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Reinforced concrete is the most widely used material in the construction of building structures, being noted for its versatility and low cost. However, the durability of reinforced concrete structures can be compromised by the corrosion of steel re-bars, especially in the presence of chlorides. To address this challenge and promote sustainability, the use of corrosion inhibitors has been researched as a way to extend the lifespan of structures. This study assessed the effectiveness of using a commercial corrosion inhibitor on steel re-bars embedded in types of concrete with different chloride percentages, using electrochemical methods to measure the corrosion rate and potential. The results indicate that, in the absence of corrosion inhibitors, corrosion rates become unacceptable with chloride percentages equal to or higher than 0.8% by weight of cement. The application of inhibitors significantly reduced the corrosion rate, particularly at chloride percentages of 0.8% and 1.2%, maintaining the re-bars in a passive state or at moderate levels of corrosion. However, for chloride percentages higher than 1.6%, high levels of corrosion were observed, even in the presence of inhibitors. The findings suggest that the use of inhibitors can be an effective strategy in preventing corrosion in reinforced concrete structures, contributing to their structural integrity and long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A young adult, crossbreed dog was presented to a referral small animal veterinary hospital with uroabdomen causing a severe hyperkalaemia. Stabilisation of the condition consisted of abdominocentesis and intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, insulin, glucose and crystalloids. The patient was then anaesthetised for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An epidural was performed with levobupivacaine due to nociception and requirement for exploratory surgery. Marked bradycardia ensued and was treated with anticholinergics and terbutaline, among other repeated efforts to resolve a pharmaceutically resistant hyperkalaemia. However, cardiorespiratory arrest followed, characterised by ventricular fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation utilised cardioversion to achieve return of spontaneous circulation within 16 minutes. After return of spontaneous circulation, serum potassium levels only decreased and remained below 7 mmol/L after repeat abdominocentesis, alongside continued medical therapy. Unfortunately, despite successful recovery from general anaesthesia, the patient later developed surgical wound dehiscence and was euthanased as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of long-read sequencing, specifically nanopore sequencing, for the identification and analysis of atypical structural variations (SVs) in haematological neoplasms. SVs are common in these conditions, but their diagnosis can be challenging. The article presents a case study where nanopore sequencing was used to characterize a novel inv(16) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The findings highlight the potential of long-read sequencing for the comprehensive analysis of atypical SVs. The study describes the use of long-read sequencing to characterize a new atypical inversion in a patient with AML, and suggests that a complete characterization of driver defects in hematological neoplasms could lead to improved disease monitoring and patient management. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Review the literature to update the MASCC guidelines from 2016 for controlling nausea and vomiting with systemic cancer treatment of low and minimal emetic potential. Methods: A working group performed a systematic literature review using Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases between June 2015 and January 2023 of the management of antiemetic prophylaxis for anticancer therapy of low or minimal emetic potential. A consensus committee reviewed recommendations and required a consensus of 67% or greater and a change in outcome of at least 10%. Results: Of 293 papers identified, 15 had information about managing systemic cancer treatment regimens of low or minimal emetic potential and/or compliance with previous management recommendations. No new evidence was reported that would change the current MASCC recommendations. No antiemetic prophylaxis is recommended for minimal emetic potential therapy, and single agents recommended for low emetic potential chemotherapy for acute emesis, but no prophylaxis is recommended for delayed emesis. Commonly, rescue medication includes antiemetics prescribed for the next higher level of emesis. Conclusion: There is insufficient data to change the current guidelines. Future studies should seek to more accurately determine the risk of emesis with LEC beyond the emetogenicity of the chemotherapy to include patient-related risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van der Waals chalcogenides and chalcohalides have the potential to become the next thin film PV breakthrough, owing to the earth-abundancy and non-toxicity of their components, and their stability, high absorption coefficient and quasi-1D structure, which leads to enhanced electrical anisotropic properties when the material is oriented in a specific crystalline direction. However, quasi-1D semiconductors beyond Sb2(S,Se)3, such as SbSeX chalcohalides, have been scarcely investigated for energy generation applications, and rarely synthesised by physical vapor deposition methodologies, despite holding the promise of widening the bandgap range (opening the door to tandem or semi-transparent devices), and showing enticing new properties such as ferroelectric behaviour and defect-tolerant nature. In this work, SbSeI and SbSeBr micro-columnar solar cells have been obtained for the first time by an innovative methodology based on the selective halogenation of Sb2Se3 thin films at pressure above 1 atm. It is shown that by increasing the annealing temperature and pressure, the height and density of the micro-columnar structures grows monotonically, resulting in SbSeI single-crystal columns up to 30 μm, and tuneable morphology. In addition, solar cell prototypes with substrate configuration have shown remarkable Voc values above 550 mV and 1.8 eV bandgap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of disorders ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hepatic steatosis may result from the dysfunction of multiple pathways and thus multiple molecular triggers involved in the disease have been described. The development of NASH entails the activation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. Furthermore, NAFLD is also strongly associated with several extra-hepatic comorbidities, i.e., metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Due to the heterogeneity of NAFLD presentations and the multifactorial etiology of the disease, clinical trials for NAFLD treatment are testing a wide range of interventions and drugs, with little success. Here, we propose a narrative review of the different phenotypic characteristics of NAFLD patients, whose disease may be triggered by different agents and driven along different pathophysiological pathways. Thus, correct phenotyping of NAFLD patients and personalized treatment is an innovative therapeutic approach that may lead to better therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials undergoing pressure-driven solid–solid phase transformations can be a valuable alternative for eco-friendly refrigeration, heat pumping and waste heat recovery based on the barocaloric effect. Ferroelectric compounds and plastic crystals have shown their potential in these fields because they may undergo large changes in volume and entropy at the transition, which underpin a large pressure-induced caloric response. Recently, a new class of materials combining a high-temperature plastic phase with a low-temperature ferroelectric phase has been reported. Here we investigate the barocaloric properties of two such "ferroelectric plastic crystals", namely quinuclidinium perrhenate (C7H14NReO4) and tetramethylammonium tetrachloroferrate (N(CH3)4[FeCl4]). The reversible adiabatic temperature changes under pressure of around 100 MPa (8 K for C7H14NReO4 and 21 K for N(CH3)4[FeCl4]) reach values comparable to other plastic crystals and other materials, which demonstrates a good prospect for this novel barocaloric materials family. The dynamics of the plastic phase for C7H14NReO4 has been investigated by means of quasielastic neutron scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of sufficient amounts of form I of benzocaine has led to the investigation of its phase relationships with the other two existing forms, II and III, using adiabatic calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and high-pressure differential thermal analysis. The latter two forms were known to have an enantiotropic phase relationship in which form III is stable at low-temperatures and high-pressures, while form II is stable at room temperature with respect to form III. Using adiabatic calorimetry data, it can be concluded, that form I is the stable low-temperature, high-pressure form, which also happens to be the most stable form at room temperature; however, due to its persistence at room temperature, form II is still the most convenient polymorph to use in formulations. Form III presents a case of overall monotropy and does not possess any stability domain in the pressure–temperature phase diagram. Heat capacity data for benzocaine have been obtained by adiabatic calorimetry from 11 K to 369 K above its melting point, which can be used to compare to results from in silico crystal structure prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders is higher among women with breast cancer (BC) than in other solid malignancies, while it has not a prognostic impact. Trastuzumab (T) is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic scenarios. Since 2014, subcutaneous (SC) T has been employed with the same efficacy as the intravenous formulation together with an easier way of administration. To date, autoimmune thyroiditis has been linked rarely to the use of intravenous T, and no cases have been related to the SC presentation. We report two cases of HER2-positive early BC patients who developed hypothyroidism during maintenance therapy with SC T that required levothyroxine supplementation. SC T includes recombinant human hyaluronidase to facilitate tissue penetration of the drug. This enzyme may alter the thyroid gland stroma and facilitate the development of thyroid disorders. Thyroid function tests are recommended in patients on SC T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase behaviour of drug molecules is important for the control over the desired polymorph in drug formulations, whether it is to ensure better stability or better solubility. In the case of pyrazinamide, a drug against tuberculosis, stability studies have been complicated due to the very slow transition kinetics observed in DSC measurements. Using vapour pressure measurements, in which the reluctance of phase transformation is in fact an advantage, all solid–solid phase transformation temperatures have been determined. This method has been key to map the phase behaviour of pyrazinamide. The use of high-pressure measurements with synchrotron X-ray diffraction has allowed the construction of the pressure–temperature phase diagram of the four solid phases of pyrazinamide and the liquid phase. The α form was found to be the stable form at room temperature. One striking feature of pyrazinamide is that one polymorph, the δ form, has a very large thermal expansion and extreme compressibility not found in the other three forms. This gives rise to curved solid–solid transition equilibria in the pressure–temperature phase diagram, which is not commonly observed in the pressure range of 0 to 1 GPa. Using the phase diagram, polymorph β could be obtained in its stable temperature domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static and dynamic behaviors of the human spine in response to internal and external loads may be useful in future building design. The new structure was made by simplification in structure parts more than the previous validated material simplifications of Finite Element (FE) of one motion segment of the human lumbar spine (L3/L4). The study showed the anatomical and mechanical properties of this model were adapted to validated previously models by having fewer materials and stress amount. This validated simplified structure by having the natural process may be useful to achieve adaptable, sustainable, and sensible future structures for several disciplines. Simplification of human lumbar spine structure more than material simplifications. Simplified lumbar structure for prosthesis, implants, building joints & structures. Having fewer materials, less stress & simple form by simplifying lumbar structure. Simplified lumbar structure by being resistant against internal & external response. Sustainable, sensible & adaptable structure by inspiration of the natural process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess temperature changes with different continuous wave obturation systems when downpacking to 2 mm and 4 mm from the apical foramen in an open system not simulating the surrounding biological structures at body temperature. Sixty single-rooted teeth were divided into three groups: (A) Dia-Duo® (DiaDent Group International, Cheongju-si, Korea), (B) Elements Free® (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA) and (C) Calamus® (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The root canals were instrumented with Protaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) to size F2 (25.08). The root canals were filled by a continuous wave using an AH Plus® sealer (Dentsply Sirona). Temperatures during the obturation procedure were measured by a thermal imaging camera (Testo 875-1®) perpendicular to a vice where the teeth were held at −2 mm and −4 mm from the apical foramen. Comparisons were made by applying Student's t-test and ANOVA (p = 0.05). The continuous wave technique at −2 mm with the Dia-Duo system® emitted average temperatures of 37.3 °C, Elements Free® emitted 39.85 °C and Calamus® emitted 40.16 °C. At −4 mm, the Dia-Duo system® emitted average temperatures of 34.81 °C, Elements Free® emitted 33.73 °C and Calamus® emitted 32.91 °C. There were significant differences between continuous waves at −2 mm and at −4 mm (p < 0.05). Dia-Duo® was the only system that did not present significant differences between the two lengths (p = 0.197). Regarding the heat emitted, the best system was Elements Free®, since, at −2 mm, it emitted the highest temperature without going above 47 °C. The Dia-Duo® system had lower temperatures. It could be concluded that not all systems transmit the same temperature to the apex and, therefore, to the periapical tissues. The surrounding conditions, such as temperature and humidity, have not been considered in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphic behavior at normal pressure as a function of temperature of 2-adamantanol (C10H16O) and 2-methyl-2-adamantanol (C11H18O) has been investigated by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as differential scanning calorimetry. Our findings demonstrate that the previously reported specific heat anomaly at around 238 K for C10H16O consists of a single-crystal to single-crystal IV–III high-order phase transition without change of space group (P1¯, Z = 6, Z′ = 3). The combined use of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction demonstrates that phase IV would be fully ordered only at 0 K. As the temperature increases, the hydrogen atoms linked to the oxygen atoms are found to be disordered between two sites, reaching an occupancy factor of 50% each at the IV–III transition temperature. An order parameter related to the continuous change of the β lattice parameter can account for this IV–III high-order phase transition. Furthermore, a mechanism is proposed for the first-order transition from phase III to phase II (monoclinic, C2/m, Z = 12, Z′ = 1.5), in which O atoms are disordered between 2 sites (50% occupancy factor). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of the low-temperature phase of C11H18O, stable below 368 K, shows unambiguously a fully ordered orthorhombic structure (Pbcn, Z = 16, Z′ = 2), contrary to the previously reported space group (Pcc2). Below melting temperature, both compounds display a high-temperature orientationally disordered (plastic) phase (Fm3¯m, Z = 4), like most of the adamantane derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Feasibility of a hybrid clinical trial for respiratory virus detection in toddlers during the influenza season." The authors of the original article reported an error in the funding section, stating that the article was co-financed by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). The original article has been updated to include this information. The publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The correction notice is authored by multiple individuals. [Extracted from the article]

We employ temperature- and pressure-dependent dielectric spectroscopy, as well as differential scanning calorimetry, to characterize benzophenone and the singly-substituted ortho-bromobenzophenone derivative in the liquid and glass states, and analyze the results in terms of the molecular conformations reported for these molecules. Despite the significantly higher mass of the brominated derivative, its dynamic and calorimetric glass transition temperatures are only ten degrees higher than those of benzophenone. The kinetic fragility index of the halogenated molecule is lower than that of the parent compound, and is found to decrease with increasing pressure. By a detailed analysis of the dielectric loss spectra, we provide evidence for the existence of a Johari–Goldstein (JG) relaxation in both compounds, thus settling the controversy concerning the possible lack of a JG process in benzophenone and confirming the universality of this dielectric loss feature in molecular glass-formers. Both compounds also display an intramolecular relaxation, whose characteristic timescale appears to be correlated with that of the cooperative structural relaxation associated with the glass transition. The limited molecular flexibility of ortho-bromobenzophenone allows identifying the intramolecular relaxation as the inter-enantiomeric conversion between two isoenergetic conformers of opposite chirality, which only differ in the sign of the angle between the brominated aryl ring and the coplanar phenyl-ketone subunit. The observation by dielectric spectroscopy of a similar relaxation also in liquid benzophenone indicates that the inter-enantiomer conversion between the two isoenergetic helicoidal ground-state conformers of opposite chirality occurs via a transition state characterized by a coplanar phenyl-ketone moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Livestock-associated (LA)-CC398-MRSA is closely related to pigs, being unfrequently detected in human invasive infections. CC398-MSSA is emerging in human invasive infections in some countries, but genetic and epidemiological characteristics are still scarcely reported. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) CC398, both MRSA and MSSA, among blood cultures SA isolates recovered in Spanish hospitals located in regions with different pig-farming densities (PD) and characterize the recovered isolates. Methods: One thousand twenty-two SA isolates (761 MSSA, 261 MRSA) recovered from blood cultures during 6–12 months in 17 Spanish hospitals (2018–2019) were studied. CC398 lineage identification, detection of spa -types, and antibiotic resistance, virulence and human immune evasion cluster (IEC) genes were analyzed by PCR/sequencing. Results: Forty-four CC398-MSSA isolates (4.3% of SA; 5.8% of MSSA) and 10 CC398-MRSA isolates (1% of SA; 3.8% of MRSA) were detected. Eleven spa -types were found among the CC398-MSSA isolates with t571 and t1451 the most frequent spa -types detected (75%). Most of CC398-MSSA isolates were Immune-Evasion-Cluster (IEC)-positive (88.6%), tetracycline-susceptible (95.5%) and erythromycin/clindamycin–inducible-resistant/ erm (T)-positive (75%). No statistical significance was detected when the CC398-MSSA/MSSA rate was correlated to PD (pigs/km2) (p = 0.108). On the contrary, CC398-MRSA isolates were all IEC-negative, predominately spa -t011 (70%), and the CC398-MRSA/MRSA rate was significantly associated to PD (p < 0.005). Conclusion: CC398-MSSA is an emerging clade in invasive infections in Spanish hospitals. CC398-MRSA (mostly t011) and CC398-MSSA (mostly t571 and t1451) show important differences, possibly suggesting divergent steps in host-adaptation evolutionary processes. While CC398-MRSA is livestock-associated (lacking IEC-system), CC398-MSSA seems to be mostly livestock-independent, carrying human-adaptation markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promising ability to genetically modify hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by precise gene editing remains challenging due to their sensitivity to in vitro manipulations and poor efficiencies of homologous recombination. This study represents the first evidence of implementing a gene editing strategy in a murine safe harbor locus site that phenotypically corrects primary cells from a mouse model of Fanconi anemia A. By means of the co-delivery of transcription activator-like effector nucleases and a donor therapeutic FANCA template to the Mbs85 locus, we achieved efficient gene targeting (23%) in mFA-A fibroblasts. This resulted in the phenotypic correction of these cells, as revealed by the reduced sensitivity of these cells to mitomycin C. Moreover, robust evidence of targeted integration was observed in murine wild type and FA-A hematopoietic progenitor cells, reaching mean targeted integration values of 21% and 16% respectively, that were associated with the phenotypic correction of these cells. Overall, our results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a therapeutic targeted integration strategy into the mMbs85 locus, ortholog to the well-validated hAAVS1, constituting the first study of gene editing in mHSC with TALEN, that sets the basis for the use of a new safe harbor locus in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphism of 1,3-dimethyladamantane (13DMA), 1,3-adamantanediol (13DOHA) and 1,3-dibromoadamantane (13DBrA) has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, density measurements and differential scanning calorimetry at normal and high-pressure. 13DMA exhibits a low-temperature ordered monoclinic phase (space group P21/c, Z = 4, Z′ = 1) which transforms at 222.6 ± 0.5 K into a high-temperature hexagonal plastic phase (P63/mmc, Z = 26), stable up to the melting point at 246.8 ± 0.5 K at normal pressure. 13DOHA exhibits a low-temperature hexagonal phase (P63/mcm, Z = 6, Z′ = 0.25) which transforms into a face-centered cubic plastic phase (Fm3¯m). 13DBrA exhibits a unique ordered orthorhombic phase (Pnma, Z = 4, Z′ = 0.5) which remains till the melting point at 382.1 ± 0.5 K. The stability temperature domain of the plastic phases increases with pressure for both 13DMA and 13DOHA. The ability to form the plastic phase for these compounds as well as a series of adamantanes derivatives is analysed through the globularity and asphericity parameters derived from the Hirshfeld surface analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with multirefractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have limited treatment options. Recent data suggest that specific anti-platelet antibodies may cause destruction of platelets by favoring platelet loss of sialic acid. In this multicenter study 35 patients with ITP, including 16 with multirefractory disease, were analyzed for antiplatelet-antibodies, thrombopoietin (TPO) levels, and platelet desialylation. In selected cases, responses to a novel treatment strategy using oseltamivir were tested. We found that antibodies against GPIbα were overrepresented in multirefractory patients compared to responders (n = 19). In contrast to conventional ITP patients, multirefractory patients exhibited a significant increased platelet activation state (granule secretion) and desialylation (RCA-1 binding) (p < 0.05), and a trend toward higher plasma TPO concentrations. The decreased sialic acid content seemed to be restricted to platelet glycoproteins, since other plasma proteins were not hypoglycosylated. A total of 10 patients with multirefractory ITP having remarkable loss of platelet terminal sialic acids were given oseltamivir phosphate. When the antiviral drug was combined with TPO receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) or with immunosuppressant drugs, platelet responses were observed in 66.7% of patients. All responding patients presented with antibodies reactive only against GPIbα. These findings suggest that desialylation may play a key pathogenic role in some multirefractory ITP patients, and provide diagnostic tools for the identification of such patients. Furthermore, we show that sialidase inhibitor treatment in combination with therapies that help to increase platelet production can induce sustained platelet responses in some patients with anti-GPIbα -mediated thrombocytopenia that have failed previous therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of co-crystals is often unexpected; however, the Buckminster fullerene, for which many solvates are known, is an excellent system to study this tendency. In the present paper, C60 and CBrCl2H solvates have been studied. Hexagonal P6/mmm C60·2CBrCl2H solvates transform at 373 K to monoclinic C2/c C60·CBrCl2H solvates. While orientational disorder typical for C60 is found in the hexagonal solvates (as found in many C60 halomethane solvates), in the monoclinic solvates, C60 appears to be orientationally ordered. As for the solvent CBrCl2H, two types of occupational disorder involving the distribution of the halogen atoms can be observed, comparable to the behaviour in the two polymorphs of pure CBrCl2H. Within the monoclinic solvate, two sites are equally occupied by Br and Cl atoms (1/2 : 1/2), while one site is fully occupied by a Cl atom which leads to an average Cs symmetry for the solvent molecule. Whereas within the hexagonal solvates, each halogen position is occupied by 1/3 : 2/3 of Br or Cl atoms, respectively, leading to an average C3v molecular symmetry. The anisotropy of the intermolecular interactions coincides with the symmetry of the solvate structures and can be generalized for the C60·halomethane solvates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline polymorphs possess different physical properties, and phase changes between those polymorphs may affect the properties of engineered materials such as drugs. This is very well illustrated by the large effort that is put into the capability to predict phase behaviour of pharmaceuticals to avoid the unexpected appearance of different crystal forms. Much progress has been made, but one of the remaining challenges is (the accuracy in) the prediction of phase behaviour as a function of temperature. Obviously, predictions should at a certain point be verified against experimental data; however, it may not always be easy to elucidate the phase behaviour of a given compound experimentally, because thermodynamically and kinetically controlled phenomena occur in a convoluted fashion in experimental data. The present paper discusses the trimorphism of l-tyrosine ethyl ester as an example case of how experimental data in combination with the thermodynamic tenets lead to a consistent phase diagram, which can be used as the basis for pharmaceutical formulations and for comparison with polymorph predictions by computer. The positions of the two-phase equilibria I–II, I–III, and I–L have been obtained experimentally. Using the Clapeyron equation and the alternation rule, it has been shown how the positions of the other equilibria II–L, III–L, and II–III can be deduced in combination with the stability rankings of the phases and the phase equilibria. The experimental data have been obtained by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analysis as a function of pressure and temperature. Furthermore, laboratory X-ray diffraction as a function of temperature and differential scanning calorimetry have been used. At room temperature, form II is the most stable phase, which remains stable with increasing pressure, as it possesses the smallest specific volume. Form I becomes stable above 33 °C (306 K), but with increasing pressure it turns into form III. On thermodynamic grounds, form III is expected to have a stable domain at very low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the emetogenic potential of different chemotherapy (CT) regimens in daily clinical practice in an outpatient setting. To optimize antiemetic prophylaxis if necessary METHODS: Prospective and retrospective review of the emetogenic potential of CT regimens used in adult patients in an outpatient setting RESULTS: We assess the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) of 50 different CT regimens used on 157 different patients in an outpatient setting. We found that the CT usually classified as highly emetogenic, including cisplatin and anthracycline-cyclophosphamide combination, had the higher incidence of CINV (37.5 and 54.4% respectively). The antineoplastic drugs usually considered to be moderately emetogenic had, as expected, lower rates of emesis with the exception of irinotecan, which presented a pattern of nausea and/or vomiting (NV) similar to the highly emetogenic CT with a global incidence of 48.5%. The appearance of emetic symptoms had impact on quality of life in 70% of the patients, with nausea being the main emetic symptom.Conclusion: Antiemetic prophylaxis for highly emetogenic CT could be improve. Irinotecan CT regimens have a high emetogenic potential more than moderate and require more intensive antiemetic prophylaxis too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-crystal of C60·2CBrClH2 possesses a monoclinic (C2/m) structure at room temperature with both molecular entities, C60 and CBrClH2, orientationally ordered. At 322 K, it transforms reversibly into a hexagonal (P6/mmm) setting, revealing a rare example of a heteromolecular stator–rotator transition in a fullerene co-crystal, which applies to both the fullerene and the coformer analogous to the paradigmatic C60–cubane co-crystal. However, in the present case, topological molecular surface matching between the two chemical species is not necessary and the order–disorder phase transition reflects simultaneous activation of the orientational disorder of both C60 and CBrClH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(MnNiSi)1-x(FeCoGe)x undergoes a magnetostructural phase transition near room temperature that is acutely sensitive to applied hydrostatic pressure, which presents as a marked shift in the martensitic transition temperature (TM) by about -7.5K/kbar. The magnetostructural transition can therefore be induced by applied hydrostatic pressure or by magnetic field. The barocaloric and magnetocaloric effects were measured across TM (for the sample with x=0.38), and the corresponding entropy changes were +74 J/kgK (P=2.7 kbar) and -58 J/kgK (μ0H=5T), respectively. It was observed that the transition entropy change increases with pressure, which results in an enhancement of the barocaloric effect. Our measurements show that the transformed phase fraction associated with magnetostructural transition does not depend on pressure and, therefore, this enhancement cannot be attributed to a pressure-assisted completion of the phase transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most outstanding challenges that the hotel sector has ever had to endure has come in the form of the predominant position that the so-called Online Travel Agencies (OTA) have managed to garner in recent history, thus radically modifying the electronic distribution chain as we know it. The effective application of the "merchant" model, has, in turn, obliged hoteliers to pay high commission rates, while increasingly losing control over their inventories and final sales prices, due to potential customers being increasingly compelled to perform their purchases through means of on-line intermediaries. The present paper aims at analysing the relation between the hotel sector and the OTAs, so as to successfully pinpoint the various strategies the former can undertake so as to mitigate their dependence to the latter. Further along the document, a study will be laid out, revolving around the degree of utilization of aforesaid strategies, as well as the most common business model and the companies most requested by Spanish hotel chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway diseases are highly prevalent in infants and cause significant morbidity. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for respiratory morbidity in a Spanish cohort of moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants prospectively followed during their first year of life. Methods: SAREPREM is a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal study. Preterm infants born at 32-35 weeks of gestation with no comorbidities were enrolled within 2 weeks of life and followed at 2-4 weeks, 6, and 12 months of age. Multivariate mixed-models were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with (i) development of bronchiolitis, (ii) recurrent wheezing, or (iii) related hospital admissions. Results: Overall, 977 preterm infants were included, and 766 (78.4%) completed follow-up. Of those, 365 (47.7%) developed bronchiolitis during the first year, 144 (18.8%) recurrent wheezing, and 48 (6.3%) were hospitalized. While low birthweight, day care attendance (DCA) and school-age siblings were significantly and independently associated with both the development of bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing, lower maternal age increased the risk for bronchiolitis and respiratory-related hospitalizations. Lastly, mechanical ventilation was associated with a higher risk of bronchiolitis and history of asthma in any parent increased the likelihood of developing recurrent wheezing. Conclusions: In this study, several non-modifiable parameters (family history of asthma, low birthweight, need for mechanical ventilation) and modifiable parameters (young maternal age, DCA, or exposure to school-age siblings) were identified as significant risk factors for the development of bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing during the first year of life in MLP infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for 'Polymorphism and solid–solid phase transitions of hydrogen bonded 2-adamantanol and 2-methyl-2-adamantanol compounds' by Alejandro Salvatori et al., CrystEngComm, 2022, 24, 3692–3700, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CE00324D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the adiabatic temperature changes (ΔT) associated with the magnetocaloric and barocaloric effects in a Fe49Rh51 alloy. For the magnetocaloric effect, data derived from entropy curves are compared to direct thermometry measurements. The agreement between the two sets of data provides support to the estimation of ΔT for the barocaloric effect, which are indirectly determined from entropy curves. Large ΔT values are obtained at relatively low values of magnetic field (2 T) and hydrostatic pressure (2.5 kbar). It is also shown that both magnetocaloric and barocaloric effects exhibit good reproducibility upon magnetic field and hydrostatic pressure cycling, over a considerable temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of small organic molecules, phase behaviour, which is important for pharmaceutical applications, is often only studied as a function of temperature. However, for a full thermodynamic description, not only the temperature but also the pressure should be taken into account, because pressure and temperature are the two characteristic variables for the Gibbs energy. The commercial form of l-tyrosine ethyl ester has been studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction while subjected to different pressures and temperatures. At room temperature, it turns into a new previously unknown form around 0.45 GPa. The structure has been solved with an orthorhombic unit cell, space group P212121, with parameters a = 12.655(4) Å, b = 16.057(4) Å, c = 5.2046(12) Å, and V = 1057.6(5) Å3 at T = 323 K and P = 0.58 GPa. The enthalpy of the transition from the commercial form to the new form could be estimated from the slope of the transition obtained from the synchrotron diffraction data. In addition, the topological pressure–temperature phase diagram has been constructed involving the two solid phases, the liquid and the vapour phase. The solid phases are enantiotropic under low pressure, but the system becomes monotropic at high pressure with the new solid phase being the only stable one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on calorimetric measurements under hydrostatic pressure in a series of composition related metamagnetic shape memory alloys. We show that metamagnetic shape memory alloys exhibit a barocaloric effect whose magnitude compares well to the magnetocaloric effect exibited by this kind of alloys. While in metamagnetic alloys the magnetocaloric effect is inverse, the barocaloric effect has been found to be conventional. The values obtained for the pressure-induced entropy changes at moderate pressures are in the range of those reported for giant caloric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mutations in PMM2 impair phosphomannomutase-2 activity and cause the most frequent congenital disorder of glycosylation, PMM2-CDG. Mannose-1-phosphate, that is deficient in this disorder, is also implicated in the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchors. Objective To evaluate whether GPI-anchor and GPI-anchored proteins are defective in PMM2-CDG patients. Methods The expression of GPI-anchor and seven GPI-anchored proteins was evaluated by flow cytometry in different cell types from twelve PMM2-CDG patients. Additionally, neutrophil CD16 and plasma hepatic proteins were studied by Western blot. Transferrin glycoforms were evaluated by HPLC. Results Patients and controls had similar surface expression of GPI-anchor and most GPI-anchored proteins. Nevertheless, patients displayed a significantly diminished binding of two anti- CD16 antibodies (3G8 and KD1) to neutrophils and also of anti-CD14 (61D3) to monocytes. Interestingly, CD16 immunostaining and asialotransferrin levels significantly correlated with patients' age. Analysis by flow cytometry of CD14 with MϕP9, and CD16 expression in neutrophils by Western blot using H-80 ruled out deficiencies of these antigens. Conclusions PMM2 mutations do not impair GPI-anchor or GPI-anchored protein expression. However, the glycosylation anomalies caused by PMM2 mutations might affect the immunoreactivity of monoclonal antibodies and lead to incorrect conclusions about the expression of different proteins, including GPI-anchored proteins. Neutrophils and monocytes are sensitive to PMM2 mutations, leading to abnormal glycosylation in immune receptors, which might potentially affect their affinity to their ligands, and contribute to infection. This study also confirms less severe hypoglycosylation defects in older PMM2-CDG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hormonal treatment might affect the immune response to tumor antigens induced in cancer patients who are being vaccinated. Case presentation: A 33 years-old woman was diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma in May 2009. Her melanoma was located in the intermammary sulcus, had a Breslow thickness of 4 mm, a Clark's level IV, it was ulcerated and highly melanotic. The bilateral sentinel node biopsy was negative. She entered into a randomized Phase II/III clinical study comparing a vaccine composed of irradiated melanoma cells plus BCG plus GM-CSF versus IFN-alpha 2b and she was assigned to the vaccine arm. During the two years treatment she remained disease-free; the final CAT scan being performed in August 2011. Between November and December 2011, her gynecologist treated her with three cycles of 200 mg progesterone/day for ten days, every two weeks, for ovary dysfunction. In November 2011 the patient returned to the Hospital for clinical and imaging evaluation and no evidence of disease was found. At the next visit in March 2012 an ultrasound revealed multiple, large metastases in the liver. A CAT scan confirmed the presence of liver, adrenal glands and spleen metastases. A needle biopsy of a liver lesion revealed metastatic melanoma of similar characteristics to the original tumor. We suggest that progesterone treatment triggered proliferation of so far dormant micrometastases that were controlled during CSF470 vaccine treatment. Conclusion: The use of progesterone in patients with melanoma that are under immunological treatments should be carefully considered, since progesterone could modify the balance of pro-inflammatory and Th1 functions to a regulatory and anti-inflammatory profile of the immune system that could have an impact in tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The issue of whether patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer who harbor KRAS codon 13 mutations could benefit from the addition of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy remains under debate. The aim of the current study was to perform computational analysis to investigate the structural implications of the underlying mutations caused by c.38G>A (p.G13D) on protein conformation. Methods: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to understand the plausible structural and dynamical implications caused by c.35G>A (p.G12D) and c.38G>A (p.G13D). The potential of mean force (PMF) simulations were carried out to determine the free energy profiles of the binding processes of GTP interacting with wild-type (WT) KRAS and its mutants (MT). Results: Using MD simulations, we observed that the root mean square deviation (RMSD) increased as a function of time for the MT c.35G>A (p.G12D) and MT c.38G>A (p.G13D) when compared with the WT. We also observed that the GTP-binding pocket in the c.35G>A (p.G12D) mutant is more open than that of the WT and the c.38G>A (p.G13D) proteins. Intriguingly, the analysis of atomic fluctuations and free energy profiles revealed that the mutation of c.35G>A (p.G12D) may induce additional fluctuations in the sensitive sites (P-loop, switch I and II regions). Such fluctuations may promote instability in these protein regions and hamper GTP binding. Conclusions: Taken together with the results obtained from MD and PMF simulations, the present findings implicate fluctuations at the sensitive sites (P-loop, switch I and II regions). Our findings revealed that KRAS mutations in codon 13 have similar behavior as KRAS WT. To gain a better insight into why patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and the KRAS c.38G>A (p.G13D) mutation appear to benefit from anti-EGFR therapy, the role of the KRAS c.38G>A (p.G13D) mutation in mCRC needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal expansion of tienoxolol has been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction up to its melting temperature. The data indicate that the expansion is anisotropic and even negative in one direction of the unit cell. The supramolecular structure formed by hydrogen-bonds reflects that of a trellis, which explains the observed behavior of tienoxolol crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The programme of ‘psychosocial activity through movement, games and sport with women’ (APM) who suffer or suffered violence was developed and evaluated with two groups of Mayan women in rural area of Guatemala. We highlight the use of principals and methods of movement and sport therapy, a psychosocial approach, participatory group techniques, cultural sensitive methodologies and the model of Salutogenesis. Both qualitative (participatory observation, semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) research methods were used. Through ongoing evaluation we analysed key factors and intervention processes, based on verbal and non-verbal techniques. The outcome evaluation showed significant improvements on several psychosocial health aspects (Sense of Coherence, self-esteem). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Lewis× trisaccharide, also referred to as the CD15 antigen, is a diagnostic marker used to distinguish Hodgkin's lymphoma from other lymphocytic cancers. However, the role of such fucosylated structures remains poorly understood, in part because carriers of Lewis× structures on Hodgkin's Reed-Sternberg cells have not been identified. Methods: GalMBP, an engineered carbohydrate-recognition protein that binds selectively to oligosaccharides with paired terminal galactose and fucose residues, has been used in conjunction with proteomic and glycomic analysis to identify glycoprotein carriers of Lewis× and related glycan structures in multiple Hodgkin's Reed-Sternberg cell lines. Results: Multiple glycoproteins that bind to GalMBP and carry CD15/Lewis× have been identified in a panel of six Reed-Sternberg cell lines. The most commonly identified Lewis×-bearing glycoproteins are CD98hc, which was found in all six cell lines tested, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and DEC-205, which were detected in five and four of the lines, respectively. Thus, several of the most prominent cell adhesion molecules on the lymphomas carry this characteristic glycan epitope. In addition, the Hodgkin's Reed-Sternberg cell lines can be grouped into subsets based on the presence or absence of less common Lewis×-bearing glycoproteins. Conclusions: CD98 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 are major carriers of CD15/Lewis× on Reed-Sternberg cells. Binding of DC-SIGN and other glycan-specific receptors to the Lewis× epitopes on CD98 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 may facilitate interaction of the lymphoma cells with lymphocytes and myeloid cells in lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for materials showing large caloric effects close to room temperature has become a challenge in modern materials physics and it is expected that such a class of materials will provide a way to renew present cooling devices that are based on the vapour compression of hazardous gases. Up to now, the most promising materials are giant magnetocaloric materials. The discovery of materials showing a giant magnetocaloric effect at temperatures close to ambient has opened up the possibility of using them for refrigeration. As caloric effects refer to the isothermal entropy change achieved by application of an external field, several caloric effects can take place on tuning different external parameters such as pressure and electric field. Indeed the occurrence of large electrocaloric and elastocaloric effects has recently been reported. Here we show that the application of a moderate hydrostatic pressure to a magnetic shape-memory alloy gives rise to a caloric effect with a magnitude that is comparable to the giant magnetocaloric effect reported in this class of materials. We anticipate that similar barocaloric effects will occur in many giant-magnetocaloric materials undergoing magnetostructural transitions involving a volume change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe obesity has been associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after gastric bypass. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 morbidly obese patients >5 years after gastric bypass and on a control group of 78 non-operated morbidly obese patients. Both groups were evaluated for the EuroQol 5D measure and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire. In addition, the Bariatric Analysis of Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) was applied to the surgical group. Depression and severe life events were included in the analysis. Logistic Regresion Model was used, and age was included in the analysis. Results: Groups were similar except for mean age (lower in the surgical group: 40.5±9.0 vs 46.1±8.8 years, P=0.026). 86.5% of patients had >50% Excess Weight Loss. 85.7% showed an improvement in co-morbid conditions. BAROS Global score: 22% excellent, 56% very good, 18% good, 2% fair and 2% failure. After surgery, significant improvements were reported in self-esteem (94%), work conditions (72.6%), physical activity (66.7%), and sexual interest/activity (50.9%). The control group showed poorer results for the EuroQol 5D in mobility (55% vs 21.6%, P=0.005), difficulty with daily activity (55% vs 13.7%, P=0.005) and self-evaluation of well-being (59.2% vs 78.1%, P=0.005). Patients with depression or insufficient weight loss following surgery presented poorer global evaluation in HRQoL. Conclusion: Gastric bypass resulted in significant long-term improvements in co-morbidities, sustained weight loss and increased HRQoL. Depression and insufficient weight loss were associated with poorer HRQoL in surgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The artistic and cultural activities have not only a key cultural and social value, but also an undeniable economic impact. Indeed, it is a fact that the cultural sector represents a productive branch which is growing in importance. The cultural factor is frequently used as a key element for regional and/or economic development. In this vein, this article aims to estimate the economic impact of Salamanca 2002 as the European Capital of Culture, using the methodology provided by the impact studies in two stages: first, through estimating private spending generated by the event's cultural tourism; and second, through calculating the overall economic impact, including the private spending on cultural consumption, public spending directly related to the cultural programme, investment in new equipment and facilities, along with the estimate of the multiplying effects on the overall regional and national economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report magnetization and differential thermal analysis measurements as a function of pressure across the martensitic transition in magnetically superelastic Ni–Mn–In alloys. It is found that the properties of the martensitic transformation are significantly affected by the application of pressure. All transition temperatures shift to higher values with increasing pressure. The largest rate of temperature shift with pressure has been found for Ni50Mn34In16 as a consequence of its small entropy change at the transition. Such a strong pressure dependence of the transition temperature opens up the possibility of inducing the martensitic transition by applying relatively low hydrostatic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early nineties countless publications have reported promising medicinal applications for [60]fullerene (C60) related to its unparalleled affinity towards free radicals. Yet, until now no officially approved C60-based drug has reached the market, notably because of the alleged dangers of C60. Nevertheless, since the publication of the effects of C60 on the lifespan of rodents, a myriad of companies started selling C60 worldwide for human consumption without any approved clinical trial. Nowadays, several independent teams have confirmed the safety of pure C60 while demonstrating that previously observed toxicity was due to impurities present in the used samples. However, a purity criterion for C60 samples is still lacking and there are no regulatory recommendations on this subject. In order to avoid a public health issue and for regulatory considerations, a quality-testing strategy is urgently needed. Here we have evaluated several analytical tools to verify the purity of commercially available C60 samples. Our data clearly show that differential scanning calorimetry is the best candidate to establish a purity criterion based on the sc-fcc transition of a C60 sample (Tonset ≥ 258 K, ∆sc-fccH ≥ 8 J g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mutations in PMM2 impair phosphomannomutase-2 activity and cause the most frequent congenital disorder of glycosylation, PMM2-CDG. Mannose-1-phosphate, that is deficient in this disorder, is also implicated in the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchors.Objective: To evaluate whether GPI-anchor and GPI-anchored proteins are defective in PMM2-CDG patients.Methods: The expression of GPI-anchor and seven GPI-anchored proteins was evaluated by flow cytometry in different cell types from twelve PMM2-CDG patients. Additionally, neutrophil CD16 and plasma hepatic proteins were studied by Western blot. Transferrin glycoforms were evaluated by HPLC.Results: Patients and controls had similar surface expression of GPI-anchor and most GPI-anchored proteins. Nevertheless, patients displayed a significantly diminished binding of two anti-CD16 antibodies (3G8 and KD1) to neutrophils and also of anti-CD14 (61D3) to monocytes. Interestingly, CD16 immunostaining and asialotransferrin levels significantly correlated with patients' age. Analysis by flow cytometry of CD14 with MΦP9, and CD16 expression in neutrophils by Western blot using H-80 ruled out deficiencies of these antigens.Conclusions: PMM2 mutations do not impair GPI-anchor or GPI-anchored protein expression. However, the glycosylation anomalies caused by PMM2 mutations might affect the immunoreactivity of monoclonal antibodies and lead to incorrect conclusions about the expression of different proteins, including GPI-anchored proteins. Neutrophils and monocytes are sensitive to PMM2 mutations, leading to abnormal glycosylation in immune receptors, which might potentially affect their affinity to their ligands, and contribute to infection. This study also confirms less severe hypoglycosylation defects in older PMM2-CDG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]