Photo-Curing 3D Printing and Innovative Design of Porous Composite Structures for Biomedical Applications

Light-activated resins and composites are used in conjunction with a light curing unit and allow an on-demand process of polymerization. These kinds of materials usually represent the most popular choice in the restorative dental practice. Some works have already highlighted contemporary tendencies in the use of nondegradable scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine. Accordingly, the aim of the current research is to develop 3D porous and light-activated composite structures with optimized functional properties. Preliminary mechanical and biological tests are carried out

Integrated Design Strategy for Additively Manufactured Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering

Additive manufacturing technologies allow for the direct fabrication of 3D scaffolds with improved properties for tissue regeneration. In this scenario, design strategies and 3D fiber deposition technique are considered to develop advanced scaffolds with different lay-down patterns, tailored mechanical and biological properties. 3D poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds are manufactured and surface-modified (i.e., aminolysis). The effect of surface modification on the mechanical and biological performances of the designed 3D scaffolds is assessed

Two binding partners cooperate to activate the molecular motor Kinesin-1

The regulation of molecular motors is an important cellular problem, as motility in the absence of cargo results in futile adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis. When not transporting cargo, the microtubule (MT)-based motor Kinesin-1 is kept inactive as a result of a folded conformation that allows autoinhibition of the N-terminal motor by the C-terminal tail. The simplest model of Kinesin-1 activation posits that cargo binding to nonmotor regions relieves autoinhibition. In this study, we show that binding of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase–interacting protein 1 (JIP1) cargo protein is not sufficient to activate Kinesin-1. Because two regions of the Kinesin-1 tail are required for autoinhibition, we searched for a second molecule that contributes to activation of the motor. We identified fasciculation and elongation protein ζ1 (FEZ1) as a binding partner of kinesin heavy chain. We show that binding of JIP1 and FEZ1 to Kinesin-1 is sufficient to activate the motor for MT binding and motility. These results provide the first demonstration of the activation of a MT-based motor by cellular binding partners

In-dept review on adherence to therapeutic regimen and well-being among patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus or diabetes is an aggregation of metabolic diseases distinguished as a condition occurring when the body can’t utilize glucose from the foods eaten. In 2011, 366 million were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus with 4.6 million deaths and 50% among which are undiagnosed. According to the International Diabetes Federation in 2011, diabetes is expected to rise by about 552 million by the year 2030. Patient nonadherence can be a pervasive threat to health and well-being and carries an appreciable economic burden as well, yet, only few studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between adherence to therapeutic regimen and well-being among type 2 diabetic individuals The main intention of this study is to provide an in–depth review of the relationship between the adherence to therapeutic regimenand well–being among type 2 diabetic individuals in Iligan City. Descriptive Correlational design was utilized to describe the relationship between the variables under investigation. Modified standardized questionnaireswere given to 133 respondents who were chosen using a simple random sampling. Results showed that among the therapeutic regimen adherence investigated, most of the respondents have an average level of adherence to diet compared to medication, exercise, and stress reduction techniques in which their level of adherence scored good. For their well–being status, only mental scored good, while physical, emotional and spiritual scored average. Furthermore, findings showed a significant inverse relationship between age ofrespondents and their level of adherence to diet, the respondents’ work status and their level of adherence to diet and stress reduction techniques. Positive significant relationship was found between the respondents’ educational attainment and their level of adherence to therapeutic regimen, economic status and medication adherence, and educational attainment and mental well–being. Therefore, therapeutic regimen adherence was found to have a positive impact on the well–being of the respondents. Collaborative team consisting ofendocrinologists, nurses, nutritionists, dieticians, exercise physiologists, and spiritual leaders is highly recommended for the intensive management of diabetes patients, thus, improving adherence and well–bein

On the poverty of a priorism: technology, surveillance in the workplace and employee responses

Many debates about surveillance at work are framed by a set of a priori assumptions about the nature of the employment relationship that inhibits efforts to understand the complexity of employee responses to the spread of new technology at work. In particular, the debate about the prevalence of resistance is hamstrung from the outset by the assumption that all apparently non-compliant acts, whether intentional or not, are to be counted as acts of resistance. Against this background this paper seeks to redress the balance by reviewing results from an ethnographic study of surveillance-capable technologies in a number of British workplaces. It argues for greater attention to be paid to the empirical character of the social relations at work in and through which technologies are deployed and in the context of which employee responses are played out

A Functional Univentricle: Large Ventricular Septal Defect, Atrioventricular Discordance, Malposition of the Great Arteries, Pulmonary Stenosis, and Major Aorto Pulmonary Collaterals

We report a case of a 25 year-old male with a functionally univentricular heart. He underwent consult for clearance prior to employment and has been asymptomatic since childhood with good functional capacity, his 6 minute walk test was normal at 300 meters. Pertinent physical findings were a right ventricular heave, a grade 3/6 systolic murmur over the 2nd-3rd intercostal spaces left parasternal border, a continuous murmur over the interscapular area and cyanosis of the nailbeds. Laboratory exams showed mild erythrocytosis and hypoxemia. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings showed a large ventricular septal defect (apical intraventricular septum remnant), atrioventricular discordance, malposition of the great arteries and severe pulmonary stenosis. Major aorto-pulmonary collaterals were demonstrated on hemodynamics study. Patient is stable and living a normal life but advised to avoid moderate to heavy strenuous activities. He is on a regular follow – up at our out patient clinic and there are no planned immediate surgical interventions at present

An Analyses of Onion Marketing in Toro District of Toro Local Government Area in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The broad objective of the study was to determine the profitability and marketing efficiency of onion marketing in Toro District of Toro local government area in Bauchi State. Questionaire was the main instrument of data collection from a sample of fourty (40) onion traders in the study area. Analytical tools used were; descriptive statistics, gross margin, marketing margin and market efficiency. Majority (67.5%) of the respondents were males. Also, majority (55%) of onion Traders falls within the age bracket of 41 - 50 years of age, the result indicates high proportions (85.00%) of the respondents were educated. The years of Onion marketing experience of the respondents indicates that half of the respondents (50%) had 11 - 20 years of marketing experience in onion trading and the study also indicates that majority (52.50%) went into onions marketing with money between ₦21,000:00 - ₦30,000:00. Greater proportion (87.50%) of the respondents belongs to cooperative associations. Major problems of onion marketing identified were those of transportation, storage facilities, starting capital, market information and low price. Result of the costs and returns analysis revealed that onion marketing was profitable to the turn of N1,315.00 per bag for wholesale and N2,020.00 per bag for retail traders of onion marketers respectively. This finding also indicated that marketing of onion is efficient with total efficiency of 141.28% for wholesalers and 150.80% for retailers. Proper functional programmes and policies should be made to improve onion production and marketing in the study area

Reverse engineering of mandible and prosthetic framework: Effect of titanium implants in conjunction with titanium milled full arch bridge prostheses on the biomechanics of the mandible.

This study aimed at investigating the effects of titanium implants and different configurations of full-arch prostheses on the biomechanics of edentulous mandibles. Reverse engineered, composite, anisotropic, edentulous mandibles made of a poly(methylmethacrylate) core and a glass fibre reinforced outer shell were rapid prototyped and instrumented with strain gauges. Brånemark implants RP platforms in conjunction with titanium Procera one-piece or two-piece bridges were used to simulate oral rehabilitations. A lateral load through the gonion regions was used to test the biomechanical effects of the rehabilitations. In addition, strains due to misfit of the one-piece titanium bridge were compared to those produced by one-piece cast gold bridges. Milled titanium bridges had a better fit than cast gold bridges. The stress distribution in mandibular bone rehabilitated with a one-piece bridge was more perturbed than that observed with a two-piece bridge. In particular the former induced a stress concentration and stress shielding in the molar and symphysis regions, while for the latter design these stresses were strongly reduced. In conclusion, prosthetic frameworks changed the biomechanics of the mandible as a result of both their design and manufacturing technology

La comunicación: llave maestra para la aplicación de valores humanísticos y altruistas en el cuidado de niños

Introducción Con la preocupación de conocer cómo es el cuidado de enfermería en niños, se diseñó un estudio para que, desde la teoría del cuidado humano, se describiera el cuidado de las enfermeras aplicando valores humanísticos. Objetivo Describir la aplicación de algunos factores como la inculcación de la fe-esperanza, desarrollo de una relación de ayuda-confianza y aceptación de la expresión de sentimientos positivos y negativos en el cuidado que ofrecen las enfermeras a niños hospitalizados. Metodología Se utilizó la fenomenología como estrategia porque facilita a las personas relaten sus experiencias como son vividas. Para recoger la información se utilizó la entrevista en profundidad. Seis enfermeras a cargo el servicio de hospitalización fueron entrevistadas dos o tres veces hasta obtener saturación de información. Hallazgos Se identificaron tres temas: la fe y la esperanza como sincretismo en la recuperación del niño; Sintiendo las carencias del otro: una manera de fomentar la ayuda y la confianza y finalmente, la actitud como puente para facilitar la expresión de sentimientos positivos y negativos. El eje dinamizador en los temas fue la comunicación, pues facilitaba a la enfermera conocer la concepción fenomenológica de su mundo permitiendo entender sus comportamientos y reacciones emocionales. Conclusión Las participantes reconocen cómo el afecto, el diálogo con lenguaje sencillo y comprensible y la capacidad de escucha entre otros, les ayuda en la ejecución del cuidado y ello, a su vez, contribuye de manera contundente en la recuperación de la salud de los niños hospitalizados