Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomous spheroid formation by culture plate compartmentation

Scaffold-free 3D cell cultures (e.g. pellet cultures) are widely used in medical science, including cartilage regeneration. Their drawbacks are high time/reagent consumption and lack of early readout parameters. While optimisation was achieved by automation or simplified spheroid generation, most culture systems remain expensive or require tedious procedures. The aim of this study was to establish a system for resource efficient spheroid generation with additional early readout parameters. This was achieved by a new approach for spheroid generation via self-assembly from monolayer via compartmentation of cell culture surfaces utilising laser engraving (grid plates). The compartmentation triggered contraction and rolling up of the cell monolayer, finishing in condensation into a spheroid in human adipose-derived stem cell (ASC/TERT1) and human articular chondrocytes (hACs)-ASC/TERT1 co-cultures, when cultivated on grid plates under chondrogenic conditions. Plates with 1 and 3 mm grid size yielded stable diameters (about 140 µm and 300 µm, respectively). ASC/TERT1 spheroids fully formed within 3 weeks while co-cultures took 1–2 weeks, forming significantly faster with increasing hAC ratio (p < 0.05 and 0.01 for 1:1 and 1:4 ASC/TERT1:hAC ratio, respectively). Co-cultures showed slightly lower spheroid diameters, due to earlier spheroid formation and incomplete monolayer formation. However, this was associated with a more homogeneous matrix distribution in the co-culture. Both showed differentiation capacity comparable to standard pellet culture in (immune-)histochemistry and RT-qPCR. To assess usability for cartilage repair, spheroids were embedded into a hydrogel (fibrin), yielding cellular outgrowth and matrix deposition, which was especially pronounced in co-cultures. The herein presented novel cell culture system is not only a promising tool for autonomous spheroid generation with the potential of experimental and clinical application in tissue engineering, but also for the generation of ‘building blocks’ for subsequential biofabrication strategies such as bioprinting.
Phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis as Potential Anti-Cancer Drug: Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The application of cytostatic drugs or natural substances to inhibit cancer growth and progression is an important and evolving subject of cancer research. There has been a surge of interest in marine bioresources, particularly algae, as well as cyanobacteria and their bioactive ingredients. Dried biomass products of Arthrospira and Chlorella have been categorized as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Of particular importance is an ingredient of Arthrospira: phycocyanin, a blue-red fluorescent, water-soluble and non-toxic biliprotein pigment. It is reported to be the main active ingredient of Arthrospira and was shown to have therapeutic properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory and anti-cancer activities. In the present review, in vitro and in vivo data on the effects of phycocyanin on various tumor cells and on cells from healthy tissues are summarized. The existing knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms, and strategies to improve the efficiency of potential phycocyanin-based anti-cancer therapies are discussed.
A Modified Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale

The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale is a prospectively validated physician‐rated measure of disease severity for progressive supranuclear palsy. We hypothesized that, according to experts' opinion, individual scores of items would differ in relevance for patients' quality of life, functionality in daily living, and mortality. Thus, changes in the score may not equate to clinically meaningful changes in the patient's status.
Use of Network Analysis and Spread Models to Target Control Actions for Bovine Tuberculosis in a State from Brazil

Livestock movements create complex dynamic interactions among premises that can be represented, interpreted, and used for epidemiological purposes. These movements are a very important part of the production chain but may also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases through the transfer of infected animals over large distances. Social network analysis (SNA) can be used to characterize cattle trade patterns and to identify highly connected premises that may act as hubs in the movement network, which could be subjected to targeted control measures in order to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases such as bovine tuberculosis (TB). Here, we analyzed data on cattle movement and slaughterhouse surveillance for detection of TB-like lesions (TLL) over the 2016–2018 period in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) in Brazil with the following aims: (i) to characterize cattle trade describing the static full, yearly, and monthly snapshots of the network contact trade, (ii) to identify clusters in the space and contact networks of premises from which animals with TLL originated, and (iii) to evaluate the potential of targeted control actions to decrease TB spread in the cattle population of RS using a stochastic metapopulation disease transmission model that simulated within-farm and between-farm disease spread. We found heterogeneous densities of premises and animals in the study area. The analysis of the contact network revealed a highly connected (~94%) trade network, with strong temporal trends, especially for May and November. The TLL cases were significantly clustered in space and in the contact network, suggesting the potential for both local (e.g., fence-to-fence) and movement-mediated TB transmission. According to the disease spread model, removing the top 7% connected farms based on degree and betweenness could reduce the total number of infected farms over three years by >50%. In conclusion, the characterization of the cattle network suggests that highly connected farms may play a role in TB dissemination, although being close to infected farms was also identified as a risk factor for having animals with TLL. Surveillance and control actions based on degree and betweenness could be useful to break the transmission cycle between premises in RS.
Comparative Effect of Or ganics and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays. L)

A field experiment to study the “ Comparative efficiency of organics and biofertilizers on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted during Kharif 2011 at farmer field in Beluguli village, Chikkanayakanahalli taluk (Tumkur district). The maize cultivar Nithyashree (NAH 2049) was used in the study. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with fourteen treatments and three replications. Results of the treatment (T 13 ) having recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter chroococcum + Bacillus megaterium + Pseudomonas fluorescence + enriched compost has showed highest plant height at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest (120 days) (31.70, 180.93, 186.07 and 188.13 cm respectively). The highest total dry matter production at harvest (375.80 g) and yield parameters like Weight of cob (207.63 g), Grain yield per plant (158.93 g), Grain yield per ha (54.53 q) and Test weight of seeds (33.10 g) was also found highest in this treatment and available nutrient content in soil after crop harvest i.e., nitrogen (185.40 Kg ha -1 ), phosphorous (38.83 Kg ha-1) and potassium (181.47 Kg ha-1) was also found highest in the same
Antibiotic Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors: Testing Competing Hypotheses Using an Urban Community Sample

ABSTRACT Antibiotic use and misuse continue to be a worldwide concern with the increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance, lack of new antibiotics in the pipeline, and rising health care costs. Despite studies that attempt to distinguish between factors associated with antibiotic use and misuse (e.g., knowledge and beliefs and provider–patient communication), few studies have tested comparative hypotheses related to antibiotic use behavior. This study 1) compares two theoretical models (health belief and patient-centered communication) to learn which best represents the pathways associated with antibiotic use; and 2) describes urban consumers’ knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding antibiotic use. Interviewers completed 505 intercept surveys across six clinic- and community-based sites in Southeast Michigan. Structural equation modeling was utilized to compare two competing theoretical models predicting antibiotic behavior. Findings support the assertion that a patient–provider communication model fits the data better than the null model. Descriptive statistical analysis explicated participant knowledge was mixed. While many participants knew correct general facts about antibiotics, 35% of the sample put forth that they believed that antibiotics cure colds and flu and over half (57%) endorsed the belief that antibiotics are good for treating infections caused by viruses. The implications for theory and practice are discussed including the need for clinicians to target communication strategies for the populations that they serve.
Domestic Violence and Immigrant Women: A Glimpse Behind a Veiled Door

Domestic violence (DV) experienced by immigrant women is a public health concern. In collaboration with a community agency, researchers undertook a retrospective review of 1,763 client files from 2006–2014. The three aims were to document the incidence of DV, service needs associated with DV, and identification of risk factors associated with DV in the extracted file data. About 41% reported DV and required multiple services. Separated and divorced women, and women on visitor/temporary visas showed the highest risk. The results underscore the value of research partnerships with community-based service agencies in increasing our understanding of DV among immigrant women.
Elucidation of the Effects of Bisphenol A and Structural Analogs on Germ and Steroidogenic Cells using Single Cell High-Content Imaging.

Concerns about the potential adverse effects of bisphenol A (BPA) have led to an increase in the use of replacements, yet the toxicity data for several of these chemicals are limited. Using high-content imaging we compared the effects of BPA, BPAF, BPF, BPS, BPM, and BPTMC in germ (C18-4 spermatogonial) and steroidogenic (MA-10 Leydig and KGN granulosa) cell lines. Effects on cell viability and phenotypic markers were analyzed to determine benchmark concentrations (BMCs) and estimate administered equivalent doses (AEDs). In all three cell lines, BPA was one of the least cytotoxic bisphenol compounds tested, while BPM and BPTMC were the most cytotoxic. Interestingly, BPF and BPS were cytotoxic only in MA-10 cells. Effects on phenotypic parameters, including mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and oxidative stress, were both bisphenol- and cell-line specific. BPA exposure affected mitochondria (BMC: 1.2 μM; AED: 0.09 mg/kg/day) in C18-4 cells. Lysosome numbers were increased in MA-10 cells exposed to BPA or BPAF but decreased in KGN cells exposed to BPAF or BPM. Lipid droplets were decreased in C18-4 cells exposed to BPF and in MA-10 cells exposed to BPTMC but increased in BPF, BPM and BPTMC exposed KGN cells. BPA and BPM exposure induced oxidative stress in MA-10 and KGN cells, respectively. In summary, structurally similar bisphenols displayed clear cell-line specific differences in BMC and AED values for effects on cell viability and phenotypic endpoints. This approach, together with additional data on human exposure, may aid in the selection and prioritization of responsible replacements for BPA.
Transcriptomic markers in pediatric septic shock prognosis: an integrative analysis of gene expression profiles

The goal of this study was to identify potential transcriptomic markers in pediatric septic shock prognosis by an integrative analysis of multiple public microarray datasets. Using the R software and bioconductor packages, we performed a statistical analysis to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes in pediatric septic shock non-survivors, and further performed functional interpretation (enrichment analysis and co-expression network construction) and classification quality evaluation of the DE genes identified. Four microarray datasets (3 training datasets and 1 testing dataset, 252 pediatric patients with septic shock in total) were collected for the integrative analysis. A total of 32 DE genes (18 upregulated genes; 14 downregulated genes) were identified in pediatric septic shock non-survivors. Enrichment analysis revealed that those DE genes were strongly associated with acute inflammatory response to antigenic stimulus, response to yeast, and defense response to bacterium. A support vector machine classifier (non-survivors vs survivors) was also trained based on DE genes. In conclusion, the DE genes identified in this study are suggested as candidate transcriptomic markers for pediatric septic shock prognosis and provide novel insights into the progression of pediatric septic shock.
Comparative Finite Element Modeling Study of Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis Versus Cervical Arthroplasty With Bryan Disc or Prodisc C.

INTRODUCTION Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), a motion-preserving alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), is used in military patients for the treatment of disorders such as spondylosis. Since 2007, the FDA has approved eight artificial discs. The objective of this study is to compare the biomechanics after ACDF and CDA with two FDA-approved devices of differing designs under head and head supported mass loadings. MATERIALS AND METHODS A previously validated osteoligamentous C2-T1 finite element model was used to simulate ACDF and two types of CDA (Bryan and Prodisc C) at the C5-C6 level. The hybrid loading protocol associated with in vivo head and head supported mass was used to apply flexion and extension loading. First, intact spine was subjected to 2 Nm of flexion extension and the range of motion (ROM) was measured. Next, for each surgical option, flexion-extension moments duplicating the same ROM as the intact spine were determined. Under these surgery-specific moments, ROM and facet force were obtained at the index level, and ROM, facet force, and intradiscal pressure at the rostral and caudal adjacent levels. RESULTS ACDF led to increased motion, force and pressures at the adjacent levels. Prodisc C led to increased motion and facet force at the index level, and decreased motion, facet force, and intradiscal pressure at both adjacent levels. Bryan produced less dramatic biomechanical alterations compared with ACDF and Prodisc C. Numerical results are given in the article. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing that ROM is a clinical measure of spine stability/performance, CDA demonstrates a more physiological biomechanical response than ACDF, although the exact pattern depends on the implant design. Anterior and posterior column load-sharing patterns were different between the two implants and may affect implant selection based on the anatomical and pathological state at the index and adjacent levels.
Nudging health care workers towards a flu shot: reminders are accepted but not necessarily effective. A randomized controlled study among residents in general practice in France.

BACKGROUND A nudge corresponds to any procedure that influences choice architecture, without using persuasion or financial incentives. Nudges are effective in increasing vaccination with heterogeneous levels of acceptability. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a nudge promoting influenza vaccination for general practice trainees, also called residents. METHODS The hypothesis was that a reminder would be efficient and accepted and that prior exposure to a nudge increases its acceptability. Residents were randomly divided into three parallel experimental arms: a nudge group, a no-nudge group and a control group in order to evaluate the Hawthorne effect. The nudge consisted of providing a paper form for the free delivery of the vaccine and contacts for occupational health services. RESULTS The analysis included 161 residents. There was a strong consensus among the residents that it is very acceptable to nudge their peers and patients. Acceptability was better with residents exposed to the nudge and with residents included in step 1 (Hawthorne effect). The nudge did not increase vaccination coverage. CONCLUSION The failure of this nudge highlights the importance of matching an intervention to the population's needs. The experimental approach is innovative in this context and deserves further attention. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV PRE-REGISTRATION NCT03768596.
Oral Antibiotics are Effective for Preventing Colonoscopy-associated Peritonitis as a Preemptive Therapy in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective In patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), it was reported that colonoscopy, but not upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, could cause peritonitis as a complication. A guideline of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis recommends preemptive intravenous antibiotics administration of ampicillin and aminoglycoside with or without metronidazole, to prevent colonoscopy-associated peritonitis. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the effects of preemptive antibiotics therapy by oral administration instead of intravenous administration. Methods We investigated the incidence of colonoscopy-associated peritonitis in a single center. In 170 patients undergoing PD between January 2010 and December 2019, 50 colonoscopies were performed, including 49 with oral administration of amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin and/or metronidazole as preemptive therapy 1 hour before the colonoscopy procedure, and 1 without. Results We observed no incidence of colonoscopy-associated peritonitis. Conclusion Generally, oral administration of preemptive antibiotics is less painful and more convenient than intravenous administration, especially in outpatient procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Our results suggest that oral antibiotic administration might be effective for preventing colonoscopy-associated peritonitis in PD patients.
Bovine Milk-Derived Emulsifiers Increase Triglyceride Absorption in Newborn Formula-Fed Pigs

Efficient lipid digestion in formula-fed infants is required to ensure the availability of fatty acids for normal organ development. Previous studies suggest that the efficiency of lipid digestion may depend on whether lipids are emulsified with soy lecithin or fractions derived from bovine milk. This study, therefore, aimed to determine whether emulsification with bovine milk-derived emulsifiers or soy lecithin (SL) influenced lipid digestion in vitro and in vivo. Lipid digestibility was determined in vitro in oil-in-water emulsions using four different milk-derived emulsifiers or SL, and the ultrastructural appearance of the emulsions was assessed using electron microscopy. Subsequently, selected emulsions were added to a base diet and fed to preterm neonatal piglets. Initially, preterm pigs equipped with an ileostomy were fed experimental formulas for seven days and stoma output was collected quantitatively. Next, lipid absorption kinetics was studied in preterm pigs given pure emulsions. Finally, complete formulas with different emulsions were fed for four days, and the post-bolus plasma triglyceride level was determined. Milk-derived emulsifiers (containing protein and phospholipids from milk fat globule membranes and extracellular vesicles) showed increased effects on fat digestion compared to SL in an in vitro digestion model. Further, milk-derived emulsifiers significantly increased the digestion of triglyceride in the preterm piglet model compared with SL. Ultra-structural images indicated a more regular and smooth surface of fat droplets emulsified with milk-derived emulsifiers relative to SL. We conclude that, relative to SL, milk-derived emulsifiers lead to a different surface ultrastructure on the lipid droplets, and increase lipid digestion.
Rapid Aging in the Perforant Path Projections to the Rodent Dentate Gyrus

Why layers II/III of entorhinal cortex (EC) deteriorate in advance of other regions during the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. Failure of retrograde trophic support from synapses to cell bodies is a common cause of neuronal atrophy, and we accordingly tested for early-life deterioration in projections of rodent layer II EC neurons. Using electrophysiology and quantitative imaging, changes in EC terminals during young adulthood were evaluated in male rats and mice. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials, input/output curves, and frequency following capacity by lateral perforant path (LPP) projections from lateral EC to dentate gyrus were unchanged from 3 to 8–10 months of age. In contrast, the unusual presynaptic form of long-term potentiation (LTP) expressed by the LPP was profoundly impaired by 8 months in rats and mice. This impairment was accompanied by a reduction in the spine to terminal endocannabinoid signaling needed for LPP-LTP induction and was offset by an agent that enhances signaling. There was a pronounced age-related increase in synaptophysin within LPP terminals, an effect suggestive of incipient pathology. Relatedly, presynaptic levels of TrkB—receptors mediating retrograde trophic signaling—were reduced in the LPP terminal field. LTP and TrkB content were also reduced in the medial perforant path of 8- to 10-month-old rats. As predicted, performance on an LPP-dependent episodic memory task declined by late adulthood. We propose that memory-related synaptic plasticity in EC projections is unusually sensitive to aging, which predisposes EC neurons to pathogenesis later in life. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons within human superficial entorhinal cortex are particularly vulnerable to effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease, although why this is the case is not understood. Here we report that perforant path projections from layer II entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus exhibit rapid aging in rodents, including reduced synaptic plasticity and abnormal protein content by 8–10 months of age. Moreover, there was a substantial decline in the performance of an episodic memory task that depends on entorhinal cortical projections at the same ages. Overall, the results suggest that the loss of plasticity and related trophic signaling predispose the entorhinal neurons to functional decline in relatively young adulthood.
A Different View on the Etiopathogenesis of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from an Inflammation Perspective

Objective Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a complex etiology and genetic, environmental and biological factors are considered to play a role in the etiology of ADHD by mutually interacting. Recent studies have emphasized that inflammation may be present in the etiology of ADHD. This study aims to investigate the possible role of visfatin, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α molecules in the etiology of ADHD. Methods The study included 60 patients and 20 healthy controls between the ages of 6−18. Serum visfatin, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits at a biochemistry laboratory. Results The study showed no statistically significant difference between children with ADHD and healthy controls in terms of visfatin, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels. When ADHD subgroups (combined and predominantly inattentive types) and the control group were compared in terms of visfatin, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels, no statistically significant difference was recorded. Conclusion Data on the relationship between ADHD and IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in this study are in compliance with the literature. However, no study was found on visfatin in ADHD. This study is the first one evaluating the ADHD-Visfatin relationship.