Influence of carbon ionization increment by adding ne on the bonding, electrical, and tribological properties of carbon thin films deposited by HiPIMS.

In this work, we use mass quadrupole spectroscopy to analyze the ion energy distribution function for C+ ions from different gas composition discharges (20, 40, 60, 80, and 90% Ne) + Ar in a plasma sputtering process. Carbon films were obtained for each gas composition discharge. The carbon bonding structure of films was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy using deconvolution fitting of the G and D Raman peaks. The C-sp3 content was correlated with the electrical and tribological properties of the carbon films. Our results further corroborate the enhancement of carbon ionization in HiPIMS processes by adding neon in conventional argon gas during the deposition process. Furthermore, we found that excessive levels of carbon ionization were detrimental in the formation of C-sp3 decreasing the resistivity, and indicating the decrement of the elastic modulus of the samples. In addition, the use of neon in the gas working mixture increased the deposition rate significantly compared to argon-only processes from 1.7 to 3.22 nm/min for the highest deposition rate cases. Tribology showed that an intermediate C-sp3 content in the carbon films developed desirable tribological behaviors with lower friction coefficients and wear rates, revealing that higher values of C-sp3 content are not necessarily for robust solid lubricious and wear resistance.

The African introgression of Murciano Granadina goats has a Moroccan origin and displays remarkable levels of inter-individual variability.

There is evidence that Murciano Granadina (MG), the most important caprine dairy breed in Spain, has been introgressed by African goats, but the precise geographic origin of such introgression has not been identified yet. Moreover, an accurate estimate of the magnitude of this African introgression is lacking, since current estimates are based on small numbers of sampled individuals. The aim of our work was to tackle these two issues by genotyping 500 MG goats with the Goat SNP50 BeadChip and comparing their genotypes with those of reference populations from Spain (Bermeya), France (Saanen), Morocco (Barcha, Draa, Ghazalia, Noire de Atlas, Nord, Moroccan), Egypt (Barki, Oasis, Saidi), Algeria (Arabia, Makatia, M'Zabite, Kabyle), Tunisia (Tunisian native breeds) and Sudan (Desert, Nilotic, Taggar). The population of 500 MG goats was subdivided into 10 datasets of 50 individuals to ensure that sample sizes of the target (MG) and reference populations are balanced. Performance of an unsupervised ADMIXTURE analysis demonstrated that MG goats have a North African ancestry, with an average proportion of 4.4 ± 2.3%. Next, we did a supervised ADMIXTURE analysis that revealed that the Moroccan genetic component reaches a proportion of 4.01 ± 3.9% in MG goats, while the Algerian (0.001 ± 0.001%), Egyptian (0.2 ± 0.1%), Sudanese (0.1 ± 0.1%) and Tunisian (0.3 ± 0.4%) components are present in extremely small proportions. The historical circumstances of this introgression event are currently unknown, but several plausible scenarios are outlined. Moreover, our results show considerable inter-individual heterogeneity regarding the magnitude of the Moroccan introgression of MG goats (0%- 12% depending on the MG data set under analysis). This result implies that reliable estimates about the introgression of autochthonous livestock by exotic breeds can only be obtained by extensively sampling target populations.

Organ preservation after neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy versus short-course radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Potential differences in organ preservation between total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) regimens integrating long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) and short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) in rectal cancer remain undefined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This natural experiment arose from a policy change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic during which our institution switched from uniformly treating patients with LCCRT to mandating that all patients be treated with SCRT. Our study includes 323 locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma patients treated with LCCRT-based or SCRT-based TNT from January 2018 to January 2021. Patients who achieved clinical complete response were offered organ preservation with watch-and-wait (WW) management. The primary outcome was 2-year organ preservation. Additional outcomes included local regrowth, distant recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patient and tumor characteristics were similar between LCCRT (n = 247) and SCRT (n = 76) cohorts. Median follow-up was 31 months. Similar clinical complete response rates were observed following LCCRT and SCRT (44.5% versus 43.4%). Two-year organ preservation was 40% [95% confidence interval (CI) 34% to 46%] and 31% (95% CI 22% to 44%) among all patients treated with LCCRT and SCRT, respectively. In patients managed with WW, LCCRT resulted in higher 2-year organ preservation (89% LCCRT, 95% CI 83% to 95% versus 70% SCRT, 95% CI 55% to 90%; P = 0.005) and lower 2-year local regrowth (19% LCCRT, 95% CI 11% to 26% versus 36% SCRT, 95% CI 16% to 52%; P = 0.072) compared with SCRT. The 2-year distant recurrence (10% versus 6%), DFS (90% versus 90%), and OS (99% versus 100%) were similar between WW patients treated with LCCRT and SCRT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While WW eligibility was similar between cohorts, WW patients treated with LCCRT had higher 2-year organ preservation and lower local regrowth than those treated with SCRT, yet similar DFS and OS. These data support induction LCCRT followed by consolidation chemotherapy as the preferred TNT regimen for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer pursuing organ preservation.

Personalized peritoneal dialysis prescription-beyond clinical or analytical values.

Traditionally, dialysis adequacy has been assessed primarily by determining the clearance of a single small solute, urea. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly evident that numerous other factors play a crucial role in the overall well-being, outcomes and quality of life of dialysis patients. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a notable paradigm shift in guidelines and recommendations regarding dialysis adequacy. This shift represents a departure from a narrow focus only on the removal of specific toxins, embracing a more holistic, person-centered approach. This new perspective underscores the critical importance of improving the well-being of individuals undergoing dialysis while simultaneously minimizing the overall treatment burden. It is based on a double focus on both clinical outcomes and a comprehensive patient experience. To achieve this, a person-centered approach must be embraced when devising care strategies for each individual. This requires a close collaboration between the healthcare team and the patient, facilitating an in-depth understanding of the patient's unique goals, priorities and preferences while striving for the highest quality of care during treatment. The aim of this publication is to address the existing evidence on this all-encompassing approach to treatment care for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and provide a concise overview to promote a deeper understanding of this person-centered approach.

Changes in the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy across Europe in 2020 - the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: an ERA Registry study.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) services worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the incidence of KRT, kidney transplantation activity, mortality and prevalence of KRT across Europe. METHODS: Patients receiving KRT were included from 17 countries providing data to the European Renal Association Registry. The epidemiology of KRT in 2020 was compared with average data from the period 2017-2019. Also changes occurring during the first and second wave of the pandemic were explored. RESULTS: The incidence of KRT was 6.2% lower in 2020 compared with 2017-2019, with the lowest point (-22.7%) during the first wave in April. The decrease varied across countries, was smaller in males (-5.2%) than in females (-8.2%), and was moderate for peritoneal dialysis (-3.7%) and haemodialysis (-5.4%), but substantial for pre-emptive kidney transplantation (-23.6%). The kidney transplantation rate decreased by 22.5%, reaching a nadir of -80.1% during the first wave, and most for living donor kidney transplants (-30.5%). While in most countries the kidney transplantation rate decreased, in the Nordic/Baltic countries and Greece there was no clear decline. In dialysis patients, mortality increased by 11.4%, and was highest in those aged 65-74 years (16.1%), in those with diabetes as primary renal disease (15.1%), and in those on haemodialysis (12.4%). In transplant recipients, the mortality was 25.8% higher, but there were no subgroups that stood out. In contrast to the rising prevalence of KRT observed over the past decades across Europe, the prevalence at the end of 2020 (N=317787) resembled that of 2019 (N=317077). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the incidence of KRT, kidney transplant activity, mortality of KRT, and prevalence of KRT in Europe with variations across countries.

ALLIANCE A022104/NRG-GI010: The Janus Rectal Cancer Trial: a randomized phase II/III trial testing the efficacy of triplet versus doublet chemotherapy regarding clinical complete response and disease-free survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: Recent data have demonstrated that in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), a total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) approach improves compliance with chemotherapy and increases rates of tumor response compared to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) alone. They further indicate that the optimal sequencing of TNT involves consolidation (rather than induction) chemotherapy to optimize complete response rates. Data, largely from retrospective studies, have also shown that patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy may be managed safely with the watch and wait approach (WW) instead of preemptive total mesorectal resection (TME). However, the optimal consolidation chemotherapy regimen to achieve cCR has not been established, and a randomized clinical trial has not robustly evaluated cCR as a primary endpoint. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary oncology team and patient groups, we designed this NCI-sponsored study of chemotherapy intensification to address these issues and to drive up cCR rates, to provide opportunity for organ preservation, improve quality of life for patients and improve survival outcomes. Methods: In this NCI-sponsored multi-group randomized, seamless phase II/III trial (1:1), up to 760 patients with LARC, T4N0, any T with node positive disease (any T, N+) or T3N0 requiring abdominoperineal resection or coloanal anastomosis and distal margin within 12 cm of anal verge will be enrolled. Stratification factors include tumor stage (T4 vs T1-3), nodal stage (N+ vs N0) and distance from anal verge (0-4; 4-8; 8-12 cm). Patients will be randomized to receive neoadjuvant long course chemoradiation (LCRT) followed by consolidation doublet (mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX) or triplet chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX) for 3-4 months. LCRT in both arms involves 4500 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks + 900 cGy boost in 5 fractions with a fluoropyrimidine (capecitabine preferred). Patients will undergo assessment 8-12 (+/- 4) weeks post-TNT completion. The primary endpoint for the phase II portion will compare cCR between treatment arms. A total number of 296 evaluable patients (148 per arm) will provide statistical power of 90.5% to detect an 17% increase in cCR rate, at a one-sided alpha=0.048. The primary endpoint for the phase III portion will compare disease-free survival (DFS) between treatment arms. A total of 285 DFS events will provide 85% power to detect an effect size of hazard ratio 0.70 at a one-sided alpha of 0.025, requiring enrollment of 760 patients (380 per arm). Secondary objectives include time-to event outcomes (overall survival, organ preservation time and time to distant metastasis) and adverse effects. Biospecimens including archival tumor tissue, plasma and buffy coat in EDTA tubes, and serial rectal MRIs will be collected for exploratory correlative research. This study, activated in late 2022, is open across the NCTN and has a current accrual of 312. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24 CA196171; https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org . Discussion: Building off of data from modern day rectal cancer trials and patient input from national advocacy groups, we have designed the current trial studying chemotherapy intensification via a consolidation chemotherapy approach with the intent to enhance cCR and DFS rates, increase organ preservation rates, and improve quality of life for patients with rectal cancer. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05610163 ; Support includes U10CA180868 (NRG) and U10CA180888 (SWOG).

Uric acid and acute kidney injury in high-risk patients for developing acute kidney injury undergoing cardiac surgery: A prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether preoperative serum uric acid (SUA) elevation may play a role in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI). We conducted a cohort study to evaluate the influence of preoperative hyperuricemia on AKI in patients at high risk for developing SC-AKI. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective international cohort study. SETTING: Fourteen university hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 261 consecutive patients at high risk of developing CSA-AKI, according to a Cleveland score ≥ 4 points, from July to December 2017. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: AKIN criteria were used for the definition of AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score-matched pairwise analysis were used to determine the adjusted association between preoperative hyperuricemia (≥7 mg/dL) and AKI. Elevated preoperative AUS (≥7 mg/dL) was present in 190 patients (72.8%), whereas CSA-AKI occurred in 145 patients (55.5%). In multivariable logistic regression models, hyperuricemia was not associated with a significantly increased risk of AKI (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-3; P = .17). In propensity score-matched analysis of 140 patients, the hyperuricemia group experienced similar adjusted odds of AKI (OR 1.05, 95%CI 0.93-1.19, P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia was not associated with an increased risk of AKI in this cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at high risk of developing CSA-AKI.

Investigating the effectiveness of a new indoor ventilation model in reducing the spread of disease: A case of sports centres amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ventilation of buildings is crucial to ensure indoor health, especially when demanding physical activities are carried out indoors, and the pandemic has highlighted the need to develop new management methods to ensure adequate ventilation. In Spain, there are no specific ventilation regulations to prevent the spread of pathogens such as the coronavirus. Therefore, it is necessary to have a theoretical tool for calculating occupancy to maintain sports facilities in optimal safety conditions. The proposed theoretical method is based on the analysis of mathematical expressions from European standardisation documents and uses the concentration of CO2 as a bioeffluent. It is also based on the concept of background and critical concentration, which allows its application to be extrapolated to future crises caused by pathogens. This study presents a unique and novel dataset for sports centres. For this purpose, the calculation methods were applied to the data set provided by Mostoles City Council, Spain, during the pandemic years with the highest incidence of COVID-19, when the government introduced the assimilation of COVID-19 sick leave to occupational accidents. The data on this type of sick leave provided by the City Council correspond to the period between March 2020 and February 2022. Similarly, the data on the average use of sports facilities by activity, provided by the Sports Department, correspond to the years 2020 and 2021. In this way, it was possible to verify the effectiveness in preventing the spread of any type of coronavirus. In conclusion, the implementation of a theoretical occupancy calculation method based on the concentration of carbon dioxide as a bioeffluent can be an effective tool for the management of future crises caused by pathogens or hazardous chemicals in the air, and demonstrated its effectiveness in sports centres such as gyms, sports fields, and indoor swimming pools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morquio A Syndrome: Identification of Differential Patterns of Molecular Pathway Interactions in Bone Lesions.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA; Morquio A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by deficiency of a hydrolase enzyme, N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase, and characterized clinically by mainly musculoskeletal manifestations. The mechanisms underlying bone involvement in humans are typically explored using invasive techniques such as bone biopsy, which complicates analysis in humans. We compared bone proteomes using DDA and SWATH-MS in wild-type and MPS IVA knockout mice (UNT) to obtain mechanistic information about the disease. Our findings reveal over 1000 dysregulated proteins in knockout mice, including those implicated in oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), DNA damage, and iron transport, and suggest that lactate dehydrogenase may constitute a useful prognostic and follow-up biomarker. Identifying biomarkers that reflect MPS IVA clinical course, severity, and progression have important implications for disease management.

Cox regression with doubly truncated responses and time-dependent covariates: the impact of innovation on firm survival.

The creation of new firms is an important incentive for the economic growth of a country, since it generates employment, it encourages the competition, and promotes innovation. In this work, we investigate the survival of Spanish firms which were created since 2001 and closed down between 2004 and 2012. The information was gathered from Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC), a survey with a focus the technological innovation in Spanish firms. In particular, a Cox regression model with time-dependent covariates was used in order to identify and quantify the determinants of the risk of exit for the firm. The selection bias due to the interval sampling for the firms was corrected by using methods for doubly truncated lifetimes. Interestingly, it is seen how the correction for the selection bias changes both the size and the statistical significance of the effects provided by standard Cox regression.

Characterization of the plasma proteomic profile of Fabry disease: Potential sex- and clinical phenotype-specific biomarkers.

Fabry disease (FD) is a X-linked rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient α-galactosidase A (α-GalA) activity. Early diagnosis and the prediction of disease course are complicated by the clinical heterogeneity of FD, as well as by the frequently inconclusive biochemical and genetic test results that do not correlate with clinical course. We sought to identify potential biomarkers of FD to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and clinical phenotypes. We compared the plasma proteomes of 50 FD patients and 50 matched healthy controls using DDA and SWATH-MS. The >30 proteins that were differentially expressed between the 2 groups included proteins implicated in processes such as inflammation, heme and haemoglobin metabolism, oxidative stress, coagulation, complement cascade, glucose and lipid metabolism, and glycocalyx formation. Stratification by sex revealed that certain proteins were differentially expressed in a sex-dependent manner. Apolipoprotein A-IV was upregulated in FD patients with complications, especially those with chronic kidney disease, and apolipoprotein C-III and fetuin-A were identified as possible markers of FD with left ventricular hypertrophy. All these proteins had a greater capacity to identify the presence of complications in FD patients than lyso-GB3, with apolipoprotein A-IV standing out as being more sensitive and effective in differentiating the presence and absence of chronic kidney disease in FD patients than renal markers such as creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria. Identification of these potential biomarkers can help further our understanding of the pathophysiological processes that underlie the heterogeneous clinical manifestations associated with FD.

[Cardiovascular disease before and after COVID-19 infection: One-year survival]. / Enfermedad cardiovascular previa y posterior a la infección por COVID-19. Supervivencia a un año.

AIM: To analyze the risk of COVID-19 in relation to previous morbidity; to analyze the risk of new cardiovascular events (CVE) in COVID-19 patients and one-year survival. METHODOLOGY: Case-control study and prospective cohort study. Two hundred and seventy-five randomized patients >18 years old with COVID-19 were included and matched with 825 without COVID-19 by age and sex (ratio 1:3). The main variables were diagnosis of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 events. Sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, and previous CVD were studied. Two predictive models of factors associated with the development of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 CVE were performed, as well as a one-year survival analysis. RESULTS: Men with a previous CVE double the risk of suffering from COVID-19 (OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.32-3.36). In women, the risk increases with age (OR 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), diabetes (DM) (OR 1.90; 95% CI: 1.14-3.17) and cognitive impairment (OR 4.88; 95% CI: 2.50-9.53). Immunosuppression acts as a protective factor in both sexes. Age (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), arterial hypertension (OR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.17-4.17), COVID-19 infection (OR 4.81; 95% CI: 2.89-7.98) and previous CVE (OR 4.46; 95% CI: 2.56-7.75) predict the development of a new post-COVID-19 CVE. Positive COVID-19 has lower survival (median 7 days vs. 184 days). CONCLUSIONS: Previous CVE in men and DM along with cognitive impairment in women increase the risk of presenting COVID-19. Age, arterial hypertension, previous CVE, and COVID-19 infection predict the appearance of new CVE.

Ocular involvement secondary to Monkeypox virus infection.

We present the case of a 37-year-old male patient with symptoms compatible with adenoviral conjunctivitis of 5 days' evolution. Topical corticosteroids, lubricants and removal of pseudomembranes were prescribed. PCR analysis of conjunctival exudate was positive for Monkeypox virus. During follow-up, the patient developed corneal ulcers with a torpid course, requiring admission for treatment with Tecovirimat. Ocular involvement by Monkeypox virus is usually mild and self-limiting. Cases with severe visual involvement have been described when there is corneal damage, as exemplified in this case. After admission to hospital for systemic treatment, the patient progressed favourably.

Protocol for the treatment of cystoid macular edema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are the leading cause of legal blindness in the working population. Cystic macular edema (CME) is one of the treatable causes of visual loss, affecting up to 50% of the patients. A bibliographic review has been carried out combining "inherited retinal dystrophy", "retinitis pigmentosa", "macular oedema" and a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol according to the levels of evidence and recommendations of the "US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality". This protocol has been discussed in the monthly meetings of the XAREA DHR group with the participation of more than 25 ophthalmologists, creating a consensus document. The etiology of CME is multifactorial: dysfunction of the blood-retinal barrier, retinal pigment epithelium, and Müller cells, inflammation, and vitreous traction. OCT is the test of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of CME associated with IRD. The drugs with the highest degree of scientific evidence are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (IAC). Intravitreal corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane do not have sufficient evidence. A treatment scheme is proposed for the CME in IRD in adults, another for pediatric patients and another for IRD and cataract surgery. Oral and topical IACs are effective in the treatment of CME secondary to IRD. Treatment with corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy are second-line options. Randomized clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic scale in these patients.

Complications and degree of difficulty of orotracheal intubation in the Intensive Care Unit before and after the establishment of an intubation protocol for critically ill patients: a prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to compare the degree of difficulty and complications related to tracheal intubation in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before and after the introduction of an intubation protocol based on the Difficult Airway Society guidelines for the management of tracheal intubation in critically ill adults, published in 2018. METHODS: Prospective, observational study comparing all intubations performed in our ICU over 2 periods: pre-protocol (January 2015-January 2019) and post-protocol (February 2019-July 2022). The material used for intubation, the degree of difficulty, and intubation-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 661 patients were intubated - 437 in the pre-protocol period (96% by direct laryngoscopy) and 224 in the post-protocol period (53% with direct laryngoscopy, 46% with video laryngoscopy). We observed an improvement in laryngeal view in the post-protocol period compared to the pre-protocol period (Cormack-Lehane ≥ 2b in 7.6% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in the number of moderate-to-severely difficult intubations (6.7% vs. 17.4%, p < 0.001). The first-pass success rate was 92.8% in the post-protocol period compared to 90.2% pre-protocol (p = 0.508). We did not find significant differences in complications between the periods studied. CONCLUSIONS: Intubations performed in the post-protocol period were associated with improved laryngeal view and fewer cases of difficult intubation compared with the pre-protocol period.

Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) expert recommendations for the management of sexual transmitted parasitosis. Scabies, and pediculosis pubis. / Recomendaciones de expertos de la Academia Española de Dermatología (AEDV) para el manejo de las ectoparasitosis de transmisión sexual. Escabiosis y pediculosis púbica.

Sexually transmitted infections are communicable diseases where the pathogen is transmitted through sexual contact. The Sexually Transmitted Infections Working Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) is engaged in the drafting of documents to guide dermatologists and health care personnel who treat Spanish patients with these infections. This document analyzes the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and control characteristics of 2 sexually transmitted parasitosis: scabies due to Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, and pubic pediculosis due to Phthirus pubis. Both parasitoses share a sort of mixed spread through sexual and community transmission regardless of the route through which the infection was initially acquired. This specific feature creates particularities in the management and control of the infestation.

Household drug-resistant TB contact tracing in Tajikistan.

BACKGROUND: Tajikistan has a high burden of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), with 2,700 new cases estimated for 2021 (28/100,000 population). TB is spread among household members through close interaction and children exposed through household contact progress to disease rapidly and frequently.METHODS: We retrospectively analysed programmatic data from household contact tracing in Dushanbe over 50 months. We calculated person-years of follow-up, contact tracing yield, number needed to screen (NNS) and number needed to test (NNT) to find one new case, and time to diagnosis.RESULTS: We screened 6,654 household contacts of 830 RR-TB index cases; 47 new RR-TB cases were detected, 43 in Year 1 and 4 in Years 2 or 3. Ten were aged <5 years; 46/47 had TB symptoms, 34/45 had chest radiographs consistent with TB, 11/35 were Xpert Ultra-positive, 29/32 were tuberculin skin test-positive and 28/47 had positive TB culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility results. The NNS to find one RR-TB case was 141.57 and the NNT was 34.49. The yields for different types of contacts were as follows: 0.7% for screened contacts, 2.9% for tested contacts, 17.0% for symptomatic contacts and 12.1% for symptomatic contacts aged below 5 years.CONCLUSION: RR-TB household contact tracing was feasible and productive in Tajikistan, a low middle-income country with an inefficient healthcare delivery system.

Enantiosensitive growth dynamics of chiral molecules on ferromagnetic substrates and the origin of the CISS effect.

The recent demonstration of the existence of an intimate relationship between the chiral structure of some materials and the spin polarization of electrons transmitted through them, what has been called the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, is sparking interest in many related phenomena. One of the most notorious is the possibility of using magnetic materials to apply enantioselective interactions on chiral molecules and chemical reactions involving them. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterize the adsorption and growth kinetics of enantiopure organic molecules on magnetic (Co) and non-magnetic (Cu) substrates. While on these latter, no significant enantiosensitive effects are found, on spin-polarized, in-plane magnetized Co surfaces, the two enantiomers have been found to deposit differently. The observed effects have been interpreted as the result of one of the enantiomers being adsorbed in a transient, weakly bound physisorbed-like state with higher mobility due to limited, spin-selective charge transfer between it and the substrate. The study of these phenomena can provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the CISS effect.

Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Oppositely Charged Molecular Switches in the Aqueous Phase: Theory and Experiment.

XUV photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful method for investigating the electronic structures of molecules. However, the correct interpretation of results in the condensed phase requires theoretical models that account for solvation. Here we present experimental aqueous-phase XPS of two organic biomimetic molecular switches, NAIP and p-HDIOP. These switches are structurally similar, but have opposite charges and thus present a stringent benchmark for solvation models which need to reproduce the observed ΔeBE = 1.1 eV difference in electron binding energy compared to the 8 eV difference predicted in the gas phase. We present calculations using implicit and explicit solvent models. The latter employs the average solvent electrostatic configuration and free energy gradient (ASEC-FEG) approach. Both nonequilibrium polarizable continuum models and ASEC-FEG calculations give vertical binding energies in good agreement with the experiment for three different computational protocols. Counterions, explicitly accounted for in ASEC-FEG, contribute to the stabilization of molecular states and reduction of ΔeBE upon solvation.