bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group- and sex-related differences in psychological and pain processing factors in people with and without patellofemoral pain: correlation with clinical outcomes
Authors: Botta Ana Flavia Balotari , de Cássia Pinto da Silva Júlia , dos Santos Lopes Helder , Boling Michelle C. , Briani Ronaldo Valdir , de Azevedo Fábio Mícolis
Published: May 2023

Background

People with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit impaired psychological and pain processing factors (i.e., kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and pressure pain thresholds [PPTs]). However, it remains unclear whether these factors have different presentations in women and men with PFP, as well as whether their correlation with clinical outcomes differ according to sex. The aims of this study were to: (1) compare psychological and pain processing factors between women and men with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP); (2) investigate their correlation with clinical outcomes in people with PFP.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 65 women and 38 men with PFP, 30 women and 30 men without PFP. The psychological and pain processing factors were assessed with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and PPTs of shoulder and patella measured with an algometer. Clinical outcomes assessed were self-reported pain (Visual Analogue Scale), function (Anterior Knee Pain Scale), physical activity level (Baecke's Questionnaire), and physical performance (Single Leg Hop Test). Generalized linear models (GzLM) and effect sizes [Cohen’sd] were calculated for group comparisons and Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to investigate correlations between outcomes.

Results

Women and men with PFP had higher kinesiophobia (d = .82,p = .001;d = .80,p = .003), pain catastrophizing (d = .84, p < .001;d = 1.27,p < .001), and lower patella PPTs (d = -.85,p = .001;d = -.60,p = .033) than women and men without PFP, respectively. Women with PFP had lower shoulder and patella PPTs than men with PFP (d = -1.24, p < .001;d = -.95,p < .001), but there were no sex differences in those with PFP for psychological factors (p > .05). For women with PFP, kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing had moderate positive correlations with self-reported pain (rho = .44 and .53,p < .001) and moderate negative correlations with function (rho = -.55 and -.58,p < .001), respectively. For men with PFP, only pain catastrophizing had moderate positive correlations with self-reported pain (rho = .42,p = .009) and moderate negative correlations with function (rho = -.43,p = .007).

Conclusions

Psychological and pain processing factors differ between people with and without PFP and between sexes, respectively. Also, correlations between psychological and pain processing factors with clinical outcomes differ among women and men with PFP. These findings should be considered when assessing and managing people with PFP.
Surface hardness and flexural strength of dual-cured bulk-fill restorative materials after solvent storage
Authors: Alzahrani Bashayer , Alshabib Abdulrahman , Awliya Wedad
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness (VHN) and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of dual-cured bulk-fill restorative materials after solvent storage.

Methods

Two dual-cured bulk-fill composites (Surefil One® and Activa™ Bioactive), a light-cured bulk-fill composite (Filtek One Bulk-Fill) and a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) were investigated. Surefil One and Activa were used in the dual-cure mode, all materials were handled according to manufacturer’s instructions. For VHN determination, 12 specimens were prepared from each material and measured after 1 h (baseline), 1 d, 7 d and 30 d of storage in either water or 75% ethanol–water. For BFS test, 120 specimens were prepared (n = 30/material) and stored in water for either 1, 7 or 30 d before testing. Repeated measures MANOVA, two-way and one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05) were used to analyze the data.

Results

Filtek One had the highest VHN, while Activa had the lowest. All materials exhibited a significant increase in VHN after 1d of storage in water, except for Surefil One. After 30 d of storage, VHN increased significantly in water except for Activa, while ethanol storage caused a significant time-dependent reduction in all tested materials (p ≤ 0.05). Filtek One showed the highest BFS values (p ≤ 0.05). All the materials, except for Fuji II LC, exhibited no significant differences between 1 and 30 d BFS measurements (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Dual-cured materials had significantly lower VHN and BFS compared to the light-cured bulk-fill material. The low results of Activa VHN and Surefil One BFS, indicate that these materials should not be recommended in posterior stress-bearing areas.
Psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior among nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic: mediation of organizational commitment
Authors: Zeng Li , Feng Fen , Jin Man , Xie Wanqing , Li Xin , Li Lan , Peng Yihang , Wang Jialin
Published: May 2023

Background

Nurses’ organizational citizenship behavior, a spontaneous “altruistic work behavior”, may be affected by psychological capital and organizational commitment, but its mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and distribution of psychological capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior among nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic, and explore the mediating role of organizational commitment in psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 746 nurses from 6 designated hospitals for COVID-19 treatment in China. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation model were used in this study.

Results

Nurses’ psychological capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior scores were 103.12 ± 15.57, 46.53 ± 7.14 and 101.47 ± 12.14, respectively. Additionally, organizational commitment partially mediates between psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses’ psychological capital, organizational commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior were found to be at an upper-middle level, influenced by various social-demographic factors. Furthermore, the results illustrated that psychological capital can affect organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating role of organizational commitment. Therefore, the findings emphasize the importance of nursing administration to monitor and prioritize the mental health and organizational behavior of nurses during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. It is crucial to focus on developing and nurturing nurses’ psychological capital, strengthening their organizational commitment, and ultimately promoting their organizational citizenship behavior.
How much obesity and diabetes do impair male fertility?
Authors: AbbasiHormozi Shima , Kouhkan Azam , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Parikar Amir , Shirin Azin , Vesali Samira
Published: May 2023

Background

Subfertility in obese and diabetic men during the reproductive age is evident, but the mechanisms by which obesity and diabetes mellitus cause male infertility are not entirely understood. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects and potential mechanisms of obesity and diabetes on male fertility.

Methods

We enrolled control = 40, obese = 40, Lean-DM = 35, and Obese-DM = 35 individuals. The obesity-associated markers, diabetic markers, hormonal and lipid profile, inflammatory indices, and semen analysis were assessed in four experimental groups.

Results

Our finding showed that diabetic markers were significantly increased in two diabetic groups, while obesity indices were markedly increased in two obese groups. Conventional sperm parameters were significantly lower in three groups compared with the control. Serum levels of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin were significantly lower in men with obesity and DM compared with the control. There was a significant difference in the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among four experimental groups. Moreover, serum leptin was significantly increased in obese DM, lean DM, and obese groups. Serum insulin levels had a positive correlation with metabolic-associated indices and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, whereas it had a negative correlation with count, motility, and morphology.

Conclusions

Our findings showed the metabolic changes, hormonal dysfunction and inflammatory disturbance might be suspected mechanisms of subfertility in obese and diabetic subfertile men.
Zika virus triggers autophagy to exploit host lipid metabolism and drive viral replication
Authors: Stoyanova Gloria , Jabeen Sidra , Landazuri Vinueza Joselyn , Ghosh Roy Sounak , Lockshin Richard A. , Zakeri Zahra
Published: May 2023

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV), an arbovirus of global concern, has been associated with neurological complications including microcephaly in newborns and Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV depends on cholesterol to facilitate its replication; thus, cholesterol has been proposed as a therapeutic target to treat the infection using FDA-approved statins. Cholesterol is stored in intracellular lipid droplets (LD) in the form of cholesterol esters and can be regulated by autophagy. We hypothesize that the virus hijacks autophagy machinery as an early step to increase the formation of LD and viral replication, and that interference with this pathway will limit reproduction of virus.

Methods

We pretreated MDCK cells with atorvastatin or other inhibitors of autophagy prior to infection with ZIKV. We measured viral expression by qPCR for NS1 RNA and immunofluorescence for Zika E protein.

Results

Autophagy increases in virus-infected cells as early as 6 h post infection (hpi). In the presence of atorvastatin, LD are decreased, and cholesterol is reduced, targeting key steps in viral replication, resulting in suppression of replication of ZIKV is suppressed. Other both early- and late-acting autophagy inhibitors decrease both the number of LD and viral replication. Bafilomycin renders cholesterol is inaccessible to ZIKV. We also confirm previous reports of a bystander effect, in which neighboring uninfected cells have higher LD counts compared to infected cells.

Conclusions

We conclude that atorvastatin and inhibitors of autophagy lead to lower availability of LD, decreasing viral replication. We conclude that bafilomycin A1 inhibits viral expression by blocking cholesterol esterification to form LD.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of altering restaurant and menu option position on food selected from an experimental food delivery platform: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bianchi Filippo , Luick Madison , Bandy Lauren , Bone Jonathan , Kelly Stefan , Farrington James , Leung Jovita , Mottershow Abigail , Murar Filip , Jebb Susan A. , Harper Hugo , Pechey Rachel
Published: May 2023

Background

Overconsumption is one of the most serious public health challenges in the UK and has been linked to increased consumption of food ordered through delivery platforms. This study tested whether repositioning foods and/or restaurant options in a simulated food delivery platform could help to reduce the energy content of users’ shopping basket.

Methods

UK adult food delivery platform users (N = 9,003) selected a meal in a simulated platform. Participants were randomly allocated to a control condition (choices listed randomly) or to one of four intervention groups, (1) food options listed in ascending order of energy content, (2) restaurant options listed in ascending order of average energy content per main meal, (3) interventions 1 and 2 combined (4) interventions 1 and 2 combined, but food and restaurant options repositioned based on a kcal/price index to display options lower in energy but higher in price at the top. Gamma regressions assessed the impact of interventions on total energy content of baskets at checkout.

Results

The energy content of participants’ baskets in the control condition was 1382 kcals. All interventions significantly reduced energy content of baskets: Compared to control, repositioning both foods and restaurants purely based on energy content of options resulted in the greatest effect (-209kcal; 95%CIs: -248,-168), followed by repositioning restaurants (-161kcal; 95%CIs: -201,-121), repositioning restaurants and foods based on a kcal/price index (-117kcals; 95%CI: -158,-74) and repositioning foods based on energy content (-88kcals; 95%CI: -130,-45). All interventions reduced the basket price compared to the control, except for the intervention repositioning restaurants and foods based on a kcal/price index, which increased the basket price.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study suggests repositioning lower-energy options more prominently may encourage lower energy food choices in online delivery platforms and can be implemented in a sustainable business model.
Inflammatory and interferon gene expression signatures in patients with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Warren Emily B. , Gordon-Lipkin Eliza M. , Cheung Foo , Chen Jinguo , Mukherjee Amrita , Apps Richard , Tsang John S. , Jetmore Jillian , Schlein Melissa L. , Kruk Shannon , Lei Yuanjiu , West A. Phillip , McGuire Peter J.
Published: May 2023

Background

People with mitochondrial disease (MtD) are susceptible to metabolic decompensation and neurological symptom progression in response to an infection. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may cause chronic inflammation, which may promote hyper-responsiveness to pathogens and neurodegeneration. We sought to examine transcriptional changes between MtD patients and healthy controls to identify common gene signatures of immune dysregulation in MtD.

Methods

We collected whole blood from a cohort of MtD patients and healthy controls and performed RNAseq to examine transcriptomic differences. We performed GSEA analyses to compare our findings against existing studies to identify commonly dysregulated pathways.

Results

Gene sets involved in inflammatory signaling, including type I interferons, interleukin-1β and antiviral responses, are enriched in MtD patients compared to controls. Monocyte and dendritic cell gene clusters are also enriched in MtD patients, while T cell and B cell gene sets are negatively enriched. The enrichment of antiviral response corresponds with an independent set of MELAS patients, and two mouse models of mtDNA dysfunction.

Conclusions

Through the convergence of our results, we demonstrate translational evidence of systemic peripheral inflammation arising from MtD, predominantly through antiviral response gene sets. This provides key evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction to inflammation, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of primary MtD and other chronic inflammatory disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
An integrated view of correlated emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in China
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Yang Ruqi , Zhang Wen , Zeng Ning , Zhao Yu , Wang Guocheng , Li Tingting , Cai Qixiang
Published: May 2023

Background

Air pollution in China has raised great concerns due to its adverse effects on air quality, human health, and climate. Emissions of air pollutants (APs) are inherently linked with CO2 emissions through fossil-energy consumption. Knowledge of the characteristics of APs and CO2 emissions and their relationships is fundamentally important in the pursuit of co-benefits in addressing air quality and climate issues in China. However, the linkages and interactions between APs and CO2 in China are not well understood.

Results

Here, we conducted an ensemble study of six bottom-up inventories to identify the underlying drivers of APs and CO2 emissions growth and to explore their linkages in China. The results showed that, during 1980–2015, the power and industry sectors contributed 61–79% to China’s overall emissions of CO2, NOx, and SO2. In addition, the residential and industrial sectors were large emitters (77–85%) of PM10, PM2.5, CO, BC, and OC. The emissions of CH4, N2O and NH3 were dominated by the agriculture sector (46–82%) during 1980–2015, while the share of CH4 emissions in the energy sector increased since 2010. During 1980–2015, APs and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from residential sources generally decreased over time, while the transportation sector increased its impact on recent emissions, particularly for NOx and NMVOC. Since implementation of stringent pollution control measures and accompanying technological improvements in 2013, China has effectively limited pollution emissions (e.g., growth rates of –10% per year for PM and –20% for SO2) and slowed down the increasing trend of carbon emissions from the power and industrial sectors. We also found that areas with high emissions of CO, NOx, NMVOC, and SO2 also emitted large amounts of CO2, which demonstrates the possible common sources of APs and GHGs. Moreover, we found significant correlations between CO2 and APs (e.g., NOx, CO, SO2, and PM) emissions in the top 5% high-emitting grid cells, with more than 60% common grid cells during 2010–2015.

Conclusions

We found significant correlation in spatial and temporal aspects for CO2, and NOx, CO, SO2, and PM emissions in China. We targeted sectorial and spatial APs and GHGs emission hot-spots, which help for management and policy-making of collaborative reductions of them. This comprehensive analysis over 6 datasets improves our understanding of APs and GHGs emissions in China during the period of rapid industrialization from 1980 to 2015. This study helps elucidate the linkages between APs and CO2 from an integrated perspective, and provides insights for future synergistic emissions reduction.
Phenotype fingerprinting of bipolar disorder prodrome
Authors: Shao Yijun , Cheng Yan , Gottipati Srikanth , Zeng-Treitler Qing
Published: May 2023

Background

Detecting prodromal symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) has garnered significant attention in recent research, as early intervention could potentially improve therapeutic efficacy and improve patient outcomes. The heterogeneous nature of the prodromal phase in BD, however, poses considerable challenges for investigators. Our study aimed to identify distinct prodromal phenotypes or "fingerprints" in patients diagnosed with BD and subsequently examine correlations between these fingerprints and relevant clinical outcomes.

Methods

20,000 veterans diagnosed with BD were randomly selected for this study. K-means clustering analysis was performed on temporal graphs of the clinical features of each patient. We applied what we call “temporal blurring” to each patient image in order to allow clustering to focus on the clinical features, and not cluster patients based upon their varying temporal patterns in diagnosis, which lead to the desired types of clusters. We evaluated several outcomes including mortality rate, hospitalization rate, mean number of hospitalizations, mean length of stay, and the occurrence of a psychosis diagnosis within one year following the initial BD diagnosis. To determine the statistical significance of the observed differences for each outcome, we conducted appropriate tests, such as ANOVA or Chi-square.

Results

Our analysis yielded 8 clusters which appear to represent distinct phenotypes with differing clinical attributes. Each of these clusters also has statistically significant differences across all outcomes (p < 0.0001). The clinical features in many of the clusters were consistent with findings in the literature concerning prodromal symptoms in patients with BD. One cluster, notably characterized by patients lacking discernible prodromal symptoms, exhibited the most favorable results across all measured outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study successfully identified distinct prodromal phenotypes in patients diagnosed with BD. We also found that these distinct prodromal phenotypes are associated with different clinical outcomes.
Vanillic acid alleviates methamphetamine-induced mitochondrial toxicity in cardiac mitochondria via antioxidant activity and inhibition of MPT Pore opening: an in-vitro study
Authors: Shabani Mohammad , Jamali Zhaleh , Bayrami Deniz , Salimi Ahmad
Published: May 2023

Background

Methamphetamine is widely abused in all parts of the world. It has been reported that short-term and long-term methamphetamine exposure could damage the dopaminergic system and induce cardiomyopathy and cardiotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Vanillic acid (VA), a phenolic acid compound derived from plants, is known for its antioxidant and mitochondrial protection properties.

Methods

In the current study we used VA for attenuating of Methamphetamine-induced mitochondrial toxicity in cardiac mitochondria. Isolated mitochondria obtained from rat heart were grouped as: control, methamphetamine (250 µM), VA (10, 50 and 100 µM) was cotreated with methamphetamine (250 µM) and VA (100 µM) alone. After 60 min, mitochondrial fraction including: succinate dehydrogenases (SDH) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated.

Results

Methamphetamine exposure significantly disrupted mitochondrial function and induced ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, MMP collapse and mitochondrial swelling, while VA significantly increased SDH activity as indicator of mitochondrial toxicity and dysfunction. VA also significantly decreased ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial swelling, MMP collapse and depletion of GSH in cardiac mitochondria in the presence of methamphetamine.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that VA is able to reduce methamphetamine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that VA could potentially serve as a promising and accessible cardioprotective agent against methamphetamine-induced cardiotoxicity, via antioxidant and mitochondrial protection properties.
Autonomous robotic surgery for zygomatic implant placement and immediately loaded implant-supported full-arch prosthesis: a preliminary research
Authors: Li Changjian , Wang Menglin , Deng Huanze , Li Shumao , Fang Xinyu , Liang Yijie , Ma Xihua , Zhang Yue , Li Yanfeng
Published: May 2023

Objectives

A patient with extensive atrophy of the alveolar ridge in the posterior portion of the maxilla was selected to complete an experimental and clinical case of the robotic zygomatic implant to investigate the viability of an implant robotic system in clinical use.

Methods

The preoperative digital information was collected, and the implantation position and personalized optimization marks needed for robot surgery were designed in advance in a repair-oriented way. The resin models and marks of the patient’s maxilla and mandible are all printed in 3D. Custom-made special precision drills and handpiece holders for robotic zygomatic implants were used to perform model experiments and compare the accuracy of the robotic zygomatic implant group (implant length = 52.5 mm, n = 10) with the alveolar implant group (implant length = 18 mm, n = 20). Based on the results of extraoral experiments, a clinical case of robotic surgery for zygomatic implant placement and immediate loading of implant-supported full arch prosthesis was carried out.

Results

In the model experiment, the zygomatic implant group reported an entry point error of 0.78 ± 0.34 mm, an exit point error of 0.80 ± 0.25 mm, and an angle error of 1.33 ± 0.41degrees. In comparison, the alveolar implant group (control group) reported an entry point error of 0.81 ± 0.24 mm, an exit point error of 0.86 ± 0.32 mm, and an angle error of 1.71 ± 0.71 degrees. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). In clinical cases, the average entry point error of two zygomatic implants is 0.83 mm, the average exit point error is 1.10 mm and the angle error is 1.46 degrees.

Conclusions

The preoperative planning and surgical procedures developed in this study provide enough accuracy for robotic zygomatic implant surgery, and the overall deviation is small, which is not affected by the lateral wall deviation of maxillary sinus.
Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast detected with real-time virtual sonography: a case report
Authors: Ito Yukie , Fujii Kimihito , Saito Masayuki , Banno Hirona , Ido Mirai , Goto Manami , Ando Takahito , Mouri Yukako , Kousaka Junko , Imai Tsuneo , Nakano Shogo
Published: May 2023

Background

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) sometimes presents with unique clinical, pathologic, and radiographic features. In this case report, we describe a patient with ILC, whose initial presentation consisted with symptoms secondary to bone-marrow dissemination. In addition, the breast primary was revealed only by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by real-time virtual sonography (RVS).

Case presentation

A 51-year-old woman presented to our outpatient clinic with dyspnea on exertion. She had severe anemia (hemoglobin, 5.3 g/dL) and thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 31 × 103/mL). Bone-marrow biopsy was performed to evaluate hematopoietic function. The pathologic diagnosis was bone-marrow carcinomatosis due to metastatic breast cancer. Initial mammography followed by ultrasonography (US) failed to detect the primary tumor. On MRI, a non-mass-enhancement lesion was observed. While second-look US also did not detect the lesion, it was clearly visualized with RVS. We were finally able to biopsy the breast lesion. The pathologic diagnosis was ILC positive for both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, with 1 + immunohistochemical staining for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This case of ILC was characterized by bone-marrow metastasis. Due to decreased cell adhesion, the risk of bone-marrow metastasis is higher in ILC than in invasive ductal carcinoma, the most prevalent type of breast cancer. Biopsy of the primary lesion, which was initially only detected with MRI, was successfully performed with clear visualization during RVS, which is based on the fusion of MRI and US images.

Conclusion

In this case report and literature review, we describe the unique clinical characteristics of ILC and a strategy for identifying primary lesions that are initially only visualized with MRI.
Regenerated silk fibroin based on small aperture scaffolds and marginal sealing hydrogel for osteochondral defect repair
Authors: Luo Yinyue , Xiao Menglin , Almaqrami Bushra sufyan , Kang Hong , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2023

Background

Osteochondral defects pose an enormous challenge without satisfactory repair strategy to date. In particular, the lateral integration of neo-cartilage into the surrounding native cartilage is a difficult and inadequately addressed problem determining tissue repair’s success.

Methods

Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) based on small aperture scaffolds was prepared with
n
-butanol innovatively. Then, the rabbit knee chondrocytes and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured on RSF scaffolds, and after induction of chondrogenic differentiation, cell-scaffold complexes strengthened by a 14 wt% RSF solution were prepared for in vivo experiments.

Results

A porous scaffold and an RSF sealant exhibiting biocompatibility and excellent adhesive properties are developed and confirmed to promote chondrocyte migration and differentiation. Thus, osteochondral repair and superior horizontal integration are achieved in vivo with this composite.

Conclusions

Overall, the new approach of marginal sealing around the RSF scaffolds exhibits preeminent repair results, confirming the ability of this novel graft to facilitate simultaneous regeneration of cartilage–subchondral bone.
Subaqueous 3D stem cell spheroid levitation culture using anti-gravity bioreactor based on sound wave superposition
Authors: Park Jung Hwan , Lee Ju-Ro , Park Sungkwon , Kim Yu-Jin , Yoon Jeong-Kee , Park Hyun Su , Hyun Jiyu , Joung Yoon Ki , Lee Tae Il , Bhang Suk Ho
Published: May 2023

Background

Recently, various studies have revealed that 3D cell spheroids have several advantages over 2D cells in stem cell culture. However, conventional 3D spheroid culture methods have some disadvantages and limitations such as time required for spheroid formation and complexity of the experimental process. Here, we used acoustic levitation as cell culture platform to overcome the limitation of conventional 3D culture methods.

Methods

In our anti-gravity bioreactor, continuous standing sonic waves created pressure field for 3D culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs were trapped and aggerated in pressure field and consequently formed spheroids. The structure, viability, gene and protein expression of spheroids formed in the anti-gravity bioreactor were analyzed by electron microscope, immunostaining, polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. We injected hMSC spheroids fabricated by anti-gravity bioreactor into the mouse hindlimb ischemia model. Limb salvage was quantified to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of hMSC spheroids.

Results

The acoustic levitation in anti-gravity bioreactor made spheroids faster and more compact compared to the conventional hanging drop method, which resulted in the upregulation of angiogenic paracrine factors of hMSCs, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 2. Injected hMSCs spheroids cultured in the anti-gravity bioreactor exhibited improved therapeutic efficacy, including the degree of limb salvage, capillary formation, and attenuation of fibrosis and inflammation, for mouse hindlimb ischemia model compared to spheroids formed by the conventional hanging drop method.

Conclusion

Our stem cell culture system using acoustic levitation will be proposed as a new platform for the future 3D cell culture system.

Graphical Abstract
Stakeholder views on the design of National Health Service perinatal mental health services: 360-degree survey
Authors: Scott John , Mcdonald Christopher , McRobbie Sarah , Watt Blair , Young Judith , Morris Jane
Published: May 2023

Aims and method

At the start of a new community perinatal mental health service in Scotland we sought the opinions and aspirations of professional and lay stakeholders. A student elective project supported the creation of an anonymous 360-degree online survey of a variety of staff and people with lived experience of suffering from or managing perinatal mental health problems. The survey was designed and piloted with trainees and volunteer patients.

Results

A rich variety of opinions was gathered from the 60 responses, which came from a reasonably representative sample. Respondents provided specific answers to key questions and wrote free-text recommendations and concerns to inform service development.

Clinical implications

There is clear demand for the new expanded service, with strong support for provision of a mother and baby unit in the North of Scotland. The digital survey method could be adapted to generate future surveys to review satisfaction with service development and generate ideas for further change.
Derivation of a Unique, Algorithm-Based Approach to Cancer Patient Navigator Workload Management
Authors: Zhu Xiyitao , Zhang Peng , Kang Hyojung , Marla Lavanya , Robles Granda Marlene Isabel , Ebert-Allen Rebecca A. , Stewart de Ramirez Sarah , Oderwald Tenille , McGee Mackenzie , Handler Jonathan A.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Cancer patient navigators (CPNs) can decrease the time from diagnosis to treatment, but workloads vary widely, which may lead to burnout and less optimal navigation. Current practice for patient distribution among CPNs at our institution approximates random distribution. A literature search did not uncover previous reports of an automated algorithm to distribute patients to CPNs. We sought to develop an automated algorithm to fairly distribute new patients among CPNs specializing in the same cancer type(s) and assess its performance through simulation on a retrospective data set.

METHODS

Using a 3-year data set, a proxy for CPN work was identified and multiple models were developed to predict the upcoming week's workload for each patient. An XGBoost-based predictor was retained on the basis of its superior performance. A distribution model was developed to fairly distribute new patients among CPNs within a specialty on the basis of predicted work needed. The predicted work included the week's predicted workload from a CPN's existing patients plus that of newly distributed patients to the CPN. Resulting workload unfairness was compared between predictor-informed and random distribution.

RESULTS

Predictor-informed distribution significantly outperformed random distribution for equalizing weekly workloads across CPNs within a specialty.

CONCLUSION

This derivation work demonstrates the feasibility of an automated model to distribute new patients more fairly than random assignment (with unfairness assessed using a workload proxy). Improved workload management may help reduce CPN burnout and improve navigation assistance for patients with cancer.
Collagen Protein Ingestion during Recovery from Exercise Does Not Increase Muscle Connective Protein Synthesis Rates
Authors: AUSSIEKER THORBEN , HILKENS LUUK , HOLWERDA ANDREW M. , FUCHS CAS J. , HOUBEN LISANNE H. P. , SENDEN JOAN M. , VAN DIJK JAN-WILLEM , SNIJDERS TIM , VAN LOON LUC J. C.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Protein ingestion during recovery from exercise has been reported to augment myofibrillar protein synthesis rates, without increasing muscle connective protein synthesis rates. It has been suggested that collagen protein may be effective in stimulating muscle connective protein synthesis. The present study assessed the capacity of both whey and collagen protein ingestion to stimulate postexercise myofibrillar and muscle connective protein synthesis rates.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, 45 young male (n = 30) and female (n = 15) recreational athletes (age, 25 ± 4 yr; body mass index, 24.1 ± 2.0 kg·m−2) were selected to receive primed continuous intravenous infusions with l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine and l-[3,5-2H2]-tyrosine. After a single session of resistance type exercise, subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups ingesting either 30 g whey protein (WHEY, n = 15), 30 g collagen protein (COLL, n = 15) or a noncaloric placebo (PLA, n = 15). Blood and muscle biopsy samples were collected over a subsequent 5-h recovery period to assess both myofibrillar and muscle connective protein synthesis rates.

Results

Protein ingestion increased circulating plasma amino acid concentrations (P < 0.05). The postprandial rise in plasma leucine and essential amino acid concentrations was greater in WHEY compared with COLL, whereas plasma glycine and proline concentrations increased more in COLL compared with WHEY (P < 0.05). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates averaged 0.041 ± 0.010, 0.036 ± 0.010, and 0.032 ± 0.007%·h−1 in WHEY, COLL and PLA, respectively, with only WHEY resulting in higher rates when compared with PLA (P < 0.05). Muscle connective protein synthesis rates averaged 0.072 ± 0.019, 0.068 ± 0.017, and 0.058 ± 0.018%·h−1 in WHEY, COLL, and PLA, respectively, with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Ingestion of whey protein during recovery from exercise increases myofibrillar protein synthesis rates. Neither collagen nor whey protein ingestion further increased muscle connective protein synthesis rates during the early stages of postexercise recovery in both male and female recreational athletes.
Percepciones de los futuros docentes sobre la integración de la robótica creativa en Educación
Authors: Soto-Solier Pilar Manuela , Villena-Soto Verónica , Molina Muñoz David
Published: May 2023

En una sociedad cambiante y compleja como la actual, el desarrollo del pensamiento creativo resulta fundamental para la resolución de problemas y la toma de decisiones. Por ello, las metodologías STEAM están cada vez más presentes en las aulas con el propósito de fomentar la creatividad de los estudiantes a través, entre otras herramientas, de la robótica creativa. En este contexto, esta investigación tiene por objeto conocer las percepciones de maestros de Educación Primaria en formación sobre la inclusión de la robótica educativa en esta etapa educativa, sus pros y sus contras. El estudio, de carácter descriptivo-inferencial, usa una muestra de conveniencia de 121 estudiantes del Grado en Educación Primaria de la Universidad de Granada. Para la recogida de los datos se utilizó una versión adaptada de un cuestionario previamente validado. Los resultados de la muestra en su conjunto reflejan valoraciones favorables con respecto a la introducción de la robótica educativa en la etapa de Educación Primaria. Por género, destaca la valoración más positiva de las chicas con respecto la de los chivos atendiendo a los beneficios de la introducción de la robótica en el currículo. Nuestros resultados coinciden con los de la mayoría de estudios previos acerca del tema.
prueba de figuras enmascaradas en la versión Sawa sobre figuras Gottschaldt
Authors: Hederich-Martínez Christian , Camargo-Uribe Angela , Abello-Camacho Diana
Published: May 2023

El artículo presenta la versión del EFT de H. Sawa sobre las figuras Gottchadt, con las adaptaciones realizadas por el Grupo de Estilos cognitivos, como indicador de la capacidad de reestructuración perceptual y, en últimas, del estilo cognitivo en la dimensión de independencia-dependencia de campo. Se examina la consistencia interna del instrumento, su validez estructural y su validez de constructo a partir de los datos recogidos en cuatro diferentes estudios en los que ha sido aplicado (n=6530). Los resultados indican altos niveles de consistencia interna y adecuados niveles de validez estructural del instrumento. La validez de constructo se determina examinando los comportamientos de la prueba frente al sexo y el grado/edad. Los resultados indican que el instrumento se comporta de acuerdo con lo esperado en el constructo. Finalmente, se presentan los baremos del instrumento.
Financial Reform and Public Good Provision: Municipal Bankruptcy Law and the Financing of Hospitals
Authors: Rossi Stefano , Yun Hayong
Published: May 2023

Does financial reform improve public good provision? We examine state-level adoption of municipal bankruptcy law. After reform, municipalities’ borrowing costs decrease and bonds’ issuance increase, particularly for bonds financing hospitals; hospitals’ investments increase, particularly when using such bonds; local firms’ investment and performance increase, particularly in the construction sector. Ex ante, reform occurs earlier in states with weaker unions, stronger bondholders’ interests, and better courts. Similar factors explain congressional voting on municipal bankruptcy law. These results support the hypothesis that financial reform destroys labor union rents and expands investment, highlighting a novel spillover channel from public finance to the real economy.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the Baffi-CAREFIN Research Center at Bocconi.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4800 .
AKLIMATISASI MIKROALGA HIJAU DALAM LIMBAH PETERNAKAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENYISIHAN NUTRIEN DAN PRODUKSI LIPIDA
Authors: Irhamni Irmahni
Published: May 2023

Mikroalga memiliki kemampuan untuk menyerap berbagai bentuk nitrogen, dan posfor. Penelitian mengenai aklimatisasi mikroalga hijau dalam fotobioreaktor volume 2 liter untuk menyisihkan nutrien dalam limbah cair peternakan dengan konsentrasi limbah yang berbeda, yaitu 25, 50 dan 100%, dan siklus pencahayaan 24 jam dan 12 jam (on/off) telah dilakukan.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pertumbuhan mikroalga hijau terbaik diperoleh dari mikroalga  teraklimatisasi dengan kandungan biomassa tertinggi sebesar 1,65 gr/L berat kering, dikuti dengan 1,4 dan 1,35 gram/liter berat kering pada kultur limbah cair peternakan 25, 50 dan 100%. Pertumbuhan alga hijau tanpa aklimatisasi sangat lambat dengan masa kultivasi yang sama yaitu 16 hari, kandungan biomassa hanya berkisar antara 0,65–1,1 gram/liter berat kering. Proses metabolisme mikroalga hijau teraklimatisasi terbukti mampu menyisihkan nutrien amonium, nitrat dan pospat dalam limbah cair peternakan 60-98%, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemanfaatan mikroalga hijau lokal untuk penyisihan limbah peternakan dapat dilakukan sebagai salah satu metode alternatif penanggulangan limbah cair, sedangkan biomassa alga dapat dimanfaatkan untuk produksi lipid minyak alga.
PENURUNAN KANDUNGAN C ORGANIK DAN PEMBENTUKAN GAS PADA PROSES PENGOMPOSAN ECENG GONDOK
Authors: Wilujeng Susi A.
Published: May 2023

Aktivitas domestik, industry dan pertanian menyebabkan sebagian besar sungai di Indonesia telah terkontaminasi oleh air limbah organik.   Hal ini menyebabkan enceng gondok tumbuh subur di sumber-sumber air seperti sungai dan danau.   Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan laju penurunan kadar karbon organic untuk menghasilkan biogas yang dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai energy alternarif.  Percobaan dilakukan pada tiga reactor, dua reactor uji (Reaktor A dan B) dan satu reaktor kontrol (Reaktor C). Bahan baku eceng gondok sebanyak 15 kilogram per reaktor.  Reaktor A ditambahkan Mikroorganisme M-16 dan dilakukan pengadukan. Reaktor   B ditambahkan Mikroorganisme M-16 dan tanpa pengadukan.   Pengadukan dilakukan sepuluh putaran dengan memutar drum 360 ° setiap hari. Penelitian dilakukan selama 60 hari. Parameter yang dianalisa adalah suhu, kadar air, pH dan produksi gas yang diukur setiap hari. Karbon dan Nitrogen diukur setiap 5 hari sekali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan penurunan kandungan karbon pada   Reaktor A 2,7 lebih cepat dan Reaktor B 2 lebih cepat dibandingkan Reaktor C. Pembentukan biogas pada reactor A   1,8 lebih banyak jika dibandingkan dengan reactor C dan Reaktor B 1,4 lebih banyak jika dibandingkan  dari Reaktor C.
PENYERAPAN GAS CO HASIL PEMBAKARAN SAMPAH MENGGUNAKAN MODIFIKASI SORBENT CA(OH)2, TANAH DIATOMEAE (DE) DAN KOMPOS DALAM REACTOR FIXED BED
Authors: Hasyim Mariana
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan reaktifitas sorbent Ca(OH)2 dengan menggunakan tanah diatomeae sebagai sumber silika dan kompos sebagai sumber biosorbent. Tanah diatomea umumnya mengandung CaO, SiO2 dan Al2O3. Reaksi antara SiO2 dengan Ca(OH)2 membentuk kalsium silicate hidrat (CaO.SiO2.2H2O) yang mempunyai porositas dan reaktifitas yang tinggi. Kompos mengandung bakteri sebagai biosorbent yang dapat mengubah gas CO menjadi CO2 dan CH4. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa reaktifitas sorbent Ca(OH)2 meningkat dengan penambahan DE dan kompos. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa penyerapan gas CO meningkat dengan meningkatnya tinggi unggun sorbent dan temperatur. Penyerapan gas CO tertinggi diperoleh pada penggunaan modifikasi sorbent Ca(OH)2/DE/kompos (3:1:1), temperatur 150oC dan tinggi unggun sorbent 6 cm dari variabel yang dilakukan.
Efektifitas Wadah Sampah Dalam Menunjang Pengumpulan Sampah di Kecamatan Wonokromo
Authors: Safrida Nur Laily
Published: May 2023

Kecamatan Wonokromo merupakan penyumbang sampah terbesar keempat di Kota Surabaya. Artikel ini melakukan analisis sistem pengumpulan sampah untuk mengoptimalkan pengangkutan sampah di Kecamatan Wonokromo dengan metode storet. Dalam kondisi eksisting, jenis kendaraan pengangkut berupa gerobak sampah dan gerobak sampah ditarik motor, dan pada optimasi sebagian akan diganti dengan motor sampah yang lebih efektif dalam mengangkut sampah. Setelah perhitungan optimasi, terdapat pengurangan petugas sampah yang diperlukan dari kondisi eksisting sebanyak 82 petugas menjadi 32.
KAJIAN SISTEM PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH BAHAN BERBAHAYA DAN BERACUN (B3) KEGIATAN PENDIDIKAN DI KAMPUS INSTITUT TEKNOLOGI SEPULUH NOPEMBER (ITS)
Authors: Wilujeng Susi Agustina
Published: May 2023

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) memiliki memiliki total 54 laboratorium yang tersebar di empat fakultas dan laboratorium Direktorat Riset dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (DRPM) ITS. Semua laboratium aktif digunakan untuk kegiatan praktikum maupun menunjang penelitian. Kegiatan tersebut tentunya menghasilkan limbah. Limbah yang dihasilkan dari kegiatan di laboratoium dikategorikan sebagai limbah B3 yang dalam pengelolaannya memiliki ketentuan khusu. Saat ini, masing-masing laboratorium sudah memiliki sistem pewadahan untuk limbah-nya, akan tetapi belum semuanya memenuhi standar dan persyaratan sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku. Beberapa departemen di ITS sudah memiliki IPAL khusus untuk limbah laboratorium akan tetapi belum beroperasi dengan baik.

Selain limbah dari kegiatan laboratorium, ITS juga menghasilkan limbah B3 jenis sampah spesifik. Limbah tersebut dihasilkan dari kegiatan perkantoran dan kegiatan kemahasiswaan. Timbulan sampah spesifik di ITS diantaranya adalah berasal dari sampah elektronik dan sampah yang mengandung limbah B3 seperti lampu, catridge printer, baterai, dan bekas kemasan yang mengandung limbah B3.

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kebijakan yang hasil akhirnya adalah Desain perencanaan TPS limbah B3 disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan kapasitas limbah B3 yang dihasilkan pada unit-unit terkait agar dapat menampung limbah B3 dengan jumlah yang sesuai. Perencanaan TPS limbah B3 juga dilengkapi dengan fasilitas-fasilitas tertentu, seperti melakukan standarisasi kemasan/ container yang aman untuk berbagai karakteristik limbah B3, rak penyimpanan kemaan limbah laboratorium, system monitoring, SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), penyediaan label dan simbol seseuai dengan karakteristik limbah, ventilasi yang baik, saluran pengumpul tumpahan, serta sarana pendukung K3 (kotak APD, kotak P3K, emergency eye wash, emergency body wash, APAR).
PENGARUH CAHAYA AMBIENT TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS PENYISIHAN RHODAMINE B MENGGUNAKAN MATERIAL KOMPOSIT SPENT BLEACHING EARTH-ZnO
Authors: Slamet Agus
Published: May 2023

Telah dilakukan penelitian adsorpsi menggunakan tiga jenis adsorben, yaitu SBE, ZnO, dan SBE/ZnO untuk menghilangkan rhodamine B. Dua parameter penelitian digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kondisi eksperimen gelap dan terang, serta konsentrasi awal larutan rhodamine B. Pengaruh cahaya ambient ini perlu diteliti mengingat ZnO adalah material fotokatalis. Proses komposit dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode aktivasi SBE (maserasi dan pengasaman), dan sintesis komposit metode sol gel.  Telah terbukti bahwa cahaya ambient mempengaruhi kinerja adsorben SBE/ZnO dengan peningkatan kemampuan adsorpsi sebesar 1,6 mg/g jika dibandingkan adsorpsi dalam keadaan gelap. Analisis model isotherm adsorpsi bersesuaian dengan model Langmuir dengan parameter Qm (kapasitas adsorpsi maksimal) SBE/ZnO sebesar 147,05 mg/g.
Taking the pressure off: glaucoma and what can be done to help
Authors: Whittleton Tara
Published: May 2023

Prompt recognition and treatment to reduce the intraoccular pressures is key in canine patients with glaucoma. If treatment is delayed, glaucoma can cause permanent damage or result in enucleation of the affected eye. Acute glaucoma develops quickly, increasing intraocular pressure and causing high levels of pain, disorientation, stress and discomfort. Nurses play a vital role in the management of these patients, by monitoring and recording pressures, recognising and managing pain, correct and timely application of medications and reducing patient stress.
Dog friendly clinics: helping pets have a positive experience
Authors: Main Kate
Published: May 2023

As one of the project leads for the dog friendly clinic scheme, Kate Main, Veterinary Intervention Development Officer at Dogs Trust outlines key areas of how the initiative can improve veterinary visits for dogs.