Ivana Milosevic

Bio: Ivana Milosevic is an academic researcher from University of Belgrade. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Internal medicine. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 42 publications receiving 312 citations.

Gut-Liver Axis, Gut Microbiota, and Its Modulation in the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: The rapid scientific interest in gut microbiota (GM) has coincided with a global increase in the prevalence of infectious and non-infectivous liver diseases. GM, which is also called “the new virtual metabolic organ”, makes axis with a number of extraintestinal organs, such as kidneys, brain, cardiovascular, and the bone system. The gut-liver axis has attracted greater attention in recent years. GM communication is bi-directional and involves endocrine and immunological mechanisms. In this way, gut-dysbiosis and composition of “ancient” microbiota could be linked to pathogenesis of numerous chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), development of liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this paper, we discuss the current evidence supporting a GM role in the management of different chronic liver diseases and potential new therapeutic GM targets, like fecal transplantation, antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics. We conclude that population-level shifts in GM could play a regulatory role in the gut-liver axis and, consequently, etiopathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. This could have a positive impact on future therapeutic strategies.

Transparent and conductive films from liquid phase exfoliated graphene

Abstract: We describe transparent and conductive films of liquid-phase exfoliated graphene deposited with the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) method. Graphene sheets (GS) were exfoliated from graphite by ultrasonic treatment in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) solvents. For comparison, graphene sheets were also exfoliated in a water solution of surfactants. We confirm a higher exfoliation rate for surfactant-based processing compared to NMP and DMA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our films exfoliated in NMP and DMA, deposited with LB and annealed have a higher optical transmittance and lower sheet resistance compared to films obtained with vacuum filtration, which is a necessary step for GS exfoliated in water solutions. The structural, optical and electrical properties of graphene layers were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV/VIS spectrophotometry and sheet resistance measurements. Our facile and reproducible method results in high-quality transparent conductive films with potential applications in flexible and printed electronics and coating technology.

Atypical course of COVID-19 in patient with Bruton agammaglobulinemia.

Abstract: We present atypical course of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 34-year man with Bruton agammaglobulinemia. The patient was successfully treated by a combination of available drugs, including convalescent plasma and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor.

Enhanced sheet conductivity of Langmuir–Blodgett assembled graphene thin films by chemical doping

Abstract: We demonstrate a facile fabrication technique for highly conductive and transparent thin graphene films. Sheet conductivity of Langmuir–Blodgett assembled multi-layer graphene films is enhanced through doping with nitric acid, leading to a fivefold improvement while retaining the same transparency as un-doped films. Sheet resistivity of such chemically improved films reaches 10 , with optical transmittance 78% in the visible. When the films are encapsulated, the enhanced sheet conductivity effect is stable in time. In addition, stacking of multiple layers, as well as the dependence of the sheet resistivity upon axial strain have been investigated.

Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract: Summary Background Since December, 2019, Wuhan, China, has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported but risk factors for mortality and a detailed clinical course of illness, including viral shedding, have not been well described. Methods In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we included all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Jinyintan Hospital and Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital (Wuhan, China) who had been discharged or had died by Jan 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and laboratory data, including serial samples for viral RNA detection, were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between survivors and non-survivors. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. Findings 191 patients (135 from Jinyintan Hospital and 56 from Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital) were included in this study, of whom 137 were discharged and 54 died in hospital. 91 (48%) patients had a comorbidity, with hypertension being the most common (58 [30%] patients), followed by diabetes (36 [19%] patients) and coronary heart disease (15 [8%] patients). Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with older age (odds ratio 1·10, 95% CI 1·03–1·17, per year increase; p=0·0043), higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (5·65, 2·61–12·23; p Interpretation The potential risk factors of older age, high SOFA score, and d-dimer greater than 1 μg/mL could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage. Prolonged viral shedding provides the rationale for a strategy of isolation of infected patients and optimal antiviral interventions in the future. Funding Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences; National Science Grant for Distinguished Young Scholars; National Key Research and Development Program of China; The Beijing Science and Technology Project; and Major Projects of National Science and Technology on New Drug Creation and Development.

Liver Fibrosis: Mechanistic Concepts and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract: Liver fibrosis due to viral or metabolic chronic liver diseases is a major challenge of global health. Correlating with liver disease progression, fibrosis is a key factor for liver disease outcome and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite different mechanism of primary liver injury and disease-specific cell responses, the progression of fibrotic liver disease follows shared patterns across the main liver disease etiologies. Scientific discoveries within the last decade have transformed the understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. Removal or elimination of the causative agent such as control or cure of viral infection has shown that liver fibrosis is reversible. However, reversal often occurs too slowly or too infrequent to avoid life-threatening complications particularly in advanced fibrosis. Thus, there is a huge unmet medical need for anti-fibrotic therapies to prevent liver disease progression and HCC development. However, while many anti-fibrotic candidate agents have shown robust effects in experimental animal models, their anti-fibrotic effects in clinical trials have been limited or absent. Thus, no approved therapy exists for liver fibrosis. In this review we summarize cellular drivers and molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis in chronic liver diseases and discuss their impact for the development of urgently needed anti-fibrotic therapies.

Cellular Effects of Pyocyanin, a Secreted Virulence Factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Pyocyanin has recently emerged as an important virulence factor produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The redox-active tricyclic zwitterion has been shown to have a number of potential effects on various organ systems in vitro, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, urological, and central nervous systems. It has been shown that a large number of the effects to these systems are via the formation of reactive oxygen species. The limitations of studies are, to date, focused on the localized effect of the release of pyocyanin (PCN). It has been postulated that, given its chemical properties, PCN is able to readily cross biological membranes, however studies have yet to be undertaken to evaluate this effect. This review highlights the possible manifestations of PCN exposure; however, most studies to date are in vitro. Further high quality in vivo studies are needed to fully assess the physiological manifestations of PCN exposure on the various body systems.

Graphene and Related Materials for Resistive Random Access Memories

Abstract: Graphene and related materials (GRMs) are promising candidates for the fabrication of resistive random access memories (RRAMs) Here, this emerging field is analyzed, classified, and evaluated, and the performance of a number of RRAM prototypes using GRMs is summarized Graphene oxide, amorphous carbon films, transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride and black phosphorous can be used as resistive switching media, in which the switching can be governed either by the migration of intrinsic species or penetration of metallic ions from adjacent layers Graphene can be used as an electrode to provide flexibility and transparency, as well as an interface layer between the electrode and dielectric to block atomic diffusion, reduce power consumption, suppress surface effects, limit the number of conductive filaments in the dielectric, and improve device integration GRM-based RRAMs fit some non-volatile memory technological requirements, such as low operating voltages ( 10 years, endurance >109 cycles and power consumption ≈10 pJ per transition still remain a challenge More technology-oriented studies including reliability and variability analyses may lead to the development of GRMs-based RRAMs with realistic possibilities of commercialization