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We propose an AlGaAs microring resonator design for the generation of an optical frequency comb by means of the interplay between harmonic generation and Kerr effect. Modal phase matching imposes specific waveguide geometries and, consequently, it impacts the nonlinear efficiency of the system. We show the dynamics of χ(2) + χ(3) comb generation resulting from type-I modal phase matching.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), which are widely spread in the environment, have gained attention because of their ability to enter the human body mainly through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, thus representing a serious health threat. Several studies have reported the presence of MNPs in lung tissue and the potential role of MNP inhalation in triggering lung fibrosis and tumorigenesis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the cellular response to MNPs composed of polyethylene (PE), one of the most common plastic pollutants in the biosphere. In this study, we investigated the effects of low/high concentrations of PE MNPs on respiratory epithelial cell viability and migration/invasion abilities, using MTT, scratch, and transwell assays. Morphological and molecular changes were assessed via immunofluorescence, Western blot, and qRT-PCR. We demonstrated that acute exposure to PE MNPs does not induce cellular toxicity. Instead, cells displayed visible morphological changes also involving actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Our data underlined the role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triggering this process. Moreover, a remarkable increase in migration potential was noticed, in absence of a significant alteration of the cell's invasive capacity. The present study highlights the potential impact of PE MNPs inhalation on the human respiratory epithelium, suggesting a possible role in carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) represent a valid therapeutic option for clinical application in several diseases, due to their ability to repair damaged tissues and to mitigate the inflammatory/immune response. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms regulating ASC biology might represent the chance to modulate their in vitro characteristics and differentiation potential for regenerative medicine purposes. Herein, we investigated the effects of the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5-aza) on proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, adipogenic differentiation and senescence of ASCs, to identify the molecular pathways involved. Through functional assays, we observed a detrimental effect of 5-aza on ASC self-renewal capacity and migration, accompanied by actin cytoskeleton reorganization, with decreased stress fibers. Conversely, 5-aza treatment enhanced ASC adipogenic differentiation, as assessed by lipid accumulation and expression of lineage-specific markers. We analyzed the involvement of the Akt/mTOR, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in these processes. Our results indicated impairment of Akt and ERK phosphorylation, potentially explaining the reduced cell proliferation and migration. We observed a 5-aza-mediated inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway, this potentially explaining the pro-adipogenic effect of the drug. Finally, 5-aza treatment significantly induced ASC senescence, through upregulation of the p53/p21 axis. Our data may have important translational implications, by helping in clarifying the potential risks and advantages of using epigenetic treatment to improve ASC characteristics for cell-based clinical approaches.

This paper provides an experimental investigation of the effect of Thermally Expandable Particle (TEP) adhesive additive on the mechanical and reversibility performance of epoxy-bonded load single lap joints (SLJs). Joint substrates are made of aluminum 6061 and woven carbon fiber reinforced plastic 0/90/0 substrates. TEP additive is used for modifying the structural epoxy adhesive used in this study. An electrically charged RF coil is placed around the joint bond area; generated electromagnetic field would heat the aluminum substrate which would in turn heat the modified adhesive. Very large volumetric expansion of the hollow spherical Thermally Expandable Particles (TEPs) would significantly reduce adhesive strength and lead to joint debonding under a minimal load of 100 N. Various weight concentrations of the TEP in the range of 5% to 25% with particulate size from 6 to 16 µm are used for investigating the effect on joint static and fatigue strength as well as the reversibility performance. Measured time to achieve full debonding of the joint (under charged RF coil), is used for assessing the reversibility performance.

The large retail chains represent the main distribution channel for wine sales in Italy. Retailers, therefore, define the wine supply of their points-of-sale based on their own commercial strategies, taking into account evolving consumer demand, producer characteristics, and product types. Wine bottles from different producers with varying characteristics, sales performances, and commercial trends can be found on shelves next to each other. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of various producers whose wines were sold in large retail chains in Italy before the pandemic. This analysis enabled us to observe market trends without disruptions. We focused on the two most sold Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines, Chianti DOCG and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC. For this purpose, cluster segmentation was implemented using variables related to sales (value of sales, number of labels, average price, discount units, discount percentage, units sold above a certain price), and sales trends of each producer present in large retail chains with these products. The results show that, although there are different trends and commercial strategies among the producers of each of the two denominations of origin, there are similarities between the clusters of the two different denominations. In particular, in the domain of large-scale retail, wine sales are dominated by a few wineries with a strategy based on high sales volume, a wide range of labels, low prices, and promotional sales. The remaining sales refer to wines from producers with different characteristics that record positive sales trends and producers characterised by the declining value of sales. The identified results provide valuable insights for a better understanding of the dynamics of the large retail chain in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents with an extremely heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms and signs. The clinical manifestations seem to be correlated with disease severity. COVID-19 susceptibility and mortality show a significant sex imbalance, with men being more prone to infection and showing a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality compared to women. Such variability can be ascribed to both sex-related biological factors and gender-related behavioral cues. This review will discuss the potential mechanisms accounting for sex/gender influence in vulnerability to COVID-19. Cardiovascular diseases play a central role in determining COVID-19 outcome, whether they are pre-existent or arose upon infection. We will pay particular attention to the impact of sex and gender on cardiovascular manifestations related to COVID-19. Finally, we will discuss the sex-dependent variability in some biomarkers for the evaluation of COVID-19 infection and prognosis. The aim of this work is to highlight the significance of gendered medicine in setting up personalized programs for COVID-19 prevention, clinical evaluation and treatment.

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed framework of wine purchases in supermarkets during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unexpected diffusion of the virus and the restrictions imposed in Italy to prevent its spread have significantly affected the food purchasing habits of consumers. By analyzing the scanner data of the wine sales in the Italian mass market retail channel, this study was intended to show whether and how the dynamics triggered by the pandemic have modified the overall value and type of wine purchases, focusing on prices, formats, and promotional sales. In particular, this study explores sales in two separate periods, namely March–April (the “lockdown”, with general compulsory closing and severe restrictions) and June–July 2020 (the “post-lockdown”, in which some limitations were no longer effective). The analysis of wine sales during lockdown and post-lockdown and the study of the variations compared to the sales of the previous years showed some significant changes in purchase behavior. The results could provide managers, researchers, and policy makers with extensive insights into the purchasing patterns of consumers during this unprecedented time and reveal trends that may characterize the structure of the future wine demand.