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Objective: Our primary objective was to describe the baseline characteristics, main reasons for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and interventions required in the ICU across patients who received CAR-T cell immunotherapy. The secondary objectives were to evaluate different outcomes (ICU mortality) across patients admitted to the ICU after having received CAR-T cell therapy. Materials and Methods. We performed a medical literature review, which included MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library, of studies published from the inception of the databases until 2022. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses of proportions of several studies, including CAR-T cell-treated patients who required ICU admission. Outcomes in the meta-analysis were evaluated using the random-effects model. Results: We included four studies and analyzed several outcomes, including baseline characteristics and ICU-related findings. CAR-T cell recipients admitted to the ICU are predominantly males (62% CI-95% (57–66)). Of the total CAR-T cell recipients, 4% CI-95% (3–5) die in the hospital, and 6% CI-95% (4–9) of those admitted to the ICU subsequently die. One of the main reasons for ICU admission is acute kidney injury (AKI) in 15% CI-95% (10–19) of cases and acute respiratory failure in 10% CI-95% (6–13) of cases. Regarding the interventions initiated in the ICU, 18% CI-95% (13–22) of the CAR-T recipients required invasive mechanical ventilation during their ICU stay, 23% CI-95% (16–30) required infusion of vasoactive drugs, and 1% CI-95% (0.1–3) required renal replacement therapy (RRT). 18% CI-95% (13–22) of the initially discharged patients were readmitted to the ICU within 30 days, and the mean length of hospital stay is 22 days CI-95% (19–25). The results paint a current state of matter in CAR-T cell recipients admitted to the ICU. Conclusions: To better understand immunotherapy-related complications from an ICU standpoint, acknowledge the deteriorating patient on the ward, reduce the ICU admission rate, advance ICU care, and improve the outcomes of these patients, a standard of care and research regarding CAR-T cell-based immunotherapies should be created. Studies that are looking from the perspective of intensive care are highly warranted because the available literature regarding this area is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that affects an increasing number of patients worldwide. Despite all the efforts to understand its pathogenesis and develop new treatment modalities, MM remains an incurable disease. Novel immunotherapies, such as CAR T cell therapy (CAR) and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTE), are intensively targeting different surface antigens, such as BMCA, SLAMF7 (CS1), GPRC5D, FCRH5 or CD38. However, stem cell transplantation is still indispensable in transplant-eligible patients. Studies suggest that the early use of immunotherapy may improve outcomes significantly. In this review, we summarize the currently available clinical literature on CAR and BiTE in MM. Furthermore, we will compare these two T cell-based immunotherapies and discuss potential therapeutic approaches to promote development of new clinical trials, using T cell-based immunotherapies, even as bridging therapies to a transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, elusive, and life-threatening condition that is characterized by the pathologic and uncontrolled secondary activation of the cytotoxic T-cells, natural killer cells (NK-cells), and macrophages of the innate immune system. This condition can develop in sporadic or familial contexts associated with hematological malignancies, as a paraneoplastic syndrome, or linked to an infection related to immune system deficiency. This leads to the systemic inflammation responsible for the overall clinical manifestations. Diagnosis should be thorough, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. In the current manuscript, we focus on classifying the HLH spectrum, describing the pathophysiology and the tools needed to search for and correctly identify HLH, and the current therapeutic opportunities. We also present the first case of a multiple myeloma patient that developed HLH following therapy with the ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TiC epitaxial films are grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). • (111) oriented TiC film grown on the MgO (111) and Al 2 O 3 (001) substrates. • Al 2 O 3 samples exhibit cyclic voltammograms significantly different from those on MgO. • A drastic composition change in carbon is anticipated for PLD-deposited TiC on Al 2 O 3. • Observed relaxation of the compressive interfacial strain confirms carbon deficiency. The electrochemical behaviour of titanium carbide (TiC x , with 0.5 < x < 1) thin films is presented and discussed with respect to their structural properties. Epitaxial (111)-orientated TiC films are grown onto (111)-cut MgO and (001)-cut Al 2 O 3 substrates by using TiC targets with various stoichiometry. When using a TiC target, the films grown on Al 2 O 3 substrates exhibit cyclic voltammograms significantly different from those grown on MgO. As a matter of fact, their electrochemical properties are strikingly similar to films with TiC 0.55 composition. It is demonstrated, by using high-resolution X-ray diffraction, that films grown on sapphire have a composition close to TiC 0.55 , the driving force for carbon deficiency being the relaxation of the compressive interfacial strain at the Al 2 O 3 /TiC interface. On the contrary, the interfacial strain at the MgO/TiC interface is tensile which cannot be compensated by variations in the Ti/C ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Film growth of the well-known protein, chicken lysozyme, produced by the dry technique, pulsed laser deposition (PLD), from a compressed powder target has been investigated as a function of the target preparation pressure. PLD is a versatile technique for fabricating high quality films of inorganic materials, but the laser beam will typically produce fragments of molecules in the target and subsequently in the deposited films. We demonstrate that the pressure applied to compact the target prior to the laser irradiation is an important parameter that determines the deposition rate as well as the extent of fragmentation of the deposited molecules. The deposition process was carried out in vacuum using dry targets prepared with compaction pressure in the range 10–160 bar. The residual water in pockets of the lysozyme molecules drives fragments or intact lysozyme out of the target. At the intermediate fluence of 2 J/cm2, the deposition rate of the material (fragments or intact molecules) rises from 3 to 9 ng/cm2 per shot as the compaction pressure increases from 10 to 160 bar. However, the number of intact molecules falls down by almost two orders of magnitude in the same pressure range. This is explained by a stronger cohesion of the target material prepared at higher compression pressure, such that more energy and thus a higher temperature are required for the onset of material ejection. At the highest compression pressure, it means that no intact molecules survive the ejection. The results indicate that there is a pressure range where both a reasonable deposition rate and a considerable fraction of intact molecules in the films can be achieved. These experimental observations are consistent with the results of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, where the fraction of intact lysozyme molecules is observed to vanish as the maximum temperature in the irradiated target increases. • The first systematic investigation of the dependence of the compression pressure of an organic target • High compression of a lysozyme powder target leads to the highest deposition rate. • Only at low compression of the lysozyme target the lysozyme molecules are transferred without fragmentation. • The lysozyme molecules seem to be fragmented at high pressure due to the high temperature needed for ejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin solid pixels made of Ag/PMMA stacks have been fabricated by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), to be tested as thin film microcapacitors in organic electronics applications. The square-shaped laser-printed pixels have a lateral size of ∼350 μm, and the thickness of the dielectric film was varied between 100 and 1500 nm. The pixels were deposited on electrode structures made by LIFT printing of silver nanoparticles ink and paste. Optimal printing conditions led to the fabrication of microcapacitors with typical capacitance in the pF range, tuned by changing the properties of the multilayered structure (e.g. pixel size and/or thickness of the dielectric). Their stability was also investigated over time. We discuss on the morphological and electrical properties of such laser-printed structures, with respect to the impact resistance of the polymer and its suitability for the LIFT process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanowalls (CNW) are two-dimensional interconnected graphitic nanostructures that have a few μm in length and height, reaching typical thicknesses of a few tens of nm. We present results on such layers synthesized in a low pressure argon plasma jet, injected with acetylene and hydrogen, on transparent substrates (quartz) heated at 600 °C, without catalyst. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the CNW are stable up to 420 °C in air, and Raman spectroscopy investigations highlight their graphene-like structure. Finally, using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser device (355 nm, 50 ps), we show that 2D-arrays of CNW (pixels and lines) can be printed by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), preserving their architecture and structure. Electrical measurements on 1 μm thick CNW demonstrate typical values in the range of 357.5–358.4 Ω for the samples grown on Au/Cr electrodes, and in the range of 450.1–474.7 Ω for the LIFT printed lines (under positive, negative, and neutral polarization; 1 kHz–5 MHz frequency range; 500 mV and 1 V, respectively). Their morphology is highlighted by means of optical and electronic microscopy. Such structures have potential applications as soft conductive lines, in sensor development and/or embedding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared detectors are used in many human activities, from industry to military, telecommunications, environmental studies and even medicine. Bismuth oxide thin films have proved their potential for optoelectronic applications, but their uses as infrared sensors have not been thoroughly studied so far. In this paper, pulsed laser ablation of pure bismuth targets within a controlled oxygen atmosphere is proposed for the deposition of bismuth oxide films on Si (100) substrates. Crystalline films were obtained, whose uniformity depends on the deposition conditions (number of laser pulses and the use of a radio-frequency (RF) discharge of the oxygen inside the deposition chamber). The optical analysis proved that the refractive index of the films is higher than 3 and that their optical bandgap is around 1eV, recommending them for infrared applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the standard Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions, the reaction between 1,4-diiodo-2,5-bis(octyloxy)benzene with 2.2 equiv. of 1-ethynylpyrene afforded a yellowish bis -pyrene derivative, namely 1,4-bis(octyloxy)-2,5-bis(ethynylpyrene)benzene , that exhibits typical fluorescence and semiconducting properties. Thermal analysis studies are discussed, with emphasis made on the oxidative decomposition and thermal effects. Further on, thin films have been grown by vacuum thermal evaporation, on silicon and quartz substrates. The temperature's influence on the thin film's morphology and electrical properties is investigated. Finally, top-contact thin film transistor configurations are presented and the influence of substrate temperature is discussed with respect to the semiconducting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of laser-based processing is presented here for the transfer of azo-derivatives, for optoelectronics assembly applications. Laser-printing techniques are also adequate tools for rapid prototyping of diverse materials, since they avoid the usage of solutions, moulds, lithography masks, etc. Here, we present a study on the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) and printing of micrometric-sized pixels (350 μm × 350 μm), by using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) deposited thin film donors. Due to their particular optical properties, i.e. second harmonic generation, optical limiting and all-optical poling, and with applications in optoelectronics and sensor development, azo-dyes have been intensively studied in bulk or as thin films. The influence of a metallic dynamic release layer (DRL) during LIFT is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results on a newly synthesized bis -pyrene compound that, besides the typical fluorescence, also exhibits semiconducting properties. Thin films have been grown by vacuum thermal evaporation on oxidized silicon and on transparent quartz substrates. Micrometric-sized pixels have subsequently been printed by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), in air and at low pressure (90 mbar), by using a Nd:YAG laser source (355 nm, 50 ps pulse duration) to produce functional organic thin film transistors (o-TFTs). Top-contact (TC) configurations are emphasized, and the influence of the pressure and laser fluence during the LIFT procedure is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The printing of multilayered pixels using single picosecond laser pulses is investigated by using an improved laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) technique. Micrometric low-k dielectric capacitors of hybrid organic polymer (parylene-C) and silver thin films have been transferred on laser-printed pads of annealed silver nanoparticles (AgNP) paste. This printing technique allows to design and print directly on virtually any substrate, in order to make the capacitors directly interface with other components, such as transducers or sensing devices, and which are further used for improving or complementing the characteristics of these devices. This study focuses on the use of the optimized LIFT technique using a double mask setup, i.e. smart beam shaping (SBS) in the picosecond laser pulse regime. The purpose is to optimize the energy repartition of the Gaussian beam on the thick multilayer donor by using a beam profile with increased intensity at the edges and low intensity in the center. This allows to keep the incoming irradiation fluence on the donor layer as low as possible in the centre area, and thus preventing the multilayer pixels from damage induced by laser irradiation. Electrical investigations of the SBS-LIFT printed micro-capacitors demonstrate that they are fully functional and stable over time, with capacities in the pF range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal behavior studies of several polymers, i.e. polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and polyaniline (PAni), together with thin film deposition by a MAPLE technique, are presented. Thermal stability studies are important before attempting any laser-assisted processing of such materials, as this provides a better understanding of their molecular behavior, to assess the evolution and dynamics of the deposition. Thin films were grown on silicon substrates by means of matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) using a Nd:YAG laser (266 and 355 nm, 7 ns pulse duration). Above the fluence of ~0.7 J/cm 2 the polymeric films are highly non-uniform due to the transferring of matrix-droplets and/or clusters from the target. At low fluence, typically between 0.1 and 0.5 J/cm 2 , the polymeric films are intact; the surface morphology is substantially improved and there are no measurable traces of the matrix molecules in the films. The important question of polymeric molecules integrity in the films with respect to that of the targets is discussed, in relation to their properties, and compared to data available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) has been investigated for the transfer of a polymeric material. This study focuses on the comparison of the printing process using conventional LIFT printing with a simple square mask and an optimized LIFT technique using a double mask setup, i.e. smart beam shaping (SBS). The purpose is to optimize the energy repartition on the donor layer using a beam profile with over-intensities at the edges and low intensities in the center. This allows the incoming irradiation fluence on the donor layer to be kept as low as possible in the central area, thus preventing the organic pixels being damaged by laser irradiation. The influence of the film's thickness on the SBS efficiency is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We studied the laser-induced forward transfer of thin layers of semiconducting PQT-12. [•] PEDOT:PSS was laser-printed to act as conductor in the transistor configuration. [•] Optimization by reducing the background pressure and increasing the films thickness. [•] We fabricated polymeric thin-film transistors devices using the LIFT technique. [•] Transistor performances with mobilities up to 0.02cm2 V−1 s−1 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ferrocenecarboxaldehyde thin films are grown on silicon substrates, by MAPLE. [•] Thin films with low roughness and preserved chemical structure are obtained. [•] Second harmonic generation capabilities of films are evidenced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ferrocene – Fe(C5H5)2, the prototypical metallocene, is a type of organometallic chemical compound consisting of two cyclopentadienyl rings bound on opposite sides of a central iron atom. We discuss here on the growth of high quality, nanometric-sized ferrocene thin films by a non-conventional technique, i.e. matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), on silicon and ITO coated glass substrates, by using a Nd:YAG pulsed laser device emitting at 266 nm (4ω). Spectroscopic-ellipsometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques were used to investigate the structure, morphology and optical properties of the films. Low-to-medium second harmonic generation capabilities of the films were evidenced, when irradiated by a femtosecond Ti:sapphire pulsed laser. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present here results on samarium oxide thin films, obtained by pulsed laser deposition and by radio frequency assisted pulsed laser deposition. Three different substrate types were used: silicon, platinum covered silicon and titanium covered silicon. The influence of the deposition parameters (oxygen pressure and laser fluence) on the structure and morphology of the thin films was studied. The substrate-thin film interface zone was investigated; the optical and electrical properties (the losses, dielectric constant and leakage currents) were also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in almost all mammalian secretions which plays an important role in host defense against microbial and viral infections. The protein has been reported to also have anti-inflammatory activity and antitumoral effects in vitro and in vivo. Thin films of Lf were deposited on silicon, quartz and Thermanox plastic coverslip substrates by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique, using a Nd:YAG laser working at 266nm, at different laser fluences (0.1–0.8Jcm−2). The deposited layers have been characterized by Fourier Transformed Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), and the morphology of the various substrates was investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The biocompatibility of lactoferrin thin films was evaluated for each substrate, by in vitro biochemical tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thin films based on two different metal–organic systems are developed by MAPLE and their nonlinear optical applications are explored. A complex of o,o′-dihydroxy azobenzene with Cu2+ cation is found to organize as a non-central symmetric crystallite. A simple protocol is developed for the in situ fabrication of highly monodisperse copper-complex nanoparticles in a polymer film matrix of polyacrylic acid. The thin films were deposited on quartz substrates by MAPLE (matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation) using a Nd:YAG laser working at 355nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical second harmonic generation (SHG) were performed on the samples. The optical limiting capability of the nanoparticle-embedded polymer film is investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The examination of vital signs and their changes during illness can alert physicians to possible impending deterioration and organ dysfunction. The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is used worldwide as a track and trigger system that can help to identify patients at risk of critical illness. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the ability of MEWS to predict the mortality of hematologic patients at the point of transfer from the ward to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: The present study was retrospective, longitudinal, and observational, conducted at an oncology hospital in the city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We included 174 patients with hematological disorders transferred from the ward to the ICU between the 1st of January 2018 and the 1st of May 2020. We assessed the MEWS at the moment of admission in these patients in the ICU. The accuracy of MEWS in predicting mortality was assessed via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), and sensitivity, specificity, and hazard ratio (HR) were calculated for different MEWS cutoffs. MEWS values considering the status at discharge and frequency of death by MEWS were also analyzed. Results: We calculated MEWS values considering the status at discharge (p < 0.0001), and we assessed the frequency of death by MEWS. We also calculated the hazard ratio (HR) of death depending on the selected MEWS cutoff. The best cutoff point was found to be ≥6, with an accuracy of 0.667, sensitivity of 0.675, specificity of 0.646, and AUC of 0.731. Patients with higher MEWS had a higher probability of mortality. Conclusion: The MEWS and cutoff points were determined on a sample of hematologic patients at the moment of admission to the ICU. The final aim is to encourage physicians to use these scores to improve awareness of organ failure to admit patients to the ICU sooner and limit overall morbidity and mortality. The presence of an ICU physician on ward rounds might help in reducing the timeframe of access to a high-dependency unit (HDU) or ICU. An extension of these scores outside hematologic patients or considering hematologic patients outside ICU must be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthesized 4CN type azomonoether, exhibiting dying properties, crystalline nature and generating interest as a material for non-linear optical applications was investigated. Modern devices incorporating liquid crystals tend to use thin films of such materials because of their special characteristics. Thermal stability studies are indispensable before attempting any deposition experiment. We have investigated the thermal behaviour of 4-[(4-chlorobenzyl)oxy]-4′-cyano-azobenzene (TG, DTG, DTA and DSC) in inert flow atmosphere, under non-isothermal conditions. The phase transitions were studied by repeated heating-cooling regimes, with intercalated isothermal steps. The thin films were deposited on silicon and quartz substrates by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) using a Nd:YAG laser working at 266 nm. FTIR spectroscopy of the obtained thin films confirmed the preservation of the compound’s structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade there has been tremendous effort in offering better therapeutic management strategies to patients with hematologic malignancies. These efforts have ranged from biological to clinical approaches and resulted in the rapid development of new approaches. The main "problem" that comes with the high influx of newly approved drugs, which not only influences hematologists that frequently work with these drugs but also affects other healthcare professionals that work with hematologists in patient management, including intensive care unit (ICU) physicians, is they have to keep up within their specialty and, in addition, with the side-effects that can occur when encountering hematology-specific therapies. Nonetheless, there are few people that have an in-depth understanding of a specialty outside theirs. Thus, this manuscript offers an overview of the most common side-effects caused by therapies used in hematology nowadays, or that are currently being investigated in clinical trials, with the purpose to serve as an aid to other specialties. Nevertheless, because of the high amount of information on this subject, each chapter will offer an overview of the side-effects of a drug class with each reference of the section being intended as further reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial management of the hematology patient in a critical state is crucial and poses a great challenge both for the hematologist and the intensive care unit (ICU) physician. After years of clinical practice, there is still a delay in the proper recognition and treatment of critical situations, which leads to late admission to the ICU. There is a much-needed systematic ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) approach for the patients being treated on the wards as well as in the high dependency units because the underlying hematological disorder, as well as disease-related complications, have an increasing frequency. Focusing on score-based decision-making on the wards (Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), together with Quick Sofa score), active sepsis screening with inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and presepsin), and assessment of microcirculation, organ perfusion, and oxygen supply by using paraclinical parameters from the ICU setting (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation (ScVO2), and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference), hematologists can manage the immediate critical patient and improve the overall outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results on a new, laboratory synthesized ferrocene-derivative , i.e. 4-(ferrocenylmethylimino)-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid. Thin films with controlled thickness are deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), on quartz and silicon substrates, with the aim of evaluating the nonlinear optical properties for potential optoelectronic applications. Dimethyl sulfoxide was used as matrix, with 1% wt. concentration of the guest compound. The frozen target is irradiated by using a Nd:YAG laser (4 ω /266 nm, 7 ns pulse duration, 10 Hz repetition rate), at low fluences ranging from 0.1 to 1 J/cm 2 . Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to probe the surface morphology of the films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy reveal similar structure of the thin film material when compared to the starting material. The optical properties of the thin films are investigated by spectroscopic-ellipsometry (SE), and the refractive index dependence with respect to temperature is studied. The second harmonic generation (SHG) potential is assessed by using a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser (800 nm, 60–100 fs pulse duration, 80 MHz repetition rate), at 200 mW maximum output power, revealing that the SHG signal intensity is strongly influenced by the films’ thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the thin film growth of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroacridine (OHA) by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), starting from a frozen solution of 1% OHA dissolved in methanol and using a Nd:YAG laser emitting at 266 nm wavelength with fluences in the range 0.1–1 J/cm 2 . The optical properties were studied by spectroscopic-ellipsometry (SE), while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed for structure and surface morphology investigation. Second harmonic generation (SHG) capabilities of the thin films were investigated by using a tunable Ti:sapphire laser with maximum emission centred in near infra-red. The peak of emitted photons is located at 388 nm, therefore half the wavelength of the initial photons (776 nm). The semi logarithmic dependence of SHG intensity on incident power is almost linear, except the value obtained at highest power of incident photons. This value indicates a local changing of sample due to the heating produced by the high-power incident beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of matrix-assisted pulsedlaser evaporation (MAPLE)technique to transfer and deposit high-quality thin organic, bioorganic,and composite films with minimum chemical modification of the targetmaterial has been utilized in numerous applications. One of the outstandingproblems in MAPLE film deposition, however, is the presence of residualsolvent (matrix) codeposited with the polymer material and adverselyaffecting the quality of the deposited films. In this work, we investigatethe possibility of alleviating this problem by reducing the amountof matrix in the target. A series of coarse-grained molecular dynamicssimulations are performed for a model lysozyme–water system,where the water serves the role of volatile “matrix”that drives the ejection of the biomolecules. The simulations reveala remarkable ability of a small (5–10 wt %) amount of matrixto cause the ejection of intact bioorganic molecules. The resultsobtained for different laser fluences and water concentrations areused to establish a “processing map” of the regimesof molecular ejection in matrix-assisted pulsed laser deposition.The computational predictions are supported by the experimental observationof the ejection of intact lysozyme molecules from pressed lysozymetargets containing small amounts of residual water. The results ofthis study suggest a new approach for deposition of thin films ofbioorganic molecules with minimum chemical modification of the molecularstructure and minimum involvement of solvent into the deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This joint Special Issue presents modern approaches in the recent advances in stem cell transplantation for the hematological patient, with a special emphasis on progress in conditioning chemotherapy and cellular therapies. The prospect of providing a definitive alternative therapy for various malignancies, rather than conventional chemotherapy management, is indeed clinically, socially, and economically attractive, due to the huge medical, social, and economic burden that a malignancy imposes. Hematological malignancies are considered to be one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern world. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Thin films of [Cd{SSi(O–Bu t )3}(S2CNEt2)]2, precursor for semiconducting CdS layers, were deposited on silicon substrates by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Structural analysis of the obtained films by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the viability of the procedure. After the deposition of the coordination complex, the layers are manufactured by appropriate thermal treatment of the system (thin film and substrate), according to the thermal analysis of the compound. Surface morphology of the thin films was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic-ellipsometry (SE) measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Thin films of pentacene, i.e. a polycyclic hydrocarbon consisting of five linearly-fused benzene rings, are grown on silicon and quartz (SiO 2) substrates by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) and by using toluene as a frozen matrix (melting point: −95 °C). The thin film samples are subsequently investigated for their optical, morphological and chemical structure, i.e. by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and spectroscopic-ellipsometry (SE). Due to its highly conjugated aromatic behaviour, pentacene exhibits semiconductor properties and has been shown to generate excitons upon absorption of ultra-violet (UV) or visible light. Here, we study the excited state dynamics of pentacene, in bulk and as thin films, after optical excitation, by using femtosecond (fs) time-resolved second harmonic generation (SHG). A pulsed femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser (80 MHz repetition rate, 800 nm, 100 fs) is employed to demonstrate the SHG potential of such polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon simple molecule. The substrates used in studying the films are inert and non-interacting, known to deliver no noteworthy contribution to the SHG signal. Therefore, the pure response of pentacene to the electronic excitation can be resolved in contrast to the measurements on SiO 2. Finally, a comparative discussion of our results is made with respect to literature. This study provides important insights on the excited states dynamics of pentacene, an essential step for understanding the photophysics of simple, linearly-fused arenes. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The growth, morphological, chemical, and optical properties of pentacene films are discussed. • The compound has been shown to generate excitons upon absorption of UV or visible light. • The nonlinear behaviour is highlighted by the regular shape of the emission band. • Strong SHG signal and high resistance to incident laser beam is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present and discuss results on the thermal behaviour of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroacridine (OHA), together with six 9-substituted congeners, i.e. R = -Br, -OCH, -NH, -NO, -OH, and furyl (-CHO), and their corresponding N(10)- oxides, under nitrogen atmosphere and with alumina as reference, at a heating rate of 5 °C min from room temperature to 300 °C. Chromatography has been carried out on aluminium sheets, with aluminium oxide 60 F254 neutral (Merck). Melting effects are observed for almost all compounds in their corresponding curves, precisely determined by using a Boetius apparatus. Homolysis of the carbon-substituent bond occurs in most cases, a phenomenon which is consistent with the values of the bond dissociation energy. For all compounds, except for hydroxyl congeners, thermal decomposition started with an endothermic peak. Octahydroacridines readily decompose into volatile products, an effect which correlates with their low melting points, while little amounts of residue remain in place of the aromatic amines compared to the N(10)-oxides. The presence of N-O bonds greatly influences the thermal stability of the compound, in the sense of increasing it compared with the parent amine. Quantitative studies of the decomposition products reveal that the melting points, the 9-position substituent, and N-O bond all play an important role upon the thermal behaviour. Mechanistic/kinetic pathways are also proposed as such results are important in further designing laser processing protocols, i.e. matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) or laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), for thin film deposition and/or device printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that high-quality pentacene (P5) thin films of high crystallinity and low surface roughness can be produced by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) without inducing chemical degradation of the molecules. By using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements, we also demonstrate that the deposition of P5 on Au layers result in highly disordered P5 thin films. While the P5 molecules arrange within the well-documented 1.54-nm thin-film phase on high-purity fused silica substrates, this ordering is indeed destroyed upon introducing an Au interlayer. This observation may be one explanation for the low electrical performances measured in P5-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) deposited by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 9-substituted 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroacridine-N(10)-oxides is evaluated against 12 bacterial and fungal strains, for their microbicidal and anti-pathogenic features. The largest spectrum of the antibacterial activity is evidenced for the nitro- (2b) and hydroxy- (5b) N -oxides, followed by the amino-N-oxide (3b) . Density functional theory (DFT) modeling of the molecular structure and frontier molecular orbitals, i.e. highest occupied/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO), is accomplished by using the GAMESS 2012 software at M11/ktzvp level of theory in order to find their structural and electronic parameters. We show that the planarity of the molecules and the presence of the electron withdrawing group are advantages for its antimicrobial activity. Finally, we briefly present and discuss results on the processing of such compounds into thin films and hybrid structures by laser-assisted techniques, i.e. matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) or laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), to provide simple and environmental friendly, state-of-the-art solutions for antimicrobial/medical coatings and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) is a promising method of obtaining coatings with unique microstructural features. The present study reports about the development of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings by SPPS using water-based calcium-phosphate solution and about the analyses of their microstructure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that HA was the major crystal phase of the coatings, being present in the range from 95% to 98%. The coatings of greater HA content were obtained while spraying using shorter spray distance. The coating crystallinity ranges from 24% to 69% depending on the temperature at deposition. An increase of the temperature results in greater crystallinity. The obtained coatings' microstructures may be described by dome-like surface and by the columnar-like cross-section when using precursor with low concentration. The use of concentrated solution precursor results in cauliflower-like structures composed of agglomerated fragmented shells and fine spherical particles. The possible phenomena occurring in droplets in contact with the plasma jet and the coating build-up mechanisms were tentatively explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly, one-pot, solvent-free synthesis of biologically active 2-substituted benzimidazoles is presented and discussed herein. Novel N- Mannich bases are synthesized from benzimidazoles, secondary amines and formaldehyde, and their structures are confirmed by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and elemental analysis. All benzimidazole derivatives are evaluated by qualitative and quantitative methods against 9 bacterial strains. The largest microbicide and anti-biofilm effect is observed for the 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) modeling of the molecular structure and frontier molecular orbitals, i.e. highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO), is accomplished by using the GAMESS 2012 software. Antimicrobial activity is correlated with the electronic parameters (chemical hardness, electronic chemical potential, global electrophilicity index), Mullikan atomic charges and geometric parameters of the benzimidazole compounds. The planarity of the compound, symmetry of the molecule, and the presence of a nucleophilic group, are advantages for a high antimicrobial activity. Finally, we briefly show that further accurate processing of such compounds into thin films and hybrid structures, e.g. by laser ablation matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation and/or laser-induced forward transfer, may indeed provide simple and environmental friendly, state-of-the-art solutions for antimicrobial coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed laser ablation of pure bismuth targets in a plasma discharge followed by thermal treatment as preparation method for humidity high-sensitive bismuth trioxide thin films deposited onto Si/Pt substrates were analyzed. Several thin films were deposited at different substrate temperatures during the pulsed laser deposition namely between 300 °C and 600 °C. Near to the electrical investigation, the structure and the morphology of the films as keys features for water adsorption are thoroughly investigated and correlated with their sensitivity as humidity sensors. Thus, it has been found that strong granularized Bi 2 O 3 thin films obtained through oxygen plasma-assisted pulsed laser deposition onto Si/Pt substrate at 500 °C provide the most interesting humidity sensing characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Modifications of Au micro-objects on sapphire by solid-state de-wetting process. • Au triangular nanoplatelets arrays embedded inside VO 2 thin film: a smart composite. • Modulation of the infrared localized surface plasmon resonance using temperature. • Red-shift resonance explained by the formation of a core–shell metallic structure. Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) make systems capable of concentrating and amplifying light intensity at their near surface. Applications ranging from energy harvesting to biological sensors depend on the modulation of LSPR. Through the synthesis and shape modifications of Au quasi-triangular nanoplatelets (QTP) arrays, LSPR modulation from near- to mid- infrared (∼1.5 μm to ∼ 4.5 μm) is revealed. Au QTP arrays are then associated to a thermochromic vanadium dioxide (VO 2) layer leading to a "smart" nanocomposite exhibiting modulated absorptions. The VO 2 layer acts as a phase change material with a tunable dielectric function vs. temperature and represents an active matrix. The dynamics of the geometric changes in QTP arrays and the phase transition of the matrix are directly correlated to the shift of the LSPR position (Δλ LSPR ∼ 675 nm). The experimental data are supported by a theoretical approach via the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method that provides the LSPR characteristics in the various Au QTP array and nanocomposite configurations. The experimental and modelling investigations prove that the red-shift resonance modulation originates from the creation of a temperature-dependent core–shell structure of Au QTP (core) surrounded by a thin metallic VO 2 layer (shell) and embedded into the VO 2 dielectric matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft magnetic materials are at the core of electromagnetic devices. Planar transformers are essential pieces of equipment working at high frequency. Usually, their magnetic core is made of various types of ferrites or iron-based alloys. An upcoming alternative might be the replacement the ferrites with FINEMET-type alloys, of nominal composition of Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu3Nb1 (at. %). FINEMET is a nanocrystalline material exhibiting excellent magnetic properties at high frequencies, a soft magnetic alloy that has been in the focus of interest in the last years thanks to its high saturation magnetization, high permeability, and low core loss. Here, we present and discuss the measured and modelled properties of this material. Owing to the limits of the experimental set-up, an estimate of the total magnetic losses within this magnetic material is made, for values greater than the measurement limits of the magnetic flux density and frequency, with reasonable results for potential applications of FINMET-type alloys and thin films in high frequency planar transformer cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by flexibility, precision, repeatability and eco-friendliness, laser-based technologies have attracted great interest to engineer or to analyze materials in various fields including energy, environment, biology and medicine. A major advantage of laser processing relies on the ability to directly structure matter at different scales and to prepare novel materials with unique physical and chemical properties. It is also a contact-free approach that makes it possible to work in inert or reactive liquid or gaseous environment. This leads today to a unique opportunity for designing, fabricating and even analyzing novel complex bio-systems. To illustrate this potential, in this paper, we gather our recent research on four types of laser-based methods relevant for nano-/micro-scale applications. First, we present and discuss pulsed laser ablation in liquid, exploited today for synthetizing ultraclean "bare" nanoparticles attractive for medicine and tissue engineering applications. Second, we discuss robust methods for rapid surface and bulk machining (subtractive manufacturing) at different scales by laser ablation. Among them, the microsphere-assisted laser surface engineering is detailed for its appropriateness to design structured substrates with hierarchically periodic patterns at nano-/micro-scale without chemical treatments. Third, we address the laser-induced forward transfer, a technology based on direct laser printing, to transfer and assemble a multitude of materials (additive structuring), including biological moiety without alteration of functionality. Finally, the fourth method is about chemical analysis: we present the potential of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, providing a unique tool for contact-free and space-resolved elemental analysis of organic materials. Overall, we present and discuss the prospect and complementarity of emerging reliable laser technologies, to address challenges in materials' preparation relevant for the development of innovative multi-scale and multi-material platforms for bio-applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that develop both in nodal and extranodal sites. The different tissues involved and the highly variable clinicopathological characteristics are linked to the association between the lymphoid neoplastic cells and the tissues they infiltrate. The immune system has developed mechanisms to protect the normal tissue from malignant growth. In this review, we aim to explain how T lymphocyte-driven control is linked to tumor development and describe the tumor-suppressive components of the resistant framework. This manuscript brings forward a new insight with regard to intercellular and intracellular signaling, the immune microenvironment, the impact of therapy, and its predictive implications. A better understanding of the key components of the lymphoma environment is important to properly assess the role of both B and T lymphocytes, as well as their interplay, just as two legendary boxers face each other in a heavyweight title final, as was the case of Ali versus Foreman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by abnormal proliferation and a lack of differentiation of myeloid blasts. Considering the dismal prognosis this disease presents, several efforts have been made to better classify it and offer a tailored treatment to each subtype. This has been formally done by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the AML classification schemes from 2008 and 2016. Nonetheless, there are still mutations that are not currently included in the WHO AML classification, as in the case of some mutations that influence methylation. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine if some of the mutations that influence DNA methylation can be clustered together regarding methylation, expression, and clinical profile. Data from the TCGA LAML cohort were downloaded via cBioPortal. The analysis was performed using R 3.5.2, and the necessary packages for classical statistics, dimensionality reduction, and machine learning. We included only patients that presented mutations in DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1/2, ASXL1, WT1, and KMT2A. Afterwards, mutations that were present in too few patients were removed from the analysis, thus including a total of 57 AML patients. We observed that regarding expression, methylation, and clinical profile, patients with mutated TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 presented a high degree of similarity, indicating the equivalence that these mutations present between themselves. Nonetheless, we did not observe this similarity between DNMT3A- and KMT2A-mutated AML. Moreover, when comparing the hypermethylating group with the hypomethylating one, we also observed important differences regarding expression, methylation, and clinical profile. In the current manuscript we offer additional arguments for the similarity of the studied hypermethylating mutations and suggest that those should be clustered together in further classifications. The hypermethylating and hypomethylating groups formed above were shown to be different from each other considering overall survival, methylation profile, expression profile, and clinical characteristics. In this manuscript, we present additional arguments for the similarity of the effect generated by TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 mutations in AML patients. Thus, we hypothesize that hypermethylating mutations skew the AML cells to a similar phenotype with a possible sensitivity to hypermethylating agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent decades, understanding of the molecular mechanisms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved considerably, resulting in better risk stratification of patients and increased survival rates. Age, white blood cell count (WBC), and specific genetic abnormalities are the most important factors that define risk groups for ALL. State-of-the-art diagnosis of ALL requires cytological and cytogenetical analyses, as well as flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing assays. An important aspect in the diagnostic characterization of patients with ALL is the identification of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, which warrants the addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to the chemotherapy backbone. Data that support the benefit of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in high risk patient subsets or in late relapse patients are still questioned and have yet to be determined conclusive. This article presents the newly published data in ALL workup and treatment, putting it into perspective for the attending physician in hematology and oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]