Unraveling Electron Dynamics in p-type Indium Phosphide (100): A Time-Resolved Two-Photon Photoemission Study.

Renewable ("green") hydrogen production through direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a potential key contributor to the sustainable energy mix of the future. We investigate the potential of indium phosphide (InP) as a reference material among III-V semiconductors for PEC and photovoltaic (PV) applications. The p(2 × 2)/c(4 × 2)-reconstructed phosphorus-terminated p-doped InP(100) (P-rich p-InP) surface is the focus of our investigation. We employ time-resolved two-photon photoemission (tr-2PPE) spectroscopy to study electronic states near the band gap with an emphasis on normally unoccupied conduction band states that are inaccessible through conventional single-photon emission methods. The study shows the complexity of the p-InP electronic band structure and reveals the presence of at least nine distinct states between the valence band edge and vacuum energy, including a valence band state, a surface defect state pinning the Fermi level, six unoccupied surface resonances within the conduction band, as well as a cluster of states about 1.6 eV above the CBM, identified as a bulk-to-surface transition. Furthermore, we determined the decay constants of five of the conduction band states, enabling us to track electron relaxation through the bulk and surface conduction bands. This comprehensive understanding of the electron dynamics in p-InP(100) lays the foundation for further exploration and surface engineering to enhance the properties and applications of p-InP-based III-V-compounds for, e.g., efficient and cost-effective PEC hydrogen production and highly efficient PV cells.

Evolving insights into the improvement of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy through PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in the clinical spectrum of lung cancer.

Undeniably, cancer immunotherapies have expanded the spectrum of cancer treatment, however, some patients do not respond to immunotherapies. This scenario is no different for lung cancer, whose two main types, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), still pose a serious clinical challenge. Adoptive T-cell therapies (ATC), which primarily include cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy and γδ-T-cell therapy, strengthen the patient's immune system in combating cancer. Combining ATC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) further enhances the effectiveness of this approach to eradicate cancer. With a particular emphasis on CIK cell therapy, which recently completed 30 years, we highlight the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in NSCLC and SCLC. Besides, we provide insights into the potential synergies of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with adoptive T-cell immunotherapy in reshaping the treatment paradigm for lung cancer.

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, successes and challenges: report on the first international conference dedicated to the clinical translation of this unique adoptive cell immunotherapy.

On August 30, 2023, experts from Germany and abroad met to discuss the successes and challenges of cytokine-induced killer cell (CIK) therapy, that recently celebrated its 30th anniversary providing treatment for cancer. This first virtual conference was hosted by CIO Bonn, a certified Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) funded by German Cancer Aid (DKH). In addition to keynote speakers involved in CIK cell clinical trials or optimized preclinical models to improve this adoptive cell immunotherapy, more than 100 attendees from around the world also participated in this event. Initiatives to establish the International Society of CIK Cells (ISCC) and a stronger CIK cell network guiding preclinical research and future clinical trials were also announced.

DFT-Assisted Investigation of the Electric Field and Charge Density Distribution of Pristine and Defective 2D WSe2 by Differential Phase Contrast Imaging.

Most properties of solid materials are defined by their internal electric field and charge density distributions which so far are difficult to measure with high spatial resolution. Especially for 2D materials, the atomic electric fields influence the optoelectronic properties. In this study, the atomic-scale electric field and charge density distribution of WSe2 bi- and trilayers are revealed using an emerging microscopy technique, differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). For pristine material, a higher positive charge density located at the selenium atomic columns compared to the tungsten atomic columns is obtained and tentatively explained by a coherent scattering effect. Furthermore, the change in the electric field distribution induced by a missing selenium atomic column is investigated. A characteristic electric field distribution in the vicinity of the defect with locally reduced magnitudes compared to the pristine lattice is observed. This effect is accompanied by a considerable inward relaxation of the surrounding lattice, which according to first principles DFT calculation is fully compatible with a missing column of Se atoms. This shows that DPC imaging, as an electric field sensitive technique, provides additional and remarkable information to the otherwise only structural analysis obtained with conventional STEM imaging.

Defect-Assisted Exciton Transfer across the Tetracene-Si(111):H Interface.

Exciton transfers are ubiquitous and extremely important processes, but often poorly understood. A recent example is the triplet exciton transfer in tetracene sensitized silicon solar cells exploited for harvesting high-energy photons. The present ab initio molecular dynamics calculations for tetracene-Si(111):H interfaces show that Si dangling bonds, intuitively expected to hinder the exciton transfer, actually foster it. This suggests that defects and structural imperfections at interfaces may be exploited for excitation transfer.

Molecular Long-Term Analysis of the GMMG-HD4 Trial in Multiple Myeloma-Patterns of Association of Chromosomal Aberrations with Response and Proliferation Determining Survival in Selecting Treatments in View of Limited Resources in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Based on the lack of differences in progression-free and overall survival after a median follow-up of 93 months in our HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4 trial (German part; n = 395) randomizing VAD induction (vincristin/adriamycin/dexamthasone)/tandem-transplantation/thalidomide-maintenance vs. PAD induction (bortezomib/adriamycin/dexamethasone)/tandem transplantation/bortezomib maintenance, we discern how chromosomal aberrations determine long-term prognosis by different patterns of association with proliferation and treatment-dependent response, whether responses achieved by different regimens are equal regarding prognosis, and whether subpopulations of patients could be defined as treatable without upfront "novel agents" in cases of limited resources, e.g., in low- or middle-income countries. Serum parameters and risk factors were assessed in 395 patients. CD138-purified plasma cells were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization (n = 354) and gene expression profiling (n = 204). We found chromosomal aberrations to be associated in four patterns with survival, proliferation, and response: deletion (del) del17p13, del8p21, del13q14, (gain) 1q21+, and translocation t(4;14) (all adverse) associate with higher proliferation. Of these, del17p is associated with an adverse response (pattern 1), and 1q21+, t(4;14), and del13q14 with a treatment-dependent better response (pattern 2). Hyperdiploidy associates with lower proliferation without impacting response or survival (pattern 3). Translocation t(11;14) has no association with survival but a treatment-dependent adverse response (pattern 4). Significantly fewer patients reach a near-complete response or better with "conventional" (VAD) vs. bortezomib-based treatment after induction or high-dose melphalan. These patients, however, show significantly better median progression-free and overall survival. Molecularly, patients responding to the two regimens differ in gene expression, indicating distinct biological properties of the responding myeloma cells. Patients with normal renal function (89.4%), low cytogenetic risk (72.5%), or low proliferation rate (37.9%) neither benefit in progression-free nor overall survival from bortezomib-based upfront treatment. We conclude that response level, the treatment by which it is achieved, and molecular background determine long-term prognosis. Chromosomal aberrations are associated in four patterns with proliferation and treatment-dependent responses. Associations with faster and deeper responses can be deceptive in the case of prognostically adverse aberrations 1q21+ and t(4;14). Far from advocating a return to "outdated" treatments, if resources do not permit state-of-the-art-treatment, normal renal function and/or molecular profiling identifies patient subpopulations doing well without upfront "novel agents".

Diquat Based Dyes: A New Class of Photoredox Catalysts and Their Use in Aerobic Thiocyanation.

A series of new organic donor-π-acceptor dyes incorporating a diquat moiety as a novel electron-acceptor unit have been synthesized and characterized. The analytical data were supported by DFT calculations. These dyes were explored in the aerobic thiocyanation of indoles and pyrroles. Here they showed a high photocatalytic activity under visible light, giving isolated yields of up to 97 %. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of standalone diquat and methyl viologen through formation of an electron donor acceptor complex is presented.

Developing tumor-specific PRO-CTCAE item sets: analysis of a cross-sectional survey in three German outpatient cancer centers.

BACKGROUND: To include the patient perspective in the assessment of adverse events in oncology, a patient-reported outcomes (PRO) version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was developed by the US National Cancer Institute, the so called PRO-CTCAE. The objective of this study was the development of disease-specific PRO-CTCAE item sets for patients with breast cancer (BC), multiple myeloma (MM), and prostate cancer (PC). METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was conducted at three German outpatient cancer centers. Prevalence and importance of the 78 PRO-CTCAE symptoms were assessed using a patient questionnaire. To select the most relevant PRO-CTCAE items for each tumor entity, symptoms were ranked based on patient answers. RESULTS: 101 patients with BC, 107 with MM, and 66 with PC participated. The final item sets contained 21 symptoms (BC) or 19 symptoms (MM and PC), respectively. Eight symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, insomnia, joint pain, general pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling) were represented in all three item sets. Fatigue was the symptom with the highest ranking across item sets followed by insomnia. Symptoms with the highest rankings represented in only one item set were symptoms affecting the urogenital system in the PC item set, blurred vision in the BC item set, and decreased appetite in the MM item set. CONCLUSIONS: Individual PRO-CTCAE item sets for a German patient population were developed for the three tumor entities on the basis of patients' differences in symptom profiles and perceptions. The quality and psychometric criteria of the newly compiled item sets should be evaluated in validation studies.

Regulatory T Cell Inhibition by P60 Combined with Adenoviral AFP Transduced Dendritic Cells for Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Vaccination with tumor-associated antigen-pulsed dendritic cells leads to specific T-cell response against hepatocellular carcinoma. However, clinical response has been shown to be limited. High regulatory T-cell count is associated with poor prognosis and seems to mediate immune tolerance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Forkhead box P3-peptide inhibitor P60 has been shown to specifically inhibit regulatory T-cell function in murine models. Aim of this study was to investigate whether P60 can improve the immune response induced by vaccination with adenovirus-transduced dendritic cells expressing alpha-fetoprotein in subcutaneous and orthotopic murine models for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Mice developing subcutaneous or orthotopic HCC received daily treatment with P60 starting at different tumor stages. Additionally, mice were vaccinated twice with dendritic cells expressing alpha-fetoprotein. RESULTS: In a preventive setting prior to tumor engraftment, vaccination with alpha-fetoprotein-expressing dendritic cells significantly decreased tumor growth in a subcutaneous model (p = .0256), but no further effects were achieved by addition of P60. However, P60 enhanced the antitumoral effect of a vaccination with alpha-fetoprotein-expressing dendritic cells in established subcutaneous and orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma characterized by high Treg levels (p = .011). CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that vaccination with alpha-fetoprotein-expressing dendritic cells in combination with a specific inhibition of regulatory T-cells by using P60 leads to synergistic tumor inhibition and prolonged survival. This emphasizes the importance of regulatory T-cells inhibition for obtaining an effective antitumoral immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Electron-Nuclear Coherent Coupling and Nuclear Spin Readout through Optically Polarized VB- Spin States in hBN.

Coherent coupling of defect spins with surrounding nuclei along with the endowment to read out the latter are basic requirements for an application in quantum technologies. We show that negatively charged boron vacancies (VB-) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) meet these prerequisites. We demonstrate Hahn-echo coherence of the VB- spin with a characteristic decay time Tcoh = 15 µs, close to the theoretically predicted limit of 18 µs for defects in hBN. Elongation of the coherence time up to 36 µs is demonstrated by means of the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill decoupling technique. Modulation of the Hahn-echo decay is shown to be induced by coherent coupling of the VB- spin with the three nearest 14N nuclei via a nuclear quadrupole interaction of 2.11 MHz. DFT calculation confirms that the electron-nuclear coupling is confined to the defective layer and stays almost unchanged with a transition from the bulk to the single layer.

Revising the Landscape of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cell Therapy in Lung Cancer: Focus on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Undeniably, immunotherapy has markedly improved the survival rate of cancer patients. The scenario is no different in lung cancer, where multiple treatment options are now available and the inclusion of immunotherapy yields better clinical benefits than previously used chemotherapeutic strategies. Of interest, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy has also taken a central role in clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer. Herein, we describe the relative success of CIK cell therapy (alone and combined with dendritic cells as DC/CIKs) in lung cancer clinical trials and discuss its combination with known immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1). Additionally, we provide insights into the findings of several preclinical in vitro/in vivo studies linked to lung cancer. In our opinion, CIK cell therapy, which recently completed 30 years and has been approved in many countries, including Germany, offers tremendous potential for lung cancer. Foremost, when it is optimized on a patient-by-patient basis with special attention to the patient-specific genomic signature.

Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells in Combination with Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitors Functioning via the Fas/FasL Axis Provides Rationale for a Potential Clinical Benefit in Burkitt's lymphoma.

Constant efforts are being made to develop methods for improving cancer immunotherapy, including cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy. Numerous heat shock protein (HSP) 90 inhibitors have been assessed for antitumor efficacy in preclinical and clinical trials, highlighting their individual prospects for targeted cancer therapy. Therefore, we tested the compatibility of CIK cells with HSP90 inhibitors using Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells. Our analysis revealed that CIK cytotoxicity in BL cells was augmented in combination with independent HSP90 inhibitors 17-DMAG (17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin) and ganetespib. Interestingly, CIK cell cytotoxicity did not diminish after blocking with NKG2D (natural killer group 2, member D), which is a prerequisite for their activation. Subsequent analyses revealed that the increased expression of Fas on the surface of BL cells, which induces caspase 3/7-dependent apoptosis, may account for this effect. Thus, we provide evidence that CIK cells, either alone or in combination with HSP90 inhibitors, target BL cells via the Fas-FasL axis rather than the NKG2D pathway. In the context of clinical relevance, we also found that high expression of HSP90 family genes (HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, and HSP90B1) was significantly associated with the reduced overall survival of BL patients. In addition to HSP90, genes belonging to the Hsp40, Hsp70, and Hsp110 families have also been found to be clinically significant for BL survival. Taken together, the combinatorial therapy of CIK cells with HSP90 inhibitors has the potential to provide clinical benefits to patients with BL.

Adatom mediated adsorption of N-heterocyclic carbenes on Cu(111) and Au(111).

The adsorption of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) on Cu(111) and Au(111) surfaces is studied with density-functional theory. The role of the molecular side groups as well as the surface morphology in determining the adsorption geometry are explored in detail. Flat-laying NHCs, as observed experimentally for NHC with relatively small side groups, result from the adsorption at adatoms and give rise to the so-called ballbot configurations, which are more stable than adsorption on flat surfaces and provide an efficient precursor for the formation of bis(NHC) dimers. On Au(111), the resulting (NHC)2 Au complexes are purely physisorbed and thus mobile. On the more reactive Cu(111), in contrast, the central Cu atom in the (NHC)2 Cu dimer is still covalently bound to the surface, resulting in a mobility, which has to be thermally activated.

Identification of the Integrated Prognostic Signature Associated with Immuno-relevant Genes and Long Non-coding RNAs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Like other cancers, considerable effort has been made in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to identify prognostic genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with their potential clinical applications. However, to date, no integrated prognostic model has been developed that combines both gene expression and lncRNAs as a singular approach in AML. METHOD: Comprehensive bioinformatic approaches (Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, Univariate Cox regression analyses, Pearson correlation, LASSO-Cox regression, Wilcoxon test) were used to construct the signature and to define high- and low-risk groups in AML datasets. ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were applied to investigate the potential impact of infiltrating immune cells based on the obtained signature in tumor microenvironment. In addition, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment were applied to explore the potential function of the signature. RESULTS: Herein, we focused on immune-related genes (IRGs) and immune-related long noncoding RNAs (IRlncRNAs) and constructed an integrated prognostic immunorelevant signature in AML. The obtained signature exhibit five IRGs (DAXX, PSMB8, CSRP1, RAC2 and PTPN6) and one IRlncRNA (AC080037.2) and is strictly associated with age and FAB (French-American-British classification). Importantly, the high-risk AML group (defined by the signature) correlated positively with three types of scores (immune score, stroma score, and ESTIMATE score). We also identified a few immune cells (resting mast cells and monocytes) potentially involved in the correlation between signature and survival of AML patients. The prognostic ability of the obtained signature was tested in the training cohort and then validated in both test and total cohorts. The pathway enrichment analysis confirmed the possible immune- related role of the signature. CONCLUSION: We constructed an integrated prognostic signature comprising five immune-related protein-coding genes (IRPCG) (DAXX, PSMB8, CSRP1, RAC2, and PTPN6) and one immune-related lncRNA (AC080037.2) that may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting survival and further stratifying AML patients.

The effect of improving solid waste collection on waste disposal behaviour and exposure to environmental risk factors in urban low-income communities in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of improving waste collection services on waste disposal behaviour and exposure to environmental risk factors in urban, low-income communities in Pakistan. METHODS: We enrolled six low-income communities in Islamabad (Pakistan), four of which received an intervention consisting of a door-to-door low-cost waste collection service with centralised waste processing and recycling sites. Intervention communities underwent community-level and household-level mobilisation. The effect of the intervention on waste disposal behaviour, exposure to waste and synanthropic fly counts was measured using two cross-sectional surveys in 180 households per community. RESULTS: Intervention communities had less favourable socio-economic indicators and poorer access to waste disposal services at baseline than control communities. Use of any waste collection service increased from 5% to 49% in the intervention communities (difference 44%, 95% CI 41%, 48%), but the increase was largely confined to two communities where post-intervention coverage exceeded 80% and 90%, respectively. An increase in the use of waste collection services was also found in the two control communities (from 21% to 67%, difference 47%, 95% CI 41%, 53%). Fly counts decreased by about 60% in the intervention communities (rate ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.3, 0.4) but not in the control communities (rate ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.1, 2.2). The decrease in fly counts was largely confined to the two high-coverage intervention communities. CONCLUSION: Introduction of a low-cost waste collection service has the potential for high uptake in low-income communities and for decreasing the exposure to waste and synanthropic flies at household level. Intervention success was constrained by low uptake in half of the intervention communities.

Patient participation in multidisciplinary tumor conferences in breast and gynecological cancer care: How patient-centered is the communication?

OBJECTIVE: Patients' participation is part of patient-centeredness, but it is so far unclear whether providers in multidisciplinary tumor conferences (MTCs) with patient participation communicate in a patient-centered way. Our aim is to explore (a) to what extent providers ask questions to breast and gynecological cancer patients during case discussion in MTCs, (b) how providers respond to patients' expressions of emotions during case discussions, and (c) which patient- and context-related characteristics and responses are associated with patients' trust in the treatment team after the case discussion. METHODS: This observational study included survey data and audio recordings of MTCs with patient participation at three breast and gynecological cancer centers. Providers' questions to patients and responses to patients' emotional expressions were coded using the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences. The response can be explicitly or non-explicitly related to the emotion and space-reducing or space-providing. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine associations between providers' responses, patient- and context-related characteristics, and patients' trust in the treatment team after the case discussion. RESULTS: We analyzed 82 case discussions (77 breast, 5 breast and gynecological cancer patients). Providers asked a total of 646 questions, of which 86% were polar (yes/no). Providers gave 303 responses to a total of 230 emotional expressions by patients. Non-explicit responses were associated with more trust when they were space-providing, but with less trust when space-reducing. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of providers' closed questions and space-reducing responses to emotions shows that patient-centered communication rarely takes place in MTCs with patient participation.

Puberty health intervention to improve menstrual health and school attendance among adolescent girls in The Gambia: study methodology of a cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural Gambia (MEGAMBO TRIAL).

BACKGROUND: Menstrual health (MH) is a recognised global public health challenge. Poor MH may lead to absence from school and work, and adverse health outcomes. However, reviews suggest a lack of rigorous evidence for the effectiveness of MH interventions on health and education outcomes. The objective of this paper is to describe the methods used in a cluster-randomised controlled trial to estimate the effect of a multi-component intervention to improve MH and school attendance in The Gambia. METHODS: The design ensured half the schools (25) were randomised to receive the intervention which comprised of the following components: (i) Peer education camps and menstrual hygiene laboratories in schools, (ii) Mother's outreach sessions, (iii) Community meetings, and (iv) minor improvements of school Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and maintenance. The intervention was run over a three-month period, and the evaluation was conducted at least three months after the last intervention activity was completed in the school or community. The other 25 schools acted as controls. Of these 25 control schools one Arabic school dropped out due to COVID-19. The primary outcome was the prevalence of girls missing at least one day of school during their last period. Secondary outcomes included: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) symptoms, biochemical markers of UTI in urine, Reproductive Tract Infection symptoms, self-reported menstruation related wellbeing, social support and knowledge, perceptions and practices towards menstruation and MH in target school girls. In addition, a process evaluation using observations, routine monitoring data, survey data and interviews was undertaken to assess dose and reach (quantitative data) and assess acceptability, fidelity, context and possible mechanisms of impact (qualitative data). Cost and cost-effectiveness of the intervention package will also be assessed. CONCLUSION: Results will add to scarce resources available on effectiveness of MH interventions on school attendance. A positive result may encourage policy makers to increase their commitment to improve operation and maintenance of school WASH facilities and include more information on menstruation into the curriculum and help in the reporting and management of infections related to adolescent menstruation. Trial Registration PACTR, PACTR201809769868245, Registered 14th August 2018, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3539.

The incidence of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in rural South India.

Scrub typhus is a common bacterial infection in Asia caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This serological cohort study estimated the incidence of infection in a rural population in South India. Participants were enrolled through systematic sampling in 46 villages at baseline, and revisited the following year. Blood samples were tested for IgG antibodies using ELISA, followed by indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) in those positive for ELISA at both rounds. A case was defined as sero-conversion (ELISA), or at least a 4-fold titre increase (IFA), between the two time points. In addition to crude incidence rate estimates, we used piecewise linear rates across calendar months, with rates proportional to the monthly incidence of local hospital cases to address seasonality and unequal follow-up times. Of 402 participants, 61.7% were female. The mean age was 46.7 years, (range 13-88). 21 participants showed evidence for serological infection. The estimated incidence was 4.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 2.8-6.7). The piecewise linear rates approach resulted in a similar estimate of 4.6 per 100 person years (95% CI 2.9-6.9). Considering previous estimates of symptomatic scrub typhus incidence in the same study population, only about 2-5% of infections may result in clinically relevant disease.

How shared is decision-making in multidisciplinary tumour conferences with patient participation? An observational study.

BACKGROUND: In some breast and gynaecologic cancer centres in Germany, patients participate in their own case discussion in multidisciplinary tumour conferences (MTCs), where treatment recommendations are discussed and finalized. However, the extent to which patients in MTCs are involved in decision-making on treatment recommendations remains largely unexplored. Hence, this study investigates how recommendations are communicated to patients and the extent to which the interactions with patients in MTCs are in line with shared decision-making (SDM). METHODS: In this observational study, we audio-recorded MTCs with patient participation in three breast and gynaecologic cancer centres in Germany. We qualitatively analysed the data with regard to content and linguistic aspects. RESULTS: We analysed 82 case discussions. Recommendations made during MTCs were regarding (i) treatment options, (ii) treatment initiation, (iii) next (treatment) steps and (iv) whether a treatment method should be initiated at all. The decision about recommendations depended in part on patients' preferences or further course/further outcomes. Although the purpose of MTCs is to provide recommendations, some recommendations were framed as the final decision. The majority of the decision-making conversation could be characterized as option talk (78%), during which patients were mostly proposed only one (treatment) option. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes limited SDM in MTCs with patient participation. By indicating choices and thereby creating awareness of choices among patients, MTCs with patient participation could be used to foster SDM implementation. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Two representatives of a large self-help organization for patients with breast cancer assisted the research project, particularly, in discussing the results.

Spin Polarization, Electron-Phonon Coupling, and Zero-Phonon Line of the NV Center in 3C-SiC.

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in 3C-SiC, the analog of the NV center in diamond, has recently emerged as a solid-state qubit with competitive properties and significant technological advantages. Combining first-principles calculations and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we provide thorough insight into its magneto-optical properties. By applying resonantly excited electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we identified the zero-phonon absorption line of the 3A2 → 3E transition at 1289 nm (within the telecom O-band) and measured its phonon sideband, the analysis of which reveals a Huang-Rhys factor of S = 2.85 and a Debye-Waller factor of 5.8%. The low-temperature spin-lattice relaxation time was found to be exceptionally long (T1 = 17 s at 4 K). All these properties make NV in 3C-SiC a strong competitor for qubit applications. In addition, the strong variation of the zero-field splitting in the range 4-380 K allows its application for nanoscale thermal sensing.