Consolidation Time Research Articles

Differences in Outcomes Based on the Degree to Which Bone Defects Are Filled with Cancellous Allochip Bone Grafts in Hand Enchondroma Patients.

Enchondroma, the most common benign cartilage tumor in the hand, often presents as pain, swelling, or pathological fractures. While curettage is the standard treatment preventing fractures, the optimal way of managing the bone cavity remains debated. In this study, we investigated the impact of a filled bone defect on radiologic and clinical outcomes among patients with enchondroma. We retrospectively reviewed patients with solitary enchondroma of the hand who underwent curettage followed by allogeneic cancellous bone chip impaction grafting. The patients were divided into two groups based on the extent to which their bone defects were filled post-curettage: Group 1 (complete filling) and Group 2 (incomplete filling, i.e., <50%). We reviewed demographic data, local recurrence data, complications, information on consolidation duration, data on range of motion (ROM), and functional scores. This study included 59 patients (25 males and 34 females; mean age, 30.4 ± 11.9 years, with a range of 8-78). Group 1 contained 35 patients, and Group 2 contained 24. No nonunion occurred following curettage and grafting. The mean radiological consolidation period was 6.4 weeks (range: 5-18). There was no significant difference in consolidation time between Group 1 (6.8 weeks) and Group 2 (6.9 weeks) (p = 0.166). The ROM and functional scores also showed no significant differences between the groups, with musculoskeletal society scores of 98.8 for Group 1 and 99.8 for Group 2 (p = 0.63). This study demonstrates that the use of the impaction technique combined with cancellous allochip bone grafting yields favorable results in the treatment of solitary hand enchondroma. The extent to which the bone defect was filled did not significantly impact the overall outcomes.

Sleep is necessary for experience-dependent sequence plasticity in mouse primary visual cortex.

Repeated exposure to familiar visual sequences drives experience-dependent and sequence-specific plasticity in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). Prior work demonstrated a critical role for sleep in consolidating a related but mechanistically distinct form of experience-dependent plasticity in V1. Here, we assessed the role of sleep in consolidation of spatiotemporal sequence learning (sequence plasticity) in mouse V1. Visually evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded in awake, head-fixed mice viewing sequences of four visual stimuli. Each sequence was presented 200 times per session, across multiple sessions, to drive plasticity. The effects of sleep consolidation time and sleep deprivation on plasticity were assessed. Sequence plasticity occurred in V1 following as little as one hour of ad libitum sleep and increased with longer periods of sleep. Sleep deprivation blocked sequence plasticity consolidation, which recovered following subsequent sleep. Sleep is required for the consolidation of sequence plasticity in mouse V1.

Proposals and Criteria for the Evaluation of Effectiveness in Plate Osteosynthesis in Patients with Tibia Fractures

Tibial fractures are among the most common of long bones; there is no consensus on what is the most appropriate surgical technique for their treatment; sheet osteosynthesis may be an option. The purpose of this work is to introduce criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of sheet osteosynthesis. Theoretical and empirical scientific research methods are used, these allow us to analyze the proposals and evaluate them for a better understanding of how to evaluate and with what criteria the comparison between the proposals for comparison between standard osteosynthesis surgical techniques and modified MIPO. The 50 professionals who provide their cooperation respond that complications are a very viable option to evaluate the techniques. Regarding consolidation time, it also has high priority as a variable for comparison between techniques. 70% of the professionals interviewed consider that the 7% decrease in total complications between one technique and another is a value to be taken into account when comparing them. Regarding the decrease in consolidation time, all of them deliberate that it can be considered a variable of response, but 66% consider the variation of three or more weeks relevant. It is concluded that the proposals for effectiveness evaluation variables and the criteria used can be generalized to other works.

Influence of presentation duration on filtering of irrelevant stimuli in visual working memory

In environments teeming with distractions, the ability to selectively focus on relevant information is crucial for advanced cognitive processing. Existing research using event-related potential (ERP) technology has shown active suppression of irrelevant stimuli during the consolidation phase of visual working memory (VWM). In previous studies, participants have always been given sufficient time to consolidate VWM, while suppressing distracting information. However, it remains unclear whether the suppression of irrelevant distractors requires continuous effort throughout their presence or whether this suppression is only necessary after the consolidation of task-relevant information. To address this question, our study examines whether distractor suppression is necessary in scenarios where consolidation time is limited. This research investigates the effect of varying presentation durations on the filtering of distractors in VWM. We tasked participants with memorizing two color stimuli and ignoring four distractors, presented for either 50 ms or 200 ms. Using ERP technology, we discovered that the distractor-induced distractor positivity (PD) amplitude is larger during longer presentation durations compared to shorter ones. These findings underscore the significant impact of presentation duration on the efficacy of distractor suppression in VWM, as prolonged exposure results in a stronger suppression effect on distractors. This study sheds light on the temporal dynamics of attention and memory, emphasizing the critical role of stimulus timing in cognitive tasks. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying VWM and have significant implications for models of attention and memory.

Focused High-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Bone healing Disorders of the Forearm and the Hand

ESWT is a non-surgical treatment option but can also be used in addition to surgical treatment (stabilisation, freshening, defect filling, removal of discomforting osteosynthesis material) for the treatment of delayed bone healing (DBH) and non-union (NU). Its value as well as influencing factors on the upper extremity have not been adequately quantified so far. Sixty cases were retrospectively studied after application of focused high-energy ESWT with regard to healing rate and consolidation time. The influence of age, location, time of treatment and treatment prior to and concurrent with ESWT were analysed. In 70% of the cases, healing occurred after a median of 2.4 months (DBH) and 2.8 months (NU). The median age of healed (DBH 44 y., non-union 35 y.) and non-healed (DBH 51 y., NU 37 y.) did not differ significantly. The time between trauma/surgery and ESWT was 4.2 months for DBH in healed and 3.7 months in non-healed without a significant difference, and 27 months for NU in both healed and non-healed. Age and smoking status also had no influence. The healing rate was highest at metacarpal bone/finger/thumb (91%), followed by forearm shaft (88%), epiphysis/metaphysis of the forearm (67%), and, lastly, carpal bones (59%). After conservative pre-treatment, 55% healed, compared with 67% after more than two previous surgeries, 73% without any pre-treatment, and 75% after one previous surgery. Further analysis of surgical pre-treatment showed 85% healing after ORIF alone, 64% without previous surgery, and 57% healing after ORIF with bone grafting/debridement. Intraoperative ESWT combined with bone debridement/transplantation and ORIF resulted in 67% healing, compared with 86% in combination with ORIF alone. ESWT alone or with only minimal measures (removal of osteosynthesis material) led to 70% consolidation. ESWT is equally effective at any stage of a bone healing disorder. The principles of stability and filling of bone defects must also be taken into account when using ESWT; then ESWT alone or combined with surgery is equally effective. The negative influence of bone defects/resorption is still detectable even with ESWT. Furthermore, treatment of the scaphoid is more problematic compared with other locations. Previous surgery is not a negative factor, even with osteosynthesis material in situ.

Comparative clinical and radiographic results of three fixation systems for transverse subcapital osteotomy in treating hallux valgus

Objective: Compare three fixation models for Bosch osteotomy both clinically and radiographically.Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients surgically treated for hallux valgus using Bosch osteotomywith three different fixation systems. The first group was treated with a temporary pin for three weeks; the second, received thesame pin plus a screw; and the third, used two screws without a pin. Radiographic analysis included the intermetatarsal angle,metatarsophalangeal angle, percentage of lateral shifting of the metatarsal head, dorsal or plantar migration of the metatarsal head,and consolidation time. Clinical evaluation was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Complications during follow-up were recorded.Results: Twenty hallux valgus were included in each group. No significant differences were found in radiographic evaluations amonggroups in the preoperative and final follow-up, except that the third group showed less loss of correction. There were no significantdifferences in consolidation times. Clinical improvements were observed in all three fixation systems, with no significant differencesamong them according to the AOFAS scale.Conclusion: No significant clinical or radiographic differences were observed among the three fixation systems, except that the groupusing two screws showed less loss of correction. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies; Case series.

Calculation of creep deformation of stiffness-degraded RC beams after strengthening with increased cross-section

The strengthening of existing reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) has mainly focused on short-term mechanical properties such as flexural resistance and shear resistance, while long-term deflection of RCBs has seldom been studied. In this study, six RCBs with different types and degrees of damage were designed and strengthened by the section enlargement method. Mid-span deflection and concrete strain were used to evaluate the influence of stiffness degradation due to fatigue or corrosion damage on the creep behavior of strengthened RCBs (SRCBs). The experiment results revealed that time-varying curves of creep deformation from fatigue or from corrosion-damaged SRCBs were consistent among the six specimens. Creep in a damaged SRCB was found to increase faster than that in an undamaged beam, and to reach over 90 % of final creep in about six months. Based on the mean curvature method and creep models, taking fatigue and corrosion damage as examples of stiffness degradation, a calculation method for creep deformation of SRCBs was established, and sensitivity analysis of stress levels, reinforcement height, consolidation time, and other parameters were carried out. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and guidance for evaluating creep deformation of stiffness-degraded RCBs after reinforcement with increased cross-section.

Strength behaviour of stacked phosphogypsum incorporating dissolution–recrystallisation equilibrium

Large phosphogypsum (PG) stacks risk dam failure, with an insufficient consensus on the shear strength parameters for stability analysis. To this end, a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and triaxial tests was undertaken to investigate the underlying mechanism between crystal structure and shear strength of in situ and remoulded PG samples. The shear strength and deformation of PG were significantly affected by dissolution and recrystallisation. Dissolution weakened the cementation between particles, leading to a stabilisation of approximate 11 kPa under different confining pressures in the initial shear stage. The hardening phenomenon was related to the formation of cluster crystals under saturated conditions. An increase from 1.57 to 1.73 in the critical state stress ratio on remoulded samples occurred as the K0 consolidation time increased from 4 to 28 days. The compressive deformation of PG is accompanied by chemical consolidation, which is mainly impacted by the consolidation conditions (saturation) rather than the consolidation time. In the engineering design of the PG stacks, φ’ could be taken to a higher value at saturation and c’ could be higher when the dry density is higher than 1.2.

Maintaining Sustainable Public Finances: The Role of Fiscal Consolidation

Fiscal consolidation became a very essential process in policymakers’ circles and also in academia, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis and it seems that the necessity of fiscal consolidation is back with the post-COVID situation and also with the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. In literature, fiscal consolidation processes most of the time deal with the main aim to reduce public debt, but do we need fiscal consolidation just in times when the situation with public debt tends to get out of control? Fiscal consolidation can be justified not only in high-level debt situations when there is not enough fiscal space. Some countries, although they have moderate public debt levels, still need to implement fiscal consolidation to reform, structure, and sustain public finances. Such conditions are present in Kosovo, a country in the Western Balkans 6 and this study aims to present the role of the fiscal consolidation process for the sustainability of public finances from the perspective of Kosovo. Using the VAR model and impulse response functions, this study, through analysis at disaggregated levels for major groups of revenues and expenses, will propose an accurate fiscal consolidation process for Kosovo. The study concludes that in the case of Kosovo, in time of fiscal consolidation there is room for interventions in direct taxes, indirect taxes, and transfers &amp; subventions expenses.

Experimental Study on the Shear Strength of Different Interfaces of Fine-Grained-Tailing-Filled Geotextile Tubes

As damming material, fine-grained tailings present challenges such as low dam strength and poor stability. To address these issues, this study employs geotextile tube technology to mix water with fine-grained tailings, forming a tailing slurry with a concentration of 60%, which is filled into a geotextile bag to form a geotextile tube, so as to improve the stability of fine-grained tailings. The shear strength characteristics of each interface under different consolidation times and different filling degrees were studied via an indoor shear experiment, including the shear strength of tailing particles, that between tailings and geotextiles, and that within geotextile tubes themselves. The results show that the shear strength of each interface conforms to the Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion, and that the interface cohesion is greatly affected by the consolidation time, while the interface friction angle is mainly affected by the filling degree. Moreover, the shear strength comparison, based on the comprehensive friction angle concept, indicates a substantial increase in shear strength at the interfaces between geotextile tubes compared to both that of the tailings themselves and the interface between tailings and geotextiles, highlighting the reinforcing effect of the geotextile tube filling technology on tailings’ shear strength.

First report of X-ray induced somatic mutation by Muller's department chair fails to support Muller's linearity hypothesis.

This paper reevaluates the first report of X-ray-induced somatic gene mutations. It was undertaken by John Patterson, Department Chair of Hermann Muller, using the same biological model, methods and equipment of Muller. Patterson reported X-ray induced mutation frequencies for X-chromosome-linked (sex-linked) recessive gene mutations in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster that resulted in color changes in the ommatidia of the eyes. Results were based on color changes detected in both male and female offspring irradiated while in egg, larval or pupal stages and for unirradiated controls. Patterson claimed that the observed dose response displayed linearity, with a clear implication that the linear response extended to background exposure levels of unirradiated controls. This reanalysis disputes Patterson's interpretation, showing that the dose response in the low-dose zone strongly supported a threshold model. The doses in the experiment, which were not clearly presented, were so high that it would preclude the assumption that the experiment provided any information of relevance to radiation exposures of humans at low doses, or even at high doses delivered at low-dose rates. Induced phenotypical changes that occurred at the higher doses, especially in female offspring, overwhelmingly resulted from X-ray-induced chromosome breaks instead of point mutations as initially expected by Patterson. The Patterson findings and linearity interpretations were an important contributory factor in the acceptance of the linear non-threshold (LNT) model during the formative time of concept consolidation. It is rather shocking now to see that the actual data provided no support for the LNT model.

An Experimental Study Focusing on the Filling Process and Consolidation Characteristics of Geotextile Tubes Filled with Fine-Grained Tungsten Tailings

With advancements in mineral processing technology, the disposal of fine-grained tailings has increasingly become a significant challenge. The geotextile tube method, characterized by its use of a permeable fabric and its cost-effectiveness, has gradually been applied in dam construction and other engineering projects involving tailings. This method offers a novel approach to addressing the storage issues of fine-grained tailings and promotes sustainable utilization. In this paper, the fine tailings that remained after the cyclone classification of Ganzhou tungsten ore were taken as the research object. Specifically, this research endeavored to evaluate the effects of various filling heights and concentrations on the geotextile tube-filling and consolidation process. The results revealed that the filling concentration had a significant impact on the filling benefit of the geotextile tubes, while the filling height had a minimal effect. During the consolidation drainage stage, the dry density, internal friction angle, cohesion, and compression modulus of the tailings in the bags increased with an increasing consolidation time and filling concentration. However, the physical and mechanical properties of the tailings in the geotextile tubes decreased with an increased filling height. Ultimately, this research developed a hyperbolic equation that makes it possible to forecast the ultimate settlement value at various filling heights and concentrations, better representing how the settlement of geotextile tubes changes over the consolidation time.

Experimental and numerical modeling on vacuum consolidation behavior of staged-filled soil slurry with prefabricated horizontal drain and flocculant

The vacuum-assisted prefabricated horizontal drain offers a promising method for strengthening soil slurry, allowing simultaneous filling and vacuum-dewatering via staged construction. However, there is limited research on the unique characteristics of staged filling. This study aims to investigate the vacuum consolidation process of staged-filled soil slurry through laboratory model tests and numerical simulations, also assessing the impact of anionic polyacrylamide. Comparative analyses are conducted between vacuum consolidation with and without anionic polyacrylamide, as well as self-weight consolidation without anionic polyacrylamide. Results reveal contour lines of excess pore pressure, water content, and soil strength forming an ellipse around the prefabricated horizontal drain board. During the consolidation process, a higher degree of consolidation, lower water content, and higher soil strength were observed closer to the prefabricated horizontal drain board. After treatment, the uppermost filling layer exhibits an average water content that was approximately 40% higher than the lower filling layer, and its average strength was about 60% lower. This discrepancy is primarily due to the absence of sealing on the top surface and the relatively short vacuum consolidation time caused by staged filling. The introduction of anionic polyacrylamide-induced flocculation significantly improves the initial consolidation rate but minimally affects the dewatering capacity of vacuum preloading. Using flocculant can enhance both the staged filling rate and soil strength (by 1–2 times). Additionally, employing a staggered arrangement between different prefabricated horizontal drain layers is advisable to prevent top-down penetration in areas with low soil strength.

Comparison of limb reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap versus induced membrane technique in 54 pediatric cases over 16 years

BackgroundChildren's bone loss of limbs represents a significant challenge for surgeons, especially given that children are growing individuals. In the pediatric population, we compared bone reconstruction using vascularized fibula flaps with the induced membrane technique. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the delay and quality of consolidation. Methods.Data from patients who underwent limb reconstruction using either the fibula flap or the induced membrane were retrospectively collected from files across two centers. Perioperative and long-term complications were documented, along with functional and aesthetic outcome. ResultsBetween 2004 and 2020, 31 children underwent limb reconstruction using a fibula flap, and 13 patients were treated using the induced membrane technique. The etiologies included 76% tumors, 20% congenital pseudarthroses, and 3.7% infections. The median size of the bone resection was 12.5cm (range: 1.8 to 31cm). The median time to consolidation after free fibula flap transfer was 10 months (range: 2 to 55 months) versus 7.5 months (range: 1 to 64 months) for the Masquelet technique (p=0.54). Limb length inequality occured in 52% of fibula cases and 39% of the induced membrane cases (p=0.55). ConclusionsBoth of free fibula flap and the induced membrane technique are effective options for bone reconstructing long bones in children. These techniques yield good functional outcomes and have comparable consolidation times.

Osteotomy Site Venting Enhances Femoral Bone Consolidation With Magnetic Intramedullary Lengthening Nails.

Magnetic intramedullary lengthening nailing has demonstrated benefits over external fixation devices for femoral bone lengthening. These include avoiding uncomfortable external fixation and associated pin site infections, scarring, and inhibition of muscle or joint function. Despite this, little has changed in the field of biologically enhanced bone regeneration. Venting the femoral intramedullary canal at the osteotomy site before reaming creates egress for bone marrow during reaming. The reamings that are extruded from vent holes may function as a prepositioned bone graft at the distraction gap. The relationship between venting and the consolidation of regenerating bone remains unclear. (1) Do bone marrow reamings extruded through venting holes enhance the quality of bone regeneration and improve healing indices and consolidation times? (2) Is venting associated with a higher proportion of complications than nonventing? We performed a retrospective study of femoral lengthening performed at one hospital from December 2012 to February 2022 using a magnetic intramedullary lengthening nail with or without venting at the osteotomy site before reaming. This was a generally sequential series, in which the study groups were assembled as follows: Venting was performed between July 2012 and August 2016 and again from November 2021 onward. Nonventing was used between October 2016 and October 2021 because the senior author opted to create drill holes after the reaming procedure to avoid commitment to the osteotomy level before completing the reaming procedure. Outcomes were evaluated based on bone healing time, time to achieve full weightbearing, and complications. Sixty-one femoral lengthening procedures were studied (in 33 male and 28 female patients); two patients were excluded because of implant breakage. The mean age was 17 ± 5 years. The mean amount of lengthening was 55 ± 13 mm in the venting group and 48 ± 16 mm in the nonventing group (mean difference 7 ± 21 [95% CI 2 to 12]; p = 0.07). The healing index was defined as the time (in days) required for three cortices to bridge with new bone formation divided by the length (in cm) lengthened during the clinical protocol. This index signifies the bone formation rate achieved under the specific conditions of the protocol. Full weightbearing was allowed upon bridging the regenerated gap on three sides. Consolidation time was defined as the total number of days from the completion of the lengthening phase until adequate bone union (all three cortices healed) was achieved and full weightbearing was permitted. This time frame represents the entire healing process after the lengthening is complete divided by the amount of lengthening achieved (in cm). Patient follow-up was conducted meticulously at our institution, and we adhered to a precise schedule, occurring every 2 weeks during the distraction phase and every 4 weeks during the consolidation phase. There were no instances of loss to follow-up. Every patient completed the treatment successfully, reaching the specified milestones of weightbearing and achieving three cortexes of bone bridging. The mean healing index time in the venting group was faster than that in the nonventing group (21 ± 6 days/cm versus 31 ± 22 days/cm, mean difference 10 ± 23 [95% CI 4 to 16]; p = 0.02). The mean consolidation time was faster in the venting group than the nonventing group (10 ± 6 days/cm versus 20 ± 22 days/cm; mean difference 10 ± 23 [95% CI 4 to 15]; p = 0.02). No medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis or fat or pulmonary embolism were seen. Two patients had lengthy delays in regenerate union, both of whom were in the nonventing group (healing indexes were 74 and 62 days/cm; consolidation time was 52 and 40 days/cm). Femoral lengthening with a magnetic intramedullary lengthening nail healed more quickly with prereaming venting than with nonventing, and it allowed earlier full weightbearing without any major associated complications. Future studies should evaluate whether there is a correlation between the number of venting holes and improvement in the healing index and consolidation time. Level III, therapeutic study.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas bifocales ipsilaterales de tibia: un reto para el cirujano

IntroductionThe association of ipsilateral tibia fractures has a low incidence, being up to 3.2% of total tibia fractures. Currently there is no gold standard regarding the ideal surgical treatment.The objective of this study is to analyze the surgical treatment and the radiographic and functional results, as well as the associated complication rate of ipsilateral bifocal tibia fractures. Material and methodsRetrospective observational study in our hospital from 2010 to 2022 of 24 patients who underwent bifocal fracture of the ipsilateral tibia. Demographic and surgical data and complications during follow-up were included. ResultsThe 24 patients were classified into group 1 when they presented a fracture of the plateau and distal tibia (25%), group 2 with a fracture of the plateau and diaphysis (33%) and group 3 with a fracture of the diaphysis and distal tibia (42%). 3 patients underwent surgery with 1 implant and 21 patients with 2 implants. The average follow-up time in outpatient clinics was 2 and a half years. At one year, 22 patients (92%) had full weight bearing and 2 patients had partial weight bearing (8%) due to the sequelae of the fractures. The average time for consolidation of the diaphysis was 7.75±2 months, with no significant differences observed between group 2 and group 3 (p=0.06). The average time for consolidation of the metaphysis was 3.50±1.5 months, with no significant differences observed between group 1 and group 2 (p=0.065). 7 patients (30%) had complications during follow-up. ConclusionsBifocal tibia fractures can be treated using a combination of intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis with good long-term results, obtaining an optimal union rate and low complications. In addition, it facilitates the reduction of the fracture, thus facilitating the patient's recovery and obtaining good long-term functional results.

An Experimental Study of the Frictional Behavior at the Interface Soil-Structure with Regards to Wall Friction Effect and Clogging Related to Surface Roughness Form

Abstract The interactions between soil-structure are largely governed by the shear strength at the soil-structure interface, particularly in situations involving large displacements, known as shear residual strength. This latter can be influenced by a range of factors, including normal stress, physical properties, surface roughness, wall friction. The main objective of this study is to investigate clogging related to surface roughness form, in addition to wall friction arises from consolidation. In order to investigate the impact of wall friction, experiments involving ring shear tests were carried out on kaolin. Four different consolidation durations were employed to induce varying settlements of the upper platen, while three distinct testing procedures, including single stage, multistage, and preshearing, were utilized. Additionally, different levels of surface roughness were incorporated to investigate the effect of clogging. The test results obtained from various testing procedures indicate that employing a single stage procedure with zero consolidation time is the most suitable approach for mitigating the influence of wall friction. For clogging effect, is dependent on the materials used, namely, the kaolin and the mixture, as well as, the interfaces involved.

Reconstruction of gap non-union tibia with composite use of extramedullary fixation and bone transport by monorail fixator: a prospective case series.

Non-union is a complex, multifactorial orthopaedic problem that requires multiple treatment modalities for its management. It can result from infection, segmental bone loss, soft-tissue loss, and associated host factors. External fixators as management of gap non-union are bulky and give rise to a number of complications In our study, we have described a technique where we have used extramedullary fixation in the form of a tibial locking plate and transportation of part of the tibial bone after corticotomy by a monorail fixator. The procedure was done in two stages where internal and external fixation was done after creating a gap at the non-union site. The bone was transported after corticotomy and fixed to the internal fixation device in the second stage. The external fixator was removed in the second stage and the patient was then followed up till the bony union. The evaluation was done by functional and radiological assessment along with the complications noted with the described procedure. Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 33 years. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 ± 11.32 years with a mean size of the defect was 4.8 ± 1.7 cm. At 30 weeks out of nine patients, three patients had excellent and six had good functional results on the Association of Surgeons for Application and Methodology of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scale. The composite Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 76.66 % at the end of 30 weeks of follow-up. The mean time of consolidation was 134.4 days, whereas the mean union time was 145 days from index surgery. Ankle stiffness was the most common complication affecting 50% of the patients. Following closely was pin tract infection, which was present in 40% of the patients. According to Paley's classification, there were 11 obstacles, two problems and none were true complications. The integrated fixation is both safe and effective and has the advantage of early removal of the external fixator and a low complication rate as compared to use of a bulky conventional fixator alone. Moreover, it gives protection to the regenerated bone for a long period. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects.

Toughening of self-reinforced PLA films using PLA nanofiber mats and oriented PLA tapes as interlayers

Self-reinforced poly(lactic acid) composite (SRPLA) offers advantages in terms of convenient recycling due to its mono-material nature, potential biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Moreover, SRPLA has shown the ability to overcome the inherent brittleness of PLA. To deepen our understanding of how different types of reinforcements and process parameters can affect tensile properties, particularly tensile toughness, SRPLA has been prepared based on oriented tapes (ot-SRPLA) as well as nanofiber mats (nf-SRPLA) using a film-stacking and hot-compaction approach. A considerable improvement was observed in tensile strength, modulus, and toughness at the optimum consolidation temperature and time. Specifically, the tensile toughness of nf-SRPLA increased approximately threefold at a very low nanofiber loading of 0.56 wt%, while the toughness of ot-SRPLA more than doubled at a tape mass fraction of 36 wt%. In terms of toughening mechanisms, the presence of the nanofibers slowed down crack propagation through crack branching, deviation, and fiber bridging in nf-SRPLA, whereas the predominant toughening mechanisms were interlayer debonding and tape pull-out for ot-SRPLA.

Semi-analytical solution for one-dimensional coupling consolidation of original soil and electro-osmotic layer using horizontal electrodes

The application of horizontal electro-kinetic geosynthetics for electro-osmotic consolidation is becoming increasingly widespread. Such horizontal electrodes are typically arranged at intervals, allowing pore water in original soil to pass through the intervals and penetrate into the electro-osmotic layer. In this study, a one-dimensional semi-analytical solution for a double-layered electro-osmotic system incorporating the original soil was presented and verified. The effects of the soil properties on the consolidation process were investigated. Results revealed that original soil can achieve a significant consolidation effect, even better than electro-osmotic dredged soil. A smaller permeability coefficient of original soil significantly prolongs the consolidation time, while a thicker original soil can improve the average consolidation effect of the two layers. The proposed model provides new electrode arrangement ideas and theoretical support for horizontal electro-kinetic geosynthetics for electro-osmotic reinforcement.