Damaged Side Research Articles

Numerical study on damaged ship rolling and capsizing in irregular beam waves during quasi-steady flooding

To study roll dynamics and capsizing occurrence of damaged ship in irregular beam waves, computational fluid dynamics is used to simulate damaged ship motions at rough sea to high sea states. The velocity-inlet boundary and momentum source are combined for wave generation. A modified formula is adopted to calculate turbulent viscosity to prevent unphysical decay of wave. The lateral drift restrained model is integrated with a combined dynamic mesh strategy to handle the ship's sway, heave and roll motions. Benchmarking study of irregular wave generation and roll response of damaged ship in regular waves is performed. Based on the simulations of motions of intact and damaged ships in irregular waves, the effects of cross flooding and damage orientation on the roll response of ship are discussed. For symmetrical flooding, the roll behaviour of ship is insensitive to the damage orientation. Due to the increase of roll damping, the roll response of damaged ship is smaller than that of intact ship. For asymmetric flooding, the ship is liable to roll toward the damaged side with a large angle. The probability of capsizing of ship caused by waveward damage is high at high sea state.

Hypoxia ischemia results in blood brain barrier damage via AKT/GSK-3β/CREB pathway in neonatal rats

Previous studies have showed that the permeability of blood brain barrier (BBB) increased after hypoxia ischemia (HI). The current research uncovered the mechanism of altered BBB permeability after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) through AKT/GSK-3β/CREB signaling pathway in neonatal rats. Firstly, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess brain injury. Initial findings showed abnormal signals in T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Changes also happened in the morphology of nerve cells. Subsequently, we found that BBB damage is manifested as leakage of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and destruction of BBB-related proteins and ultrastructure. Meanwhile, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) significantly increased at 24 h after HIBD compared to a series of time points. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining combined with Western blot (WB) was used to verify the function of the AKT/GSK-3β/CREB signaling pathway in BBB damage after HI in neonatal rats. Results showed that less Claudin-5, ZO-1, p-AKT, p-GSK-3β and p-CREB, along with more MMP-9 protein expression were visible on the damaged side of the cerebral cortex in the HIBD group in contrast to the sham and HIBD + SC79 groups. Together, our findings demonstrated that HI in neonatal rats might upregulate the levels of MMP-9 protein and downregulate the levels of Claudin-5 and ZO-1 by inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β/CREB pathway, thus disrupting the BBB, which in turn aggravates brain damage after HI in neonatal rats.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЯ ОБСЛЕДОВАНИЯ И УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВАЯ АНАТОМИЯ ЧЕЛЮСТНО-ЛИЦЕВОЙ ОБЛАСТИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С КРАНИОФАЦИАЛЬНОЙ МИКРОСОМИЕЙ

The study presents findings of extended ultrasound examination of a maxillofacial area in 62 patients with craniofacial macrosomia. It was used to detect abnormalities in patients’ ultrasound anatomy and to apply a topographic anatomy option in order to advance the methodology of examination and planning for surgical procedures, namely auricle reconstruction. The following findings were detected throughout the ultrasound examination: 7 patients with a total aplasia of parotid salivary gland in a normal structure and size of salivary gland on the damaged side; all patients with a normal structure and size of submandibular salivary gland on the damaged side; and 25 patients with anatomic landmarks for auricle reconstruction using a carcass of costal cartilage autograft. An ultrasound examination of head and neck, particularly the temporal, parotid-masticatory and temporal areas on both sides, the masticatory and temporal muscles, the temporal fascia, the large salivary glands, the vessels of the temporal areas, is required for formation of unbiased assessment of the state of maxillofacial area in patients, as well as further systematization of results for detection of correlation with apparently healthy children. Based on an ultrasound examination of topographic anatomy of temporal area, a method for detection of optimal location for auricle reconstruction in patients with craniofacial macrosomia is found relevant and accessible.

Long-term results of the restoration of the mobility of the mandible after fractures and prolonged immobilization

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the lower jaw accounts for up to 85% of the total number of fractures of the facial bones. Its damage leads to the formation of temporary and persistent functional disorders of the stomatognathic apparatus. Understanding the regularities of the processes of restoring the motor functions of the mandible and chewing apparatus is necessary for planning and improving rehabilitation programs in these patients.
 AIM: To examine the degree and rate of restoration of the amplitude of movements of the mandible in the long-term period of the rehabilitation stage of patients with mandibular fractures.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients with unilateral and bilateral mandibular fractures, who made up two groups depending on the volume of treatment according to current clinical protocols: group 1 included 22 people who underwent double-jaw splinting during treatment, and group 2 included 18 people who, according to indications, also underwent osteosynthesis of the mandible with subsequent intermaxillary immobilization in the postoperative period. One year after the removal of splinting structures, all mobile patients underwent a clinical assessment of the range of motions of the lower jaw.
 RESULTS: Even 1 year after the successful treatment of patients in the acute period of trauma, despite the implementation of myogymnastics in the rehabilitation period, the range of motions of the lower jaw remains limited. In group 1, after 1 year of observations, the average values correspond to the lower limits of the norms according to literature data: opening, 4.35 cm; with protrusion, 0.78 cm; laterotrusion with unilateral fractures in the damaged side, 0.95 cm; intact, 0.91; bilateral, the damaged side 1 (right), 0.86 cm, damaged side 2 (left), 0.86 cm. In group 2, during the observation period, these indicators remained significantly lower, not reaching the limits of the norm in any case. Moreover, in both groups, their values were significantly lower than those of the healthy volunteers
 CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained on the patterns of restoration of the range of motion of the lower jaw after sustaining a fracture and prolonged immobilization in the long-term justify the need to develop and conduct mandatory early comprehensive rehabilitation measures. Their clinical effectiveness should be confirmed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine, which enables the comprehensive assessment of the function of the stomatognathic apparatus. This study established indicators that can be considered control criteria when performing relevant studies.

Effects of cranioplasty in cerebral blood perfusion using quantification with 99m-Tc HMPAO SPECT-CT.

Syndrome of the trephined or sinking skin flap syndrome is an underdiagnosed condition of craniectomized patients that usually improves after cranioplasty. Among the pathophysiological theories proposed, the changes of cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) caused by cranial defects might have a role in the neurological deficiencies observed. We aim to assess the regional cortex changes in CBP after cranioplasty with Technetium 99m hexamethylpropylene-amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) SPECT-CT. Twenty-eight craniectomized patients subject to cranioplasty were studied with 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT-CT in three different times, before cranioplasty, a week, and 3months after. The images were processed with quantification software comparing CBP of 24 cortical areas with a reference area, and with a database of controls. A mixed effects model and T-Student were used. CBP increased significantly in both hemispheres after cranioplasty, either using ratio (β=.019, p-value=.030 first postsurgical SPECT-CT and β=.021, p-value=.015 in the second study, vs. presurgical) or Z-score (β=.220, p-value=.026 and β=.279, p-value=.005, respectively). Nine areas of the damaged side had a significant lower CBP ratio and Z-score than the undamaged. Posterior cingulate showed an increased CBP ratio (p-value=.034) and Z-score (p-value=.028) in the first postsurgical SPECT-CT. These posterior cingulate changes represent a 4.83% increase in ratio and 91.04% in Z-Score (p-value=.035 and .040, respectively). CBP changes significantly in specific cortical areas after cranioplasty. Posterior cingulate changes might explain some improvements in attention impairments. SPECT-CT could be a useful tool to assess CBP changes in these patients and might be helpful in their clinical management.

The influence of sacroiliac joint reduction quality on the clinical effect of bionic reduction and internal fixation for pelvic ring injury

Objective: To examine the influence of sacroiliac joint reduction quality on the clinical effect of bionic reduction and internal fixation for pelvic ring injury. Methods: From January 2014 to February 2019,the clinical data of 78 patients diagnosed with pelvic ring injury involving sacroiliac joints and treated with bionic reduction and internal fixation at Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed.There were 48 males and 30 females,aged (48.3±8.3)years (range:28 to 68 years).After bionic reduction and internal fixation,the patients were grouped according to the maximum displacement distance (d) of sacroiliac joint residual on the damaged side measured by CT examination. Patients with d≤5 mm were included in anatomical bionic reduction group,and patients with d>5 mm were included in non-anatomical bionic reduction group.In non-anatomical bionic reduction group,according to the direction of residual displacement,the patients were divided into separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group. The X-ray examination was performed immediately and at the last follow-up after operation.If sacroiliac joint was relocated,or internal plant loosening,displacement,fracture and re-displacement of fracture,it was defined as internal fixation failure.Majeed pelvic fracture scoring system was used to evaluate the postoperative functional status of the two groups,and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the postoperative pain.Comparison between groups was performed by completely random design ANOVA,χ2 test,Fisher's exact test,Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: According to the CT examination,28 cases were included in anatomical bionic reduction group,and 50 cases were included in non-anatomical bionic reduction group.In non-anatomical bionic reduction group,27 cases were divided into separation displacement group and 23 cases were in anterior-posterior displacement group.There was no significant difference in general data among anatomical bionic reduction group,separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group (P>0.05). The follow-up time was (37.8±6.6) months (range:25 to 51 months). At the last follow up,the excellent and good rate of Majeed score in anatomical bionic reduction group was 96.4%(27/28),which was better than that in separation displacement group(74.1%(20/27)) and anterior-posterior displacement group (30.4%(7/23)),the difference was statistically significant (Z=-6.479,P<0.01;Z=-6.256,P<0.01); and the good rate of the separation displacement group was better than that of the anterior-posterior displacement group(Z=-3.607,P<0.01).The VAS of anatomical bionic reduction group (17 cases with 0 point, 11 cases with 1 to 3 points) were lower than that of the displacement group (6 cases with 0 point,16 cases with 1 to 3 points,5 cases with 4 to 6 points) and anterior-posterior displacement group (3 cases with 0 point,7 cases with 1 to 3 points,13 cases with 4 to 6 points),the difference was statistically significant (Z=-3.515,P<0.01;Z=-3.506,P<0.01),and there was no difference between separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group.Total of 8 cases of internal fixation failure occurred,and the failure rate of anatomical bionic reduction group (0,0/28) was lower than that of the separation displacement group (11.1%,3/27) and anterior-posterior displacement group (21.7%,5/23) (P=0.111,P=0.014),and there was no difference between separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group(P=0.444). Conclusions: In the bionic reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fracture involving sacroiliac joint injury,the functional status,pain and internal fixation failure rate of patients with anatomical bionic reduction of sacroiliac joint are significantly better than those in the non-anatomical bionic reduction.The functional recovery of patients with separation displacement is better than that of the patients with anterior and posterior displacement.

Predicting autologous hamstring graft diameter and finding reliable measurement levels in the Zhuang population using preoperative ultrasonography.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasonography to preoperatively predict the autologous hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the Zhuang population and determine a reliable measurement level using ultrasound. Methods: Twenty-four Zhuang patients who were scheduled for ACL reconstruction using four-strand semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (G) (4S-STG) autografts were included in this study. Ultrasonographic examinations of the ST and the G on the damaged side were conducted before the operation. We recorded the transverse diameter (TD), anterior–posterior diameter (APD), cross-sectional area (CSA), and perimeter (P) of the tendons. The measurements were obtained from two levels of the tendons: the widest point of the medial femoral epicondyle (level 1) and the myotendinous junction of the sartorius (level 2). We also calculated the combined (ST + G) TD, APD, CSA, and p values. Then, we obtained the intraoperative measurements. The correlation between the ultrasonic and intraoperative measurements was analyzed, and the advantages of the ultrasonic measurements at the two different levels were compared. Results: When we measured at level 1, we found that part of the ultrasonic measurements were correlated with intraoperative measurements. The preoperative CSA of the G (P-GCSA) can be used to distinguish a 4S-STG autograft diameter of ≥8 mm (p < 0.01, mean difference = 3.7). The area under the P-GCSA curve was 0.801 (p < 0.05). A P-GCSA of 8.5 mm2 could be used to predict a 4S-STG autograft diameter of ≥8 mm with a sensitivity of 61.1% and specificity of 83.3%. However, there was no correlation between the ultrasonic and intraoperative measurements at level 2. Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound can be used to predict the sufficient diameter of 4S-STG autografts when considering patients from Zhuang who are undergoing ACL reconstruction. The ultrasonic measurement should be obtained at the widest point of the medial femoral epicondyle.

Local Bone Dencity in Neglected Ankle Fractures

Objective: determining the neglected ankle fractures clinical stages based on the analysis of computed tomograms (CT) at various time from the injury and radiological findings in different types of ankle injury. Material and methods. An open randomized multicenter study included 48 patients with Weber type B and C ankle fractures (15 males, 33 females) aged from 27 to 68 years old (mean age 45 years old). The result of the CT analysis for each patient was the ratio of bone density on the damaged side to the bone density of the intact ankle. Next, the correlation was defined between the attitude and time from injury (in days) as well as diastasis (in millimeters) and age (in years). Results. Mean bone density in the period up to 15 days was 403.25 ± 63.74 HU, in the period between 15 and 32 days – 359.85 ± 71.34 HU, in the period more than 32 days – 271.91 ± 73.34 HU. Local bone density is inversely proportional to the time from injury (correlation coefficient –0.678) and the fracture gap (correlation coefficient –0.396). There was no significant dependence of local bone density on the patient’s age (correlation coefficient –0.177). Local bone density significantly (p = 0.05) decreased in the period of more than 14 days from the injury and was 80% and less from intact bone density in the period of more than 32 days from the injury (p = 0.0004). Signs of fracture healing appeared, in average, on the 28 th day after the injury with the fracture gap less than 1 mm. Conclusion. From the point of view of preoperative planning, neglected ankle fractures bone density critical points are 14 th and 32 nd days after injury.

Ferroptosis is Involved in Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Damage in Neonatal Rats

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, which is driven by loss of activity of the lipid repair enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and subsequent accumulation of lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is implicated in various diseases involving neuronal injury. However, the role of ferroptosis in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) has not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether ferroptosis is involved in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and its mechanisms through the HIBD model. A 7-day-old male Sprague-Dawley neonatal rat HIBD model was established by blocking the left common carotid artery. Laser speckle contrast imaging, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy were used to measure the effects of ferroptosis on HIBD. Brain tissue on the damaged side in the HIBD group showed atrophied, even liquefied, glial cells increased, and blood perfusion was significantly reduced. The HIBD group insult significantly increased reactive oxygen species levels, as well as the protein levels of iron metabolism-related proteins transferrin receptor (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC), while reducing the levels of Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione (GSH), and GPX4. These changes resulted in diminished cellular antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial damage, causing neuronal ferroptosis in the cerebral cortex. We conclude that ferroptosis plays a role in HIBD in neonatal rats. Ferroptosis-related mechanisms such as abnormalities in iron metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation play important roles in HIBD.

The effect of new scalp acupuncture on qi, 5 elements and acupuncture of meridians in patients with chronic stroke – pilot study

Introduction. Individuals affected by stroke often lead to loss of autonomy, dependence in activities of daily living, and social disruption, possibly leading to a reduced quality of life. Most survivors present residual sensory-motor deficits that interfere with the performance of functional activities. Reducing complications and improving the functional recovery of these individuals is an important starting point for rehabilitation professionals. Objective. To analyze the effect of the new Yamamoto scalp acupuncture (SA) YNSA on Qi, 5 elements and acupuncture of meridians in chronic stroke patients. Method. This is a quasi-experimental pilot study composed of nine chronic stroke patients. All participants diagnosed with chronic stroke aged from 38 to 79 years underwent energetic electrodiagnosis. Patients received a SA session on the contralateral hemisphere of the damaged side corresponding to the motor and sensory area for 30 minutes. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied, followed by the paired t-test. Results: There was a significant reduction in the Yin, Fire (Pericarium) and Fire (heart). The following organs and viscera also presented a reduction: lung, right pericardium, left small intestine, and right spleen. Conclusions. It is concluded that AE YNSA can promote Qi balance, reduction in the fire element and reduction in the action of some acupuncture meridians in chronic stroke patients in the analysed sample.

Microarray analysis of hub genes and pathways in damaged cartilage tissues of knee.

The aim of this study was to identify genes and functional pathways associated with damaged cartilage tissues of knee using microarray analysis.The gene expression profile GSE129147 including including 10 knee cartilage tissues from damaged side and 10 knee nonweight-bearing healthy cartilage was downloaded and bioinformatics analysis was made.A total of 182 differentially-expressed genes including 123 up-regulated and 59 down-regulated genes were identified from the GSE129147 dataset. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis confirmed that extracellular matrix organization, collagen catabolic process, antigen processing and presentation of peptide or polysaccharide antigen, and endocytic vesicle membrane were strongly associated with cartilage injury. Furthermore, 10 hub differentially-expressed genes with a higher connectivity degree in protein–protein interactions network were found such as POSTN, FBN1, LOX, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins3, C3AR1, MMP2, ITGAM, CDKN2A, COL1A1, COL5A1.These hub genes and pathways provide a new perspective for revealing the potential pathological mechanisms and therapy strategy of cartilage injury.

Evaluation of Mandibular Growth and Symmetry in Child with Congenital Zygomatic-Coronoid Ankylosis

Ankyloses in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are mentioned as a potential etiological factor of mandibular growth disorders and facial asymmetry. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the changes in the mandible of a child with zygomatic-coronoid ankylosis during the first five years of life, in which two adhesion release procedures were performed. The adopted symmetrical approach is based on the assumption of symmetry of the structure of the stomatognathic system in relation to the sagittal median plane. However, the assessment of pathological changes in the structure of the skeletal system was performed using an asymmetrical approach. Computed tomography techniques and a system of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) were used in the case study. During the child’s growth, linear and angular measurements were made thrice (at the age of 16, 25 and 54 months). The degree of asymmetry was estimated in the measurements made on the right and left sides of the three-dimensional mandible. Unilateral congenital hypoplasia of the articular process and zygomatic-coronoid adhesion caused asymmetrical growth of the mandible in the child along with shortening of the mandibular branch and body on the damaged side and a visible difference in the size of the mandibular angles. Removal of the adhesions during surgical procedures made it possible to reduce the asymmetry of the mandible and catch-up growth, although at the age of five, the mandible was still smaller than the mandible in healthy peers. It was shown that the early adhesion release procedures supported by the CAD analysis enabled the restoration of mandibular symmetry.

Effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on repair and receptivity of damaged endometrium in rats.

This study was to investigate whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can repair damaged endometrium in rats and its effect on endometrial receptivity. A rat model of endometrial damage was established by heat injury. BMSCs were labeled with PKH26 and were transplanted into the right uterine cavity. The endometrial thickness and fertility testing were examined to assess the repair of damaged endometrium. The mass on trichrome staining was used to assess the endometrium fibrosis. The expression of integrin avβ3 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in rat endometrium was used to evaluate the endometrial receptivity. After transplantation of BMSCs, the distribution of PKH26 positive cells was mainly on the damaged side in the endometrial tissues. Compared to control group, the endometrial tissue structure recovered after treatment with BMSCs. BMSCs transplantation improved the fertility of endometrial injury model rats. BMSCs decreased the area of endometrial fibrosis. The expression of integrin avβ3 and LIF in endometrium was the stronger in BMSCs treatment group than control group. BMSCs can migrate to the endometrium and repair damaged endometrium and improve endometrium receptivity.

A numerical investigation on the effect of symmetric and asymmetric flooding on the damage stability of a ship

Reliable analysis of the flooding process and motion responses onboard a damaged ship is extremely significant for assessing the remaining survivability and improving the damage stability. This study implemented the Unsteady Reynold-Average Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver to monitor the three degrees of freedom (DOF) motion, investigating the effect of symmetric and asymmetric flooding on the damage stability. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method was applied to visualize the flooding process and capture the complex hydrodynamics behavior. Additionally, basic governing equations of fluid flow and free motion are detailed. The simulation results show that in the same damage condition, the transverse asymmetric flooding results in a larger heel angle. However, for the pitch and heave motion, there are small differences between the symmetric flooding and asymmetric flooding. Therefore, if the damaged ship is predicted to keep afloat, the transverse symmetric flooding should be guaranteed as much possible. In this case, the flooding water can flow from the damaged side to the intact side. Consequently, the damaged ship can maintain a relatively stable floating state, decreasing the risk of capsizing due to the excessive heel angle. Finally, all the numerical simulation cases are performed on the commercial software CD Adapco STAR-CCM+.

Wing kinematic and aerodynamic compensations for unilateral wing damage in a small phorid fly.

To investigate the way in which very small insects compensate for unilateral wing damage, we measured the wing kinematics of a very small insect, a phorid fly (Megaselia scalaris), with 16.7% wing area loss in the outer part of the left wing and a normal counterpart, and we computed the aerodynamic forces and power expenditures of the phorid flies. Our major findings are the following. The phorid fly compensates for unilateral wing damage by increasing the stroke amplitude and the deviation angle of the damaged wing (the large deviation angle gives the wing a deep U-shaped wing path), unlike the medium and large insects studied previously, which compensate for the unilateral wing damage mainly by increasing the stroke amplitude of the damaged wing. The increased stroke amplitude and the deep U-shaped wing path give the damaged wing a larger wing velocity during its flapping motion and a rapid downward acceleration in the beginning of the upstroke, which enable the damaged wing to generate the required vertical force for weight support. However, the larger wing velocity of thedamagedwing also generates larger horizontal and side forces, increasing the resultant aerodynamic force of the damaged wing. Due to the larger aerodynamic force and the smaller wing area, the wing loading ofthedamaged wing is 25% larger than that of the wings of the normal phorid fly; this may greatly shorten the life of the damaged wing. Furthermore, because the damaged wing has much larger angular velocity and produces larger aerodynamic moment compared with the intact wing of the damaged phorid fly, the aerodynamic power consumed by the damaged wing is 38% larger than that by the intact wing, i.e., the energy distribution between the damaged and intact wings is highly asymmetrical; this may greatly increase the muscle wastage of the damaged side.

Mechanism of forelimb motor function restoration in rats with cervical spinal cord hemisection-neuroanatomical validation-

PurposeThe purpose of this study is neuroanatomical validation of forelimb motor function restoration in rats with cervical spinal cord injury. Materials and methodsWe used eight cervical hemisected rats and eight normal rats. We cut in half the C3/4 cervical spinal cord of 18-weeks-old normal rats. We used 24-weeks-old rats that had reached a nearly steady state of forelimb motor function after the hemisection (Hemisection group). Normal 24-week-old rats were used as Control group. To evaluate the corticospinal tracts, neuro-tracing by biotynirated dextran-amine (BDA) was used. BDA was injected into the damaged side of the cerebral primary motor cortex. In order to quantitatively analyze the specimen, we recorded a site where nerve fibers appear in each specimen in the image analysis (1) and defined the increase rate of immunostaining area using ImageJ in the image analysis (2). Based on the evaluation in the image analysis (1) and the image analysis (2), the Hemisection group and the Control group were compared. ResultsIn the image analysis (1), a region with robust appearance of aberrant nerve fibers was observed in the cephalad side of the Hemisection site in Hemisection group than Control group. In the spinal cord caudal to the hemisection, such region was generally more in Hemisection group, however, disappeared or reduced appearance was observed in some regions. In the image analysis (2), no statistical significant difference was noted in each level. ConclusionThere is a high probability that these aberrant nerve fibers beyond the midline could be involved in forelimb motor function restoration in rats with cervical cord hemisection.

Effect of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

When solely mirror therapy is applied for a long period of time, spatial perception and attention to the damaged side may decrease, and the effect of mirror therapy may be limited. To overcome this limitation, it has recently been suggested that the combination of mirror therapy with mirror treatment is effective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors. A randomized controlled trial. Rehabilitation center. Thirty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (N.=15) and the control group (N.=15). Participants of the experimental group received afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy, and participants of the control group received sham afferent electrical stimulation with sham mirror therapy for 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Motor function was measured using a handheld dynamometer and the Modified Ashworth Scale, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale, and gait was assessed using the GAITRite® (GAITRite, CIR System Inc., Franklin, NJ, USA) pressure-sensitive walkway at baseline and after 4 weeks. The experimental group showed significant differences in muscle strength, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Berg Balance Scale results, and velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, and double support time of their gait (P<0.05) in the pre-post intervention comparison. Significant differences between the two groups in muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale, gait velocity, step length, and stride length (P<0.05) were found. Mirror therapy with afferent electrical stimulation may effectively improve muscle strength and gait and balance abilities in hemiplegic stroke survivors. Afferent electrical stimulation combined with mirror therapy can be used as an effective intervention to improve lower limb motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors in clinical settings.

Uvod u rešavanje pitanja Safavidskog nasleđa (1721-1723) - prema britanskim izvorima

The crisis which at the beginning of the 18th century caught Persia strengthened the aspirations of its neighbors, Russia and the Ottoman Empire, in regard to certain parts of its territory. The ascent of Persia in the era of Safavid contributed to the production of raw silk, which made it a major exporter of raw and processed silks of the finest quality. This was the main reason why some European countries (England, France and the Netherlands) established permanent diplomatic and trade relations with Persia. With several decades of delay, a new competitor appeared in that field, Russia, which in the middle of the 17th century was seriously interested in joining this trade, but by its own model. The British East India Company, which opened the factories in the most important centers of silk production, established by the benefits it gained a certain degree of monopoly on its exports directly from the territory of Persia. Although in certain periods the Porte was leading a protectionist policy to ban the export of Persian Silk through its territories, it did not succeed in it precisely because of the demand of the European market for the merchandise. Silk and raw yarn exported from Persia to the Ottoman Empire became the object of the trade of European Levant companies (English, French, and Dutch). The interests which the European trading companies placed in the course of events in the Ottoman Empire and in Persia took on the mark of serious diplomatic activities, which used various means to achieve political pressure. The initial phase of the disintegration of the Safavid state found its place in British diplomatic sources. The significance of these archival sources can be seen in the fact that they offer a different point of view it shows the realities in Persia in the period from 1721 to 1723, while presenting plenty of new data. The British diplomatic mission in the Ottoman Empire, led by Ambassador Abraham Stanyan, had a series of justifications to monitor developments in the Caspian and Caucasus regions, fearing that they would influence the fall of the British exchange with those areas. Due to the ambitions of Russia to divert to its territory parts of the trade route where the exchange of silk took place, the Levant Company would have become the most damaged side, which additionally influenced Stanyan to engage in the defense of British trade interests. Diplomacy, as a rule, played a role in normalizing relations in Persia, but its mechanisms of pressure, which it employed, proved insufficiently strong to prevent the Russian army from attacking Dagestan and Georgia, as well as the breakthrough of the Ottoman army in Persia. Attempting to neutralize the actions of French Ambassador Marquise de Bonacca, Stanyan sought to closely moni­tor developments in Persia and respond in a timely manner. In doing so, he was aided by the privileged position in the diplomatic corps in Istanbul, which British diplomats gained in successful mediation during the negotiations in Sremski Karlovci in 1699 and Požarevac in 1718, which was contrary to the principles of Russian diplomacy, which did not trust the Great Britain and its representatives in the Ottoman state and Persia.

Defect formation and modulation during patterning supported graphene sheets using focused ion beams

Focused ion beams (FIB) have been employed to applications from physical to life sciences because of their capabilities of machining features with nanoscale precision, making them a promising candidate for patterning graphene. Nevertheless, there are limited applications of patterning graphene using FIB due to ion-induced damages. In this work, we performed molecular dynamics simulations and Raman spectra mapping experiments to study defect formation in Cu-supported graphene sheets during gallium ion FIB processes. Our simulation results indicate that ion bombardment induced constrained scattering of carbon atoms and sputtered copper atoms, creating more defects in graphene than patterning on free-standing graphene. We propose two approaches to mitigate FIB-induced damages: (1) lowering ion beam energy; and (2) tilting ion beam incidence angles. The first approach can effectively suppress damages with ion energy down to 1 keV; however, this is not feasible for experiments. In the second approach, we demonstrated that tilting ion incident angles result in asymmetric damage distribution, which can be leveraged to pattern graphene/2D materials by utilizing the lightly-damaged side for device fabrication while discarding the heavily damaged side. The present study reveals the formation of FIB-induced damage on supported graphene, and proposes an approach to pattern graphene/2D materials using FIB.

Contralateral medial pectoral nerve transfer with free gracilis muscle transfer in old brachial plexus palsy

BackgroundThere is a very small chance of success for nerve reconstruction in patients with old total brachial plexus palsy who visit after 2 y or suffer from flail upper extremity after the failure of previous operations. Materials and methodsFor these individuals, the surgeon has to find a recipient motor nerve to perform free gracilis muscle transplantation. In this study, contralateral medial pectoral nerve from the intact side was transferred to the damaged side as a recipient nerve. Then, in the second operation, approximately 15 mo later, the free gracilis muscle transfer was performed. The gracilis muscle was removed and transferred to provide elbow and finger flexion. ResultsIn a retrospective study (over 10 y), we reviewed 68 patients for whom this method had been performed. After 1 y, the results were investigated using the Medical Research Council grading system. Five patients did not participate in the study, and the muscle underwent necrosis in two patients. M3 and M4 muscle power was regained in 26 (42.6%) and 21 (34.4%) patients, respectively. ConclusionsContralateral pectoral nerve transfer followed by free muscle transplantation can be a good option for patients with old total brachial plexus palsy.