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Construction disputes may arise from various situations and have varied consequences throughout the project life cycle. Whilst previous studies examined the leading causes of disputes, there is still a lack of understanding of the differences between the various disputes in terms of severity, probable implications, and outcomes. Specifically, once disputes reach a stage where they must be resolved through binding dispute resolution methods (DRMs), little research has been conducted to understand the impact of these DRMs on project outcomes. The research presented in this paper sought to establish which causes of disputes lead to binding DRMs. A sequential exploratory research design was adopted. First, interviews were conducted with nine construction experts in Quebec, Canada, to evaluate the potential of linking specific causes of disputes with the escalation to binding DRMs. The second phase involved collecting and analysing data from 94 participants through a survey. The findings revealed that unforeseen changes, lack of communication, ambiguities in contract documents, design errors, and work progress delays were the most commonly associated causes of reaching binding DRMs. The paper concluded that alternative approaches such as relational contracts, team integration, and innovative technology and communication tools should be considered to be used as preventative measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the effectiveness of various consolidating treatments applied to Pugliese tuff (Gravina Calcarenite). This type of stone has been used in numerous historic buildings in the Puglia area (southeast of Italy), which presents durability problems due to high porosity, low cohesion between clasts, and low mechanical resistance. Eco-friendly treatments that generate CaCO3 have been selected, specifically bioconsolidant KBYO biological and lime water, which a priori are capable of consolidating without occluding the pores or reducing them excessively, thereby creating compounds similar to those contained in the stone and being respectful of the environment. Nano-sized treatments have also been tested, including nanosilica and nanolime, to compare results with eco-friendly treatments. The bioconsolidating treatment has been applied in two different ways, the usual way consisting of two applications a day for 7 days, as well as a double treatment that is applied in two batches of 7 days with a rest of 7 days between applications. Double treatment has shown a great improvement in consolidation compared to the usual 7-day application; this treatment has obtained the best results in both mechanical and petrophysical properties. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the bioconsolidant but also expands eco-friendly conservation strategies to improve the preservation of historical structures built in calcarenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Drilling Resistance Measurement System (DRMS) test is a minimally destructive technique suitable for the field assessment of the mechanical properties (such as uniaxial compressive strength) of masonry relic surfaces within a certain depth range, but the test results of drilling resistance are prone to be affected by user-control variables. Currently, there is no unified test specification or standard for the manual of user-control variables. To ensure that the drilling resistance test results are comparable under different user-control variables, in this study, sandstone and clay brick were used as the research objects to investigate and analyse the effects of different user-control variables on the drilling resistance test results. The results show that the drilling resistance had a linear positive correlation with the penetration rate, drill bit diameter, and drill bit wear but a linear negative correlation with the revolution speed; the drilling resistance of sandstone had a linear negative correlation with the water content, while the opposite was observed for clay bricks. The drilling resistance mean values at different drilling depth ranges were compared, and a method for calculating the drilling resistance mean value was proposed. Moreover, the uniaxial compressive strengths of the sandstone and clay brick were evaluated by drilling resistance. Wider spreading of the DRMS can be achieved by recording user-control variables in detail if the correlation expressed in this paper is further tested.

HIV incidence in Kazakhstan increased by 73% between 2010 and 2020, with an estimated 35,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2020. The development of antiretroviral drug resistance is a major threat to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet studies on the prevalence of drug resistance in Kazakhstan are sparse. In this study on the molecular epidemiology of HIV in Kazakhstan, we analyzed 968 partial HIV-1 pol sequences that were collected between 2017 and 2020 from PLHIV across all regions of Kazakhstan, covering almost 3% of PLHIV in 2020. Sequences predominantly represented subtypes A6 (57%) and CRF02_AG (41%), with 32% of sequences exhibiting high-level drug resistance. We further identified distinct drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) in the two subtypes: subtype A6 showed a propensity for DRMs A62V, G190S, K101E, and D67N, while CRF02_AG showed a propensity for K103N and V179E. Codon usage analysis revealed that different mutational pathways for the two subtypes may explain the difference in G190S and V179E frequencies. Phylogenetic analysis highlighted differences in the timing and geographic spread of both subtypes within the country, with A62V-harboring subtype A6 sequences clustering on the phylogeny, indicative of sustained transmission of the mutation. Our findings suggest an HIV epidemic characterized by high levels of drug resistance and differential DRM frequencies between subtypes. This emphasizes the importance of drug resistance monitoring within Kazakhstan, together with DRM and subtype screening at diagnosis, to tailor drug regimens and provide effective, virally suppressive ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV incidence in Kazakhstan increased by 73% between 2010 and 2020, with an estimated 35,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2020. The development of antiretroviral drug resistance is a major threat to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet studies on the prevalence of drug resistance in Kazakhstan are sparse. In this study on the molecular epidemiology of HIV in Kazakhstan, we analyzed 968 partial HIV-1 pol sequences that were collected between 2017 and 2020 from PLHIV across all regions of Kazakhstan, covering almost 3% of PLHIV in 2020. Sequences predominantly represented subtypes A6 (57%) and CRF02_AG (41%), with 32% of sequences exhibiting high-level drug resistance. We further identified distinct drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) in the two subtypes: subtype A6 showed a propensity for DRMs A62V, G190S, K101E, and D67N, while CRF02_AG showed a propensity for K103N and V179E. Codon usage analysis revealed that different mutational pathways for the two subtypes may explain the difference in G190S and V179E frequencies. Phylogenetic analysis highlighted differences in the timing and geographic spread of both subtypes within the country, with A62V-harboring subtype A6 sequences clustering on the phylogeny, indicative of sustained transmission of the mutation. Our findings suggest an HIV epidemic characterized by high levels of drug resistance and differential DRM frequencies between subtypes. This emphasizes the importance of drug resistance monitoring within Kazakhstan, together with DRM and subtype screening at diagnosis, to tailor drug regimens and provide effective, virally suppressive ART.

Mobile mapping systems (MMS) are widely used technology nowadays for spatial data collection of large scale projects like for city and highway mapping. The systems are mainly equipped with laser scanning sensors and/or imaging sensors mounted on a moving vehicle during the scene capture. Imaging sensors are normally cameras which either capture perspective or panoramic images covering the whole horizon of the vehicle. The orientation of the captured panoramic images is accurate to centimeters' level because of the precise positioning and navigation systems equipped with these mapping systems. However, the positioning accuracy of mobile mapping systems can be degraded in city centers or urban canyons because of the satellite signal disturbances. In this article, we discuss the following objectives: (1) the possibility to use the mobile mapping images for cultural heritage documentation and as built surveying and how accurate the mapping can be; (2) the concept of using the mobile mapping images as a tool of georeferencing the crowdsource images; and (3) the efficiency of using the multi-temporal mobile mapping images for occluded free cultural heritage facade orthophotos. The mobile mapping systems of CycloMedia with two panoramic products of Cyclorama images (12 MP) and HD Cycloramas (100 MP) are used for the experimental tests in this research article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SERINC5(S5) is a multi-span transmembrane protein that potently blocks the infectivity of HIV-1 produced by human T-cells. The ability of S5 to restrict infectivity correlates with its presence in the virion, but the exact mechanism by which S5 restricts HIV-1 is unknown. Here we tested whether the core from HIV-1 virions containing S5 is delivered to the cytoplasm. Using the “fate of the capsid” assay, we demonstrated that the viral core of S5-restricted HIV-1 does not reach the cytoplasm of target cells, suggesting a block in the delivery of the core to the cytoplasm. In agreement with evidence suggesting that the viral determinants for S5 restriction map to the envelope of HIV-1, we observed that S5 induces conformational changes to the HIV-1 envelope. Further, we demonstrated that S5 localizes to detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs), as has been shown previously for the HIV-1 envelope in producer cells. In order to identify the determinants of S5 restriction, we explored the ability of all human SERINC proteins to restrict HIV-1. In contrast to human S5, we observed that human SERINC2(S2) did not restrict HIV-1, and was inefficiently incorporated into HIV-1 virions when compared to S5. Experiments using S5-S2 chimeric proteins revealed two functional domains for restriction: one necessary for S5 incorporation into virions, which does not seem to be necessary for restriction, and a second one necessary to change the HIV-1 envelope conformation, localize to DRMs, and block infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass consolidation treatment of azulejos is necessary when ceramic biscuits show signs of disaggregation. Such treatment is often used as a complementary conservation technique to the reestablishment of weakened glaze-ceramic bonds. In this research, two commonly used consolidants (ethyl silicate and acrylic resin) were tested on artisanal ceramic tiles via mass consolidation and the resulting impregnation profiles were evaluated. The results indicated that after consolidation, hard zones frequently formed due to localized consolidant concentration after the polymerization and curing processes. These inhomogeneous hard zones subsequently influenced the results obtained through conventional mechanical strength testing (i.e. flexural and compression), creating a false impression of success. This research demonstrated that by using the Drilling Resistance Measuring System, impregnation characteristics such as penetration depth and distribution of consolidant could be observed that otherwise could not be discerned through the more common testing methods. As such, a more extensive evaluation of consolidation effects was achieved.

Two lime mortars were treated under laboratory conditions to assess the potential effectiveness of three consolidation treatments performed with: an ethyl silicate, a nanolime and a solution of barium hydroxide. The consolidation products were applied by direct contact capillarity. The duration and number of applications were adapted to the specific requirements of each product. Compressive and bending strength and drilling resistance were used to assess the potential effectiveness of the three treatments. The mortar made with a larger amount of a coarser aggregate showed lower porosity but a higher proportion of large pores, which was responsible for the observed higher increments in the resistance of the consolidated specimens. Compressive and bending resistance provided information on the consolidation action as a whole, while the drilling resistance measurements allowed also the identification of the consolidated thickness. The ethyl silicate was able to consolidate about 16 mm in thickness, while for nanolime this value only reached a maximum of 5 mm. The treatment with barium hydroxide showed a very distinct behaviour in both mortars reaching a larger consolidated thickness in the coarser mortar, while keeping the resistance increment ratio in a moderate value. The drilling data before and after treatment were interpreted in two ways; (i) with all the tests drilled in a same condition averaged and compared; (ii) after proceeding with a segmentation methodology addressed to identify the binding matrix and to detect the consolidation directly on it. The two methods proved to be complementary ways to characterise lime mortars and to study their consolidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are limited data on the failure of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resourcelimited settings. In particular, there have not been any reports on first-line ART failure among patients in eastern India. We review data on the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance among individuals with reported first-line ART failure. Material and methods: Results of genotypic drug resistance testing were obtained from plasma samples of 44 patients who had presented with clinical or immunological failure to treatment after at least six months of ART. Major drug resistance mutations (DRMs) associated with any of the three classes of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), and protease inhibitors (PI) were seen in all patients (100% prevalence). Results: NRTI and NNRTI DRMs were encountered at a frequency of 34 (77.27%) and 15 (34.09%) amongst 44 patients, with M184V (34.09%), T215F (25.0%), and K219E (20.45%) being the most frequent among NRTI associated mutations, and Y188L (18.18%), K103N (6.81%), and A98G (6.81%) among NNRTI associated ones. PI DRMs were observed in 5/44 (11.3%) patients, with V82L, V82S, and I84V being the commonest. Conclusions: These results present a high prevalence of DRMs among ART patients from eastern India with clinical or immunological failure. It is very important to enhance the access of ARV drugs so that their compliance could be improved and hence development of DRMs be minimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids rafts are specialised membrane microdomains involved in cell signalling that can be isolated as detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). The second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) has a central role in cell signalling in the ovary and its degradation is carried out by the phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme family. We hypothesised that PDEs could be functionally present in the lipid rafts of porcine mural granulosa cell membranes. PDE6C, PDE8A and PDE11A were detected by dot blot in the DRMs and the Triton-soluble fraction of the mural granulosa cells membrane and the cytosol. As shown by immunocytochemistry, PDEs showed clear immunostaining in mural granulosa cell membranes and the cytosol. Interestingly, cAMP-PDE activity was 18 times higher in the DRMs than in the Triton-soluble fraction of cell membranes and was 7.7 times higher in the cytosol than in the DRMs. cAMP-PDE activity in mural granulosa cells was mainly contributed by the PDE8 and PDE11 families. This study shows that PDEs from the PDE8 and PDE11 families are present in mural granulosa cells and that the cAMP-PDE activity is mainly contributed by the cytosol. In the cell membrane, the cAMP-PDE activity is mainly contributed by the DRMs. In addition, receptors for prostaglandin E2 and LH, two G-protein-coupled receptors, are present in lipid rafts and absent from the non-raft fraction of the granulosa cell membrane. These results suggest that in these cells, the lipid rafts exist as a cell-signalling platform and PDEs are one of the key enzyme families present in the raft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling resistance measurements made on soft mortars or other soft and very heterogeneous materials are difficult to interpret due to the extreme irregularity of values caused by the high contrast of strength between the binding matrix and the hard aggregates. Direct comparison of drilling graphs is usually difficult and even impossible. To overcome this difficulty, a methodology was developed using an algorithm to identify the values characteristic of the binding matrix, avoiding the interference of the aggregates. The methodology consists in sorting data at defined depth segments and, for each segment, taking the average of a given percentile of the lowest values. When the consolidation action of any treatment on a soft mortar is sought, the comparison of the averaged values for homologous segments before and after treatment gives a direct value for this consolidation. The methodology was tested with a soft 2-layer lime mortar treated with nanolime. Drilling data for consecutive segments of 2 and 5 mm in depth were used to show how the methodology works. The consolidation action was clearly depicted and the hidden layer could also be identified and characterized. The methodology is simple to operate using a spreadsheet file. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the study of barium hydroxide applied to two high porosity limestones from Portugal (Ançã stone, with 27% porosity) and Italy (Lecce stone, with 37% porosity), both in the laboratory and onsite. The results show that barium hydroxide acts both through carbonation with atmospheric CO 2 and by replacing calcium for barium in the calcite lattice followed by carbonation of the released calcium hydroxide. This double mechanism proved to be particularly efficient in the Ançã limestone, possibly due to a higher reactivity linked to its smaller grain size. The mechanism is far slower than simple carbonation and has a better outcome when the stone can be totally immersed in the solution. Onsite experiments on the Ançã stone were less striking than in the laboratory, possibly due to the insufficient amount of product made available for reaction, but a positive outcome was visible after six years of natural exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tournai stone has been extensively used in Western European historical architecture and is subjected to severe deterioration mechanisms, which were investigated in two Romanesque portals of the cathedral of Tournai city. The stone material was studied with thin-section petrography and SEM-EDX and its hygric, hydric and thermal properties were measured. The porosity is very low and the pore size distribution can be related to either typical pores associated with the clay fraction or with micro-cracks. The formation and propagation of cracks are related to anisotropy of the stone (clay presence in laminae with a preferred direction) and the influence of different external climatic factors. As expected, the effect of liquid water has the highest damage potential while the clay fraction imparts a pronounced hygroscopic behaviour to the stone. The identified clay mineral was illite. Although its non-swelling properties exclude interlayer swelling as a cause of damage, interparticular osmotic pressure is recognized as the most plausible damage cause at the micro-scale. Gypsum crusts occur in two morphologies: films and thick deposits, both showing a comparable layered structure, but significantly differing in the proceeding process and shapes and features. Due to the nature of the stone and of the damage processes, feasible measures for preventive conservation on the long term are to be found in the direction of decreasing the climatic influence by means of sheltering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The submission and management of computational jobs is a traditional part of utility computing environments. End users and developers of domain-specific software abstractions often have to deal with the heterogeneity of such batch processing systems. This lead to a number of application programming interface and job description standards in the past, which are implemented and established for cluster and Grid systems. With the recent rise of cloud computing as new utility computing paradigm, the standardized access to batch processing facilities operated on cloud resources becomes an important issue. Furthermore, the design of such a standard has to consider a tradeoff between feature completeness and the achievable level of interoperability. The article discusses this general challenge, and presents some existing standards with traditional cluster and Grid computing background that may be applicable to cloud environments. We present OCCI-DRMAA as one approach for standardized access to batch processing facilities hosted in a cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological sites are essentially submitted to decay phenomena inherent on their history as well as the environment to which they are exposed after excavation. The history of such archaeological sites is particularly related to their long-term underground conservation conditions during which they were subject to salt migration into the architectural remains. This paper describes the results of drill resistance measurements using a drill resistance measurement (DRMS) device to evaluate the mechanical damage resulting from salt crystallization pressures. Further tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was applied on powdered bricks of often moist archaeological remains. It was noticed that TEOS serves as potential nutrient for present moulds. The mechanical consolidation effect was evaluated by comparing the hardness profiles after treatment with the reference ones. Bricks used for the construction of the Aula Magna, situated underneath the Royal Square, are characterized by severe patterns of fissures for which the damage diagnosis was built up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydraulic building composites, such as mortars and plasters, produced with artificial pozzolanic materials, became widely popular thanks to the Romans. Reports on earlier uses of such composites can also be found, mainly in archaeological and historic documents. These date back as far as the time of Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Here, we present a holistic analytical investigation of Late Bronze Age mortars from various archaeological sites of Cyprus. We focus on petrographic observations of thin sections, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses and we investigate the microstructure and texture of the samples and the chemical composition and interface of their binders. Results of powder X-ray diffraction analyses are also presented, alongside a series of measurements using mercury intrusion porosimetry and vacuum saturation, aiming to estimate the pore size distribution and the physical properties (i.e. open porosity and bulk density) of the specimens under investigation. We also report on tests carried out to assess the drilling resistance of the mortars using a novel, portable system. The results thoroughly confirm, for the first time, the earliest intentional use of crushed brick as an artificial hydraulic additive in lime mortars in Cyprus, in order to enhance their performance and longevity in the absence of natural pozzolanas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Podoplanin is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is upregulated in cancer and was reported to induce an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MDCK cells. The promotion of EMT was dependent on podoplanin binding to ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins through its cytoplasmic (CT) domain, which led to RhoA-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent ERM phosphorylation. Using detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) assays, as well as transmembrane (TM) interactions and ganglioside GM1 binding, we present evidence supporting the localization of podoplanin in raft platforms important for cell signalling. Podoplanin mutant constructs harbouring a heterologous TM region or lacking the CT tail were unable to associate with DRMs, stimulate ERM phosphorylation and promote EMT or cell migration. Similar effects were observed upon disruption of a GXXXG motif within the TM domain, which is involved in podoplanin self-assembly. In contrast, deletion of the extracellular (EC) domain did not affect podoplanin DRM association. Together, these data suggest that both the CT and TM domains are required for podoplanin localization in raft platforms, and that this association appears to be necessary for podoplanin-mediated EMT and cell migration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have previously reported that silencing of galectin-4 expression in polarized HT-29 cells perturbed apical biosynthetic trafficking and resulted in a phenotype similar to the inhibitor of glycosylation, 1-benzyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-galactopyranoside (GalNAcα- O-bn). We now present evidence of a lipid raft-based galectin-4-dependent mechanism of apical delivery of glycoproteins in these cells. First, galectin-4 recruits the apical glycoproteins in detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) because these glycoproteins were depleted in DRMs isolated from galectin-4-knockdown (KD) HT-29 5M12 cells. DRM-associated glycoproteins were identified as ligands for galectin-4. Structural analysis showed that DRMs were markedly enriched in a series of complex N-glycans in comparison to detergent-soluble membranes. Second, in galectin-4-KD cells, the apical glycoproteins still exit the Golgi but accumulated inside the cells, showing that their recruitment within lipid rafts and their apical trafficking required the delivery of galectin-4 at a post-Golgi level. This lectin that is synthesized on free cytoplasmic ribosomes is externalized from HT-29 cells mostly in the apical medium and follows an apical endocytic–recycling pathway that is required for the apical biosynthetic pathway. Together, our data show that the pattern of N-glycosylation of glycoproteins serves as a recognition signal for endocytosed galectin-4, which drives the raft-dependent apical pathway of glycoproteins in enterocyte-like HT-29 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study describes the identification and characterisation of Pv38, based on the available genomic sequence of Plasmodium vivax and previous studies done with its Plasmodium falciparum homologue: Pf38. Pv38 is a 355 amino acid long peptide encoded by a single exon gene, for which orthologous genes have been identified in other Plasmodium species by bioinformatic approaches. As for Pf38, Pv38 was found to contain a s48/45 domain which is usually found in proteins displayed on gametocytes surface. The association of Pv38 with detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs), its expression in mature blood stages of the parasite (mainly schizonts) and the detection of its recombinant protein by sera from Aotus monkeys previously exposed to the parasite, were here assessed to further characterise this new antigen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protein apical sorting in polarized epithelial cells is mediated by two different mechanisms, raft dependent and raft independent. In Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, an essential step for apical sorting of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) is their coalescence into high-molecular-weight (HMW) oligomers. Here we show that this mechanism is also functional in Fischer rat thyroid cells, which possess a different sorting phenotype compared with MDCK cells. We demonstrate that, as in MDCK cells, both apical and basolateral GPI-APs associate with detergent-resistant microdomains, but that only the apical proteins are able to oligomerize into HMW complexes during their passage through the medial Golgi. We also show that oligomerization is a specific requirement for apical sorting of GPI-APs and is not used by transmembrane, non-raft-associated apical proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structural transition stages induced as a result of interaction at 4°C of the Triton X-100 with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) were studied by means of a sucrose flotation procedure similar to that used to isolate biological detergent resistant membranes (DRMs). Flotation of lipid structures after centrifugation was determined on the basis of the [1α, 2α (n)-3H]-cholesterol content of each fraction of a 40–35–5% sucrose density gradient. We measured the amount of Triton X-100 insoluble floating fractions (TIFFs) for different lipid compositions of large unilamellar vesicles and different effective detergent to lipid ratios. At 4°C and for two-component lipid membrane (PC/SM 2:1,mol/mol), an effective detergent to lipid ratio of 50 is necessary to complete membrane solubilization. When liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phase domains coexist in the vesicle membrane (PC/SM/Chol 53:27:20, mol/mol), complete solubilization occurs at higher effective detergent to lipid ratio. This is consistent with a higher resistance of the liquid-ordered phase to detergent extraction. Nevertheless, in the case of heterogeneous (l o/l d phase) vesicles, and for a range of effective detergent to lipid ratios promoting incomplete solubilization, we detected in TIFF intermediate density structures which did not exist for two-component lipid membranes (PC/SM 2:1, mol/mol). We interpreted these results in relation with recent findings of our group and propose a mechanism for heterogeneous large unilamellar vesicle solubilization. We show that for lipid bilayers exhibiting l o/l d phase co-existence, a specific effective detergent to lipid ratio allowing the isolation of pre-existing tightly packed ordered domains can be found, but, in any case, certain amount of the detergent is presented in floating fraction membranes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Altered cholesterol localization and caveolin expression during the evolution of acute renal failure. Background. Renal cortical/proximal tubule cholesterol accumulation, with preferential localization within plasma membrane “detergent resistant microdomains” (DRMs: rafts/caveolae), is a hallmark of the maintenance phase of acute renal failure (ARF). This study addressed two related issues: (1 ) Are maintenance-phase cholesterol increases accompanied by an up-regulation of caveolin, a DRM/caveolar-associated cholesterol binding protein? (2 ) Is DRM cholesterol/caveolin homeostasis acutely altered during the induction phase of ARF? Methods. Mouse kidneys were subjected to ischemia ± reperfusion (I/R) followed by assessment of cholesterol DRM partitioning. Acute cell injury effects on potential caveolin release from isolated proximal tubules or into urine also were assessed. Finally, renal cortical/isolated proximal tubule caveolin levels were determined 18 hours after I/R or myoglobinuric ARF. Results. Acute ischemia causes a rapid shift of cholesterol into cortical DRMs (>22%). Cholesterol migration into DRMs also was observed in ATP-depleted cultured proximal tubule (HK-2) cells. Acute hypoxic or toxic tubule injury induced plasma membrane caveolin release (Western blot). By the maintenance phase of ARF, marked renal cortical/proximal tubule caveolin increases resulted. Conclusions. Acute proximal tubular injury damages caveolar/DRM structures, as determined by cholesterol maldistribution and caveolin release. Post-injury, there is a dramatic up-regulation of renal cortical/proximal tubule caveolin, suggesting an increased caveolar mass. These findings indicate, to our knowledge for the first time, that dysregulation of caveolae/raft microdomain expression is a correlate of, and potential participant in, the induction and maintenance phases of ischemic and toxic forms of experimental ARF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium ethoxide nanosuspension, a consolidating product developed during the European Nanomatch project, is here modified by adding two different solvents, 2-butanol and n-butylacetate, chosen for their different boiling points with respect to ethanol, the solvent employed in a previous work to dilute the original product. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µFT-IR) was used to understand how the presence of these new solvents can influence the kinetics of the carbonation process and the pathway reaction. Furthermore, coatings derived from nanosuspensions were maintained for specific time intervals at controlled relative humidity conditions (RH = 50% and RH = 90%); the formed mineralogical phases were characterized by µFT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicate that the used solvents can influence the kinetic and reaction pathways, while the phases formed at the end of the carbonation process are influenced by both solvents and RH conditions. The effectiveness of calcium ethoxide based product diluted in 2-butanol and n-butylacetate as limestone consolidants was evaluated with drilling resistance measurement system (DRMS) and ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV). The impact on color coordinates was also assessed. The results were compared with those obtained with the same product diluted in ethanol and a commercial nanolime. The use of these solvents gave different and better results in terms of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth rate of new HIV infections in the Philippines was the fastest of any countries in the Asia-Pacific region between 2010 and 2016. To date, HIV-1 subtyping results in the Philippines have been determined by characterizing only partial viral genome sequences. It is not known whether recombination occurs in the majority of unsequenced genome regions. Near-full-length genome (NFLG) sequences were obtained by amplifying two overlapping half genomes from plasma samples collected between 2015 and 2017 from 23 newly diagnosed infected individuals in the Philippines. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the newly characterized sequences were CRF01_AE (14), subtype B (3), CRF01/B recombinants (5) and a CRF01/CRF07/B recombinant (1). All 14 CRF01_AE formed a tight cluster, suggesting that they were derived from a single introduction. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for CRF01_AE in the Philippines was 1995 (1992-1998), about 10-15 years later than that of CRF01_AE in China and Thailand. All five CRF01/B recombinants showed distinct recombination patterns, suggesting ongoing recombination between the two predominant circulating viruses. The identification of partial CRF07_BC sequences in one CRF01/CRF07/B recombinant, not reported previously in the Philippines, indicated that CRF07_BC may have been recently introduced into that country from China, where CRF07_BC is prevalent. Our results show that the major epidemic strains may have shifted to an increased predominance of CRF01_AE and its recombinants, and that other genotypes such as CRF07_BC may have been introduced into the Philippines.