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In recent years, the implementation of thin-film Ta has led to improved coherence times in superconducting circuits. Efforts to further optimize this materials set have become a focus of the subfield of materials for superconducting quantum computing. It has been previously hypothesized that grain size could be correlated with device performance. In this work, we perform a comparative grain size experiment with α -Ta on c axis sapphire. Our evaluation methods include both room-temperature chemical and structural characterization and cryogenic microwave measurements, and we report no statistical difference in device performance between smaller- and larger-grain-size devices with grain sizes of 924 and 1700 nm 2 , respectively. These findings suggest that grain size is not correlated with loss in the parameter regime of interest for Ta grown on c axis sapphire, narrowing the parameter space for optimization of this materials set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A promising solution to reduce energy usage and mitigate the wear of drilling and comminution tools during mining operations involves inducing vibrations within the piezoelectric phases dispersed in the structure of rocks using alternating current (AC). This paper presents experimental evidence of AC-induced weakening of Kuru granite, manifested as improvements in rock drillability and reductions of strength. Sievers' J-miniature drill tests were used to assess surface drillability. The impact of AC treatment on the quasi-static strength of granite was assessed via three-point bending and indirect tension Brazilian disk tests. The influence of AC treatment on the dynamic tensile strength of the rock was determined using split Hopkinson bar tests, with the fragmentation process captured using in situ ultra-fast synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging. The quasi-static tests revealed no reduction in rock strength after the AC treatment. In contrast, reductions of 25% in hardness and 18% in dynamic tensile strength were observed. Fragmentation patterns differed between treated and non-treated rocks, with treated specimens exhibiting reduced macrocrack formation during loading. Highlights: Diverse experiments confirm that alternating current excitations weaken Granite. Sievers' J-tests evidenced enhanced drillability of Granite after the alternating current treatment. Exposure to alternating currents decreased the tensile strength of Granite in dynamic Brazilian disc experiments. Treated Brazilian disc specimens showed lower energy absorption during dynamic loading. Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast images revealed reduced crack branching of treated granite specimens during dynamic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the forced migrant and refugee population in Europe. As the journey to arrive at the country of destination is mostly irregular, research has shown that forced migrants survive a number of traumatic experiences trying to reach safety and ensure the well-being of themselves and their families. Since research shows that exposure to traumatic experiences refugee and migrant families endure on their journey is severe, a systematic literature review was conducted to understand the concept of trauma-informed approaches for migrant and refugee families. A total of seven research databases have been a part of this study, and the search resulted in 45 papers that were analyzed and their results presented. The following inclusion criteria were considered: (a) migrant/refugee families living with their children and (b) migrant/refugee families approaching care (health, social, educational, legal). Inclusion criteria refer to phenomenological studies, consider trauma/resilience of migrant/refugee families, include studies that are published in English language only; published literature only; 2013 onwards, and only full-text studies. The results of this analysis imply that papers are more focused on the experiences of trauma than on the approaches to treat it. However, this analysis did result in identifying approaches, interventions, and tools in working with trauma refugee and migrant families. Trauma-informed approaches for forced migrant families require a culturally adapted response provided across all sectors of family support to refugees and migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to the development of a diffusion technology for creating gallium antimonide (GaSb)-type complexes in the silicon crystal lattice, as well as to the study the electrical characteristics of the resulting layers. Based on the X-ray spectral analysis of the microcrystals formed on a silicon sample surface that was simultaneously doped with gallium and antimony atoms, it was demonstrated that the sample surface layer contains microcrystals containing silicon, gallium, and antimony atoms. This allowed to speculate about a possibility of the oriented growth of crystals of the composition (GaSb)0.8Si0.2 on the silicon surface. A substantial impact of the processes of the complex formation that occured at high concentrations of ions of diffusing impurities on the distribution profile of charge carriers is demonstrated. Materials containing GaSb-type complexes in the bulk of the silicon lattice can be produced using ion doping, simultaneous diffusion, or epitaxy processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Pediatric Transplant Association convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) after pediatric solid organ transplantation. This report addresses the outcomes of deliberations by the PTLD Management Working Group. A strong recommendation was made for reduction in immunosuppression as the first step in management. Similarly, strong recommendations were made for the use of the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) as was the case for chemotherapy in selected scenarios. In some scenarios, there is uncoupling of the strength of the recommendations from the available evidence in situations where such evidence is lacking but collective clinical experiences drive decision‐making. Of note, there are no large, randomized phase III trials of any treatment for PTLD in the pediatric age group. Current gaps and future research priorities are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative study of phenolic compound composition was performed by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS techniques using raw materials of Hedysarum alpinum L. plants introduced into the dendrological ecosystem of the Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University as well as the callus culture of the same species. The callus culture of Hedysarum alpinum was obtained on Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium with the addition of 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and was subsequently cultivated on the medium containing α-NAA (2.0 mg/L) and 6-BAP (0.5 mg/L). The culture was characterized by activated phenylpropanoid pathway, which gave rise to the formation of flavonoids, isoflavones, xanthones, and other substances. The total content of flavonoids (calculated on a per quercetin basis) and formononetin in the extracts of callus culture was lower than in the extracts from introduced plants by 35 and 11%, respectively, whereas the content of mangiferin in callus extracts was more than 50% higher than in the extracts of aerial plant parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the demoulding characteristics of material-jetted rapid mould inserts having different surface textures for micro-injection moulding using in-line measurements and surface metrology. Design/methodology/approach: Material-jetted inserts with the negative cavity of a circular test product were fabricated using different surface finishes and printing configurations, including glossy, matte and vertical settings. In-line measurements included the recording of demoulding forces at 10 kHz, which was necessary to capture the highly-dynamic characteristics. A robust data processing algorithm was used to extract reliable demoulding energies per moulding run. Thermal imaging captured surface temperatures on the inserts after demoulding. Off-line measurements, including focus variation microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, compared surface textures after a total of 60 moulding runs. Findings: A framework for capturing demoulding energies from material-jetted rapid tools was demonstrated and compared to the literature. Glossy surfaces resulted in significantly reduced demoulding forces compared to the industry standard steel moulds in the literature and their material-jetted counterparts. Minimal changes in the surface textures of the material-jetted inserts were found, which could potentially permit their prolonged usage. Significant correlations between surface temperatures and demoulding energies were demonstrated. Originality/value: The research presented here addresses the very topical issue of demoulding characteristics of soft, rapid tools, which affect the quality of prototyped products and tool durability. This was done using state-of-the-art, high-speed sensing technologies in conjunction with surface metrology and their durability for the first time in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study defines the technological procedures for obtaining GexSi1 – x alloys through the diffusion method by introducing germanium atoms into monocrystalline silicon. The research results indicate that the fundamental parameters of the resultingGexSi1 – x alloys differ from the fundamental parameters of the initial silicon, particularly altering the energy values of silicon's forbidden zone. Elemental analysis of the sample surfaces revealed silicon concentration (in atomic percentages) of approximately ~ 70.66 % and germanium ~29.36%. To manufacture and study the parameters of silicon-based solar cells with GexSi1 – x–Si heterostructures, we used samples obtained by two different methods. In the first method, the p-n junction was formed by introducing phosphorus impurity atoms into the original silicon of p-type silicon grade. In the second method, the p-n junction was formed by boron diffusion into the original silicon of SEPH (silicon electronic type, doping material of phosphorus) grade. In both cases, the depth of the p-n junction ranged from 0.5 to 6 μm. It was also shown that the binary compounds GexSi1 – x are a new material for modern electronics; the possibility of creating properties in electronics based on them was shown. Based on them, it is proposed to create devices and new functionality and highly efficient solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is critical to increasing survival rates. Computerized risk prediction models hold great promise for identifying individuals at high risk for CRC. In order to utilize such models effectively in a population-wide screening setting, development and validation should be based on cohorts that are similar to the target population. Aim: Establish a risk prediction model for CRC diagnosis based on electronic health records (EHR) from subjects eligible for CRC screening. Methods: A retrospective cohort study utilizing the EHR data of Clalit Health Services (CHS). The study includes CHS members aged 50–74 who were eligible for CRC screening from January 2013 to January 2019. The model was trained to predict receiving a CRC diagnosis within 2 years of the index date. Approximately 20,000 EHR demographic and clinical features were considered. Results: The study includes 2935 subjects with CRC diagnosis, and 1,133,457 subjects without CRC diagnosis. Incidence values of CRC among subjects in the top 1% risk scores were higher than baseline (2.3% vs 0.3%; lift 8.38; P value < 0.001). Cumulative event probabilities increased with higher model scores. Model-based risk stratification among subjects with a positive FOBT, identified subjects with more than twice the risk for CRC compared to FOBT alone. Conclusions: We developed an individualized risk prediction model for CRC that can be utilized as a complementary decision support tool for healthcare providers to precisely identify subjects at high risk for CRC and refer them for confirmatory testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Valganciclovir is the only approved antiviral for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention in pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT). Additional approaches may be needed to improve outcomes. Methods A multicenter retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 was conducted of pediatric SOT recipients in whom at least 3 months of valganciclovir prophylaxis was planned. Episodes of CMV DNA in blood (DNAemia), CMV disease, drug-related toxicities, as well as other infections in the first year posttransplant and demographic and clinical data were collected. CMV DNAemia in the first year after prophylaxis or during prophylaxis (breakthrough) was analyzed by multivariate hazard models. Results Among the 749 patients enrolled, 131 (17.5%) had CMV DNAemia at any time in the first year; 85 (11.4%) had breakthrough DNAemia, and 46 (6.1%) had DNAemia after prophylaxis. CMV disease occurred in 30 (4%). In a multivariate model, liver transplantation compared to kidney or heart, intermediate or high risk based on donor/recipient serologies, neutropenia, and valganciclovir dose modifications attributed to toxicity were associated with increased risk of total and/or breakthrough DNAemia. Bacteremia was also associated with increased hazard ratio for CMV DNAemia. In a separate multivariate analysis, rejection occurred more often in those with breakthrough CMV DNAemia (P =.002); liver transplants, specifically, had increased rejection if CMV DNAemia occurred in the first year (P =.004). These associations may be bidirectional as rejection may contribute to infection risk. Conclusions CMV DNAemia in the first year posttransplantation occurs despite valganciclovir prophylaxis and is associated with medication toxicity, bacteremia, and rejection. Pediatric studies of newer antivirals, especially in higher-risk subpopulations, appear to be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Norovirus (NoV) can cause chronic relapsing and remitting diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. Few multicenter studies have described the clinical course, outcomes, and complications of chronic NoV in transplant recipients. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study of adult and pediatric SOT and HSCT recipients diagnosed with NoV between November 1, 2017, and February 28, 2021. Data were obtained from electronic medical records (EMR) and entered into a central REDCap database. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: A total of 280 NoV+ patients were identified across eight sites. The majority were adults (74.1%) and SOT recipients (91.4%). Initial diagnosis of NoV occurred a median of 36 months post‐Tx (IQR [15.0, 90.0]). Most NoV cases had >3 diarrheal episodes daily (66.0%), nausea and vomiting (60.1%). Duration of diarrhea varied greatly (median = 10 days, mean = 85.9 days, range (1, 2100)). 71.3% were hospitalized. Adjustment of immunosuppression, including reduction and discontinuation of mToR inhibitor, CNI, and/or MMF, was the most common management intervention for NoV. Other therapies resulted only in temporary improvement. Four patients died within 30 days and three others died by 180 days postdiagnosis. Clinically significant renal dysfunction was observed in 12.5% by 30 days and 21.4% by 180 days post‐NoV diagnosis. Conclusion: In HSCT and SOT patients, NoV frequently resulted in severe symptoms, prolonged diarrhea (30% persistent with diarrhea for >30 days), and clinically significant renal dysfunction (up to 21% of patients). Utilized therapies did not reliably result in the resolution of infection demonstrating the need for more effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Antimicrobial misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance in thoracic transplant (TTx) and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) recipients. This study uses a modified Delphi method to define the expected appropriate antimicrobial prescribing for the common clinical scenarios encountered in TTx and MCS recipients. Methods: An online questionnaire on managing 10 common infectious disease syndromes was submitted to a multidisciplinary Delphi panel of 25 experts from various disciplines. Consensus was predefined as 80% agreement for each question. Questions where consensus was not achieved were discussed during live virtual live sessions adapted by an independent process expert. Results: An online survey of 62 questions related to 10 infectious disease syndromes was submitted to the Delphi panel. In the first round of the online questionnaire, consensus on antimicrobial management was reached by 6.5% (4/62). In Round 2 online live discussion, the remaining 58 questions were discussed among the Delphi Panel members using a virtual meeting platform. Consensus was reached among 62% (36/58) of questions. Agreement was not reached regarding the antimicrobial management of the following six clinical syndromes: (1) Burkholderia cepacia pneumonia (duration of therapy); (2) Mycobacterium abscessus (intra‐operative antimicrobials); (3) invasive aspergillosis (treatment of culture‐negative but positive BAL galactomannan) (duration of therapy); (4) respiratory syncytial virus (duration of antiviral therapy); (5) left ventricular assist device deep infection (initial empirical antimicrobial coverage) and (6) CMV (duration of secondary prophylaxis). Conclusion: This Delphi panel developed consensus‐based recommendations for 10 infectious clinical syndromes seen in TTx and MCS recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a mixed-type model given by the three-state Ising–Potts model on a Cayley tree. A criterion for the existence of limit Gibbs measures for this model on an arbitrary-order Cayley tree is obtained. Translation-invariant Gibbs measures on a second-order Cayley tree are studied. The existence of a phase transition is proved: a range of parameter values is found in which there are one to seven Gibbs measures for the three-state Ising–Potts model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo‐HCT) recipients are at risk for morbidity and mortality from human adenovirus (HAdV). HAdV can be detected in an asymptomatic state, referred to as infection or with signs or symptoms of illness, referred to as disease. Standardized case definitions are needed to distinguish infection from disease and allow for consistent reporting in both observational cohort studies and therapeutic clinical trials. Methods: A working group of experts in virology, transplant infectious disease, and HCT was assembled to develop HAdV infection and disease definitions with the degree of certainty (i.e., possible, probable, and proven). Definitions were further refined through an iterative process and independently applied by two central review committees (CRCs) to 20 pediatric allo‐HCT recipients with at least one HAdV‐positive PCR. Results: Initial HAdV infection and disease definitions were developed and updated through an iterative process after reviewing clinical and virological details for 81 subjects with at least one positive HAdV PCR detected in a clinical specimen. Independent application of final definitions to 20 HAdV positive allo‐HCT recipients by two CRCs yielded similar number of HAdV infection or disease events but with variation of degree of certainty for some events. Conclusions: Application of definitions by a CRC for a study of HAdV infection and disease is feasible and can provide consistency in the assignment of outcomes. Definitions need further refinement to improve reproducibility and to provide guidance on determining clinical improvement or worsening after initial diagnosis of HAdV infection or disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two groups of isomeric imidazothiazolo[1,2,4]triazines and their oxindolylidene derivatives were obtained from 1-alkyl-3-aryl-4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidin-2-(thi)ones. One of the synthesized imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazine derivatives showed high cytostatic activity at a concentration of 10 μmol/l against four lines of tumor cells: HL-60(TB) (leukemia, –16.1% growth rate), SF-539 (CNS cancer, –2.6% growth rate), MDA-MB-435 (melanoma, –21.2% growth rate), and RXF 393 (kidney cancer, –6.1 % growth rate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fretting damage on contacting surfaces introduces major challenges in mechanical assemblies. Thermal sprayed hardmetal coatings are extensively used for surface modification in tribological applications under demanding conditions and may also be subjected to fretting-inducing loading. In the present work, the fretting behavior of High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) and High Velocity Air–Fuel (HVAF) sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings against quenched and tempered (QT) steel was studied by using a single bolt joint-type fretting experiment. This experimental approach was selected to obtain realistic data on the fretting fatigue performance of the contact pairs (both coating-to-steel and coating-to-coating). Experimental results were completed with continuum-scale linear elastic finite element method (FEM) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the research and study of the process of electrically induced diffusion of Mn atoms in silicon directly from a Si surface layer that was preliminarily enriched with Mn. To ensure the so-called electrically induced diffusion process, a constant electric field was applied to the investigated samples. It has been revealed that as a result of the diffusion of Mn impurity atoms into samples placed at the negative pole of the electrical diffusion unit, the proportion of Mn atoms was 75.4% (relative to silicon atoms), while in samples placed at the positive pole this indicator tended to be 2.7% (relative to silicon atoms). Besides that, for the first time, an experimental increase in the electro-active concentration of Mn impurity atoms in silicon (at T = 900°C) was detected under the influence of an external constant-value electric field. In this case, the maximum solubility of impurity atoms of Mn at a temperature of T = 900°C was NMn~2.27·1014 cm-3, while the average concentration of electro-active Mn atoms diffused into silicon under the influence of an external constant electric field reached NMn*~2.62·1014 cm-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation of a four-channel multiplexer, utilizing multimode interference (MMI) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, can be designed through the cascading of MMI couplers or by employing angled MMI couplers. However, conventional designs often occupy a larger footprint, spanning a few millimeters, thereby escalating the energy power requirements for the photonic chip. In response to this challenge, we propose an innovative design for a four-channel silicon nitride (Si3N4) MMI coupler with a compact footprint. This design utilizes only a single MMI coupler unit, operating within the O-band spectrum. The resulting multiplexer device can efficiently transmit four channels with a wavelength spacing of 20 nm, covering the O-band spectrum from 1270 to 1330 nm, after a short light propagation of 22.8 µm. Notably, the multiplexer achieves a power efficiency of 70% from the total input energy derived from the four O-band signals. Power losses range from 1.24 to 1.67 dB, and the MMI coupler length and width exhibit a favorable tolerance range. Leveraging Si3N4 material and waveguide inputs and output tapers minimizes light reflection from the MMI coupler at the input channels. Consequently, this Si3N4-based MMI multiplexer proves suitable for deployment in O-band transceiver data centers employing WDM methodology. Its implementation offers the potential for higher data bitrates while maintaining an exemplary energy consumption profile for the chip footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the bandgap energy of Si samples doped with impurity atoms of elements Ga (AIII) and Sb (BV) by the diffusion method and without impurity atoms was studied. It is known that the bandgap energies of GaSb and Si semiconductors at room temperature are 0.726 and 1.12 eV, respectively. According to the results of the study, it was found that the band gap energies of Ga and Sb-doped and non-doped Si samples are 1.114 and 1.119 eV, respectively. When the samples were further annealed at a temperature of 600 °C, it was observed that the bandgap energy of the samples doped with Ga and Sb decreased to 1.10 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family support encompasses a wide variety of professionals, sectors, and intervention paradigms that make it difficult to systematize and standardize the skills needed by the family support workforce. The present study aimed to describe the relevant skills of professionals, organize the main skills into different categories, and contribute to the development of intervention standardization guidelines in the field of family support. So, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in five databases and included the analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies, and all studies were qualitatively assessed. Of the initial 3334 articles identified, 59 studies were included, and four categories were identified: professionals' qualities, essential skills common to all professions and contexts, specific knowledge, and theoretical approaches necessary for family support. Most of the studies were from the United Kingdom, qualitative, published in the last 10 years, used small samples, and included a specific group of professionals. The included studies did not specify whether some skills or characteristics were considered more effective in practice, and they had bias issues related to social desirability. The implications for family support practice are discussed, as well as the gaps to be covered in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective measurement tool is clearly an inconvenience. It is advisable to include the assessment of maternal sleep hygiene and family sleep patterns during postpartum healthcare provider appointments to develop strategies not only for women's sleep quality but also for their mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effect of dividend taxes on the payout and investment policies of publicly listed firms. We exploit a unique setting in Switzerland where, following the corporate tax reform of 2011, some but not all firms were suddenly able to pay tax-exempt dividends. We show that treated firms increase their dividend payout by around 30% after the tax cut. The effect on payout is less pronounced for firms prone to agency conflicts. We find a significant positive abnormal stock return after the announcement of the payment of a tax-exempt dividend. However, reducing dividend taxes does not boost investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite current prophylaxis regimens, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is common in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Newer antiviral medications are reshaping the landscape for prevention and treatment of CMV DNAemia, infection, and disease. Letermovir is approved for CMV prevention in adult HCT patients and is attractive due to the absence of marrow suppression seen with ganciclovir/valganciclovir. Letermovir should not be routinely used for CMV treatment due to its low threshold for resistance. Maribavir is approved for the treatment of refractory or resistant CMV disease in HCT and SOT recipients ≥12 years of age, though it has no current role in CMV prevention. More research is needed to fully elucidate the roles, efficacy, and safety of these newer agents in prevention and treatment of CMV in pediatric transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent solid organ transplant recipients (aSOTRs) who received three doses of the COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine experience high seroconversion rates and antibody persistence for up to 3 months. Long‐term antibody durability beyond this timeframe following three doses of the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine remains unknown. We describe antibody responses 6 months following the third vaccine dose (D3) of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination among aSOTRs. Methods: Participants in a multi‐center, observational cohort who received the third dose of the vaccine were analyzed for antibodies to the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein receptor‐binding domain (Roche Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐S positive: ≥0.8, maximum: >2500 U/mL). Samples were collected at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐months post‐D3. Participants were surveyed at each timepoint and at 12‐months post‐D3. Results: All 34 participants had positive anti‐RBD antibody titers 6 months post‐D3. Variations in titers occurred between 3 and 6 months post‐D3, with 8/28 (29%) having decreased antibody levels at 6 months compared to 3 months and 2/28 (7%) reporting increased titers at 6 months. The remaining 18/28 (64%) had unchanged antibody titers compared to 3‐month post‐D3 levels. A total of 4/34 (12%) reported breakthrough infection within 6 months and 3/32 (9%) reported infection after 6–12 months following the third dose of the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine. Conclusions: The results suggest that antibody durability persists up to 6 months following three doses of the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA in aSOTRs. Demography and transplant characteristics did not differ for those who experienced antibody weaning. Breakthrough infections did occur, reflecting immune‐evasive nature of novel variants such as Omicron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Pediatric Transplant Association convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children. In this report from the Viral Load and Biomarker Monitoring Working Group, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the role of Epstein‐Barr viral load and other biomarkers in peripheral blood for predicting the development of PTLD, for PTLD diagnosis, and for monitoring of response to treatment. Key recommendations from the group highlighted the strong recommendation for use of the term EBV DNAemia instead of "viremia" to describe EBV DNA levels in peripheral blood as well as concerns with comparison of EBV DNAemia measurement results performed at different institutions even when tests are calibrated using the WHO international standard. The working group concluded that either whole blood or plasma could be used as matrices for EBV DNA measurement; optimal specimen type may be clinical context dependent. Whole blood testing has some advantages for surveillance to inform pre‐emptive interventions while plasma testing may be preferred in the setting of clinical symptoms and treatment monitoring. However, EBV DNAemia testing alone was not recommended for PTLD diagnosis. Quantitative EBV DNAemia surveillance to identify patients at risk for PTLD and to inform pre‐emptive interventions in patients who are EBV seronegative pre‐transplant was recommended. In contrast, with the exception of intestinal transplant recipients or those with recent primary EBV infection prior to SOT, surveillance was not recommended in pediatric SOT recipients EBV seropositive pre‐transplant. Implications of viral load kinetic parameters including peak load and viral set point on pre‐emptive PTLD prevention monitoring algorithms were discussed. Use of additional markers, including measurements of EBV specific cell mediated immunity was discussed but not recommended though the importance of obtaining additional data from prospective multicenter studies was highlighted as a key research priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after solid organ transplantation in children. In this report from the Prevention Working Group, we reviewed the existing literature regarding immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis, and pre‐emptive strategies. While the group made a strong recommendation for pre‐emptive reduction of immunosuppression at the time of EBV DNAemia (low to moderate evidence), no recommendations for use could be made for any prophylactic strategy or alternate pre‐emptive strategy, largely due to insufficient or conflicting evidence. Current gaps and future research priorities are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to elucidate the effect of Medical Cannabis (MC) on appetite and nutritional status among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A case series of patients with IBD were initiating treatment with MC for disease-related symptoms, at the IBD clinic of a tertiary referral medical center. Patients' demographics, anthropometrics, medical history and treatment and MC use were systematically recorded. An appetite and food frequency questionnaire (SNAQ and FFQ) were filled before, and at 3 and 6 months of treatment. Patients with IBD initiating MC were enrolled (n = 149, age 39.0 ± 14.1 years, 42.3% female), and 33.6% (n = 50) were treated for improvement of nutritional status. A modest increase in appetite after 3 months was detected among all patients enrolled (Pv = 0.08), but there were no significant differences in energy or macronutrient intake, and in patients' body mass index (BMI). A significant appetite improvement after 3 months was detected among 34.0% (n = 17) of patients, but this was not associated with increased caloric intake or BMI at 3 or 6 months. Among patients without increased appetite after 3 months of MC therapy, BMI decreased at 6 months (24.1 ± 3.7 vs. 23.4 ± 3.6, Pv = 0.010). MC may be a potential strategy to improve appetite among some patients with IBD, but not caloric intake or BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative recurrence (POR) is the rule in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), mitigated with prophylactic therapy. The evidence for therapeutic choice and timing of intervention is lacking. We aimed to compare the rates of POR in patients treated early with prophylactic 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or adalimumab. We conducted a prospective single-center randomized open-label clinical study in which patients in surgical remission following their first ileocecectomy were randomized to receive early treatment with 6-MP or adalimumab. Patients were followed up clinically every 3 months and underwent endoscopy at weeks 32 and 58 postoperatively. The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence (ePOR) at 1 year (week 58), defined as a Rutgeerts score ≥ i2. We enrolled 35 patients (25 males, mean age 35 ± 1.4 years, median disease duration 5 ± 6.1 years) following ileocecectomy. Of these, seven (20%) were current smokers and nine (26%) biologics-experienced. Patients allocated to adalimumab had significantly less ePOR than patients treated with 6MP at week 32 (21% vs. 69%, p = 0.004) and 58 (47% vs. 75%), (p = 0.03, HR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.93). POR was associated with an increased diameter of the resected small bowel surgical specimen, lower baseline body mass index (BMI), increased week 18 fecal calprotectin, increased week 18 serum alanine aminotransferase and decreased week 18 hemoglobin level. Adalimumab was more effective than 6-MP in preventing ePOR. Increased operative small bowel diameter and lower postoperative BMI were associated with ePOR. At eighteen weeks, serum hemoglobin, ALT and fecal calprotectin levels were predictive of endoscopic disease recurrence. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01629628). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a method for implementing incremental learning on a compartmental spiking neuron model. The training of one neuron with the possibility of forming new classes was chosen as an incremental learning scenario. During the training, only a new sample was used, without knowledge of the entire previous training samples. The results of experiments on the Iris dataset are presented, demonstrating the applicability of the chosen strategy for incremental learning on a compartmental spiking neuron model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontonasal dysplasia (FND) refers to a group of rare developmental disorders characterized by abnormal morphology of the craniofacial region. We studied a family manifesting with clinical features typical for FND2 including neurobehavioral abnormalities, hypotrichosis, hypodontia, and facial dysmorphism. Whole‐exome sequencing analysis identified a novel heterozygous frameshift insertion in ALX4 (c.985_986insGTGC, p.Pro329Argfs*115), encoding aristaless homeobox 4. This and a previously reported dominant FND2‐causing variant are predicted to result in the formation of a similar abnormally elongated protein tail domain. Using a reporter assay, we showed that the elongated ALX4 displays increased activity. ALX4 negatively regulates the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and accordingly, patient keratinocytes showed altered expression of genes associated with the WNT/β‐catenin pathway, which in turn may underlie ectodermal manifestations in FND2. In conclusion, dominant FND2 with ectodermal dysplasia results from frameshift variants in ALX4 exerting a gain‐of‐function effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) mainly affects females, and dietary interventions for symptom relief often yield poor results because of low patient adherence. The development of functional food products enriched with dietary fibers may increase patients' adherence to a healthy diet and relieve IBS-C symptoms. Objective: This proof-of-concept, open-label, randomized controlled pilot study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of kombucha enriched with inulin and vitamins in females with IBS-C. Methods: Forty females with IBS-C were randomly assigned to receive either 220 mL of kombucha enriched with inulin (2.53 g/220 mL) and vitamins (B1 - 0.59 mg, B2 - 0.55 mg, B3 - 5.9 mg, B6 - 0.7 mg, and folic acid - 81.4 µg/220 mL) or water for 10 d. Stool frequency, Bristol stool scale score (BSSS), and abdominal symptoms were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale on days 5, 9 and 14 of the study. The palatability of the drink was assessed using a visual analog scale. Results: After 10 d, the kombucha group showed a significant increase in stool frequency (0.60 ± 0.31-0.85 ± 0.19 times/d; P = 0.004) compared with the control (0.63 ± 0.33 compared with 0.72 ± 0.28; P = 0.6). The mean values of the BSSS increased in the kombucha group (3.0 ± 1.2-4.4 ± 1.0; P = 0.001), whereas they remained unchanged in the control (2.9 ± 1.2 compared with 3.4 ± 1.2; P = 0.6). The kombucha group also experienced a significant decrease in the feeling of incomplete bowel emptying (1.88 ± 0.78 compared with 1.41 ± 0.56 points; P = 0.015), which was not observed in the control group. Conclusions: Short-term consumption of kombucha enriched with inulin and vitamins was associated with an increase in stool frequency, an improvement in the BSSS, and a reduction in the feeling of incomplete bowel emptying in females with IBS-C. Further large-scale clinical trials investigating the efficacy of kombucha enriched with inulin and vitamins in patients with IBS-C are warranted to prove the observed effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from continuous observations of aerosol composition in the surface atmosphere in Moscow (in the city center) and in Moscow oblast (near the city of Zvenigorod) for three years, from the fall of 2019 to the end of 2022, are analyzed. The data were compared with the results of observations at the Moscow network of stations of the State Budgetary Institution Mosecomonitoring. The concept of conditional background aerosol pollution of the near-surface atmosphere in Moscow has been introduced for those days when the daily mean mass concentration of PM10 particles was below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) (60 μg/m3). The number of such days exceeded 91% in Moscow over three years of observations. Previously, the authors found that all episodes of higher aerosol pollution of urban air (exceeding the MPC) are associated either with the presence of a close local source in the city or with the long-distance transport of combustion aerosols and/or dust to Moscow and its suburbs from other regions. The daily mean concentration of PM2.5 in the city and the suburb is year-round below the MPC (35 μg/m3). The conditional background aerosol pollution of the surface atmosphere is formed by both natural and anthropogenic sources of aerosols, not only of local, but also of remote origin. Its level and composition implicitly reflect the influence of meteorological parameters on the sources and sinks of aerosols and also the influence of advective transport of aerosol by air masses to and from the city. The results of analysis of seasonal variations in various indicators of aerosol composition in the surface atmosphere under conditional background pollution are presented: the mass concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 particles and individual chemical elements and the distribution of chemical elements by size of aerosol particles. Similarities and differences between these characteristics in the surface air of the city and the suburb in different seasons are specially emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]