Search

Copyright of Journal of Sport & Health Research is the property of Journal of Sport & Health Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of new advanced lubricants is a key factor for the production of cleaner and more durable internal combustion engines. New improved antifriction and antiwear additives are required. The inclusion of nanoparticles known as solid lubricants (MoS2 and WS2 inorganic fullerenes) in fully formulated engine oils could help to improve the performance of the lubricant and of the engine. The AddNano Consortium, partially funded by the European Commission, investigated the possibility of including inorganic fullerenes in the formulation of engine oils. MoS2 nanoparticles integrated in the additive package of an SAE 5W30 engine oil showed a 50% reduction in the coefficient of friction in tribological lab-scale experiments. The nano-oil was formulated by modifying the additive package in order to stably disperse the nanoparticles and avoid counterproductive interactions with the other components of the package (antifoam, antioxidant, detergents, antiwear and antifriction additives). In the present work, characterization of the nanolubricants on a bench test simulating the real tribological conditions encountered in the valve-train of a diesel engine is reported. transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the nanoparticles and the rubbed surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of stormwater represents a potential option for meeting water demands in water stressed regions as well as preventing and mitigating diffuse pollution of receiving water bodies. Particularly, the elaboration of a risk management plan for stormwater reuse may help to understand associated environmental and public health risks and design fit-for-purpose water treatment processes. In this work, it is presented an innovative methodology to perform quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for stormwater reuse by using data simulated by SWMM software. Particularly, 210 rain events were simulated by SWMM after qualitative and quantitative calibration of the sewer network model of the city of Cupra Maritima (Italy) to identify sewer overflows. Obtained concentrations of pathogens (i.e., E. coli, Campylobacter) in overflows from each critical spillway were fitted by theoretical distribution curves. Hence, QMRA for Campylobacter was performed by Monte Carlo simulation and by linking observed overflows to the exposure events of stormwater reuse for the scenario of 1) municipal irrigation, 2) garden irrigation and 3) toilet flushing as defined by the Australian Guideline for water recycling. Furthermore, QMRA analysis was repeated after simulation of sewer overflow treatment by nature-based solution (NBS) with and without disinfection (UV and performic acid - PFA). Stormwater treatments were simulated by applying uniform distributions of expected range of bacteria log removals. Results showed that stormwater treatment by nature-based solution and disinfections (PFA dose of 2.5-5 mg/L) were able to reduce the risk of Campylobacter infection to acceptable level for most of spillways in the three investigated reuse scenarios. In addition, produced data were elaborated to identify critical overflows discharging in bathing water according to the indications of the EU bathing directive., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Refractory or recurrent retinoblastoma results from acquired chemoresistance and the management of these eyes often requires surgical removal. Our objective was to develop retinoblastoma models resistant to chemotherapy by exposing cancer cells to repeated chemotherapy mimicking the clinical scenario. These newly resistant cells were used to evaluate potential novel therapies., Methods: Chemoresistant cells were obtained by exposing two primary retinoblastoma cell cultures to three weekly doses of melphalan or topotecan. The sensitivity of these resistant cells to each chemotherapy was evaluated, and cross-resistance to topotecan, melphalan, and carboplatin was assessed. Genomic alterations and differential expression of efflux/influx transporters between chemoresistant and parental cells were analyzed. Subsequently, sensitivity of both resistant and parental cells to the repurposed agents digoxin, methylene blue, and gemcitabine was assessed., Results: Four chemoresistant models were successfully established, showing significantly higher half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for melphalan and topotecan compared to their corresponding parental cells (P < 0.05). Cross-resistance between melphalan and topotecan was demonstrated, with a 3-fold increase in the IC50. Chemoresistant cells also showed reduced sensitivity to carboplatin (P < 0.05) compared to parental cells, whereas sensitivity to the evaluated repurposed agents remained unchanged. Genomic analysis revealed no selective alterations in the resistant cells, although differential expression of influx/efflux transporters was observed across all chemoresistant models., Conclusions: In vitro simulation of patient treatment was useful to establish chemoresistant retinoblastomas and to identify strategies to overcome resistance to topotecan or melphalan through drug repurposed. Our results warrant further investigation to support the clinical translation.

Specific campaigns to detect microplastics (MPs) in the urban water cycle were carried out in three drinking water plants and two wastewater treatment plants. A self-designed sampler for MPs detection in water matrices was in this study preliminary validated and then tested in long term campaigns sampling up to 1000 L. Raw drinking water and wastewater show microplastics (MPs) concentrations of 2-11 and of 480-801 MPs/m 3 , respectively, and MPs removals of 47-78 % and of 84-98 %, correspondingly. Specific roles of chemical and physical conventional processes in microplastics removals were investigated. Solid-liquid separation, flotation and filtration are the main processes for achieving high microplastics removal. Regarding concentrated matrices, MPs concentrations in sludge samples varied in the range of 5000-500,000 MPs/m 3 . Finally, shapes, size classes and polymers' typologies were investigated in the extracted MPs. The detected sizes are mainly 0.5-0.1 mm in drinking waters while 5-1 mm in wastewaters. Wastewaters were predominated by synthetic fibers (polyester type), while drinking waters were mainly characterized by fragments and the fibers were mostly of natural origin. Finally, the results of this study supported best practices and guidelines for a representative assessment of MPs in water (sampling methods, extraction procedures, characterization and quantification)., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate whether the morphology of the acromion and the inclination of the glenoid are associated with the risk of supraspinatus (SSP) tendon ruptures. Materials and methods A total of 106 patients were enrolled in this study between August 2012 and February 2014, including 55 symptomatic patients with an SSP tendon rupture (ruptured group) and 51 patients with an intact SSP (control group). MRI of the shoulder was performed for all patients in both groups. All MR images were analyzed by two blinded observers to measure the acromiohumeral interval (AHI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromial slope (AS), acromial tilt (AT), lateral acromial angle (LAA), acromion index (AI), and glenoid inclination (GI). Furthermore, both observers analyzed tendon integrity and quality on all MRIs in both groups. The results of the radiological examination concerning acromial and glenoidal morphology were compared between the control group with intact SSP tendons and the rupture group. Results Patients with an SSP tendon rupture had a narrower AHI (9.1 ± 1.4 mm vs. 7.8 ± 2.1 mm; p < 0.01), a greater AT (36.0 ± 5.4° vs. 39.7 ± 5.9°; p < 0.01), and a lower LAA (81.1 ± 7.2° vs. 76.2 ± 5.0°; p < 0.01). Patients with an AHI smaller than 8.2 mm (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.2 to 2.7]; p < 0.01) or an AT greater than 36.5° (OR 3.56 [95% CI 1.57 to 8.01]; p = 0.03) or a LAA lower than 80.5° (OR 4.04 [95% CI 2.04 to 7.90]; p < 0.01) had higher risk for an SSP tendon rupture. No differences between either group were found in relation to the AS, CSA, AI, or glenoid inclination. Conclusions The results of this study showed that the AHI, LAA and AT correlated with SSP tendon rupture. It should be noted that the preoperative AHI less than 8.2 mm, AT greater than 36.5° or LAA less than 80.5° may be associated with SSP tendon ruptures., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. University of Ulm issued approval 104/17. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Caffard et al.)

By implementing advanced wastewater treatment technologies coupled with digital tools, high-quality water is produced to be reused within the industry, enhancing process efficiency and closing loops. This paper investigates the impact of three innovation tools (process, circular and digital) in a Solvay chemical plant. Four technologies of the wastewater treatment plant "WAPEREUSE" were deployed, predicting their performance by process modelling and simulation in the PSM Tool. The environmental impact was assessed using Life Cycle Assessment and compared to the impact of the current industrial effluent discharge. The circularity level was assessed through three alternative closed-loop scenarios: (1) conventional treatment and discharge to sea (baseline), (2) conventional and advanced treatment by WAPEREUSE and discharge to sea, (3) conventional and advanced treatment by WAPEREUSE and industrial water reuse through cross-sectorial symbiotic network, where effluents are exchanged among the process industry, municipality and a water utility. Scenario 1 has the lowest pollutants' removal efficiency with environmental footprint of 0.93 mPt/m 3 . WAPEREUSE technologies decreased COD by 98.3%, TOC by 91.4% and nitrates by 94.5%. Scenario 2 had environmental footprint of 1.12 mPt/m 3 . The cross-sectorial symbiotic network on the industrial value chain resulted in higher industrial circularity and sustainability level, avoiding effluents discharge. Scenario 3 is selected as the best option with 0.72 mPt per m 3 , reducing the environmental footprint by 21% and 36% compared to Scenarios 1 and 2, respectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction While several studies have compared tenotomy and tenodesis, few studies have examined whether performing a tenodesis of the long head of the biceps (LHB), when indicated, in patients who have undergone rotator cuff reconstruction has a detrimental impact on clinical and radiological postoperative outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate whether performing a tenodesis of the LHB has a damaging effect on the clinical and radiological outcome after rotator cuff reconstruction. Material and methods Fifty-one patients surgically treated for supraspinatus (SSP) tendon tears were included. All included patients received a reconstruction of the SSP, depending on the LHB surgery performed, patients were divided into two groups: 1) with concomitant tenodesis of the LHB and 2) without surgery of the LHB. Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), Constant, Oxford, and LHB scores were assessed at 2.3 ± 0.3 years postoperatively. All patients underwent clinical examination, including range of motion and force measurements. Furthermore, patients received an MRI scan of the operated shoulder two years postoperatively. Two blinded observers independently analyzed the integrity and quality of the rotator cuff on postoperative MRI using Sugaya and Castricini classifications. Clinical and radiological results were compared between both groups. Results All analyzed clinical scores, ranges of motion, and force measurements revealed no difference between both groups. Except for fatty infiltration (0° = 81% (21 of 26) vs. 68% (17 of 25); 1° = 15% (four of 26) vs. 28% (seven of 25); 2° = 4% (one of 26) vs. 4% (one of 25); and 3° = 0% (0 of 26) vs. 4% (one of 25); p < 0.01), no differences between both groups concerning the integrity (re-rupture rate = 27% (seven of 26) vs. 20% (five of 25); p = 0.39) and quality of the SSP tendon were found. Conclusions Tenodesis of the LHB performed in addition to rotator cuff repair is not associated with detrimental clinical outcomes than rotator cuff repair without surgery of the LHB. Except for fatty infiltration, which was lower in the tenodesis group, the results of the present study suggest that concomitant tenodesis of the LHB produces in patients who received rotator cuff repair have no detrimental effect in terms of clinical outcomes and re-rupture rates as well as tendon quality. Therefore, when indicated, simultaneous tenodesis of the LHB appears to be a safe and effective procedure that has no negative impact on the postoperative outcome after SSP tendon reconstruction., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board of University of Ulm issued approval 155/19. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Sgroi et al.)

In this paper, a novel methodology and extended hybrid model for the real time control, prediction and reduction of direct emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is proposed to overcome the lack of long-term data availability in several full-scale case studies. A mechanistic model (MCM) and a machine learning (ML) model are combined to real time control, predict the emissions of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as well as effluent quality (COD - chemical oxygen demand, NH 4 -N - ammonia, NO 3 -N - nitrate) in activated sludge method. For methane (CH 4 ), using the MCM model, predictions are performed on the input data (VFA, CODs for aerobic and anaerobic compartments) to the MLM model. Additionally, scenarios were analyzed to assess and reduce the GHGs emissions related to the biological processes. A real WWTP, with a population equivalent (PE) of 125,000, was studied for the validation of the hybrid model. A global sensitivity analysis (GSA) of the MCM and a ML model were implemented to assess GHGs emission mechanisms the biological reactor. Finally, an early warning tool for the prediction of GHGs errors was implemented to assess the accuracy and the reliability of the proposed algorithm. The results could support the wastewater treatment plant operators to evaluate possible mitigation scenarios (MS) that can reduce direct GHG emissions from WWTPs by up to 21%, while maintaining the final quality standard of the treated effluent., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The mutualistic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis arose in land plants more than 450 million years ago and is still widely found in all major land plant lineages. Despite its broad taxonomic distribution, little is known about the molecular components underpinning symbiosis outside of flowering plants. The ARBUSCULAR RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (ARK) is required for sustaining AM symbiosis in distantly related angiosperms. Here, we demonstrate that ARK has an equivalent role in symbiosis maintenance in the bryophyte Marchantia paleacea and is part of a broad AM genetic program conserved among land plants. In addition, our comparative transcriptome analysis identified evolutionarily conserved expression patterns for several genes in the core symbiotic program required for presymbiotic signaling, intracellular colonization, and nutrient exchange. This study provides insights into the molecular pathways that consistently associate with AM symbiosis across land plants and identifies an ancestral role for ARK in governing symbiotic balance., Competing Interests: Competing interests statement:The authors declare no competing interest.

Purpose  Arthroscopy is one of the most common interventions in orthopedics. Hence it is important to train users early in order to ensure the safest possible identification of access portals (AP). This prospective study aimed to compare a palpatory (PalpMethod) with a sonographic (SonoMethod) method for AP location in the shoulder and knee joints. Materials and Methods  The study included trainee doctors (n=68) attending workshops (lasting approx. 90 minutes). In these workshops a teaching video initially demonstrated the PalpMethod and SonoMethod of AP identification. An experienced operator first marked the access portals on the test subject with a UV pen (determined ideal point [DIP]). Adhesive film was then affixed to the puncture regions. Subsequently participants marked on shoulders and knees first the point determined by palpation, then the point determined by sonography. Analysis involved DIP visualization with a UV lamp and employed a coordinate system around the central DIP. In addition, participants completed an evaluation before and after the workshop. Results  The analysis included 324 measurements (n=163 shoulders and n= 161 knees). The majority of participants had not previously attended any courses on manual examination (87.9%) or musculoskeletal ultrasound (93.9%). Overall, the markings participants made on the shoulder using the SonoMethod were significantly closer to the DIP than those made by the PalpMethod (Palp 18.8mm ± 14.5mm vs. Sono 11.2mm ± 7.2mm; p<0.001). On the knee, however, the markings made by the PalpMethod were significantly closer to the DIP overall (Palp 8.0mm ± 3.2mm vs. Sono 12.8mm ± 5.2mm; p<0.001). Conclusion The results show that the SonoMethod produces more accurate markings on the shoulder, while the PalpMethod is superior for the knee., Competing Interests: Conflict of Intrest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

Purpose: Although there have been improvements in the management of metastatic retinoblastoma, most patients do not survive, and all patients suffer from multiple short- and long-term treatment toxicities. Reliable and informative models to assist clinicians are needed. Thus we developed and comprehensively characterized a novel preclinical platform of primary cell cultures and xenograft models of metastatic retinoblastoma to provide insights into the molecular biology underlying metastases and to perform drug screening for the identification of hit candidates with the highest potential for clinical translation., Methods: Orbital tumor, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymph node tumor infiltration specimens were obtained from seven patients with metastatic retinoblastoma at diagnosis, disease progression, or relapse. Tumor specimens were engrafted in immunodeficient animals, and primary cell lines were established. Genomic, immunohistochemical/immunocytochemical, and pharmacological analysis were performed., Results: We successfully established five primary cell lines: two derived from leptomeningeal, two from orbital, and one from lymph node tumor dissemination. After the intravitreal or intraventricular inoculation of these cells, we established cell-derived xenograft models. Both primary cell lines and xenografts accurately retained the histological and genomic features of the tumors from which they were derived and faithfully recapitulated the dissemination patterns and pharmacological sensitivity observed in the matched patients., Conclusions: Ours is an innovative and thoroughly characterized preclinical platform of metastatic retinoblastoma developed for the understanding of tumor biology of this highly aggressive tumor and has the potential to identify drug candidates to treat patients who currently lack effective treatment options.

In order to investigate Li 2 S as a potential protective coating for lithium anode batteries using superionic electrolytes, we need to describe reactions and transport for systems at scales of >10,000 atoms for time scales beyond nanoseconds, which is most impractical for quantum mechanics (QM) calculations. To overcome this issue, here, we first report the development of the reactive analytical force field (ReaxFF) based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations on model systems at the PBE0/TZVP and M062X/TZVP levels. Then, we carry out reactive molecular dynamics simulations (RMD) for up to 20 ns to investigate the diffusion mechanisms in bulk Li 2 S as a function of vacancy density, determining the activation barrier for diffusion and conductivity. We show that RMD predictions for diffusion and conductivity are comparable to experiments, while results on model systems are consistent with and validated by short (10-100 ps) ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). This new ReaxFF for Li 2 S systems enables practical RMD on spatial scales of 10-100 nm (10,000 to 10 million atoms) for the time scales of 20 ns required to investigate predictively the interfaces between electrodes and electrolytes, electrodes and coatings, and coatings and electrolytes during the charging and discharging processes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Introduction: The aim of this examination was to assess, which risk factors impair bone healing after triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in the treatment of symptomatic hip dysplasia., Methods: A consecutive series of 241 TPO was reviewed retrospectively. Of these, a set of five postoperative radiographs was available, performed in a standardized regimen in the first year after surgery. Two experienced observers had to agree on the existence of a non-union on the radiographs obtained 1 year after TPO. Both observers measured the lateral center edge angle (LCEA) and acetabular index (AI) on all radiographs. Besides patient-specific risk factors, the magnitudes of acetabular correction and the amounts of a detectable slight change in acetabular correction were assessed. Binary logistic regression analysis and chi-squared test were used to detect the impact of the risk factor on bone healing., Results: A total of 222 cases were left for further examination. In 19 of these, at least one osteotomy was not healed completely one year after surgery. Binary logistic regression showed a significant relationship between the risk factors "age" (p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 1.109 (95% CI 1.05-1.18)) as well as "magnitude of acetabular correction (LCEA)" (p = 0.01; OR 1.087 (95% CI 1.02-1.16)) and non-union. Pearson's chi-square test showed a relationship between the risk factor "wound healing disorder" and non-union (p < 0.001). LCEA and AI showed a slight increase from the first to the last follow-up (observer 1: 1.6° and 1.3°, resp.), but regression analysis for the risk factor "amount of postoperative change of acetabular correction (LCEA, AI)" did not show statistically significant values., Conclusion: The age at surgery and the magnitude of acetabular correction negatively influenced the healing progress of the osteotomy sites. The amount of a slight postoperative change of LCEA and AI did not correlate with a non-union., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The aim of this examination was to assess whether there is a change of acetabular correction after triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) and if so, whether there is a correlation with patient-specific risk factors or with certain periods in the postoperative course., Methods: A consecutive series of 241 TPO was reviewed retrospectively. The close-meshed radiographic follow-up of the first 12 weeks comprised pelvic radiographs performed immediately after the procedure, 5 days, 6 and 12 weeks after TPO. Three observers measured the lateral center edge angle, acetabular index and the craniocaudal offset of the pubic osteotomy. Patient-specific risk factors (e. g. age, gender, body mass index, nicotine abuse) and certain periods in the postoperative course were correlated with a change of acetabular correction., Results: After application of the exclusion criteria, 225 hips were available for further examination. Intraclass correlation coefficient resulted in predominantly excellent agreement between the measurements of the three observers (0.74-0.91). In 27 cases (12%), the three observers agreed on a change of acetabular correction. In 18 cases (8%), there was a slight change, in 9 cases (4%), a relevant change. The latter entailed consequences in the postoperative aftercare. General equation estimation did not show any correlation between a change of acetabular correction and patient-specific risk factors or certain periods in the postoperative course (p = 0.79-0.99)., Conclusion: Every once treated hip should be followed-up with the same attention, irrespective of the apparent risk profile. There is no rationale to skip a radiographic follow-up in the first 12 weeks after TPO., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)