bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.
Évolution de la conscience morale hippocratique
Authors: Szałata Kazimierz 
Published: December 2020

This article is written in French.
The article is a presentation of a lecture delivered on the International Science Session “Ethics, Finances and Responsibility”, which took place on October the 3rd and 4th, 2008 in Chateau de Bossey near Geneva. Searching for sources of ethic thoughts connected with difficult moral problems of the contemporary world, the author deals with the oldest, well known writing about the ethical practice of medicine, the Hippocratic Oath. Presenting the plenteous, philosophical- ethical contents of the Oath and the history of the growth on it the Hippocratic tradition enriched in experience of the Christian anthropology, the author identifies its norms and rules. Unfortunately, since the Enlightenment times, especially the nineteenth century Positivism the tradition has been seriously disturbed. Together with the questioning the Aristotelean-Thomism anthropology, the doubts appeared related to the matter of protection of life since the conception until the natural death. Whereas new, legal regulations connected with the progress of in medical studies request deep anthropological and philosophical reflection, which would bring back the importance of the forgotten Hippocratic tradition, where in the center of medical actions is a man who needs help.
Edukacja ekologiczna priorytetem wykształcenia współczesnego człowieka
Authors: Buchcic Elżbieta 
Published: December 2020

Ludzie nigdy nie przestaną się uczyć i rozwijać swych umiejętności. Edukacja łączy się z różnymi sferami i momentami życia człowieka. Choć uczenie się związane jest głównie z pracą szkoły, nie powinno się nie doceniać procesu kształcenia dokonującego się także poza szkołą. To, czego się nauczyliśmy w wielkim stopniu wpływa na to, jakimi ludźmi jesteśmy. Im więcej wiemy, im bardziej świadomi jesteśmy, jak rozwija się świat, tym lepiej rozumiemy zjawiska dokonujące się wokół nas, a przez to stajemy się zdolni do pełnego uczestnictwa w życiu społeczeństwa.