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Age-related changes in the mitochondrial status of human cumulus cells (hCCs) impact oocyte quality; however, the relationship between hCC mitochondrial (dys)function and reproductive aging remains poorly understood. This study aimed to establish the interplay between hCC mitochondrial dysfunction and women's reproductive potential. In this investigation, 266 women were enrolled and categorized into two groups based on their age: a young group (<35 years old) and an advanced maternal age (AMA) group (≥35 years old). Comprehensive analysis of reproductive outcomes was conducted in our population. Various mitochondrial-related parameters were analyzed across distinct subsets. Specifically, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mitochondrial mass were examined in 53 samples, mtDNA content in 25 samples, protein levels in 23 samples, bioenergetic profiles using an XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer in 6 samples, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in 39 and 43 samples, respectively. In our study, the reproductive potential of AMA women sharply decreased, as expected. Additionally, an impairment in the mitochondrial function of hCCs in older women was observed; however, no differences were found in terms of mitochondrial content. Regarding oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic profiling of hCCs from AMA women indicated a decrease in respiratory capacity, which was correlated with an age-dependent decrease in the ATP synthase (ATP5A1) protein level. However, intracellular ROS and ATP levels did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our study indicates that age-related dysfunction in hCCs is associated with impaired mitochondrial function, and, although further studies are required, ATP synthase could be relevant in this impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising therapy in regenerative medicine. However, the lack of standardization in PRP preparation protocols presents a challenge in achieving reproducible and accurate results. This study aimed to optimize the PRP preparation protocol by investigating the impact of two different anticoagulants, sodium citrate (SC) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and resuspension media, plasma versus sodium chloride (NaCl). Platelet recovery rates were calculated and compared between groups, in addition to platelet activity and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) released into plasma after PRP activation. The platelet recovery rate was higher with EDTA in comparison to SC (51.04% vs. 29.85%, p = 0.005). Platelet activity was also higher, with a higher expression of two platelet antibodies, platelet surface P-Selectin (CD62p) and PAC-1, in the EDTA group. The concentration of VEGF was higher with SC in comparison to EDTA (628.73 vs. 265.44 pg/mL, p = 0.013). Platelet recovery rates and VEGF levels were higher in PRP resuspended in plasma when compared to NaCl (61.60% vs. 48.61%, p = 0.011 and 363.32 vs. 159.83 pg/mL, p = 0.005, respectively). Our study reinforces the superiority of EDTA (as anticoagulant) and plasma (for resuspension) in obtaining a higher platelet recovery and preserving platelet functionality during PRP preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of haematological malignancies is increasing in women of childbearing age. Survival rates accompany this increase, making it essential to assess the impact of treatments on their future quality of life, evaluate the impact of each treatment on ovarian reserve and define the fertility preservation techniques used by women with haematologic malignancies. A retrospective study was conducted after data collection from 61 women diagnosed with haematological malignancies and followed-up in a fertility preservation centre between January 2008 and June 2019. Cancer treatments caused a decrease in ovarian reserve, demonstrated by an increase in FSH levels and a decrease in AMH levels. When assessing which treatments have the greatest impact on AMH levels, we found that the BEACOPP regimen, and the agents vincristine, etoposide, procarbazine, prednisone and the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation were mainly responsible. Regarding pregnancy after oncological treatments, of the eleven women who became pregnant, ten did so spontaneously. This study reinforces the importance of referring patients to a fertility preservation consultation before starting oncological treatment, as most of them opt to preserve fertility. This work also helps to clarify the impact of each chemotherapeutic agent on the ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many capital cities are expanding bicycle lanes or investing in public bike-sharing systems to make cycling mobility a viable transport solution within urban areas. While bicycles are fit for short-distance trips (<15 minutes), their attractiveness declines for longer trips (Ton et al., 2020; Handy et al., 2014; Jäppinen et al., 2013). So, it is opportune to estimate to what extent the accessibility can be increased when intermodal solutions are available. In this paper, a quantitative analysis of different mobility scenarios is conducted. The aim is to evaluate how time travel and accessibility to amenities by bike, can be improved if public transportation such, as the train, is considered. The analysis uses open data and detailed GIS-based network analysis to examine the spatial relationship between transport opportunities, travel time and amenities access in Lisbon, Portugal. Three mobility scenarios are considered: in the first scenario, short-distance trips by bike from home are evaluated (15-minute travel). Then, to evaluate the contribution in time travel of potential modal shift (bike and train) vs individual car, second and third scenarios are presented considering longer distance travels within the city of Lisbon, during peak hours. Results suggest that for longer trips, the combined use of bicycle and train infrastructure can be a faster or more convenient alternative to individual car use. Also, multimodal cycling can expand riders' area of influence and thus increase the accessibility to opportunities. So, people living near train stations can beneficiate from a "potential" proximity to a diversity of amenities that are geographically more distant. In Lisbon, 34% of the population live within the 10-minute bicycle catchment areas around the 8 train stations from Cintura Line and can thus benefit from this combination of transport modes. City planners can use this methodology to prioritize spaces where investing in accessibility can have the largest impact in terms of improving connections between homes and destinations. This methodology, developed and tested in Lisbon, can be applied in other cities to support planning interventions regarding sustainable transport alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we intend to address issues relating to the relationship between Digital Law and Globalization and how it impacts States and citizens, with a main focus on the role of the internet. Specifically, we seek to bring the history of the internet and confront sovereignty with the phenomenon of globalization, in order to understand to what extent this affects the independence of national States, since in a hegemonic context of the international over the national, technology plays an important role that simultaneously empowers singularities (citizens). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]