A low-cost paper-based platform for fast and reliable screening of cellular interactions with materials

A paper-based platform was developed and tested for studies on basic cell culture, material biocompatibility, and activity of pharmaceuticals in order to provide a reliable, robust and low-cost cell study platform. It is based upon a paper or paperboard support, with a nanostructured latex coating to provide an enhanced cell growth and sufficient barrier properties. Wetting is limited to regions of interest using a flexographically printed hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane layer with circular non-print areas. The nanostructured coating can be substituted for another coating of interest, or the regions of interest functionalized with a material to be studied. The platform is fully up-scalable, being produced with roll-to-roll rod coating, flexographic and inkjet printing methods. Results show that the platform efficiency is comparable to multi-well plates in colorimetric assays in three separate studies: a cell culture study, a biocompatibility study, and a drug screening study. The color intensity is quantified by using a common office scanner or an imaging device and the data is analyzed by a custom computer software without the need for expensive screening or analysis equipment.

Short 2-H in Situ Trauma Team Simulation Training Effectively Improves Non-Technical Skills of Hospital Trauma Teams

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As conducting the regular trauma team simulation training is expensive and time-consuming, its effects must be explored. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a structured 2-h in situ multiprofessional trauma team simulation training course on non-technical skills.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study comprised 90 trauma teams with 430 participants. The structured, 2-h course consisted of an introductory lecture and two different simulations with debriefings. Data were collected using a pre-post self-assessment questionnaire. In addition, the expert raters used the T-NOTECHS scale.

RESULTS

The following non-technical skills improved significantly among both medical doctors and nurses: knowledge of the trauma resuscitation guidelines, problem identification, decision making, situation awareness/coping with stress, communication and interaction, time management, being under authority, and confidence in one's role in a team. The teams improved significantly in leadership, cooperation and resource management, communication and interaction, assessment and decision making, and situation awareness/coping with stress.

CONCLUSION

A short, structured 2-h in situ trauma team simulation training course is effective in improving non-technical skills.

Factors affecting the increased risk of physical inactivity among older people with depressive symptoms

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and physical inactivity, and whether motives for and barriers to exercise explain the potential association between depressive symptoms and physical inactivity in older people. The design of the study was cross-sectional. The study population comprised 645 people born between 1922 and 1928 who were residents in a city-center area of Jyväskylä in central Finland. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Center for the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, physical activity using Grimby's (1986) validated scale, and motives for and barriers to exercise using a questionnaire and mobility limitation with a test of walking time over 10 m. The results demonstrated that the risk of physical inactivity was more than twofold among persons with depressive symptoms compared with non-depressed people. A higher prevalence of perceived barriers to physical activity, such as poor health, fear and negative experiences, together with lack of knowledge, explained part of the increased risk of physical inactivity among those with depressive symptoms while differences in motives for physical activity did not have a material effect. Adjustment for walking time over 10 m attenuated the increased risk of inactivity further. When planning exercise promotion programs, finding ways to overcome fear and negative experiences and providing information may help to increase physical activity among people with depressive symptoms. Additionally, difficulties caused by poor mobility should not be ignored.