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The burgeoning field of nanotechnology aims to create and deploy nanoscale structures, devices, and systems with novel, size-dependent properties and functions. The nanotechnology revolution has sparked radically new technologies and strategies across all scientific disciplines, with nanotechnology now applied to virtually every area of research and development in the US and globally. NanoFlorida was founded to create a forum for scientific exchange, promote networking among nanoscientists, encourage collaborative research efforts across institutions, forge strong industry-academia partnerships in nanoscience, and showcase the contributions of students and trainees in nanotechnology fields. The 2019 NanoFlorida International Conference expanded this vision to emphasize national and international participation, with a focus on advances made in translating nanotechnology. This review highlights notable research in the areas of engineering especially in optics, photonics and plasmonics and electronics; biomedical devices, nano-biotechnology, nanotherapeutics including both experimental nanotherapies and nanovaccines; nano-diagnostics and -theranostics; nano-enabled drug discovery platforms; tissue engineering, bioprinting, and environmental nanotechnology, as well as challenges and directions for future research.

Background: Sudanese children with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) often show limited improvement in hemoglobin levels despite treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). This study aims to assess the response to rHuEPO therapy by analyzing β-globin mRNA expression and reticulocyte parameters. Additionally, it classifies anemia among Sudanese pediatric patients based on iron status, considering age and gender as biological markers for evaluating treatment response. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to February 2020 in Khartoum, Sudan, involving 45 anemic children aged 2 to 15 years diagnosed with ESKD. The treatment protocol included rHuEPO injections and maintenance hemodialysis. Laboratory assessments consisted of complete blood count (CBC), absolute reticulocyte count, ferritin, and transferrin measurements. β-globin mRNA expression was quantified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and reticulocyte parameters, including Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content (CHr), percentage of hypochromic reticulocytes (HYPO%), and Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF), were measured via flow cytometry. Results: Significant variations in hemoglobin levels were observed across different age groups (p = 0.011). Gender analysis revealed a significant association with IRF, showing a lower IRF in male patients (p = 0.017). However, there were no significant differences in hemoglobin levels between genders (p = 0.999). β-globin mRNA expression showed considerable variability, with a strong positive correlation with hemoglobin levels (r = 0.875, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Age and gender significantly influence treatment responses in children with ESKD, highlighting the need to consider growth physiology in anemia management. This study underscores the variability in β-globin mRNA expression and its association with Flow Cytometry parameters, demonstrating their effectiveness in evaluating iron status and guiding rHuEPO dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This review subscribes to the MiDiNA project as a part of the European Union-African Union partnership for renewable energy, 'LEAP-RE'. This review will shed light on the energy transition in North African countries and the resilient controls for improving power availability in microgrids. It seeks to draw attention to the advantages and drawbacks of each type of control as well as discuss the specifications for resilient controls that are necessary for microgrids in the North African environment. The ambition of making North Africa a hub for renewable energies and green hydrogen has prompted local governments and the private sector to work together towards boosting the growth of locally available, sustainable energy resources. Numerous climate and energy challenges can be addressed by microgrid technologies, which enable cost-effective incorporation of renewable energy resources and energy storage systems through smart management and control infrastructures. This paper discusses the ongoing energy transition in the countries of North Africa, highlighting the potential for renewable energy sources as well as regional obstacles and challenges. Additionally, it explores how robust and stable controls and advanced management strategies can improve microgrids' performances. Special attention is given to assessing the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and advanced controllers, with an emphasis on resilience needed within the harsh North African environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic tissue neoplasm. Response assessment is evaluated by undergoing bone marrow examination on day 28 from initiation of therapy. Patients and methods: 60 newly diagnosed AML cases were. Blast percentage obtained in bone marrow biopsy using CD34 immunohistochemistry on day 28 after induction chemotherapy compared with that obtained in bone marrow aspirate smears and flow cytometry. In addition, counting of immature CD34 positive clusters and evaluation of bone marrow microvessel density (MVD) and relating them to prognosis were performed. Results: Blast percentage in bone marrow aspiration smears and CD34 immunohistochemistry was discordant in 21.7% with a statistically significant difference. While, discordance between flow cytometry and CD34 immunohistochemistry was 13.3 % with no statistically significant difference. upstaging by CD 34 immunohistochemistry had a statistically significant shorter OS, DFS and EFS. In addition, immature CD34 clusters found to have a significant effect on remission rate and MVD suggested to be important in predicting relapse. Conclusion: Assessment of response to chemptherapy using CD34 immunohistochemistry provides more accurate method for counting blast cells with subsequent reinduction therapy decision. In addition, immature clusters and MVD could be considered as prognostic factors of AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]