Training in robotic-assisted surgery: a systematic review of training modalities and objective and subjective assessment methods.

INTRODUCTION: The variety of robotic surgery systems, training modalities, and assessment tools within robotic surgery training is extensive. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively overview different training modalities and assessment methods for teaching and assessing surgical skills in robotic surgery, with a specific focus on comparing objective and subjective assessment methods. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched from inception until February 1, 2022. Included studies consisted of robotic-assisted surgery training (e.g., box training, virtual reality training, cadaver training and animal tissue training) with an assessment method (objective or subjective), such as assessment forms, virtual reality scores, peer-to-peer feedback or time recording. RESULTS: The search identified 1591 studies. After abstract screening and full-texts examination, 209 studies were identified that focused on robotic surgery training and included an assessment tool. The majority of the studies utilized the da Vinci Surgical System, with dry lab training being the most common approach, followed by the da Vinci Surgical Skills Simulator. The most frequently used assessment methods included simulator scoring system (e.g., dVSS score), and assessment forms (e.g., GEARS and OSATS). CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides an overview of training modalities and assessment methods in robotic-assisted surgery. Dry lab training on the da Vinci Surgical System and training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator are the predominant approaches. However, focused training on tissue handling, manipulation, and force interaction is lacking, despite the absence of haptic feedback. Future research should focus on developing universal objective assessment and feedback methods to address these limitations as the field continues to evolve.

Design and evaluation of a smart passive dynamic arm support for robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

Surgeons performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery experience physical stress and overuse of shoulder muscles due to sub-optimal arm support during surgery. The objective is to present a novel design and prototype of a dynamic arm support for robotic laparoscopic surgery to evaluate its ergonomics and performance on the AdLap-VR simulation training device. The prototype was designed using the mechanical engineering design process: Technical requirements, concept creation, concept selection, 3D-design and built of the prototype. A crossover study was performed on a marble sorting task on the AdLap-VR. The first group performed four trials without the arm support, followed by four trials with the arm support, and the other group executed the sequence vice versa. The performance parameters used were time to complete (s), path length (mm), and the number of collisions. Afterward, the participants filled out a questionnaire on the ergonomic experience regarding both situations. 20 students executed 160 performed trials on the AdLap-VR Significant decreases in the subjective comfort parameters mental demand, physical demand, effort and frustration were observed as a result of introducing the novel arm support. Significant decreases in the objective performance parameters path length and the number of collisions were also observed during the tests. The newly developed dynamic arm support was found to improve comfort and enhance performance through increased stability on the robotic surgery skills simulator AdLap-VR.

Construction 4.0 technology evaluation using fuzzy TOPSIS: comparison between sustainability and resiliency, well-being, productivity, safety, and integrity.

This study aims to compare the impact of Construction 4.0 technologies on different organizational core values, focusing on sustainability and resiliency, well-being, productivity, safety, and integrity. To achieve that aim, the study objectives are the following: (i) identify the critical Construction 4.0 technologies between core values; (ii) appraise overlapping critical Construction 4.0 technologies between core values; (iii) examine the ranking performance of Construction 4.0 technologies between core values; and (iv) analyze the interrelationships between Construction 4.0 technologies and core values. First, twelve Construction 4.0 technologies were identified from a national strategic plan. Then, the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) that incorporates subjective and objective weights was used to evaluate the impact of the Construction 4.0 technologies on the five core values. Finally, the collected data was analyzed using the following techniques: fuzzy TOPSIS, normalization, overlap analysis, agreement analysis, sensitivity analysis, ranking comparison, and Spearman correlation. The study findings reveal four critical Construction 4.0 technologies that enhance all five core values: building information modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), big data and predictive analytics, and autonomous construction. Also, there is a high agreement on the Construction 4.0 technologies that enhance well-being and productivity. Lastly, artificial intelligence (AI) has the highest number of very strong relationships among the core values. The originality of this paper lies in its comprehensive comparison of the impact of Construction 4.0 technologies on multiple organizational core values. The study findings provide valuable insights in making strategic decisions in adopting Construction 4.0 technologies.

Developing a WELL building model for office environments.

Many reported cases of occupants in modern office buildings suffer from severe health risks, negative impacts on well-being, and productivity loss. Existing building standards often prioritize energy performance and green environments over human sustainability. Moreover, office buildings have a distinct group of occupants that require extra attention. Hence, the study aims to develop a WELL building model specifically for office buildings to support occupants' well-being, health, and productivity (i.e., WELL). To achieve that objective, this study developed a list of physical indoor building features through a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews. Then, the features were inserted into a survey and sent to office building occupants and built environment professionals. The collected data was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings suggest twelve new features applicable for supporting WELL in office buildings: workspace privacy, sufficient space, office layout, cleanliness, efficiency in building services, individual control, building automation system, Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) risk, security system, safety at parking lots, and safe design. Also, three new concepts for supporting WELL in office buildings were established: office space, building services and maintenance, and smart systems. The new concepts and features lay a foundation for designing office buildings that comprehensively target occupants' WELL. Finally, this study is unique as it accentuates the development of a WELL building model specifically for office buildings.

Impact of corn processing and weaning age on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and behavior.

This study examined the impact of two corn processing methods (steam-flaked (SFC) vs. ground) combined with two weaning ages (50 or 75 days) on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, and behavior. The study involved 48 three-day-old Holstein calves, with an average body weight of 41.4 ± 2.2 kg. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, resulting in four treatment groups: SFC50 (SFC and weaning at 50 days), SFC75 (SFC and weaning at 75 days), GC50 (ground corn and weaning at 50 days), and GC75 (ground corn and weaning at 75 days). Calves were given whole milk at 4 L/ day from day 3-15 and 7 L/ day from day 16 to either 43 or 68, depending on weaning age. Weaning occurred between days 44 and 50 for early-weaned calves and between days 69 and 75 for late-weaned calves. The study lasted until calves were 93 days old. The starter ration consisted of soybean meal, corn grain, 5% chopped wheat straw and premix. Results indicated that the SFC-based starter feed improved calf performance and nutrient digestion, as evidenced by increased weight gain, dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Calves fed the SFC-based starter diet had lower blood albumin and urea N concentrations, while blood total protein and globulin concentrations were higher, especially in early-weaned calves. No significant changes in rumen pH and ammonia-N concentration were observed. In addition, the SFC starter feed resulted in higher volatile fatty acids concentration and longer feeding time in weaned calves compared to ground corn. Overall, these results suggest that an SFC-based starter feed may be beneficial for both early and late weaned calves.

Spinal Reirradiation-Mediated Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reirradiation of the spine is carried out in 42% of patients who do not respond to treatment or have recurrent pain. However, there are few studies and data on the effect of reirradiation of the spine and the occurrence of acute and chronic side-effects caused by reirradiation, such as myelopathy, in these patients. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the safe dose in terms of biological effective dose (BED), cumulative dose and dose interval between BED1 and BED2 to decrease or prevent myelopathy and pain control in patients undergoing radiation therapy in the spinal cord. A search was carried out using EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Google Scholar, Cochrane Collaboration library electronic databases, Magiran, and SID from 2000 to 2022 to recognise qualified studies. In total, 17 primary studies were applied to estimate the pooled effect size. The random effects model showed that the pooled BED in the first stage, the BED in the second stage and the cumulative BED1 and BED2 were estimated at 77.63, 58.35 and 115.34 Gy, respectively. Studies reported on dose interval. The results of a random effects model showed that the pooled interval was estimated at 13.86 months. The meta-analysis revealed that using appropriate BED1 and/or BED2 in a safe interval between the first and second phases of treatment can have an influential role in preventing or reducing the effects of myelopathy and regional control pain in spinal reirradiation.

Objective measurement of retention of laparoscopic skills: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an overall growth of 462% in laparoscopic procedures performed by surgical residents between 2000 and 2018. Therefore, training courses in laparoscopic surgery are advocated in many postgraduate programs. While the immediate effect is determined in some cases, the retention of acquired skills is rarely investigated. The objective of this study was to objectively measure the retention of laparoscopic technical skills to offer a more personalized training program. METHODS: First year general surgery residents performed two fundamental laparoscopic skills tasks (Post and Sleeve and the ZigZag loop) on the Lapron box trainer. Assessment was performed before, directly after, and 4 months after completing the basic laparoscopy course. Force, motion, and time were the measured variables. RESULTS: A total of 29 participants were included from 12 Dutch training hospitals and 174 trials were analyzed. The 4 months assessment of the Post and Sleeve showed a significant improvement in force ( P= 0.004), motion ( P ≤0.001), and time ( P ≤0.001) compared to the baseline assessment. The same was true for the ZigZag loop: force ( P ≤0.001), motion ( P= 0.005), and time ( P ≤0.001).Compared to the 4 months assessment, skill deterioration was present for the Post and Sleeve in the mean force ( P= 0.046), max impulse ( P= 0.12), and time ( P= 0.002). For the ZigZag loop, skill decay was observed for force ( P= 0.021), motion ( P= 0.015), and time ( P ≤0.001) parameters. CONCLUSION: Acquired laparoscopic technical skills decreased 4 months after the basic laparoscopy course. Compared to baseline performance, participants showed significant improvement, however deterioration was observed compared to postcourse measurements. To preserve acquired laparoscopic skills, it is recommended to incorporate maintenance training, preferably with objective parameters, in training curricula.

Crossover-effects in technical skills between laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted surgery is often performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. However, this technique requires a different set of technical skills and surgeons are expected to alternate between these approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate the crossover effects when switching between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. METHODS: An international multicentre crossover study was conducted. Trainees with distinctly different levels of experience were divided into three groups (novice, intermediate, expert). Each trainee performed six trials of a standardized suturing task using a laparoscopic box trainer and six trials using the da Vinci surgical robot. Both systems were equipped with the ForceSense system, measuring five force-based parameters for objective assessment of tissue handling skills. Statistical comparison was done between the sixth and seventh trial to identify transition effects. Unexpected changes in parameter outcomes after the seventh trial were further investigated. RESULTS: A total of 720 trials, performed by 60 participants, were analysed. The expert group increased their tissue handling forces with 46% (maximum impulse 11.5 N/s to 16.8 N/s, p = 0.05), when switching from robot-assisted surgery to laparoscopy. When switching from laparoscopy to robot-assisted surgery, intermediates and experts significantly decreased in motion efficiency (time (sec), resp. 68 vs. 100, p = 0.05, and 44 vs. 84, p = 0.05). Further investigation between the seventh and ninth trial showed that the intermediate group increased their force exertion with 78% (5.1 N vs. 9.1 N, p = 0.04), when switching to robot-assisted surgery. CONCLUSION: The crossover effects in technical skills between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery are highly depended on the prior experience with laparoscopic surgery. Where experts can alternate between approaches without impairment of technical skills, novices and intermediates should be aware of decay in efficiency of movement and tissue handling skills that could impact patient safety. Therefore, additional simulation training is advised to prevent from undesired events.

Force-based assessment of tissue handling skills in simulation training for robot-assisted surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Although robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly performed, objective assessment of technical skills is lacking. The aim of this study is to provide validity evidence for objective assessment of technical skills for robotic-assisted surgery. METHODS: An international multicenter study was conducted with participants from the academic hospitals Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany, Heidelberg) and the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (The Netherlands, Amsterdam). Trainees with distinctly different levels of robotic surgery experience were divided into three groups (novice, intermediate, expert) and enrolled in a training curriculum. Each trainee performed six trials of a standardized suturing task using the da Vinci Surgical System. Using the ForceSense system, five force-based parameters were analyzed, for objective assessment of tissue handling skills. Mann-Whitney U test and linear regression were used to analyze performance differences and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze skills progression. RESULTS: A total of 360 trials, performed by 60 participants, were analyzed. Significant differences between the novices, intermediates and experts were observed regarding the total completion time (41 s vs 29 s vs 22 s p = 0.003), mean non zero force (29 N vs 33 N vs 19 N p = 0.032), maximum impulse (40 Ns vs 31 Ns vs 20 Ns p = 0.001) and force volume (38 N3 vs 32 N3 vs 22 N3 p = 0.018). Furthermore, the experts showed better results in mean non-zero force (22 N vs 13 N p = 0.015), maximum impulse (24 Ns vs 17 Ns p = 0.043) and force volume (25 N3 vs 16 N3 p = 0.025) compared to the intermediates (p ≤ 0.05). Lastly, learning curve improvement was observed for the total task completion time, mean non-zero force, maximum impulse and force volume (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Construct validity for force-based assessment of tissue handling skills in robot-assisted surgery is established. It is advised to incorporate objective assessment and feedback in robot-assisted surgery training programs to determine technical proficiency and, potentially, to prevent tissue trauma.

Formation of a Nanorod-Assembled TiO2 Actinomorphic-Flower-like Microsphere Film via Ta Doping Using a Facile Solution Immersion Method for Humidity Sensing.

This study fabricated tantalum (Ta)-doped titanium dioxide with a unique nanorod-assembled actinomorphic-flower-like microsphere structured film. The Ta-doped TiO2 actinomorphic-flower-like microsphere (TAFM) was fabricated via the solution immersion method in a Schott bottle with a home-made improvised clamp. The samples were characterised using FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, and Hall effect measurements for their structural and electrical properties. Compared to the undoped sample, the rutile-phased TAFM sample had finer nanorods with an average 42 nm diameter assembled to form microsphere-like structures. It also had higher oxygen vacancy sites, electron concentration, and mobility. In addition, a reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy measurement was performed for TAFM, revealing that the sample had a high electron trap density of up to 2.5 µmolg-1. The TAFM showed promising results when employed as the resistive-type sensing film for a humidity sensor, with the highest sensor response of 53,909% obtained at 3 at.% Ta doping. Adding rGO to 3 at.% TAFM further improved the sensor response to 232,152%.

Prediction of laparoscopic skills: objective learning curve analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of proficiency of laparoscopic skills is essential to establish personalized training programs. Objective assessment of laparoscopic skills has been validated in a laparoscopic box trainer with force, motion and time recognition. The aim of this study is to investigate whether acquiring proficiency of laparoscopic skills can be predicted based on performance in such a training box. METHODS: Surgical residents in their first year of training performed six different tasks in the Lapron box trainer. Force, motion and time data, three objective measures of tissue manipulation and instrument handling, were collected and analyzed for the six different tasks. Linear regression tests were used to predict the learning curve and the number of repetitions required to reach proficiency. RESULTS: A total of 6010 practice sessions performed by 42 trainees from 13 Dutch hospitals were assessed and included for analysis. Proficiency level was determined as a mean result of seven experts performing 42 trials. Learning curve graphs and prediction models for each task were calculated. A significant relationship between force, motion and time during six different tasks and prediction of proficiency was present in 17 out of 18 analyses. CONCLUSION: The learning curve of proficiency of laparoscopic skills can accurately be predicted after three repetitions of six tasks in a training box with force, path length and time recognition. This will facilitate personalized training programs in laparoscopic surgery.

The occurrence of flexion-relaxation phenomenon in elite cyclists during trunk forward bending.

Flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is a well-known phenomenon in spinal extensor muscles. According to the literature, prolonged flexed posture leads to creep phenomenon and affects the active and passive neuromuscular control of the spinal column. The purpose of this study was to investigate FRP occurrence in elite cyclists that prolonged flexion posture is an integral part of their professional life. Their muscles' contraction pattern during forward bending was also compared. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded during flexion and extension from standing position in thoracic erector spinae (TES), lumbar erector spinae (LES) and gluteus maximus (Gluteus max) in 15 healthy male elite cyclists. In addition, the kinematic data related to the trunk angles were simultaneously recorded by a motion analysis system. Two-way ANOVA was used to assess the effects of muscle group and direction of movement on maximum amplitude of EMG activity. Among 15 cyclists, FRP was detectable in 60%, 87% and 73% of the participants in TES, LES and Gluteus max, respectively, and happened between 74% and 82% of the trunk flexion. There was no statistically significant difference in onset and offset of muscles FRP. Despite prolong hyper kyphotic posture, FRP was identifiable in TES, LES and Gluteus max muscles of elite cyclists.

Modeling COVID-19 Impacts and Response Strategies in the Construction Industry: PLS-SEM Approach.

Policymakers are developing response strategies to reduce the impacts of COVID-19. However, developing response strategies without considering their relationships with the impacts of COVID-19 is ineffective. This study aims to model the causal relationships between COVID-19 impacts and response strategies in the construction industry, using Malaysia as a case study. To achieve this, a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with forty industry professionals were conducted, yielding 12 impacts and 22 response strategies. The impacts and strategies were inserted into a survey, and 107 valid responses were received. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to group the impacts and strategies. Then, partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to identify the causal relationship between the impacts and strategies. The EFA results indicate that the underlying impacts are project- or material-related, and the underlying strategies are market stability and financial aid, supply chain and project support, and information and legislation. The PLS-SEM results indicate that supply chain and project support are required to address material-related impacts, and market stability and financial aid are required to address project-related impacts. This is the first paper that models the relationships between COVID-19 impacts and response strategies in the construction industry.

Safe implementation of hand held steerable laparoscopic instruments: a survey among EAES surgeons.

The complexity of handheld steerable laparoscopic instruments (SLI) may impair the learning curve compared to conventional instruments when first utilized. This study aimed to provide the current state of interest in the use of SLI, the current use of these in daily practice and the type of training which is conducted before using SLI in the operating room (OR) on real patients. An online survey was distributed by European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Executive Office to all active members, between January 4th and February 3rd, 2020. The survey consisted of 14 questions regarding the usage and training of steerable laparoscopic instruments. A total of 83 members responded, coming from 33 different countries. Twenty three percent of the respondents using SLI, were using the instruments routinely and of these 21% had not received any formal training in advance of using the instruments in real patients. Of all responding EAES members, 41% considered the instruments to potentially compromise patient safety due to their complexity, learning curve and the inexperience of the surgeons. The respondents reported the three most important aspects of a possible steerable laparoscopic instruments training curriculum to be: hands-on training, safe tissue handling and suturing practice. Finally, a major part of the respondents consider force/pressure feedback data to be of significant importance for implementation of training and assessment of safe laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Training and assessment of skills regarding safe implementation of steerable laparoscopic instruments is lacking. The respondents stressed the need for specific hands-on training during which feedback and assessment of skills should be guaranteed before operating on real patients.

Effects of ground, steam-flaked, and super-conditioned corn grain on production performance and total-tract digestibility in dairy cows.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding ground, steam-flaked, or super-conditioned corn on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows (130 ± 12 d in milk) in a completely randomized block design experiment were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments that contained 31% of one of the following corn types: (1) ground corn; (2) steam-flaked corn; and (3) super-conditioned corn. Actual milk yield was greater in the super-conditioned corn diet than in the steam-flaked and ground corn diets. Dry matter intake, 3.5% fat-corrected milk and energy-corrected milk remained unaffected by treatments; however, milk fat concentration decreased in the super-conditioned corn diet compared with the ground and steam-flaked corn diets. The molar proportion of ruminal acetate decreased in the super-conditioned corn diet compared with the ground and steam-flaked corn diets, whereas the molar proportion of propionate spiked in the super-conditioned corn diet. Ruminal pH dropped in cows fed super-conditioned corn compared with the other 2 diets. A similar pattern was observed for ruminal NH3-N and acetate-to-propionate ratio. Total-tract starch digestibility increased the most in the super-conditioned corn diet followed by the steam-flaked and ground corn diets (96.8, 95.1, and 92.5%, respectively). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility declined in cows fed the super-conditioned corn diet as opposed to other diets (~3.9%). The concentrations of 16:0 and mixed-FA in milk fat dropped in the super-conditioned corn-based diet compared with the ground corn diet. Milk trans-10 18:1 FA increased, whereas trans-11 18:1 FA decreased in cows fed the super-conditioned diet. We concluded that super-conditioned corn has the potential to increase milk yield and starch digestibility in lactating dairy cows; however, reduced milk fat output caused by altering ruminal pH and ruminal FA biohydrogenation pathways may not be desirable in certain markets. Future research is warranted to investigate how super-conditioned corn affects feed efficiency.

Clinical display, diagnostics and genetic implication of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

COVID-19 pandemic can cause irreparable damage to the involved society. This study aimed to provide a summary of the up-to-dated clinical display, diagnostics, molecular and genetic implications for COVID-19 infected patients. In this review, 73 research articles published before 25 March 2020 were analyzed to better understand the clinical characteristics of patients and to introduce the available serological, hematology and molecular diagnostic methods. Apart from articles extracted from PubMed and Google Scholar, WHO (https://www.who.int/), NHC (National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (http://www.nhc.gov.cn/), NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, https://www.nice.org.uk/), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/), and National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (http://www.satcm.gov.cn/) were also accessed to search for eligible studies. Papers published between January 1, 2020, and 25 March 2020 were searched in English and the terms "2019-nCoV, Covid-19, Clinical Characteristics OR manifestation, method of detection, COVID-19 Genome and molecular test" were used. As the pandemic continues to evolve, there have been reports about the possibility of asymptomatic transmission of this newly emerged pneumonia virus. We highlighted the role of HLA haplotype in virus infection as HLA typing will provide susceptibility information for personalized prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in future studies. All the data in this article will assist researchers and clinicians to develop their clinical views regarding infected patients and to emphasize the origin of SARS-CoV-2 for diagnostics.

Aspirin/antiplatelet agent use improves disease-free survival and reduces the risk of distant metastases in Stage II and III triple-negative breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The objective is to define the therapeutic role of antiplatelet agents in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) population. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis using the UTSW TNBC registry containing data from 222 Stage II-III TNBC patients treated between 1998 and 2016. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastases rate (DMR), and overall survival outcomes. Antiplatelet drug use was determined by review of electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients used antiplatelet (AP) agents, and 157 patients did not use AP agents. Median follow-up for AP and non-AP groups was 41.3 and 40.9 months, respectively. There was an improvement in the AP group compared with the control group in 5-year DFS (80.4% at 5 years compared with 62.3% in the control group, p = 0.04) and 5-year DMR (8.8 vs. 31.9%, p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, AP use was found to be significantly associated with improvements in DFS and DMR. CONCLUSIONS: We illustrate that antiplatelet agent use improves DMR and DFS among a stage II and III TNBC population despite our short follow-up evaluation. Longer follow-up evaluation will be required to determine additional outcome advantage for antiplatelet agent use. Our findings support consideration of investigation of antiplatelet therapy as an adjunctive therapy for TNBC at high risk for disease recurrence.

The influence of Positional Release Therapy on the myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle in computer users.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Positional Release Therapy (PRT) in computer users via latent trigger points (LTrPs) of the upper trapezius muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight women with the upper trapezius MTrPs participated in this study. Subjects were randomly classified into two groups (14 in each group): the subjects in the Group 1 received PRT in shortened position while those in the group 2 received sham control in the neutral position of the upper trapezius muscle. They received three therapy sessions every other day for one week. The local pain intensity and Pressure pain threshold (PPT) were measured via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and algometry, respectively, before interventions and repeated 5 min after the first and third treatment sessions in each group. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis. After treatment, between groups comparison revealed that for PPT and VAS, there were significant differences between the two groups (VAS and PPT; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups (PRT and sham control) showed alleviation of pain and increase in PPT during three sessions of therapy although PRT showed to be more effective in these patients.

Genetic diversity of the Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea Fabricius, 1787) populations based on microsatellite markers.

Apis florea is one of two species of small, wild honeybee. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity of Apis florea honeybee from 48 nests (colonies) using microsatellite markers in the South of Iran. All honeybee samples were analyzed for six microsatellite loci (A88, A107, A7, B124, A113 and A35). The six loci had different numbers of alleles in the sampled colonies ranging from 7 (loci A107) to 3 (loci A7, A35). Gene diversity in Apis florea ranged from 0.491 to 0.595. This range probably reflects the spreading of nests in a large region with a varied climate. Phylogenetic tree showed two distinct clusters including a) Minab region samples and b) Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khamir and Qeshm Island regions. All of these regions are geographically rich, having varied vegetation and climate conditions. Our findings are an important contribution to the methods of studying distribution and conservation of Apis florea.

Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in new artificial seminal fluid.

Vitrification is a new method that has been recently introduced in Assisted Reproduction Technique programs. The aim of this study was to design a new medium similar to normal human seminal fluid (SF), formulation artificial seminal fluid (ASF), and to compare the cryoprotective potency of this medium with SF and human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Thirty normal ejaculates were processed with the swim-up technique and sperm suspensions were divided into four aliquots: (i) fresh sample (control); (ii) vitrification in HTF medium supplemented with 5 mg/mL human serum albumin and 0.25 mol sucrose (Vit HTF); (iii) vitrification with patients' SF (Vit SF); and (iv) vitrification in ASF (Vit ASF). After warming, sperm parameters of motility, viability, and morphology were analyzed using WHO criteria. Also, sperm pellets were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that progressive motility (46.09 ± 10.33 vs. 36.80 ± 13.75), grade A motility (36.59 ± 11.40 vs. 16.41 ± 11.24), and normal morphology (18.74 ± 8.35 vs. 11.85 ± 5.84) and viability (68.22 ± 10.83 vs. 60.86 ± 11.72) of spermatozoa were significantly higher in Vit ASF than in Vit HTF. All parameters were better in Vit ASF than in Vit SF, but only viability was significantly different (p = 0.006). After cryopreservation, deep invagination in cytoplasm and mechanically weak point sites and folded tail were commonly observed. But, this phenomenon was more significant in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In transmission electron microscopy evaluation, acrosome damage, plasma membrane loss, chromatin vacuolation, and disruption of mitochondria arrangement and structures were observed in all vitrified groups. Adherence of several tail sections together was also seen in all cryo groups. But this was seen more in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa with ASF can effectively preserve the quality of sperm motility in comparison with Vit HTF.