Our theoretical results clarify the strain-induced interplay between the band gap and optical properties to propose a wide range of applications in nano-optoelectronics.Symmetry indicates that low energy spectra of materials could be richer than well-known Dirac, semi-Dirac, or quadratic, hosting some unusual quasiparticles. AdipoRon Performing the systematic study of exact forms of low energy effective Hamiltonians and dispersions in high-symmetry points with fourfold degeneracy of bands, we found new, previously unreported dispersion, which we named poppy flower after its shape. This massless fermion exists in non-magnetic two-dimensional (2D) crystals with spin-orbit coupling, which are invariant under one of the proposed ten noncentrosymmetric layer groups. We suggest real 3D layered materials suitable for exfoliation, having layers that belong to these symmetry groups as candidates for realization of poppy flower fermions. In 2D systems without spin-orbit interaction, fortune teller-like fermions were theoretically predicted, and afterward experimentally verified in the electronic structure of surface layer of silicon. Herein, we show that such fermions can also be hosted in 2D crystals with spin-orbit coupling, invariant under additional two noncentrosymmetric layer groups. This prediction is confirmed by density functional based calculation layered BiIO4, which has been synthesized already as a 3D crystal, exfoliates to stable monolayer with symmetry pb2_1a, and fortune teller fermion is observed in the band structure. Analytically calculated density of states of the poppy flower shows semimetallic characteristic, in contrast to metallic nature of fortune teller having non-zero density of states at the bands contact energy. We indicate possibilities for symmetry breaking patterns which correspond to the robustness of the proposed dispersions as well as to the transition from Dirac centrosymmetric semimetal to poppy flower.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a central nervous system immune disease with a high recurrence rate and high disability rate. Frequent relapses often cause the accumulation of neurological dysfunction, leading to permanent blindness, paralysis or even death. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the IL-6 receptor and was the first anti-IL6-R mAb tested for the treatment of NMOSD. Our meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in NMOSD patients.

Relevant studies published prior to May 2020 were retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov databases using the following keywords ‘neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders’ or ‘NMOSD’ and ‘tocilizumab’ or ‘TCZ’. Two authors independently selected the articles and extracted the data. Differences in the annualized relapse rate (ARR) ratio, relapse-free status and EDSS score before and after TCZ therapy were used as the main efficacy measures, and recorded adverse effects were also extracted. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version5.3 software.

Five clinical trials comprising a total of 89patients were selected. Meta-analysis showed that significantly fewer ARR ratio was encountered in after tocilizumab therapy group (MD=-2.25; 95% CI=-2.62 to -1.87; P<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the proportion of patients with relapse-free NMOSD and tocilizumab therapy (OR=67.78; 95% CI=19.23 to 238.97; P<0.001). Adverse effects were recorded in 75 of 89 (84%) patients treated with tocilizumab, but most adverse effects were mild.

The present meta-analysis suggested that tocilizumab is a relatively effective and safe treatment for NMOSD.

The present meta-analysis suggested that tocilizumab is a relatively effective and safe treatment for NMOSD.

Patient-reported treatment satisfaction is associated with medication adherence and persistence, making it increasingly important in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population, where disease modifying treatments (DMTs) can be vital in preventing accumulation of disability. Therefore, the valid assessment of treatment satisfaction is critical in MS care. The current study aimed to examine the validity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – General Treatment Satisfaction (FACIT-TS-G) in an MS population.

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) data were collected from 555 MS patients (mean age 47.99±11.57; 76.4% female; 78.7% White/Caucasian) as part of routine clinical care. The FACIT-TS-G reliability, validity, and factor structure were examined. FACIT-TS-G scores were compared between DMT administration type (oral, injection, infusion) and examined as a possible predictor of switching DMT type at 1-to-2-year follow-up.

The FACIT-TS-G showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.836), convergent validity, and known-group validity. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a single factor. DMT infusion administration was associated with slightly greater FACIT-TS-G scores than injection (p=0.013, 95% CI 0.269, 2.273) and oral administration (p=0.030, 95% CI 0.087, 1.717). FACIT-TS-G scores did not predict the likelihood of switching DMT type at follow-up (p>0.05).

Our findings support the use of the FACIT-TS-G as a PRO measure of treatment satisfaction in MS. Moreover, results suggest DMT administration via infusion is associated with greater treatment satisfaction. Future research is needed to examine treatment satisfaction in the context of other outcomes.

Our findings support the use of the FACIT-TS-G as a PRO measure of treatment satisfaction in MS. Moreover, results suggest DMT administration via infusion is associated with greater treatment satisfaction. Future research is needed to examine treatment satisfaction in the context of other outcomes.

To estimate differences in treatment costs and health outcomes between non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

We collected data on costs and reimbursements for patients who underwent HSCT for RRMS at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago (USA) between January 2017 and January 2019. The costs of HSCT were compared against those for DMTs in the United States, obtained from the literature. We also conducted a literature review to interpret the cost comparisons in terms of disease control and patients’ wellbeing defined as no evidence of disease activity (NEDA), neurologic disability by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and quality of life by the short form SF-36, respectively.

Outside of the data, herein, no other studies on cost of HSCT for RRMS were found in the literature. HSCT mean total costs, based on our own hospital, were $85,184 (range $70,635 to $120,260).