsorption capacity of 295.63 mg g−1 for nitrobenzene at 298 K. The removal of this organic molecule was exothermic. A double layer adsorption model with two energies was utilized to calculate the main steric parameters for the removal of this compound. This model was employed to perform a thermodynamic analysis of this adsorption system. It was concluded that 2 and 3 adsorption sites can be involved for the removal of nitrobenzene molecules on activated carbon surface. Physical interaction forces were expected to participate in the removal of this pollutant. This activated carbon can be regenerated with NaOH thus offering the alternative of its recycling to reduce the removal costs of this organic molecule from water. [Display omitted] • Apricot stones carbon used for nitrobenzene (NB) adsorption. • Statistical physics models assess adsorption mechanism at micro and macro levels. • Double layer adsorption model with two energies described NB adsorption mechanism. • 2–3 adsorption sites involved in NB adsorption on carbon surface. • Thermodynamics indicated exothermic, feasible and spontaneous removal of NB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a valuable option in aggressive relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but its efficacy in secondary progressive (SP)-MS is still controversial. Objective: Assessing efficacy of aHSCT in SP-MS by clinical-radiological outcomes. Methods: Open-label monocentric retrospective study enrolling consecutive SP-MS patients treated with BEAM-aHSCT in the period 1999–2016. Results: In total, 26 SP-MS patients with moderate–severe disability were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) at years 5 and 10 after aHSCT were, respectively, 42% and 30%. Out of 16 patients who worsened, only 6 patients (23% overall) maintained continuous disability accrual (CDA), whereas 10 patients stabilized following one single-step Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) worsening. CDA-free survival was 74% at 5–10 years. No relapses or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity were reported, thus no evidence of disease activity (NEDA)-3 corresponded to PFS. Annualized rate of brain atrophy (AR-BVL) normalized after 1 year in 55% of the cases analysed (12/22). Conclusion: BEAM-aHSCT halted CDA and normalized AR-BVL in most of the treated patients, inducing long-term remission of inflammatory activity at a median follow-up of 99 months (range 27–222). These data suggest that CDA might still be mainly driven by inflammation in a subgroup of SP-MS and could therefore be reversed by treatments. CDA should be analysed independently from any isolated disability worsening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence from international studies suggests that ward culture, staff attitudes, and knowledge are crucial to ensuring that hospitals adopt "reasonable adjustments" to guarantee equity of access to vulnerable patients. Among the major barriers to providing reasonable adjustments highlighted in the literature is the lack of effective systems to identify patients with disabilities and flag them in the system. Method: In November 2016, the Tuscany Regional Health System (TRHS) Government (Italy) set up a multidisciplinary working group, which used virtual collaboration methods. Results: A structured system for the early identification of patients with disabilities and their special needs, and consequent reasonable adjustments to be implemented at the hospital level, was developed. Conclusion: The project recommended two innovations: the development of a measure that grades the need of reasonable adjustments and produces a score; the possibility of entering the information for the computation of the score directly through the TRHS website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive revascularization is recommended for cohorts of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, the optimal timing of invasive revascularization is still controversial and no defined consensus is established. We aim to give a comprehensive appraisal on the optimal timing of invasive strategy in the heterogenous population of ACS. Relevant studies were assessed through PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Cochrane Library from inception until April 2023. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality were our primary outcomes of interest, other secondary outcomes were cardiac death, TVR, MI, repeat revascularization, recurrent ischemia, and major bleeding. The data was pooled as odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random effect model using STATA 17 MP. A total of 26 studies comprising 21,443 patients were included in the analysis. Early intervention was favor to decrease all-cause mortality (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.98, p = 0.03), when compared to delayed intervention. Subgroup analysis showed that early intervention was significantly associated with all-cause mortality reduction in only NSTE-ACS (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.7 to 0.99], p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference between early and delayed intervention in terms of MACE, cardiac death, TVR, MI, repeat revascularization, recurrent ischemia, and major bleeding. An early intervention was associated with lower mortality rates compared to delayed intervention in NSTE-ACS with no significant difference in other clinical outcomes. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023415574. • What this study adds: The optimal timing of PCI intervention is still controversial, with conflicting data in the literature. Some recommendations of the early approach were addressed without analytic evidence. Our systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 included studies showed that. Early invasive intervention was associated with lower odds of all-cause mortality, and subgroup analysis based on disease type showed lower mortality was noted in NSTE-ACS cohorts. We used TSA for power analysis, ensuring adequately that the evidence of mortality reduction is strong. • How this study might affect research, practice or policy: This study can be a guide of recommending early an invasive approach to ACS cohorts, especially NSTE-ACS. This new finding should be validated with large-volume RCTs with long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]