Biocatalytic degradation is an emerging strategy aiming for energy-efficient recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), the most commonly used thermoplastic polyester. Besides material composition and physico-chemical parameters, the degradation kinetics is co-determined by the evolving nanotopography. In this study, the 3-dimensional development of the surface characteristics of an amorphous PET film, reacted with a highly effective hydrolase enzyme for up to 24 h, was explored by vertical scanning interferometry and confocal microscopy. The spatio-temporal analysis unveiled that the degradation process is not uniform with respect to reaction time and spatial reactivity distribution. An early phase of an unspecific roughness evolution is followed by an advanced phase characterized by a circular degradation pattern, consisting of shallow pits that are steadily renewed over time. The data suggest a hindrance of degradation during the initial roughening process, demonstrating the potential role of targeted surface modification in the large-scale treatment of plastic waste.

Substance abuse among adolescents is a significant public health challenge. This article reviews changes to the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement recommending the use of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment) to screen adolescents for substance abuse.

Data gathered included patient demographics, past medical and family history, specialty of ordering provider, inpatient or outpatient setting, PIDD panel results, genetic counseling, and changes to treatment. RESULTS: Of the 97 patients that had the panel performed, 72% were ordered in the outpatient setting. The most common ordering specialties were Immunology (36%), Rheumatology (22%), Hematology/ Immunology/Rheumatology multidisciplinary clinic (19%), and Hematology (11%). 31 pathogenic variants, 16 increased-risk variants, and 219 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were discovered. Sixteen patients had clinically significant mutations, eight patients had a diagnosis established, and two patients required bone marrow transplant (ICF syndrome; hypomorphic RAG1 SCID). Twenty-five patients required further functional or genetic testing. Eight patients had negative panels. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients who had a PIDD gene panel as part of their work-up, 8% of patients had a diagnosis established, 16% had clinically significant variants identified, and 26% required further functional or genetic testing. Two patients underwent a bone marrow transplant based on the diagnosis. Genetic testing for PIDDs has the potential to alter treatment options, provide prognostic information, and change counseling recommendations.

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