Jar Lids Research Articles

The BE-UJI hand function activity set: a reduced set of activities for the evaluation of the healthy and pathological hand

BackgroundHand kinematics during hand function tests based on the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) can provide objective data to determine patients’ functional loss. However, they are rarely used during clinical assessments because of their long duration. Starting with the 20 Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT) tasks, we propose identifying a reduced set of ADLs that provides similar kinematic information to the original full set in terms of synergies, ranges of motion and velocities.MethodsWe followed an iterative method with the kinematics of 16 hand joints while performing the 20 ADLs of the SHFT. For each subject, ADLs were ordered according to their influence on the synergies obtained by means of a principal component analysis, the minimum number of ADLs that represented the original kinematic synergies (maximum angle of 30° between synergies), and the maintained ranges of joint movements (85% of the original ones) were selected for each subject. The set of the most frequently selected ADLs was verified to be representative of the SHFT ADLs in terms of motion strategies, ranges of motion and joint velocities when considering healthy subjects and Hand Osteoarthritis patients.ResultsA set of 10 tasks, the BE-UJI activity set, was identified by ensuring a certain (minimum) similarity in synergy (maximum mean angle between synergies of 25.5°), functional joint ranges (maximum differences of 10°) and joint velocities (maximum differences of 15°/s). The obtained tasks were: pick up coins from purses, lift wooden cubes, pick up nuts and turn them, write with a pen, cut with a knife, lift a telephone, unscrew jar lids and pour water from a cup, a jar and a Pure-Pak. These activities guarantee using the seven commonest handgrips in ADLs.ConclusionThe BE-UJI activity set for the hand function assessment can be used to obtain quantitative data in clinics as an alternative to the SHFT. It reduces the test time and allows clinicians to obtain objective kinematic data of the motor strategies, ranges of motion and joint velocities used by patients.

Evaluation of the Jarless Method for Cyclone Calibration in Occupational Air Sampling

The jarless cyclone calibration method is an appealing approach because it removes the need for calibration adapters and eliminates potential sources of error that result from poor or inconsistent seals in calibration adapters or calibration jar lids. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed review of the jarless calibration method by (1) examining the rationale behind the initial pressure drop range specified by the method and (2) evaluating the accuracy of the method in contrast to flow rate measurements in a well-controlled, jar protocol. Four types of respirable cyclones and two filter brands with samples from three separate production lots were considered as components of the sampling trains under consideration. Volumetric flow rate and pressure drop were measured under controlled conditions in a cylindrical jar designed for these determinations. The initial challenge pressure range evaluated in this study was modified based on cyclone type. The measured pressure drop fell within the modified range for all configurations considered, indicating the modified ranges were appropriate. The accuracy of the jarless method was then evaluated by comparing measured volumetric flow rates using different calibration methods for various cyclone, filter brand, and filter lot combination. The jarless method provided accurate calibration results utilizing the modified initial pressure drop ranges utilized in this study. Therefore, it is recommended the initial pressure drop range specified by the jarless method be modified to account for differences among cyclone types.

An Inexpensive In Vitro Blood-Feeding System for Wild Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

An Inexpensive <i>In Vitro</i> Blood-Feeding System for Wild <i>Aedes albopictus</i> (Diptera: Culicidae)

QS2: DIY Bioreactors for Tissue Engineering - An Ultra-low-cost Platform for Perfusion Cell Culture and Live Imaging

Purpose:While tissue engineering offers the promise of revolutionary innovation, scalable three-dimensional tissue culture is limited by the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen making media perfusion obligatory. Unfortunately, the cost of bioreactors for large construct tissue culture can be prohibitive, with a typical perfusion chamber costing several thousand dollars, and even small petri-dish-sized devices costing hundreds of dollars each. We have developed a low-cost perfusion setup that seals collagen-based perfusable cellular constructs within a sterile PDMS well between coverslips, allowing for repeated live-imaging of perfused 3D engineered tissues. Herein we describe fabrication of this novel system and validate its utility.Methods:Molds and frames were designed on 3D-modeling software (Fusion 360) and printed on a Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer in poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Molds were filled with poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), which was cured to form chambers, bubble traps, mason jar lid chambers, and media reservoir lid adapters. In total, the tissue culture chamber device, mason jar lid inset, media reservoir lid, and bubble trap require 4, 1, 2, and 4 unique printed components, respectively.Results:Each perfusion chamber can be assembled for under 8 USD per device and reused repeatedly. The current model has a tissue chamber custom-built with 18x10x4 (LxWxH)mm3 dimensions, but this chamber can be readily customized to experiment-specific dimensions. These devices allow cellular hydrogel constructs to be maintained in a sterile environment after assembly, perfused at varying rates to expose cells to different levels of shear stress, and the cells can be intermittently imaged with light, fluorescent or confocal microscopy - an unparalleled benefit for monitoring of experiments and collection of timepoint imaging data. The perfusion circuit consists of autoclavable glass and PDMS components, including a bubble trap, a crucial component of the circuit for preventing air bubbles that can damage cells and block microchannels, and a lid adapter, which allows 50 mL conical tubes to serve as self-oxygenating media reservoirs. Media changes can be performed via peristaltic pump perfusion or with syringe-based cell culture techniques for static culture. Constructs have been perfused within standard incubators for up to 14 days demonstrating normal cell viability without contamination or evidence of infection, with longer perfusion culture intervals (>1 month) currently being tested.Conclusion:The increasing accessibility of 3D-modeling and 3D-printing has enabled rapid prototyping of devices to address the problems that we face as surgeon-scientists. We have developed a low-cost tissue-engineering perfusion circuit that facilitates 3D-tissue-culture while allowing for repeated live-imaging as the cultured tissue develops. The instructions for our setup can be utilized to replicate our devices in other labs, and these designs can be readily customized to meet the needs of specific experimental aims.

Reliability and validity of a novel instrument for the quantification of hand forces during a jar opening task

Study DesignClinical Measurement IntroductionJar opening is a task that relies heavily on the ability to generate adequate hand forces and is often reported in the literature as being difficult for women with hand arthritis. Many have studied relationships between diminished grip/pinch strength and occupational performance but few have investigated how much hand force is necessary to successfully engage in manual tasks. Those who studied this have relied on approaches and tools which lack ecology. Additionally, few have instrumented daily objects to understand if joint protection techniques do, in fact, reduce the hand force generation when performing manual tasks. Purpose of the StudyThe objectives of this study were to one) determine the within session repeatability of a device used to quantify these forces and two) probe into the ecological validity of a novel device to be used in the future study of women with hand osteoarthritis to measure hand force requirements and study the impact of joint protection interventions on hand force profiles. MethodsA plastic jar was instrumented with a torque limiter, 6-axis load cell, and six force sensing resistors so as to capture the grip and compressive hand forces which act on a jar lid when opening a sealed jar. To assess intra-rater reliability of the tool and its testing procedures, 31 adult women with hand osteoarthritis were asked untwist the jar's lid so as to break its seal with each hand twice while stabilizing the base with the opposing hand. The agreement between trials of peak forces and torques from each hand was assessed through statistical approaches including Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Standard Error of the Measurement, and Minimal Detectable Change. The jar's ecological validity was then assessed via survey. ResultsThis instrument and methods yielded good to excellent repeatability across all force outputs. The majority of our subjects (87%) reported the jar to be similar to those used at home, 87% reported to use a similar jar 2-3 times/month or greater, and rated the importance of opening such a jar as being, on average, 8.7/10. DiscussionThe jar instrument appears to have high reliability and ecologic validity. It has the potential to reveal hand force requirements for a population known to have difficulties opening jars and understanding these force thresholds could help to inform therapy goal-setting. Beyond this, it has the potential to support the study of the hand forces used across various joint protection approaches so as to inform best “jar-opening” practices. ConclusionsThis tool was designed to represent the qualities of a standard, large sealed jar while still housing sophisticated kinetic measurement capacities. Our findings support that we have presented a tool which can be used in future study within this population to better understand the hand kinetics associated with the highly problematic task of jar-opening and joint protection strategies intended to reduce hand loads.

Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition Technique Experience for the First Carpometacarpal Joint Arthrosis

Osteoarthritis of the hand is rare; however, the most retained joint after the distal interphalangeal joint is the first carpometacarpal (1. CMC) joint. Pain in the rest and increased pain with opposition is the most serious symptom, which significantly decreases the quality of life. The aim of these patients is to obtain a painless and stable thumb. Experience of trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction tendon interposition technique for a Stage III patient was shared and diagnosis and treatment were discussed through the relevant literature. A 53-year-old female patient was admitted with complaints of pain in the right hand thumb root and unable to open the jar lid. In direct radiography, narrowing in the 1. CMC joint space and osteophytes were detected. After the trapeziectomy, 1st and 2nd metacarpals were fixed with K wire. Flexor carpi radialis tendon was passed from the first metacarpal base to the second metacarpal base in the form of a distal-based tendon flap to mimic the beak ligament. There was no pain at the postoperative 6th month, and the Kapandji opposition score was 10. When diagnosing 1. CMC osteoarthritis, pain during opposition and circumduction movements that is not relieved with analgesics and rest is the most important symptom for a clinician to look for. Many treatment principles have been defined according to the staging for the postdiagnosis period, despite the diagnosis is a challenging process.

Farklı Bitki Uçucu Yağlarının Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) Erginleri Üzerindeki Etkileri

Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) tohum kabuğunda delikler açarak kotiledonlar ile beslenmesi sonucunda, diğer böceklerin ve mikroorganizmaların girişini kolaylaştıran fasulyenin önemli zararlılarından biridir. Bu çalışmada; ardıç (Juniperus communis), çay ağacı (Melaleuca alternifolia), kekik (Thymus vulgaris), lavanta (Lavandula hybrida), okaliptus (Eucalyptus globulus) ve sarımsak (Allium sativum) gibi bitki uçucu yağlarının A. obtectus erginleri üzerinde uzaklaştırıcı ve fumigant etkileri araştırılmıştır. Uzaklaştırıcı etkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla şeffaf bir plastik tüpün bir ucuna uçucu yağ, diğer ucuna ise saf su emdirilmiş filtre kâğıtları konulmuş ve 24 saat sonunda ergin bireylerin yönelimleri izlenmiştir. Fumigant etkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla ise uçucu yağ emdirilmiş filtre kağıtları cam kavanozların kapaklarına sabitlenmiş ve kavanoz içerisindeki canlı birey sayıları 1., 3., 5., ve 7. günlerde kaydedilmiştir. Çalışmanın ilk aşamasında uçucu yağların zararlıya karşı uzaklaştırıcı etki indeksleri (RI) sırasıyla -9.68, 20.00, -25.00, -11.76, 17.39 ve 18.18 şeklinde hesaplanmıştır. Bu uçucu yağların zararlıya karşı uzaklaştırıcı etki indeksleri istatistiksel olarak önemsiz bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın ikinci aşamasında her bir uçucu yağın 1000, 3000 ve 5000 ppm L-1’lik dozlarının A. obtectus erginleri üzerinde fumigant etkileri belirlenmiştir. Kullanılan uçucu yağların tüm dozlarının uygulanması sonucunda, uçucu yağlar arasında istatistiksel olarak bir fark kaydedilmemiştir. En yüksek ölüm oranları, ardıç uçucu yağının 5000 ppm L-1’lik doz uygulamasında 1., 3., 5. ve 7. gün sayımlarında % 25.33, % 30.67, % 44.00 ve % 62.67 ölüm oranlarının kaydedilmesiyle elde edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu uçucu yağlar arasında hem uzaklaştırıcı etki hem de fumigant etkileri bakımından istatistiksel bir fark bulunmamasına rağmen, zararlı ile mücadele de insan ve çevre üzerinde olumsuz etkilerinin olmaması bakımından tercih edilebilir.

Comparative life cycle assessment of coffee jar lids made from biocomposites containing poly(lactic acid) and banana fiber

Composites containing bio-based materials, like banana fiber and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), are potential food-packaging materials. We carried out an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of coffee jar lids made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), PLA, and banana fiber to assess their environmental performance. We considered differences in the type of blend (content of PLA and banana fiber in the composite), origin of the banana fiber feedstock (considered as either biowaste or as a co-product from banana production) and banana fiber pretreatment conditions (either no pretreatment or pretreatment using chemicals). Irrespective of the scenario, a lid made from 40% banana fiber and equal amounts of HDPE and PLA performed significantly better in all 18 impact categories when compared to a lid made from 100% PLA. By contrast, the same lid performed significantly better in 3 impact categories only (climate change, photochemical oxidant formation and fossil depletion) when compared to a lid made from 100% HDPE. Thus, environmental performance of the biocomposite strongly depends on which polymer base is replaced by the banana fiber in the composite. Replacing PLA with banana fiber is generally expected to bring environmental benefits.

Burials in Anthropomorphic Jars in the Philippines

The fi rst joint study by Russian and Philippine archaeologists addresses an unusual variant of a burial tradition distributed in Island Southeast Asia – burials in anthropomorphic clay jars, found in Ayub Cave (southern Mindanao Island, Philippines), excavated by specialists from the National Museum of the Philippines in 1991–1992, and tentatively dated to 500 BC to 500 AD. Of special interest are lids of jars shaped as painted human heads with individualized facial features and expressions. The fi nds suggest that Ayub Cave was a necropolis of the tribe elite, and that vessels were produced by a special group of potters using elaborate “prestige technologies”. The Ayub ceramic collection has various parallels relating to clay fi gurines and decoration including painting, among Late Neolithic and Early Metal Age assemblages from the Philippines (Luzon, Palawan, and Negros Islands), Indonesia (Sumba, Flores, and Bali Islands), and other regions of the Pacifi c Basin from Japan (Jomon) and Korea (Early Iron Age burials) to Vanuatu Islands (Lapita culture). These parallels suggest that the source of the anthropomorphic symbolism was the Austronesian migration with one of its routes passing from southern China via Taiwan, the northern Philippines, Mariana Islands, and further south to Melanesia and Polynesia.

Recent or Roman enamel? Resolution of dating of the unique find from Mušov - Burgstall using techniques of X-ray fluorescence analysis

The study concerns the unique archaeological find of a silver jar lid, decorated using enamel technique. The find was made in South Moravia at Hradisko u Mušova, also known as Mušov-Burgstall, which is connected to the period of Marcomannic Wars (172-180 AD). At the moment of discovery, on the basis of art historical analysis, this unique artefact was dated into the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). However, the used technique of enamel would be completely unique in Roman context for this period, and we have even discovered analogies in modern enamels recently. This item might have been lost in the Mušov-Burgstall region at the beginning of 20th century, when the first archaeological activities have started in this region. The artefact might also have been lost by a German or a Russian soldier, because some military operations of the end of the Second World War took place in this region. On the basis of the uniqueness of this item, we have started to deal with some questions concerning dating and manufacturing technology in a non-destructive manner using various X-ray fluorescence techniques.

Little Whackos

Little Whackos Brandon Rushton (bio) Probably the kids cut their palms and makea pact. The science experiment looks less like their own and more like the stranger'slawn they left it on. They point at each other and blow smoke from their finger pistols.They poke holes in the jar lids and let the bugs out. They storm through the backdoor blood-red like they've been eating raspberries from the side of the road.It is summer. The dandelions are devastating the lawn. The kids rinse off in some kindof primordial pond. They say things like the true test of a friend isn't whether or notthey'll go down with you, it is whether or not they'll let you go down on them. They saythings like that. They say things then scram. They talk like little brutes until you call themon their bluffs. The cat they found covered in lighter fluid? They gave it a bath. A name.They carry half a pack of hope in their heart-holsters and bagpipe upthe hill. They hate the way you hold it over them. The way they've been calledor summoned. The way they blur past the ball [End Page 173] fields because one of them, not far from hereblows hard through the end of an animal horn. [End Page 174] Brandon Rushton Brandon Rushton won the 2016 Gulf Coast Prize and Ninth Letter Award for Poetry. He teaches at the College of Charleston. Copyright © 2019 Pleiades and Pleiades Press

Repellency, Fumigant Toxicity and Chemical Constituents of Ethanol-Extracted Essential Oils from Mentha haplocalyx and Allium ascalonicum on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Our study examined the repellent and toxic effects of ethanolic extracts from Mentha haplocalyx and Allium ascalonicum against adult and larval forms of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, at 25 ± 2 °C with 50±5% relative humidity (RH) and 14L:10D h light-dark cycles in the laboratory. Filter paper discs, 9 cm diameter, were used for area preference testing to determine repellency. One-half of the filter paper was treated with 0.1 ml of essential oil, while the other half was treated with a control solution. Twenty weevil adults were released into each Petri dish on the filter paper and covered with a lid. The experiment was repeated with weevil larvae. Repellency was recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of exposure. Mentha haplocalyx repellency to adults (67.50 %) and larvae (67.50 %) was higher than A. ascalonicum repellency to adults (66.25 %) and larvae (63.75 %). For toxicity testing, 0.1 ml of essential oil was applied on filter paper discs, 6-cm diameter, and papers were placed inside the lids of 100-ml jars. The lids were placed on jars after weevil adults were added. The test was repeated with weevil larvae. Fumigant toxicity was recorded at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h of exposure. Mentha haplocalyx toxicity to adults (37.34 %) was higher than A. ascalonicum toxicity to adults (26.35 %), whereas A. ascalonicum toxicity to larvae (50.29 %) was higher than M. haplocalyx toxicity to larvae (46.36 %). The chemical components of the essential oils were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bioactivity was higher for M. haplocalyx than A. ascalonicum. Further study is recommended on the bioactivity of individual chemical components of essential oils on S. zeamais and other insect and non-insect pests of stored grains.

Why are our Jar Lids Crumbling?

Glass jars and lids used to house fluid preserved specimens in Natural History Museums are arguably one of the most important factors needed to ensure the long term conservation of the specimens in their collections. Additionally these jars are used to display specimens in exhibits, and are the first, and often the only line of defense against damage caused by evaporation of the fluids used to preserve specimens. The Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH) was established as the public face of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) which opened its doors in 1859. Often, the Museum of Comparative Zoology loans fluid preserved invertebrates to the Museum of Natural History at Harvard for display. Of specific interest to this project is a permanent arthropod exhibit displaying a variety of specimens in jars ranging from 4 oz to 1 gallon in size. During a 7-year public exhibition loan, lids began to deteriorate while on display. Visually, these lids became cracked and webbed, and upon physical manipulation the plastic crumpled into pieces. Notably, this problem has not been observed in research collections where the specimens are permanently stored. Possible factors affecting lid stability include temperature and light, and other unknowns. Given the potential impact of this issue on all collections we investigated the possible causes of lid degradation and wish to bring attention to this issue. Photography was used to document the physical problem and MicroCT was used to investigate both cracked and new lids. The resulting images are displayed here. Although the composition of lids are explored, and other jar methods outlined, flint jars remain the most consistent, and sturdy option for a student oriented museum.

Fumigant Effect of Some Essential Oils Against Pulse Beetle,Callosobruchus maculatus(Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

A fumigant toxicity tests were performed by using airtight plastic jars, in which five small glass tubes with perforated lids containing 20 cowpea seeds and four newly emerged Callosobruchus maculatus were placed. Filter paper impregnated with an appropriate volume (5, 10, 20, 40 μl/ml) of the oils were attached to the lower surface of the jar lid. Mortality counts were made at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after treatment. For ovicidal activity, seeds having 20 eggs altogether were put in a glass vial and the treatments were followed as mentioned earlier. After 48 h of exposure the seeds with eggs were transferred and ovicidal activity was calculated based on the adult emergence. Among the essential oils tested, five oils, viz. camphor, eucalyptus, nutmeg and rosemary showed 100 % mortality even at lower dosages (5 μl) when adults were exposed for 48 h. On the other hand, seven oils showed 100%mortality at higher concentration (40 μl). Ovicidal activity revealed that 9 oils showed good activity against C. maculatus...

Evaluation of jar lid design characteristics by older women with hand use limitations

The study evaluated several lid design characteristics (diameter, height, top shape, side shape, and surface texture) by means of controlled laboratory testing with older women with hand function limitations. A subjective evaluation process was applied to examine main effects and interactions of lid design characteristics on usability, determined by participants' perceptions of effort and discomfort. Results showed that lid height was the most important design characteristic associated with usability. For 42 mm diameter lids, designs perceived as best were ones with taller height, hexagonal top shape, and convex side shape. For 28 mm diameter lids, the best designs were ones with taller height and hexagonal top shape. Additionally, when the smaller lid's side shape was flat, a serrate surface texture provided some advantages, particularly for subjects with more severe hand dysfunction. This information could be used by package designers to improve jar lid usability for a growing sector of consumers.

Determination of in-lab site fidelity and movement patterns ofParuroctonus utahensis(Scorpiones: Vaejovidae)

Abstract Many animals build homes to which they return after excursions. However, the sensory and motor mechanisms that animals use to home are poorly understood. Sand scorpions, including Paruroctonus utahensis (Williams 1968), make burrows from which they emerge to hunt at night. These scorpions spend most of their surface time within about a meter of their burrow. Our goal was to create a laboratory environment conducive to scorpion homing behavior. Specifically, our objectives were to verify in-lab burrow use similar to field observations and to characterize scorpion movements in these artificial environments. Tests occurred in circular, sand-filled arenas (65 cm diam); in the center of each was a shelter (a small jar lid with openings for the scorpions to enter). We used IR cameras to film all trials from above in a room with a 14:10 hour light-dark cycle. Animals were tested over a 7-day period for their tendency to establish and return to their shelters on a normal day/night cycle. Time-in-shelter ...

“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant”: The Role of Graphic Memoir in Medical Decision Making

“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant”: The Role of Graphic Memoir in Medical Decision Making

Do birds have the capacity for fun?

Summary A crow carries a jar lid to the top of a sloping snowy rooftop in Russia. Sitting on the lid and sliding down the roof, you could think of it as surfing. It picks up the lid and repeats this behaviour again and again (Figure 1A). A group of black swans ride the crest of a wave that also looks like they are surfing. Once the wave reaches the beach, the swans fly back to another wave crest and perform the same actions again (Figure 1B). In both cases, the birds' behaviours do not seem to provide any obvious function apart from enjoyment — they look like they are having fun. Videos of these behaviours received millions of views on YouTube, so we appear to like watching other animals having fun. But is this interpretation of the birds' actions as having fun pure anthropomorphism or is it possible that an animal can act solely for its own enjoyment?

Long-Term Functional Outcomes After Bilateral Total Wrist Arthrodesis

To report on the long-term outcomes of bilateral total wrist arthrodeses. We conducted a review of all living patients who underwent bilateral wrist arthrodesesfrom 1980 to 2010 within a single institution. Outcome measures included pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Michigan Hand Questionnaire, satisfaction scores, complications, and revision surgeries. Thirteen patients (26 wrists) were treated with an average follow-up of 14 years (range, 3-28 y). Average time for contralateral wrist arthrodesis was 16 months after initial wrist arthrodesis. Eleven wrists had undergone prior surgery. Eleven patients had a primary diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. Wrists were fused from 5° flexion to 30° extension, with all but one patient's wrist fused within 10° of the contralateral wrist. There was a significant improvement in postoperative grip strength and pain levels. Postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, and Michigan Hand Questionnaire scores were 21, 29, and 73, respectively. Increasing age, preoperative steroid usage, and concomitant shoulder or elbow disorders were associated with worse outcomes. Twelve patients (93%) were satisfied and would repeat the surgery and 9 returned to full-time work. The major functional limitation was turning a doorknob or tight jar lid. Seven patients underwent additional surgery including 5 revision arthrodeses and 2 plate removals. Revision surgeries were more common in patients with prior surgeries or preoperative steroid usage, women, smokers, those with ipsilateral elbow dysfunction, and those with fixation with a dorsal locking plate. Bilateral total wrist arthrodesis improved pain while enabling patients with severe carpal arthrosis to maintain a satisfactory level of extremity function and quality of life. In general, patients adapted and were satisfied with functional capabilities. This is a viable salvageoption for patients with severe bilateral disease. Therapeutic III.

Comparison of Kinetic Roles of Digits in Two Jar Twisting Directions among Young Females

The jar opening movement requires a complex integration of digits and adequate grasp strength. Unfortunately, many young females have difficulty achieving this task. The opening direction may be an important element related to the force efficiency of hand. However, few studies have been conducted on this topic with an actual human movement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of jar twisting direction on hand kinetics during a maximum voluntary twist. It was hypothesized that changing the twist direction would alter the results of hand kinetics and that an optimal twist direction could be found for opening a jar. Thirty-six healthy young females with mean age, body weight, and height of 23.5 ± 3.6 years, 53.1 ± 6.0 kg, and 160.4 ± 4.3 cm, respectively, were recruited. A custom jar instrument was fabricated to record the kinetics of hand and digit groups. All participants performed jar twisting movements in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The results showed that the overall torque and resultant force of right hand increased when a clockwise twist was applied. The resultant force and torque shares of the thumb also increased for the clockwise twist even though those of the middle-ring-little digit group showed no difference and those of the index digit decreased. The index digit and thumb contributed the least and most effort, respectively, for both twisting directions. The thumb was the main force digit. Normal force was the main component of force for all digit groups. The force projections showed that other digit groups not only antagonized the thumb but also one another. The results supported the hypothesis that there were kinetics differences for digits for the two twisting directions. Jar lids could be opened more efficiently in the clockwise direction and kinetics of each digit group also provided as a precursor to jar design modification.