Commercial Devices Research Articles

Graphene oxide and carbon black synergistic coated cotton fabric for enhancing energy harvesting from water droplets

Hydrovoltaic generators (HGs), which harness sustainable energy directly from water flow have garnered tremendous interest worldwide due to their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness and potential for powering wearable electronics. However, current HGs generally suffer from poor ion selectivity and resistance matching resulting in low output current, limiting their application scenarios. Herein, a flexible cotton fabric based hydrovoltaic generator (CFHG) fabricated by successive modification with carbon black (CB) and graphene oxide (GO) is proposed, contributing to a simple yet effective performance improvement. Benefiting from the enhanced charge transfer efficiency, ion selectivity and fast capillary flow contributed by CB, GO and fiber network respectively, a considerable open-circuit voltage (Voc) of ∼0.75 V and a short-circuit current (Isc) of ∼8.7 μA are obtained when exposed to water droplets. Experimental results indicate that the power generation performance is influenced by various factors, including the amount of GO, cation size, liquid volume, polarity and pH, as well as temperature and humidity. Moreover, excellent flexibility and porosity of the CF substrate facilitate unconventional serial or parallel connections, providing sufficient power supply for commercial devices and wearable electronics. This research is highly significant for designing versatile power supplies for next-generation intelligent wearable electronics.

Current transport mechanisms of metal/TiO2/β-Ga2O3 diodes

β-Ga2O3 is of great interest for power electronic devices with efficiency beyond current generation Si, 4H-SiC, and GaN devices due to its large breakdown electric field of ∼8 MV/cm. However, taking advantage of this large field strength in power diodes requires device engineering to reduce leakage current that arises at high electric fields. In this work, we elucidate the current transport mechanisms of metal/TiO2/β-Ga2O3 diodes, showing that thermionic emission is an excellent descriptor of current in forward and reverse bias. It is shown that tunneling current is greatly suppressed, and consequently, that the diodes with the TiO2 interlayer can block orders of magnitude more current than Schottky barrier diodes with the same barrier heights. Finally, a 1200 V diode structure is designed based on the derived transport models, and calculated on- and off-state current characteristics closely align with those of state-of-the-art 4H-SiC commercial devices, indicating that this diode structure is ready to enable the realization of β-Ga2O3 power diodes.

(190) Digital Contraception: Effectiveness, Data Privacy, Reproductives Rights

Abstract Introduction We are experiencing a new profound societal transformation: the contraceptive crisis, attributed to the side-effects of hormonal contraception (since 2012) meets the rise of digital technologies. People seem to reject even the slightest risk of hormonal contraception, in favor of entrusting their intimitate data to online companies. But is the rejection of hormonal contraception really du to its iatrogenic risks? Hormonal contraception is 60 years old and its risks are not new and already known, and people don't hesitate to take far greater risks in all areas of their lives: sexual practices and encounters with strangers, sports activities, driving motor vehicles, tobacco, alcohol, etc... In view of this paradox, we will attempt to assess the advantages of digital contraception over medical contraception. Objective Drawing up an inventory of scientific research on digital contraception Know the real reliability of digital contraception and menstruations trackers Know the real risks for health and the other risks of these trackers Using the information obtained, be able to communicate and inform users as objectively as possible Methods Literature review on PubMed and Google Scholar for the last 12 months with the keywords: digital contraception, menstruations applications, period tracking applications, menstruations applications and data priv0acy. Results PubMed reports only six relevant studies about digital period trackers: these are concerned solely with the prospect of pregnancy or with the interest of data that might suggest a pathology such as Polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis or some other conditions. One study report that further research is needed to assess contents and its use. It is interesting to note that "data privacy" gives here no result, no result for "digital contraception" either. "Digital contraception" is still not a buzzword on Google Scholar" with only one relevant survey, and various research studies on period trackers report a lack of reliability in informations purporting to be scientific. What's most worrying is that the period trackers use external services for data storage with no guarantee of data protection. Literature reports that users are falsely reassured about their privacy by a non-human actor and are not aware that their data can be sold to mercantile companies. Little known consequences are also about ecology with the pollution of the data centers and about reproductive rights by monitoring periods of amenorrhea. Conclusions There are many blinds spots for users when it comes to menstruations trackers, and it is surprising to see people trusting commercial device, about their health, without any independent scientific guarantee. Thus, we observe a loss of trust for health care providers and we have to understand the current situation in sexual and reproductive health: May be we have to ask not why don't people use medical contraception, but why do people use medical contraception? What are the key factors of using a medical contraception? Rejection of medical authority or even gynecological violence, new gender relations, sexual satisfaction, accessibility of medical contraception must be assessed to place users at the center of the care system. Disclosure No.

Comparative efficacy of interventional therapies and devices for coronary in-stent restenosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundIn-stent restenosis (ISR) has become a significant obstacle to interventional therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The optimal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy for patients with coronary ISR remains controversial. This network meta-analysis (NMA) was aimed to compare and estimate the effectiveness of different PCI strategies and commercial devices for the treatment of patients with coronary ISR. MethodsIn present study, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from database inception to October 20, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials. We included studies comparing various PCI strategies for the treatment of any type of coronary ISR. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42022364308. ResultsWe included 44 eligible trials including 8479 patients, 39 trials comparing the treatment effects of 10 PCIs, and 5 trials comparing the efficacy between different types of drug-eluting stent (DES) or drug-coated balloon (DCB) devices. Among the PCIs, everolimus-eluting stent was the optimal strategy considering target lesion revascularization (TLR), percent diameter stenosis (%DS), and binary restenosis (BR), and sirolimus-coated balloon was the optimal strategy considering late lumen loss (LLL). In the comparison of commercial devices, the combination strategy excimer laser coronary angioplasty plus SeQuent Please paclitaxel-coated balloon showed promising therapeutic prospects. ConclusionsDCB and DES remain the preferred treatment strategies for coronary ISR, considering both the primary clinical outcome (TLR) and the angiographic outcomes (LLL, BR, %DS). Personalized combination interventions including DCB or DES hold promise as a novel potential treatment pattern for coronary ISR.

Bare-Metal Stent Tracking with Magnetic Particle Imaging.

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging medical imaging modality that is on the verge of clinical use. In recent years, cardiovascular applications have shown huge potential like, e.g., intraprocedural imaging guidance of stent placement through MPI. Due to the lack of signal generation, nano-modifications have been necessary to visualize commercial medical instruments until now. In this work, it is investigated if commercial interventional devices can be tracked with MPI without any nano-modification. Potential MPI signal generation of nine endovascular metal stents was tested in a commercial MPI scanner. Two of the stents revealed sufficient MPI signal. Because one of the two stents showed relevant heating, the imaging experiments were carried out with a single stent model (Boston Scientific/Wallstent-Uni Endoprothesis, diameter: 16 mm, length: 60 mm). The nitinol stent and its delivery system were investigated in seven different scenarios. Therefore, the samples were placed at 49 defined spatial positions by a robot in a meandering pattern during MPI scans. Image reconstruction was performed, and the mean absolute errors (MAE) between the signals' centers of mass (COM) and ground truth positions were calculated. The stent material was investigated by magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). To detect metallic components within the delivery system, nondestructive testing via computed tomography was performed. The tracking of the stent and its delivery system was possible without any nano-modification. The MAE of the COM were 1.49 mm for the stent mounted on the delivery system, 3.70 mm for the expanded stent and 1.46 mm for the delivery system without the stent. The results of the MPS and VSM measurements indicate that besides material properties eddy currents seem to be responsible for signal generation. It is possible to image medical instruments with dedicated designs without modifications by means of MPI. This enables a variety of applications without compromising the mechanical and biocompatible properties of the instruments.

Development and Analysis of a Multi-Wavelength Near-Infrared Sensor for Monitoring Skin Hydration and Validation Using Monte Carlo Simulation

The monitoring of an individual’s hydration levels is a vital measurement required for the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier function as well as the avoidance of dehydration. The current commercial devices for this measure are typically based on electrical methodologies, such as capacitance, which allows for the extraction of skin hydration using the ionic balance deviations in the stratum corneum. The use of optical-based methods such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been recently explored for the measurement of skin hydration. Optical approaches have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and provide detailed information on the optical properties of present water bands. This paper presents the development of a multi-wavelength optical sensor and its capability of assessing skin hydration in an in vitro experiment utilizing porcine skin. Regression analysis of the results showed to be in line with standard reference measurements (R2 CV=0.952257), validating the accuracy of the developed sensor in measuring dermal water content. A Monte Carlo model of the human skin was also developed and simulated to predict the optical sensor’s performance at variable water concentrations. This model serves as a tool for validating the sensor measurement accuracy. The output from this model gave a standard expectation of the device, which agreed with trends seen in the in vitro work. This research strongly suggests that non-invasive (wearable) NIR based sensors could be used for the comprehensive assessment of skin hydration.

Microwave Vertebrae Strength Probe Development: Robust and Fast Phase Unwrapping Technique.

We have developed a new transmission-based, open-ended coaxial probe for assessing vertebrae strength during spinal fusion surgery. The approach exploits the fact that the probes are within the far field of each other implying that the phase varies linearly with respect to propagation distance. Determining the absolute phase is critical for recovering the associated tissue dielectric properties from which bone strength will be determined. Unfortunately, unwanted multi-path signals corrupt the signals at the lower end of the operating frequency range from which our conventional unwrapping strategy depends. Our new approach requires only three measurements within the prime frequency range and can be determined robustly with a minimum of computations. This will be vital to developing a commercial device since the signal levels will be extremely low power requiring longer than usual data acquisition times, which will be mitigated by measuring the data at only a few frequencies. Fast and efficient operation will be critical for clinical success.

Multifunctionally Reusing Waste Solder to Prepare Highly Efficient Sn-Pb Perovskite Solar Cells.

The preparation of perovskite components (PbI2 and SnI2) using waste materials is of great significance for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, this goal is difficult to achieve due to the purity of the recovered products and the easy oxidation of Sn2+. Here, a simple one-step synthetic process to convert waste Sn-Pb solder into SnI2/PbI2 and then applied as-prepared SnI2/PbI2 to PSCs for high additional value is adopted. During fabrication, Sn-Pb waste solder is also employed to serve as a reducing agent to reduce the Sn4+ in Sn-Pb mixed narrow perovskite precursor and hence remove the deep trap states in perovskite. The target PSCs achieved an efficiency of 21.04%, which is better than the efficiency of the device with commercial SnI2/PbI2 (20.10%). Meanwhile, the target PSC maintained an initial efficiency of 80% even after 800h under continuous illumination, which is significantly better than commercial devices. In addition, the method achieved a recovery rate of 90.12% for Sn-Pb waste solder, with a lab-grade purity (over 99.8%) for SnI2/PbI2, and the cost of perovskite active layer reduced to 39.81% through this recycling strategy through calculation.

3D-printed open-source sensor flow cells for microfluidic temperature, electrical conductivity, and pH value determination

Due to the miniaturization of equipment for flow chemistry and microprocess engineering, low-cost sensors and analytical devices are becoming increasingly important for automated inline process control and monitoring. The combination of 3D printing technology and open-source lab automation facilitates the creation of a microfluidic toolbox containing tailored actuators and sensors for flow chemistry, enabling a flexible and adaptable design and efficient processing and control based on the measured data. This contribution presents a set of 3D-printed microfluidic sensor flow cells for inline measurement of temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH value, while compensating for the temperature dependence of EC and pH. The tailored sensor flow cells were tested using model reactions in a single-phase capillary flow system. They have an accuracy comparable to reference sensors in batch measurements. The sensor data can be used to monitor the reaction progress (conversion), determine the kinetic data (activation energy, pre-exponential factors) of saponification reactions, and identify titration characteristics (equivalence and isoelectric points) of neutralization reactions. Hence, the 3D-printed microfluidic sensor flow cells offer an attractive alternative to commercial analytical flow devices for open-source and low-cost lab automation.Graphical abstract

Combination of Machine Learning and RGB Sensors to Quantify and Classify Water Turbidity

Turbidity is one of the crucial parameters of water quality. Even though many commercial devices, low-cost sensors, and remote sensing data can efficiently quantify turbidity, they are not valid tools for the classification it. In this paper, we design, calibrate, and test a novel optical low-cost sensor for turbidity quantification and classification. The sensor is based on an RGB light source and a light detector. The analyzed samples are characterized by turbidity values from 0.02 to 60 NTUs, and have four different sources. These samples were generated to represent natural turbidity sources and leaves in the marine areas close to agricultural lands. The data are gathered using 64 different combinations of light, generating complex matrix data. Machine learning models are compared to analyze this data, including training, validation, and test datasets. Moreover, different alternatives for data preprocessing and feature selection are assessed. Concerning the quantification of turbidity, the best results were obtained using averaged data and principal components analyses in conjunction with exponential gaussian process regression, achieving an R2 of 0.979. Regarding the classification of the turbidity, an accuracy of 91.23% is obtained with the fine K-Nearest-Neighbor classifier. The cases in which data were misclassified are characterized by turbidity values lower than 5 NTUs. The obtained results represent an improvement over the current solutions in terms of turbidity quantification and a completely novel approach to turbidity classification.

Beam quality and the mystery behind the lower percentage depth dose in grid radiation therapy

Grid therapy recently has been picking momentum due to favorable outcomes in bulky tumors. This is being termed as Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) and lattice therapy. SFRT can be performed with specially designed blocks made with brass or cerrobend with repeated holes or using multi-leaf collimators where dosimetry is uncertain. The dosimetric challenge in grid therapy is the mystery behind the lower percentage depth dose (PDD) in grid fields. The knowledge about the beam quality, indexed by TPR20/10 (Tissue Phantom Ratio), is also necessary for absolute dosimetry of grid fields. Since the grid may change the quality of the primary photons, a new kq,q0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mathbf{k}}_{\\mathbf{q},{\\mathbf{q}}_{0}}$$\\end{document} should be evaluated for absolute dosimetry of grid fields. A Monte Carlo (MC) approach is provided to resolving the dosimetric issues. Using 6 MV beam from a linear accelerator, MC simulation was performed using MCNPX code. Additionally, a commercial grid therapy device was used to simulate the grid fields. Beam parameters were validated with MC model for output factor, depth of maximum dose, PDDs, dose profiles, and TPR20/10. The electron and photon spectra were also compared between open and grid fields. The dmax is the same for open and grid fields. The PDD with grid is lower (~ 10%) than the open field. The difference in TPR20/10 of open and grid fields is observable (~ 5%). Accordingly, TPR20/10 is still a good index for the beam quality in grid fields and consequently choose the correct kq,q0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mathbf{k}}_{\\mathbf{q},{\\mathbf{q}}_{0}}$$\\end{document} in measurements. The output factors for grid fields are 0.2 lower compared to open fields. The lower depth dose with grid therapy is due to lower depth fluence with scatter radiation but it does not impact the dosimetry as the calibration parameters are insensitive to the effective beam energies. Thus, standard dosimetry in open beam based on international protocol could be used.

Interventional device tracking under MRI via alternating current controlled inhomogeneities.

To introduce alternating current-controlled, conductive ink-printed marker that could be implemented with both custom and commercial interventional devices for device tracking under MRI using gradient echo, balanced SSFP, and turbo spin-echo sequences. Tracking markers were designed as solenoid coils and printed on heat shrink tubes using conductive ink. These markers were then placed on three MR-compatible test samples that are typically challenging to visualize during MRI scans. MRI visibility of markers was tested by applying alternating and direct current to the markers, and the effects of applied current parameters (amplitude, frequency) on marker artifacts were tested for three sequences (gradient echo, turbo spin echo, and balanced SSFP) in a gel phantom, using 0.55T and 1.5T MRI scanners. Furthermore, an MR-compatible current supply circuit was designed, and the performance of the current-controlled markers was tested in one postmortem animal experiment using the current supply circuit. Direction and parameters of the applied current were determined to provide the highest conspicuity for all three sequences. Marker artifact size was controlled by adjusting the current amplitude, successfully. Visibility of a custom-designed, 20-gauge nitinol needle was increased in both in vitro and postmortem animal experiments using the current supply circuit. Current-controlled conductive ink-printed markers can be placed on custom or commercial MR-compatible interventional tools and can provide an easy and effective solution to device tracking under MRI for three sequences by adjusting the applied current parameters with respect to pulse sequence parameters using the current supply circuit.

Comparison of Two Clinical Devices for the Measurement of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Normal-Hearing Adults.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are low-intensity sounds generated by the cochlea and associated with the function of the outer hair cells. Since OAE measurements do not require active participation of a listener, OAEs are considered an objective measure of cochlear function. While distortion-product OAEs (DPOAEs) are commonly used in clinical practice, limited information is available on the performance of various clinical devices. This study compared two commercial clinical devices, Titan and Eclipse from Interacoustics, and collected normative data for DPOAEs in people with normal hearing. The data collection and analysis were focused on signal and noise amplitudes as well as signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Sixty-three participants with normal hearing (age 23.2±2.0 years) were included in the study. DPOAEs were measured at 31 frequencies ranging from 500 to 10,000 Hz. DPOAE amplitude differed across frequencies. Additionally, a high number of unreliable responses were observed at the edge frequencies (<828 Hz and >6,072 Hz). There were no significant differences between the two devices in terms of DPOAE amplitudes, but the recorded-noise levels (amplitude) differed significantly. SNRs of the recorded OAEs were frequency dependent (higher frequencies showed larger SNRs), and significant differences in terms of SNR were found between the two devices. Despite the above-mentioned differences, the OAEs recorded with both devices met the pass criteria for the SNR (≥6 dB) consistently across frequencies, and thus the differences do not compromise the test outcomes. The frequency dependence of the OAE amplitudes and the corresponding SNRs may be relevant for clinical practice.

Current-induced switching of a van der Waals ferromagnet at room temperature

Recent discovery of emergent magnetism in van der Waals magnetic materials (vdWMM) has broadened the material space for developing spintronic devices for energy-efficient computation. While there has been appreciable progress in vdWMM discovery, a solution for non-volatile, deterministic switching of vdWMMs at room temperature has been missing, limiting the prospects of their adoption into commercial spintronic devices. Here, we report the first demonstration of current-controlled non-volatile, deterministic magnetization switching in a vdW magnetic material at room temperature. We have achieved spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching of the PMA vdW ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 using a Pt spin-Hall layer up to 320 K, with a threshold switching current density as low as Jsw=\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${J}_{{{{{{\\rm{sw}}}}}}}=$$\\end{document}1.69 ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} 106 A cm−2 at room temperature. We have also quantitatively estimated the anti-damping-like SOT efficiency of our Fe3GaTe2/Pt bilayer system to be ξDL=0.093\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\xi }_{{{{{{\\rm{DL}}}}}}}=0.093$$\\end{document}, using the second harmonic Hall voltage measurement technique. These results mark a crucial step in making vdW magnetic materials a viable choice for the development of scalable, energy-efficient spintronic devices.

Use of Biomedical Engineering for Rehabilitation of Patients with Disability Caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to assess the extent to which biomedical engineering has been applied in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), given the scarcity of information on this topic. We conducted a thorough analysis of research articles, conference abstracts, and case reports published between 2000 and 2023, specifically from ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Springer, and Dimensions. 19 articles were extensively discussed, complemented by an additional 40 information sources providing supplementary information. Each paper underwent a meticulous review process by the four authors, where each separately examined the title and abstract of the papers and subsequently provided a thorough examination of the full text; when conflicts arose, a clear consensus was reached through discussion. The analysis of the articles revealed a notable improvement in upper and lower limb function of GBS patients that was facilitated by both custom-made and commercial devices. Likewise, a small handful of other devices have been used (e.g., to improve urinary retention issues). There is a clear opportunity for new research, innovation and applications.

Dual Extracellular Recordings in the Mouse Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex.

The technique of recording local field potentials (LFPs) is an electrophysiological method used to measure the electrical activity of localized neuronal populations. It serves as a crucial tool in cognitive research, particularly in brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Dual LFP recordings between these areas are of particular interest as they allow the exploration of interregional signal communication. However, methods for performing these recordings are rarely described, and most commercial recording devices are either expensive or lack adaptability to accommodate specific experimental designs. This study presents a comprehensive protocol for performing dual-electrode LFP recordings in the mouse hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex to investigate the effects of antipsychotic drugs and potassium channel modulators on LFP properties in these areas. The technique enables the measurement of LFP properties, including power spectra within each brain region and coherence between the two. Additionally, a low-cost, custom-designed recording device has been developed for these experiments. In summary, this protocol provides a means to record signals with high signal-to-noise ratios in different brain regions, facilitating the investigation of interregional information communication within the brain.

Development of an Arduino-based Multi-Channel Temperature and Relative Humidity Data Acquisition System for Domestic and Industrial Applications

Losses incurred during postharvest processes of food and other agricultural products in the rural and some urban areas of West African countries have been attributed to poor thermal conditions of the indoor air. The quality of these products at storage or after thermal processes such as drying, cooking, frying, etc. has been identified to be majorly dependent on the temperature and humidity of the air. The objective of this study was therefore to develop a low cost Arduino based multi-channel temperature and humidity data acquisition system for domestic and industrial applications. It comprises an ATmega 328P controller type, fourteen (14) DS18B20s temperature sensors, and six (6) DHT22 humidity sensors. The system was configured and programmed to log in readings every 30 minutes (30 min) on the SD card or through the Bluetooth module in Excel format directly into the computer. The results from the experiments conducted with this data acquisition system demonstrated reliability because they were within the reasonable and acceptable range for commercial logging devices.

When one equals two: Chemometrics turns Mössbauer spectrometer into X-ray fluorescence one

Here we explore the feasibility of using classical Mössbauer spectroscopy setup in scattering geometry to assess the elemental composition of samples using characteristic X-ray fluorescence. Even though, the scintillation detector of Mössbauer spectrometer yields rather low spectral resolution spectra, this can be effectively compensated using chemometric data processing. This hypothesis was first checked with simulated spectra of steel samples and afterwards was confirmed with real experiments. The results of Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Nb and Mo quantification in real steel samples obtained from Mössbauer spectrometer were compared with those obtained with commercial energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. In case of Ti, Cr and Ni the accuracy attained with Mössbauer spectrometer was similar to that of an ordinary commercial EDXRF device.

In vivo low-dose phase-contrast CT for quantification of functional and anatomical alterations in lungs of an experimental allergic airway disease mouse model.

Synchrotron-based propagation-based imaging (PBI) is ideally suited for lung imaging and has successfully been applied in a variety of in vivo small animal studies. Virtually all these experiments were tailored to achieve extremely high spatial resolution close to the alveolar level while delivering high x-ray doses that would not permit longitudinal studies. However, the main rationale for performing lung imaging studies in vivo in small animal models is the ability to follow disease progression or monitor treatment response in the same animal over time. Thus, an in vivo imaging strategy should ideally allow performing longitudinal studies. Here, we demonstrate our findings of using PBI-based planar and CT imaging with two different detectors-MÖNCH 0.3 direct conversion detector and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector (Photonics Science)-in an Ovalbumin induced experimental allergic airway disease mouse model in comparison with healthy controls. The mice were imaged free breathing under isoflurane anesthesia. At x-ray dose levels below those once used by commercial small animal CT devices at similar spatial resolutions, we were able to resolve structural changes at a pixel size down to 25 μm and demonstrate the reduction in elastic recoil in the asthmatic mice in cinematic planar x-ray imaging with a frame rate of up to 100 fps. Thus, we believe that our approach will permit longitudinal small animal lung disease studies, closely following the mice over longer time spans.

Are Surgeons Going to Be Left Holding the Bag? Incisional Hernia Repair and Intra-Peritoneal Non-Absorbable Mesh Implant Complications.

Ventral incisional hernias are common indications for elective repair and frequently complicated by recurrence. Surgical meshes, which may be synthetic, bio-synthetic, or biological, decrease recurrence and, resultingly, their use has become standard. While most patients are greatly benefited, mesh represents a permanently implanted foreign body. Mesh may be implanted within the intra-peritoneal, preperitoneal, retrorectus, inlay, or onlay anatomic positions. Meshes may be associated with complications that may be early or late and range from minor to severe. Long-term complications with intra-peritoneal synthetic mesh (IPSM) in apposition to the viscera are particularly at risk for adhesions and potential enteric fistula formation. The overall rate of such complications is difficult to appreciate due to poor long-term follow-up data, although it behooves surgeons to understand these risks as they are the ones who implant these devices. All surgeons need to be aware that meshes are commercial devices that are delivered into their operating room without scientific evidence of efficacy or even safety due to the unique regulatory practices that distinguish medical devices from medications. Thus, surgeons must continue to advocate for more stringent oversight and improved scientific evaluation to serve our patients properly and protect the patient-surgeon relationship as the only rationale long-term strategy to avoid ongoing complications.