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Purpose: To perform a quantitative multimodal evaluation in 25 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) without ocular complaints and to compare them with 25 healthy individuals. Methods: A structural and functional ophthalmological evaluation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microperimetry (MP) exam in 25 patients with PAPS, followed at a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic, was performed. All ophthalmologic manifestations were documented and subsequent statistical analysis was performed for comparative purposes, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: We included 100 eyes of 50 subjects (25 patients with PAPS without ocular complaints and 25 healthy individuals). Quantitative OCTA assessment revealed significant differences between PAPS patients and controls in both the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) using high-speed protocol, as well as in the SVC in the high-resolution protocol. Analysis of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters showed a larger area of FAZ in the DVC in PAPS patients using the high-speed method compared to the control group (p = 0.047). In MP quantitative analysis, the PAPS group exhibited lower central (p = 0.041) and global (p < 0.001) retinal sensitivity compared to the control group, along with sectoral differences, except in the inferior sector. Conclusions: PAPS patients present lower vascular density and retinal sensitivity compared to the control group, even in patients without paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Our findings underscore the significance of ocular evaluation beyond symptomatic assessment in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP‐ALL) blasts strictly depend on the transport of extra‐cellular asparagine (Asn), yielding a rationale for L‐asparaginase (ASNase) therapy. However, the carriers used by ALL blasts for Asn transport have not been identified yet. Exploiting RS4;11 cells as BCP‐ALL model, we have found that cell Asn is lowered by either silencing or inhibition of the transporters ASCT2 or SNAT5. The inhibitors V‐9302 (for ASCT2) and GluγHA (for SNAT5) markedly lower cell proliferation and, when used together, suppress mTOR activity, induce autophagy and cause a severe nutritional stress, leading to a proliferative arrest and a massive cell death in both the ASNase‐sensitive RS4;11 cells and the relatively ASNase‐insensitive NALM‐6 cells. The cytotoxic effect is not prevented by coculturing leukaemic cells with primary mesenchymal stromal cells. Leukaemic blasts of paediatric ALL patients express ASCT2 and SNAT5 at diagnosis and undergo marked cytotoxicity when exposed to the inhibitors. ASCT2 expression is positively correlated with the minimal residual disease at the end of the induction therapy. In conclusion, ASCT2 and SNAT5 are the carriers exploited by ALL cells to transport Asn, and ASCT2 expression is associated with a lower therapeutic response. ASCT2 may thus represent a novel therapeutic target in BCP‐ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeing the atomic configuration of single organic nanoparticles at a sub-Å spatial resolution by transmission electron microscopy has been so far prevented by the high sensitivity of soft matter to radiation damage. This difficulty is related to the need to irradiate the particle with a total dose of a few electrons/Å2, not compatible with the electron beam density necessary to search the low-contrast nanoparticle, to control its drift, finely adjust the electron-optical conditions and particle orientation, and finally acquire an effective atomic-resolution image. On the other hand, the capability to study individual pristine nanoparticles, such as proteins, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and polymers, with peculiar sensitivity to the variation in the local structure, defects, and strain, would provide advancements in many fields, including materials science, medicine, biology, and pharmacology. Here, we report the direct sub-ångström-resolution imaging at room temperature of pristine unstained crystalline polymer-based nanoparticles. This result is obtained by combining low-dose in-line electron holography and phase-contrast imaging on state-of-the-art equipment, providing an effective tool for the quantitative sub-ångström imaging of soft matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the factors that influence individuals' belief in fake news? A structured survey was conducted to examine the impact of cognitive, emotional, and personality factors on the perceived accuracy of fake news. This study utilizes certain facets of the Personality Inventory of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (PID‐5‐Adult trait) to investigate the phenomenon of fake news. Using actual fake news headlines encountered on Facebook, the study revealed that individuals with high levels of psychoticism, impulsivity, suspiciousness, and low analytical reasoning abilities are more likely to believe fake news. Furthermore, the study found that fear induced by news content significantly influences by impeding rational, factual analysis. These findings suggest that while social media platforms contribute to the dissemination of fake news, individual vulnerabilities also play a crucial role. These findings could be useful for the development of digital literacy programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SLC38A5/SNAT5 is a system N transporter that can mediate net inward or outward transmembrane fluxes of neutral amino acids coupled with Na+ (symport) and H+ (antiport). Its preferential substrates are not only amino acids with side chains containing amide (glutamine and asparagine) or imidazole (histidine) groups, but also serine, glycine, and alanine are transported by the carrier. Expressed in the pancreas, intestinal tract, brain, liver, bone marrow, and placenta, it is regulated at mRNA and protein levels by mTORC1 and WNT/b-catenin pathways, and it is sensitive to pH, nutritional stress, inflammation, and hypoxia. SNAT5 expression has been found to be altered in pathological conditions such as chronic inflammatory diseases, gestational complications, chronic metabolic acidosis, and malnutrition. Growing experimental evidence shows that SNAT5 is overexpressed in several types of cancer cells. Moreover, recently published results indicate that SNAT5 expression in stromal cells can support the metabolic exchanges occurring in the tumor microenvironment of asparagine-auxotroph tumors. We review the functional role of the SNAT5 transporter in pathophysiology and propose that, due to its peculiar operational and regulatory features, SNAT5 may play important pro-cancer roles when expressed either in neoplastic or in stromal cells of glutamine-auxotroph tumors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The transporter SLC38A5/SNAT5 provides net influx or efflux of glutamine, asparagine, and serine. These amino acids are of particular metabolic relevance in several conditions. Changes in transporter expression or activity have been described in selected types of human cancers, where SNAT5 can mediate amino acid exchanges between tumor and stromal cells, thus providing a potential therapeutic target. This is the first review that recapitulates the characteristics and roles of the transporter in physiology and pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to perform a multimodal ophthalmological evaluation, including optical coherence angiography (OCTA), asymptomatic APS secondary to SLE (APS/SLE), and compare to SLE patients and control group (CG). We performed a complete structural/functional ophthalmological evaluation using OCTA/microperimetry exam in all participants. One hundred fifty eyes/75 asymptomatic subjects [APS/SLE (n = 25), SLE (n = 25), and CG (n = 25)] were included. Ophthalmologic abnormalities occurred in 9 (36%) APS/SLE, 11 (44%) SLE, and none of CG (p < 0.001). The most common retinal finding was Drusen-like deposits (DLDs) exclusively in APS/SLE and SLE (16% vs. 24%, p = 0.75) whereas severe changes occurred solely in APS/SLE [2 paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and 1 homonymous quadrantanopsia]. A trend of higher frequency of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) triple positivity (100% vs. 16%, p = 0.05) and higher mean values of adjusted Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (aGAPSS) (14 ± 0 vs. 9.69 ± 3.44, p = 0.09) was observed in APS/SLE with PAMM vs. those without this complication. We identified that ophthalmologic retinal abnormalities occurred in more than 1/4 of asymptomatic APS/SLE and SLE. DLDs are the most frequent with similar frequencies in both conditions whereas PAMM occurred exclusively in APS/SLE patients. The possible association of the latter condition with aPL triple positivity and high aGAPSS suggests these two conditions may underlie the retinal maculopathy. Our findings in asymptomatic patients reinforce the need for early surveillance in these patients. Key Points • Retinal abnormalities occur in more than 1/4 of asymptomatic APS/SLE and SLE patients. • The occurrence of PAMM is possibly associated with APS and DLDs with SLE. • Presence of aPL triple positivity and high aGAPSS seem to be risk factors for PAMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of off-odors from mechanically recycled plastics severely limits their re-introduction into the market for the production of new objects, for the same use or even for less demanding applications, thus hindering the implementation of an effective circular economy for plastics. The addition of adsorbing agents during the extrusion of polymers represents one of the most promising strategy to reduce the odorous emissions of plastics, due to its characteristics of cost-effectiveness, flexibility and low energy consumption. The novelty of this work lies in the assessment of zeolites as VOC adsorbents during the extrusion of recycled plastics. They appear more suitable than other types of adsorbents, due to their ability to capture and "hold" the adsorbed substances at the high temperatures of the extrusion process. Moreover, the effectiveness of this deodorization strategy was compared with the traditional degassing technique. Two types of mixed polyolefin wastes, coming from completely different collection and recycling processes, were tested: Fil-S (Film-Small), deriving from post-consumer flexible films of small size, and PW (pulper waste), which is the residual plastic waste obtained from the paper recycling process. The melt compounding of the recycled materials with two micrometric zeolites (zeolite 13X and Z310) resulted as more effective in the off-odors removal with respect to degassing. In particular, the highest reduction (−45%) of the Average Odor Intensity (AOI) was measured for both PW/Z310 and Fil-S/13X systems at 4 wt% of the zeolites' amount, compared with the corresponding untreated recyclates. Finally, by combining degassing and melt compounding with zeolites, the best result was obtained for the composite Fil-S/13X, whose Average Odor Intensity resulted as quite close (+22%) to the one of the virgin LDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of electron microscopy facilities all over the world has experienced a paramount increase in the last decades. This means huge investments of public and private money due to the high costs of equipment, but also for maintenance and running costs. The proper design of a transmission electron microscopy facility is mandatory to fully use the advanced performances of modern equipment, capable of atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopies, and it is a prerequisite to conceive new methodologies for future advances of the knowledge. Nonetheless, even today, in too many cases around the world, the realization of the environment hosting the equipment is not appropriate and negatively influences the scientific quality of the results during the life of the infrastructure, practically vanishing the investment made. In this study, the key issues related to the realization of an advanced electron microscopy infrastructure are analyzed based on personal experience of more than thirty years, and on the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a case series about retinal arterial macroaneurysms in three patients recovered from COVID-19. None of them had previous past ocular and systemic history. The first patient was a 47-year-old man, with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes. He presented a cotton wool spot in the right eye and two peripheral exudative retinal arterial macroaneurysms in the left eye. Laser photocoagulation was performed and best-corrected visual acuity remained stable. The second one was a 62-year-old- woman with acute visual loss in the right eye (best-corrected visual acuity of 20/400). There was vitreous hemorrhage and a peripheral retinal arterial macroaneurysm in the right eye. Laser photocoagulation was performed and best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/20. The third patient was a 54-year- old woman, with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/600 in the left eye. Fundus examination showed multiple layer hemorrhage in the macular region and retinal arterial macroaneurysms in the superior temporal branch. The cases underwent fluorescein angiography, which confirmed the diagnosis of retinal arterial macroaneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), repetitive fetal loss, and arterial/venous thrombosis and no association with other autoimmune rheumatic disease. Ocular involvement can also occur including retinal vascular thrombosis and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations, such as optic neuropathy and amaurosis fugax. Early detection of ocular changes is crucial to minimize functional loss. Purpose: To perform a multimodal evaluation, including the use of Optical Coherence Angiotomography (OCTA), in patients with PAPS without ocular complaints and compare with healthy individuals. Methods: We performed a complete structural and functional ophthalmological evaluation using OCTA and microperimetry exam in patients with PAPS, followed at a tertiary Rheumatology outpatient clinic. Results: We included 104 eyes of 52 subjects [PAPS without ocular complaints (N = 26) and healthy individuals (N = 26)]. Among PAPS patients, 21 were female (80.8%) and 21 (80.8%) were Caucasians. PAPS manifestations were venous (65.4%), arterial thrombosis (34.6%), and obstetrical (34.6%) and all of them had lupus anticoagulant. Ophthalmologic findings were more frequent in PAPS compared to healthy individuals (19.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.05). The most common retinal change was paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) (3 patients, 5 eyes), followed by drusen (1 patient, 2 eyes) and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE) (1 patient, 1 eye). Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were present in 100% of the PAPS patients with PAMM, while only six patients (26.1%) with PAPS without PAMM presented these two risk factors together (p = 0.03). Conclusions: We provide novel evidence that approximately 20% of our asymptomatic PAPS patients without ocular symptoms have ophthalmologic findings that require early identification and careful surveillance focusing on minimizing systemic and vascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to summarize fundamental aspects and recent progress in the production of eutectic ceramic oxide systems, specifically Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 systems, using laser additive manufacturing technologies (LAM). As is well-known, the building process of ceramics in LAM carries certain challenges, including the development of thermal stresses, crack formation, and distortion of the samples. Due to these challenges, this review focus on the recent advancements in laser printing of Al 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 based eutectic ceramic oxides. Key process parameters and material properties are thoroughly discussed, with special attention given to critical factors such as characteristics of ceramic powders and printing parameters. In conclusion, this review provides a set of guidelines, along with relevant data, to support the development of ceramic eutectic systems using LAM techniques, such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED). • Production of Al 2 O 3 based directionally solidified eutectics ceramics by LAM. • Al 2 O 3 -based ceramics process necessitates precise control over process parameters. • The absorptivity of the ceramic material by the laser is one of the most important factor. • Crucial role of both process parameters and material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development and characterization of eco-friendly hybrid coatings using chitosan and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through sol-gel processing onto aluminium substrates. Firstly, we investigated the impact of curing temperatures and the addition of a coupling agent (VTMS) on various physical and chemical properties to determine the optimal composition, to achieve crack-free and uniform films. Chemical and physical properties were assessed via FTIR spectroscopy and SEM imaging, while surface wettability was analyzed through water contact angle measurements, and hydrolitic degradation tests were also performed. Since the mechanical strength of bonding is important for protective coatings, the mechanical characterization of optimized films was conducted by pin-on-disk and scratch tests to understand their elastic-plastic and adhesive behaviour. Finally, the antibacterial properties were also studied and discussed. The results indicate that an annealing temperature of 100 °C and the incorporation of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) as a coupling agent are essential for producing homogeneous, stable coatings with excellent hydrolytic degradation resistance. The addition of VTMS effectively addresses common challenges associated with hybrid sol-gel coatings, including cracking, porosity, and poor substrate adhesion. Subsequent investigations revealed that both the presence and concentration of chitosan within the hybrid sol-gel coatings significantly enhance mechanical resistance, water resistance, and friction reduction. A strong correlation between increased coating hydrophobicity and decreased coefficient of friction confirms the intrinsic lubricity of chitosan-silica sol-gel coatings. These coatings also exhibit antibacterial properties compared to both the uncoated aluminium substrate and pure silane coatings. Overall, these findings underscore the multifunctional benefits of chitosan-containing hybrid coatings, positioning them as a promising sustainable, transparent, self-lubricating, and water-resistant coating solution for anodized aluminium substrates. • Silica-chitosan coatings for anodized aluminium substrates were realized. • The chitosan exhibits important role in the decrease of COF and ductility of coating. • The study's findings revealed transparent, homogenous, crack free and durable coatings. • A smooth thin CT 15 – 85⁎ film on top of anodized aluminium substrate protects its structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual soft-templating method was developed to produce highly crystalline and mesoporous TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites. Pluronic F127 as the structure-directing agent and pure cellulose as the surface area modifier were used as the templating media. While Pluronic F127 served as the sacrificing media for generating a mesoporous structure in an acidic pH, cellulose templating helped to increase the specific surface area without affecting the mesoporosity of the TiO2-SiO2 nanostructures. Calcination at elevated temperature removed all the organics and formed pure inorganic TiO2-SiO2 composites as revealed by TGA and FTIR analyses. An optimum amount of SiO2 insertion in the TiO2 matrix increased the thermal stability of the crystalline anatase phase. BET surface area measurement along with low angle XRD revealed the formation of a mesoporous structure in the composites. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, and 4-Nitrophenol as the model pollutants under solar light irradiation, where the superior photo-degradation activity of Pluronic F127/cellulose templated TiO2-SiO2 was observed compared to pure Pluronic templated composite and commercial Evonik P25 TiO2. The higher photocatalytic activity was achieved due to the higher thermal stability of the nanocrystalline anatase phase, the mesoporosity, and the higher specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the fabrication of nanostructured chromium thin films via selective dissolution of PVD-deposited Cu–Cr thin films. The effects of the deposition parameters on the structural, chemical, and morphological properties of the films are systematically analyzed. Starting from a thin film composed of 50 wt.% chromium and 50 wt.% copper, deposited onto a substrate pre-heated to 300 °C, we demonstrate that the following dealloying process carried out in a diluted nitric acid solution yields nanostructured chromium films with high porosity, large surface area, enhanced wettability and neglectable copper content. These findings underline the critical influence of the deposition temperature and alloy composition on achieving optimal film properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) causes a great deal of personal suffering for patients. Recent evidence highlights how defenses and emotion regulation may play a crucial part in the onset and development of this disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in the defensive functioning between SUD patients and non-clinical controls. Secondly, we aimed at investigating the relationships between alexithymia and maladaptive/assimilation defenses. Methods: The authors assessed defensive functioning (Response Evaluation Measure-71, REM-71), personality (MMPI-II), and alexithymia (TAS-20) of 171 SUD patients (17% female; mean age = 36.5), compared to 155 controls. Authors performed a series of ANOVAs to investigate the defensive array in SUD patients compared to that of non-clinical controls. Student t test for indipendent samples was used to compare clinical characteristics between the SUD group and the controls. To investigate the role of single defenses in explaining alexithimia's subscores, stepwise multiple regression analysis were carried out on socio-demographic characteristics of participants (gender, age, and years of education), with REM-71 defenses as predictors. Results: SUD patients presented a more maladaptive/assimilation (Factor 1) defensive array (p <.001). Among SUD sub-groups, Alcohol Use Disorder patients showed more disfuncional defenses. Factor 1 defenses were related to a worse psychological functioning. In addition, alexyhimia (particularly DIF) was strongly related to Factor 1 defenses, expecially Projection (38% of variance explained, β =.270, p <.001). Conclusion: The REM-71 and the TAS-20 might be useful screening instruments among SUD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-COV2 pandemic has caused profound challenges in health care systems worldwide. Patients affected by hematological neoplasms appear to be particularly at risk of developing COVID-19 complications, with unfavorable outcomes. Here, we present the case of a 57-years-old woman diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and concurrent acute myeloid leukemia (AML). At the time of diagnosis, it was decided to postpone leukemia therapy to enable adequate COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. When her conditions related to pneumonia improved, the combination of Azacitidine-Venetoclax was used as first-line treatment instead of conventional intensive chemotherapy. At the end of the first two cycles, the patient showed complete remission, and a post-remission consolidation with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been planned. This case suggests that Azacytidine-Venetoclax induction may represent a valid and safe alternative to intensive chemotherapy in the challenging setting of patients with a concomitant diagnosis of AML and severe COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic pain (CP) is a complex multidimensional experience severely affecting individuals' quality of life. Multiple cognitive, affective, emotional, and interpersonal factors play a major role in CP. Furthermore, the psychological, social, and physical circumstances leading to CP show high inter-individual variability, thus making it difficult to identify core syndrome characteristics. In a biopsychosocial perspective, we aim at identifying a pattern of psycho-physical impairments that can reliably discriminate between CP individuals and healthy controls (HC) with high accuracy and estimated generalizability using machine learning. Methods: A total of 118 CP and 86 HC were recruited. All individuals were administered several scales assessing quality of life, physical and mental health, personal functioning, anxiety, depression, beliefs about medical treatments, and cognitive ability. These features were trained to separate CP from HC using support vector classification and repeated nested cross-validation. Results: Our psycho-physical classifier was able to discriminate CP from HC with 86.5% balanced accuracy and significance (p = 0.0001). The most reliable features characterizing CP were anxiety and depression scores, and belief of harm from prolonged pharmacological treatments; for HP, the most reliable features were physical and occupational functioning, and vitality levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, using psychological and physical assessments, it is possible to classify CP from HC with high reliability and estimated generalizability via (i) a pattern of psychological symptoms and cognitive beliefs characteristic of CP, and (ii) a pattern of intact physical functioning characteristic of HC. We think that our algorithm enables novel insights into potential individualized targets for CP-related early intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sol-gel derived molybdenum-tungsten (Mo-W) mixed oxides were investigated by transmission electron microscopy in order to study the dependence of their structural and morphological properties on the relative percentage of the constituent compounds. Optical measurements were performed in the 200-800 nm wavelength range to correlate thin film structure and optical properties. Moreover, the values of the band gap energy were estimated as a function of the percentage of the W precursors added in the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which analyzed nanoscale compositional fluctuations in quantum wires grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on V-Grooved substrates. Experimental details; Results and discussion.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) represents a life‐threatening side effect after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (Haplo‐SCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT‐Cy). Factors predictive of CRS development is still a matter of debate. We retrospectively analyzed 102 consecutive patients receiving a bone marrow (BM) (n = 42) or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) (n = 60) Haplo‐SCT with PT‐Cy. The two cohorts were similar in main patients' characteristics besides disease type (P =.02). Cumulative incidence of grades 1, 2, and ≥3 CRS was 80%, 52%, and 15% at a median of 2, 4, and 7 days, respectively. Moderate/High‐grade fever (39°‐41°), grade 1 and grade ≥3 CRS occurred more frequently after PBSC relative to BM grafts (68% vs 33%, P =.0005; 87% vs 71%, P =.009; 20% vs 7%, P =.07). Only patients experiencing grade ≥3 CRS had a worse outcome in terms of 1‐year overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM): 39% vs 80% (P =.002) and 40% vs 8% (P =.005), respectively. By univariate analysis the only factors associated with the increased risk of ≥3 CRS were pretransplant disease status (8% for complete remission, 11% for partial remission, and 38% for active disease, P =.002), HLA‐DRB1 mismatching (57% vs 14%, P =.007), and PBSC graft (P =.07). By multivariable analysis, only pretransplant disease status (hazard ratio, HR: 6.84, P =.005) and HLA‐DRB1 mismatching (HR: 17.19, P =.003) remained independent predictors of grade ≥3 CRS. Only grade ≥3 CRS is clinically relevant for the final outcome of patients receiving Haplo‐SCT with PT‐Cy, is more frequent after a PBSC graft and is associated with pretransplant active disease and HLA‐DRB1 mismatching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we investigate in detail the complex morphological, structural and chemical profile of a III–V multistep quantum dot (QD) system grown by molecular beam epitaxy and employed for the realization of enlarged bandgap intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs). The peculiar multistep design, used during the QD growth for the band-gap engineering of the IBSCs and involving a gradual compositional change from quaternary (AlInGaAs) to ternary (InGaAs) and binary (InAs) compounds, affects the morphological, chemical and structural properties of the QDs and then the electro-optical behavior of the IBSC device. These properties are assessed by combining and comparing scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments, based on high angle annular dark field imaging, with strain analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The analysis demonstrates defect-free QDs embedded in the AlGaAs matrix, with a well-defined shape and faceting. The results of the STEM experiments are correlated with the complex carrier dynamics and electro-optical properties of the solar cells, showing the potential of the proposed structure for further improvement in the design of new IBSCs, by virtue of an extremely confined strain field and high energy barrier characterizing our QD system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Identifying novel variants in very rare disease genes can be challenging when patients exhibit a complex phenotype that expands the one described, and we provide such an example here. A few terminal truncating variants in KIDINS220 cause spastic paraplegia (SP), intellectual disability (ID), nystagmus, and obesity (SINO, MIM #617296). Prompted by the result of next-generation sequencing on a patient referred for SP associated with complex brain dysmorphisms, we reviewed the phenotype of SINO patients focusing on their brain malformations, mainly described in prenatal age and first years of life, and tried to understand if the predicted effect of the mutant kidins220 may have caused them. Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) and a literature and mutation databases review. Results: We report a young adult with SP, severe ID, strabismus, and macrocephaly exhibiting brain malformations at follow-up, partially overlapping with those described in TUBB3 tubulinopathy. WES analysis of the proband and parents identified the heterozygous de novo variant (NM_020738.4: c. 4144G > T) p. Glu 1382* in KIDINS220 that was predicted to be causative of SINO. Conclusions: The progression of myelination and the development of brain structures turned out to be crucial for identifying, at follow-up, the whole KIDINS220-related brain malformations. The truncated proteins associated with SINO lack a portion fundamental for the interaction of kidins220 with tubulins and microtubule-associated proteins. The complexity of the brain malformations displayed by our patient, and possibly by other reported SINO patients, could result from an impaired dynamic modulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton during embryogenesis. Brain malformations must be considered as part of the SINO spectrum phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare congenital disorder of the connective tissue, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissection, among other complications. Currently, the most efficient strategy to prevent life-threatening dissection is preventive surgery. Periodic imaging applying complex techniques is required to monitor TAA progression and to guide the timing of surgical intervention. Thus, there is an acute demand for non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as for innovative therapeutic targets of MFS. Unraveling the intricate pathomolecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome is vital to address these needs. High-throughput platforms are particularly well-suited for this purpose, as they enable the integration of different datasets, such as transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles. In this narrative review, we summarize relevant studies investigating changes in both the coding and non-coding transcriptome and epigenome in MFS-induced TAA. The collective findings highlight the implicated pathways, such as TGF-β signaling, extracellular matrix structure, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Potential candidates as biomarkers, such as miR-200c, as well as therapeutic targets emerged, like Tfam, associated with mitochondrial respiration, or miR-632, stimulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While these discoveries are promising, rigorous and extensive validation in large patient cohorts is indispensable to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple stresses are becoming common challenges in modern agriculture due to environmental changes. A large set of phytochemicals collectively known as oxylipins play a key role in responses to several stresses. Understanding the fine‐tuned plant responses to multiple and simultaneous stresses could open new perspectives for developing more tolerant varieties. We carried out the molecular and biochemical profiling of genes, proteins and active compounds involved in oxylipin metabolism in response to single/combined salt and wounding stresses on Medicago truncatula. Two new members belonging to the CYP74 gene family were identified. Gene expression profiling of each of the six CYP74 members indicated a tissue‐ and time‐specific expression pattern for each member in response to single/combined salt and wounding stresses. Notably, hormonal profiling pointed to an attenuated systemic response upon combined salt and leaf wounding stresses. Combined, these results confirm the important role of jasmonates in legume adaptation to abiotic stresses and point to the existence of a complex molecular cross‐talk among signals generated by multiple stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current industrial scenarios those involved in production and services distribution are called to deal with a plurality of stakeholders, considering different interests, readings and positions. This paper exploits the concept of collaboration in this fast changes and flexible scenario by describing the characteristics of collaboration among enterprises and their scope. In this context, the purpose of all managers to maximize utility, to save cost or to minimize of transaction costs is hard to be reached. Under this prospective, to collaborate with other firms is a logical way to work and to pursue the previous objectives. The purpose of this paper is to define all the aspects of collaboration, mainly among enterprises, and the reasons that can drive a manager to stipulate a collaboration agreement. Two different ways, through collaboration can rise, have been described: collaboration induced by external body (top-down collaboration) or born in a spontaneous way (bottom-up). The management of the collaboration and the identification of key performance indicators, able to control the development of the network system, is addressed by exploiting the Italian network contract and the case study of the energy cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dy- and Tb-doped CeO2-Ni cermets for highly active solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) anodes were fabricated by a one-pot electrodeposition process. Undoped, singly-doped, and co-doped powders were synthesized in an X-ray amorphous state, heat treated in air, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different crystallization stages. In particular, in situ TEM analyses were carried out during heating in an oxygen atmosphere, in order to follow the evolution of structure and morphology and to understand the role of the dopants. The key structural effect of dopants was the inhibition of grain coarsening during heat treatment. Functional tests were carried out with micro-single chamber SOFCs, fed with a CH4/O2 mixture, the anodes of which were prepared with the CeO2-Ni powders synthesized in this study. A correlation was established between the electrocatalytic performance and the morphology of the anodic material, pinpointing that the finer and more homogeneous nanocrystalline structure of the doped powders results in better-defined and more active catalytic sites, thus improving the performance of the cell.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the development of stable and highly efficient Solid-Contact Ion-Selective Electrodes (SC-ISEs) attracts much attention in the research community because of the great expansion of portable analytical devices. In this work, we present highly stable Li + all-solid-state ISEs exploiting noble metals nanostructures as ion-to-electron transducers. The detection of lithium is essential for therapeutic drug monitoring of bipolar patients. In addition, greater environmental exposure to this ion is occurring due to the large diffusion of lithium-ion batteries. However, only a limited number of SC Li + ISEs already exists in literature based on Conductive Polymers (CPs) and carbon nanotubes. The use of noble metals for ion-to-electron transduction offers considerable advantages over CPs and carbon materials, including fast and conformal one-step deposition by electrochemical means, non-toxicity and high stability. We investigate for the first time the use of gold nanocorals obtained by means of a one-step electrodeposition process to improve sensor performance and we compare it to all-solid-state ISEs based on electrodeposited platinum nanoflowers. In addition, the effect of substrate electrode material, membrane thickness and conditioning concentration on the potentiometric response is carefully analysed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Current Reversal Chronopotentiometry (CRC) techniques are used to characterize the morphology and the electrochemical behaviour of the different ISEs. The use of nanostructured gold and platinum contacts allows the increase of the SC capacitance by one or two orders of magnitude, respectively, with respect to the flat metal, while the SC resistance is significantly reduced. We show that the microfabricated sensors offer Nernstian behaviour (58.7 ± 0.8 mV/decade) in the activity range from 10 − 5 to 0.1 M, with short response time ( ∼ 15 s) and small potential drift during CRC measurements ( d E d t = 3 × 10 − 5 ± 2 × 10 − 5 V/s). The exceptional response stability is verified also when no potential is applied. The sensor shows high selectivity towards all clinically important ions, with values very similar to conventional ISEs. Furthermore, to our knowledge, the selectivity towards Ca +2 is the best ever reported for SC-ISEs. In conclusion, the present study opens up new interesting perspectives towards the development of simple and reproducible fabrication protocols to obtain high-quality and high-stability all-solid-state ISEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight geopolymers from wastes with reduced thermal conductivity have become an important trend for green buildings sector. In this work, organic-inorganic hybrid geopolymers were prepared from polyurethane powders wastes (polyurethane foam and polyisocianurate foam). Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of geopolymers, manufactured with different percentages of polyurethane wastes are reported and discussed. The FTIR spectroscopy allowed to verify the influence of both polyurethane powders on the framework structure revealing H-bonds between polyurethane and inorganic phase. Flexural and compressive strengths showed that content and typology of the used polyurethane wastes affected the material behavior. The strength of hybrid geopolymers was maximized with polyisocianurate foam waste addition in a concentration lower than 14% in weight. Thermal conductivity was carried out on appropriate samples, showing that the hybrid geopolymers exhibit satisfactory isolation properties. The new materials proposed in this work represents an innovative solution, enhancing the thermal resistance of the buildings by using a waste intended for landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a biomaterial characterized by biodegradability, biocompatibility with human tissues, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, and for these reasons has been proposed in many different fields. The present work highlights the potentiality of chitosan as additive for active PVC-based composites, prepared by termo-mechanical process, with good mechanical-physical properties and antimicrobial activity. A specific mechanical characterization shows as elastic modulus and tensile strength increase with the chitosan concentration, as well as dynamical storage and loss moduli. These findings evidence that a significant interaction between chitosan and PVC occurs. The thermal stability and preliminary antimicrobial tests are encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Report of a case of Coats disease associated with retinal vasoproliferative tumor in a young female patient with two peripheral vascularized tumors and lipid exudation involving the macula and peripapillary region with serous retinal detachment areas and prepapillary fibrous proliferation. The proposed and performed treatment was the intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide to decrease the tumor exudation, followed by photocoagulation of the peripheral areas of telangiectasia without subretinal fluid and cryotherapy of the tumors. Despite that this is a rare and difficult to treat combination, in this case report, success was obtained in receding the tumor masses and reapplying the retina, leading to anatomic and visual stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cells derived from several types of cancer, a transcriptional program drives high consumption of glutamine (Gln), which is used for anaplerosis, leading to a metabolic addiction for the amino acid. Low or absent expression of Glutamine Synthetase (GS), the only enzyme that catalyzes de novo Gln synthesis, has been considered a marker of Gln-addicted cancers. In this study, two human cell lines derived from brain tumors with oligodendroglioma features, HOG and Hs683, have been shown to be GS-negative. Viability of both lines depends from extracellular Gln with EC50 of 0.175 ± 0.056 mM (Hs683) and 0.086 ± 0.043 mM (HOG), thus suggesting that small amounts of extracellular Gln are sufficient for OD cell growth. Gln starvation does not significantly affect the cell content of anaplerotic substrates, which, consistently, are not able to rescue cell growth, but causes hindrance of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and protein synthesis attenuation, which is mitigated by transient GS expression. Gln transport inhibitors cause partial depletion of intracellular Gln and cell growth inhibition, but do not lower cell viability. Therefore, GS-negative human oligodendroglioma cells are Gln-auxotrophic but do not use the amino acid for anaplerosis and, hence, are not Gln addicted, exhibiting only limited Gln requirements for survival and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term chimney/snorkel endovascular aortic aneurysm repair experience for complex abdominal aortic pathologies within the PERICLES registry. We read with great interest the work by Zlatanovic et al. "Chimney vs. fenestrated endovascular vs. open repair for juxta/pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: systematic review and network meta-analysis of the short-term results" [[1]]. In the PERICLEs registry [[5]], patients with >= 30 months of follow-up experienced chimney graft occlusion in approximatively 10% of cases, with a 33% of branch vessel-associated reintervention and blood flow restoration. [Extracted from the article]

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous organelles in plant cells, but their physiological roles are largely unknown. To gain insight into the function of LDs in plants, we have characterized the Arabidopsis homologs of SEIPIN proteins, which are crucial factors for LD biogenesis in yeast and animals. SEIPIN1 is expressed almost exclusively in embryos, while SEIPIN2 and SEIPIN3 have broader expression profiles with maximal levels in embryos and pollen, where LDs accumulate most abundantly. Genetic analysis demonstrates that all three SEIPINs contribute to proper LD biogenesis in embryos, whereas in pollen, only SEIPIN2 and SEIPIN3 play a significant role. The double seipin2 seipin3 and triple seipin mutants accumulate extremely enlarged LDs in seeds and pollen, which hinders their subsequent mobilization during germination. Interestingly, electron microscopy analysis reveals the presence of nuclear LDs attached to type I nucleoplasmic reticulum in triple seipin mutant embryos, supporting that SEIPINs are essential for maintaining the correct polarity of LD budding at the nuclear envelope, restricting it to the outer membrane. In pollen, the perturbations in LD biogenesis and turnover are coupled to reduced germination in vitro and with lower fertilization efficiency in vivo. In seeds, germination per se is not affected in seipin2 seipin3 and triple seipin mutants, but there is a striking increase in seed dormancy levels. Our findings reveal the relevance of SEIPIN-dependent LD biogenesis in pollen transmission and in adjusting the timing of seed germination, two key adaptive traits of great importance in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes recent studies on plasma-membrane ecto-ATP synthase from structural and functional standpoints to possible pathophysiological roles. This review discusses significant new contributions and perspectives in the area of ecto-ATP synthase since the topic was last reviewed in 2015. Following an extensive summary of the cell types in which the ecto-ATP synthase is present, its structural and functional mechanism are discussed and physiological and pathological roles of the ecto-ATP synthase are reviewed and evaluated. Attempts to define the possible role of ecto-ATP synthase as possible target for anti-cancer and anti-obesity interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have developed for the first time a method to make novel gold and platinum hybrid bimetallic nanostructures differing in shape and size. Au-Pt nanostructures were prepared by electrodeposition in two simple steps. The first step consists of the electrodeposition of nanocoral Au onto a gold substrate using hydrogen as a dynamic template in an ammonium chloride solution. After that, the Pt nanostructures were deposited onto the nanocoral Au organized in pores. Using Pt (II) and Pt (IV), we realized nanocoral Au decorated with Pt nanospheres and nanocoral Au decorated with Pt nanoflowers, respectively. The bimetallic nanostructures showed better capability to electrochemically oxidize hydrogen peroxide compared with nanocoral Au. Moreover, Au-Pt nanostructures were able to lower the potential of detection and a higher performance was obtained at a low applied potential. Then, glucose oxidase was immobilized onto the bimetallic Au-Pt nanostructure using cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The biosensor was characterized by chronoamperometry at +0.15 V vs. Ag pseudo-reference electrode (PRE) and showed good analytical performances with a linear range from 0.01 to 2.00 mM and a sensitivity of 33.66 µA/mM cm 2 . The good value of K m app (2.28 mM) demonstrates that the hybrid nanostructure is a favorable environment for the enzyme. Moreover, the low working potential can minimize the interference from ascorbic acid and uric acid as well as reducing power consumption to effect sensing. The simple procedure to realize this nanostructure and to immobilize enzymes, as well as the analytical performances of the resulting devices, encourage the use of this technology for the development of biosensors for clinical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the effect of the modified early warning score (MEWS) versus a new early warning system (Niguarda MEWS) for detecting instability and criticality in hospital medical departments. A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Internal Medicine ward of Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital in Milan between November 2013 and October 2014. MEWS and Niguarda-MEWS were gathered using: systolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency, heart rate, temperature, level of consciousness, oxygen saturation, creatinine level, hematocrit level and age. In order to determine if the patient was critical or not the MEWS criticality cut-off value chosen was 3, while in the Niguarda MEWS it was 6. The primary outcome was the correlation between the critical level of the two scores and in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoint was the correlation between a specific disease and the two scores. In the study, 471 patients were included, using both the MEWS and the Niguarda MEWS score at admittance: 33.4% of patients turned out to be critically ill using the former, 40.98% when using the latter. Therefore, the specificity of scores was 70% for MEWS and 73% for Niguarda MEWS, the sensitivity 58% for MEWS and 63% for Niguarda MEWS, Niguarda MEWS area under the curve (AUC): 0.736, MEWS AUC: 0.670. For the secondary outcome, the new score is higher for genitourinary and respiratory diseases. Niguarda-MEWS could be an optimal tool to detect criticality and instability in order to address the patient to the right level of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the sputtering deposition conditions allowing the achievement of (002)-oriented aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films on titanium (Ti) bottom electrode were assessed on both silicon and kapton substrates. The AlN grain orientation was enhanced by tuning the conditions used for the Ti deposition, particularly the radiofrequency (RF) power applied to Ti target and the total pressure in the deposition chamber. Sputtered species energy and their flux towards the substrate were identified as key parameters to interpret Ti structure and morphology on both substrates, and to understand how they drive the AlN crystallization process. The evolution of morphology and structure of single Ti films and of the AlN/Ti system was characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Highly oriented AlN films were obtained on both substrates when the underneath Ti layer was mainly (002)-oriented; the presence in the Ti films of grains with (100) orientation produced a degree of misorientation in the following AlN growth, also resulting in a significant change of the surface morphology, on both substrates. The successful deposition of AlN/Ti on kapton substrate represents a promising result for the integration of this material in flexible piezoelectric electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary results on the production of new ceramic bricks by an innovative microwave-assisted sintering process employing MSWI bottom ashes are reported. Microwave heating technique was compared with a conventional thermal treatment with the aims to: (1) study the influence of heat treatment method on the crystallization behavior and on the microstructure of obtained samples; (2) define the crystallization evolution in microwave field; (3) gain an insight into the physical properties of the new samples. Higher crystallinity and new crystal phases were observed in the samples prepared by microwave heating, where precipitation of new sodium rich crystal phases was observed, together with quartz and anorthite, formed in the conventionally prepared samples. The possibility to obtain novel bricks with huge waste amount, in a very short thermal cycle and at relatively low temperatures was demonstrated with significant reductions in the energy demand for their production. Finally, the samples obtained by microwave-assisted sintering are characterized by improved mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au nanocorals are grown on gold screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) by using a novel and simple one-step electrodeposition process. Scanning electron microscopy was used for the morphological characterization. The devices were assembled on a three-electrode SPE system, which is flexible and mass producible. The electroactive surface area, determined by cyclic voltammetry in sulphuric acid, was found to be 0.07 ± 0.01 cm 2 and 35.3 ± 2.7 cm 2 for bare Au and nanocoral Au, respectively. The nanocoral modified SPEs were used to develop an enzymatic glucose biosensor based on H 2 O 2 detection. Au nanocoral electrodes showed a higher sensitivity of 48.3 ± 0.9 μA/(mM cm 2 ) at + 0.45 V vs Ag | AgCl compared to a value of 24.6 ± 1.3 μA/(mM cm 2 ) at + 0.70 V vs Ag | AgCl obtained with bare Au electrodes. However, the modified electrodes have indeed proven to be extremely powerful for the direct detection of glucose with a non-enzymatic approach. The results confirmed a clear peak observed by using nanocoral Au electrode even in the presence of chloride ions at physiological concentration. Amperometric study carried out at + 0.15 V vs Ag | AgCl in the presence of 0.12 M NaCl showed a linear range for glucose between 0.1 and 13 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T), initially considered only a 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T) catabolite, in the bioenergetic metabolism is of growing interest. In this study we investigated the acute effects (within 1 h) of T administration to hypothyroid rats on liver mitochondria fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation rate, mitochondrial efficiency (by measuring proton leak) and mitochondrial oxidative damage (by determining HO release). Fatty acid uptake into mitochondria was measured assaying carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) I and II activities, and fatty acid β-oxidation using palmitoyl-CoA as a respiratory substrate. Mitochondrial fatty acid pattern was defined by gas-liquid chromatography. In hypothyroid + T vs hypothyroid rats we observed a raise in the serum level of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), in the mitochondrial CPT system activity and in the fatty acid β-oxidation rate. A parallel increase in the respiratory chain activity, mainly from succinate, occurs. When fatty acids are chelated by bovine serum albumin, a T-induced increase in both state 3 and state 4 respiration is observed, while, when fatty acids are present, mitochondrial uncoupling occurs together with increased proton leak, responsible for mitochondrial thermogenesis. T administration decreases mitochondrial oxidative stress as determined by lower HO production. We conclude that in rat liver mitochondria T acutely enhances the rate of fatty acid β-oxidation, and the activity of the downstream respiratory chain. The T-induced increase in proton leak may contribute to mitochondrial thermogenesis and to the reduction of oxidative stress. Our results strengthen the previously reported ability of T to reduce adiposity, dyslipidemia and to prevent liver steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP synthase, canonically mitochondrially located, is reported to be ectopically expressed on the plasma membrane outer face of several cell types. We analysed, for the first time, the expression and catalytic activities of the ecto- and mitochondrial ATP synthase during liver regeneration. Liver regeneration was induced in rats by two-thirds partial hepatectomy. The protein level and the ATP synthase and/or hydrolase activities of the hepatocyte ecto- and mitochondrial ATP synthase were analysed on freshly isolated hepatocytes and mitochondria from control, sham-operated and partial hepatectomized rats. During the priming phase of liver regeneration, 3 h after partial hepatectomy, livermitochondria showed amarked lowering of theATP synthase protein level that was reflected in the impairment of both ATP synthesis and hydrolysis. The ecto-ATP synthase level, in 3 h partial hepatectomized hepatocytes, was decreased similarly to the level of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, associated with a lowering of the ecto-ATP hydrolase activity coupled to proton influx. Noteworthily, the ecto-ATP synthase activity coupled to proton efflux was completely inhibited in 3 h partial hepatectomized hepatocytes, even in the presence of a marked intracellular acidification that would sustain it as in control and sham-operated hepatocytes. At the end of the liver regeneration, 7 days after partial hepatectomy, the level and the catalytic activities of the ecto- and mitochondrial ATP synthase reached the control and sham-operated values. The specific modulation of hepatocyte ecto-ATP synthase catalytic activities during liver regeneration priming phase may modulate the extracellular ADP/ATP levels and/or proton influx/efflux trafficking, making hepatocyte ecto-ATP synthase a candidate for a novel player in the liver regeneration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy, produced through the anaerobic digestion (AD) of renewable organic feedstocks, is considered to be one of the highly promising alternatives to fossil-derived energy. The anaerobic digestion residues have recently begun to be recognized as underutilized natural resources that have unrecognized value. This work is focused on the new added valorization of digestates obtained from the AD of organic substrates. Effect of digestates treatments and concentration on the properties of composites were investigated. The results showed an increase of mechanical and chemical resistance of the composites as a result of the heat treatment of digestates. Composite having 30% unsilanized calcined-digestate fillers was found to have the highest chemical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents recent advances in Au and Pt nanostructured-based electrochemical biosensors belonging to the third generation. We will list different routes to modify electrodes with Au and Pt nanoparticles and nanoporous films in more detail. Also, the advantages of such nanostructured electrodes on the electron transfer properties of hemoglobin, laccase, cytochrome c and peroxidase will be summarized. Future perspectives in this emerging field will be discussed in the conclusion part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous silica nanoparticles (ASNP) are among the nanomaterials that are produced in large quantities. ASNP have been present for a long time in several fast-moving consumer products, several of which imply exposure of the gastrointestinal tract, such as toothpastes, food additives, drug excipients, and carriers. Consolidated use and experimental evidence have consistently pointed to the very low acute toxicity and limited absorption of ASNP. However, slow absorption implies prolonged exposure of the intestinal epithelium to ASNP, with documented effects on intestinal permeability and immune gut homeostasis. These effects could explain the hepatic toxicity observed after oral administration of ASNP in animals. More recently, the role of microbiota in these and other ASNP effects has attracted increasing interest in parallel with the recognition of the role of microbiota in a variety of conditions. Although evidence for nanomaterial effects on microbiota is particularly abundant for materials endowed with bactericidal activities, a growing body of recent experimental data indicates that ASNPs also modify microbiota. The implications of these effects are recounted in this contribution, along with a discussion of the more important open issues and recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine at both experimental and fundamental levels, the experimental evidence of nanoparticle formation in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) metal grids annealed at temperatures lower than the melting point of the corresponding metal bulk material. Our experimental investigation considers the most thermally unstable TEM grids (i.e. Cu-grids) and inspects the possible sources and mechanisms of contamination of thin films, conventionally deposited on carbon-coated Cu-grids. The investigations are supported by morphological–compositional analyses performed in different regions of the TEM sample. Then, a general model is formulated and discussed in order to explain the grid thermal instability, based on the critical role of edge-melting (i.e. melting initiated at edges and corners of the grid bars), the enhanced rate of evaporation from a liquid surface and the polycristallinity of the grid bars. Hence, we totally disregard conventional arguments such as bulk evaporation and metal vapor pressure and, in order to emphasize and clarify the alternative point of view of our model, we also overview the nano-scale melting phenomenology relevant to our discussion and survey the discrepancies reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the surface functionalization of a new green ceramic material, obtained using packaging glass waste (PGW), to improve its cleanability. This objective was reached through the deposition by air-brushing of a nanostructured coating based on titania–silica sol–gel suspension. The coatings were deposited on both glazed and unglazed ceramic substrates and the thermal treatment conditions (temperature) were optimized. The obtained results suggest that the applied coatings are transparent and show a good scratch resistance and photocatalitic activity under the tested conditions. The photodegradation process and the mechanical properties are clearly affected by the thermal treatment and thus by the sample surface roughness. The best surface properties were obtained with a thermal treatment at temperature of 150 °C. These coatings do not exhibit either cracks from the substrate. All in all, the developed surface modified ceramic material is attractive as potential sustainable building material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the role of the oxygen contamination, coming from residual gas atmosphere in the deposition chamber, on the physical properties of AlN thin films, sputtered in Ar + N 2 working gas, at different values of nitrogen flux percentages, and without substrate heating. Contaminant concentration varies with the nitrogen partial pressure in the working gas mixture. Oxygen atoms are incorporated into the growing films due to their higher affinity towards Al atoms compared to N atoms. Oxygen inclusion produces important modifications in the structural, chemical, optical and electrical properties of the AlN thin films. Therefore, contamination can play a crucial role for the tuning of the physical characteristics of sputtered materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine whether gender, socioeconomic conditions, and/or social relations are related to recent experiences of DV in older adult populations. Materials and methods Data on socioeconomic status and social relations were collected in 2012 from 1995 community-dwelling older adults in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and Albania. Violence experienced in the last 6 months was measured using the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with harm, or Screamed at (HITS) scale and classified according to type (physical or psychological) and perpetrator (partner or family member). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between experiences of violence and gender, socioeconomic conditions, and social relations. Results Physical violence (by partner or family member) was reported by 0.63–0.85% of participants; the prevalence of psychological violence (by partner or family member) ranged from 3.2% to 23.5% in men and 9% to 26% in women. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, social relations, age and site, women experienced more psychological violence perpetrated by family members than did men (odds ratio (OR): 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.6). Social relations, such as multifamily living arrangements and low levels of support from partners, children, and family, were associated with psychological DV. Current working status was associated with greater odds of victimization by partners among men (OR: 2.35 95% CI: 1.34–1.41), but not among women. Conclusions Gender and social relations are important determinants of experiencing violence in older adults. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of a gender-based approach to the study of DV in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]