Showing papers by "University of Crete published in 2017"
Imperial College London1, Anglia Ruskin University2, University of New South Wales3, Brien Holden Vision Institute4, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness5, Moorfields Eye Hospital6, York Hospital7, Heidelberg University8, L V Prasad Eye Institute9, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary10, Nova Southeastern University11, University of KwaZulu-Natal12, National Health and Medical Research Council13, World Health Organization14, National University of Singapore15, University of Melbourne16, Selçuk University17, University of Miami18, University of Adelaide19, Queen's University Belfast20, Harvard University21, The George Institute for Global Health22, University of Washington23, University of Michigan24, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman25, University of Alabama at Birmingham26, National Institutes of Health27, Johns Hopkins University28, University of São Paulo29, Henry Ford Health System30, University College London31, Sankara Nethralaya32, University of Nairobi33, University of Georgia34, University of Utah35, Federal University of São Paulo36, Yale University37, Alberta Children's Hospital38, University of Illinois at Chicago39, Medical College of Wisconsin40, Novartis41, University of Udine42, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign43, Royal Children's Hospital44, University of Missouri45, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention46, University of Milan47, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai48, Mayo Clinic49, Pan American Health Organization50, University of Indonesia51, University of Pennsylvania52, University of Crete53, University of Southern California54, University of Florence55, Capital Medical University56, Leipzig University57
TL;DR: A series of regression models were fitted to estimate the proportion of moderate or severe vision impairment and blindness by cause, age, region, and year, and found that world regions varied markedly in the causes of blindness and vision impairment in this age group.
1,909 citations
TL;DR: The number of adults with raised blood pressure increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1·13 billion in 2015, with the increase largely in low-income and middle-income countries, and the contributions of changes in prevalence versus population growth and ageing to the increase.
1,573 citations
Anglia Ruskin University1, University of Oxford2, Heidelberg University3, L V Prasad Eye Institute4, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary5, Nova Southeastern University6, University of KwaZulu-Natal7, Brien Holden Vision Institute8, Flinders University9, University of New South Wales10, Royal Liverpool University Hospital11, World Health Organization12, National University of Singapore13, University of Melbourne14, Selçuk University15, University of Burgundy16, University of Miami17, University of Adelaide18, Queen's University Belfast19, Harvard University20, The George Institute for Global Health21, University of Washington22, University of Michigan23, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman24, University of Alabama25, National Institutes of Health26, Johns Hopkins University27, University of São Paulo28, Henry Ford Health System29, University College London30, University of Nairobi31, University of Georgia32, University of Utah33, Federal University of São Paulo34, Yale University35, Alberta Children's Hospital36, University of Pennsylvania37, Medical College of Wisconsin38, Novartis39, University of Udine40, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign41, Royal Children's Hospital42, University of Missouri43, University of Milan44, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention45, Singapore National Eye Center46, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai47, Mayo Clinic48, Pan American Health Organization49, University of Indonesia50, University of Crete51, Erasmus University Rotterdam52, University of Southern California53, University of Florence54, Stellenbosch University55, Capital Medical University56, Leipzig University57, Moorfields Eye Hospital58
TL;DR: There is an ongoing reduction in the age-standardised prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, yet the growth and ageing of the world's population is causing a substantial increase in number of people affected, highlighting the need to scale up vision impairment alleviation efforts at all levels.
1,473 citations
Paris Descartes University1, Cornell University2, University of Massachusetts Medical School3, Spanish National Research Council4, Boston Children's Hospital5, University of Rome Tor Vergata6, University of Pittsburgh7, National University of Cuyo8, National Scientific and Technical Research Council9, Albert Einstein College of Medicine10, University of California, San Francisco11, University of New Mexico12, Goethe University Frankfurt13, University of Split14, University of Helsinki15, University of Salento16, German Cancer Research Center17, Virginia Commonwealth University18, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital19, Discovery Institute20, Harvard University21, University of Tromsø22, Hungarian Academy of Sciences23, Eötvös Loránd University24, New York University25, University of Vienna26, Babraham Institute27, University of South Australia28, Howard Hughes Medical Institute29, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center30, University of Oviedo31, University of Graz32, National Institutes of Health33, City University of New York34, Queens College35, University of Tokyo36, University of Zurich37, Novartis38, Austrian Academy of Sciences39, University of Groningen40, University of Cambridge41, University of Padua42, University of Oxford43, University of Bern44, University of Oslo45, Foundation for Research & Technology – Hellas46, University of Crete47, Francis Crick Institute48, Osaka University49, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai50
TL;DR: A panel of leading experts in the field attempts here to define several autophagy‐related terms based on specific biochemical features to formulate recommendations that facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within and outside the field of autophagic research.
Abstract: Over the past two decades, the molecular machinery that underlies autophagic responses has been characterized with ever increasing precision in multiple model organisms. Moreover, it has become clear that autophagy and autophagy-related processes have profound implications for human pathophysiology. However, considerable confusion persists about the use of appropriate terms to indicate specific types of autophagy and some components of the autophagy machinery, which may have detrimental effects on the expansion of the field. Driven by the overt recognition of such a potential obstacle, a panel of leading experts in the field attempts here to define several autophagy-related terms based on specific biochemical features. The ultimate objective of this collaborative exchange is to formulate recommendations that facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within and outside the field of autophagy research.
1,095 citations
TL;DR: This work shows theoretically and experimentally the existence of states that are localized at the interface between two topologically distinct PT-symmetric photonic lattices, and finds analytical closed form solutions of topological PT-Symmetric interface states.
Abstract: Parity-time (PT)-symmetric crystals are a class of non-Hermitian systems that allow, for example, the existence of modes with real propagation constants, for self-orthogonality of propagating modes, and for uni-directional invisibility at defects. Photonic PT-symmetric systems that also support topological states could be useful for shaping and routing light waves. However, it is currently debated whether topological interface states can exist at all in PT-symmetric systems. Here, we show theoretically and demonstrate experimentally the existence of such states: states that are localized at the interface between two topologically distinct PT-symmetric photonic lattices. We find analytical closed form solutions of topological PT-symmetric interface states, and observe them through fluorescence microscopy in a passive PT-symmetric dimerized photonic lattice. Our results are relevant towards approaches to localize light on the interface between non-Hermitian crystals.
743 citations
TL;DR: The current knowledge on the role of the Akt signaling pathway in macrophages is reviewed, focusing on M1/M2 polarization and highlighting Akt isoform–specific functions.
Abstract: Macrophages become activated initiating innate immune responses. Depending on the signals, macrophages obtain an array of activation phenotypes, described by the broad terms of M1 or M2 phenotype. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mediates signals from multiple receptors including insulin receptors, pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors, cytokine receptors, adipokine receptors, and hormones. As a result, the Akt pathway converges inflammatory and metabolic signals to regulate macrophage responses modulating their activation phenotype. Akt is a family of three serine-threonine kinases, Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3. Generation of mice lacking individual Akt, PI3K, or mTOR isoforms and utilization of RNA interference technology have revealed that Akt signaling pathway components have distinct and isoform-specific roles in macrophage biology and inflammatory disease regulation, by controlling inflammatory cytokines, miRNAs, and functions including phagocytosis, autophagy, and cell metabolism. Herein, we review the current knowledge on the role of the Akt signaling pathway in macrophages, focusing on M1/M2 polarization and highlighting Akt isoform-specific functions.
585 citations
TL;DR: There has been a rising incidence in stone disease throughout the world with a narrowing of the gender gap and more information is needed regarding stone disease in a large portion of the world including Asia and Africa.
Abstract: Nephrolithiasis is a highly prevalent disease worldwide with rates ranging from 7 to 13% in North America, 5-9% in Europe, and 1-5% in Asia. Due to high rates of new and recurrent stones, management of stones is expensive and the disease has a high level of acute and chronic morbidity. The goal of this study is to review the epidemiology of stone disease in order to improve patient care. A review of the literature was conducted through a search on Pubmed®, Medline®, and Google Scholar®. This review was presented and peer-reviewed at the 3rd International Consultation on Stone Disease during the 2014 Societe Internationale d'Urologie Congress in Glasgow. It represents an update of the 2008 consensus document based on expert opinion of the most relevant studies. There has been a rising incidence in stone disease throughout the world with a narrowing of the gender gap. Increased stone prevalence has been attributed to population growth and increases in obesity and diabetes. General dietary recommendations of increased fluid, decreased salt, and moderate intake of protein have not changed. However, specific recommended values have either changed or are more frequently reported. Geography and environment influenced the likelihood of stone disease and more information is needed regarding stone disease in a large portion of the world including Asia and Africa. Randomized controlled studies are lacking but are necessary to improve recommendations regarding diet and fluid intake. Understanding the impact of associated conditions that are rapidly increasing will improve the prevention of stone disease.
442 citations
TL;DR: Greater enhanced valley spitting in monolayer WSe2 is shown, utilizing the interfacial magnetic exchange field (MEF) from a ferromagnetic EuS substrate, which may enable valleytronic and quantum-computing applications.
Abstract: Exploiting the valley degree of freedom to store and manipulate information provides a novel paradigm for future electronics. A monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) with a broken inversion symmetry possesses two degenerate yet inequivalent valleys, which offers unique opportunities for valley control through the helicity of light. Lifting the valley degeneracy by Zeeman splitting has been demonstrated recently, which may enable valley control by a magnetic field. However, the realized valley splitting is modest (∼0.2 meV T-1). Here we show greatly enhanced valley spitting in monolayer WSe2, utilizing the interfacial magnetic exchange field (MEF) from a ferromagnetic EuS substrate. A valley splitting of 2.5 meV is demonstrated at 1 T by magnetoreflectance measurements and corresponds to an effective exchange field of ∼12 T. Moreover, the splitting follows the magnetization of EuS, a hallmark of the MEF. Utilizing the MEF of a magnetic insulator can induce magnetic order and valley and spin polarization in TMDCs, which may enable valleytronic and quantum-computing applications.
349 citations
TL;DR: In in vivo experiments, mice bearing MCF-7 and CT-26 tumors exhibited a significant reduction in tumor volume in the quercetin-treated group as compared to the control group (P<0.001).
Abstract: The present study focused on the elucidation of the putative anticancer potential of quercetin. The anticancer activity of quercetin at 10, 20, 40, 80 and 120 µM was assessed in vitro by MMT assay in 9 tumor cell lines (colon carcinoma CT‑26 cells, prostate adenocarcinoma LNCaP cells, human prostate PC3 cells, pheocromocytoma PC12 cells, estrogen receptor‑positive breast cancer MCF‑7 cells, acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT‑4 T‑cells, human myeloma U266B1 cells, human lymphoid Raji cells and ovarian cancer CHO cells). Quercetin was found to induce the apoptosis of all the tested cancer cell lines at the utilized concentrations. Moreover, quercetin significantly induced the apoptosis of the CT‑26, LNCaP, MOLT‑4 and Raji cell lines, as compared to control group (P<0.001), as demonstrated by Annexin V/PI staining. In in vivo experiments, mice bearing MCF‑7 and CT‑26 tumors exhibited a significant reduction in tumor volume in the quercetin‑treated group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Taken together, quercetin, a naturally occurring compound, exhibits anticancer properties both in vivo and in vitro.
329 citations
TL;DR: A causal relationship between the reproductive disorders and exposure to specific toxicants is yet to be established, due to the complexity of the clinical protocols used, the degree of occupational or environmental exposure, the determination of the variables measured and the sample size of the subjects examined.
273 citations
TL;DR: Recent research findings are surveyed that advance the understanding of mitochondrial physiology and highlight the importance of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Abstract: Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles of prokaryotic origin that are postulated to have been acquired by eukaryotic cells through an early endosymbiotic event. Except for their main role in energy production, they are also implicated in fundamental cellular processes, including ion homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and initiation of apoptotic cell death. Perturbed mitochondrial function has been correlated with severe human pathologies such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, proper mitochondrial physiology is a prerequisite for health and survival. Cells have developed sophisticated and elaborate mechanisms to adapt to stress conditions and alterations in metabolic demands, by regulating mitochondrial number and function. Hence, the generation of new and the removal of damaged or unwanted mitochondria are highly regulated processes that need to be accurately coordinated for the maintenance of mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Here, we survey recent research findings that advance our understanding and highlight the importance of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
VU University Medical Center1, University of Crete2, North Shore-LIJ Health System3, Dresden University of Technology4, Karolinska Institutet5, New York University6, University of São Paulo7, University of Groningen8, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens9, University of Manchester10, University of Calgary11, Lupus Foundation of America12, University of Paris13, University of Pécs14, Semmelweis University15, Utrecht University16, University of Padua17, Charité18, University of Düsseldorf19, University of Birmingham20, Medical University of Graz21, Université catholique de Louvain22, University College London23, University of Cambridge24, University of Mainz25, Paris Descartes University26, Rio de Janeiro State University27, University of Paris-Sud28, Monash University29, University of Pisa30, Istanbul University31, University of Santo Tomas32, Johns Hopkins University33, Tel Aviv University34, Medical University of Vienna35, University of Brescia36, University of Toronto37, University of Porto38, University of Southern Denmark39, Veterans Health Administration40, Hairmyres Hospital41, National Institutes of Health42
TL;DR: An international task force of 60 specialists and patient representatives agreed on eight key statements regarding remission in SLE and three principles to guide the further development of remission definitions, which provides a framework for testing different definitions of remission against long-term outcomes.
Abstract: Objectives Treat-to-target recommendations have identified ‘remission’ as a target in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but recognise that there is no universally accepted definition for this. Therefore, we initiated a process to achieve consensus on potential definitions for remission in SLE. Methods An international task force of 60 specialists and patient representatives participated in preparatory exercises, a face-to-face meeting and follow-up electronic voting. The level for agreement was set at 90%. Results The task force agreed on eight key statements regarding remission in SLE and three principles to guide the further development of remission definitions: 1. Definitions of remission will be worded as follows: remission in SLE is a durable state characterised by …………………. (reference to symptoms, signs, routine labs). 2. For defining remission, a validated index must be used, for example, clinical systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI)=0, British Isles lupus assessment group (BILAG) 2004 D/E only, clinical European consensus lupus outcome measure (ECLAM)=0; with routine laboratory assessments included, and supplemented with physician9s global assessment. 3. Distinction is made between remission off and on therapy: remission off therapy requires the patient to be on no other treatment for SLE than maintenance antimalarials; and remission on therapy allows patients to be on stable maintenance antimalarials, low-dose corticosteroids (prednisone ≤5 mg/day), maintenance immunosuppressives and/or maintenance biologics. The task force also agreed that the most appropriate outcomes (dependent variables) for testing the prognostic value (construct validity) of potential remission definitions are: death, damage, flares and measures of health-related quality of life. Conclusions The work of this international task force provides a framework for testing different definitions of remission against long-term outcomes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on modified TiO2 as a catalyst in heterogeneous photo-catalytic processes and address the efficiency of the building and construction materials on the removal of environmental pollutants indoors and outdoors.
Diego Portales University1, California Institute of Technology2, University of Crete3, Chinese Academy of Sciences4, National Radio Astronomy Observatory5, University of Virginia6, Cornell University7, Goddard Space Flight Center8, Leiden University9, University of Concepción10, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile11, University of Lyon12, University of Barcelona13, Search for extraterrestrial intelligence14, University of Hawaii15
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of the line-to-FIR line observations obtained with Herschel/PACS for ~240 local luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) in the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey is presented.
Abstract: We present an analysis of, [O I]_(63) [O III]_(88), [N II]_(122), and [C II]_(158) far-infrared (FIR) fine-structure line observations obtained with Herschel/PACS, for ~240 local luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) in the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey. We find pronounced declines ("deficits") of line-to-FIR continuum emission for [N II]_(122) , [O I]_(63) and [C II]_(158) as a function of FIR color and infrared luminosity surface density, Σ_(IR). The median electron density of the ionized gas in LIRGs, based on the [N II]_(122)/[N II]_(205) ratio, is n_e = 41 cm^(−3). We find that the dispersion in the [C II]_(158) deficit of LIRGs is attributed to a varying fractional contribution of photodissociation regions (PDRs) to the observed [C II]_(158) emission, f([C II]^(PDR)_(158)) = [C II]^(PDR)_(158)/[C II]_(158), which increases from ~60% to ~95% in the warmest LIRGs. The [O I]_(63)/[C II]^(PDR)_(158) ratio is tightly correlated with the PDR gas kinetic temperature in sources where [O 1]_(63) is not optically thick or self-absorbed. For each galaxy, we derive the average PDR hydrogen density, n_H, and intensity of the interstellar radiation field, G, in units of G_0 and find G/n_H ratios of ~0.1–50 G_0 cm^3, with ULIRGs populating the upper end of the distribution. There is a relation between G/n_H and Σ_(IR), showing a critical break at Σ*_(IR) 5 × 10^(10) L⊙ kpc^(−2). Below Σ*_(IR), G/n_H remains constant, 0.32 G_0 cm^3, and variations in Σ_(IR) are driven by the number density of star-forming regions within a galaxy, with no change in their PDR properties. Above Σ*_(IR), G/n_H increases rapidly with Σ_(IR), signaling a departure from the typical PDR conditions found in normal star-forming galaxies toward more intense/harder radiation fields and compact geometries typical of starbursting sources.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight recent progress in the emerging field of photo-, electro-, magnetic-and ultrasound-sensitive polymers and present novel synthetic routes to these polymers as well as their responsive properties and functions.
Book Chapter•
01 Jan 2017
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the actual knowledge on the ontogeny, typologies and occurrence of skeletal anomalies, and on the proposed causative factors for their onset in larvae and juveniles of European farmed fish is presented.
Abstract: The presence of skeletal anomalies in farmed teleost fish is currently a major problem in aquaculture, entailing economical, biological and ethical issues. The common occurrence of skeletal abnormalities in farmed fish and the absence of effective solutions for avoiding their onset or definitely culling out the affected individuals as early as possible from the productive cycle, highlight the need to improve our knowledge on the basic processes regulating fish skeletogenesis and skeletal tissues differentiation, modelling and remodelling. Severe skeletal anomalies may actually occur throughout the entire life cycle of fish, but their development often begins with slight aberrations of the internal elements. Comprehensive investigation efforts conducted on reared larvae and juveniles could provide a great contribution in filling the gap in knowledge, as skeletogenesis and skeletal tissue differentiation occur during these early life stages. The aim of this review is to provide a synthetic but comprehensive picture of the actual knowledge on the ontogeny, typologies and occurrence of skeletal anomalies, and on the proposed causative factors for their onset in larvae and juveniles of European farmed fish. The state-of-art of knowledge of these issues is analysed critically intending to individualize the main gaps of knowledge that require to be filled, in order to optimize the morphological quality of farmed juveniles.
TL;DR: Physicians should consider using a PPARgamma agonist, such as pioglitazone, or statin use in those with NAFLD/NASH at high CVD or HCC risk, alone and/or preferably in combination with each other or with ezetimibe, for the primary or secondary prevention of CVD.
Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease, is characterized by accumulation of fat (>5% of the liver tissue), in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. It is closely related to the epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD can cause liver inflammation and progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Nevertheless, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in NAFLD/NASH patients. Current guidelines suggest the use of pioglitazone both in patients with T2DM and in those without. The use of statins, though considered safe by the guidelines, have very limited use; only 10% in high CVD risk patients are on statins by tertiary centers in the US. There are data from several animal studies, 5 post hoc analyses of prospective long-term survival studies, and 5 rather small biopsy proven NASH studies, one at baseline and on at the end of the study. All these studies provide data for biochemical and histological improvement of NAFLD/NASH with statins and in the clinical studies large reductions in CVD events in comparison with those also on statins and normal liver. Ezetimibe was also reported to improve NAFLD. Drugs currently in clinical trials seem to have potential for slowing down the evolution of NAFLD and for reducing liver- and CVD-related morbidity and mortality, but it will take time before they are ready to be used in everyday clinical practice. The suggestion of this Expert Panel is that, pending forthcoming randomized clinical trials, physicians should consider using a PPARgamma agonist, such as pioglitazone, or, statin use in those with NAFLD/NASH at high CVD or HCC risk, alone and/or preferably in combination with each other or with ezetimibe, for the primary or secondary prevention of CVD, and the avoidance of cirrhosis, liver transplantation or HCC, bearing in mind that CVD is the main cause of death in NAFLD/NASH patients.
TL;DR: The NOAH–AFNET 6 trial tests whether oral anticoagulation with edoxaban is superior to prevent the primary efficacy outcome of stroke or cardiovascular death compared with aspirin or no antithrombotic therapy based on evidence‐based indications.
North Shore-LIJ Health System1, Yale University2, University of Edinburgh3, University of Bergen4, Oslo University Hospital5, University of Oslo6, Haukeland University Hospital7, University of Helsinki8, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute9, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg10, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai11, Veterans Health Administration12, University of Crete13, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre14, University of Manchester15, Duke University16, Imperial College London17, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health18, Mental Health Research Institute19, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens20, Johns Hopkins University21, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior22, Stanford University23, University of Oregon24, National Institutes of Health25, National University of Ireland, Galway26, Trinity College, Dublin27, University of Colorado Boulder28, Hofstra University29
TL;DR: Common variation across the genome resulted in a conservatively estimated SNP heritability of 21.5% for general cognitive function, which provides new insight into the genetics of neurocognitive function with relevance to understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric illness.
Abstract: The complex nature of human cognition has resulted in cognitive genomics lagging behind many other fields in terms of gene discovery using genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods. In an attempt to overcome these barriers, the current study utilized GWAS meta-analysis to examine the association of common genetic variation (~8M single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with minor allele frequency ⩾1%) to general cognitive function in a sample of 35 298 healthy individuals of European ancestry across 24 cohorts in the Cognitive Genomics Consortium (COGENT). In addition, we utilized individual SNP lookups and polygenic score analyses to identify genetic overlap with other relevant neurobehavioral phenotypes. Our primary GWAS meta-analysis identified two novel SNP loci (top SNPs: rs76114856 in the CENPO gene on chromosome 2 and rs6669072 near LOC105378853 on chromosome 1) associated with cognitive performance at the genome-wide significance level (P<5 × 10-8). Gene-based analysis identified an additional three Bonferroni-corrected significant loci at chromosomes 17q21.31, 17p13.1 and 1p13.3. Altogether, common variation across the genome resulted in a conservatively estimated SNP heritability of 21.5% (s.e.=0.01%) for general cognitive function. Integration with prior GWAS of cognitive performance and educational attainment yielded several additional significant loci. Finally, we found robust polygenic correlations between cognitive performance and educational attainment, several psychiatric disorders, birth length/weight and smoking behavior, as well as a novel genetic association to the personality trait of openness. These data provide new insight into the genetics of neurocognitive function with relevance to understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric illness.
TL;DR: Specific facial cues, derived from eye activity, mouth activity, head movements and camera based heart activity achieve good accuracy and are suitable as discriminative indicators of stress and anxiety.
TL;DR: Leadership styles were found to be strongly correlated with quality care and associated measures, both from the patients and healthcare professionals.
TL;DR: The syndecan‐mediated regulation of calcium metabolism is highly correlated with cells’ adhesion phenotype through the actin cytoskeleton and formation of junctions, with implications during differentiation and disease progression.
Abstract: Syndecans are a small family of four transmembrane proteoglycans in mammals They have similar structural organization, consisting of an N-terminal ectodomain, single transmembrane domain and C-terminal cytoplasmic domain Over the years, the association between syndecans and the actin cytoskeleton has been established, which has consequences for the regulation of cell adhesion and migration Specifically, ecto- and cytoplasmic domains are responsible for the interaction with extracellular matrix molecules and intracellular kinases, respectively These interactions indicate syndecans as key molecules during cancer initiation and progression Particularly syndecans interact with other cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors and integrins, which lead to activation of downstream signaling pathways, which are critical for the cellular behavior Moreover, this review describes the key role of syndecans in intracellular calcium regulation and homeostasis The syndecan-mediated regulation of calcium metabolism is highly correlated with cells' adhesion phenotype through the actin cytoskeleton and formation of junctions, with implications during differentiation and disease progression
TL;DR: It is reported that BDNF signaling via the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway suppresses autophagy in vivo, and it is demonstrated that suppression ofAutophagy is required for BDNF-induced synaptic plasticity and for memory enhancement under conditions of nutritional stress.
TL;DR: This comprehensive review of the current evidence defining the position of polyphenols in the prevention/treatment of human chronic diseases, including prostate cancer and other types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease focuses on their ability to modulate multiple signalling transduction pathways involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases.
Spanish National Research Council1, PSL Research University2, Federal University of Technology - Paraná3, Max Planck Society4, University of Padua5, INAF6, Hungarian Academy of Sciences7, Slovak Academy of Sciences8, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic9, German Aerospace Center10, University of Alicante11, University of Zagreb12, European Southern Observatory13, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro14, University of Huelva15, Ege University16, Akdeniz University17, Ondokuz Mayıs University18, Atatürk University19, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University20, University of Crete21, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen22, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens23, University of the Basque Country24, University of Valencia25, University of La Laguna26
TL;DR: Observations from multiple Earth-based observatories of Haumea passing in front of a distant star (a multi-chord stellar occultation) report the presence of a ring with an opacity of 0.5, which constrains the three-dimensional orientation of Haumesa and its triaxial shape, which is inconsistent with a homogeneous body in hydrostatic equilibrium.
Abstract: J.L.O. acknowledges funding from Spanish and Andalusian grants MINECO AYA-2014-56637-C2-1-P and J. A. 2012-FQM1776 as well as FEDER funds. Part of the research leading to these results received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under grant agreement no. 687378. B.S. acknowledges support from the French grants ‘Beyond Neptune’ ANR-08-BLAN-0177 and ‘Beyond Neptune II’ ANR-11-IS56-0002. Part of the research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Community’s H2020 (2014-2020/ERC grant agreement no. 669416 ‘Lucky Star’). A.P. and R.S. have been supported by the grant LP2012-31 of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. All of the Hungarian contributors acknowledge the partial support from K-125015 grant of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH). G.B.-R., F.B.-R., F.L.R., R.V.-M., J.I.B.C., M.A., A.R.G.-J. and B.E.M. acknowledge support from CAPES, CNPq and FAPERJ. J.C.G. acknowledges funding from AYA2015-63939-C2-2-P and from the Generalitat Valenciana PROMETEOII/2014/057. K.H. and P.P. were supported by the project RVO:67985815. The Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley acknowledges a Shoemaker NEO Grant 2013 from The Planetary Society. We acknowledge funds from a 2016 ‘Research and Education’ grant from Fondazione CRT. We also acknowledge the Slovakian project ITMS no. 26220120029.
TL;DR: This review advocates revisiting the current safety and regulation of specific sunscreens and investing in alternative UV protection technologies, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Abstract: Sunscreen application is the main strategy used to prevent the maladies inflicted by ultraviolet (UV) radiation Despite the continuously increasing frequency of sunscreen use worldwide, the prevalence of certain sun exposure-related pathologies, mainly malignant melanoma, is also on the rise In the past century, a variety of protective agents against UV exposure have been developed Physical filters scatter and reflect UV rays and chemical filters absorb those rays Alongside the evidence for increasing levels of these agents in the environment, which leads to indirect exposure of wildlife and humans, recent studies suggest a toxicological nature for some of these agents Reviews on the role of these agents in developmental and endocrine impairments (both pathology and related mechanisms) are based on both animal and human studies, yet information regarding the potential neurotoxicity of these agents is scant In this review, data regarding the neurotoxicity of several organic filters: octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3 and -4, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-benzylidene camphor and octocrylene, and two allowed inorganic filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is presented and discussed Taken together, this review advocates revisiting the current safety and regulation of specific sunscreens and investing in alternative UV protection technologies
TL;DR: In this paper, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is added in the [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) electron transport layer (ETL) of planar inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), resulting in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement of ≈12%, with a hysteresis-free PCE of 14.5%, compared to pristine PCBM based devices.
Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is added in the [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) electron transport layer (ETL) of planar inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), resulting in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement of ≈12%, with a hysteresis-free PCE of 14.5%, compared to 12.9% for the pristine PCBM based device. The universality of the method is demonstrated in PSCs based on CH3NH3PbI3−xClx and CH3NH3PbI3 perovskites, deposited through one step and two step spin coating process, respectively. After a comprehensive spectroscopic characterization of both devices, it is clear that the introduction of rGO in PCBM ETL results in an important increase of the ETL conductivity, together with reduced series resistance and surface roughness. As a result, a significant photoluminescence quenching of such perovskite/ETL is observed, confirming the increased measured short circuit current density. Transient absorption measurements reveal that in the rGO-based device, the relaxation process of the excited electrons is significantly faster compared to the reference, which implies that the charge injection rate is significantly faster for the first. Furthermore, the light soaking effect is significantly reduced. Finally, aging measurements reveal that the rGO stabilizes the ELT/perovskite interface, which results in the stabilization of perovskite crystal structure after prolonged illumination.
TL;DR: The present review will address updates of the protein bio-corona characteristics as influenced by nanoparticle’s physicochemical properties and by the particularities of the encountered biological milieu.
Abstract: With the expansion of the nanomedicine field, the knowledge focusing on the behavior of nanoparticles in the biological milieu has rapidly escalated. Upon introduction to a complex biological system, nanomaterials dynamically interact with all the encountered biomolecules and form the protein "bio-corona." The decoration with these surface biomolecules endows nanoparticles with new properties. The present review will address updates of the protein bio-corona characteristics as influenced by nanoparticle's physicochemical properties and by the particularities of the encountered biological milieu. Undeniably, bio-corona generation influences the efficacy of the nanodrug and guides the actions of innate and adaptive immunity. Exploiting the dynamic process of protein bio-corona development in combination with the new engineered horizons of drugs linked to nanoparticles could lead to innovative functional nanotherapies. Therefore, bio-medical nanotechnologies should focus on the interactions of nanoparticles with the immune system for both safety and efficacy reasons.
Harvard University1, Broad Institute2, Max Planck Society3, University of Tübingen4, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study5, Howard Hughes Medical Institute6, British School at Athens7, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens8, University of Crete9, Simon Fraser University10, Green Templeton College11, University College Dublin12, University of Coimbra13, Hartnell College14, University of Washington15, University of Vienna16
TL;DR: It is shown that Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically similar, having at least three-quarters of their ancestry from the first Neolithic farmers of western Anatolia and the Aegean, and most of the remainder from ancient populations related to those of the Caucasus and Iran.
Abstract: The most prominent civilizations that emerged during the Bronze Age in Europe include the Minoan culture on the island of Crete and the Mycenaean culture on mainland Greece, both in the Aegean region. Iosif Lazaridis, David Reich, Johannes Krause, George Stamatoyannopoulos and colleagues investigated the origins of these two archaeological cultures by analysing new genome-wide data from 19 ancient individuals, including Minoans, Mycenaeans and their eastern neighbours from southwestern Anatolia. While Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically very similar, with shared ancestry from the western Anatolian and Aegean regions, they were also distinct, with Mycenaeans showing additional ancestry related to the Bronze Age inhabitants of the Eurasian steppe.
TL;DR: People who started using e-cigarettes to quit smoking tobacco were more likely to be current users, but the trends vary by country, and the need for more research into factors influencing e-cigarette use and its potential benefits and harms is underscore.
Abstract: Objective This study assessed changes in levels of ever use, perceptions of harm from e-cigarettes and sociodemographic correlates of use among European Union (EU) adults during 2012–2014, as well as determinants of current use in 2014. Methods We analysed data from the 2012 (n=26 751) and 2014 (n=26 792) waves of the adult Special Eurobarometer for Tobacco survey. Point prevalence of current and ever use was calculated and logistic regression assessed correlates of current use and changes in ever use, and perception of harm. Correlates examined included age, gender, tobacco smoking, education, area of residence, difficulties in paying bills and reasons for trying an e-cigarette. Results The prevalence of ever use of e-cigarettes increased from 7.2% in 2012 to 11.6% in 2014 (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.91). EU-wide coefficient of variation in ever e-cigarette use was 42.1% in 2012 and 33.4% in 2014. The perception that e-cigarettes are harmful increased from 27.1% in 2012 to 51.6% in 2014 (aOR=2.99), but there were major differences in prevalence and trends between member states. Among those who reported that they had ever tried an e-cigarette in the 2014 survey, 15.3% defined themselves as current users. Those who tried an e-cigarette to quit smoking were more likely to be current users (aOR=2.82). Conclusions Ever use of e-cigarettes increased during 2012–2014. People who started using e-cigarettes to quit smoking tobacco were more likely to be current users, but the trends vary by country. These findings underscore the need for more research into factors influencing e-cigarette use and its potential benefits and harms.