Decellularized matrix of the small intestine. Technology for obtaining, evaluating and using directions

Matrix (scaffold, matrix, framework, template) is a bioresorbable or non-bioresorbable material that can be filled with stem or somatic cells in/ex vivo in order to obtain a tissue-engineering structure for restoration of a lost organ, part of an organ, tissue. Scaffold must be to the extent necessary strong, non-immunogenic, bioactive. The porosity of the matrix must be open, the surface is rough and, most importantly, the matrix must contain factors of chemotaxis of endo- or exogenous origin, cell adhesion of their proliferation, differentiation. In this context, on the example of creating a decellularized small intestine matrix, a number of fundamental issues are highlighted regarding the choice of matrix material, its production technology, matrix evaluation in accordance with the criteria that correspond to the matrix for tissue engineering, and possible directions for its use. As a result, a non-immunogenic extracellular matrix of the small intestine was obtained by the method of detergent-enzymatic perfusion decellularization, which was sufficient in characteristics for use in various areas of tissue engineering, including plasty of defects of the skin, mucous membranes, small intestine, etc.

A product-technology portfolio alignment approach for food industry: a multi-criteria decision making with z-numbers

PurposeTo design a novel hybrid approach to illustrate a reciprocal alignment to integrate future products and technologies. This mixed qualitative-quantitative method aims to optimize the final product portfolio and production technologies alignment in the food industry.Design/methodology/approachA list of products and technologies is extracted and evaluated by experts employing Market Attractiveness and Ease of Implementations Matrix (MA-EI) for products and attractiveness and technological Capability Matrix (A-C) for technologies. Weights of high-scored alternatives are attained applying the Z-number extension of Best Worst Method (ZBWM). After the product-technology matrix is formed and the alignment scores of each pair are determined by experts. Subsequently, final scores are computed, and a framework is proposed by electing high-ranked products and technology of each cluster to form the aligned product and technology portfolios of a food and hygiene industry company.FindingsBy employing an uncertain multicriteria decision-making approach besides product and technology matrices in a food industry corporation, among 40 technology and product, 13 products by 6 technologies are proposed. Thus, only six technology are necessary to manufacture the highly important and effective products.Originality/valueThe combination of product and technology analysis matrixes with an uncertain decision-making approach is considered as a novel approach in this research. Moreover, the distinctness between the present study and other researches is the concurrent unified aspect of product portfolio and technology optimization and its implementation in the planning discussion, especially in the food industry.

Evaluation of multiplexed biomarkers in assessment of CSF infiltration in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a very common pediatric malignancy with high survival rates. The course of treatment is modified according to the occurrence of central nervous system (CNS) disease. Aim: To relate serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of five biomarkers (matrix metalloprotienase 9, CCL-2, sVCAM-1, IFN-γ and inducible protein 10) at diagnosis to the development of CNS infiltration. Methods: The present study was carried on 64 children with ALL and 20 controls. Multiplexed cytokines were measured by Luminex technology (Matrix metalloprotienase 9, CCL-2, sVCAM-1, IFN-γ and inducible protein 10). Results: Significantly higher sMMP-9 and lower sCCL2 were found in patients who developed CNS leukemia. Conclusion: Serum multiplexed parameters at diagnosis of childhood ALL may predict of development of CNS leukemia.

Virtual Collaboration in Distance Learning Environments

This case study compares technology tools and communication practices of two virtual groups to understand how these vary between academia and the workplace. A group of professionals working virtually is compared to a group of distance learning graduate students, and conclusions are drawn regarding how to better prepare students like these for the future of virtual work. Task-based conversations within the groups are examined. Results may help distance educators understand what tools students should have access to depending on the tasks required in an assignment. It may also help determine what kinds of transferable technology skills our students need prior to entering the workforce. Findings include suggestions for educators regarding how to approach group work in online educational environments, such as making considerations for multiple technologies that serve various purposes and support collective collaboration. A technology matrix is provided for determining which collaboration technology tools to use along with guidelines for making such decisions.

Technological skills and new professional profiles: Present challenges for journalism

The paper aims at understanding the intersections between technology and the professional practices in some of the new trends in journalism that are using the new tools: multimedia journalism, immersive journal-ism and data journalism. The great dilemma facing journalism when training new professionals -especially the youngest- is not anymore the training in new technologies anymore. The main concern lies in taking ad-vantage of their skills to create a new computational model while keeping the essence of journalism. There is a twofold objective: answering questions about which tools are being used to produce pieces of news, and which kind of knowledge is needed in the present century. Based on the review of reports from profes-sional organizations and institutes, it was developed an exploratory research to 25 European and American journalists was developed. We have selected three cases of study. They allowed us to conclude that the technology matrix is going to remain and that change and digital process is not turning back and demands to evolve and adapt to new dynamics of work in multidisciplinary teams where the debate between journal-ists and technologists must be ongoing. Different approaches nourish the double way of skills and compe-tences in the profiles of the current technological journalist, which professionals perceive as a demand in the present ecosystem. Este trabajo pretende conocer cómo se producen las intersecciones de la tecnología con la práctica profe-sional en algunas de las corrientes periodísticas que más emplean las nuevas herramientas: el periodismo multimedia, el periodismo inmersivo y el periodismo de datos. El gran dilema del periodismo en la prepara-ción de los profesionales (especialmente jóvenes) no pasa tanto por la incorporación de tecnologías y he-rramientas como por mejorar sus competencias y habilidades con un perfil que aproveche las oportunida-des del modelo computacional manteniendo la esencia periodística. El objetivo es doble: responder a las preguntas sobre qué herramientas emplean los profesionales para elaborar piezas periodísticas con estas técnicas y qué conocimientos y habilidades tecnológicas no eran precisas para el periodismo del siglo XX pero sí en el del siglo XXI. Partiendo de la revisión de informes de las organizaciones profesionales o insti-tutos de relevancia internacional se diseñó una investigación exploratoria sobre el trabajo de 25 periodistas europeos y americanos, y se eligieron tres casos de estudio que permiten concluir que la matriz tecnológica no solo no desaparecerá, sino que puede incrementarse porque el proceso de cambio y tecnologización no tiene marcha atrás y exige evolucionar y adaptarse a nuevas dinámicas de trabajo en equipos multidiscipli-nares donde el diálogo entre periodistas y tecnólogos debe ser fluido. Diferentes perspectivas alimentan la doble vía de las competencias y habilidades en los perfiles del actual periodista tecnólogo que los profe-sionales perciben que demanda el ecosistema actual.