Good Handling Characteristics Research Articles

Development of Active Packaging Based on Agar-Agar Incorporated with Bacteriocin of Lactobacillus sakei

In the search for new biodegradable materials and greater microbiological safety and stability of perishable food products, this study aimed to develop a bioplastic antibacterial film incorporating bacteriocin for application in commercial curd cheese and monitoring of microbiological stability. Films with good handling characteristics as well as physical, barrier, and mechanical properties were obtained. Regarding the antibacterial activity, the microbial reduction was demonstrated in a food matrix, obtaining a reduction of 3 logarithmic cycles for the group of coagulase positive staphylococci and from 1100 to <3.00 MPN/g in the analysis of thermotolerant coliforms. Therefore, the film presented food barrier characteristics with the external environment and adequate migration of the antibacterial compound to the product, contributing to the reduction of contamination of a food with high initial microbial load.

FFR pressure wire comparative study: piezoresistive versus optical sensor

Background This study aimed to assess the reliability of pressure derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement and the handling performance of the OptoWire Deux with an optical pressure sensor relative to both the PressureWire X and the Verrata Pressure wire with piezoresistive pressure sensors. Methods This single centre study included 80 patients between October 2016 and May 2017 undergoing a diagnostic coronary angiography. The reliability of FFR measurement measured with the OptoWire Deux relative to the PressureWire X and Verrata Pressure wire was assessed by the presence of drift. Drift was defined as a Pd/Pa measurement different from 1.00 ± 0.02 when pulled back after a FFR measurement at the location of the initial equalisation. Handling characteristics for all pressure wires were assessed qualitatively with respect to the PressureWire Aeris. Results Ninety-eight measurements in 78 patients were performed; two patients were excluded because the lesion could not be crossed. Very stable and reliable FFR measurements with the optical sensors were registered, relative to the piezoresistive pressure sensors. Drift was found in 11%, 37%, and 33% of the measurements for OptoWire Deux, PressureWire X, and Verrata Pressure wire respectively. The handling performance of the OptoWire Deux was better rated for steerability and torqueability in relation to the standard FFR wire. The handling of the PressureWire X was rated equally good whereas the handling of the Verrata pressure wire was rated inferior in relation to the standard FFR wire. Conclusions In patients undergoing FFR measurement, the OptoWire Deux has a stable and reliable pressure hence FFR measurement with fewer drift events and has good handling characteristics.

A Bayes learning approach for monitoring the condition of suspension system using vibration signals

The suspension system is an important component in an automobile, aimed to provide better comfort and good road handling characteristics during vehicle motion on uneven road conditions. Varying load conditions, prolonged operations, continuous road shocks absorption, and time-based degradation of internal components can create faults in a suspension system. Fault occurrences in the suspension system can damage the internal components that lead to malfunctioning of the system causes failure and endanger vehicle safety. Thus, condition monitoring has become an essential part of identifying fault occurrences in a suspension system. This paper is focussed on condition monitoring of suspension system using vibration signal analysis and faults are classified with the help of machine learning-based Bayesian classifiers. A test setup is fabricated to simulate the working of the suspension system under different load conditions with one good and six faulty conditions. Vibration signals are recorded and used to extract statistical features. Further J48 decision tree algorithm was utilized to identify the most significant features during feature selection process. Bayes classifiers such as NaiveBayes and BayesNet classifiers were used to find the type of fault occurrence from the selected features. The overall results of the aforementioned classifiers are compared and the best in the Bayesian classifier is suggested for real-time application.

Premixed bioceramics: A novel pulp capping agent.

The main aim of restorative dentistry is to protect the vitality of the Pulp tissue. The pin point carious expoure and iatrogenic errors warrant the need for various pulp capping procedures like Indirect Pulp Capping and Direct Pulp Capping. Pulp Capping is dressing of the dental pulp exposed due to mechanical procedure, carious lesion or traumatic injury to preserve its vitality and function. There has been constant evolution and research on materials used to cap the Pulp tissue. The different kind of chemical and biological materials has been used with varying degree of success. The prognosis based on the pulp capping material has dramatically improved with the introduction of bioactive cement. Though MTA and biodentine have shown a high success rate, their properties can be adversely affected with error in powder/liquid ratio and may present with difficulty in the handling characteristic. Premixed bioceramics have been introduced in the market and present with desirable properties as a pulp capping agent. Owing to good handling characteristics, biocompatibility, odontogenic property, and antibacterial action it is a potent pulp capping agent for clinical application. This review is aimed to discuss the introduction of premixed bioceramics, forms of premixed bioceramics available, and its physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties.

Protein denature extracts of Lactobacillus crispatus KT-11 strain promote interleukin 12p40 production via Toll-like receptor 2 in J774.1 cell culture.

The objective of the present study is to investigate the mechanism and the cell components of Lactobacillus crispatus KT-11 strain (KT-11) that induce interleukin (IL)-12p40 production. IL-12p40 production induced by KT-11 was decreased in the presence of inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase or nuclear factor kappa B. Guanidine hydrochloride, urea or lithium chloride extract of KT-11 induced IL-12p40 production, but production was suppressed in the presence of Toll-like receptor 2-specific neutralizing antibody. These findings suggest that the protein denature extracts of KT-11 promote IL-12p40 production via Toll-like receptor 2 in J774.1 cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Heat-treated lactic acid bacteria are added to some foods because it is easier to store and transport, and have less interference with other food ingredients compared with living lactic acid bacteria. Heat-treated Lactobacillus crispatus KT-11 strain (KT-11) is included in some foods because of good handling characteristics and good dispersibility in the food product. We have previously reported that the administration of KT-11 led to beneficial health effects through the regulation of the immune system in mice, but the mechanism is not clear. We found that protein denature extracts, which may include proteins such as SLP and SLAPs, of KT-11 cells promoted IL-12p40 production via TLR2 in the J774.1 cell culture. This result will contribute to providing more effective lactic acid bacteria functional food.

Thermal, Morphological, and Mechanical Properties of Regular and Waxy Maize Starch Films Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF)

Abstract Biodegradable films were prepared using regular and waxy starch and reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from eucalyptus. Both films were characterized by their optical, structural, barrier, thermal and mechanical properties. The films presented a homogeneous, smooth surface without bubbles or cracks and good handling characteristics. Both films showed a mixture of B and V-type diffraction patterns. The water solubility of the samples decreased after the incorporation of nanocellulose. The water vapor permeability for both sources significantly reduced after incorporating nanocellulose at 0.5% and 1%. It is possible to observe that the addition of CNF increased the thermal stability of the starch films. On the other hand, the incorporation of nanocellulose improved either the mechanical resistance of the starch films.

Development of High-Strength Extended-Release Multiparticulate System by Crystallo-co-agglomeration Technique with Integration of Central Composite Design.

The number of unit operations to be followed in the preparation of tablets was cumbersome and may introduce material as well as process-related critical parameters which may negatively affect the quality of final formulation. The hypothesis of the present research was to develop directly compressible, high-strength extended-release spherical agglomerates of talc containing indapamide by crystallo-co-agglomeration technique. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 15cps and polyethylene glycol 6000 were used to impart the desired sphericity, strength, and deformability to agglomerates, respectively. Ethyl cellulose 10cps was used to improve the strength of agglomerates and achieve extended release. Design of experiment (rotatable central composite design) was implemented for the elucidation of the effect of type and quantity of polymers on quality attributes of agglomerates. Prepared agglomerates were evaluated for morphological, micromeritic, mechanical, and drug release properties. A satisfactory yield (> 97%, wt/wt), better crushing strength, and low friability of agglomerates indicated good processing and handling characteristics. Compatibility and reduced crystallinity of indapamide in agglomerates were confirmed by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies. Formation of the miniscular dosage form and hydrophobicity of talc were the key factors observed in controlling and extending the drug release (up to 6h) from agglomerates. Hence, the developed crystallo-co-agglomeration technique could be successfully used for the preparation of directly compressible high-strength extended-release spherical agglomerates of indapamide.

Non-linear control of vehicle's rollover using sliding mode controller for new 8 degrees of freedom suspension model

Stability control system is a part of active safety systems in vehicles, which is designed to control the vehicles' dynamic motion in emergency manoeuvres. In present study, modelling and simulation of a 4 degrees of freedom (4DOFs) passive suspension system initially is considered and then in order to improve the efficiency of controlling system, a new suspension system with 8DOFs by adding masses to sprung and unsprung parts of suspension system and using hybrid semi-active damper is designed. To investigate the effect of DOF on the controller performance, sliding mode controller (SMC) for models with 8DOFs are designed in MATLAB and controller performances are studied. Also, numerical results from a typical vehicle that is simulated in CarSim are the input for MATLAB simulation. Investigations show that increasing degrees of freedom accompany with applying hybrid semi-active damper lead to better stability and good handling characteristics of vehicle.

Study of Aerodynamic Drag of Sports Utility Vehicle by Experimental and Numerical Method

Abstract Aerodynamic styling of the vehicle is one of the promising technologies which can not only improve the fuel efficiency, but also ensure better stability and good handling characteristics of vehicles at higher speed especially on highways. The paper includes assessment of drag force (Fd) and drag coefficient (Cd) by the conventional wind tunnel method. The experimental calculations were performed using subsonic wind tunnel having a test section of 100cm x 30cm x 30 cm. An exact replica of a model of Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on reduced scale 1:32 was used to conduct and perform the experiment for calculating Fd and Cd. Three-dimensional (3D) computational analysis was carried out using Gambit as the preprocessing software and Fluent as the solver and post-processor. The comparison of computational approaches with experiment shows that the computed Fd agrees well with the experimental values over the entire range of air velocities.

A pilot study: Clinical efficacy of novel polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate membrane for guided bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defect model

In this pilot study, we aim to investigate the clinical efficacy of a novel polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in an in vivo model. Eight rabbits, each with two surgically created calvarial defects were reconstructed using a bovine particulate bone substitute, then covered with a mechanical barrier using a PCL-TCP or collagen membrane, or left uncovered without any membrane. The rabbits were sacrificed at 1 and 2 months and the reconstructed defects were harvested for histology and histomorphometry evaluations. Results showed no statistical significance in percentage bone area fraction (BAF%) between the PCL-TCP and collagen membranes at 1 and 2 months. The BAF% of the PCL-TCP membrane group was statistically higher at 2 months compared to 1 month (p<.05); the BAF% in the collagen membrane group did not increase significantly from the first to second months (p>.05). We postulate that this is attributed to the greater stiffness and slower degradation of PCL-TCP. We conclude that the novel PCL-TCP membrane is as effective as the commercially available collagen membrane as a mechanical barrier for GBR, with good handling characteristics. Future work should explore variations in PCL-TCP composition to further improve its usability and rate of desired degradation.

Results of Carotid Endarterectomy Using Bovine Pericardium Patch Closure, with a Review of Pertinent Literature

Patch closure after carotid endarterectomy lowers risk of recurrent stenosis and perioperative neurologic events. Although vein patches have theoretic benefits, few differences between vein and nonautologous patches have been noted. Bovine pericardium has been increasingly used in carotid surgery over the last 15 years, with favorable reports. This study reviews a large carotid surgery series using this patch. Data were gathered on 464 consecutive carotid operations using the bovine pericardium patch; all complications were analyzed and pertinent literature review was performed. Of 464 procedures, 218 (47%) were performed for symptomatic disease. Total perioperative ipsilateral stroke rate was 0.65 per cent. A low rate of postoperative bleeding was noted. Recurrence of >70 per cent stenosis was 1.6 per cent at follow-up of 26 months in 410 patients. Handling was subjectively described as excellent. Literature review comprising 3239 carotid operations revealed low risks of stroke, bleeding requiring intervention, or high rates of recurrent stenosis. Bovine pericardium patch angioplasty has low perioperative and late complications and good handling characteristics, making it an acceptable choice for use in carotid surgery.

Quantitative physical and handling characteristics of novel antibacterial braided silk suture materials

Surgical braided silk sutures have been widely used because these materials exhibit good handling characteristics, ease of use, and ideal knot security. However, surgical silk sutures likely cause surgical site infections because these sutures are composed of natural protein materials with a braided structure. As such, antibacterial silk sutures for clinical wound closure should be developed. Braided silk suture could be treated and modified with antibacterial agent, provided that excellent physical and handling characteristics of this material should maximize maintained. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the effect of antibacterial treatment with different parameters on physical and handling characteristics of novel antibacterial braided silk sutures. Physical and handling characteristics, including appearance, knot-pull tensile strength, pullout friction resistance, tissue drag friction resistance, and bending stiffness, were evaluated. After physical and handling tests were conducted, images showed morphological characteristics were obtained and evaluated to investigate the relationship between antibacterial treatment and physical and handling properties. Results showed that suture diameter increased and reached the nearest thick size specification; knot-pull tensile strength decreased but remained higher than the standard value by at least 40.73%. Fracture asynchronism during knot-pull tensile strength test suggested that the fineness ratio of shell and core strands may enhance knot-pull tensile strength. Static and dynamic frictions of suture-to-suture friction behavior were slightly affected by antibacterial treatment, and changed to less than 16.07% and 32.77%, respectively. Suture-to-tissue friction and bending stiffness increased by approximately 50%; the bending stiffness of the proposed suture remained efficient compared with that of synthetic sutures. Therefore, good physical and handling characteristics can be maintained by selecting appropriate coating parameters.

Immediate placement of a porous-tantalum, trabecular metal-enhanced titanium dental implant with demineralized bone matrix into a socket with deficient buccal bone: A clinical report

A missing or deficient buccal alveolar bone plate is often an important limiting factor for immediate implant placement. Titanium dental implants enhanced with porous tantalum-based trabecular metal material (PTTM) are designed for osseoincorporation, a combination of vascularized bone ingrowth and osseointegration (bone on-growth). Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) contains growth factors with good handling characteristics. However, the combination of these 2 materials in facial alveolar bone regeneration associated with immediate implant therapy has not been reported. A 65-year-old Asian woman presented with a failing central incisor. Most of the buccal alveolar bone plate of the socket was missing. A PTTM enhanced implant was immediately placed with DBM. Cone beam computed tomography scans 12 months after the insertion of the definitive restoration showed regeneration of buccal alveolar bone. A combination of a PTTM enhanced implant, DBM, and a custom healing abutment may have an advantage in retaining biologically active molecules and form a scaffold for neovascularization and osteogenesis. This treatment protocol may be a viable option for immediate implant therapy in a failed tooth with deficient buccal alveolar bone.

Current perspectives of bio-ceramic technology in endodontics: calcium enriched mixture cement - review of its composition, properties and applications.

Advancements in bio-ceramic technology has revolutionised endodontic material science by enhancing the treatment outcome for patients. This class of dental materials conciliates excellent biocompatibility with high osseoconductivity that render them ideal for endodontic care. Few recently introduced bio-ceramic materials have shown considerable clinical success over their early generations in terms of good handling characteristics. Calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement, Endosequence sealer, and root repair materials, Biodentine and BioAggregate are the new classes of bio-ceramic materials. The aim of this literature review is to present investigations regarding properties and applications of CEM cement in endodontics. A review of the existing literature was performed by using electronic and hand searching methods for CEM cement from January 2006 to December 2013. CEM cement has a different chemical composition from that of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) but has similar clinical applications. It combines the biocompatibility of MTA with more efficient characteristics, such as significantly shorter setting time, good handling characteristics, no staining of tooth and effective seal against bacterial leakage.

Successful Management of a Ruptured Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm Following Pancreas Transplantation Using Bovine Pericardial Patch: A Case Report

Arterial mycotic pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of pancreas transplantation. Rupture results in catastrophic hemorrhage with a high risk of mortality. Definitive management is complicated by an extensive arterial defect within a contaminated surgical field. Synthetic vascular grafts often fail due to subsequent graft infection whereas primary repair often results in arterial stenosis. Arterial ligation may be required to prevent exsanguination. A 41-year-old man, type 1 diabetic with associated renal failure, underwent successful simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. He presented, 9 months following transplantation, with life-threatening rectal bleeding secondary to a ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm. This was successfully managed with a bovine pericardial patch (BPP) repair of the arterial defect and enteric diversion following graft pancreatectomy. He remains well with no vascular insufficiency 18 months following the procedure. A ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm following transplantation carries a significant risk of mortality and represents a surgical challenge as conventional techniques using synthetic materials often fail due to the contaminated field. A BPP offers good handling characteristics, excellent hemostatic properties and a favorable profile of infection risk in comparison with synthetic grafts. This case highlights its use as a treatment for a post-transplantation ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm.

Incidence of postdural puncture headache: Two different fine gauge spinal needles of the same diameter

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two spinal needles with different bevel designs regarding their technical handling capacities and complication rates. Materials and Methods: After the clinical trials Ethics Committee approval and informed consents from the patients, 220 pregnant female patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as, Group A (n = 110) and Group Q (n = 110); who received spinal anesthesia via 26 gauge (26-G) atraumatic spinal needle (Atraucan® , B. Braun Melsunger, Germany) and via 26-G Quincke spinal needle (Spinocan® , B. Braun Melsunger, Germany), respectively. Procedure duration, puncture attempts and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) incidence were recorded. The costs of the spinal needles were also noted. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in spinal puncture attempts and procedure durations. Similarly, incidence, severity, onset time and duration of headache were not found to be significantly different between the two groups. Ten patients (9.2%) in Group A and 11 (10.3%) in Group Q had developed PDPH. Conclusion: Both spinal needles offer good handling characteristics with comparable incidence of PDPH. Taking into account economical factors 26-G Quincke needle may be preferred to 26-G Atraucan® .

Monolithic Aerogels Based on Poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and Syndiotactic Polystyrene

Molecular sorption behavior of amorphous and semicrystalline samples based on poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPPO) has been compared. Fully amorphous PPPO powders, as obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of concentrated solutions, present uptake of pollutants much higher than for commercial sorbent materials based on semicrystalline PPPO (Tenax TA). Robust monolithic aerogels with good handling characteristics can be easily obtained by solvent extraction by scCO2 from gels including PPPO blends with syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS). These monolithic PPPO/s-PS aerogels present many advantages as sorbent materials with respect to both amorphous and semicrystalline PPPO powders. In fact, besides the obvious advantages in terms of easier and safer handling, the new monolithic aerogels present higher surface areas and equilibrium guest uptakes.

Study of physico–chemical properties of various concentrations of self developed root canal lubricant

Background and aimThe major aim of this work is to study the physico–chemical properties of different concentrations of self developed root canal lubricant gel in order to standardize the formulations and to observe its effect on the performance. Materials and methodsThe different concentrations of self developed root canal lubricant gel such as 10%, 24% & 31% was prepared and their physico–chemical properties such as appearance, Solid content, 5% aqueous solution pH, Moisture content, B. F. Viscosity and 5% aqueous solution stability etc. are studied. ResultsFrom the experimental study, it was observed that there is no remarkable difference in the physical appearance of the root canal lubricant gel. Solid content goes on increasing and moisture content goes on decreasing as concentration of EDTA increases. ConclusionThe chelating efficiency, cleaning & shaping of root canal goes on increasing as percentage of EDTA increases i.e. solid content increases. Efficiency of lubrication was also found to be better in highly concentrated formulation. B. F. Viscosity of the formulations is always kept similar by adjusting quantity of rheology modifier in order to get good handling characteristics. From 5% aqueous solution stability, it is observed that gel is highly stable.

A technique for placement of a bioabsorbable prosthesis with fibrin glue fixation for reinforcement of the crural closure during hiatal hernia repair

Level 1 data suggest that mesh reinforcement of the crural closure for hiatal hernia repair decreases the recurrence of hernia. The fear of erosion of the prosthetic into the esophagus has kept the use of mesh for hiatal hernia repair from becoming routine. A recent study found several cases of esophageal stenosis/erosion from the use of a biologic mesh. For these reasons, we evaluated a new resorptive prosthetic and new method of fixation of the prosthetic for crural reinforcement during hiatal hernia repair. From February 2009 until December 2010, 70 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair using a synthetic bioabsorbable prosthetic made of polglycolide and teimethylene carbonate (Gore BioA Tissue Reinforcement™, Flagstaff, AZ). There were 48 patients with paraesophageal hiatal hernias and 22 with large sliding hiatal hernias. In this study, a square piece of mesh just the size to cover the crural closure only was utilized. Fibrin glue (Tisseel™) was applied over the suture closure of the crura, the mesh was then placed over the glue and held in place for several seconds, and then more fibrin glue was applied on top of the mesh. The new bioabsorbable polymer mesh was readily placed through a 10-mm trocar, had good handling characteristics laparoscopically, and no pre-operative preparation was required of the prosthetic. The material and the fibrin glue created a very substantial reinforcement of the crural closure, and the average time to place and fix the mesh was approximately 5 min. There were no short-term complications from the mesh, and no patient has had any significant post-operative sequelae. Crural closure reinforcement during hiatal hernia repair can be done readily with this new bioabsorbable polymer-based mesh. Fibrin glue fixation of this new prosthetic can be done quickly and it creates a strong, fixed barrier that may decrease the chance of erosion. Further studies will need to be done to evaluate long-term efficacy and complications associated with its use.

Comparative sealability of different retrofilling materials : An electrochemical study

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the apical seal obtained with Calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer cement, polycarboxylate cement, gutta-percha, composite resin, silver amalgam, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and new endodontic cement (NEC) by an electrochemical method. Materials and Method: Apical cavities were prepared in maxillary & mandibular anterior teeth which were then divided equally into six groups. The restorative materials namely, calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer cement, polycarboxylate cement, gutta percha, composite resin, silver amalgam, mineral trioxide aggregate and new endodontic cement, were manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions and filled in the respective groups of ten samples each. An electrochemical method was used to evaluate the apical seal. The observations were recorded at 24 hour intervals for 7 days. Results: The data obtained was recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Student‘t’ test was used to derive‘t’ values of comparisons of all the test materials with Glass ionomer cement (which came out to be the best material in the present study). Conclusions: Glass ionomer cement provided the best apical seal of all the materials tested whereas Polycarboxylate cement produced the worst apical seal of all the materials tested. MTA & NEC which are more biocompatible, have better sealability when used as a retrograde filling material because of their good handling characteristics and regenerative properties.