bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Transfer and Long-Term Population Effects of PCBs in Baltic Grey Seals Using a New Toxicokinetic-Toxicodynamic Population Model
Authors: Mauritsson Karl , Desforges Jean-Pierre , Harding Karin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Empirical evidence has shown that historical exposure of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to Baltic grey seals not only severely affected individual fitness, but also population growth rates and most likely caused the retarded recovery rate of the depleted population for decades. We construct a new model which we term a toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) population model to quantify these effects. The toxicokinetic sub model describes in detail the bioaccumulation, elimination, and vertical transfer from mother to offspring of PCBs, and was linked to a toxicodynamic model for estimation of PCB-related damage, hazard, and stress impacts on fertility and survival rates. Both sub-models were then linked to a Leslie matrix population model to calculate changes in population growth rate and age structure given different rates of PCB exposure. Toxicodynamic model parameters related to reproductive organ lesions were calibrated using published historical data on observed pregnancy rates in Baltic grey seal females. Our model showed that increased PCB exposure caused reduced fertility, decreased vertical transfer, and increased biomagnification. Compared to empirical data, the TKTD population model described well the age-specific bioaccumulation pattern of PCBs in Baltic grey seals, and thus, the toxicokinetic parameters, deduced from literature, are believed to be reliable. The model also captured well the general effects of PCBs on historical population growth rates. The developed model can be used to perform population viability analyses of Baltic grey seals with multiple stressors, also including by-catches and different hunting regimes. The model can also be extended to other marine mammals and other contaminants than PCB by adjustments of model parameter values and thus provides a test bed in silico for new substances.
Oxidative Stress and Left Ventricular Performance in Patients with Different Glycometabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Cassano Velia , Miceli Sofia , Armentaro Giuseppe , Mannino Gaia C. , Fiorentino Vanessa T. , Perticone Maria , Succurro Elena , Hribal Marta L. , Andreozzi Francesco , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio , Sciacqua Angela 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible correlation between oxidative stress and subclinical myocardial damage, assessed with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), in normal glucose tolerant (NGT) patients with one-hour plasma glucose values ≥155 mg/dl (NGT≥155), comparing them to NGT<155 subjects, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) newly diagnosed patients. Methods: We enrolled 100 Caucasian patients (mean age 61.4±10.7). All subjects underwent OGTT. The serum values of oxidative stress markers (8-isoprostane and Nox-2) were assessed with ELISA test. Echocardiographic recordings were performed using an E-95 Pro ultrasound system. Results: We observed significant differences, among the four groups, for fasting plasma glucose (p<0.0001), one-hour postload (p<0.0001), two-hours postload plasma glucose (p<0.0001). As compared with NGT<155, NGT≥155 exhibited significantly worse insulin sensitivity and higher values of hs-CRP. No significant differences were observed between NGT≥155 and IGT patients. There was a significant increase in 8-isoprostane (p<0.0001) and Nox-2 (p<0.0001), from the first to fourth group, indicating an increase in oxidative stress with the worsening of the metabolic status. Serum levels of 8-isoprostane and Nox-2 were significantly increased in NGT≥155 compared to NGT<155 group, but similar to IGT. The Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), appeared progressively lower proceeding from NGT<155 to T2DM group (p<0.0001). For similar values of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), NGT≥155 exhibited reduced GLS compared to NGT<155 (p=0.001), but similar to IGT patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that NGT≥155 subjects exhibit early functional impairment of myocardial contractile fibres, and these alterations are correlated with increased oxidative stress.
Detection of Microplastics in Patients with Colorectal Adenocarcinoma using Various Techniques
Authors: ÇETIN Meltem , MİLOĞLU Fatma DEMİRKAYA , BAYGUTALP Nurcan KILIÇ , CEYLAN Onur , YILDIRIM Serkan , ESER Gizem , GÜL Halise İnci 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Whether microplastic poses a risk to the ecosystem and human health is a matter of concern. The presence of microplastics in tumoral colon tissues (TCT, n=16) and non-tumoral colon tissues (N-TCT, n=16) of the patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma and also in the colon tissue samples (C, n=15) collected from subjects not diagnosed with colorectal cancer were determined for the first time. The microplastics were extracted from the colon tissues of TCT, N-TCT, and C groups, and ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopies were used for identification. The particle size of microplastic extracted from the colon tissues of TCT, N-TCT, and C groups were in the range of 1 to 1299 µm. The number of microplastics (in 1 g colon tissue) extracted from the TCT group was found to be significantly higher than those extracted from the N-TCT (P=0.001) or C groups (P =0.002). The presence of three microplastic polymers [polyethylene (PE), Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and nylon (polyamide)] was determined in the spectra of the extracted microplastics via comparison with the spectra in KnowltAll® QC Expert software database. We might propose that there is a link between colorectal cancer and microplastic exposure level.
Needs Assessment: Integrating Medical Simulation in Residencies Programs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzoraigi Usamah 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesThe use of simulation in the curricula of training programs has expanded significantly over the last decade. This study conducted a simulation needs assessment on diverse ongoing residency training programs supervised by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) in Saudi Arabia. The goal was to introduce a standardized methodological approach to integrate simulation as a teaching tool for any ongoing training programs.Methoda mixed-methods approach is used in four steps to focus on top educational needs and integrate simulation within the curriculum. In the first step, thirty-eight residency training programs underwent a selection process using the scoring criteria tool. Nine residency training programs were selected to be target programs. This step was followed by champions recruitment, where two faculty representatives from each specialty were oriented about the steps to be process facilitators. The third step is targeted audience needs assessment, consisting of four phases: curriculum review, targeted audience survey, a focus group of stakeholders' interview, and selecting the top identified educational needs. A metrics-based approach was used to rank the list of skills and behaviors by invited stakeholders. The last step was to build common themes using an integration simulation sheet to facilitate integrating simulation into the program curriculum.ResultsOut of 38 programs, nine top-ranked specialties completed the process, and their roadmaps were developed. A critical appraisal facilitated by champions and simulation experts helped the stakeholders to identify the top needed skills and behaviors in each of the nine specialties. The final score proportion for each skill and behavior of the entire combined list was calculated then ranked. The proportion of top needed list of skills and behaviors were obtained as followings: Obstetrics and Gynecology 10 skills and behaviors concluded out of 84 (10/84), Emergency Medicine (ER) 80/242, Intensive care unit (ICU) 20/139, Internal Medicine (IM) 37/102, Pediatric 82/125, Ear Nose Throat (ENT) 49/125, General Surgery (GS) 55/114, Plastic Surgery 24/165, and Family Medicine (FM) 59/168.ConclusionsFindings from this process could provide a standardized approach to supervising bodies at a country level and support decision-makers with prioritizing criteria to be used in the needs assessment to integrate simulation in any other ongoing residency training programs.
The hydrological benefits of restoration: A modelling study of alien tree clearing in four mountain catchments in South Africa
Authors: Rebelo Alanna J. , Holden Petra B. , Hallowes Jason , Eady Bruce , Cullis James , Esler Karen J. , New Mark 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Ecological restoration efforts at scale have been shown to play an important role in reducing human impact on the environment, improving climate change adaptation and halting extinctions globally. Upscaling restoration efforts needs funding, and therefore evidence of the benefits of restoration is needed. The aims of this study are firstly to improve the evidence base of the water-related benefits of restoration using a fine-scale modelling approach (with field work and remote-sensing inputs, and well-validated models), and secondly to explicitly quantify uncertainties to understand the general applicability of the principles discovered. We model the impacts of restoration (in this study the clearing of alien trees) on streamflow in four strategic water providing catchments using the fully-distributed MIKE-SHE modelling tool. We find that the benefits of clearing mature infestations of alien trees, such as pines, from naturally tree-less ecosystems increases available water resources by 15.1-29.5%. Clearing riparian invasions has a 1.7 times greater impact compared to terrestrial (non-riparian) invasions. The largest impacts of passive restoration on streamflow are in the mid to low flows, and this impact is greater in dry years relative to wet years. The findings are novel in that they shed light on the spatial uncertainties in the modelled gains. These findings have implications for leveraging investment to upscale restoration efforts in water scarce regions, as they suggest improved water security during the dry season and droughts. Upscaling efforts is essential if the degradation of ecosystems globally is to be prevented, halted and reversed, as proposed by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Identification of Potential miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Denervated Muscular Atrophy by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Liu Yuhang , Zhang Yongming , Liu Bin , Wei Zhijian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Muscle atrophy caused by long-term denervation leads to the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, resulting in a poor recovery of functional muscles and decreasing quality of life. Increasing differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of denervated muscle atrophy. However, there is still insufficient evidence to explain the role of miRNAs and their target genes in skeletal muscle atrophy. Therefore, an integrative exploration of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in denervated muscle atrophy is necessary. Methods: Microarray GSE81914 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) were obtained by comparing the denervated muscle tissue with the innervated muscle. The miRNet database was used to predict the target genes of the obtained DEMs. Then Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed by DAVID. The TF-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed using Cytoscape software. In addition, the key modules and hub genes were screened out from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and verified by qRT-PCR. Results: A total of 21 (16 upregulated and 5 downregulated) DEMs were screened out in the GSE81914 dataset. Med1 was predicted and verified to be significantly upregulated, which may affect the process of denervated muscle atrophy by regulating mir-146b and mir-1949. 59 target genes were then predicted by submitting candidate DEMs to the miRNet database. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that target genes of DEMs were mainly enriched in the apoptotic process and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The key modules and hub genes were potentially modulated by mir-29b and mir-133a. Moreover, the qRT-PCR results confirmed the expression of COL1A1 and Ctgf are opposite to their related miRNAs. Conclusions: In the study, a potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was firstly constructed in denervated muscle atrophy, in which the mir-29b-COL1A1 and mir-133a-Ctgf pathways may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment.
Fluoride-leaching simulation of aquifer sediment and its influence on groundwater fluoride levels along coastal plains
Authors: Jia C. P. , Chen Q. , An M. G. , Zhi C. L. , Lou S. W. , Zhang P. P. , Li Q. C. , Zhang Y. M. , Han S. Y. , Zheng H. T. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Seawater intrusion and drinking-water fluorosis are frequently documented along coastal plains. Groundwater is characterized by high OH−, Na+, total dissolved solids, and low Ca2+ because of seawater intrusion, and such conditions favor sediment fluoride-leaching and fluorosis. But the geological process of seawater intrusion has not been noticed when high-fluoride groundwater along coastal areas is discussed. The groundwater and sediments in a typical seawater intrusion and fluorosis area are gained, and fluoride-leaching simulation experiments are performed. Sediment fluoride levels are equal to or lower than average sediment fluoride levels in China and Shandong province, but strong fluoride-leaching in aquifers is observed. Compared with the supplied water from the non-intruded neighboring area, the local groundwater has higher fluoride levels, together with higher pH, total dissolved solids, HCO3−, Cl−, Br−, SO42−, Na+, K+, and low Ca2+ because of seawater intrusion. Aquifer sediment fluoride-leaching ability increases with an increase in seawater (brine water) mixing ratios, and NaCl or NaHCO3 levels, but with a decrease in CaCl2 levels. This directly confirms that seawater (brine water) intrusion promotes sediment fluoride-leaching, and the high pH, Na+, HCO3−, and low Ca2+ levels caused by seawater intrusion are responsible for the high-fluoride groundwater along coastal plains.
Rapid characterization of combinatorial libraries using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang A. S. , Vouros P. , Stacey C. C. , Kruppa G. H. , Laukien F. H. , Wintner E. A. , Carell T. , Rebek J. 
Published: February 2022

:
he relatively new field of combinatorial chemistry has enabled researchers to create large mixtures of compounds that can be screened for leads in developing potential drug candidates. The new synthetic method has also created a need for better procedures to analyze the complex mixtures that are generated. The immediate goal in most cases is to verify the synthetic procedure and to determine the purity and completeness of the library sample before binding studies are initiated. We report here a method to rapidly characterize small-molecule combinatorial libraries in solution. All combinatorial library samples were synthesized by combining a core molecule bearing two acid chloride functionalities with various amino acids to generate libraries of 36, 78 and 120 components. Using electrospray ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS) we were able to identify 70-80% of the library components. All samples were analyzed as mixtures by direct infusion without chromatographic separation. Furthermore, nominally isobaric components could be resolved and identified through exact mass assignments without tandem mass spectrometery. ESI-FTICR-MS is a rapid and convenient tool for the characterization of small-molecule libraries. The method is especially useful for the analysis of larger libraries that contain many nominally isobaric components and impurities.
The Influence of Providing and Receiving Social Support on Older Adults' Well-being
Authors: Zanjari Nasibeh , Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Kamal Seyed Hossein Mohaqeqi , Basakha Mehdi , Ahmadi Sina 
Published: February 2022

Introduction:Social support is a leading contributing factor for older adults' well-being. The present study aimed to compare the impact of two-way (providing and receiving) social support on the well-being of Iranian older adults.Methods:The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 1280 community-dwelling older adults in Tehran, Iran, 2020. The researcher used the clustered sampling method and the 2-way Social Support Scale (SSS) to collect samples and measure social support, respectively. The well-being was measured by the self-reported World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Bivariate and hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to compare the effects of social support aspects on well-being. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. A significance level of p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The mean age of the respondents was 70.90 (SD=8.07), and about 70% of the sample was married. The mean scores of taking and providing social support were 20.70 ±7.52 and 17.71 ±7.82, respectively. The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that providing social support is significantly associated with the well-being of older adults beyond and over receiving social support and possible contributing factors (∆F=30.25; ∆R2= 0.39, p<0.05).Conclusion:The results showed that providing social support is more important than receiving it. Older adults should participate in social activities to provide social support.
Adenosine Associated Pre- and Postconditioning in Real Medical Practice
Authors: Seredyuk Nestor , Fedorchenko Mykhailo , Bielinskyi Mykyta 
Published: February 2022

It has been established that adenosine is a universal trigger of the processes of preparation (conditioning) of the myocardium for ischemic injury, which is confirmed by randomized clinical trials AMISTAD II, TIMI-4, TIMI-9B. Adenosine is included in the guidelines of the ESC Task Force (European Society of Cardiology) as a means of basic therapy, as a representative of the class of potassium channel stimulants (2019) [1]. However, the use of adenosine as an injectable form for intracoronary or intravenous administration is associated with a number of side effects - rapid degradation of the drug in the bloodstream, the need for careful monitoring of systemic hemodynamics (hypotension, tachy- or bradyarrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block), frequent development of undesirable gastrointestinal manifestations. All this prompted the search for an alternative form of adenosine use, which would allow wider use of the potentially beneficial effect of adenosine on ischemic pre- and post-conditioning in real medical practice.
More recently, on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine for the first time appeared a pharmacological agent - Advocard, as a drug with the ability to start the processes of pre- and post-conditioning, with sublingual (oral) form of application. Advocard is an original combined polypill drug with three components: adenosine-5-triphosphate-gluconate-magnesium (II) trisodium salt (magladen) – 18,6-29,25 mg, molsidomine – 0,3 mg and folic acid - 0,45 mg. Recommendations for the use of the Advocard in medical practice are based on the results of clinical studies, which proved that the oral (sublingual) form of adenosine is not only effective and appropriate, but also safe with long-term use.
The therapeutic efficacy of Advocard in chronic coronary syndromes [stable, vasospastic, microvascular angina (pain of small coronary vessels), painless myocardial ischemia] and acute coronary syndromes (STEMI / NSTEMI, instability to stenocardia) before or immediately after coronary stenting is in counteracting the mechanisms of reperfusion injury.
Clinical practice has shown that Advocard is appropriate for the prevention of NO-REFLOW after opening the epicardial coronary artery, even with the result of TIMI-3. Thus, the Advocard opens the prospect of improving the effectiveness of coronary interventions and is an adjunct to complete myocardial revascularization.
Influence of Chronic Ethanol Intoxication on Hemodynamics in Testicles and Spermatogenesis in Middle-Aged Males
Authors: Hotiur Oksana , Hrytsuliak Bohdan , Vakaliuk Igor , Lytvynets Yevhen , Tymochko Nataliia 
Published: February 2022

Diseases of testicles are an important social problem because according to WHO data, the male factor is about 45% in the structure of sterile marriage. Among many pathogenic factors distorting spermatogenic and endocrine function of testicles, acute and chronic circulatory disorders in them play a great role. Recent studies showed that one of the causes of male infertility is chronic ethanol intoxication causing distorted hemomicrocirculation in testicles, so determining the character of cytologic changes in them in these circumstances remains relevant.
Objects and methods. In the study, we used 14 histological micropreparations from testicular biopsy specimens from middle-aged infertile males (22-35 years) with chronic alcoholism in anamnesis,. In some biopsy specimens, ultrastructural changes in testicles were studied under the electronic microscope, testicular hemodynamics in infertile males was examined with ultrasound.
Results. In middle-aged infertile males with chronic alcoholism, the volume of testicles decreases compared to normal. The arterial blood flow rate in them decreases significantly. The diameter of tortuous looped seminiferous tubules decreases compared to normal. Their membrane is thickened; the layers of spermatogenic epithelial cells are reduced. The volume of interstitial endocrinocytes decreases compared to normal. Testosterone level in blood decreases too.
Ultrastructural changes in testicles are manifested with irregular thickness and curving of spermatogenic epithelial basal membrane, vacuolization of myoid cellular, supporting epitheliocytes, and interstitial endocrinocyte cytoplasm with reduced mitochondrial cristae and tubules in the endoplasmic reticulum. In ejaculate of infertile males, sperm concentration decreases to (30.65±1.70) million/ml compared to (75.80±4.20) million/ml, the number of pathologic forms of spermatozoids increases twice, the number of spermatozoids with progressive movement decreases.