bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Expression of Secreted Mediator Genes That Mediate Aggressive Breast Cancer Metastasis to Distant Organs
Authors: Maiti Aparna , Okano Ichiro , Oshi Masanori , Okano Maiko , Tian Wanqing , Kawaguchi Tsutomu , Katsuta Eriko , Takabe Kazuaki , Li Yan , Patnaik Santosh , Hait Nitai
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer most often recurs and metastasizes to the distal organs with their primary tumors surgically excised. Due to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, metastasis organotropism has poorly understood. This study assessed the specific cancer-related gene expression changes occurring with metastatic breast cancer recurrence to distant organs compared with non-metastatic breast cancer. We found that secreted mediators encoding genes (ANGPTL7, MMP3, LCN2, S100A8, and ESM1) are upregulated in primary breast tumors of 4T1.2, a highly metastatic variant of mouse triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) 4T1 cells. Those genes are variably expressed at distant metastatic sites such as the spine, bone, and the lung in the syngeneic implantation/tumor-resection metastasis mouse model. The altered expression score of an individual gene was strongly associated with the survival of breast cancer patients. Notably, LCN2 and S100A8 overexpressed at the distant metastatic site spine (LCN2, 5 fold; S100A8, 6 fold) and bone (LCN2, 5 fold; S100A8, 3 fold) vs. primary tumors. In contrast, the ESM-1 encoding gene is overexpressed in the primary tumors and markedly downregulated at distant metastatic sites such as the spine, bone, and the lung. LCN2, S100A8, and ESM-1 mediators encoding individual gene expression scores were strongly associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) in the METABRIC cohort (hazard ratio [HR]>1, p < 0.0004). The gene expression scores predicted worse clinically aggressive tumors, such as high Nottingham histological grade and advanced cancer staging. High gene expression score of ESM-1 gene was strongly associated with worse overall survival (OS) in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormonal receptor (HR)-positive/Her2-negative subtype in METABRIC cohort, HER2+ subtype in TCGA-BRCA and SCAN-B breast cancer cohorts.Our data suggested that mediators encoding genes with both prognostic and predictive values may, therefore, be clinically useful for breast cancer spine, bone, and lung metastasis in particularly in more aggressive subtypes such as TNBC or HER2+ breast cancer.
Efficacy and Safety of DEB-TACE for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma With the Largest Tumor Diameter ≥7 cm
Authors: Chen Wei , Lu Bei , Zhang Mengzeng , Hou Zhenguo
Published: December 2020

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of DEB-TACE in patients with primary huge hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2019, 87 patients with huge unresectable HCC were retrospectively analyzed. 48 cases received drug-elutted beads for transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE group), and 39 cases received conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE group). The tumor treatment response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), the incidence of adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups and the factors influencing OS were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up was 295 days (ranges 78 to 603 days). There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics and follow-up treatment between the two groups. The objective response rate(ORR) of DEB-TACE group was higher than that of c-TACE group within 3 months after treatment. The change was similar in the incidence of AEs between the two groups; DEB-TACE group showed longer PFS and OS than c-TACE group. Cox-regression multivariate analysis showed that DEB-TACE was an important factor affecting the overall survival. Conclusion: DEB-TACE prolonged the survival time of patients with huge unresectable HCC and could be a better choice than c-TACE without increasing the incidence of AEs.
Reference Values for Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers in the General Elderly Population: A Japanese Cohort Survey Randomly Sampled From A Basic Resident Registry
Authors: Tokida Ryosuke , Uehara Masashi , Nakamura Yukio , Sakai Noriko , Ikegami Shota , Takahashi Jun , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to provide definitive reference values for bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in the general elderly population. Registered citizens of 50 to 89 years old were targeted for this survey. After random sampling from the resident registry of Obuse town, we established eight groups based on age (50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s) and gender. A total of 411 people were enrolled. We used a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry device to measure and evaluate BMD. The bone formation marker bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was measured as a bone turnover marker. Bone resorption markers, including pentosidine, urinary total deoxypyridinoline, urinary type I collagen N-telopeptide, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and whole PTH were also measured as bone turnover markers.Sixty-three people (15.3%) were diagnosed as OP. In women, BMD decreased with age. On the other hand, there was no characteristic change with age in men. As for bone markers, 25(OH)D, whole parathyroid hormone, and BAP showed no characteristics associated with gender and aging. In terms of the association between low BMD and bone markers, there was a significant association between low BMD and TRACP-5b in females.In conclusions, BMD decreased with age in women. However, there was no decline with age in men. All bone metabolism markers showed no significant characteristics associated with age or gender, except for a significant association between low BMD and TRACP-5b in females. TRACP-5b was a potentially useful marker for the detection of low BMD.
Ground-state cooling of mechanical resonators by hot thermal light
Authors: Naseem Muhammad , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür
Published: December 2020

We propose a scheme to cool down a mechanical resonator to its quantum ground-state, which is interacting
with a cavity mode via the optomechanical coupling. As opposed to standard laser cooling schemes where
coherence renders the state of the resonator to its ground-state, here we use incoherent thermal light to achieve
the same aim. We show that simultaneous cooling of two degenerate or near-degenerate mechanical resonators is
possible in our scheme, which is otherwise a challenging goal to achieve in optomechanics. The generalization
of this method to the simultaneous cooling of multiple resonators is straightforward. The underlying physical
mechanism of cooling is explained by revealing a direct connection between the laser sideband cooling and
“cooling by heating” in a standard optomechanical setting.
A Low Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Level Is a Protective Factor for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Men Aged Over 80
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , Xu Jun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Ke Yingying , Fu Guoxiang , Guo Qihao
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a role in predisposing postmenopausal women to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a age-related liver disease. However, it is unknown whether FSH impacts the risk of NAFLD in men. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum FSH levels and NAFLD in elderly Chinese men aged 80-98, a particular group with worse outcomes of NAFLD.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 444 subjects in a geriatric health center. The highest quartile of serum FSH was used as reference. NAFLD was defined according to the results of liver ultrasound.Results: Based on liver ultrasound, 108 (24.3%) subjects had NAFLD. FSH level were negatively correlated with total testosterone, estradiol, nutritional risk, and the prevalence of high education level (all P < 0.01), and positively correlated with age, luteinizing hormone, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (all P < 0.05). The correlation between FSH and body mass index or antihypertensive drug usage was marginally significant (P = 0.057; P = 0.066, respectively). The percentage of subjects with NAFLD gradually increased following the quartiles of serum FSH (20.0% in quartile 1, 18.2% in quartile 2, 27.3% in quartile 3, and 31.6% in quartile 4). After adjustment for common pathogenic risk factors, nutritional risk, and other sex hormones, serum FSH were progressively associated with odds ratios for NAFLD. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs for quartile 1, quartile 2, and quartile 3, compared with quartile 4 were 0.132 (0.034-0.516), 0.190 (0.052-0.702), and 0.404 (0.139-1.173), respectively. Obesity was not involved in the potential negative role of circulating FSH on the risk of NAFLD in our population.Consclusion: Low FSH level may decrease the risk of NAFLD in elderly Chinese men. These findings warrant replication in more extensive studies.
The Role of Eco-Friendly Soil Amendments Co-Application on the Performance of Lingrain (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Under Late-Season Irrigation Limitation
Authors: Fallah Mahdieh , Amirnia Reza , Hadi Hashem , Hassanzadeh-Ghorttapeh Abdollah
Published: December 2020

This study's main purpose was to investigate the probable amelioration of limited irrigation conditions by soil amendments for lingrain plants. The experiment was accomplished as a completely randomized factorial design along with three replications. The first factor was green manure (without (Gc) and with Trifolium pratense (Gr)), the second factor consisted of Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhiza (Fm), vermicompost (Fv), both of mycorrhiza and vermicompost (Fm+v) and none of them (Fc), and also the third factor was irrigation regime (full irrigation and late-season water limitation). Green manure, vermicompost and mycorrhiza single-use enhanced the plant performance under water limitation conditions in comparison with the control. However, in the presence of vermicompost, along with green manure or mycorrhiza developed a positive synergistic effect on most of the traits. Combining green manure with the dual fertilizer (Fm+v) resulted in the vermicompost and mycorrhiza synergistic effects, especially under limited irrigation. Consequently, the triple fertilizer (Gr×Fm+v) experienced the highest amount of LRWC, root colonization, leaf nitrogen, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes activity, grain yield and oil yield, which would lead to more resistance of plants to limited irrigation conditions.
Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter Is Useful for Quantifying Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Ogino Yu , Wakui Noritaka , Nagai Hidenari , Igarashi Yoshinori
Published: December 2020

Background: The number of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been steadily increasing, and around 10%-20% of these patients are classified as having nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The first step to identifying patients with NASH is assessing for hepatic steatosis, which is commonly done noninvasively by ultrasound examination. However, conventional methods are not always effective at lower levels of steatosis. Thus, we sought to determine the utility of a new method using the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) for quantifying hepatic steatosis in NASH.Methods: Subjects were 36 patients with NASH (20 men, 16 women; mean age 56 [37 to 73] years) who underwent liver biopsy and ultrasonography using a GE LOGIQ E9 system and C1-6 probe at our hospital between 2017 and 2020. B-Mode imaging of segment V in the liver was acquired and echo attenuation was assessed using UGAP. Steatosis score (S0: <5%; S1: 5%-33%; S2: 34%-66%; S3: ≥67%) from liver specimens was compared with the attenuation coefficient (AC; dB/cm/MHz) using UGAP.Results: Steatosis score was S0 in 4 patients, S1 in 16, S2 in 10, and S3 in 6. AC by steatosis score was 0.54 ± 0.06, 0.63 ± 0.05, 0.74 ± 0.05, and 0.79 ± 0.05 dB/cm/MHz for S0, S1, S2, and S3, respectively. AC by UGAP differed significantly between S0 and S2 (p < 0.05), S0 and S3 (p < 0.05), S1 and S2 (p < 0.01), and S1 and S3 (p < 0.01), demonstrating a significant increase with steatosis score. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed good diagnostic performance of UGAP for patients with steatosis score ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 (AUROC = 0.95, 0.96, and 0.93, respectively). Liver fat content (%) from liver specimens and AC (r = 0.83, p < 0.01) showed a significant positive correlation.Conclusions: UGAP is useful for quantifying hepatic steatosis in patients with NASH.
An End-To-End Workflow for High-Throughput Discovery of Clinically Relevant Insights From Large Biomedical Datasets
Authors: Heidari Elyas , Sadeghi Mohammad Amin , Meresht Vahid Balazadeh , Ahmadi Nastaran , Sadr Mahmoud , Mirzaei Masoud , Sharifi-Zarchi Ali
Published: December 2020

Background Maximizing the insights gained from large epidemiological and biomedical datasets remains a fascinating challenge for life science researchers. For example, while usual analysis protocols may find numerous correlations between the studied factors, none tries to explain why many individuals deviate significantly from the identified general trends. Furthermore, while common practices can identify relationships between pairs or, at most, small groups of factors, they are unable to determine the global relationship network between all variables. Methods As a solution to these challenges, we have developed a new analysis workflow available in the MUVIS package within R statistical software. Here we apply these methods to a dataset from the Yazd Health Study consisting of 300 variables measured for 4010 individuals. Results Although Yazd Health Study is a general health survey of intensively studied medical variables, our methods were still able to uncover new insights. For example, in analyzing the correlation between blood high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, we determined diet to be a more important factor than exercise or age in explaining why individuals may have anomalous blood high-density lipoprotein levels based on their total cholesterol levels. We identified gender-based differences in how diet may exert these effects. Furthermore, analysis of global interaction networks found both interesting clusters of variables, such as factors denoting health-conscious and health-indifferent people, and individual connections, such as between hypertension and skin cancer. Conclusions As a result, we conclude that MUVIS provides a robust statistical framework for the high-throughput discovery of novel insights from large biomedical datasets.
Investigation of Critical Binding Pattern in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2: An in Silico Analysis 
Authors: Jafary Farzaneh , Jafari Sepideh , Ganjalikhany Mohamad Reza
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly-discovered coronavirus and responsible for the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infected millions of people in the world and immediately became a pandemic in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the beta-coronavirus genus of the large family of Coronaviridae. It is now known that its surface spike glycoprotein binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is expressed on the lung epithelial cells, mediates the fusion of the cellular and viral membranes, and facilitates the entry of viral genome to the host cell. Therefore, blocking the virus-cell interaction could be a potential target for the prevention of viral infection. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 is a protein-protein interaction, and so, analyzing the structure of the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and its underlying mechanism to bind the host cell receptor would be useful for the management and treatment of COVID-19. In this study, we performed comparative in silico studies to deeply understand the structural and functional details of the interaction between the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and its cognate cellular receptor ACE2. According to our results, the affinity of the ACE2 receptor for SARS-CoV-2 was higher than SARS-CoV. According to the free energy decomposition of the spike glycoprotein-ACE2 complex, we found critical points in three areas which are responsible for the increased binding affinity of SARS-CoV-2 compared with SARS-CoV. These mutations occurred at the receptor-binding domain of the spike glycoprotein that play an essential role in the increasing the affinity of coronavirus to ACE2. For instance, mutations Pro462Ala and Leu472Phe resulted in the altered binding energy from -2 kcal·mol−1 in SARS-COV to -6 kcal·mol−1 in SARS-COV-2. The results demonstrated that some mutations in the receptor-binding motif could be considered as a hot-point for designing potential drugs to inhibit the interaction between the spike glycoprotein and ACE2.
Meridional Changes in The South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre During Heinrich Stadials
Authors: Pinho Tainã , Chiessi Cristiano , Portilho-Ramos Rodrigo , Campos Marília , Crivellari Stefano , Nascimento Rodrigo , Albuquerque Ana , Bahr André , Mulitza Stefan
Published: December 2020

Subtropical ocean gyres play a key role in modulating the global climate system redistributing energy between low and high latitudes. A poleward displacement of the subtropical gyres has been observed over the last decades, but the lack of long-term monitoring data hinders an in-depth understanding of their dynamics. Paleoceanographic records offer the opportunity to identify meridional changes in the subtropical gyres and investigate their consequences to the climate system. Here we use the abundance of planktonic foraminiferal species Globorotalia truncatulinodes from a sediment core collected at the northernmost boundary of the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre (SASG) together with a previously published record of the same species from the southernmost boundary of the SASG to reconstruct meridional fluctuations of the SASG over last ca. 70 kyr. Our findings indicate southward displacements of the SASG during Heinrich Stadials (HS) 6-4 and HS1, and a contraction of the SASG during HS3 and HS2. During HS6-4 and HS1, the SASG southward displacements likely boosted the transfer of heat to the Southern Ocean, ultimately strengthening deep-water upwelling and CO2 release to the atmosphere. We hypothesize that the ongoing SASG poleward displacement may further increase oceanic CO2 release.
Cognitive Decline and It’s Risk Factors in the Elderly in China: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Duan Xiaoxia , Wen Jin , Hou Furang , Yuan Ping
Published: December 2020

Background Cognitive decline，a prodromal symptom of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) with no effective treatment, often occurs in the elderly. Prevent the occurrence of diseases by controlling risk factors is the best way to reduce its harms. The aim of this study was to identify the influencing factors of the cognitive function decline. Methods This study included analyzed 4482 participants obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the factors affecting the decline of cognitive function level of the elderly.Results According to this study, being female (OR 1.39), older (OR 1.34 to 5.73 from group 65~69 years to group age≥80 years), unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR 1.41), lower education (OR 2.37 to 45.36 from junior high school graduation to illiteracy), living in a rural area before 16 years (OR 1.87), keep smoking (OR 1.26), over napping (OR 1.28), underweight (OR 1.73), having difficulties with everyday activities (OR 1.25), and poor self-rated health (OR 1.36) were at higher risk of cognitive function decline in the elderly. While drinking once a month and above (OR 0.80), taking care of grandchildren in the last year (OR 0.71), overweight (OR 0.73), and obese (OR 0.63) were the protective factors. Conclusion Cognitive decline in the elderly was associated with several risk factors. Thus, future research should be focused on high risk elderly with these predictive factors, both to delineate mechanisms for development of cognitive decline and to evaluate preventive interventions.
Drivers of Microbial Community Structure in Surface Sediment Aross Bohai Sea
Authors: chen lei , Li Yuntao , Wang Mingpeng , Shang Weitao , Tang Jianhui , Jones David , Liu Fanghua
Published: December 2020

Background: Microbial spatial distribution has been widely investigated in sediment. However, there is poorly available information on microbial distribution patterns in sediment of Bohai Sea coastal zone. Results: Here, we investigated the bacterial community composition and diversity in riverine and marine surface sediment around and in the Bohai Sea using high-throughput sequencing. Bacterial communities mainly comprised Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and magnetic susceptibility played the main role in determining bacterial α-diversity and community composition in this region. Of the total bacterial community composition variation, environmental factors (explained 29.41% of the total microbial community composition variation) played a more important role than spatial variables (explained 3.03%) in conditioning the bacterial community composition. Meanwhile, the significantly pure spatial effect and distance-decay tendency suggested that dispersal limitation was also an influential factor in shaping the bacterial biogeographical pattern. The presence of magnetite center might shape the geographical distribution of five genera Lactococcus, Clostridium, Caulobacter, Gillisia and Sphingomonas probably by affecting their iron-related geochemical cycle.Conclusion: Our results may provide a better understanding of present-day bacterial biogeography and the correlation between microbial communities and key environmental variables in a typical coastal area. Depending on these information, coastal resources could be efficiently predicted, assessed and used.
Half-Life Modeling of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and its Media Concentration from Growth Factor-Eluting Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Authors: Ding Ivan , Peterson Amy
Published: December 2020

Growth factor-eluting polymer systems have been widely reported to improve cell and tissue outcomes; however, measurements of actual growth factor concentration in cell culture conditions are limited. The problem is compounded by a lack of knowledge of growth factor half-lives, which impedes efforts to determine real-time growth factor concentrations. In this work, the half-life of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). FGF2 release from polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) was measured and the data was fit to a simple degradation model, allowing for the determination of FGF2 concentrations between 2 days and 4 days of culture time. After the first hour, the FGF2 concentration for PEMs assembled at pH=4 ranged from 2.67 ng/mL to 5.76 ng/mL, while for PEMs assembled at pH=5, the concentration ranged from 0.62 ng/mL to 2.12 ng/mL. CRL-2352 fibroblasts were cultured on PEMs assembled at pH=4 and pH=5. After 2 days, the FGF2-eluting PEM conditions showed improved cell count and spreading. After 4 days, only the pH=4 assembly condition had higher cells counts, while the PEM assembled at pH=5 and PEM with no FGF2 showed increased spreading. Overall, the half-life model and cell culture study provide optimal concentration ranges for fibroblast proliferation and a framework for understanding how temporal FGF2 concentration may affect other cell types.
Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Stimulate Cancer Cell Reprogramming to Suppress Tumor Growth and Invasion in an Organ-on-a-chip System
Authors: Lam Sandra , Bishop Kevin , Mintz Rachel , Fang Lei , Achilefu Samuel
Published: December 2020

The acidic microenvironment of solid tumors induces the propagation of highly invasive and metastatic phenotypes. However, simulating these conditions in animal models present challenges that confound the effects of pH modulators on tumor progression. To recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and isolate the effect of pH on tumor viability, we developed a bifurcated microfluidic device that supports two different cell environments for direct comparison. RFP-expressing breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were cultured in treatment and control chambers surrounded by fibrin, which received acid-neutralizing CaCO3 nanoparticles (nanoCaCO3) and cell culture media, respectively. Data analysis revealed that nanoCaCO3 buffered the pH within the normal physiological range and inhibited tumor cell proliferation compared to the untreated control (p < 0.05). Co-incubation of cancer cells and fibroblasts, followed by nanoCaCO3 treatment showed that the nanoparticles selectively inhibited the growth of the MDA-MB-231 cells and reduced cellular migration of these cells with no impact on the fibroblasts. Sustainable decrease in the intracellular pH of cancer cells treated with nanoCaCO3 indicates that the extracellular pH induced cellular metabolic reprogramming. These results suggest that the nanoCaCO3 can restrict the aggressiveness of tumor cells without affecting the growth and behavior of the surrounding stromal cells.
Calculation and Internal Validation of a New Synthetic and Autocorrelate Index to Measure the Health Status of a Population
Authors: Tebala Domenico , Tebala Giovanni Domenico
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe status of health of an individual and - more broadly - of a community or population is defined by the status of their determinants of health. A “systemic” approach to define the health determinants is necessary in order to explore the complex relations existing among them. This study is aimed at identifying a ‘composite systemic’ index of health to measure the impact of socioeconomic factors on public health at local level and to analyze possible spatial autocorrelations between neighboring regions.ResultsA Composite Index of Health (CIH) was constructed on the basis of known indicators of socio-economic well being by using the COMIC (COMposite Indices Creator) Software and was validated on the Italian population and a nationwide comparison has been performed. Analysis of the determinants showed a significant direct correlation between health, environment, work and wealth and inverse correlation between health and social distress. The analysis of data from Italian provinces confirmed the South-North gradient of well-being.ConclusionThe CIH is a reliable and robust index to evaluate the health of a local population. Although it was validated on Italian data, the index can be easily adapted to any Country.
3D-printed Nerve Guidance Conduits Multi-functionalized with Canine Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Promote Neuroregeneration after Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Diego Noé , Pinto Giovana Boff Araujo , Cartarozzi Luciana , Oliveira Alexandre de , Bovolato Ana Livia , Carvalho Marcio de , Silva Jorge Vicente da , Dernowsek Janaina , Golim Marjorie , Barraviera Benedito , Ferreira Rui Seabra , Deffune Elenice , Bertanha Matheus , Amorim Rogério
Published: December 2020

Background: Nerve injuries are debilitating, leading to long-term motor deficits. Remyelination and axonal growth are supported and enhanced by growth factor and cytokines. Combination of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) with adipose-tissue-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (AdMSCs) has been performing promising strategy for nerve regeneration.Methods: 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL)-NGCs were fabricated. Wistar rats subjected to critical sciatic nerve damage (12-mm gap) were divided into sham, autograft, PCL (empty NGC), and PCL+MSC (NGC multi-functionalized with 106 canine AdMSC embedded in heterologous fibrin biopolymer) groups. In vitro, the cells were characterized and directly stimulated with interferon-gamma to evaluate their neuroregeneration potential. In vivo, the sciatic and tibial functional indices were evaluated for 12 weeks. Gait analysis and nerve conduction velocity were analyzed after 8 and 12 weeks. Morphometric analysis was performed after 8 and 12 weeks following lesion development. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the neurotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, and HGF, and the cytokines IL-6 and IL-10. Immunohistochemical analysis for the p75NTR neurotrophic receptor, S100, and neurofilament was performed with the sciatic nerve.Results: The inflammatory environment in vitro have increased the expression of neurotrophins BDNF, GDNF, HGF, and IL-10 in canine AdMSCs. Nerve guidance conduits multi-functionalized with canine AdMSCs embedded in HFB improved functional motor and electrophysiological recovery compared with PCL group after 12 weeks. However, the results were not significantly different than those obtained using autografts. These findings were associated with a shift in the regeneration process towards the formation of myelinated fibers. Increased immunostaining of BDNF, GDNF, and growth factor receptor p75NTR was associated with the upregulation of BDNF, GDNF, and HGF in the spinal cord of the PCL+MSC group. A trend demonstrating higher reactivity of Schwann cells and axonal branching in the sciatic nerve was observed, and canine AdMSCs were engrafted at 30 days following repair.Conclusions: 3D-printed NGCs multi-functionalized with canine AdMSCs embedded in heterologous fibrin biopolymer as cell scaffold exerted neuroregenerative effects. Our multimodal approach, support the trophic microenvironment, resulting in a pro-regenerative state after critical sciatic nerve injury in rats.
Self-Control Study on the Impact of Buzhong Yiqi Prescription on the Gut Microbiota of Obese Patients with PCOS and Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome Caused by Spleen Deficiency
Authors: Ni Zhexin , Cheng Wen , Ding Jie , Yao Ruipin , Zhang Danying , Zhai Dongxia , Zhou Ling , Yu Chaoqin
Published: December 2020

Background: Gut microbiota disorders have been closely related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Buzhong Yiqi prescription (BZYQ) has a great clinical effect on the treatment of obese patients with PCOS and phlegm-dampness syndrome caused by spleen deficiency (SPSD). This study was performed to explore the alterations in the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in obese patients with PCOS and SPSD who received BZYQ treatment. Methods: A total of 50 obese patients with PCOS and SPSD were recruited from the Changhai Hospital in Shanghai and accepted three months of BZYQ treatment. Sex hormone were detected and oral glucose tolerance was tested in the outpatient laboratory before and after the BZYQ treatment. Fecal samples were detected by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and nontargeted metabolomic methods to determine the structure of the gut microbiota and metabolites, respectively.Results: BZYQ could significantly alleviate the serum DHEAS (p<0.001) and T level (p<0.001) in obese patients with PCOS and SPSD. The structure of the gut microbiota changed significantly after the BZYQ treatment. In particular, at the phylum level, the abundance of Spirochaetae was significantly higher after treatment than that before treatment. At the genus level, the abundances of [Eubacterium]_rectale_group, Escherichia-Shigella, and Fusicatenibacter were significantly higher after treatment than those before treatment, but the abundance of Megamonas was significantly lower. A total of 106 differential metabolites and 14 KEGG enrichment pathways were quantified. The disorder in the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites of obese patients with PCOS and SPSD were closely related to hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance. The level of tetracosanoic acid was negatively correlated with serum DHEA level (p<0.05), while the palmitoleic acid level was negatively correlated with serum T level (p<0.05). Conclusions: BZYQ could ameliorate the serum androgen level and had an impact on the gut microbiota and metabolites in obese patients with PCOS and SPSD.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-16009166. Registered 26 September 2016, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=14956
Desulfovibrio and Pseudomonas Dominated Enriched Produced Water Reinforcing their Importance in Oilfields and Production Processes
Authors: Tiburcio Samyra , Macrae Andrew , Peixoto Raquel , Rachid Caio , Mansoldo Felipe , Alviano Daniela , Alviano Celuta , Ferreira Davis , Venâncio Fabrício , Ferreira Doneivan , Vermelho Alane
Published: December 2020

Enrichment based isolation methods and molecular identification were used to investigate the microbial communities in produced water obtained from Periquito (PQO) and Galo de Campinas (GC) onshore oilfields in Brazil. Produced water was enriched with Postgate B, Postgate C and Baars media and incubated. DNA was extracted, PCR amplified and16S rDNA fragments were sequenced using Illumina TruSEq. 4.2 million reads were analysed and deposited at the Sequence Read Archive at NCBI. No significative differences in microbial community composition could be attributed to the enrichment but significant differences were observed from two oil fields. The dominant Bacterial Orders detected from both oilfields were Desulfovibrionales, Pseudomonadales and Enterobacteriales. Pseudomonas were found predominantly in Periquito oilfield (19.8%) with only 2,4% at Galo de Campinas. Pleomorphominas (3.76%) and Shewanella (4,69%) were exclusive to and possible biomarkers for the Periquito Oilfield. 11.05% and 7.62% of the sequences were not classified at genus level and detected at GC and P. Abundances changed for Desulfovibrio from P, 29.8% at PQO and 16.08% at GC. The Clostridium_sensu_stricto varied from 2.8% at PQO and 2.4% at GC). Pseudomonas were found predominantly in Periquito oilfield (19.8%) with only 2,4% at Galo de Campinas. Pleomorphominas (3.76%) and Shewanella (4,69%) were almost exclusive to and possible biomarkers for the Periquito Oilfield. These data provide a bacterial biodiversity benchmark for future produced water treatment and microbially enhanced oil recovery (MEOR).
Smart Microgrid Management: A Hybrid Optimisation Approach
Authors: yahia amoura , Pereira Ana Isabel , Lima José , Ferreira Angela , Boukli-Hacene Fouad , Abdelfettah Kerboua
Published: December 2020

Background: The association of distributed generators, energy storage systems and controllable loads close to the energy consumers gave place to a small-scale electrical network called microgrid. The stochastic behavior of renewable energy sources, as well as the demand variation, can lead in some cases to problems related to the reliability of the microgrid system. On the other hand, the market price of electricity from mainly non-renewable sources becomes a concern for a simple consumer due to its high costs.Method: In this work, an energy management system was developed based on an innovative optimization method, combining linear programming, based on the simplex method, with particle swarm optimisation algorithm. Two scenarios have been proposed to characterise the relation price versus gas emissions for optimal energy management. The objective of this study is to nd the optimal setpoints of generators in a smart city supplied by a microgrid in order to ensure consumer comfort, minimising the emission of greenhouse gases and ensure an appropriate operating price for all smart city consumers. Results: The simulation results have demonstrated the reliability of the optimisation approach on the energy management system in the optimal scheduling of the microgrid generators power ows, having achieved a better energy price compared to a previous study with the same data. Conclusion: The energy management system based on the proposedoptimisation approach gave an inverse correlation between economic and environmental aspects, in fact, a multi-objective optimisation approach is performed as a continuation of the work proposed in this paper.
Evaluation of Vitreoretinal Cellular Infiltration in Uveitis on Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Matsumiya Wataru , Kusuhara Sentaro , Kim Kyong , Nishisyo Ryuto , Katsuyama Atsuko , Imai Hisanori , Azumi Atsushi , Uji Akihito , Nakamura Makoto , Sotani Noriyuki
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate vitreoretinal cellular infiltration in uveitis on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Forty eyes of 26 patients with uveitis in the posterior segment and 22 eyes with no apparent abnormalities from 22 individual controls were enrolled. SD-OCT cross-sectional images through the fovea in all subjects were graded as follows: grade 0, absence of cell-like hyperreflective particle (CLHP); grade 1, ≤10 CLHP on the retinal surface without vitreous CLHPs; grade 2, retinal CLHPs with ≤5–10 CLHPs in the vitreous; grade 3, 11–50 vitreous CLHPs; and grade 4, ≥50 vitreous CLHPs with diffuse distribution. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting active intraocular inflammation in the classification with the presence or absence of the positive OCT-based grading scores (grade ≥1) were 85% and 95.5% respectively. Moreover, the OCT-based grading score was significantly correlated with the vitreous haze classification (R = 0.35, p = 0.029). The interobserver exact agreement of the OCT-based grading score was moderate (κ = 0.50). Thus, this newly developed OCT-based grading system for vitreoretinal cellular infiltration could a potential biomarker to evaluate inflammation in the posterior segment of the eye.
Quality evaluation in delivering care of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Sancti-Spirítus, Cuba.
Authors: Rodriguez-Ramos Miguel Alejandro , Cairo-Saez Gilberto , Prohias-Martinez Juan
Published: December 2020

Aim: This study assesses the quality of care for patients admitted with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a secondary general hospital located in Sancti-Spiritus, Cuba, in a low/middle income scenario (LMIS), using the 2017 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Quality of Care Working Group’s guideline.Methods: Observational retrospective of admitted AMI in Sancti-Spiritus Camilo Cienfuegos General Hospital. An implemented electronic registry was used for data collection. Each patient was considered for eligibility for each of the eight domains of quality. A set of quality measures was derived from ESC guidelines. Organizational information was assessed by administrative review and interview.Results: Between 2017 and 2019, 660 patients with AMI were admitted to Camilo Cienfuegos General Hospital, most of them (72%), presented with features of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Thrombolytic were administered to 268 (72.4%) patients, 43 (16%) of them in less than 30 minutes of diagnosis. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy was administered to 98.1% of patients on admission. However, only 163 (34.8%) were enrolled in secondary prevention programs. No information regarding Patient Experience, nor 30-day adjusted mortality, was collected. Secondary prevention was accomplished, around 90%.Conclusion: Determination of quality metrics brought certain improvement on perception of the quality of care in this setting. Despite absence of coronary intervention, there is a chance to modify some performance measures, which are not directly related with this doubtful situation.
The effects of resistance training with or without peanut protein supplementation on skeletal muscle and strength adaptations in older individuals
Authors: Lamb Donald A. , Moore Johnathon H. , Smith Morgan A. , Vann Christopher G. , Osburn Shelby C. , Ruple Bradley A. , Fox Carlton D. , Smith Kristen S. , Altonji Olivia M. , Power Zade M. , Cerovsky Annsley E. , Ross C. Owen , Cao Andy T. , Goodlett Michael D. , Huggins Kevin W. , Fruge Andrew D. , Young Kaelin C. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: December 2020

Several studies suggest resistance training (RT) while supplementing with various protein supplements can enhance strength and muscle mass in older individuals. However, to date, no study has examined the effects of RT with a peanut protein powder (PP) supplement on these outcomes. Herein, 39 older, untrained individuals (n=17 female, n=22 male; age=58.6±8.0 years; body mass index =28.7±5.8) completed a 6-week (n=22) or 10-week (n=17) RT program, where full-body training was implemented twice weekly (ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration NCT04015479; registered July 11, 2019). Participants in each program were randomly assigned to consume either a PP supplement once per day (75 total g powder providing 30 g protein, >9.2 g essential amino acids, ~315 kcal; n=20) or no supplement (CTL; n=19). Right leg vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsies were obtained prior to and 24 hours following the first training bout in all participants to assess the change in myofibrillar protein synthetic rates (MyoPS) as measured via the deuterium-oxide (D2O) tracer method. Pre- and Post-intervention testing in all participants was conducted using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), VL ultrasound imaging, a peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scan at the mid-thigh, and right leg isokinetic dynamometer assessments. Integrated MyoPS rates over a 24-hour period were not significantly different (p<0.05) between supplement groups following the first training bout. Regarding chronic changes, there were no significant supplement-by-time interactions in DXA-derived fat mass, lean soft tissue mass or percent body fat between supplementation groups. There was, however, a significant increase in VL thickness in PP versus CTL participants when the 6- and 10-week cohorts were pooled (interaction p=0.041). There was also a significant increase in knee flexion torque in the 10-week PP group versus the CTL group (interaction p=0.032). In conclusion, a higher-protein, defatted peanut powder supplement in combination with RT positively affects select markers of muscle hypertrophy and strength in an untrained, older adult population. Moreover, subanalyses indicated that gender did not play a role in these adaptations.
Knowledge, attitudes and willingness to organ donation among the general public: A cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Li Meng , Rolker Heike , Du Jiaoyang , Wang Duolao , Li Enchang
Published: December 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to organ donation among the general public in China.
Methods

The study population consisted of 4274 participants from Eastern, Central and Western China. The participants’ knowledge, attitudes and willingness to organ donation were collected by a self-designed questionnaire consisting of 30 items. Knowledge is measured by 10 items and presented as a 10 point score, attitudes is measured by 20 items using a 5-step Likert scale and total score ranged between 0 and 80; while the willingness to donate is assessed as binary variable (0 = No; 1 = Yes). A logistic regression model was used to assess the association of knowledge and attitudes with willingness to organ donation, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic confounders.
Results

The questionnaire response rate was 94.98%. The mean score (± SD) of the general public’s knowledge to organ donation was 6.84 ± 1.76, and the mean score (± SD) of attitudes to organ donation was 47.01 ± 9.07. The general public’s knowledge and attitudes were the highest in Eastern China, followed by West and Central China. The logistic regression model indicated a positive association between knowledge and the willingness to organ donation (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.17; P < 0.001); attitudes were also positively potential determinant of more willingness to organ donation (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.09; P < 0.001).
Conclusions

Knowledge and attitudes were found to be positively associated with the Chinese general public’s willingness to organ donation. Knowledge about the concept of brain death and the transplant procedure may help raise the rate of willingness to organ donation.
Integrating ESG factors in investment decisions by mutual fund managers: a case of selected Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies
Authors: Bamidele Fakoya Michael , Evonia Malatji Segopotje
Published: December 2020

This paper examines whether mutual fund managers incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when deciding which sector to invest on behalf of their trustees. In doing this, the top 20 South African mutual fund companies (asset managers) listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) were selected. The paper identified the top 30 JSE listed companies (in the large industrial, equipment, and machinery sectors, excluding unlisted and service-oriented companies) where trustees’ funds were invested (with a total of 28 companies between 2007 and 2017) from the mutual fund companies’ Equity Fund Fact Sheets 2017 (representing recent investment focus). ESG data were collected from the integrated and sustainability reports at the sampled companies’ websites, and financial data were sourced from the IRESS database. This study adopted the panel data analysis. The results show an insignificant negative relationship between the ESG proxies (water usage, employee health and safety cost [number of work-related fatalities], percentage of women on corporate board) and return on equity (ROE). This means that the sampled companies disregard the United Nations Principle of Responsible Investment (UN PRI) guideline, suggesting that asset managers focus on increasing returns on shareholders’ investment without considering ESG issues. The paper concludes that the disregard for responsible investment guidelines does not encourage companies to improve their unsustainable business practices.
BATILILAŞMA SÜRECİ İÇERİSİNDE ÇOCUĞUN KONUMLANDIRILMASI: EĞİTİM, OYUN VE ÇOCUK HUKUKU BAĞLAMINDA ÜÇ KİTAP, ÜÇ İNCELEME
Authors: UMMANEL Azize
Published: December 2020

Avrupa’da Sanayi Devrimi ile başlayan gelişmeler, yeni icat ve keşifleri de beraberinde getirmiş; eğitim, hukuk ve pozitif bilimlerde ilerleme kaydedilmiştir. Sanayi devrimi, üretimde eğitimli iş gücünü ihtiyaç haline getirmiştir. Bu da insanın üretimdeki payını daha önemli bir yere taşımıştır. Bu fikir Osmanlı’da Tanzimat Fermanı ile yaygınlaşmaya başlamış; eğitim ve hukuk gibi alanlarda Batı’daki gelişmeler dikkate alınmış ve uygulanmaya çalışılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı çocukların eğitimi ve hukuki durumu üzerine yazılmış Osmanlıca kitapların incelenmesi ve Batılılaşma sürecinde çocuğun toplum içerisinde yeniden konumlandırılması bağlamında irdelenmesidir. Nitel bir yaklaşımla yapılandırılmış olan bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman inceleme yöntemi kullanılmış; elde edilen veri içerik analizi yöntemi ile çözümlenmiştir. Bulgular eğitim, oyun ve çocuk hukuku olmak üzere üç kategori altında irdelenmiştir. İncelenen kitaplarda pozitif bilimlerin önemi, aklın üstünlüğü, bilgiyi sorgulama ve somutlaştırma, oyunun önemi, oyun temelli eğitim yaklaşımının benimsenmesi ve çocuğun hukuki haklarının yeniden düzenlenmesi ile ilgili bilgilerin yer aldığı görülmüş; bu bilgiler ışığında çocuğun toplum içerisinde yeniden konumlandırılması ile ilgili tartışmaya yer verilmiştir. Cumhuriyet döneminde yapılan yeniliklerin temeli Cumhuriyet öncesi yıllara dayanmaktadır. Bu dönemi anlatan eserlerin gün yüzüne çıkartılması ve Türkçe’ye kazandırılması, o döneme tanıklık edebilmemiz açısından önemlidir. Dolayısıyla bu anlamda yapılacak çalışmaların artırılması ve alan yazına kazandırılması önerilmektedir.