External Apparatus Research Articles

Female genital mutilations: genito-urinary complications and ethical-legal aspects.

Many women in the world are still undergoing female genital mutilations (FGMs) even if in almost all the countries, the practice of FGM is illegal. The increase of immigration, particularly from African Countries, to Europe, and Italy too, led to consider this phenomenon with particular attention and skill. All the operators in health services need to know the different types of FGMs and the related complications and the psychological and sexual sequels. Urological complications, in particular, are not rare and the changing anatomy of the external genital apparatus can also make the catheter insertion sometimes difficult. This review analyzes the epidemiology of FGMs, the reasons why the practice is still made, the complications, the ethical, and the principal legal aspects of this practise that must be hopefully early banned.

Novel Therapies in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There is an effort on several fronts for newer effective therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This is because, till now the two main modalities of therapy, continuous positive airway pressure therapy or use of various oral appliances are fraught with problems of poor acceptance and long time adherence. Though numerous modalities have been tried which are discussed in the review, there are few novel approaches which hold great promise as probable effective modalities for the future. In children, the simplest cost effective treatment undoubtedly remains a well timed adeno-tonsillectomy which could as well be curative. However, a high flow open nasal cannula based positive airway pressure therapy has been found to be effective in mild and moderately obese children. In adults, oral pressure therapy using an external suction apparatus connected to an intra oral device, that increases the retropharyngeal space and prevents the tongue from falling back, has been found to be effective in initial studies. Stimulation of the genioglossus by hypoglossal nerve pacing with the use of a pulse generator placed in the infraclavicular region is another promising modality. Various new surgical techniques specially the maxilla mandibular advancement procedures and computerized surgical planning methods hold great promise. Lastly, the multimodality approach using the new knowledge on the pathophysiology of sleep apnea is likely to be the therapy for the future.

Low rate loading-induced convection enhances net transport into the intervertebral disc in vivo

Background contextThe intervertebral disc primarily relies on trans-endplate diffusion for the uptake of nutrients and the clearance of byproducts. In degenerative discs, diffusion is often diminished by endplate sclerosis and reduced proteoglycan content. Mechanical loading-induced convection has the potential to augment diffusion and enhance net transport into the disc. The ability of convection to augment disc transport is controversial and has not been demonstrated in vivo. PurposeTo determine if loading-induced convection can enhance small molecule transport into the intervertebral disc in vivo. Study designNet transport was quantified via postcontrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into the discs of the New Zealand white rabbit lumbar spine subjected to in vivo cyclic low rate loading. MethodsAnimals were administered the MRI contrast agent gadodiamide intravenously and subjected to in vivo low rate loading (0.5 Hz, 200 N) via a custom external loading apparatus for either 2.5, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. Animals were then euthanized and the lumbar spines imaged using postcontrast enhanced MRI. The T1 constants in the nucleus, annulus, and cartilage endplates were quantified as a measure of gadodiamide transport into the loaded discs compared with the adjacent unloaded discs. Microcomputed tomography was used to quantify subchondral bone density. ResultsLow rate loading caused the rapid uptake and clearance of gadodiamide in the nucleus compared with unloaded discs, which exhibited a slower rate of uptake. Relative to unloaded discs, low rate loading caused a maximum increase in transport into the nucleus of 16.8% after 5 minutes of loading. Low rate loading increased the concentration of gadodiamide in the cartilage endplates at each time point compared with unloaded levels. ConclusionsResults from this study indicate that forced convection accelerated small molecule uptake and clearance in the disc induced by low rate mechanical loading. Low rate loading may, therefore, be therapeutic to the disc as it may enhance the nutrient uptake and waste product clearance.

Treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures with external fixation device

Choice of the best method for treatment of patients with diaphyseal fractures of long bones is debated issue of modern traumatology. Objective: to improve methods of treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures with using of external fixation apparatus’ (EFA) produced by PE «ORTOPAK» and to evaluate outcomes of their using. Methods: we treated 80 patients with 83 fractures of the femur. In 32 of them fracture of the femur was combined with fractures of other segments. In the majority of patients (65) we performed closed reduction of fragments by skeletal traction system for 5–7 days followed by fixation with EFA, and in 15 ones simultaneous closed reduction and fixation with EFA was done. In 3 cases there was necessity for open reduction of fragments. Results: terms of fixation with EFA were 10 weeks in 22 (27.5%) patients, to 16 weeks — in 38 (47.5 %), to 20 — in 14 (17.5 %), to 24 — in 5 (6.25 %), and to 30 — in 1 (1.25 %) patients. Nonunion was observed in 3 (3.75 %) patients. Conclusion: diaphyseal femoral fractures might be effectively treated with EFA of PE «ORTOPAK» production choosing an adequate method of fragments’ reduction.

Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions

To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases. On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007). All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards. There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.

A Method Integrating Optimal Algorithm and FEM on CMOS Residual Stress

ABSTRACTResidual stress in MEMS is of inherent importance in various respects. This study proposes a specific method using ANSYS including the birth and death method and combined with the optimal method (SCGM) to reduce the residual stresses during the CMOS fabrication process. The suitable cooling temperature for decreasing the residual stress is proposed and available. It demonstrates that the suitable parameter on the fabrication can reduce the residual stress in MEMS devices without any extra manufacturing process or external apparatus. The proposed method can expand to simulate the realistic MEMS model effectively.

Metabolic Effects of Angulation, Compression, and Reduced Mobility on Annulus Fibrosis in a Model of Altered Mechanical Environment in Scoliosis

Study DesignComparison of disc tissue from rat tails in 6 groups with different mechanical conditions imposed. ObjectivesTo identify disc annulus changes associated with the supposed altered biomechanical environment in a spine with scoliosis deformity using an immature rat model that produces disc narrowing and wedging. BackgroundIntervertebral discs become wedged and narrowed in a scoliosis curve, probably partly because of an altered biomechanical environment. MethodsWe subjected tail discs of 5-week-old immature Sprague-Dawley rats to an altered mechanical environment using an external apparatus applying permutations of loading and deformity for 5 weeks. Together with a sham and a control group, we studied 4 groups of rats: A) 15° angulation, B) angulation with 0.1 MPa compression, C) 0.1 MPa compression, and R) reduced mobility. We measured disc height changes and matrix composition (water, deoxyribonucleic acid, glycosaminoglycan, and hyaluronic acid content) after 5 weeks, and proline and sulphate incorporation and messenger ribonucleic acid expression at 5 days and 5 weeks. ResultsAfter 5 weeks, disc space was significantly narrowed relative to internal controls in all 4 intervention groups. Water content and cellularity (deoxyribonucleic acid content) were not different at interventional levels relative to internal controls and not different between the concave and convex sides of the angulated discs. There was increased glycosaminoglycan content in compressed tissue (in Groups B and C), as expected, and compression resulted in a decrease in hyaluronic acid size. We observed slightly increased incorporation of tritiated proline into the concave side of angulated discs and compressed discs. Asymmetries of gene expression in Groups A and B and some group-wise differences did not identify consistent patterns associating the discs' responses to mechanical alterations. ConclusionsIntervertebral discs in this model underwent substantial narrowing after 5 weeks, with minimal alteration in tissue composition and minimal evidence of metabolic changes.

Two-layer microdevice for parallel flow-through PCRs employing plastic syringes for semi-automated sample injection and a single heater for amplification: Toward process simplification and system miniaturization

This paper reports on the fabrication of a two-layer microdevice for conducting on-chip parallel flow-through polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) equipped with a single heater and disposable plastic syringes for semi-automated sample delivery for the construction of a portable PCR microdevice. Identical shapes of disconnected spiral-like microchannels were engraved on two poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates having varying thicknesses, and by rotating either one of the substrates 180°, they were aligned in such a way that one continuous sample flow was realized in a 3D configuration within a two-layer microdevice. Typical in vitro enzymatic amplifications were performed simultaneously in parallel on the microdevice by employing a single heater. Also, sample actuation module was miniaturized and its operation was semi-automated by employing portable plastic syringes as pumps. This system dispenses with the use of a bulky external apparatus such as a syringe pump, and also greatly simplifies the temperature control by utilizing a single heater, and therefore, downsizing the overall footprint of the device. Samples were injected into two inlets simultaneously and were successfully delivered through the entire length of the microchannels of over 2m, mediated by portable plastic syringes. To investigate the feasibility of employing a single heater as well as to assess the reliability of the sample injection performance initiated by the plastic syringes, on-chip flow-through PCRs were performed using plasmid DNA as templates inside 2m-long spiral microchannels constructed in a two-layer arrangement, as a proof-of-concept experiment. Target amplicons were successfully amplified simultaneously in parallel reactions inside the proposed microdevice in approximately 27min with high reproducibility, confirming stable sample injection performance and reliable temperature control inside the microdevice. The proposed schemes could pave the way for device miniaturization, process simplification, and reaction parallelization, realizing a portable microfluidic device applicable for on-site and direct field uses.

Management of peripancreatic fluid collections following partial pancreatectomy: a comparison of percutaneous versus EUS-guided drainage

Peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) occur in up to 30 % of patients following partial pancreatic resections. Traditionally, postoperative PFCs are managed via percutaneous drainage (PD). EUS-guided transgastric drainage has been shown to be effective for the management of PFCs secondary to acute pancreatitis. However, there are limited data on the use of EUS-guided drainage (EUSD) for the management of postoperative PFCs. To compare the safety and efficacy of PD versus EUSD of PFCs in patients who have undergone partial pancreatic resections. Retrospective analysis of patients with symptomatic PFCs following pancreatic enucleation or distal pancreatectomy at MSKCC between January 2008 and December 2010. Patients were identified using an electronic medical records query in addition to a prospectively maintained pancreatic surgery complications database. Single, academic, tertiary referral center. Twenty-three patients with symptomatic PFCs following pancreatic enucleation or distal pancreatectomy were retrospectively identified. CT-guided PD versus endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUSD) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included technical success, clinical success, number of interventions, and complications. Technical success was defined as successful localization of the PFC by fine-needle aspiration and placement of a drainage catheter or stent. Clinical success was defined as radiographic resolution of the PFC and removal of the drain or stent, without the need for an alternative drainage procedure or surgery. PD was initially performed in 14 patients and EUSD initially in 9 patients. Three patients with initial PD had recurrence of PFC after removal of the external drain and underwent subsequent EUSD. The mean size of the fluid collections was 10.0 cm in the PD group and 8.9 cm in the EUSD group. Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Clinical success was achieved in 11 of 14 (79 %) patients in the PD group compared with 11 of 11 (100 %) in the EUSD group, with one patient in the EUSD group lost to follow-up. One patient with initial PD required two additional percutaneous procedures before complete PFC resolution. Five EUSD patients required repeat endoscopy for stent revision or necrosectomy. The median number of interventions was two [range 1-5] in the PD group and two [range 1-5] in the EUSD group. The median number of days the drainage catheters were in place was 44.5 [range 2-87] in the PD group versus 57 [range 32-217] in the EUSD group. There were no procedure-related complications in either group. Adverse events in the PD group included splenic artery stump bleeding, pleural effusion, cysto-colonic and cysto-cutaneous fistulae, and persistent catheter site pain. One patient in the EUSD group developed a small-bowel obstruction and bleeding gastric ulcer. Retrospective, nonrandomized study and small numbers. EUSD of postoperative PFCs appears to be safe and technically feasible. This technique appears to be as successful as PD for the management of PFCs with the advantage of not requiring an external drainage apparatus and should be considered as a therapeutic option in this group of patients. Further evaluation, with analysis of cost and quality of life, should be considered in a prospective, randomized trial.

The Flight Apparatus of Migratory and Sedentary Individuals of a Partially Migratory Songbird Species

Variations in the geometry of the external flight apparatus of birds are beneficial for different behaviors. Long-distance flight is less costly with more pointed wings and shorter tails; however these traits decrease maneuverability at low speeds. Selection has led to interspecific differences in these and other flight apparatuses in relation to migration distance. If these principles are general, how are the external flight apparatus within a partially migratory bird species shaped in which individuals either migrate or stay at their breeding grounds? We resolved this question by comparing the wing pointedness and tail length (relative to wing length) of migrant and resident European blackbirds (Turdus merula) breeding in the same population. We predicted that migrant blackbirds would have more pointed wings and shorter tails than residents. Contrary to our predictions, there were no differences between migrants and residents in either measure. Our results indicate that morphological differences between migrants and residents in this partially migratory population may be constrained.

Tunable photovoltaic electrochromic device and module

An innovative tunable photovoltaic electrochromic (PV–EC) device concept, in which planar distribution of silicon thin film solar cells (Si-TFSCs) structure with successively deposited electrochromic thin films (ECTFs) and electrolyte layer is demonstrated. The switching mechanism of a PV–EC device is realized by electrically separating the electrodes of the Si-TFSCs and ECTFs, and the connection of the two systems is achieved through an external switching apparatus that links each Si-TFSC and ECTF through one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. According to the PV–EC device structure, Si-TFSCs arranged in stripes makes large area module fabrication feasible, while Si-TFSCs arranged in arrays allows pixel structure design possible. When illuminated by sunlight under short-circuit condition, the photopotential outputted from a single Si-TFSC drives ECTF layer to change color, simultaneously a portion of the photocurrent is stored in a capacitor. Once the ECTF is tinted, no power is needed to retain its colored state due to the bi-stable property of the electrochromic material. In order to revert the PV–EC device to its bleached state, the capacitor supplies reverse potential to cause discoloration of the ECTF. In addition, the monolithically integrated Si-TFSC module generates electricity to a connected load. In view of photoelectric conversion and optical modulation properties, the PV–EC device can both function as a Si-TFSC module and as a self powered smart glass, which has great advantages in green energy application.

Kinematics of Cervical Total Disc Replacement Adjacent to a Two-Level, Straight Versus Lordotic Fusion

In vitro biomechanical study. To characterize cervical total disc replacement (TDR) kinematics above two-level fusion, and to determine the effect of fusion alignment on TDR response. Cervical TDR may be a promising alternative for a symptomatic adjacent level after prior multilevel cervical fusion. However, little is known about the TDR kinematics in this setting. Eight human cadaveric cervical spines (C2-T1, age: 59 ± 8.6 years) were tested intact, after simulated two-level fusion (C4-C6) in lordotic alignment and then in straight alignment, and after C3-C4 TDR above the C4-C6 fusion in lordotic and straight alignments. Fusion was simulated using an external fixator apparatus, allowing easy adjustment of C4-C6 fusion alignment, and restoration to intact state upon disassembly. Specimens were tested in flexion-extension using hybrid testing protocols. The external fixator device significantly reduced range of motion (ROM) at C4-C6 to 2.0 ± 0.6°, a reduction of 89 ± 3.0% (P < 0.05). Removal of the fusion construct restored the motion response of the spinal segments to their intact state. The C3-C4 TDR resulted in less motion as compared to the intact segment when the disc prosthesis was implanted either as a stand-alone procedure or above a two-level fusion. The decrease in motion of C3-C4 TDR was significant for both lordotic and straight fusions across C4-C6 (P < 0.05). Flexion and extension moments needed to bring the cervical spine to similar C2 motion endpoints significantly increased for the TDR above a two-level fusion compared to TDR alone (P < 0.05). Lordotic fusion required significantly greater flexion moment, whereas straight fusion required significantly greater extension moment (P < 0.05). TDR placed adjacent to a two-level fusion is subjected to a more challenging biomechanical environment as compared to a stand-alone TDR. An artificial disc used in such a clinical scenario should be able to accommodate the increased moment loads without causing impingement of its endplates or undue wear during the expected life of the prosthesis.

Future technology in cochlear implants: assessing the benefit

It has been over 50 years since Djourno and Eyries first attempted electric stimulation in a patient with deafness. Over this time, the Cochlear Implant (CI) has become not only remarkably successful, but increasingly complex. Although the basic components of the system still comprise an implanted receiver stimulator and electrode, externally worn speech processor, microphone, control system, and power source, there are now several alternative designs of these components with different attributes that can be variably combined to meet the needs of specific patient groups. Development by the manufacturers has been driven both by these various patient needs, and also by the desire to achieve technological superiority, or at least differentiation, ultimately in pursuit of market share. Assessment of benefit is the responsibility of clinicians. It is incumbent on both industry and clinicians to ensure appropriate, safe, and affordable introduction of new technology. For example, experience with the totally implanted cochlear implant (TIKI) has demonstrated that quality of hearing is the over-riding consideration for CI users. To date, improved hearing outcomes have been achieved by improvements in: speech processing strategies; microphone technology; pre-processing strategies; electrode placement; bilateral implantation; use of a hearing aid in the opposite ear (bimodal stimulation); and the combination of electric and acoustic stimulation in the same ear. The resulting expansion of CI candidacy, with more residual hearing, further improves the outcomes achieved. Largely facilitated by advances in electronic capability and computerization, it can be expected that these improvements will continue. However, marked variability of results still occurs and we cannot assure any individual patient of their outcome. Realistic goals for implementation of new technology include: improved hearing in noise and music perception; effective invisible hearing (no external apparatus); automated fitting; and reduction in outcome variability. This paper provides examples of relevant potential future technologies that can be applied to reach these goals. In the quest for better outcomes, future technology must deliver improved reliability and usability for both clinicians and recipients that does not compromise safety and is affordable. One of the challenges related to the introduction of new technologies is the ‘classification’ of CI systems and the framework under which sufficient change and increased benefit can be demonstrated to establish a claim of ‘new generation CI’ and hence increased reimbursement from third-party payers. Significant improvements in hearing outcomes and quality of life associated with CI design changes are difficult to measure, particularly when there is such dramatic benefit from the intervention of cochlear implantation from the individual's perspective. Manufacturers and clinicians need to be objective and undertake appropriate safety studies and long-term and multi-centre clinical trials to ensure that the introduction of new technology is both safe and effective and supported by health systems worldwide.

Kinematic and Kinetic Variations Among Three Depth Jump Conditions in Male NCAA Division III Athletes

Our purpose was to provide an in-depth investigation of 2 commonly used depth jump variants: depth jumping over a hurdle and depth jumping while touching as high as possible using an overhead goal. Fourteen male athletes performed a series of depth jumps from a 45-cm box. Three types of jumping conditions were used. One type of depth jump was a control jump (DJ45-C), performed for maximal height with no external apparatus used to influence the jump. Another type of depth jump was performed over a hurdle (DJ45-H), which was set at an individualized height for each athlete based on their leaping ability. The final type of depth jump was performed for maximal touch height on a Vertec measuring device (DJ45-T). Timing, kinematics, and kinetics of the 3 jumping conditions were compared. The hurdle depth jumping condition demonstrated lower ground contact times and significantly less (p < 0.05) flexion in the hips (41.22 ± 8.10 degrees) and knees (67.47 ± 8.36 degrees) when compared to control (49.26 ± 10.90 degrees of hip flexion and 73.85 ± 10.68 degrees of knee flexion) and target (50.51 ± 9.51 degrees of hip flexion and 75.01 ± 9.97 degrees of knee flexion) conditions. Jumping conditions that used goals (DJ45-H, DJ45-T) produced significantly higher (p < 0.05) vertical velocity of the sacrum at toe-off (3.57 ± .34 m/s and 3.46 ± .36 m/s, respectively) than the control condition (3.32 ± .34 m/s). The hurdle depth jump condition had higher ground reaction forces (875.36 ± 135.66 N) and higher dorsiflexion (566.02 ± 402.45 W) and plantar flexion power (768.84 ± 192.19 W) at the ankle than the Vertec (409.83 ± 387.23 W for dorsiflexion and 622.54 ± 188.95 W for plantar flexion) and control conditions (425.60 ± 380.01 W for dorsiflexion and 643.35 ± 166.70 W for plantar flexion). Few differences were found to exist between the Vertec and control conditions. Hurdle jumping in particular may be superior for the development of short ground contact time (<0.3 s) sport movements requiring brief but powerful lower-extremity power production.

Sheathless elasto-inertial particle focusing and continuous separation in a straight rectangular microchannel

Particle focusing in planar geometries is essentially required in order to develop cost-effective lab-on-a-chips, such as cell counting and point-of-care (POC) devices. In this study, a novel method for sheathless particle focusing, called "Elasto-Inertial Particle Focusing", was demonstrated in a straight microchannel. The particles were notably aligned along the centerline of the straight channel under a pressure-driven flow without any additional external force or apparatus after the addition of an elasticity enhancer: PEO (poly(ethylene oxide)) (∼O(100) ppm). As theoretically predicted (elasticity number: El≈O(100)), multiple equilibrium positions (centerline and corners) were observed for the viscoelastic flow without inertia, whereas three-dimensional particle focusing only occurred when neither the elasticity nor the inertia was negligible. Therefore, the three-dimensional particle focusing mechanism was attributed to the synergetic combination of the elasticity and the inertia (elasticity number: El≈O(1-10)). Furthermore, from the size dependence of the elastic force upon particles, we demonstrated that a mixture of 5.9 and 2.4 µm particles was separated at the exit of the channel in viscoelastic flows. We expect that this method can contribute to develop the miniaturized flow cytometry and microdevices for cell and particle manipulation.

Morphology, testes development and behaviour of unusual triploid males in microchromosome‐carrying clones of Poecilia formosa

In a microchromosome-carrying laboratory stock of the normally all-female Amazon molly Poecilia formosa triploid individuals were obtained, all of which spontaneously developed into males. A comparison of morphology of the external and internal insemination apparatus and the gonads, sperm ploidy and behaviour, to laboratory-bred F(1) hybrids revealed that the triploid P. formosa males, though producing mostly aneuploid sperm, are partly functional males that differ mainly in sperm maturation and sexual motivation from gonochoristic P. formosa males.

A multilevel Lab on chip platform for DNA analysis

Lab-on-chips (LOCs) are critical systems that have been introduced to speed up and reduce the cost of traditional, laborious and extensive analyses in biological and biomedical fields. These ambitious and challenging issues ask for multi-disciplinary competences that range from engineering to biology. Starting from the aim to integrate microarray technology and microfluidic devices, a complex multilevel analysis platform has been designed, fabricated and tested (All rights reserved-IT Patent number TO2009A000915). This LOC successfully manages to interface microfluidic channels with standard DNA microarray glass slides, in order to implement a complete biological protocol. Typical Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) materials and process technologies were employed. A silicon/glass microfluidic chip and a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) reaction chamber were fabricated and interfaced with a standard microarray glass slide. In order to have a high disposable system all micro-elements were passive and an external apparatus provided fluidic driving and thermal control. The major microfluidic and handling problems were investigated and innovative solutions were found. Finally, an entirely automated DNA hybridization protocol was successfully tested with a significant reduction in analysis time and reagent consumption with respect to a conventional protocol.

The importance of respiration biomechanics and high resolution computed tomography for bronchial-obstructive syndrome diagnostics

The aim of our research was analysis and comparison of chronic obstructive lung disease clinicalsigns and function indices of external respiration apparatus and inspiratory-expiratory high resolution computed tomography. 48 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease were examined. The importance of respiration biomechanics and inspiratory-expiratory high resolution computed tomography indices for diagnostics of broncho-obstruction at an early stage with unchanged forced expiration volume within the first second was revealed.

Ordering of Disordered Nanowires: Spontaneous Formation of Highly Aligned, Ultralong Ag Nanowire Films at Oil–Water–Air Interface

AbstractOne‐dimensional nanomaterials and their assemblies attract considerable scientific interest in the physical, chemical, and biological fields because of their potential applications in electronic and optical devices. The interface‐assembly method has become an important route for the self‐assembly of nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanotubes, and nanorods, but the self‐assembly of ultralong nanowires has only been successful using the Langmuir–Blodgett approach. A novel approach for the spontaneous formation of highly aligned, ultralong Ag nanowire films at the oil–water–air interface is described. In this approach, the three‐phase interface directs the movement and self‐assembly process of the ultralong Ag nanowires without the effect of an external force or complex apparatus. The ordered films exhibit intrinsic large electromagnetic fields that are localized in the interstitials between adjacent nanowires. This new three‐phase‐interface approach is proven to be a general route that can be extended to self‐assemble other ultralong nanowires and produce ordered films.

Outcomes of Surgery in Patients with Comminuted Penetrating Fractures of Lower Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae

Objective. To perform comparative analysis of reducing and stabilizing properties of external and internal transpedicular systems in patients with posttraumatic deformities of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. Material and Methods. One hundred patients of active age with comminuted penetrating fractures of lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were operated on. Out of them 20 patients underwent two-stage surgical treatment (external transpedicular spondylosynthesis with postoperative dynamical correction of the deformity and autograft fusion); 80 – internal transpedicular spondylosynthesis by single-step correction of posttraumatic deformity with innovative reposition device (interbody fusion was performed in 22 cases with persistent vertebrodural conflict, and in 8 cases with posttraumatic vertebral defect). Results. The use of innovative reposition device for transpedicular spondylosynthesis provides complete graduated correction of posttraumatic multiplane spinal deformities regardless of the injury age. The long-term treatment outcomes directly reflex the applied spondylosynthesis technique. Removal of external fixation apparatus results in a loss of the obtained correction, while internal transpedicular constructions provide a stable immobilization of the injured spine. Conclusion. To achieve long-term effective fixation of injured spinal motor segment a stable internal transpedicular spondylosynthesis is preferable.