bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercellular Bioimaging and Biodistribution of Gold Nanoparticle-Loaded Macrophages for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Kim Sehwan , Kang Sung Hun , Byun Soo Hwan , Kim Hye-Jin , Park In-Kyu , Hirschberg Henry , Hong Seok Jin
Published: July 2020

In order to effectively apply nanoparticles to clinical use, macrophages have been used as vehicles to deliver genes, drugs or nanomaterials into tumors. In this study, the effectiveness of macrophage as a drug delivery system was validated by biodistribution imaging modalities at intercellular and ex vivo levels. We focused on biodistribution imaging, namely, the characterization of the gold nanoparticle-loaded macrophages using intracellular holotomography and target delivery efficiency analysis using ex vivo fluorescence imaging techniques. In more detail, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared with trisodium citrate method and loaded into macrophage cells (RAW 264.7). First, AuNPs loading into macrophages was confirmed using the conventional ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Then, the holotomographic imaging was employed to characterize the intracellular biodistribution of the AuNPs-loaded macrophages. The efficacy of target delivery of the well AuNPs uptake macrophages was studied in a mouse model, established via lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. The fluorescent images and the ex vivo ICP-MS evaluated the delivery efficiency of the AuNPs-loaded macrophages. Results revealed that the holotomographic imaging techniques can be promising modalities to understand intracellular biodistribution and ex vivo fluorescence imaging can be useful to validate the target delivery efficacy of the AuNPs-loaded macrophages.
Oxide-Electrolyte Thickness Dependence Diode-Like Threshold Switching and High on/off Ratio Characteristics by Using Al2O3 Based CBRAM
Authors: Senapati Asim , Roy Sourav , Lin Yu-Feng , Dutta Mrinmoy , Maikap Siddheswar
Published: July 2020

Diode-like threshold switching and high on/off ratio characteristics by using an Al/Ag/Al2O3/TiN conductive bridge resistive random access memories (CBRAM) have been obtained. The 5 nm-thick Al2O3 device shows superior memory parameters such as low forming voltage and higher switching uniformity as compared to the 20 nm-thick switching layer, owing to higher electric field across the material. Capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics are observed for the Ag/Al2O3/TiN devices, suggesting the unipolar/bipolar resistive switching phenomena. Negative capacitance (NC) at low frequency proves inductive behavior of the CBRAM devices due to Ag ion migration into the Al2O3 oxide-electrolyte. Thicker Al2O3 film shows diode-like threshold switching behavior with long consecutive 10,000 cycles. It has been found that a thinner Al2O3 device has a larger on/off ratio of >108 as compared to a thicker one. Program/erase (P/E) cycles, read endurance, and data retention of the thinner Al2O3 oxide-electrolyte shows superior phenomena than the thicker electrolyte. The switching mechanism is also explored.
An IoT-Based Framework for Smart Water Supply Systems Management
Authors: Gonçalves Rosiberto , J. M. Soares Jesse , M. F. Lima Ricardo
Published: July 2020

The world’s population growth and climate changes increase the demand for high-quality water. This fact forces humankind to create new water management strategies. Smart cities have successfully applied the Internet of Things (IoT) technology in many sectors. Moreover, Complex Event Processing (CEP) can analyze and process large data sets produced by IoT sensors in real-time. Traditional business processes are too rigid in expressing the dynamic behavior of water supply systems. Every execution path must be explicitly specified. On the other hand, declarative business processes allow execution paths that are not prohibited by the rules, providing more flexibility for water supply managers. This paper joins together IoT, CEP, and declarative processes to create a powerful, efficient, and flexible architecture (REFlex Water) to manage water supply systems. To the knowledge of the authors, REFlex Water is the first solution to combine these technologies in the context of water supply systems. The paper describes the REFlex Water architecture and demonstrates its application to a real water system from a Brazilian municipality. Results are promising, and the managers from the Brazilian water company are expanding the use of REFlex Water to other sectors of their water supply system.
Everybody’s Child: An Exploration of Images of Children that Shocked the World
Authors: Richards Sarah
Published: July 2020

Despite the passivity and vulnerability of childhood as a social construction, the image of the child is both powerful and transformative. Such is the power of images of the child they can and have shaped the history of nation states, shifted policy and become emblematic of a cry for change. In journalism, filmmaking, and news media the child can become the symbol of a nation, a conflict, a tragedy and the failure of policy, or indeed the adult world, to care and protect childhood itself. Using evocative images from across the 20th and 21st century, this paper interrogates how idealised notions of childhood become focal and challenged by images which reveal the death, deprivation and destruction of children. The image of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi’s body on a Turkish Beach in 2015 resonated around the world. It became the biggest trending photo on Twitter within 24 h and graced the front of hundreds of global newspapers the following day. It also demanded a political response, as presidents and prime ministers scrambled to hold press conferences and generate policy to respond to the Syrian and wider so-called Mediterranean crisis. This is just a recent example in a long line of iconic images of ‘the child’ that have shaped policy and shifted hearts and minds. The power and influence of these photographs is traced here to highlight where the discursive vulnerability of a single child becomes emblematic of the failures of the powerful: adults, governments, nation states, and global governance. Using the examples of famine stricken South Sudan (1993) and the ‘migrant crisis’ of the Mediterranean Sea (2015), how these hitherto anonymous children briefly become everybody’s child is explored here.
Heat Diffusion Kernel Algorithm-Based Interpretation of the Disease Intervention Mechanism for DHA
Authors: Quan Yuan , Zhang Hong-Yu , Xiong Jiang-Hui , Xu Rui-Feng , Gao Min
Published: July 2020

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer, congenital disorders, and various chronic diseases. According to the omnigenic hypothesis, these complex diseases are caused by disordered gene regulatory networks comprising dozens to hundreds of core genes and a mass of peripheral genes. However, conventional research on the disease intervention mechanism of DHA only focused on specific types of genes or pathways instead of examining genes at the network level, resulting in conflicting conclusions. In this study, we used HotNet2, a heat diffusion kernel algorithm, to calculate the gene regulatory networks of connectivity map (cMap)-derived agents (including DHA) based on gene expression profiles, aiming to interpret the disease intervention mechanism of DHA at the network level. As a result, significant gene regulatory networks for DHA and 676 cMap-derived agents were identified respectively. The biological functions of the DHA-regulated gene network provide preliminary insights into the mechanism by which DHA intervenes in disease. In addition, we compared the gene regulatory networks of DHA with those of cMap-derived agents, which allowed us to predict the pharmacological effects and disease intervention mechanism of DHA by analogy with similar agents with clear indications and mechanisms. Some of our analysis results were supported by experimental observations. Therefore, this study makes a significant contribution to research on the disease intervention mechanism of DHA at the regulatory network level, demonstrating the potential application value of this methodology in clarifying the mechanisms about nutrients influencing health.
Semen Modulates the Expression of NGF, ABHD2, VCAN, and CTEN in the Reproductive Tract of Female Rabbits
Authors: Gardela Jaume , Jauregi-Miguel Amaia , Martinez Cristina A. , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Lopez-Bejar Manel , Alvarez-Rodriguez Manuel
Published: July 2020

Semen changes the gene expression in endometrial and oviductal tissues modulating important processes for reproduction. We tested the hypothesis that mating and/or sperm-free seminal plasma deposition in the reproductive tract affect the expression of genes associated with sperm-lining epithelium interactions, ovulation, and pre-implantation effects (nerve growth factor, NGF; α/β hydrolase domain-containing protein 2, ABHD2; C-terminal tensin-like protein, CTEN or TNS4; and versican, VCAN) in the period 10–72 h post-mating. In Experiment 1, does (n = 9) were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (control), GnRH-stimulated, and vaginally infused with sperm-free seminal plasma (SP-AI), or GnRH-stimulated and naturally mated (NM). In Experiment 2, does (n = 15) were GnRH-stimulated and naturally mated. Samples were retrieved from the internal reproductive tracts (cervix-to-infundibulum) 20 h post-treatment (Experiment 1) or sequentially collected at 10, 24, 36, 68, or 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2, 3 does/period). All samples were processed for gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR. Data showed an upregulation of endometrial CTEN and NGF by NM, but not by SP-AI. The findings suggest that the NGF gene affects the reproductive tract of the doe during ovulation and beyond, influencing the maternal environment during early embryonic development.
Protein Coding and Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Transcriptional Landscape in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Bronchial Epithelial Cells Highlight a Role for Interferon and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Vishnubalaji Radhakrishnan , Shaath Hibah , Alajez Nehad M.
Published: July 2020

The global spread of COVID-19, caused by pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) underscores the need for an imminent response from medical research communities to better understand this rapidly spreading infection. Employing multiple bioinformatics and computational pipelines on transcriptome data from primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) during SARS-CoV-2 infection revealed activation of several mechanistic networks, including those involved in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interferon lambda (IFNL) in host cells. Induction of acute inflammatory response and activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was prominent in SARS-CoV-2 infected NHBE cells. Additionally, disease and functional analysis employing ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed activation of functional categories related to cell death, while those associated with viral infection and replication were suppressed. Several interferon (IFN) responsive gene targets (IRF9, IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3, IFITM1, MX1, OAS2, OAS3, IFI44 and IFI44L) were highly upregulated in SARS-CoV-2 infected NBHE cell, implying activation of antiviral IFN innate response. Gene ontology and functional annotation of differently expressed genes in patient lung tissues with COVID-19 revealed activation of antiviral response as the hallmark. Mechanistic network analysis in IPA identified 14 common activated, and 9 common suppressed networks in patient tissue, as well as in the NHBE cell model, suggesting a plausible role for these upstream regulator networks in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Our data revealed expression of several viral proteins in vitro and in patient-derived tissue, while several host-derived long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified. Our data highlights activation of IFN response as the main hallmark associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in human, and identified several differentially expressed lncRNAs during the course of infection, which could serve as disease biomarkers, while their precise role in the host response to SARS-CoV-2 remains to be investigated.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and Nursing in Feminist Dystopia: Marianne de Pierres’s Transformation Space (2010)
Authors: Aliaga-Lavrijsen Jessica
Published: July 2020

Marianne de Pierres’s Transformation Space (2010) is a rare example of an Australian novel set in an apocalyptic and dystopic interstellar future where pregnancy, childbearing and nursing have a presence that is quite uncommon in Science Fiction (SF). Despite the fact that the genre of SF and that of space opera in particular have been traditionally quite male-oriented, in the last years feminist theories of several kinds have been an undeniable transformative influence. This article intends to analyse not only how these specifically female issues related to motherhood/mothering are presented in the novel, but also to explore their function and role. A close reading of these topics will show whether they endorse a solid feminist stance or are just colourful feminist details in a male-dominated space opera and, in turn, if they have a specifically narrative purpose in the context of the dystopic subgenre.
Analysis of User Satisfaction with Online Education Platforms in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Tinggui , Peng Lijuan , Yin Xiaohua , Rong Jingtao , Yang Jianjun , Cong Guodong
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in various countries at the end of last year has transferred traditional face-to-face teaching to online education platforms, which directly affects the quality of education. Taking user satisfaction on online education platforms in China as the research object, this paper uses a questionnaire survey and web crawler to collect experience data of online and offline users, constructs a customer satisfaction index system by analyzing emotion and the existing literature for quantitative analysis, and builds aback propagation (BP) neural network model to forecast user satisfaction. The conclusion shows that users’ personal factors have no direct influence on user satisfaction, while platform availability has the greatest influence on user satisfaction. Finally, suggestions on improving the online education platform are given to escalate the level of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, so as to promote the reform of information-based education.
Bank-Specific and Macroeconomic Determinants of Profitability: A Revisit of Pakistani Banking Sector under Dynamic Panel Data Approach
Authors: Rahman Habib-ur , Yousaf Muhammad Waqas , Tabassum Nageena
Published: July 2020

This study aims to examine the effect of the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of profitability for the banking sector of Pakistan. To incorporate the issues of endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and profit persistence, we apply a generalised method of moments (GMM) technique under the Arellano–Bond framework to a panel of Pakistani banks that covers the period 2003–2017. The results of a dynamic panel data approach reveal that capital adequacy accelerates the profitability of the banking sector in Pakistan. Capital adequacy helps the financial system to absorb any negative shock by reducing the number of bank failures and losses. Conversely, our empirical investigation reveals that the liquidity ratio, business mix indicators, interest rates, and industrial production deteriorates the bank profitability. Liquidity risks enhance the probability of default risks and transmit into the unpaid loans and hence the lower return. Our empirical evidence further reveals that Pakistani banks are not getting any benefit of the economies of scale in terms of financial performance.
Ketamine and Ro 25-6981 Reverse Behavioral Abnormalities in Rats Subjected to Dietary Zinc Restriction
Authors: Pochwat Bartłomiej , Domin Helena , Rafało-Ulińska Anna , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Nowak Gabriel
Published: July 2020

Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that zinc (Zn) is an essential factor in the development and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Conventional monoamine-based antidepressants mobilize zinc in the blood and brain of depressed patients as well as rodents. N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonists exhibit antidepressant-like activity. However, not much is known about the antidepressant efficacy of NMDAR antagonists in zinc-deficient (ZnD) animals. We evaluated the antidepressant-like activity of two NMDAR antagonists (ketamine; global NMDAR antagonist and Ro 25-6981 (Ro); selective antagonist of the GluN2B NMDAR subunit) in ZnD rats using the forced swim test (FST) and sucrose intake test (SIT). A single dose of either Ro 25-6981 or ketamine normalized depressive-like behaviors in ZnD rats; however, Ro was effective in both tests, while ketamine was only effective in the FST. Additionally, we investigated the mechanism of antidepressant action of Ro at the molecular (analysis of protein expression by Western blotting) and anatomical (density of dendritic spines by Golgi Cox-staining) levels. ZnD rats exhibited decreased phosphorylation of the p70S6K protein, and enhanced density of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to control rats. The antidepressant-like activity of Ro was associated with the increased phosphorylation of p70S6K and ERK in the PFC. In summary, single doses of the NMDAR antagonists ketamine and Ro exhibited antidepressant-like activity in the ZnD animal model of depression. Animals were only deprived of Zn for 4 weeks and the biochemical effects of Zn deprivation and Ro were investigated in the PFC and hippocampus. The shorter duration of dietary Zn restriction may be a limitation of the study. However, future studies with longer durations of dietary Zn restriction, as well as the investigation of multiple brain structures, are encouraged as a supplement to this study.
Inhalations with Brine Solution from the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine Diminish Airway Hyperreactivity and Inflammation in a Murine Model of Non-Atopic Asthma
Authors: Zając Dominika , Russjan Ewelina , Kostrzon Magdalena , Kaczyńska Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

Inhalations with brine solutions are old but underestimated add-ons to pharmacological treatments of inflammatory lung diseases. Although widely used, not all features underlying their action on the respiratory system have been explored. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of the beneficial action of inhalations of brine solution from the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine, a Polish health resort, in a murine model of non-atopic asthma. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by skin sensitization with dinitrofluorobenzene followed by an intratracheal challenge of cognate hapten. All animals underwent 12 inhalation sessions with brine solution, pure water or physiological saline. Control mice were not inhaled. We found that brine inhalations reduced, as compared to non-inhaled mice, the typical asthma-related symptoms, like airway hyperreactivity (AHR), the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the bronchial tree, and the inflammation of the airways at the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6. The level of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated in brine-inhaled mice. Inhalations with pure water increased AHR, whereas saline had no influence, either on AHR or cytokine concentrations. These observations indicate that inhalations with a brine solution from the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine diminish the asthma-related symptoms, mostly by reducing the inflammatory status and by decreasing AHR.
Hematuria Is Associated with More Severe Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
Authors: Esteras Raquel , Fox Jonathan G. , Geddes Colin C. , Mackinnon Bruce , Ortiz Alberto , Moreno Juan Antonio
Published: July 2020

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury. Although haematuria is a risk factor for the development of renal disease, no previous study has analyzed the significance of haematuria in ATIN. Retrospective, observational analysis of 110 patients with biopsy-proven ATIN was conducted. Results: Haematuria was present in 66 (60%) ATIN patients. A higher percentage of ATIN patients with haematuria had proteinuria than patients without haematuria (89.4% vs. 59.1%, p = 0.001) with significantly higher levels of proteinuria (median (interquartile range) protein:creatinine ratio 902.70 (513–1492) vs. 341.00 (177–734) mg/g, p <0.001). Moreover, those patients with more haematuria intensity had a higher urinary protein:creatinine ratio (1352.65 (665–2292) vs. 849.60 (562–1155) mg/g, p = 0.02). Those patients with higher proteinuria were more likely to need renal replacement therapy (22.7 vs. 0%, p = 0.03) and to suffer relapse (4 vs. 0%, p = 0.03). At the end of follow up, haematuric ATIN patients had higher serum creatinine levels (3.19 ± 2.91 vs. 1.91 ± 1.17 mg/dL, p = 0.007), and a trend towards a higher need for acute dialysis (7 vs. 1%, p = 0.09) and renal replacement therapy (12.1 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.12). Haematuria is common in ATIN and it is associated with worse renal function outcomes.
Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Training for Ugandan Seniors Living with HIV: A Validation Study
Authors: Ezeamama Amara E. , Sikorskii Alla , Sankar Parvathy R. , Nakasujja Noeline , Ssonko Michael , Kaminski Norbert E. , Guwatudde David , Boivin Michael J. , Giordani Bruno
Published: July 2020

The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) for mitigating neurocognitive decline was evaluated in African adults ≥50 years old. Eighty-one Ugandans with (n = 40) and without (n = 41) chronic human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) were allocated CCRT—i.e., 20–45-min cognitive training sessions with culturally adapted video games delivered via Captain’s Log Software, or standard of care (SOC). Pre and post (i.e., 8-weeks later) intervention performance based neurocognitive tests, quality of life (QOL) and frailty related phenotype (FRP) were determined in all respondents. Multivariable linear regression estimated CCRT- vs. SOC-related differences (β) in neurocognitive batteries, QOL and FRP. Effect sizes (ES) for estimated β were calculated. CCRT protocol was completed by 92.8% of persons allocated to it. Regardless of HIV status, CCRT was associated with higher performance in learning tests than SOC—interference list (β = 1.00, 95%CI: (0.02, 1.98); ES = 0.43) and delayed recall (β = 1.04, 95%CI: (0.06, 2.02); ES = 0.47). CCRT effect on verbal fluency was clinically important (ES = 0.38), but statistical significance was not reached (β = 1.25, 95%CI: (−0.09, 2.58)). Among HIV-positive adults, clinically important post-CCRT improvements were noted for immediate recall (ES = 0.69), working memory (ES = 0.51), verbal fluency (ES = 0.51), and timed gait (ES = −0.44) tasks. Among HIV-negative adults, CCRT resulted in moderate post-intervention improvement in learning tests (ES = 0.45) and large decline in FRP (ES = −0.71), without a positive effect on simple attention and visuomotor coordination tasks. CCRT intervention is feasible among older Ugandan adults with potential benefit for learning and verbal fluency tests regardless of HIV status and lowering FRP in HIV-negative older adults.
High Revision Rates of a Cementless Beta-Titanium Alloy Stem with Contamination-Free Roughened Surface in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Stenicka Sandra , Hanreich Carola , Babeluk Rita , Kubista Bernd , Giurea Alexander , Sigmund Irene Katharina , Windhager Reinhard , Kotz Rainer , Lass Richard
Published: July 2020

Optimal osseointegration of cementless total hip arthroplasty is essential for high stability and long-term survival. The purpose of this follow-up study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome, the complications, and survival rates of a beta-titanium alloy stem with a specific grit-blasted-free surface. In 192 patients (mean age of 64.4 years), 202 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties were performed using a cementless Hipstar® stem (Stryker, Duisburg, DE). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively. Radiolucent lines were evaluated and the implant survival rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The mean follow-up was 7.71 years (range of 5.0–14.0 years). Overall, 15 revisions were performed. Early aseptic stem loosening was observed in six cases (2.97%). Radiolucent-lines adjacent to the stem were detected in 73 cases (83.02%), especially (70.46%) in the Gruen zones 1, 7, 8, and 14. The mean postoperative HHS was 92.65 points (range 42–100). The cumulative survival probability of the stem was 94.4% (95% CI 90.3 to 98.5%). Considering aseptic failure as an endpoint, the cumulative survival rate of the stem was 95.3% (95% CI 0.914 to 0.992) at six years of follow-up. Overall, an inferior mid-term implant survival was observed in comparison to well-established cementless stem designs.
Prediabetes Is Independently Associated with Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis: An Observational Study in a Non-Urban Mediterranean Population
Authors: Vilanova Maria Belén , Franch-Nadal Josep , Falguera Mireia , Marsal Josep Ramon , Canivell Sílvia , Rubinat Esther , Miró Neus , Molló Àngels , Mata-Cases Manel , Gratacòs Mònica , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Mauricio Dídac
Published: July 2020

This was a prospective, observational study to compare the burden of subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by carotid ultrasonography in a cohort of subjects with prediabetes vs. subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) from a non-urban Mediterranean population. Atherosclerosis was assessed through carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT), the presence/absence of carotid plaques, and plaque number. Among 550 subjects included, 224 (40.7%) had prediabetes. The mean c-IMT and the prevalence of carotid plaque were significantly higher in the prediabetes group compared to the NGT group (0.72 vs. 0.67 mm, p < 0.001; and 37.9% vs. 19.6%; p < 0.001, respectively). Older age, male gender, and increased systolic blood pressure were positively correlated with c-IMT and were independent predictors of the presence of plaques. In contrast, prediabetes and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-c were predictors of the presence of plaque (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–2.57; p = 0.03 and OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.02; p = 0.006, respectively) together with tobacco exposure and the leukocyte count (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.08–2.89; p = 0.023 and OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.05–1.38; p = 0.008, respectively). In a non-urban Mediterranean population, prediabetes was associated with established subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. These findings could have implications for the prevention and treatment of CV risk in these subjects before the first symptoms of cardiovascular disease appear.
Minimal Residual Disease in Multiple Myeloma: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Mina Roberto , Oliva Stefania , Boccadoro Mario
Published: July 2020

Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection represents a sensitive tool to appropriately measure the response obtained with therapies for multiple myeloma (MM). The achievement of MRD negativity has superseded the conventional complete response (CR) and has been proposed as a surrogate endpoint for progression-free survival and overall survival. Several techniques are available for the detection of MRD inside (next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry) and outside (PET/CT, magnetic resonance) the bone marrow, and their complementary use allows a precise definition of the efficacy of anti-myeloma treatments. This review summarizes MRD data and results from previous clinical trials, highlights open issues related to the role of MRD in MM and discusses how MRD could be implemented in clinical practice to inform on patient prognosis and drive therapeutic decisions.
Antimicrobial Activity of Hybrid Nanomaterials Based on Star and Linear Polymers of N,N′-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate with In Situ Produced Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Teper Paulina , Sotirova Anna , Mitova Violeta , Oleszko-Torbus Natalia , Utrata-Wesołek Alicja , Koseva Neli , Kowalczuk Agnieszka , Mendrek Barbara
Published: July 2020

Well-defined linear and multi-arm star polymer structures were used as the templates for in situ synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This approach led to hybrid nanomaterials with high stability and antibacterial activity to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The ecologically friendly so called “green” synthesis of nanomaterials was performed through AgNPs preparation in the aqueous solutions of star and linear poly(N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)s (PDMAEMAs); the process was followed with time. The size, shape, and zeta potential of the obtained hybrids were determined. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the antibacterial activity of PDMAEMA hybrid nanomaterial against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated and assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biocidal concentration (MBC). Completely quaternized with ethyl bromide, star and linear PDMAEMAs were used in comparative biological tests. The modification of the polymers with in situ-formed AgNPs increased the antibacterial properties against all studied strains of bacteria by several times in comparison to non-modified polymers and quaternized polymers. These results yield novel nanohybrid materials that can be useful for applications in medicine and biology.
Green and Durable Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: The Role of Waste and Recycled Materials
Authors: Wang Jiyu , Zheng Kai , Cui Na , Cheng Xin , Ren Kai , Hou Pengkun , Feng Lichao , Zhou Zonghui , Xie Ning
Published: July 2020

Lightweight aggregate concrete manufactured by solid waste or recycled by-products is a burgeoning topic in construction and building materials. It has significant merits in mitigating the negative impact on the environment during the manufacturing of Portland cement and reduces the consumption of natural resources. In this review article, the agricultural and industrial wastes and by-products, which were used as cementitious materials and artificial lightweight aggregate concrete, are summarized. Besides, the mechanical properties, durability, and a few advanced microstructure characterization methods were reviewed as well. This review also provides a look to the future research trends that may help address the challenges or further enhance the environmental benefits of lightweight aggregate concrete manufactured with solid waste and recycled by-products.
Recent Advances in the Control of the Degradation Rate of PEO Treated Magnesium and Its Alloys for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Monetta Tullio , Parnian Pooyan , Acquesta Annalisa
Published: July 2020

Mg and Mg alloys have been studied for almost two centuries; nevertheless, commercial biomedical devices are still not available. The main issue that limits their use in the biomedical field is the rapid degradation rate combined with suitable surface properties. Novel approaches need to be designed for the development of biodegradable Mg-based devices, which could include the use of multifunctional coatings and/or new alloys designed “ad hoc”. The present article reviews on various properties, parameters and improvement methods concerning plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on Mg alloys substrates for biomedical applications. In this regard, (i) optimizing the PEO parameters, (ii) using additives and nanoparticles, (iii) creating combined layers of hard and/or soft particles, (iv) coating the PEO layer with a biodegradable polymer, could be the way to control their degradation rate. The review of recent scientific articles highlights that none of the techniques proposed may be preferred over the others and the need to deepen the studies for allowing the use of Mg-based devices in the biomedical field.
Removal of Phosphorus from Wastewater by Different Morphological Alumina
Authors: Sun Jianchuan , Gao Awang , Wang Xuhui , Xu Xiangyu , Song Jiaqing
Published: July 2020

In this work, an organic-free method was used to synthesize different morphological boehmite by controlling the crystallization temperature, and alumina adsorbents were obtained by baking the boehmites at 500 °C. The alumina adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, and their phosphorus adsorption properties were comparatively investigated by a series of experiments. The results showed that the self-prepared alumina adsorbents were lamellar and fibrous material, while the industrial adsorbent was a granular material. The lamellar alumina adsorbents had the largest specific surface area and showed better phosphorus adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity could reach up to 588.2 mg·g−1; and only 0.8 g·L−1 of lamellar alumina adsorbent is needed to treat 100 mg·L−1 phosphorus solution under the Chinese level 1 discharge standard (0.5 mg·L−1). Further investigation suggests that the lamellar alumina adsorbent kept high adsorption capacity in various solution environments.
Advances in Quantum-Dot-Based Displays
Authors: Huang Yu-Ming , Singh Konthoujam James , Liu An-Chen , Lin Chien-Chung , Chen Zhong , Wang Kai , Lin Yue , Liu Zhaojun , Wu Tingzhu , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: July 2020

In terms of their use in displays, quantum dots (QDs) exhibit several advantages, including high illumination efficiency and color rendering, low-cost, and capacity for mass production. Furthermore, they are environmentally friendly. Excellent luminescence and charge transport properties of QDs led to their application in QD-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which have attracted considerable attention in display and solid-state lighting applications. In this review, we discuss the applications of QDs which are used on color conversion filter that exhibit high efficiency in white LEDs, full-color micro-LED devices, and liquid-type structure devices, among others. Furthermore, we discuss different QD printing processes and coating methods to achieve the full-color micro-LED. With the rise in popularity of wearable and see-through red, green, and blue (RGB) full-color displays, the flexible substrate is considered as a good potential candidate. The anisotropic conductive film method provides a small controllable linewidth of electrically conductive particles. Finally, we discuss the advanced application for flexible full-color and highly efficient QD micro-LEDs. The general conclusion of this study also involves the demand for a more straightforward QD deposition technique, whose breakthrough is expected.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Prussian Blue Electrochemically Deposited at ZrO2 Doped Carbon Nanotubes Glassy Carbon Modified Electrode
Authors: Jerez-Masaquiza Marlon Danny , Fernández Lenys , González Gema , Montero-Jiménez Marjorie , Espinoza-Montero Patricio J.
Published: July 2020

In this work, a new hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrochemical sensor was fabricated. Prussian blue (PB) was electrodeposited on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with zirconia doped functionalized carbon nanotubes (ZrO2-fCNTs), (PB/ZrO2-fCNTs/GC). The morphology and structure of the nanostructured system were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), specific surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Zirconia nanocrystallites (6.6 ± 1.8 nm) with cubic crystal structure were directly synthesized on the fCNTs walls, obtaining a well dispersed distribution with a high surface area. The experimental results indicate that the ZrO2-fCNTs nanostructured system exhibits good electrochemical properties and could be tunable by enhancing the modification conditions and method of synthesis. The fabricated sensor could be used to efficiently detect H2O2, presenting a good linear relationship between the H2O2 concentration and the peak current, with quantification limit (LQ) of the 10.91 μmol·L−1 and detection limit (LD) of 3.5913 μmol·L−1.
Impaired Daytime Urinary Sodium Excretion Impacts Nighttime Blood Pressure and Nocturnal Dipping at Older Ages in the General Population
Authors: Del Giorno Rosaria , Troiani Chiara , Gabutti Sofia , Stefanelli Kevyn , Puggelli Sandro , Gabutti Luca
Published: July 2020

The circadian rhythm of urinary sodium excretion is related to the diurnal blood pressure regulation (BP) and the nocturnal dipping pattern. The renal sodium excretion expressed as daytime/nighttime ratio impacts BP, but a limited number of studies have investigated this topic to date. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the impact of different daily patterns of sodium excretion (comparing low with high ratios) on BP and nocturnal dipping and to explore the relationship with age. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and daytime and nighttime urinary sodium collections were used to assess 1062 subjects in Switzerland. Analyses were performed according to the day/night urinary sodium excretion ratio quartiles (Q1–Q4) and by age group (≤50 and ≥50 years). Subjects in Q1 can be considered low excretors of sodium during the daytime since the rate of sodium excretion during the daytime was 40% lower than that of subjects in Q4. Quartiles of the day/night urinary sodium excretion ratio showed that subjects in Q1 were 7 years older and had respectively 6 and 5 mmHg higher nighttime systolic and diastolic BP and a higher nocturnal dipping compared with subjects in Q4 (p-value ≤0.001). Associations found were significant only for subjects older than 50 years (all p < 0.05). The present results suggest that a decreased capacity to excrete sodium during daytime is more prevalent as age increases and that it impacts nighttime blood pressure and nocturnal dipping in older subjects.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Low Folate and Vitamin B12 Are Associated with Vascular Dysfunction and Impaired Nitric Oxide Sensitivity in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Haloul Mohamed , Vinjamuri Smita Jagdish , Naquiallah Dina , Mirza Mohammed Imaduddin , Qureshi Maryam , Hassan Chandra , Masrur Mario , Bianco Francesco M. , Frederick Patrice , Cristoforo Giulianotti P. , Gangemi Antonio , Ali Mohamed M. , Phillips Shane A. , Mahmoud Abeer M.
Published: July 2020

There is a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia that has been linked to high cardiovascular risk in obese individuals and could be attributed to poor nutritional status of folate and vitamin B12. We sought to examine the association between blood homocysteine (Hcy) folate, and vitamin B12 levels and vascular dysfunction in morbidly obese adults using novel ex vivo flow-induced dilation (FID) measurements of isolated adipose tissue arterioles. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was also measured. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from morbidly obese individuals and non-obese controls. Resistance arterioles were isolated in which FID, acetylcholine-induced dilation (AChID), and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured in the absence or presence of the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, Hcy, or the superoxide dismutase mimetic, TEMPOL. Our results demonstrated that plasma Hcy concentrations were significantly higher, while folate, vitamin B12, and NO were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to controls. Hcy concentrations correlated positively with BMI, fat %, and insulin levels but not with folate or vitamin B12. Brachial and arteriolar vasodilation were lower in obese subjects, positively correlated with folate and vitamin B12, and inversely correlated with Hcy. Arteriolar NO measurements and sensitivity to L-NAME were lower in obese subjects compared to controls. Finally, Hcy incubation reduced arteriolar FID and NO sensitivity, an effect that was abolished by TEMPOL. In conclusion, these data suggest that high concentrations of plasma Hcy and low concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 could be independent predictors of vascular dysfunction in morbidly obese individuals.
Changes in Weight and Nutritional Habits in Adults with Obesity during the “Lockdown” Period Caused by the COVID-19 Virus Emergency
Authors: Pellegrini Marianna , Ponzo Valentina , Rosato Rosalba , Scumaci Elena , Goitre Ilaria , Benso Andrea , Belcastro Sara , Crespi Chiara , De Michieli Franco , Ghigo Ezio , Broglio Fabio , Bo Simona
Published: July 2020

Our aim is evaluating the changes in weight and dietary habits in a sample of outpatients with obesity after 1 month of enforced lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy. In this observational retrospective study, the patients of our Obesity Unit were invited to answer to a 12-question multiple-choice questionnaire relative to weight changes, working activity, exercise, dietary habits, and conditions potentially impacting on nutritional choices. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations among weight/BMI changes and the analyzed variables. A total of 150 subjects (91.5%) completed the questionnaire. Mean self-reported weight gain was ≈1.5 kg (p < 0.001). Lower exercise, self-reported boredom/solitude, anxiety/depression, enhanced eating, consumption of snacks, unhealthy foods, cereals, and sweets were correlated with a significantly higher weight gain. Multiple regression analyses showed that increased education (inversely, β = −1.15; 95%CI −2.13, −0.17, p = 0.022), self-reported anxiety/depression (β = 1.61; 0.53, 2.69, p = 0.004), and not consuming healthy foods (β = 1.48; 0.19, 2.77, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with increased weight gain. The estimated direct effect of self-reported anxiety/depression on weight was 2.07 kg (1.07, 3.07, p < 0.001). Individuals with obesity significantly gained weight 1 month after the beginning of the quarantine. The adverse mental burden linked to the COVID-19 pandemic was greatly associated with increased weight gain.
Associations among Sleep Quality, Changes in Eating Habits, and Overweight or Obesity after Studying Abroad among International Students in South Korea
Authors: Doo Miae , Wang Chunyang
Published: July 2020

International students are experiencing health problems due to many lifestyle changes, such as those in dietary and sleep patterns. We conducted this study to identify the associations among sleep patterns, changes in eating habits after studying abroad, and overweight or obesity in international students. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on health-related variables, changes in eating habits after studying abroad, and sleep patterns that were collected from 225 international students in South Korea. Approximately half of the participants experienced poor sleep (47.6%). After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, nationality, and acculturative stress, the subjects who had poor sleep quality were 2.020-fold (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 1.045–3.906) more likely to be overweight and obese than those who had good sleep quality. There were significant differences in changes of eating habits after studying abroad according to sleep quality (p < 0.001). When subjects were stratified into groups according to changes in eating habits after studying abroad, the risk of overweight and obesity increased in those with poor sleep quality but not in those with good sleep quality among subjects who had changes in bad eating habits. However, the risk of overweight and obesity did not differ among subjects with changes in good eating habits regardless of their sleep quality.
Dermacentor reticulatus and Babesia canis in Bavaria (Germany)—A Georeferenced Field Study with Digital Habitat Characterization
Authors: Silaghi Cornelia , Weis Lisa , Pfister Kurt
Published: July 2020

The hard tick Dermacentor reticulatus transmits Babesia canis, the causative agent of canine babesiosis. Both the occurrence and local distribution of D. reticulatus as well as infection rates of questing ticks with B. canis are thus far poorly known in Bavaria, Germany. The objectives of this study were to conduct (1) a georeferenced field study on the occurrence of D. reticulatus with digital habitat characterization and (2) a PCR analysis of D. reticulatus collected in Bavaria for infection with B. canis. Dermacentor reticulatus were collected by flagging at 60 sites specifically selected according to habitat conditions and screened individually for Babesia DNA. A digital habitat characterization for D. reticulatus was performed according to results of the field analysis including the parameters land use, proximity to water, “potential natural vegetation”, red deer corridors and climate data. Altogether, 339 D. reticulatus ticks (214 females and 125 males) were collected between 2010 and 2013 at 12 out of 60 sampling sites. All 12 sites were characterized by high humidity with marshy areas. Babesia canis DNA was detected in 1 out of 301 (0.3%) questing D. reticulatus in Bavaria. The digital habitat characterization revealed 15 forest areas in Bavaria with similar ecological characteristics as the sites positive for D. reticulatus.
Mechanisms of Oncogenesis by HTLV-1 Tax
Authors: Mohanty Suchitra , Harhaj Edward W.
Published: July 2020

The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a neoplasm of CD4+CD25+ T cells that occurs in 2–5% of infected individuals after decades of asymptomatic latent infection. Multiple HTLV-1-encoded regulatory proteins, including Tax and HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ), play key roles in viral persistence and latency. The HTLV-1 Tax oncoprotein interacts with a plethora of host cellular proteins to regulate viral gene expression and also promote the aberrant activation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB to drive clonal proliferation and survival of T cells bearing the HTLV-1 provirus. Tax undergoes various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination that regulate its function and subcellular localization. Tax shuttles in different subcellular compartments for the activation of anti-apoptotic genes and deregulates the cell cycle with the induction of DNA damage for the accumulation of genomic instability that can result in cellular immortalization and malignant transformation. However, Tax is highly immunogenic and therefore HTLV-1 has evolved numerous strategies to tightly regulate Tax expression while maintaining the pool of anti-apoptotic genes through HBZ. In this review, we summarize the key findings on the oncogenic mechanisms used by Tax that set the stage for the development of ATLL, and the strategies used by HTLV-1 to tightly regulate Tax expression for immune evasion and viral persistence.