Narrow Plate Research Articles

Influence of Screw Angulation on the Mechanical Properties on a Polyaxial Locking Plate Fixation.

Polyaxial locking systems are widely used for strategic surgical placement, particularly in cases of osteoporotic bones, comminuted fractures, or when avoiding pre-existing prosthetics. However, studies suggest that polyaxiality negatively impacts system stiffness. We hypothesize that a new plate design, combining a narrow plate with asymmetric holes and polyaxial capabilities, could outperform narrow plates with symmetric holes. Three configurations were tested: Group 1 with six orthogonal screws, and Groups 2 and 3 with polyaxiality in the longitudinal and transverse axes, respectively. A biomechanical model assessed the bone/plate/screw interface under cyclic compression (5000 cycles) and torsion loads until failure. Screws were inserted up to 10° angle. None of the groups showed a significant loss of stiffness during compression (p > 0.05). Group 1 exhibited the highest initial stiffness, followed by Group 3 (<29%) and Group 2 (<35%). In torsional testing, Group 1 achieved the most load cycles (29.096 ± 1.342), while Groups 2 and 3 showed significantly fewer cycles to failure (6.657 ± 3.551 and 4.085 ± 1.934). These results confirm that polyaxiality, while beneficial for surgical placement, reduces biomechanical performance under torsion. Despite this, no group experienced complete decoupling of the screw-plate interface, indicating the robustness of the locking mechanism even under high stress.

A new species and genus of Lower Jurassic rhynchonellide (Brachiopoda) from Livari (Rumija Mountain, Montenegro): taxonomic implications of the shell microstructure

ABSTRACT A new rhynchonellide brachiopod genus and species, Skadarirhynchia semicostata gen. et sp. nov., is described from the late Pliensbachian of Livari, Rumija Mountain, southeastern Montenegro. It occurs in shallow-water brachiopod-crinoid packstone beds (bioclastic limestones) of the periplatform facies of the Dinaric Carbonate Platform. Stratigraphy is constrained by means of 87Sr/86Sr dating indicating a late Pliensbachian age, and by the fact that the brachiopod beds lie immediately below the Toarcian marly limestones, which is consistent with the regional stratigraphical position. The new species has a circular to roundly pentagonal outline and semicostate shells with 10‒12 strong angular ribs. Internally, it shows reduced dental plates, narrow and thin hinge plates inclined dorsally with small crural bases, crescent-like and laterally convex, and hamiform crura. The shell microstructure of the new taxon is characterised by a homogeneous secondary layer (a single layer with no sublayers) built of rhombic fibres that are typically of coarse-fibrous type (eurinoid pattern) 35‒50 μm wide and 20‒30 μm thick. Other co-occurring rhynchonellide species such as Prionorhynchia fraasi and Cuneirhynchia dalmasi are also described. Shell microstructures for the genus Cuneirhynchia are presented.

Comparison of the of tubularised incised plate uretheroplasty versus grafted tubularised incised plate uretheroplasty in distal hypospadias repair with narrow uretheral plate.

Comparison of the of tubularised incised plate uretheroplasty versus grafted tubularised incised plate uretheroplasty in distal hypospadias repair with narrow uretheral plate.

Early Weight-Bearing Using Narrow Symmetrical Distal Fibular Plate: Preliminary Results

Background: Ankle fractures, comprising about 10% of musculoskeletal injuries, pose a significant healthcare burden with an increasing incidence, particularly among an aging population. This study focuses on isolated Danis-Weber type B fractures. Recent trends lean towards surgical intervention for anatomical restoration and quicker recovery, albeit with associated complications. This report aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the NewClip narrow locking plate system with early weight-bearing in treating isolated fibular fractures. Methods: The study includes patients with Danis-Weber type B fractures surgically treated with the NewClip narrow locking plate system. Exclusions involved nondisplaced fractures, open fractures, or those requiring additional fixation. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled in this study. Minor complications, including wound swelling, were observed in two cases. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain exhibited a steady decline postoperatively, with almost complete resolution by the third month. At three months, the FAOS demonstrated excellent results, and a final follow-up at twelve months revealed complete osseous healing without complications. Conclusions: The use of this type of plate in treating isolated fibular fractures with early weight-bearing shows promising results in terms of fracture healing, pain resolution, and functional outcomes, warranting further investigation with larger cohorts.

Micro-CT data reveal new information on the craniomandibular and neuroanatomy of the dicynodont Gordonia (Therapsida: Anomodontia) from the late Permian of Scotland

Abstract Dicynodontia was an abundant, globally widespread clade of Permo-Triassic synapsids on the stem lineage of mammals. Although there is an extensive body of literature on dicynodont craniomandibular anatomy, only recently has the power of computed tomographic (CT) scanning been applied to this system. CT-assisted research on dicynodonts has focused on the smallest members of the clade, while larger dicynodonts (particularly the members of the diverse, long-ranging subclade Bidentalia) have received comparatively little attention. Here, we work towards filling that gap by presenting a µCT-assisted reconstruction of ‘The Elgin Marvel’, a bidentalian specimen consisting of a complete cranium and mandible from late Permian deposits near Elgin, Scotland, which historically has been difficult to study because of its unusual preservation as void space in sandstone. This specimen can be referred to Gordonia, which is solely represented by moulds of void specimens. The µCT data reveal new information on the palate and endocranium of this taxon that could not previously be gleaned from physical moulds made from the void specimens. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that Gordonia and the Chinese Jimusaria form a clade of bidentalians characterized by narrow pterygoid medial plates, expanding our understanding of late Permian biogeography. The endocast of Gordonia is similar to that of other non-cynodont therapsids, and has a remarkably enlarged pineal body, probably related to exaggeration of the sagittal crest. Comparisons of encephalization quotients (EQ), a measure of brain size relative to body size, reveal Gordonia has a similar EQ to most other non-cynodont therapsids.

A comparison of clinical outcomes between narrow and broad dynamic compression plate for femur fractures

Purpose: To review the short term performance 4.5/5.0mm Wise-Lock Narrow Dynamic Compression Plate with LC under cuts and 4.5/5.0mm Wise-Lock Broad Dynamic Compression Plate with LC under cuts for femur fractures in terms of postoperative complications and failure rates. Methods: The total number of 46 patients, 24 to 55 years’ age group, who underwent internal fixation with wise-lock narrow and broad dynamic compression plate for femur fractures were reviewed. These implants were manufactured at Auxein Medical Private Limited Sonipat (India). The wise-lock narrow dynamic compression plates were implanted to 24 patients (18 Male and 05 Female) and broad dynamic compression plates were implanted to 22 patients (15 Male and 08 Female). These plates were made up of SS 316L and Ti6Al4V alloy respectively. Clinical and radiological follow-ups were conducted at the end of 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, 270 days and 365 days after surgery to examine the bone union, non-union &amp; other related complications. During the one year of follow-up by the surgeon the patient's health status was analysed by the American society of anesthesiologists grade and the visual analogue score (VAS) was also determined. Results: Patients were followed up for one year. Out of 24 patients who were treated with wise-lock narrow dynamic compression plate, stainless steel, 04 patients (03 males &amp; 01 female) were faced the complications of pain. However, out of 22 patients who were treated with broad dynamic compression plate, titanium, 02 patients (02 males) developed complications of pain. No biomechanical issue related to screw loosening, corrosion, bending, or other factors was not detected in 46 patients. Conclusions: Femur plate fixation is feasible for the treatment of femur fracture. The clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients are dependent on the accuracy of intraoperative reduction and surgical expertise.

Formation and development of lamellar histoarchitecture of the ventricular myocardium of chick embryos

Background. The existence of several models of the myolamellar structure of the ventricular myocardium, which currently has a number of contradictory provisions, reflects the need for a reasonable integration of the results of different methods. Under these circumstances, the study of those ontogenetic mechanisms that are responsible for the formation and development of the myolamellar architecture of the myocardium is of great interest. The purpose of the study is to determine the ontogenetic transformations of the embryonic chicken heart that ensure the formation and development of the myolamellar structure of the ventricular myocardium. Methods. The work examined the embryos of Cobb500 cross chickens from the beginning of the 10th day to the 21st day of incubation. The lamellar organization of the ventricular myocardium was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results. Starting from the 36th stage according to NN (the beginning of the 10th day of incubation), the active development of the stromal component was observed in the heart of chicken embryos, which led to the division of the tissue of the compact ventricular myocardium into groups of muscle fibers in the form of narrow elongated flat plates containing thicker than 3 to 5 rows of cardiomyocytes. At the 41st and 43rd stages of development, active development of the intercellular matrix and division of the myocardium mass into muscle plates continued as part of the compact ventricular myocardium. The intercellular spaces within the plates narrowed, and between the myolamellae, the perimysium accumulated elements of the microcirculatory bed, functionally active fibroblasts, a large amount of amorphous substance, and bundles of formed collagen fibers. At the final stages of embryogenesis, the muscle plates of the left ventricle acquired a pronounced spiral orientation with a gradual displacement of the long axis of the muscle fibers in the direction from the apex of the ventricle to its base. In the wall of the right ventricle, the location of the myolamella acquired a transverse oblique-circular orientation. Conclusion. A comparison of the structure and geometry of the myolamella made it possible to reveal that starting from the 38th stage of development in the left ventricle, the conditions for the translational-rotational mechanism of chamber contraction were formed and increased, in which the formation of the difference between the systolic and diastolic volumes of the left ventricle is ensured not only by the longitudinal apico-basal vector compression of the cavity, but also by mutual sliding of spirally oriented plates in the ventricular wall. In right ventricle, the contraction mechanism is based on the longitudinal-circular compression of the chamber in accordance with the oblique-circular orientation of the muscle fibers in the composition of the myolamella without displacement in the state of systole.

Widening of narrow urethral plates with lateral skin in TIP hypospadias repair: single center series

BackgroundTo compare the outcomes of hypospadias repair using tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and modified TIP with lateral skin to widen the urethral plate (WTIP).Materials and methodsData were obtained from pre-pubertal boys who underwent primary hypospadias repair between May 2018 and July 2023. The cases were divided into two groups; one group underwent TIP with urethral plate ≥ 6 mm width and the other group with urethral plate width < 6 mm underwent WTIP. WTIP urethroplasty was performed by widening incisions on the outer margins of the urethral plate to incorporate penile and glandular skin lateral to the urethral plate to facilitate tubularization. Complication rates and urinary functions were compared.ResultsA total of 157 patients were enrolled in this study. Eighty-eight cases with narrow urethral plate were subjected to WTIP urethroplasty, and the rest were subjected to TIP urethroplasty. The preoperative glans width in WTIP group was less than that in TIP group (P < 0.001), and 44.3% had midshaft meatus in WTIP group compared to 17.4% in TIP group (P < 0.001). However, the incidences of postoperative complications (17.6% vs. 21.6%, P = 0.550) were not statistically different between the TIP and WTIP groups. In addition, both groups did not differ significantly in postoperative uroflowmetry assessment.ConclusionsThe described technique helps to create an adequately caliber aesthetic neomeatus and facilitates tubularization, especially in hypospadias with a narrow urethral plate. Our data suggest that augmentation of a narrow urethral plate with WTIP has a similar surgical outcome to that of the TIP procedure in patients with a wide urethral plate.

Evaluation of preputial graft urethroplasty in primary repair of narrow plate hypospadias

Background There is yet no perfect Procedure for repairing hypospadias. In certain cases, a graft is required to reinforce the poor urethral plate (UP). The study aims to assess the efficacy of dorsal inlay preputial graft urethroplasty (DIGU) as a primary repair for narrow urethral plate distal and mid-penile hypospadias. Patients and methods A 40- child who underwent dorsal inlay preputial graft urethroplasty Repair for primary distal or mid-penile hypospadias at least 6 months old, as well as a UP less than 8 mm in a noncircumcised penis, were included in the research. Results The success rate was 75% (30 patients) and the Complications rate was 25% (10 patients). Six (60%) of the ten complicated patients had UP widths of 2.5–4 mm (total of 8 patients), implying that 75% of these patients had complications. There were four patients with fistula, two patients with meatal stenosis, two patients with meatal retraction, and two patients with failure. Conclusion One of the main factors influencing the surgical result of the hypospadias correction is the width and configuration of the UP.

Experimental and simulation study on flow heat transfer characteristics of flat pulsating heat pipe with wide and narrow interphase channels

The miniaturization and high density of electronic devices have made temperature control an increasingly important technical challenge. This paper presents a design for a wide and narrow interphase channel plate pulsating heat pipe to address the issue of efficient and stable operation under horizontal and negative inclination angles. A test platform was constructed to evaluate the performance of the heat pipe. The study investigated the operating characteristics of plate pulsating heat pipes in wide and narrow interphase channels by controlling different dip angles, filling rates, and cooling water temperatures. Numerical simulations were conducted using Fluent for 30 % and 50 % filling rates at 90° inclination angle. The results indicated that the wide and narrow channel plate pulsating heat pipe can operate stably at a 50 % liquid filling rate and a −5° incline angle. At an incline angle of 60° and a filling rate of 50 %, the study observed a minimum thermal resistance of 0.44 K/W at 60 W heating power. The influence of different cooling water temperatures on the average temperature difference in the evaporation section decreases as the heating power increases. The working medium undergoes three stages during the start-up stage: bubble formation, bubble growth, and gas plug movement.

On the exponential decay of a Balakrishnan-Taylor plate with strong damping

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this manuscript, we study a thin and narrow plate equation that models the deck of a suspension bridge that is subject to a Balakrishnan-Taylor damping and a strong damping. First, by using the Faedo Galerkin method, we prove the existence of both global weak and regular solutions. Second, we prove the exponential stability of the energy for regular solutions by combining the multiplier method and a well-known result of Komornik.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

Effect of Grain-Size and Textural Weakening in Polyphase Crustal and Mantle Lithospheric Shear Zones

Strain localization to form narrow plate boundary shear zones in Earth’s lithosphere requires a significant amount of strain weakening. Here we investigate the relative contributions of grain-size-sensitive weakening versus textural weakening in polyphase shear zones in granitoid and peridotitic rocks through two-dimensional centimetre-scale bulk simple shear numerical models. The models deploy both constant grain size (only textural weakening) and dynamic grain-size evolution based on the paleowattmeter. Our results reveal that for granitoid rocks, textural weakening dominates, especially at temperatures around 550 °C, while grain-size-sensitive weakening plays a secondary yet significant role. For peridotitic rocks, intense weakening is evident below temperatures of ~1000 °C due to grain-size reduction, while textural weakening has a minor effect on weakening for experiments above 1000 °C. Two-dimensional experiments are compared to one-dimensional, single-phase models to reveal the effect of geometrical complexities in stress and grain-size evolution. These results are discussed in the context of natural lithospheric shear zones and are compared with established piezometers for individual mineral phases. Our findings underscore the vital role of grain-size-sensitive rheologies, particularly in the mantle lithosphere, for the initial weakening of ductile shear zones. These insights offer quantitative constraints that advance our understanding of the long-term strength of lithospheric plate boundaries.

Finite element modeling of fracture compression by compression plates.

Dynamic compression plating is a common type of fracture fixation used to compress between bone fragments. The quality of compression across the fracture is important for postoperative stability and primary bone healing. Compression quality may be affected by surgical variations in plate prebend, screw location, screw torque, fracture gap, and implant material. Computational modeling provides a tool for systematically examining these factors, and for visualizing the mechanisms involved. The purpose of this study was to develop a finite element model of dynamic compression plating that includes screw insertion under torque control, establish model credibility through sensitivity analyses and experimental validation, and use the model to examine the effects of surgical variables on fracture compression and postoperative stability. Model-predicted compressive pressures had good agreement with corresponding synthetic bones experiments under a variety of conditions. Models demonstrated that introducing a 1.5or 3 mm plate prebend (using a 4.5 mm narrow LCP plate) eliminated gapping at the far cortex, which is consistent with clinical recommendations. However, models also revealed that plate prebend led to sharp decreases in fracture compressive force, exceeding 80% in some cases. A 1.5 mm plate prebend resulted in the most uniform pressures across the fracture. Testing of a simplified model form used in previous computational modeling studies showed large inaccuracies for constructs with plate prebend. This study provides the first experimentally validated computational models of dynamic compression plate fracture fixation, and reveals important effects of plate prebend and fracture gap on fracture compression quality.

Comparative study of mechanical performance of various fixation constructs in multifragmentary distal humeral shaft fracture: a finite element analysis.

There has been no scientific mechanical assessment demonstrating the optimal fixation technique in multifragmentary fractures of the distal humeral shaft. The purpose of the present study was to compare the biomechanical performance of 5 fixation constructs as used in minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal humeral shaft fractures. Three-dimensional (3D) humerus model with 20mm distal humeral shaft fracture gap simulating multifragmentary fracture was created from computed tomography data and virtually fixed by 5 fixation techniques as MIPO, i.e., anterior narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP), anterior narrow locking compression plate (LCP), anterior reversed proximal humeral internal locking system (R-PHILOS), extra-articular distal humerus locking compression plate (LCP-EADH), and anteromedial LCP. All constructs were biomechanically tested under 6 loading conditions by means of finite element analysis, i.e., 250-N axial compression, 7.5-Nm internal rotation, 7.5-Nm external rotation, 10-Nm posterior bending, 10-Nm valgus rotation, and 10-Nm varus rotation. In addition, A 3D model of each construct was fabricated as 3D printed models. Fixations were applied to the 3D printing model which were later mechanically tested to validate the FE results. EQV stress exhibited on anterior narrow LCP and anterior R-PHILOS were comparable which were lower than other constructs under axial compression and valgus-varus bending. Anterior R-PHILOS produced lower EQV stress than other constructs under internal-external rotation and posterior bending. On the whole, R-PHILOS demonstrated a comparable fracture displacement to those LCP with anterior or anteromedial approaches, that achieved the lowest displacement values. In addition, the experimental mechanical test values shared a correlation with the FE model results. Overall, the anterior R-PHILOS was considered as a potential candidate for multifragmentary distal humeral shaft fractures. It demonstrated efficacious biomechanical performance in terms of implant stress and distal fragment displacement.

Comparative outcomes among inlay grafted incised plate, onlay preputial flap and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for the repair of distal penile hypospadias with a narrow urethral plate

PurposeWe conducted this study, comparing the outcomes among Transverse Onlay Island Flap, inlay grafted incised plate and our previous records of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) in patients with narrow urethral plates, aiming to determine which method of repair provides a good outcome.MethodsThis hybrid study included two datasets. The first from a prospective randomized study evaluating outcomes of two treatment modalities; Inlay graft and only flap for distal hypospadias with shallow urethral plate with 80 patients (40 patients in each group) included, the second based on our previous records of TIPU in 40 patients with distal primary hypospadias with narrow urethral plate.ResultsThe success rate in inlay graft urethroplasty group (n = 40) was 87.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in one case (2.5%), fistulas occurred in 2 cases (5%), and narrow meatus occurred in two cases (5%). Success rate in onlay flap urethroplasty group (n = 40) was 82.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in two cases (5%), fistulas occurred in two cases (5%), and narrow meatus occurred in three cases (7.5%). TIPU group (n = 40) had success rate of 62.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in eight cases (20%), fistulas occurred in five cases (12.5%), and narrow meatus occurred in seven cases (17.5%), with five cases exhibiting both narrow meatus with fistula.ConclusionInlay graft and onlay flap urethroplasty for repair of distal penile hypospadias with narrow urethral plate had higher success rate and fewer complications than traditional TIPU. Moreover, operative time was shorter in TIPU.

Experimental study on proppant-carrying migration and settlement of slickwater in narrow plate fractures based on PIV / PTV

Hydraulic fracturing is the primary method used for oilfield stimulation, and the migration and settlement pattern of proppant plays a crucial role in the formation of high conductivity propping fractures in the reservoir. This study summarizes two growth modes of sand dune: the ‘overall longitudinal growth’ mode and the ‘push growth along fracture length direction’ mode. To investigate these modes, a two-phase velocity test is conducted using PIV, and the exposure difference is utilized to separate the tracer and track the single-phase velocity. By analyzing the slickwater flow field and proppant velocity field, the micro-motion mechanism behind the two dune growth modes is quantitatively examined. The results indicate that mode 1 growth of the sand dune occurs when a pump with a large mesh number, high polymer viscosity, and large displacement is used. On the other hand, mode 2 growth is observed when a pump with a small mesh number, low polymer viscosity, and small displacement is employed. It is important to note that there is no clear boundary for the migration and sedimentation mode of proppant, as they can transition into each other under certain conditions. These modes only exist during specific stages of sand dune growth. In the case of the ‘backflow’ pattern, the settlement of proppant is primarily influenced by the vortex structure of slickwater. Conversely, in the ‘direct’ pattern, the proppant is propelled forward by the drag of the fluid and settles due to its own gravity. Once the proppant placement reaches equilibrium, the direction of proppant velocity follows a normal distribution within 0°. This approach establishes a connection between the overall placement of the sand dune and the microscopic movement of the proppant and slickwater. Optimizing construction parameters during fracturing construction can enhance the effectiveness of distal proppant placement in fractures.

Thecal plate morphology, molecular phylogeny, and toxin analyses reveal two novel species of Alexandrium (Dinophyceae) and their potential for toxin production

This study describes two novel species of marine dinophytes in the genus Alexandrium. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses support the placement of the new taxa, herein designated as Alexandrium limii sp. nov. and A. ogatae sp. nov. Alexandrium limii, a species closely related to A. taylorii, is distinguished by having a shorter 2ʹ/4ʹ suture length, narrower plates 1ʹ and 6ʹʹ, with larger length: width ratios, and by the position of the ventral pore (Vp). Alexandrium ogatae is distinguishable with its metasert plate 1ʹ having almost parallel lateral margins, and by lacking a Vp. Production of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), cycloimines, and goniodomins (GDs) in clonal cultures of A. ogatae, A. limii, and A. taylorii were examined analytically and the results showed that all strains contained GDs, with GDA as major variants (6–14 pg cell−1) for all strains except the Japanese strain of A. limii, which exclusively had a desmethyl variant of GDA (1.4–7.3 pg cell−1). None of the strains contained detectable levels of PSTs and cycloimines.

Onthodiplogaster japonica n. gen., n. sp. (Rhabditida: Diplogastridae) isolated from Onthophagus sp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Japan

A diplogastrid nematode was isolated from a dung beetle, Onthophagus sp., collected from a rotten mushroom in Kyoto, Japan. The species is characterised by its cheilostomatal shape, separated into 12 narrow plates (rugae), deep stegostom, large ellipsoidal amphids, conical female tail and characteristic receptaculum seminis in the female. Based on its phylogenetic status and stomatal composition, the species is typologically similar to two other diplogastrid genera, Neodiplogaster and Mononchoides. The species can be distinguished from these two genera by the size and shape of the amphid (small pore in Neodiplogaster), female tail shape (long and filiform in Mononchoides) and presence of receptaculum seminis (absence in the two nominal genera), and is described as a monotypic member of a new genus, Onthodiplogaster japonica n. gen., n. sp. Observation of feeding behaviour suggested that O. japonica n. gen., n. sp. does not show clear stomatal dimorphism or polymorphism, which is found in its close relatives, but the species can feed on nematodes (predation), fungi and bacteria. This monomorphic omnivory possibly represents its habitat of dung and other rotten materials, where the environment is biologically divergent, and its condition changes rapidly.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of a widely distributed but little-known sand-dwelling phototrophic dinoflagellate, Coutea sabulosa gen. & sp. nov. (Dinophyceae, Alveolata)

ABSTRACT A new thecate, photosynthetic, sand-dwelling marine dinoflagellate, Coutea sabulosa gen. & sp. nov., observed in various locations from temperate to subtropical areas, is described based on detailed morphological and molecular data of material from Germany and Kuwait. Cells of C. sabulosa are oval, small (14.5–28.3 µm long and 11.1–18.0 µm wide), dorsoventrally compressed, and show a conspicuous apical hook projection pointing to the right. The epitheca is smaller than the hypotheca and the cingulum is ascending, about 3× its width. The thecal plate pattern is unusual and interpreted as APC, 4ʹ, 3a, 7ʹʹ, 5c, 4s, 6ʹʹʹ, 2ʹʹʹʹ. The APC comprises a narrow Po plate with a slit opening, located on the right-dorsal side, and it is covered by a projection of the first apical plate. Morphologically, the plate pattern has some affinities with Amphidiniella sedentaria, a sand-dwelling dinoflagellate species of roughly the same size and gross outline. However, the two taxa differ from each other in shape, size of epitheca and organization of the APC. They possess the same number of apical, precingular, postcingular and antapical plates but their relative sizes, shapes and especially the arrangement differs. Molecular phylogeny inferred from concatenated ribosomal genes reveals that C. sabulosa forms a well supported clade in the core dinoflagellates, but it is not related to any other existing taxa and diverges widely from A. sedentaria. From the present study, this new taxon appears very atypical among dinoflagellates, and further studies will be necessary to resolve its evolutionary position.

LIGHT-CURABLE FRACTURE FIXATION SOLUTION COMPARABLE WITH METAL PLATES IN TORSION

The objective of this study was to investigate how a new customizable light-curable osteosynthesis method (AdFix) compared to traditional metal hardware when loaded in torsion in an ovine phalanx model.Twenty-one ovine proximal phalanges were given a 3mm transverse osteotomy and four 1.5mm cortex screws were inserted bicortically on either side of the gap. The light-curable polymer composite was then applied using the method developed by Hutchinson [1] to create osteosyntheses in two groups, having either a narrow (6mm, N=9) or a wide (10mm, N=9) fixation patch. A final group (N=3) was fixated with conventional metal plates. The constructs were loaded in torsion at a rate of 6°/second until failure or 45° of rotation was reached. Torque and angular displacement were measured, torsional stiffness was calculated as the slope of the Torque-Displacement curve, and maximum torque was queried for each specimen.The torsional stiffnesses of the narrow, wide, and metal plate constructs were 39.1 ± 6.2, 54.4 ± 6.3, and 16.2 ± 3.0 Nmm/° respectively. All groups were statistically different from each other (p&lt;0.001). The maximum torques of the narrow, wide, and metal plate constructs were 424 ± 72, 600 ± 120, and 579 ± 20 Nmm respectively. The narrow constructs were statistically different from the other two (p&lt;0.05), while the wide and metal constructs were not statistically different from each other (p=0.76).This work demonstrated that the torsional performance of the novel solution is comparable to metal fixators. As a measure of the functional range, the torsional stiffness in the AdhFix exceeded that of the metal plate. Furthermore, the wide patches were able to sustain a similar maximum toque as the metal plates. These results suggest AdhFix to be a viable, customizable alternative to metal implants for fracture fixation in the hand.