The electrodeposition of nickel–graphite composite layers

By control of the deposition conditions, it is shown that it is possible to fabricate Ni/graphite composites where the surface is made up of isolated, single graphite particles uniformly dispersed across the nickel layer. In addition to other parameters in the preparation of inclusion deposits, it is shown that the mass transport regime in the electroplating bath strongly influences the graphite loading. In addition, it is confirmed that a uniform mass transport regime is essential to the achievement of a uniform distribution of particles over the entire coated surface

Upconversion fluorescence imaging of HeLa cells using ROS generating SiO2-coated lanthanide-doped NaYF4 nanoconstructs

Inorganic nanomaterials able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are promising components for modern medical applications. Activated by near-infrared light, up-converting beta-NaYF4 doped with Er3+ - Yb3+ and Tm3+- Yb3+ pair ions nanoparticles (UCNPs), have a wide range of applications in biological imaging as compared to traditional reagents excited by ultra-violet or visible light. We analysed the green-red and the blue-red luminescence to explain the mechanism of the upconversion depended on the surface condition. The influence of SiO2 coating on the cytotoxicity of the as-produced UCNPs towards HeLa cancer cells was reported. We demonstrated a possibility of a direct UCNPs application to photodynamic therapy, without need to attach additional molecules to their surface. The presence of Tm3+ - Yb3+ pair ions, thus ROS generation capability, renders the SiO2 shell coated nanoparticles to become potentially useful theranostic agent

Mission, Organization, and Future Direction of the Serological Sciences Network for COVID-19 (SeroNet) Epidemiologic Cohort Studies.

BackgroundGlobal efforts are needed to elucidate the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the underlying cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including seroprevalence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae, as well as immune responses after vaccination across populations and the social dimensions of prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsIn the United States, the National Cancer Institute in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, established the SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet) as the nation's largest coordinated effort to study coronavirus disease 2019. The network comprises multidisciplinary researchers bridging gaps and fostering collaborations among immunologists, epidemiologists, virologists, clinicians and clinical laboratories, social and behavioral scientists, policymakers, data scientists, and community members. In total, 49 institutions form the SeroNet consortium to study individuals with cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiovascular diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, transplant recipients, as well as otherwise healthy pregnant women, children, college students, and high-risk occupational workers (including healthcare workers and first responders).ResultsSeveral studies focus on underrepresented populations, including ethnic minorities and rural communities. To support integrative data analyses across SeroNet studies, efforts are underway to define common data elements for standardized serology measurements, cellular and molecular assays, self-reported data, treatment, and clinical outcomes.ConclusionsIn this paper, we discuss the overarching framework for SeroNet epidemiology studies, critical research questions under investigation, and data accessibility for the worldwide scientific community. Lessons learned will help inform preparedness and responsiveness to future emerging diseases