Search

Fluorescent concentrators (FCs) have been recently proposed as optical condensers for visible light communications (VLC) and optical wireless communication (OWC) receivers, with advantages over conventional optical stages in terms of optical gain and field of view (FoV). However, the use of FC-based receivers in real-world scenarios is hampered by the need for large resilience of the involved chromophores to sunlight exposure, and availability of large-area FC substrates with suitable optochemical properties. This paper presents an innovative OWC system, based on a high-power blue LED and a large-area FC-based on CuInS2 quantum dots (Q-Dots) as receiving optical stage. A thorough characterization of the FC material in terms of conversion efficiency, temporal response, and FoV is provided, along with a full set of outdoor measurements. The combination of the Q-Dots fluorophores chemico-physical properties with the strong DC rejection granted by the design receiver stage allows error-free VLC link distances up to 60 m and baud rates up to 1 Mb/s. This work represents the first demonstration of long-range VLC links under strong solar irradiance using large-area FC antennas and paves the way to deployment of long-range free-space optical links with minimal susceptibility to misalignments and pointing instabilities between receiver and transmitter.

In mammalian mitochondria, messenger RNA is processed and matured from large primary transcripts in structures known as RNA granules. The identity of the factors and process transferring the matured mRNA to the mitoribosome for translation is unclear. Nascent mature transcripts are believed to associate initially with the small mitoribosomal subunit prior to recruitment of the large subunit to form the translationally active monosome. When the small subunit fails to assemble, however, the stability of mt‐mRNA is only marginally affected, and under these conditions, the LRPPRC/SLIRP RNA‐binding complex has been implicated in maintaining mt‐mRNA stability. Here, we exploit the activity of a bacterial ribotoxin, VapC20, to show that in the absence of the large mitoribosomal subunit, mt‐mRNA species are selectively lost. Further, if the small subunit is also depleted, the mt‐mRNA levels are recovered. As a consequence of these data, we suggest a natural pathway for loading processed mt‐mRNA onto the mitoribosome., The late stages of the life cycle of mitochondrial messenger RNAs (mt‐mRNAs) are still poorly understood; in particular, protection of mt‐RNAs, their recognition by mitochondrial ribosomes and set‐up of translation. Now, Francesco Bruni and colleagues use the bacterial endoribonuclease VapC20 – inducibly expressed in a cell line – as a novel tool to selectively degrade a part of a large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome. Using this cellular model, they propose that formation of mRNA‐associated ribosomes is needed for mt‐mRNA stability after transfer from the mt‐mRNA‐stabilising LRPPRC/SLIRP complex. For further information, please also see our Commentary by Borowski and Szczesny: https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/febs.15435.

FAD synthase is the last enzyme in the pathway that converts riboflavin into FAD. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the gene encoding for FAD synthase is FAD1, from which a sole protein product (Fad1p) is expected to be generated. In this work, we showed that a natural Fad1p exists in yeast mitochondria and that, in its recombinant form, the protein is able, per se, to both enter mitochondria and to be destined to cytosol. Thus, we propose that FAD1 generates two echoforms—that is, two identical proteins addressed to different subcellular compartments. To shed light on the mechanism underlying the subcellular destination of Fad1p, the 3′ region of FAD1 mRNA was analyzed by 3′RACE experiments, which revealed the existence of (at least) two FAD1 transcripts with different 3′UTRs, the short one being 128 bp and the long one being 759 bp. Bioinformatic analysis on these 3′UTRs allowed us to predict the existence of a cis-acting mitochondrial localization motif, present in both the transcripts and, presumably, involved in protein targeting based on the 3′UTR context. Here, we propose that the long FAD1 transcript might be responsible for the generation of mitochondrial Fad1p echoform.

The m.3243A&gt, G mutation within the mitochondrial mt-tRNALeu(UUR) gene is the most prevalent variant linked to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. This pathogenic mutation causes severe impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis due to alterations of the mutated tRNA, such as reduced aminoacylation and a lack of post-transcriptional modification. In transmitochondrial cybrids, overexpression of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2) has proven effective in rescuing the phenotype associated with m.3243A&gt, G substitution. The rescuing activity resides in the carboxy-terminal domain (Cterm) of the enzyme, however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. To deepen our knowledge on the rescuing mechanisms, we demonstrated the interactions of the Cterm with mutated mt-tRNALeu(UUR) and its precursor in MELAS cybrids. Further, the effect of Cterm expression on mitochondrial functions was evaluated. We found that Cterm ameliorates de novo mitochondrial protein synthesis, whilst it has no effect on mt-tRNALeu(UUR) steady-state levels and aminoacylation. Despite the complete recovery of cell viability and the increase in mitochondrial translation, Cterm-overexpressing cybrids were not able to recover bioenergetic competence. These data suggest that, in our MELAS cell model, the beneficial effect of Cterm may be mediated by factors that are independent of the mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Objective: Total laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (TL-NSRH) has been considered a promising approach, however, surgical, clinical, oncological and functional outcomes have not been systematically addressed. We present a large retrospective multi-center experience comparing TL-NSRH vs. open abdominal NSRH (OA-NSRH) for early and locally-advanced cervical cancer, with particular emphasis on post-surgical pelvic function. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent class C1-NSRH plus bilateral pelvic + para-aortic lymphadenectomy for stage IA2–IIB cervical cancer at 4 Italian gynecologic oncologic centers (Negrar, Varese, Bologna, Avellino) were enrolled. Patients were divided into TL-NSRH and OA-NSRH groups and were investigated with preoperative questionnaires on urinary, rectal and sexual function. Postoperatively, patients filled a questionnaire assessing quality of life, taking into account sexual function and psychological status. Oncological outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meyer method. Results: 301 consecutive patients were included in this study: 170 in the TL-NSRH group and 131 in the OA-NSRH group. Patients in the OA-NSRH group were more likely to experience urinary incontinence and (after 12-months follow-up) urinary retention. No patient in the TL-NSRH group vs. 5 (5.5%) in the OA-NSRH group had complete urinary retention (at the >24-month follow-up [p=0.02]). A total of 20 (11.8%) in the TL-NSRH and 11 (8.4%) patients in the OA-NSRH had recurrence of disease (p=0.44) and 14 (8.2%) and 9 (6.9%) died of disease during follow-up, respectively (p=0.83). Conclusion: Our study shows that TL-NSRH is feasible, safe and effective and conjugates adequate radicality and improvement in post-operative functional outcomes. Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic procedures deserve further investigation.

To evaluate the impact of cataract surgery on cognitive function in very elderly patients (≥ 85 years). A prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study of very elderly patients (≥ 85 years), and elderly patients (≥ 65

Ternary I-III-VI2 nanocrystals (NCs), such as CuInS2, are receiving attention as heavy-metals-free materials for solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), LEDs, and bio-imaging. The origin of the optical properties of CuInS2 NCs are however not fully understood. A recent theoretical model suggests that their characteristic Stokes-shifted and long-lived luminescence arises from the structure of the valence band (VB) and predicts distinctive optical behaviours in defect-free NCs: the quadratic dependence of the radiative decay rate and the Stokes shift on the NC radius. If confirmed, this would have crucial implications for LSCs as the solar spectral coverage ensured by low-bandgap NCs would be accompanied by increased re-absorption losses. Here, by studying stoichiometric CuInS2 NCs, it is revealed for the first time the spectroscopic signatures predicted for the free band-edge exciton, thus supporting the VB-structure model. At very low temperatures, the NCs also show dark-state emission likely originating from enhanced electron-hole spin interaction. The impact of the observed optical behaviours on LSCs is evaluated by Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations. Based on the emerging device design guidelines, optical-grade large-area (30x30 cm(2)) LSCs with optical power efficiency (OPE) as high as 6.8% are fabricated, corresponding to the highest value reported to date for large-area devices.

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the kidney, immune complexes and autoantibodies activate mesangial cells that secrete cytokines that can further amplify inflammatory processes. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with lupus nephritis accompanied by periods of exacerbation of SLE, with necrotic-like skin lesions, psoriatic arthritis without skin psoriasis, purpura of the lower limb, petechial rash, joint pain, fever, eyelid edema with bilateral conjunctival hyperemia and itching. The patient underwent a dialytic treatment of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion. The technique uses the super-high-flux membrane Synclear 02 (SUPRA treatment) coupled with an adsorbent cartridge that has affinity for many toxins and mediators. Fever and joint pain were immediately reduced after treatment and, subsequently, there was a notable reduction of the skin damage. Prednisone and immunosuppressive drugs were gradually reduced until complete suspension. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer was performed for identification of proteins captured by a resin bed during a dialysis session of the patient. This technique identified several biomarkers of kidney injuries, uremic toxins, fragments of immunoglobulins, antigens involved in antiphospholipid syndrome and a new marker (α-defensin) that correlated significantly with disease activity. The removal of these different proteins could possibly provide an explanation of the improvement in the patient's symptoms and the normalization of her SLE. SUPRA coupled with an adsorption may be a promising new technique for the treatment of lupus nephritis.

Ratiometric pressure sensitive paints (r-PSPs) are all-optical probes for monitoring oxygen flows in the vicinity of complex or miniaturized surfaces. They typically consist of a porous binder embedding mixtures of a reference and a sensor chromophore exhibiting oxygen-insensitive and oxygen-responsive luminescence, respectively. Here, we demonstrate the first example of an r-PSP based on a single two-color emitter that removes limitations of r-PSPs based on chromophore mixtures such as different temperature dependencies of the two chromophores, cross-readout between the reference and sensor signals and phase segregation. In our approach, we utilize a novel "double-sensor" r-PSP that features two spectrally separated emission bands with opposite responses to the O2 pressure, which boosts the sensitivity with respect to traditional reference-sensor pairs. Specifically, we use two-color-emitting dot-in-bulk CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals, exhibiting red and green emission bands from their core and shell states, whose intensities are respectively enhanced and quenched in response to the increased oxygen partial pressure that effectively tunes the position of the nanocrystal's Fermi energy. This leads to a strong and reversible ratiometric response at the single particle level and an over 100% enhancement in the pressure sensitivity. Our proof-of-concept r-PSPs further exhibit suppressed cross-readout thanks to zero spectral overlap between the core and shell luminescence bands and a temperature-independent ratiometric response between 0 and 70 °C

[Image: see text] Halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are promising solution-processed emitters for low-cost optoelectronics and photonics. Doping adds a degree of freedom for their design and enables us to fully decouple their absorption and emission functions. This is paramount for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that enable fabrication of electrode-less solar windows for building-integrated photovoltaic applications. Here, we demonstrate the suitability of manganese-doped CsPbCl(3) NCs as reabsorption-free emitters for large-area LSCs. Light propagation measurements and Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the dopant emission is unaffected by reabsorption. Nanocomposite LSCs were fabricated via mass copolymerization of acrylate monomers, ensuring thermal and mechanical stability and optimal compatibility of the NCs, with fully preserved emission efficiency. As a result, perovskite LSCs behave closely to ideal devices, in which all portions of the illuminated area contribute equally to the total optical power. These results demonstrate the potential of doped perovskite NCs for LSCs, as well as for other photonic technologies relying on low-attenuation long-range optical wave guiding.

Building-integrated photovoltaics is gaining consensus as a renewable energy technology for producing electricity at the point of use. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) could extend architectural integration to the urban environment by realizing electrode-less photovoltaic windows. Crucial for large-area LSCs is the suppression of reabsorption losses, which requires emitters with negligible overlap between their absorption and emission spectra. Here, we demonstrate the use of indirect-bandgap semiconductor nanostructures such as highly emissive silicon quantum dots. Silicon is non-toxic, low-cost and ultra-earth-abundant, which avoids the limitations to the industrial scaling of quantum dots composed of low-abundance elements. Suppressed reabsorption and scattering losses lead to nearly ideal LSCs with an optical efficiency of η = 2.85%, matching state-of-the-art semi-transparent LSCs. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that optimized silicon quantum dot LSCs have a clear path to η > 5% for 1 m2 devices. We are finally able to realize flexible LSCs with performances comparable to those of flat concentrators, which opens the way to a new design freedom for building-integrated photovoltaics elements. Reabsorption losses in luminescent solar concentrators can be avoided by the use of indirect-bandgap semiconductor nanostructures. The technology has been used to demonstrate flexible luminescent solar concentrators with performance comparable to flat concentrators.

Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) operating in the near-infrared spectral region are gaining growing relevance for emerging photonic technologies, such as lab-on-chip platforms for medical diagnostics, flexible self-medicated pads for photodynamic therapy, night vision and plastic-based telecommunications. The achievement of efficient near-infrared electroluminescence from solution-processed OLEDs is, however, an open challenge due to the low photoluminescence efficiency of most narrow-energy-gap organic emitters. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-boron complexes are promising candidates to overcome this limitation as they feature extremely high photoluminescence quantum yield in the near-infrared region and high chemical stability. Here, by incorporating suitably functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives emitting at ~760 nm in an active matrix of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) and without using complex light out-coupling or encapsulation strategies, we obtain all-solution-processed NIR-OLEDs with external quantum efficiency as high as 0.5%. Importantly, our test-bed devices show no efficiency roll-off even for high current densities and high operational stability, retaining over 50% of the initial radiant emittance for over 50 hours of continuous operation at 10 mA/cm2, which emphasizes the great applicative potential of the proposed strategy.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a rare entity, often asymptomatic, which has been described only in small series. It is almost always associated with severe pelvic involvement. The most plausible theory about this condition is based on retrograde menstruation and subsequent transportation of viable cells in peritoneal fluid from the pelvis up the right gutter to the right hemidiaphragm, thus demonstrating its asymmetric distribution on the diaphragm. Pre-operative diagnosis is poorly supported by imaging techniques. In most cases, it is an incidental finding because the lesions may hide behind the right hepatic lobe. In that case it cannot be easily demonstrated with a laparoscope from an umbilical port. Symptomatic diaphragmatic endometriosis is associated with deep lesions which can involve the entire thickness of the diaphragm. In these cases, treatment is more difficult with possible incomplete pain relief and a considerable possibility of recurrence. In this subset, abdominal surgery is recommended. Surgical treatment must be individualized on the basis of the patient's age, fertility desires, type and location of disease and symptoms. We report the surgical treatment of a patient with synchronous pericardial, pleural and diaphragmatic endometriosis associated with pelvic peritoneal and bowel involvement. A review of the literature regarding pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis focusing on anatomical and surgical aspects of its management is undertaken.

Summary ABAT is a key enzyme responsible for catabolism of principal inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We report an essential role for ABAT in a seemingly unrelated pathway, mitochondrial nucleoside salvage, and demonstrate that mutations in this enzyme cause an autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder and mtDNA depletion syndrome (MDS). We describe a family with encephalomyopathic MDS caused by a homozygous missense mutation in ABAT that results in elevated GABA in subjects' brains as well as decreased mtDNA levels in subjects' fibroblasts. Nucleoside rescue and co-IP experiments pinpoint that ABAT functions in the mitochondrial nucleoside salvage pathway to facilitate conversion of dNDPs to dNTPs. Pharmacological inhibition of ABAT through the irreversible inhibitor Vigabatrin caused depletion of mtDNA in photoreceptor cells that was prevented through addition of dNTPs in cell culture media. This work reveals ABAT as a connection between GABA metabolism and nucleoside metabolism and defines a neurometabolic disorder that includes MDS.

et al., DREF [DRE (DNA replication-related element)-binding factor] controls the transcription of numerous genes in Drosophila, many involved in nuclear DNA (nDNA) replication and cell proliferation, three in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and two in mtDNA transcription termination. In this work, we have analysed the involvement of DREF in the expression of the known remaining genes engaged in the minimal mtDNA replication (d-mtDNA helicase) and transcription (the activator d-mtTFB2) machineries and of a gene involved in mitochondrial mRNA translation (d-mtTFB1). We have identified their transcriptional initiation sites and DRE sequences in their promoter regions. Gel-shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that DREF interacts in vitro and in vivo with the d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2, but not with the d-mtTFB1 promoters. Transient transfection assays in Drosophila S2 cells with mutated DRE motifs and truncated promoter regions show that DREF controls the transcription of d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2, but not that of d-mtTFB1. RNA interference of DREF in S2 cells reinforces these results showing a decrease in the mRNA levels of d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2 and no changes in those of the d-mtTFB1. These results link the genetic regulation of nuclear DNA replication with the genetic control of mtDNA replication and transcriptional activation in Drosophila. © 2013 Elsevier B.V., This work was supported by grants from the Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) [INTRA/08/743.2] to R.G., the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grants [PI 07/0167] and [PI 10/0703] to R.G.); the Comunidad de Madrid (grants [GEN-0269/2006] and [MITOLAB S2010/BMD-2402] to R.G); the Università di Bari, Progetto di Ricerca di Ateneo (to M.R.); and the National Institutes of Health (grant [GM45295] to L.S.K.).

Background: Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a rare condition that may cause invalidating epigastric or thoracic pain and catamenial pneumothorax. During the past decades, laparoscopy has been proposed as an optimal tool for diagnosis and surgical eradication of the disease. Methods: We present a retrospective series of consecutive patients affected by diaphragmatic endometriosis, treated by laparoscopy at our institution, during a period of 7 years. Results: Among 3,008 patients with pelvic endometriosis, 46 cases with intraoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis were identified. Operative findings showed multiple diaphragmatic lesions in 32 (69.5 %) patients and single lesions in 14 (30.4 %). Diaphragmatic implants were distributed on the right side in 40 (86.9 %) patients; in 5 patients (10.8 %) they were bilateral and 1 patient had a single lesion on the left hemidiaphragm. Most of the symptomatic patients were treated by complete excision of the nodules, whereas only three patients referring right upper-quadrant abdominal pain and right shoulder catamenial pain had superficial diaphragmatic endometriosis and were treated by diathermocoagulation. Conclusion: Diaphragmatic endometriosis should be included in the concept of complete eradication of endometriosis. This kind of surgery has been shown to be feasible and cost-effective; however, it should be managed in a referral center, by an expert laparoscopic gynecologist with knowledge of oncological surgical techniques, with the support of a general surgeon and a trained anesthesiologist.

et al., The DREF [DRE (DNA replication-related element)-binding factor], which regulates the transcription of a group of cell proliferation-related genes in Drosophila, also controls the expression of three genes involved in mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) replication and maintenance. In the present study, by in silico analysis, we have identified DREs in the promoter region of a gene participating in mtDNA transcription, the DmTTF (Drosophila mitochondrial transcription termination factor). Transient transfection assays in Drosophila S2 cells, with mutated versions of DmTTF promoter region, showed that DREs control DmTTF transcription; moreover, gel-shift and Chip (chromatin immunoprecipitation) assays demonstrated that the analysed DRE sites interact with DREF in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, DREF knock-down in S2 cells by RNAi (RNA interference) induced it considerable decrease in DmTTF mRNA level. These results clearly demonstrate that DREF positively controls DmTTF expression. On the other hand, mtRNApol (mitochondrial RNA polymerase) lacks DREs in its promoter and is not regulated in vivo by DREF. In situ RNA hybridization Studies showed that DmTTF was transcribed almost ubiquitously throughout all stages of Drosophila embryogenesis, whereas mRNApol was efficiently transcribed from stages 11-12. Territories where transcription occurred mostly were the gut and Malpighi tubes for DmTTF, and the gut, mesoderm, pharyngeal muscle and Malpighi tubes for mtRNApol. The partial overlapping in the temporal and spatial mRNA expression patterns confirms that transcription of the two genes is differentially regulated during embryogenesis and suggests that DmTTF might play multiple roles in the mtDNA transcription process, for which different levels of the protein with respect to mtRNApol are required.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of bowel endometriosis on fertility, and to study whether its removal improves fecundity in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. METHODS: Three groups of infertile patients were included in the study. Group A (60 women) consisted of patients who underwent surgery for endometriosis with colorectal segmental resection. In group B, 40 patients with evidence of bowel endometriosis underwent endometriosis removal without bowel resection. Group C consisted of 55 women who underwent surgery for moderate or severe endo- metriosis with at least one endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis but without bowel involvement. The women were clinically evaluated before laparoscopy and then at I month, at 6 months and at each year up to 4 years after surgery. Main outcome measures were surgical complications as well as post-operative pregnancy rate, time to conception and monthly fecundity rate. RESULTS: The monthly fecundity rates (MFR) in groups A, B and C were 2.3, 0.84 and 3.95%, respectively. The difference in the MFR between groups was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bowel infiltration by endometriosis seems to negatively influence the reproductive outcome in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. The complete removal of endometriosis with bowel segmental resection seems to offer better results in terms of post-operative fertility.

Objective\ud To address the relationship between mutations in the DNA strand break repair protein tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) and spinocerebellar ataxia autosomal recessive 23\ud (SCAR23) and to characterize the cellular phenotype of primary fibroblasts from this disease.\ud \ud Methods\ud We have used exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, gene editing and cell biology, biochemistry,and subcellular mitochondrial analyses for this study.\ud \ud Results\ud We have identified a patient in the United States with SCAR23 harboring the same homozygous TDP2 mutation as previously reported in 3 Irish siblings (c.425+1G>A). The current and Irish patients share the same disease haplotype, but the current patient lacks a homozygous\ud variant present in the Irish siblings in the closely linked gene ZNF193, eliminating this as a contributor to the disease. The current patient also displays symptoms consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction, although levels of mitochondrial function in patient primary skin fibroblasts are normal. However, we demonstrate an inability in patient primary fibroblasts to rapidly repair topoisomerase-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the nucleus and profound hypersensitivity to this type of DNA damage.\ud \ud Conclusions\ud These data confirm the TDP2 mutation as causative for SCAR23 and highlight the link between defects in nuclear DNA DSB repair, developmental delay, epilepsy, and ataxia.