Multi-layer cell constructs produced in vitro are an innovative treatment option to support the growing demand for therapy in regenerative medicine. Our research introduces a novel construct integrating organ-derived decellularised extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels and 3D-printed biodegradable polymer meshes composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) to support and maintain multiple layers of different cell types. We achieved that by integrating the mechanical stability of PHBV+P34HB, commonly used in the food storage industry, with a dECM hydrogel, which replicates organ stiffness and supports cellular survival and function. The construct was customised by adjusting the fibre arrangement and pore sizes, making it a suitable candidate for a personalised design. We showed that the polymer is degradable after precoating it with PHB depolymerase (PhaZ), with complete degradation achieved in 3–5 days and delayed by adding the hydrogel to 10 days, enabling tuneable degradation for regenerative medicine applications. Finally, as a proof of concept, we composed a three-layered tissue in vitro; each layer represented a different tissue type: epidermal, vascular, and subcutaneous layers. Possible future applications include wound healing and diabetic ulcer paths, personalised drug delivery systems, and personalised tissue implants.
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Aim: To investigate the effects of exercise on salivary concentrations of inflammatory markers by analyzing a panel of 25 inflammatory markers in subjects who had participated in bicycle ergometer tests varying in workload and hydration status. Methods: Fifteen healthy young men (20-35 years) had performed 4 different exercise protocols of 1 hour duration in a randomly assigned cross-over design, preceded by a rest protocol. Individual workloads depended on participant's pre-assessed individual maximum workload (Wmax): rest (protocol 1), 70% Wmax in hydrated (protocol 2) and dehydrated (protocol 3) state, 50% Wmax (protocol 4) and intermittent 85%/55% Wmax in 2 min blocks (protocol 5). Saliva samples were collected before (T0) and immediately after exercise (T1), and at several time points after exercise (2 hours (T3), 3 hours (T4), 6 hours (T5) and 24 hours (T6)). Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI), Matrix Metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) and lactoferrin was analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit, a panel of 22 cytokines and chemokines were analyzed using a commercial multiplex immunoassay. Data was analyzed using a multilevel mixed linear model, with multiple test correction. Results: Among a panel of 25 inflammatory markers, SLPI concentrations were significantly elevated immediately after exercise in all protocols compared to rest and higher concentrations reflected the intensity of exercise and hydration status. MMP-9 showed a significant increase in the 70% Wmax dehydrated, 50% Wmax and intermittent protocols. Conclusions: Salivary concentrations of SLPI and MMP-9 seem associated with exercise intensity and hydration status and may offer non-invasive biomarkers to study (local) inflammatory responses to different exercise intensities in human studies. sa
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In deze studie hebben Sturing, Biemans, Mulder en de Bruijn onderzoek gedaan naar de bruikbaarheid en de methodologische kwaliteit van de vernieuwde 'matrix voor competentiegericht beroepsonderwijs', een reflectie-instrument voor docententeams om de 'competentiegerichtheid' van hun onderwijsprogramma te bepalen. De vernieuwde matrix bevat een principe over de flexibiliteit van onderwijsprogramma's en een extra implementatieniveau ten opzichte van de 'oude' matrix.
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Study Type – Aetiology (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Recent studies have already shown associations between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and voiding and defecation dysfunction and/or slow transit constipation. Changes in extracellular matrix composition in vesico‐ureteric junction of vesico‐ureteral reflux (VUR) patients were also observed previously.This study is the first to assess joint mobility as a parameter for connective tissue composition in vesico‐ureteral reflux. We convincingly demonstrate that VUR patients have significantly more hypermobile joints compared to controls and this provides a new angle to the intriguing subjects of development of VUR and susceptibility to VUR.OBJECTIVE•To assess whether there is an increased prevalence of joint hypermobility in patients with vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR).MATERIALS AND METHODS•We studied 50 patients with primary VUR and matched controls drawn from a reference population.•Joint mobility was assessed using the Bulbena hypermobility score.RESULTS•We identified significantly more patients with VUR with generalized joint hypermobility than controls (24% vs 6.7%, P= 0.007).CONCLUSION•Our findings confirm our clinical observation of an increased rate of joint hypermobility in patients with VUR. We speculate that an altered composition of the connective tissue may contribute to the severity of the (pre‐existing) VUR phenotype.
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Klotho knock-out mice are an important model for vascular calcification, which is associated with chronic kidney disease. In chronic kidney disease, serum magnesium inversely correlates with vascular calcification. Here we determine the effects of serum magnesium on aortic calcification in Klotho knock-out mice treated with a minimal or a high magnesium diet from birth. After eight weeks, serum biochemistry and aorta and bone tissues were studied. Protective effects of magnesium were characterized by RNA-sequencing of the aorta and micro-CT analysis was performed to study bone integrity. A high magnesium diet prevented vascular calcification and aortic gene expression of Runx2 and matrix Gla protein found in such mice on the minimal magnesium diet. Differential expression of inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling genes accompanied the beneficial effects of magnesium on calcification. High dietary magnesium did not affect serum parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or calcium. High magnesium intake prevented vascular calcification despite increased fibroblast growth factor-23 and phosphate concentration in the knock-out mice. Compared to mice on the minimal magnesium diet, the high magnesium diet reduced femoral bone mineral density by 20% and caused excessive osteoid formation indicating osteomalacia. Osteoclast activity was unaffected by the high magnesium diet. In Saos-2 osteoblasts, magnesium supplementation reduced mineralization independent of osteoblast function. Thus, high dietary magnesium prevents calcification in Klotho knock-out mice. These effects are potentially mediated by reduction of inflammatory and extracellular matrix remodeling pathways within the aorta. Hence magnesium treatment may be promising to prevent vascular calcification, but the risk for osteomalacia should be considered.
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Abstract: Aureobasidium is omnipresent and can be isolated from air, water bodies, soil, wood, and other plant materials, as well as inorganic materials such as rocks and marble. A total of 32 species of this fungal genus have been identified at the level of DNA, of which Aureobasidium pullulans is best known. Aureobasidium is of interest for a sustainable economy because it can be used to produce a wide variety of compounds, including enzymes, polysaccharides, and biosurfactants. Moreover, it can be used to promote plant growth and protect wood and crops. To this end, Aureobasidium cells adhere to wood or plants by producing extracellular polysaccharides, thereby forming a biofilm. This biofilm provides a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings and toxic chemicals. This and the fact that Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential of self-repair make them a potential engineered living material avant la lettre. Key points: •Aureobasidium produces products of interest to the industry •Aureobasidium can stimulate plant growth and protect crops •Biofinish of A. pullulans is a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings •Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential to function as engineered living materials.
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Dit onderzoek richt zich op de vraag wat de effecten zijn van een niet-hiërarchische werkomgeving op leiderschap. Onderzocht wordt of niet-hiërarchisch leiderschap (in een matrix-, project- en netwerkorganisatie, of bij zelfsturende teams zoals bij projectmanagement) leiderschapskwaliteiten aantrekt, selecteert en behoudt. Het onderzoek toont aan, dat niet-hiërarchisch leidinggevenden hoger scoren op het persoonlijkheidskenmerk neuroticisme, vooral bij de subschalen angsten/nervositeit, ergernis, depressie, kritiekgevoeligheid en stressgevoeligheid, en lager scoren op extraversie, vooral bij de subschalen hartelijkheid, sociabiliteit en dominantie/assertiviteit. De belangrijkste conclusie van dit onderzoek is dat leiderschapskwaliteiten die samenhangen met neuroticisme en extraversie ondervertegenwoordigd lijken te zijn in een matrix-, project- en netwerk georiënteerde werkomgevingen, als ook bij innovatieprojecten en projectmanagement in het algemeen. Deze twee persoonlijkheidskenmerken hangen sterk samen met transformationeel leiderschap. De volgende kwaliteiten lijken bij niet-hiërarchisch leiderschap minder sterk ontwikkeld te zijn dan bij hiërarchisch leidinggevenden: inspirerend en enthousiasmerend vermogen, leiderschapscharisma, effectieve conflicthantering, het geven van feedback, assertiviteit, het vermogen tot het versterken van groepscohesie, bevorderen van een groeps- of teamontwikkeling richting meer autonomie en sterkere performance, initiatief met betrekking tot ondernemerschap, synergie tussen teamleden op het gebied van innovatie, kennisproductiviteit en reflectieve vaardigheden, als ook 'performance' in het algemeen in werkomgevingen met veel sociale interactie. Aanbevelingen worden gedaan met betrekking tot werving en selectie, als ook voor het opleiden en ontwikkelen van niet-hiërarchisch leidinggevenden. ABSTRACT This paper is devoted to answer the question whether nonhierarchical leadership (in a matrix, process, network structure, or in a project based work environment) attracts, selects and attains leadership qualities related to transformational (charismatic, inspiring & empowering) leadership. More in particular, we would expect leaders with lower scores concerning neuroticism, and with higher scores concerning extraversion and agreeableness. Enhancement of innovational capacities and knowledge productivity are the main motives for applying the structuring principles of a matrix, process, network organization, or of project management. The indicated personality traits are closely related to transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is needed to effectuate innovational and adaptive capacities, as well as for the enhancement of knowledge productivity in organizations. We analyzed whether significant differences could be found when personality traits of non-hierarchical (project) leaders and hierarchical operating managers are compared. Our study revealed, that non-hierarchical (project) leaders had indeed higher averages concerning neuroticism, and lower averages concerning extraversion. Neuroticism is negatively related to leadership charisma. Neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness are related to transformational leadership in general. The overall conclusion of this study is that leadership qualities related to neuroticism and extraversion, tend to be underrepresented in the group of nonhierarchical leaders in a matrix, process or network structure, or in a project based work environment. Analyzing significant differences of the sub scales of neuroticism and extraversion revealed that these leadership qualities are specifically related to learning/adaptive capacities, feedback and conflict solving processes, knowledge productivity in teams, enhancement of group cohesion and coping with stressful situations. Furthermore, these qualities are closely related to several dimensions of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation. Implications for training and development, and for selection processes are discussed. Also, some recommendations are put forward, related to the enhancement of the effectiveness of applying the structuring principles of a matrix, process, network or project based work environment.
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1 alinea column: De BCG-matrix is na zesendertig jaar eindelijk aan revisie toe. De question mark, star, cash cow en dog hebben er een vriendje bij: de strainer. ‘Het vergiet’ doet zich aan de marketingstrateeg misleidend voor als een van de usual suspects, waardoor hij denkt te moeten handelen volgens de oude handleiding van de Boston Consulting Group. Maar dankzij voortrazende technologie behoeft dit BCG groeimodel aanvulling.
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ObjectivesTo investigate cartilage tissue turnover in response to a supervised 12-week exercise-related joint loading training program followed by a 6-month period of unsupervised training in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). To study the difference in cartilage tissue turnover between high- and low-resistance training.MethodPatients with knee OA were randomized into either high-intensity or low-intensity resistance supervised training (two sessions per week) for 3 months and unsupervised training for 6 months. Blood samples were collected before and after the supervised training period and after the follow-up period. Biomarkers huARGS, C2M, and PRO-C2, quantifying cartilage tissue turnover, were measured by ELISA. Changes in biomarker levels over time within and between groups were analyzed using linear mixed models with baseline values as covariates.ResultshuARGS and C2M levels increased after training and at follow-up in both low- and high-intensity exercise groups. No changes were found in PRO-C2. The huARGS level in the high-intensity resistance training group increased significantly compared to the low-intensity resistance training group after resistance training (p = 0.029) and at follow-up (p = 0.003).ConclusionCartilage tissue turnover and cartilage degradation appear to increase in response to a 3-month exercise-related joint loading training program and at 6-month follow-up, with no evident difference in type II collagen formation. Aggrecan remodeling increased more with high-intensity resistance training than with low-intensity exercise.These exploratory biomarker results, indicating more cartilage degeneration in the high-intensity group, in combination with no clinical outcome differences of the VIDEX study, may argue against high-intensity training.
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Composietmaterialen zijn niet meer weg te denken uit de hedendaagse techniek. Niet alleen in de luchtvaart, maar ook in de bouwkunde, civiele techniek, transport en logistiek, scheepvaart, werktuigbouwkunde, en technische bedrijfskunde zal een (hbo) ingenieur vroeg of laat met deze materialen in aanraking komen. Dit boek geeft inzicht in de eigenschappen, vervaardigingsmethoden en ontwerpmethoden die onontbeerlijk zijn om volwaardige oplossingen vorm te geven door slim vezels en matrix te combineren.
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