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Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Jul 2022There is growing interest in using suture buttons for coracoid fixation to avoid the complications associated with screws during the Latarjet procedure. However,...
BACKGROUND
There is growing interest in using suture buttons for coracoid fixation to avoid the complications associated with screws during the Latarjet procedure. However, achieving bone block healing is critical for successful shoulder stabilization and return to sport. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the healing rates and positioning of the coracoid bone block fixed with cortical suture buttons that were either manually tensioned (using a knot pusher) or mechanically tensioned (using a tensioning device) during arthroscopic Latarjet procedures.
METHODS
This prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study enrolled 69 consecutive patients (mean age, 27 years) who underwent an arthroscopic guided Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation. Hand tensioning was performed in the first 34 shoulders, whereas the next 35 shoulders underwent mechanical tensioning. Twelve patients (17%) had a history of failed Bankart stabilization. The characteristics of the patients in each group in terms of age, sex, type of sport, bone loss, number of previous failed surgical procedures, smoking, and length of follow-up were comparable. Intraoperatively, the tensioning device was set at 100 N successively 3 times until complete immobilization of the bone block was confirmed, as assessed with a probe. The primary outcome measure was coracoid bone block union and position on computed tomography scan images at 6 months' follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included functional outcome scores, shoulder stability, return to sports, and complications at last follow-up.
RESULTS
Overall, the rate of bone block healing was 74% (25 of 34 patients) in the hand-tensioning group and 94% (33 of 35 patients) in the mechanical tensioning group (P = .043). Smoking was an independent risk factor associated with nonunion (P < .001) in each group. Patient age, size of the preoperative glenoid bone defect (<20% or >20%), and a history of surgery were not found to have any influence. The tensioning modality did not affect the bone block position, which was subequatorial in 92% of the cases and flush with the glenoid rim in 92%. At a mean of 34 months of follow-up (range, 24-62 months), 96% of the patients (65 of 69) had a stable shoulder and 87% returned to sports. At final follow-up, no significant difference in clinical scores was noted between the groups; no neurologic or hardware complications were observed.
CONCLUSION
Mechanical tensioning achieves significantly higher healing rates than hand tensioning during the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation. The use of a suture-tensioning device is a key step to the suture-button fixation technique during arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. By making the suture-button construct rigid, the tensioning device transforms the initially flexible suture into a "rigid fixation", similar to a bolt (or a rivet).
Topics: Adult; Arthroscopy; Humans; Joint Instability; Prospective Studies; Shoulder Dislocation; Shoulder Joint; Suture Techniques; Sutures
PubMed: 35172210
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.126 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023In recent decades, low-yielding seismic devices based on the use of friction dampers have emerged as an excellent solution for the development of building structures...
In recent decades, low-yielding seismic devices based on the use of friction dampers have emerged as an excellent solution for the development of building structures with improved reparability and resilience. Achieving an optimal design for such low-yielding seismic devices requires precise control of bolt preloading levels and predictability of the friction coefficient (CoF) between the damper interfaces. While various types of friction devices exist that are capable of providing significant energy dissipation, ongoing research is focused on the development of novel friction materials that exhibit a stable hysteretic response, high CoF values, minimal differences between static and dynamic CoF, and predictable slip resistance. In this context, an experimental campaign was conducted at the STRENGTH Laboratory of the University of Salerno to evaluate the behaviour of new friction shims employing specially developed metal alloys. Specifically, the influence of the characteristics of the contact surfaces in the sliding area on the behaviour and performance of the friction device was analysed. The tests followed the loading protocol recommended by EN12159 for seismic device qualification. Monitored parameters included preloading force values and the evolution of slip resistance. The friction value was determined, along with its degradation over time. Finally, the material's performance in terms of hysteretic behaviour was assessed, providing a comparison of the tested specimens in terms of slip force degradation and energy dissipation capacity.
PubMed: 38068079
DOI: 10.3390/ma16237336 -
ACS Energy Letters Jul 2022Monolithic two-terminal (2T) perovskite/CuInSe (CIS) tandem solar cells (TSCs) combine the promise of an efficient tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology with the...
Monolithic two-terminal (2T) perovskite/CuInSe (CIS) tandem solar cells (TSCs) combine the promise of an efficient tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology with the simplicity of an all-thin-film device architecture that is compatible with flexible and lightweight PV. In this work, we present the first-ever 2T perovskite/CIS TSC with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching 25% (23.5% certified, area 0.5 cm). The relatively planar surface profile and narrow band gap (∼1.03 eV) of our CIS bottom cell allow us to exploit the optoelectronic properties and photostability of a low-Br-containing perovskite top cell as revealed by advanced characterization techniques. Current matching was attained by proper tuning of the thickness and bandgap of the perovskite, along with the optimization of an antireflective coating for improved light in-coupling. Our study sets the baseline for fabricating efficient perovskite/CIS TSCs, paving the way for future developments that might push the efficiencies to over 30%.
PubMed: 35844471
DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.2c00707 -
Meat Science Jun 2018This study assessed the effectiveness of penetrating (PCB; 190 psi; N = 363) and non-penetrating captive bolt guns (NPCB; 210-220 psi; N = 92) to stun a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
This study assessed the effectiveness of penetrating (PCB; 190 psi; N = 363) and non-penetrating captive bolt guns (NPCB; 210-220 psi; N = 92) to stun a total of 455 cattle (Zebu and Zebu Cross). Physical bolt parameters (momentum, kinetic energy and energy density) were evaluated. Clinical indicators of brain function were recorded after stunning (GR), after being hoisted (HO) and at the bleeding rail (BL). Physical bolt parameters (bolt velocity, momentum, kinetic energy, energy density and sectional density) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for PCB. The need for two or more shots was more frequent for NPCB (210-220 psi; 29% vs. 12%, P < 0.001). Cattle were more likely to collapse at first shot with PCB (190 psi; 99%) compared to NPCB (91%; P < 0.002) which can be attributed to the higher values of bolt physical parameters. Incidence of eyeball rotation (5% vs. 1%) and righting behaviour (7% vs. 1%) were higher (P < 0.001) for NPCB (210-220 psi) at GR than PCB. The NPCB with 210-220 psi had a higher frequency of response to nostril stimulation (2% vs. 0%; P < 0.001) than PCB. Rhythmic respiration was more frequently found for NPCB with 210-220 psi at GR, HO and BL. Therefore, PCB with 190 psi was more effective in ensuring unconsciousness in cattle.
Topics: Abattoirs; Animal Husbandry; Animal Welfare; Animals; Cattle; Female; Male; Unconsciousness
PubMed: 29477880
DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.02.010 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2018With the rapid development of the world's transportation infrastructure, many long-span bridges were constructed in recent years, especially in China. However, these... (Review)
Review
With the rapid development of the world's transportation infrastructure, many long-span bridges were constructed in recent years, especially in China. However, these bridges are easily subjected to various damages due to dynamic loads (such as wind-, earthquake-, and vehicle-induced vibration) or environmental factors (such as corrosion). Therefore, structural health monitoring (SHM) is vital to guarantee the safety of bridges in their service lives. With its wide frequency response range, fast response, simple preparation process, ease of processing, low cost, and other advantages, the piezoelectric transducer is commonly employed for the SHM of bridges. This paper summarizes the application of piezoelectric materials for the SHM of bridges, including the monitoring of the concrete strength, bolt looseness, steel corrosion, and grouting density. For each problem, the application of piezoelectric materials in different research methods is described. The related data processing methods for four types of bridge detection are briefly summarized, and the principles of each method in practical application are listed. Finally, issues to be studied when using piezoelectric materials for monitoring are discussed, and future application prospects and development directions are presented.
Topics: China; Equipment Failure Analysis; Humans; Transducers; Transportation; Vibration
PubMed: 30544485
DOI: 10.3390/s18124312 -
Journal of Applied Clinical Medical... Oct 2021To develop a simplified aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation (TBI) that is easy to assemble and modify in a short period of time for customized patient...
PURPOSE
To develop a simplified aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation (TBI) that is easy to assemble and modify in a short period of time for customized patient treatments.
METHODS
The compensator is composed of a combination of 0.3 cm thick aluminum bars, two aluminum T-tracks, spacers, and metal bolts. The system is mounted onto a plexiglass block tray. The design consists of 11 fixed sectors spanning from the patient's head to feet. The outermost sectors utilize 7.6 cm wide aluminum bars, while the remaining sectors use 2.5 cm wide aluminum bars. There is a magnification factor of 5 from the compensator to the patient treatment plane. Each bar of aluminum is interconnected at each adjacent sector with a tongue and groove arrangement and fastened to the T-track using a metal washer, bolt, and nut. Inter-bar leakage of the compensator was tested using a water tank and diode. End-to-end measurements were performed with an ion chamber in a solid water phantom and also with a RANDO phantom using internal and external optically stimulated luminescent detectors (OSLDs). In-vivo patient measurements from the first 20 patients treated with this aluminum compensator were compared to those from 20 patients treated with our previously used lead compensator system.
RESULTS
The compensator assembly time was reduced to 20-30 min compared to the 2-4 h it would take with the previous lead design. All end-to-end measurements were within 10% of that expected. The median absolute in-vivo error for the aluminum compensator was 3.7%, with 93.8% of measurements being within 10% of that expected. The median error for the lead compensator system was 5.3%, with 85.1% being within 10% of that expected.
CONCLUSION
This design has become the standard compensator at our clinic. It allows for quick assembly and customization along with meeting the Task Group 29 recommendations for dose uniformity.
Topics: Aluminum; Humans; Phantoms, Imaging; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Whole-Body Irradiation
PubMed: 34432944
DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13393 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Sep 2022
Review
Topics: Cardiology; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Graduate; Fellowships and Scholarships; Humans; Internship and Residency; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36075647
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2022.07.009 -
Surgical Neurology International 2022Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency requiring prompt intervention. A variety of either temporizing or definitive methods was previously described as part...
BACKGROUND
Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency requiring prompt intervention. A variety of either temporizing or definitive methods was previously described as part of its management. Here, we report on an off-label use of a bed-side device and the subdural evacuating port system (SEPS)™ for the treatment of tension pneumocephalus.
METHODS
The SEPS™ (Medtronic Dublin, Ireland) is a minimally invasive tool that is indicated for the removal of chronic or subacute subdural hematomas and at the patient's bedside. We describe the use of this system to evacuate tension pneumocephalus.
RESULTS
A 44-year-old patient operated in our institution was presented with sudden obtundation 4 days post resection of esthesioneuroblastoma. Imaging confirmed a significant tension pneumocephalus. Immediate bedside decompression using a SEPS bolt placed frontally was performed, achieving rapid evacuation and patient regained consciousness. A definitive skull base reconstruction was done at the operating room at a later stage.
CONCLUSION
The SEPS™, well-known for evacuation of CSDH, can be potentially used as a bed-side tool to effectively treat mass effect created by tension pneumocephalus. As a readily-available and commercially used device, it can provide a simple and standard toolkit suitable for an emergent temporizing procedure.
PubMed: 35673650
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_120_2022 -
PloS One 2019Fluorescence microscopy is one of the workhorses of biomedical research and laboratory diagnosis; however, their cost, size, maintenance, and fragility has prevented...
Fluorescence microscopy is one of the workhorses of biomedical research and laboratory diagnosis; however, their cost, size, maintenance, and fragility has prevented their adoption in developing countries or low-resource settings. Although significant advances have decreased their size, cost and accessibility, their designs and assembly remain rather complex. Here, inspired on the simple mechanism from a nut and a bolt, we report the construction of a portable fluorescence microscope that operates in bright-field mode and in three fluorescence channels: UV, green, and red. It is assembled in under 10 min from only six 3D printed parts, basic electronic components, a microcomputer (Raspberry Pi) and a camera, all of which can be readily purchased in most locations or online for US $122. The microcomputer was programmed in Python language to capture time-lapse images and videos. Resolution and illumination conditions of the microscope were characterized, and its performance was compared with a high-end fluorescence microscope in bright-field and fluorescence mode. We demonstrate that our miniature microscope can resolve and track single cells in both modes. The instructions on how to assemble the microscope are shown in a video, and the software to control it and the design files of the 3D-printed parts are freely available online. Our portable microscope is ideal in applications where space is at a premium, such as lab-on-a-chips or space missions, and can find applications in basic and clinical research, diagnostics, telemedicine and in educational settings.
Topics: Humans; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Single-Cell Analysis; Software; THP-1 Cells
PubMed: 31600202
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215114 -
Meat Science Sep 2019The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of captive bolt lengths on penetration hole characteristics, brain damage, and specified risk material (SRM)... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The effects of bolt length on penetration hole characteristics, brain damage and specified-risk material dispersal in finished cattle stunned with a penetrating captive bolt stunner.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of captive bolt lengths on penetration hole characteristics, brain damage, and specified risk material (SRM) dispersal. Cattle were stunned with a pneumatic captive bolt stunner using: standard (15.2 cm; STRD), medium (16.5 cm; MED), or long (17.8 cm; LON) bolts. Heads (N = 293) and exsanguination blood (N = 103) were collected for analyses. Penetration hole diameter and depth differed by treatment (P ≤ 0.004); both parameters were greatest for LON (P < 0.05). Presence of damage in frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, olfactory bulb, and collective area including the corpus callosum, fornix and thalamus were impacted by treatment (P < 0.003). Treatment did not impact SRM dispersal (P = 0.33), determined by presence of glial acidic fibrillary protein. Data suggest that bolt length affects both the extent of brain damage and the specific structures damaged but all bolt lengths are successful in causing substantial brain damage and subsequent insensibility.
Topics: Abattoirs; Animal Welfare; Animals; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Cattle; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Head Injuries, Penetrating; Immobilization
PubMed: 31103942
DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.05.006