Showing papers by "University of Minho published in 2019"
TL;DR: To provide relevant solutions for improving public health, healthcare providers are required to be fully equipped with appropriate infrastructure to systematically generate and analyze big data.
Abstract: ‘Big data’ is massive amounts of information that can work wonders. It has become a topic of special interest for the past two decades because of a great potential that is hidden in it. Various public and private sector industries generate, store, and analyze big data with an aim to improve the services they provide. In the healthcare industry, various sources for big data include hospital records, medical records of patients, results of medical examinations, and devices that are a part of internet of things. Biomedical research also generates a significant portion of big data relevant to public healthcare. This data requires proper management and analysis in order to derive meaningful information. Otherwise, seeking solution by analyzing big data quickly becomes comparable to finding a needle in the haystack. There are various challenges associated with each step of handling big data which can only be surpassed by using high-end computing solutions for big data analysis. That is why, to provide relevant solutions for improving public health, healthcare providers are required to be fully equipped with appropriate infrastructure to systematically generate and analyze big data. An efficient management, analysis, and interpretation of big data can change the game by opening new avenues for modern healthcare. That is exactly why various industries, including the healthcare industry, are taking vigorous steps to convert this potential into better services and financial advantages. With a strong integration of biomedical and healthcare data, modern healthcare organizations can possibly revolutionize the medical therapies and personalized medicine.
615 citations
ETH Zurich1, University of California, Davis2, Bielefeld University3, Nanyang Technological University4, Wageningen University and Research Centre5, Brigham Young University6, Aligarh Muslim University7, Colorado State University8, University of Manchester9, University of Cologne10, University of La Rioja11, University of Brasília12, Queen's University Belfast13, Nanjing Agricultural University14, University of Minho15, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária16, Zealand Institute of Business and Technology17, Spanish National Research Council18, Scotland's Rural College19, American Museum of Natural History20, Russian Academy of Sciences21, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences22, University of Göttingen23, Chinese Academy of Sciences24, University of Catania25, University of Nebraska–Lincoln26, James Hutton Institute27, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology28, University of Sydney29, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences30, Universidade Federal de Lavras31, University of Helsinki32, University of Montpellier33, Aarhus University34, Lancaster University35, National Taiwan University36
TL;DR: High-resolution spatial maps of the global abundance of soil nematodes and the composition of functional groups show that soil nematode are found in higher abundances in sub-Arctic regions, than in temperate or tropical regions.
Abstract: Soil organisms are a crucial part of the terrestrial biosphere. Despite their importance for ecosystem functioning, few quantitative, spatially explicit models of the active belowground community currently exist. In particular, nematodes are the most abundant animals on Earth, filling all trophic levels in the soil food web. Here we use 6,759 georeferenced samples to generate a mechanistic understanding of the patterns of the global abundance of nematodes in the soil and the composition of their functional groups. The resulting maps show that 4.4 ± 0.64 × 1020 nematodes (with a total biomass of approximately 0.3 gigatonnes) inhabit surface soils across the world, with higher abundances in sub-Arctic regions (38% of total) than in temperate (24%) or tropical (21%) regions. Regional variations in these global trends also provide insights into local patterns of soil fertility and functioning. These high-resolution models provide the first steps towards representing soil ecological processes in global biogeochemical models and will enable the prediction of elemental cycling under current and future climate scenarios.
552 citations
F. Kyle Satterstrom1, Jack A. Kosmicki1, Jiebiao Wang2, Michael S. Breen3 +150 more•Institutions (45)
TL;DR: Using an enhanced Bayesian framework to integrate de novo and case-control rare variation, 102 risk genes are identified at a false discovery rate of ≤ 0.1, consistent with multiple paths to an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance underlying ASD.
Abstract: We present the largest exome sequencing study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to date (n=35,584 total samples, 11,986 with ASD). Using an enhanced Bayesian framework to integrate de novo and case-control rare variation, we identify 102 risk genes at a false discovery rate ≤ 0.1. Of these genes, 49 show higher frequencies of disruptive de novo variants in individuals ascertained for severe neurodevelopmental delay, while 53 show higher frequencies in individuals ascertained for ASD; comparing ASD cases with mutations in these groups reveals phenotypic differences. Expressed early in brain development, most of the risk genes have roles in regulation of gene expression or neuronal communication (i.e., mutations effect neurodevelopmental and neurophysiological changes), and 13 fall within loci recurrently hit by copy number variants. In human cortex single-cell gene expression data, expression of risk genes is enriched in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal lineages, consistent with multiple paths to an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance underlying ASD.
461 citations
TL;DR: This review gives an updated picture of each class of phenolic compounds and their properties and the use of current existing databases of bioactive compounds including polyphenols is described as key tools for human health research.
Abstract: This review gives an updated picture of each class of phenolic compounds and their properties. The most common classification implies the subdivision of phenolics in two main groups: flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, flavanols, flavanones, flavonols, flavonones, and isoflavones) and non-flavonoids (e.g., phenolic acids, xanthones, stilbens, lignans, and tannins) polyphenols. The great interest in polyphenols is associated with their high potential application for food preservation and for therapeutic beneficial use. The relationship between polyphenol intake and human health has been exploited with special reference to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer. The use of current existing databases of bioactive compounds including polyphenols is described as key tools for human health research.
433 citations
TL;DR: A diversity of biomaterials, current treatment strategies, and emergent technologies used for 3D scaffolds and hydrogel processing, and the tissue-specific considerations for scaffolding for Tissue engineering (TE) purposes are highlighted and discussed in depth.
Abstract: During the past two decades, tissue engineering and the regenerative medicine field have invested in the regeneration and reconstruction of pathologically altered tissues, such as cartilage, bone, skin, heart valves, nerves and tendons, and many others. The 3D structured scaffolds and hydrogels alone or combined with bioactive molecules or genes and cells are able to guide the development of functional engineered tissues, and provide mechanical support during in vivo implantation. Naturally derived and synthetic polymers, bioresorbable inorganic materials, and respective hybrids, and decellularized tissue have been considered as scaffolding biomaterials, owing to their boosted structural, mechanical, and biological properties. A diversity of biomaterials, current treatment strategies, and emergent technologies used for 3D scaffolds and hydrogel processing, and the tissue-specific considerations for scaffolding for Tissue engineering (TE) purposes are herein highlighted and discussed in depth. The newest procedures focusing on the 3D behavior and multi-cellular interactions of native tissues for further use for in vitro model processing are also outlined. Completed and ongoing preclinical research trials for TE applications using scaffolds and hydrogels, challenges, and future prospects of research in the regenerative medicine field are also presented.
288 citations
Harvard University1, Broad Institute2, Howard Hughes Medical Institute3, Max Planck Society4, University of Zaragoza5, University of Huddersfield6, University of Minho7, Pompeu Fabra University8, University of Vienna9, Pennsylvania State University10, University of Coimbra11, University of Granada12, University of Zurich13, University of the Basque Country14, Rovira i Virgili University15, National University of Distance Education16, University of Málaga17, University of Barcelona18, University of Valencia19, Autonomous University of Barcelona20, University of Lisbon21, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras22, University of Cádiz23, University of Almería24, University of Salamanca25, University of Iowa26, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria27, Mount Mercy University28, Autonomous University of Madrid29, Complutense University of Madrid30, University of Cantabria31, Gibraltar Hardware32, Liverpool John Moores University33, Anglia Ruskin University34, Spanish National Research Council35, University of California, Santa Barbara36, University of Basel37, Danube Private University38, University of Adelaide39
TL;DR: It is revealed that present-day Basques are best described as a typical Iron Age population without the admixture events that later affected the rest of Iberia, and how the ancestry of the peninsula was transformed by gene flow from North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean is document.
Abstract: J.M.F., F.J.L.-C., J.I.M., F.X.O., J.D., and M.S.B. were supported by HAR2017-86509-P, HAR2017-87695-P, and SGR2017-11 from the Generalitat de Catalunya, AGAUR agency. C.L.-F. was supported by Obra Social La Caixa and by FEDER-MINECO (BFU2015- 64699-P). L.B.d.L.E. was supported by REDISCO-HAR2017-88035-P (Plan Nacional I+D+I, MINECO). C.L., P.R., and C.Bl. were supported by MINECO (HAR2016-77600-P). A.Esp., J.V.-V., G.D., and D.C.S.-G. were supported by MINECO (HAR2009-10105 and HAR2013-43851-P). D.J.K. and B.J.C. were supported by NSF BCS-1460367. K.T.L., A.W., and J.M. were supported by NSF BCS-1153568. J.F.-E. and J.A.M.-A. were supported by IT622-13 Gobierno Vasco, Diputacion Foral de Alava, and Diputacion Foral de Gipuzkoa. We acknowledge support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (PTDC/EPH-ARQ/4164/2014) and the FEDER-COMPETE 2020 project 016899. P.S. was supported by the FCT Investigator Program (IF/01641/2013), FCT IP, and ERDF (COMPETE2020 – POCI). M.Si. and K.D. were supported by a Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarship awarded to M.B.R. and M.P. D.R. was supported by an Allen Discovery Center grant from the Paul Allen Foundation, NIH grant GM100233, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. V.V.-M. and W.H. were supported by the Max Planck Society.
287 citations
TL;DR: An improvement in wettability and bioactivity of titanium implant surfaces has been accomplished by combining micro and nano-scale modification and functionalization with protein, peptides, and bioactive compounds.
280 citations
TL;DR: Results of this clinical trial demonstrate the effectiveness of the MiSight daily disposable soft contact lens in slowing change in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length.
Abstract: SIGNIFICANCE: Results of this randomized, double-masked clinical trial demonstrate the effectiveness of the MiSight soft contact lens in slowing myopia progression over multiple years. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of MiSight daily disposable soft contact lens in slowing the progression of juvenile-onset myopia. METHODS: Myopic children (spherical equivalent refraction, -0.75 to -4.00 D; astigmatism, <1.00 D) aged 8 to 12 years with no prior contact lens experience were enrolled in a 3-year, double-masked, randomized clinical trial at four investigational sites in four countries. Subjects in each group were matched for age, sex, and ethnicity and were randomized to either a MiSight 1-day contact lens (test) or Proclear 1-day (control; omafilcon A) and worn on a daily disposable basis. Primary outcome measures were the change in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction and axial length. RESULTS: Of the subjects enrolled, 75.5% (109/144) completed the clinical trial (53 test, 56 control). Unadjusted change in spherical equivalent refraction was -0.73 D (59%) less in the test group than in the control group (-0.51 ± 0.64 vs. -1.24 ± 0.61 D, P < .001). Mean change in axial length was 0.32 mm (52%) less in the test group than in the control group (0.30 ± 0.27 vs. 0.62 ± 0.30 mm, P < .001). Changes in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length were highly correlated (r = -0.90, P < .001). Over the course of the study, there were no cases of serious ocular adverse events reported. Four asymptomatic corneal infiltrative (one test, three control) events were observed at scheduled study visits. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this clinical trial demonstrate the effectiveness of the MiSight daily disposable soft contact lens in slowing change in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length.
261 citations
University of Duisburg-Essen1, Slovak Academy of Sciences2, University of Minho3, University of Pécs4, Leibniz Association5, Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department6, University of Savoy7, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences8, Naturhistorisches Museum9, University of Bergen10, University of Porto11, Naturalis12, University of Salzburg13, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna14, Bielefeld University15, Ilia State University16, Babeș-Bolyai University17, Ankara University18, National Institute of Oceanography, India19, University of Montenegro20, American Museum of Natural History21, Norwegian University of Science and Technology22
TL;DR: This work analysed gaps in the two most important reference databases, Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and NCBI GenBank, with a focus on the taxa most frequently used in WFD and MSFD, and found that coverage varies strongly among taxonomic groups, and among geographic regions.
257 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the scientific and technical literature about urban resilience highlighting its definitions, dimensions, application areas, characteristics and challenges and opportunities, and concluded that urban resilience is based on four basic pillars: resisting, recovering, adapting and transforming.
239 citations
TL;DR: An exclusion limit on the H→invisible branching ratio of 0.26(0.17_{-0.05}^{+0.07}) at 95% confidence level is observed (expected) in combination with the results at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV.
Abstract: Dark matter particles, if sufficiently light, may be produced in decays of the Higgs boson. This Letter presents a statistical combination of searches for H→invisible decays where H is produced according to the standard model via vector boson fusion, Z(ll)H, and W/Z(had)H, all performed with the ATLAS detector using 36.1 fb^{-1} of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13 TeV at the LHC. In combination with the results at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV, an exclusion limit on the H→invisible branching ratio of 0.26(0.17_{-0.05}^{+0.07}) at 95% confidence level is observed (expected).
TL;DR: Progress and strategies towards the synthesis of Bio-ILs are reviewed and the impact of using these compounds in a diverse range of applications is discussed, with some insights toward their use in the development of improved technologies.
Abstract: Biocompatible ionic liquids (Bio-ILs) are an eco- and bio-friendly family of ionic liquids (ILs) useful in applications ranging from the electrochemical to the biomedical fields. The most promising strategies for their synthesis involve using molecules from bio-renewable sources as a basis for both the anionic and cationic counterparts of the Bio-ILs structure. Several studies have been conducted on Bio-IL properties, including their impact on the environment and health safety. Herein, we review progress and strategies towards the synthesis of Bio-ILs and address their ecotoxicological and biological impact. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of using these compounds in a diverse range of applications, with some insights toward their use in the development of improved technologies.
TL;DR: In this article, an improved energy clustering algorithm is introduced, and its implications for the measurement and identification of prompt electrons and photons are discussed in detail, including corrections and calibrations that affect performance, including energy calibration, identification and isolation efficiencies.
Abstract: This paper describes the reconstruction of electrons and photons with the ATLAS detector, employed for measurements and searches exploiting the complete LHC Run 2 dataset. An improved energy clustering algorithm is introduced, and its implications for the measurement and identification of prompt electrons and photons are discussed in detail. Corrections and calibrations that affect performance, including energy calibration, identification and isolation efficiencies, and the measurement of the charge of reconstructed electron candidates are determined using up to 81 fb−1 of proton-proton collision data collected at √s=13 TeV between 2015 and 2017.
TL;DR: An in-depth study of TrustZone technology is presented, providing a comprehensive survey of relevant work from academia and industry, presenting existing systems into two main areas, namely, Trusted Execution Environments and hardware-assisted virtualization.
Abstract: The world is undergoing an unprecedented technological transformation, evolving into a state where ubiquitous Internet-enabled “things” will be able to generate and share large amounts of security- and privacy-sensitive data. To cope with the security threats that are thus foreseeable, system designers can find in Arm TrustZone hardware technology a most valuable resource. TrustZone is a System-on-Chip and CPU system-wide security solution, available on today’s Arm application processors and present in the new generation Arm microcontrollers, which are expected to dominate the market of smart “things.” Although this technology has remained relatively underground since its inception in 2004, over the past years, numerous initiatives have significantly advanced the state of the art involving Arm TrustZone. Motivated by this revival of interest, this paper presents an in-depth study of TrustZone technology. We provide a comprehensive survey of relevant work from academia and industry, presenting existing systems into two main areas, namely, Trusted Execution Environments and hardware-assisted virtualization. Furthermore, we analyze the most relevant weaknesses of existing systems and propose new research directions within the realm of tiniest devices and the Internet of Things, which we believe to have potential to yield high-impact contributions in the future.
TL;DR: In this article, the ATLAS Collaboration during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was used to identify jets containing b-hadrons, and the performance of the algorithms was evaluated in the s...
Abstract: The algorithms used by the ATLAS Collaboration during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider to identify jets containing b-hadrons are presented. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated in the s ...
13 May 2019
TL;DR: The goal of this review is to present the past and the present methods of detection and identification of microorganisms, and to discuss their advantages and their limitations.
Abstract: Fast detection and identification of microorganisms is a challenging and significant feature from industry to medicine. Standard approaches are known to be very time-consuming and labor-intensive (e.g., culture media and biochemical tests). Conversely, screening techniques demand a quick and low-cost grouping of bacterial/fungal isolates and current analysis call for broad reports of microorganisms, involving the application of molecular techniques (e.g., 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing based on polymerase chain reaction). The goal of this review is to present the past and the present methods of detection and identification of microorganisms, and to discuss their advantages and their limitations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided the recent advances and an analysis of the main properties of the separator membranes for lithium-ion batteries, including microporous membranes, nonwoven membranes, electrospun membranes, membranes with external surface modification, composite membranes and polymer blends.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a critical analysis and overview of the relationship between processing parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties of LMD components made from the Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the decays of B0 s! + and B0! + have been studied using 26 : 3 fb of 13TeV LHC proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector in 2015 and 2016.
Abstract: A study of the decays B0 s ! + and B0 ! + has been performed using 26 : 3 fb of 13TeV LHC proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector in 2015 and 2016. Since the detector resolut ...
TL;DR: Independent signatures of criticality are tested and it is shown that a phase transition occurs in an intermediate value of spiking variability, in both anesthetized and freely moving animals.
Abstract: Since the first measurements of neuronal avalanches, the critical brain hypothesis has gained traction. However, if the brain is critical, what is the phase transition? For several decades, it has been known that the cerebral cortex operates in a diversity of regimes, ranging from highly synchronous states (with higher spiking variability) to desynchronized states (with lower spiking variability). Here, using both new and publicly available data, we test independent signatures of criticality and show that a phase transition occurs in an intermediate value of spiking variability, in both anesthetized and freely moving animals. The critical exponents point to a universality class different from mean-field directed percolation. Importantly, as the cortex hovers around this critical point, the avalanche exponents follow a linear relation that encompasses previous experimental results from different setups and is reproduced by a model.
TL;DR: The present work overviews the current reports dealing with the several features that can be used to improve peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR), ranging from the simple use of hollow NGCs to tissue engineered intraluminal fillers, or to even more advanced strategies, comprising the molecular and gene therapies as well as cell-based therapies.
Abstract: Peripheral nerve repair and regeneration remains among the greatest challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Even though peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are capable of some degree of regeneration, frail recovery is seen even when the best microsurgical technique is applied. PNIs are known to be very incapacitating for the patient, due to the deprivation of motor and sensory abilities. Since there is no optimal solution for tackling this problem up to this day, the evolution in the field is constant, with innovative designs of advanced nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) being reported every day. As a basic concept, a NGC should act as a physical barrier from the external environment, concomitantly acting as physical guidance for the regenerative axons across the gap lesion. NGCs should also be able to retain the naturally released nerve growth factors secreted by the damaged nerve stumps, as well as reducing the invasion of scar tissue-forming fibroblasts to the injury site. Based on the neurobiological knowledge related to the events that succeed after a nerve injury, neuronal subsistence is subjected to the existence of an ideal environment of growth factors, hormones, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) factors. Therefore, it is known that multifunctional NGCs fabricated through combinatorial approaches are needed to improve the functional and clinical outcomes after PNIs. The present work overviews the current reports dealing with the several features that can be used to improve peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR), ranging from the simple use of hollow NGCs to tissue engineered intraluminal fillers, or to even more advanced strategies, comprising the molecular and gene therapies as well as cell-based therapies.
TL;DR: In this article, a complete survey on scientific achievements related to silica aerogel composites reinforced with all types of fibres (natural, man-made, organic, inorganic and nanofibres), describing their synthesis approaches and properties is presented.
Abstract: Silica aerogels are among the lightest weight solid materials and exhibit other unique properties, in particular an outstanding insulation performance. However, these nanostructured highly porous materials show inherent brittleness that makes their processing and handling difficult and constrains their use in common daily applications. One of the most convincing and effective strategies to reinforce the silica aerogel structure is the manufacturing of aerogel composites with embedded fibres, which significantly contributes to widening their applications. This review encompasses a complete survey on scientific achievements related to silica aerogel composites reinforced with all types of fibres (natural, man-made, organic, inorganic and nanofibres), describing their synthesis approaches and properties. The influence of the embedment of different fibres on the final properties of the composites is thoroughly reported, considering their amount in the matrix and/or their specific characteristics, namely morphology, orientation and optical features. The applications linked to the fibre-reinforced silica aerogel composites are briefly addressed as well, evincing developments in typical functions of aerogels, as thermal and/or acoustic insulators and adsorbents, and also in emerging uses, for example as sensors or technical and protective apparel.
TL;DR: The updated definition of prebiotic expands the range of potential applications in which emerging xylooligosaccharides (XOS) can be used, and it has been demonstrated that XOS exhibitPrebiotic effects at lower amounts compared to others, making them competitively priced prebiotics.
TL;DR: Modified zirconia surfaces clearly demonstrate faster osseointegration than that on untreated surfaces, however, there is no consensus regarding the surface treatment and consequent morphological aspects of the surfaces to enhance osseointedegration.
TL;DR: Advances in sequencing technologies and synthetic biology are providing new opportunities to explore the use of temperate phages for therapy against bacterial infections, and by doing so can considerably expand the armamentarium against the escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
TL;DR: Results of the review show that DM patients have an increased susceptibility to Candida sp.
Abstract: Candidiasis has increased substantially worldwide over recent decades and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among critically ill patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that predisposes individuals to fungal infections, including those related to Candida sp., due to a immunosuppressive effect on the patient. This review aims to discuss the latest studies regarding the occurrence of candidiasis on DM patients and the pathophysiology and etiology associated with these co-morbidities. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken. PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier’s ScienceDirect, and Springer’s SpringerLink databases were searched using well-defined search terms. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to classify relevant manuscripts. Results of the review show that DM patients have an increased susceptibility to Candida sp. infections which aggravates in the cases of uncontrolled hyperglycemia. The conclusion is that, for these patients, the hospitalization periods have increased and are commonly associated with the prolonged use of indwelling medical devices, which also increase the costs associated with disease management.
TL;DR: The objective of this review is to concisely describe the relevance of hydrogel dressings as platforms for delivery of active molecules for improved management of difficult- to-treat wounds.
Abstract: Background Composed in a large extent of water and due to their nonadhesiveness, hydrogels found their way to the wound dressing market as materials that provide a moisture environment for healing while being comfortable to the patient Hydrogels' exploitation is constantly increasing after evidences of their even broader therapeutic potential due to resemblance to dermal tissue and ability to induce partial skin regeneration The innovation in advanced wound care is further directed to the development of so-called active dressings, where hydrogels are combined with components that enhance the primary purpose of providing a beneficial environment for wound healing Objective The objective of this review is to concisely describe the relevance of hydrogel dressings as platforms for delivery of active molecules for improved management of difficult- to-treat wounds The emphasis is on the most recent advances in development of stimuli- responsive hydrogels, which allow for control over wound healing efficiency in response to different external modalities Novel strategies for monitoring of the wound status and healing progress based on incorporation of sensor molecules into the hydrogel platforms are also discussed
TL;DR: A freshly discovered targeting mechanism is introduced, termed cell membrane permeability targeting (CMPT), which improves the tumor‐targeting rate from less than 5% of the EPR effect to more than 50%.
Abstract: Advantages such as strong signal strength, resistance to photobleaching, tunable fluorescence emissions, high sensitivity, and biocompatibility are the driving forces for the application of fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs) in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In addition, the large surface area and easy modification of FNPs provide a platform for the design of multifunctional nanoparticles (MFNPs) for tumor targeting, diagnosis, and treatment. In order to obtain better targeting and therapeutic effects, it is necessary to understand the properties and targeting mechanisms of FNPs, which are the foundation and play a key role in the targeting design of nanoparticles (NPs). Widely accepted and applied targeting mechanisms such as enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, active targeting, and tumor microenvironment (TME) targeting are summarized here. Additionally, a freshly discovered targeting mechanism is introduced, termed cell membrane permeability targeting (CMPT), which improves the tumor-targeting rate from less than 5% of the EPR effect to more than 50%. A new design strategy is also summarized, which is promising for future clinical targeting NPs/nanomedicines design. The targeting mechanism and design strategy will inspire new insights and thoughts on targeting design and will speed up precision medicine and contribute to cancer therapy and early diagnosis.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the number of causal recipes that foster mHealth adoption, using a mixed approach combining Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.