Drawing the lines of fibromyalgia: a mixed-methods approach to mapping body image, body schema, and emotions in patient subtypes.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread chronic pain and multiple additional symptoms which may result in significant disability. Recent studies have demonstrated disturbances in body image and body schema in people affected by this condition. Importantly, it affects a heterogenous population in which distinct profiles can be identified based on physiological and/or psychological characteristics.

Additively Manufactured Silicone Polymer Composite with High Hydrogen Getter Content and Hydrogen Absorption Capacity.

Hydrogen getters consisting of 1,4-bis[phenylethynyl] benzene (DEB) and a carbon-supported palladium catalyst (Pd/C) have been used to mitigate the accumulation of unwanted hydrogen gas in a sealed system. Here, we report the formulation of a composite resin consisting of silicone polymer plus DEB-Pd/C as an active getter material and the additive manufacturing of silicone getter composites with a high getter content (up to 50 wt %). NMR and DSC studies suggest no reaction between the silicone polymer resin and DEB even at elevated curing temperatures (75 °C).

Interplay between Shelf Life and Printability of Silica-Filled Suspensions.

Although fumed silica/siloxane suspensions are commonly employed in additive manufacturing technology, the interplay between shelf life, storage conditions, and printability has yet to be explored. In this work, direct ink writing (DIW) was used to print unique three-dimensional structures that required suspensions to retain shape and form while being printed onto a substrate. Suspensions containing varying concentrations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica were formulated and evaluated over a time span of thirty days.

Comparison of Consumption of Pulses in Two Seasons of the Year in Chile.

Background: In Chile, the consumption of legumes at least two times per week is promoted. However, there is a low consumption of legumes. Therefore, our objective is to describe legume consumption in two different seasonal periods.

Myoelectric activity during electromagnetic resistance alone and in combination with variable resistance or eccentric overload.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of electromagnetic resistance alone, as well as in combination with variable resistance or accentuated eccentric methods, with traditional dynamic constant external resistance exercise on myoelectric activity during elbow flexion. The study employed a within-participant randomized, cross-over design whereby 16 young, resistance-trained male and female volunteers performed elbow flexion exercise under each of the following conditions: using a dumbbell (DB); using a commercial electromagnetic resistance device (ELECTRO); variable resistance (VR) using a setting on the device that attempts to match the level of resistance to the human strength curve, and; eccentric overload (EO) using a setting on the device that increases the load by 50% on the eccentric portion of each repetition. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was obtained for the biceps brachii, brachioradialis and anterior deltoid on each of the conditions.

Functional Filaments: Creating and Degrading pH-Indicating PLA Filaments for 3D Printing.

With the rapid pace of advancements in additive manufacturing and techniques such as fused filament fabrication (FFF), the feedstocks used in these techniques should advance as well. While available filaments can be used to print highly customizable parts, the creation of the end part is often the only function of a given feedstock. In this study, novel FFF filaments with inherent environmental sensing functionalities were created by melt-blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and pH indicator powders (bromothymol blue, phenolphthalein, and thymol blue).

Burnout among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal results from the international Cope-Corona survey study.

Objective: Long-term changes in burnout and its predictors in hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated in an international study.

Methods: Two online surveys were distributed to hospital staff in seven countries (Germany, Andorra, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Romania, Iran) between May and October 2020 (T1) and between February and April 2021 (T2), using the following variables: Burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), job function, age, gender, and contact with COVID-19 patients; individual resources (self-compassion, sense of coherence, social support) and work-related resources and demands (support at the workplace, risk perception, health and safety at the workplace, altruistic acceptance of risk). Data were analyzed using linear mixed models repeated measures, controlled for age.

Balancing Functionality and Printability: High-Loading Polymer Resins for Direct Ink Writing.

Although direct ink writing (DIW) allows the rapid fabrication of unique 3D printed objects, the resins-or "inks"-available for this technique are in short supply and often offer little functionality, leading to the development of new, custom inks. However, when creating new inks, the ability of the ink to lead to a successful print, or the "printability," must be considered. Thus, this work examined the effect of filler composition/concentration, printing parameters, and lattice structure on the printability of new polysiloxane inks incorporating high concentrations (50-70 wt%) of metallic and ceramic fillers as well as emulsions.

Loaded inter-set stretch may selectively enhance muscular adaptations of the plantar flexors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in changes in muscle strength and muscle thickness (MT) of the plantar flexor muscles between traditional resistance training (RT) involving passive rest and RT combined with inter-set stretch in the calf raise exercise. Employing a within-subject design, 21 young, healthy men performed plantar flexion exercises twice per week in both a traditional RT (TRAD) format and combined with a 20-second inter-set stretch (STRETCH). One leg was randomly assigned to the TRAD condition and the contralateral leg performed the STRETCH condition throughout the 8-week study period.

Consumption of Pulses among Chilean Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency of consumption, access to purchase, and type of preparations with pulses among people who eat a vegetarian/vegan or non-vegetarian diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional surveys were distributed using different digital platforms and social networks. We investigated the frequency of consumption, access to purchase any type of preparations.

The heart after surviving twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Background: The persistent changes in cardiac structure and function in children who survived twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome remain a matter of concern and controversy. Current fetal echocardiographic parameters and their postnatal evolution can help improve our understanding of the subject.

Objective: To describe the echocardiographic changes of monochorionic fetuses affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, the recipient and the donor, before and after laser photocoagulation and to determine their evolution in the third trimester and during their first year of life.

How do we measure gender discrimination? Proposing a construct of gender discrimination through a systematic scoping review.

Background: Gender discrimination (GD) has been frequently linked to mental health. The heterogeneity of how GD is defined has led to variation around the analysis of GD. This might affect the study of the association between GD and health outcomes.

Perinatal outcome after selective termination in dichorionic twins discordant for congenital anomalies.

Introduction: Our objective was to evaluate the perinatal outcome of selective termination of dichorionic twin pregnancies with discordant anomalies, according to gestational age at time of procedure.

Material And Methods: Retrospective review of 147 dichorionic twin pregnancies referred to our Fetal Medicine Unit between 2003 and 2018 for selective termination. Gestational age at delivery, fetal loss, and overall and 28-day post-delivery survival rates, were evaluated according to gestational age at time of procedure.

Left myocardial performance index in monochorionic diamniotic twin pairs complicated by selective fetal growth restriction with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler.

Objective: To evaluate left myocardial performance index (MPI) and its time intervals in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pairs complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) with abnormal (persistent -type II- or intermittent -type III- absent or reversed end-diastolic flow) umbilical artery Doppler.

Methods: Retrospective study including 16 MCDA twin pairs with sFGR type II, 26 MCDA twin pairs with sFGR type III and 42 gestational age-matched uncomplicated MCDA twin pairs in a single tertiary center. Left isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), ejection time (ET), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) were measured and MPI calculated by conventional Doppler at diagnosis of sFGR.

Prescriptive standards of echocardiographic morphometric and functional parameters in uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic fetuses.

Objective: To create prescriptive standards of cardiac morphometric and functional parameters in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins.

Method: Fetal echocardiography was performed in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic twin fetuses scanned longitudinally, including comprehensive morphometric and functional parameters, using 2-D imaging, M-mode and conventional Doppler. A multilevel polynomial hierarchical model adjusted by gestational age and estimated fetal weight was used to fit each cardiac parameter.

Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes after Cord Occlusion in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins.

Introduction: Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a common complication after fetal surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for and outcomes after PPROM following cord occlusion (CO) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 188 consecutive MCDA pregnancies treated by bipolar or laser CO, either primarily because of discordant malformation (dMF) or severe selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), or secondarily when complete bichorionization was not possible in case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or sFGR.

The Spanish Version of the Fear of Kidney Failure Questionnaire: Validity, Reliability, and Characterization of Living Donors With the Highest Fear of Kidney Failure.

Background: Measures of fear of progression or recurrence of illnesses have been criticized for neglecting cross-cultural validity. Therefore, we assessed the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Fear of Kidney Failure Questionnaire (FKFQ), to determine whether postdonation fear of kidney failure (FKF) influenced the donors' psychosocial status, and define variables that characterized donors with high FKFQ scores.

Methods: We included 492 participants (211 donors) in a multicenter, 11-year, retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Effect of multiple pregnancy and laterality on infant neurodevelopment.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of type of pregnancy (singleton, dizygotic, and monozygotic) on infant neurodevelopment and to explore how laterality operates in this relationship.

Methods: We constructed a prospective cohort of low-risk women with singleton, monozygotic, and dizygotic pregnancies. Laterality was evaluated using the Edinburgh's scale of laterality, while neurodevelopment was assessed using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

Specific Localization of an Auto-inhibition Mechanism at Presynaptic Terminals of Identified Serotonergic Neurons.

Auto-regulation mechanisms in serotonergic neurons regulate their electrical activity and secretion. Since these neurons release serotonin from different structural compartments - including presynaptic terminals, soma, axons and dendrites - through different mechanisms, autoregulation mechanisms are also likely to be different at each compartment. Here we show that a chloride-mediated auto-inhibitory mechanism is exclusively localized at presynaptic terminals, but not at extrasynaptic release sites, in serotonergic Retzius neurons of the leech.

Psychosocial risk factors for impaired health-related quality of life in living kidney donors: results from the ELIPSY prospective study.

Living kidney donors' follow-up is usually focused on the assessment of the surgical and medical outcomes. Whilst the psychosocial follow-up is advocated in literature. It is still not entirely clear which exact psychosocial factors are related to a poor psychosocial outcome of donors.

Uncomplicated Monochorionic Twins: Two Normal Hearts Sharing One Placenta.

Cardiovascular dysfunction has been reported in complicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies; however, little is known whether hemodynamic changes occur in uncomplicated MCDA twins. A prospective observational study was conducted including 100 uncomplicated MCDA twins matched by gestational age to 200 low-risk singletons. Echocardiography was performed at 26-30 weeks gestation and cord blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured at delivery.

Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Intensive Care Unit Sleep Improvement Protocol on Sleep Duration and Quality.

Background: Sleep improvement protocols are recommended for use in the intensive care unit (ICU) despite questions regarding which interventions to include, whether sleep quality or duration will improve, and the role of pharmacists in their development and implementation.

Objective: To characterize the impact of a pharmacist-led, ICU sleep improvement protocol on sleep duration and quality as evaluated by a commercially available activity tracker and patient perception.

Methods: Critical care pharmacists from a 40-bed, mixed ICU at a large community hospital led the development and implementation of an interprofessional sleep improvement protocol.

Reference ranges for fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size, sphericity, ventricular dominance, wall asymmetry and relative wall thickness from 18 to 41 gestational weeks.

Objective: To construct nomograms for fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size and geometry parameters from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation using a low-risk population of singleton pregnancies.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 602 low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing comprehensive fetal echocardiography, from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation, to assess fetal cardiac, atrial and ventricular relative size and sphericity, ventricular dominance, wall asymmetry and relative wall thickness. Intra- and interobserver measurement reproducibility was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).