Joint Region Research Articles

Investigating the impact toughness properties and influential factors of titanium alloy joints

Double-sided symmetric MIG welding can significantly enhance welding efficiency for thick titanium alloys and holds promising engineering applications. However, the use of high currents and deposition rates in this process not only boosts welding efficiency but also impacts joint performance, particularly its impact toughness. In this study, the Charpy impact performance of double-sided double-arc MIG welded joints in each region was studied via oscillometric impact tests, and the main factors affecting the impact of joints were revealed. SEM was used to observe the fractures, and the microstructure characteristics and grain orientation of the impact crack propagation path were observed and analysed via metallurgical microscopy and EBSD. In addition, the microstructure of each region of the joint was observed via metallographic microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed the microstructure characteristics of different regions of the joint and clarified the effects of microstructure and grain orientation in different regions of the welded joint on the impact performance of each region of the double-sided, double-arc MIG welded joint. The results show that the crack initiation energy across different regions of joints typically ranges between 18 and 20 J, with minimal variations. Crack propagation plays a pivotal role in determining impact toughness, which is influenced both by microstructural features and orientation. This provides guidance for subsequent adjustments and improvements to the impact performance of the joint.

Experimental Analysis of the Behavior of Multiple Adhesive on the Single Lap Joint Strength

The usage of adhesively bonded lap joints in industrial applications has been growing in recent years because of the numerous advantages compared to other joining processes such as fastening, welding, and riveting. For effective design of the adhesively bonded engineering lap joints, it is essential to govern the failure potential of a particular adhesive joint under a certain load causing some stress and strain. In this work, study has been carried out by the application of multiple adhesives along the bondline region of lap joint. The objective of this paper is to experimentally examine the results of applications of single and multi-adhesives material with very different mechanical behavior along the bondline region in the single lap adhesive joint. Experimental investigations have been carried out for extracting load displacement data using tensile testing machine, Tensometer, having a capacity of 2 tonne. Multi Adhesive joint can minimize the stress concentration and improve joint strength by using different adhesive stiffness along the bondline region of lap joint and the outcome shows computable increase in the strength of the multiple adhesive bonded lap joints associated with those in which single adhesives were used over the full length of the bondline region.

Flexural behavior of UHPC wet joints for precast bridge deck panels

Over the past decade or so, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been increasingly used for wet joints of bridge deck panels (BDPs) in bridge superstructures. To evaluate the flexural performance of UHPC wet joints for precast bridge deck panels, a total of seven BDPs were designed, including one monolithic cast-in-place bridge deck panel (MCIPBDP), one precast bridge deck panel (PBDP) with NC wet joints, and five precast bridge deck panels (PBDPs) with UHPC wet joints. The design parameters included reinforcement types (straight bars and U-bars), U-bar lap details (contact lap splice and non-contact lap splice), filling materials (UHPC and NC), and joint widths (150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm). Three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate the flexural performance based on the failure mode, load-deflection curve, cracking width in the wet joint region, and stiffness degradation. The experimental results showed that it is feasible to replace 500-mm-width NC wet joints with 200-mm-width UHPC wet joints for PBDPs with U-bars. UHPC wet joints, with a width of 250 mm, effectively prevented straight bars from slipping. As the width of UHPC wet joints decreased, the failure mode shifted from shear failure to bending failure. In addition, the cohesion-friction hybrid model was proposed to simulate the behavior of joint interfaces. The FE analysis results demonstrated that the FE model and modeling method have high accuracy and general applicability. Finally, the flexural capacity calculation formula was developed according to the strut-and-tie model. The theoretical calculation results were in good agreement with test results.

Influence of post-weld rolling and artificial aging on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded 2195-T4 Al-Li alloy joints

Fiction stir welding (FSW) of a naturally aged (T4) 2195 Al-Li alloy was conducted to study the effect of post-weld artificial aging (AA) and rolling+artificial aging (R+AA) on microstructure and mechanical properties of the FSW joints. Grain features were analyzed by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) technology, and precipitates were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) along [011]Al and [001]Al zone axes. Mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated through micro-hardness and tensile testing. The results indicate that grain development, including grain orientation, grain boundary components and dislocation density, varies within different regions of the As-welded joints due to complicated thermal-mechanical history. The alloying elements mostly exist as Guinier-Preston zones in the base material (BM) with a few formations of δ'/β', and slightly precipitate into T1 in the heat affected zone (HAZ), form σ in the thermal-mechanical affected zone (TMAZ), as well as develop T1 and S' in the nugget zone (NZ) after FSW. The lowest hardness zone (LHZ) exhibits elevated precipitation levels, generating coarse T1 and grain boundary precipitates with evident σ and precipitate free zone. The overall precipitation level of the As-welded joints remains minor, resulting in a slight decrease in hardness at the LHZ. Post-weld AA promotes many T1 formations, enhancing the joint strength and hardness. As a result, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the joints increases from 440 MPa to 506.5 MPa, while the elongation decreases from 13.5% to 3.4%. Furthermore, hardness profiles transform from a low-amplitude wave curve to a high-amplitude W-shaped curve, generating a significant LHZ due to the minimal precipitation of T1. Pre-rolling deformation can enhance dislocation density and low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), promoting the nucleation of high-density, fine T1 during artificial aging, and especially improves precipitation ability of the LHZ, leading to an elevated hardness increment in the region after AA. Compared to the Joint-AA, both strength and elongation of the Joint-R+AA increase, obtaining 530.5 MPa and 3.9%, respectively.

Construction and performance evaluation of fully biomimetic hyaline cartilage matrix scaffolds for joint defect regeneration

Due to the absence of nerves and blood vessels in articular cartilage, its regeneration and repair present a significant and complex challenge in osteoarthritis treatment. Developing a specialized physical and chemical microenvironment supporting cell growth has been difficult in cartilage grafting, especially when aiming for comprehensive biomimetic solutions. Based on previous research, we have designed a tissue-engineered decellularized living hyaline cartilage graft (dLhCG). The study developed a method to improve the hydrophilicity and stiffness of scaffolds by employing chemical grafting techniques and designed a decellularized hyaline cartilage phenotype matrix scaffold for tissue engineering. Here, we reported a method using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride /N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) to achieve the grafting of chondroitin sulfate (CS) onto dLhCG, ultimately producing a tissue-engineered hyaline cartilage graft with the CS (dLhCG/CS). Young's modulus measurements revealed that the cross-linked scaffolds exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. We implanted the cross-linked dLhCG/CS scaffolds into the trochlear region of rat joints and evaluated their functionality through histological analysis and biomechanical tests. After 12 weeks, the dLhCG/CS scaffolds demonstrated excellent bioinductive activity comparable to dLhCG. The regenerated tissue effectively maintained a hyaline cartilage phenotype and exhibited similar mechanical properties, playing a crucial role in cartilage regeneration.

Microstructure, MAO performance, interfacial characteristics and corrosion behavior of FSW joint of Al–Mg-Sc alloy

The microstructure evolution, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) performance, and corrosion behavior of Al–Mg-Sc alloy friction stir welded (FSW) joint were investigated. The microstructure observations indicated that compared with the base metal (BM), the stirring zone (SZ) and thermo-mechanical affected zone (TMAZ) showed notable grain defects and an enormous number of high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs). Additionally, a more conspicuous presence of non-uniform recrystallized grains and HAGBs was noticed in the thickness direction within the SZ. FSW process induced the precipitation of Al3Mg2 (β phase) at grain boundaries in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of joint. The microstructural changes and precipitation induced by the FSW process influenced the electrical conductivity, resulting in the differences in micro-arc discharge in various zones of the FSW joint in MAO process, which in turn affected the thickness, porosity, and corrosion resistance of MAO ceramic film. HRTEM observation suggested that a transition layer composed of nanocrystalline and amorphous Al2O3 with average thickness of 2–4 nm was found at the film/substrate interface. Electrochemical tests suggested that a heterogeneous structure in various regions of FSW joint resulted in varying susceptibility to localized corrosion. HAZ/TMAZ had the worst anti-corrosion performance. After MAO treatment, the anti-corrosion performance of SZ and HAZ/TMAZ in FSW joint was significantly improved, especially SZ.

Investigation on effects of nano-reinforcement on the mechanical properties, fatigue, and microstructural analysis of dissimilar AA6061- Mg AZ31B weld joints

Weld joints have been subject to substantial improvement in mechanical durability and wear resistance in recent years. This research work challenge can be answered by incorporating nano-materials into the weld zone. Mechanical and metallurgical aspects of friction stir welded (FSW) butt joints made of AA6061 aluminum and Mg AZ31B alloys have been examined in this work, both with and without the use of naturally derived biochar nanoparticles. The biochar particle was extracted from rice husk. Throughout the whole weld joint manufacturing process, a tool with a rotational speed of 1400 rpm, a welding speed of 40 mm min−1, and a tapered pin profiled tool were employed. During the joint fabrication process, the constant axial load of 7 kN, plunge depth of 0.2 mm, and constant dwell time of 0.3 s were also maintained. In order to improve the mechanical attributes of the weld joints, different wt% of biochar such as 1%, 2%, and 3%, were applied at the interface region of the weld joints. The experimental results revealed that the percentage of reinforced nano-materials plays a significant effect in improving the weld joint qualities. The testing results of reinforced friction stir-welded joint qualities were compared to those of simple friction stir welded joints made without and with adding the nanoparticles. The best results were obtained when 2 wt% of biochar particles was added to the weld interface region. The presence of biochar nano-particles, in addition to their contribution to increased grain refinement in the weld nugget region, was also seen in the region. It was discovered that the event distribution of particles at the nugget zone significantly enhanced the mechanical and wear resistance qualities of the weld joints that were manufactured. The optical microscope was used to analyze the microstructures in the weld nugget region, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to examine the fracture analysis of the tensile samples. The presence of 2 wt% biochar particles in the weld nugget region resulted in a considerable increase in the mechanical characteristics of the weld connections. The ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and yield strength of the weld nugget results 197 MPa, 173 HV, 163 MPa. Overall, when compared to the qualities of the base material and plain weld joints. The mechanical properties and wear resistance of the weld joints have improved significantly. When biochar particles were used as reinforcement particles during the fabrication phase of the joint, a mechanism for pinning was observed in the weld microstructure.

Biomechanical characteristics of ligament injuries in the knee joint during impact in the upright position: a finite element analysis

BackgroundOur study aims to examine stress–strain data of the four major knee ligaments—the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL)—under transient impacts in various knee joint regions and directions within the static standing position of the human body. Subsequently, we will analyze the varying biomechanical properties of knee ligaments under distinct loading conditions.MethodsA 3D simulation model of the human knee joint including bone, meniscus, articular cartilage, ligaments, and other tissues, was reconstructed from MRI images. A vertical load of 300 N was applied to the femur model’s top surface to mimic the static standing position, and a 134 N load was applied to the impacted area of the knee joint. Nine scenarios were created to examine the effects of anterior, posterior, and lateral external forces on the upper, middle, and lower regions of the knee joint.ResultsThe PCL exhibited the highest stress levels among the four ligaments when anterior loads were applied to the upper, middle, and lower parts of the knee, with maximum stresses at the PCL-fibula junction measuring 59.895 MPa, 27.481 MPa, and 28.607 MPa, respectively. Highest stresses on the PCL were observed under posterior loads on the upper, middle, and lower knee areas, with peak stresses of 57.421 MPa, 38.147 MPa, and 26.904 MPa, focusing notably on the PCL-tibia junction. When a lateral load was placed on the upper knee joint, the ACL showed the highest stress 32.102 MPa. Likewise, in a lateral impact on the middle knee joint, the ACL also had the highest stress of 29.544 MPa, with peak force at the ACL-tibia junction each time. In a lateral impact on the lower knee area, the LCL had the highest stress of 22.279 MPa, with the highest force at the LCL-fibula junction. Furthermore, the maximum stress data table indicates that stresses in the ligaments are typically higher when the upper portion of the knee is affected compared to when the middle and lower parts are impacted.ConclusionsThis study recommends people avoid impacting the upper knee and use the middle and lower parts of the knee effectively against external forces to minimize ligament damage and safeguard the knee.

Corrosion behavior of dissimilar Al–Mg–Si alloys joint welded under hybrid CMT-laser oscillation welding

As the corrosion behavior of 6xxx series aluminum alloys depends on composition and microstructure, the microstructure and corrosion behavior of 6082 and a new 6xxx aluminum alloy weld joint are investigated under a standard corrosion test in this study. These results show the asymmetrical welding joint structure and a distribution of corrosion severity across the weld joint. Substantial differences were observed in the size and distribution of Mg2Si particles and Fe-bearing intermetallics in various regions of the weld joint. It was found that the equiaxed grain zone on new 6xxx aluminum side is not most susceptible to corrosion, contrary to previous results, but the narrow partially melted line on 6082 side is. Not all corrosion induced by Fe-bearing intermetallics originates from the Al matrix, adjacent Fe-bearing intermetallics and Mg2Si could also form galvanic microcells, resulting in preferential dissolution of Mg2Si over the Al matrix.

Study on the fatigue properties of SPR-bonded aluminum-steel sheet joints

This study deals mainly with the influence of adhesive layer on the fatigue behavior and fretting of self-piercing riveted (SPR) joint joining differing thicknesses of AlSi10MnMg aluminum and DP590 steel sheets in lap shear geometry. Fatigue life, failure modes, crack propagation and fretting behaviors of the SPR and SPR-bonded joints were investigated and compared. The results showed that the static strength and fatigue life of SPR-bonded joints were significantly enhanced than that of SPR joints, but the fatigue failure mode of SPR-bonded and SPR joints differed. The SPR-bonded joints all failed in a rivet tail pull-out mode at all tested loads, which accompanied with small cracking in the aluminum sheet in contact with the rivet tail at lower test load. However, the failure mode of the SPR joints shifted from the aluminum sheet cracking to rivet tail pull-out as the fatigue test load increased. And during the aluminum sheet cracking failure, the fatigue crack originated from the faying interface of aluminum and steel sheet at the vicinity of the rivet shank and propagated along the width direction of aluminum sheet. Fretting wear analysis showed that the overall extent of fretting decreased and the location of fretting areas varied due to the adhesive bonding. Fretting of SPR joints mostly existed at the faying interface between aluminum and steel about 1.5mm away from the rivet shank and resulted in fatigue crack initiation, while the fretting region of SPR-bonded joints shifted to the faying interface between rivet tail and aluminum sheet.

Insights into cytomegalovirus-associated T cell receptors in recipients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a serious problem in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Long-term latency depends on specific T cell immune reconstitution, which identifies various pathogens by T cell receptors (TCRs). However, the mechanisms underlying the selection of CMV-specific TCRs in recipients after transplantation remain unclear.MethodsUsing high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, the T cell immune repertoire of seven CMV reactivated recipients (CRRs) were analyzed and compared to those of seven CMV non-activated recipients (CNRs) at an early stage after transplant.ResultsThe counts of unique complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) were significantly higher in CNRs than in CRRs. The CDR3 clones in the CNRs exhibit higher homogeneity compared to the CRRs. With regard to T cell receptor β-chain variable region (TRBV) and joint region (TRBJ) genotypes, significant differences were observed in the frequencies of TRBV6, BV23, and BV7–8 between the two groups. In addition to TRBV29–1/BJ1–2, TRBV2/BJ2–2, and TRBV12–4/BJ1–5, 11 V-J combinations had significantly different expression levels between CRRs and CNRs.ConclusionsThe differences in TCR diversity, TRBV segments, and TRBV-BJ combinations observed between CNRs and CRRs might be associated with post-transplant CMV reactivation and could serve as a foundation for further research.

Effect of accidental joint eccentricity on the behavior of concentric braces

Concentric braces are designed with the assumption that their joints are concentrically loaded, meaning that the axes of the connected members intersect at a working point within the joint region. To avoid eccentricity at a joint, the load path from each member framing into the joint should intersect at this working point, ensuring alignment within the joint region. However, in real structures, compression members are not perfectly straight, aligned, or concentrically loaded as assumed in design calculations. In AISC 360–22 and EN 1993–1-1, certain safety factors are applied to account for uncertainties related to initial imperfections in concentric braces. However, these safety factors are uniform across all slenderness ratios, and it is unclear up to what level of eccentricity they ensure safety. To address these shortcomings, an experimental and numerical program was conducted to examine the effect of various accidental eccentricity conditions on the behavior of concentric braces. The results showed that the impact of accidental eccentricity on the buckling strength of concentric braces varies according to the slenderness ratio. According to both experimental and numerical studies, the influence of accidental eccentricity becomes insignificant when the normalized slenderness ratio exceeds 1.5. However, when the normalized slenderness ratio is below 1.5, the effect of eccentricity becomes significant, and it increases in importance as the slenderness ratio decreases.

A case report of arthrocentesis in temporomandibular joint internal derangement

In this case report, a 56-year-old male presented to our department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a chief complaint of pain during mouth opening on the left joint region. The patient also complained of limited mouth opening and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Arthrocentesis was performed under aseptic conditions. Clinical evaluation of the patients was done before the procedure, 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months postoperatively. Intensity of TMJ pain and maximal mouth opening were recorded at each follow-up visit. There was a significant improvement in mouth opening and a reduction in pain scores in the postoperative period. Arthrocentesis is a simple and safe procedure for patients with internal derangement with a closed lock for improving mouth opening and decreasing pain.

Electrodiagnostic Findings of Median Nerve Motor and Sensory Conduction in Neurological Asymptomatic Newly Diagnosed Patients with Hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND: The influence/impact of thyroid hormones on peripheral nervous system has still not been thoroughly/substantially studied/examined. Neurographic studies, which measure motor and sensory nerve conduction along with F-wave, have an important role in diagnosing diseases of the peripheral nerves since electrophysiological sings of neuropathy can be detected even in subclinical state/cases. AIM: The aims of this study were to assess the neurophysiological parameters of the median nerve by electrodiagnostic measurements using electromyoneurogaphy (EMNG) in the region of radiocarpal joint in patients with newly diagnosed and medically untreated primary hypothyroidism who had no symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve damage/injury/lesion. Furthermore, it was our aim to make an insight of the possible early detection of the latent damage of peripheral nervous system in untreated hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective clinical study that comprised 78 subjects/patients according to inclusion criteria, divided into two groups: one with primary hypothyroidism and the other group involving euthyroid subjects. Thyroid status was examined in each subject; anthropometric parameters were analyzed, and electromyoneurographic imaging (EMNG) of hand median nerve was realized. RESULTS: Of the total number of 78 subjects included in the study, 58 (74.36%) had hypothyroidism and 20 were euthyroid subjects (25.64%). The calculated mean levels of thyroid status parameters in hypothyroid patients, TSH, aTPO and FT4, were 6.19±1.85 mIU/L, 872.22±296.66 U/mL and 0.78±0.11 ng/dL, respectively. In euthyroid patients, the mean levels of TSH, aTPO and FT4 were 0.27±0.08 mIU/L, 31.2071±5.65 U/mL and 1.31±0.25 ng/dL, respectively. Statistically significant differences were obtained between hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects regarding: age (p=0.0147, r=0.3239), body weight (p=0.0441, r= -0.531), body mass index (p=0.0050, r= -0.301), WHO classification for BMI (p=0.0032, r= -0.250), TSH (p<0.0001, r=-0.309), aTPO (p<0.0001, r=0.5554) and FT4 (p<0.0001, r= -0.317). In the group of 58 hypothyroid subjects, 38 (65.52%) were women and 20 (34.48%) were men. A strong correlation and significant statistical difference were registered in EMNG pathological findings in patients with pathologic BMI and with mild predilection for the sensory part of the median nerve. Of the 58 hypothyroid patients, EMNG pathologic findings were present in 18 that, in terms of their features, indicated a distal lesion of the median nerve. These 18 subjects had an increased body mass index (30.83±5.65 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS: Discovery, definition and explanation of etiopathogenic nodes in peripheral nervous system diseases will require extensive and multidisciplinary strategies in the next decades. These complex conditions, in our opinion, will claim a steady/a step-by-step/ approach to the problems, as well as consistency and symmetry in the design and methodology of the research procedures.

Linking Intra-Articular Inflammatory Biomarkers with Peripheral and Central Sensitization in Late-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Pilot Study.

Background/Objectives: To investigate if intra-articular biomarkers relate to peripheral and central sensitization in patients with late-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A total of 17 (6M, 11F) patients (aged 69 ± 10 years) were assessed for peripheral (pressure pain thresholds (PPT)) and central (temporal summation (TS) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM)) sensitization the day before total knee arthroplasty. Synovial fluid was collected during surgery and assayed for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, CXCL-10, BDNF, NGF, CCL2, CCL5, VEGF, IL-1RI, MMP-1, MMP-7, IL-1β, and CXCL-9. Associations of biomarkers and their combinations reflecting chronic (CXCL-9) and acute ((CCL2×CXCL-10)/IL-10)) inflammation, cartilage degeneration (MMP-1×MMP-7), and neurotrophy (NGF×BDNF) with PPT, TS, and CPM were analyzed by bivariate correlations and by multiple linear regression analyses corrected for BMI, sex, and age. Results: The medial joint line and the superior medial joint region showed the lowest PPT. Higher acute inflammation related significantly to worse pressure tenderness at the superior medial joint region (R2 = 0.642; p = 0.010). Cartilage degeneration and chronic inflammation were associated with both absolute (R2 = 0.827; p = 0.001) and relative CPM (R2 = 0.882; p < 0.001). Acute inflammation and neurotrophy were related to relative TS at the m. tibialis anterior (R2 = 0.728; p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that increased levels of intra-articular biomarkers of acute inflammation are related to peripheral sensitization and that biomarkers of cartilage degeneration and chronic inflammation are associated with central sensitization. These results may be a stepping-stone toward a better understanding of the working mechanism of peripheral and central sensitization in KOA pain and the development of more targeted therapeutic interventions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Topography of Bone Marrow Edema in the Sacroiliac Joint of Postpartum Women.

A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment method were used to compare the topographical distribution of postpartum strain-related bone marrow edema (BME) at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). The presence and topographical location of SIJ BME were assessed independently by three readers in 71 women 12 months postpartum. A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar BME evaluation by 8 (upper and lower) and 12 joint (upper, middle, and lower) regions, respectively, was performed with >4 weeks between the two assessments. Descriptive results were reported as mean ± SD and ranges, and interreader agreement by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). By semicoronal assessment, 38 (53.5%) women had BME with a mean ± SD SPARCC score of 2.3 ± 4.0 (range 0-22; ICC 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.94). Forty-one (57.8%) had BME by biplanar assessment with a mean ± SD sum score of 2.9 ± 5.8 (range 0-32.7; ICC 0.89, 95% CI 0.88-0.91). By semicoronal assessment, the highest frequency and mean SPARCC scores were in the anterior upper regions of ilium (24%, mean 0.6) and sacrum (21%, mean 0.3) followed by the posterior upper sacral (20%, mean 0.4) and posterior lower iliac (20%, mean 0.3) regions. By biplanar assessment, the anterior middle joint regions had highest BME frequency and sum scores, sacral side (32%, mean 1.9) and iliac side (27%, mean 2.0), respectively; frequencies and sum scores were generally higher in the anterior compared to the posterior joint regions. The 12-region biplanar assessment revealed a predominantly anterior middle location of postpartum SIJ BME whereas the 8-region monoplanar approach did not demarcate distinct strain-prone SIJ regions. Complementing traditional monoplanar semicoronal SIJ MRI evaluation by a semiaxial assessment may facilitate discrimination of strain-related conditions from early axial spondyloarthritis.

Influence of strut angle and radius on the energy absorption and failure mechanisms in 3-strut, 4-strut and 6-strut lattice structures

Abstract 3D-printed truss structures have remarkable potential in the aerospace and weight-critical technologies fields. However, design parameters need to be carefully considered. A low overhang angle or diameter can result in discrepancies. This research presents an approach by examining the effect of strut overhang angle and radius on the mechanical properties of 3-, 4- and 6-strut lattice structures under compressive loading. 1.6- and 2.4-mm diameter struts were designed with 45°, 50°, 55° and 60° overhang angle strut lattices. Experiments were simulated and compared with test results for each parameter. Even if joint regions have little effect on specimens’ density, it has a remarkable effect on mechanical properties of the specimen. To simulate this, many studies were investigated to simulate joint regions. The study’s goal is to deepen the understanding of how design variations in strut lattice structures influence their energy-absorbing characteristic and mechanical behavior, using a combination of static tests and finite element analysis for validation. This insight is crucial for optimizing lattice design to balance weight, strength, and energy-absorbing capacity effectively. The experimental test result and numerical result showed rather good agreement. It is observed that joint regions, overhang angle, and diameters were the main parameters affecting specimens’ mechanical behavior.

Chondroid Synoviocytic Neoplasm: A Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study of a Distinctive Tumor of Synoviocytes

Tumors resembling tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) but additionally forming chondroid matrix are rare and most often involve the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We studied 21 tumors consisting of synoviocytes (large, eosinophilic mononuclear cells containing hemosiderin) and chondroid matrix to better understand these unusual neoplasms. The tumors occurred in 10 males and 11 females, in the age group of 31 to 80 years (median, 50 years) and involved the TMJ region (16), extremities (4), and spine (1). As in conventional TGCT, all were composed of synoviocytes, small histiocytes, foamy macrophages, siderophages, and osteoclast-like giant cells in variably hyalinized background. Expansile nodules of large, moderately atypical synoviocytes were present, in addition to “chondroblastoma-like,” “chondroma-like,” or “phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-like” calcified matrix. The synoviocytes expressed clusterin (17/19) and less often desmin (3/15). The tumors were frequently CSF1 positive by chromogenic in situ hybridization (8/13) but at best weakly positive for CSF1 by immunohistochemistry (0/3). Background small histiocytes were CD163 positive (12/12). All were FGF23 negative (0/10). Cells within lacunae showed a synoviocytic phenotype (clusterin positive; S100 protein and ERG negative). RNA-Seq was successful in 13 cases; fusions were present in 7 tumors, including FN1::TEK (5 cases); FN1::PRG4 (2 cases); and MALAT1::FN1, PDGFRA::USP35, and TIMP3::ZCCHC7 (1 case each). Three tumors contained more than 1 fusion (FN1::PRG4 with TIMP3::ZCCHC7, FN1::TEK with FN1::PRG4, and FN1::TEK with MALAT1::FN1). Clinical follow-up (17 patients; median follow-up duration 38 months; range 4-173 months) showed 13 (76%) to be alive without evidence of disease and 4 (24%) to be alive with persistent/recurrent local disease. No metastases or deaths from disease were observed. We conclude that these unusual tumors represent a distinct category of synoviocytic neoplasia, which we term “chondroid synoviocytic neoplasm,” rather than simply ordinary TGCT with cartilage. Despite potentially worrisome morphologic features, they appear to behave in at most a locally aggressive fashion.

Role of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in temporomandibular joint disorders.

To co mpare the e ffica cy of transcutaneous elec trica l ner ve stimulation with commercially ava ilab le analgesics in alleviating symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. The cross-sectional, interventional study was conducted from March 11, 2020, to August 31, 2023, at the Oral and Maxillofa cial S urger y Department of the Armed Forces Institute o f Den tist r y, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients aged 18-65 years who were experiencing pain or distress in the temporomandibular joint region. The par ticipants were divided into intervention group A and control group B. Group A treatment involved applying electrodes near the temporomandibular joint, with parameters adjusted as per the treatment guidelines. Group B subjects received only analgesics along with basic care recommendations. Pain intensit y was assessed using visual analogue scale, while functional impairment and adverse effects were monitored. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 130 patients initially assessed, 100(77%) were included; 50(50%) in each group. In group A, there were 33(66.0%) fema les and 17(34.0 %) male s wit h overal l mean age 42.8±10.12 years. In group B, there were 30(60%) females and 20(40%) males with overall mean age 46.98±14.09 years. Pain intensity was significantly lower in group A compared to group B post-inter vention (p=0.009). Group A sub jec ts also showed significant post-intervention improvement in terms of mouth opening compared to group B patients (p<0.05). There was no significant intergroup difference with respect to adverse effects (p>0.05). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was significantly more effective than commercially available analgesics in alleviating symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Crucial effects of plasma gas on the weld and microstructural characteristics of plasma arc welded aero engine Ti6Al4V alloy joints

This study explores the influence of plasma gas flow rate (PGFR) on the defects, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties during plasma arc welding of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy thin sheets using microscopic analysis, spectroscopic analysis, tensile and microhardness tests. The variation in PGFR affects the welding arc in terms of its stability, pressure and constriction which results in transformation of arc from conduction mode to keyhole mode and changes in microstructure as well. All the other welding process parameters were kept constant except for PGFR which was varied to investigate its significance. Excess weld metal was observed under the weld bead is an attribute of keyhole formation. Macrographs exhibits increments in weld geometry measurements whereas weld defects such as lack of penetration and porosity decreased with increased PGFR. The microstructural examination showed a variety of phase formations that includes majorly with acicular α and Widmanstätten α morphologies. Tensile strength and hardness at the weld region of the welded joints increases with increase in PGFR. An oxygen rich brittle subsurface layer called α-case morphology was observed at the weld region of 1 L/min joint causes significant reduction in ductility.