Rubber Band Research Articles

ISOLATION AND SCREENING OF ACTINOBACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM CHEMICAL PESTICIDES USAGE FIELDS OFTHE UTTARAKHAND REGION

The excessive use of pesticides causesmaximum soil stress and infertile conditions. The present study was performed in order to explore and identify the novel microbial source for the biodegradation of monocrotophos pesticides. Soil samples (approx. 500 g) were collected using some clean,dry, and sterile polythene bags along with a sterile spatula, marking pen rubber band, and other accessories. These samples were air-dried for 1 week, crushed, and sieved. The sieved soils were then used for Actinomycetes isolation. A totalof 120 Soil samples were aseptically collected from different field regions of Uttarakhand viz. Tehri-Garhwal, Chamoli, Srinagar, Uttarkashi, and Haridwar havedominant usage of monocrotophos pesticides. Amongst these samples, A total of 280 microbes were isolated; out of which 24 isolates of Actinobacteria (8.57 %) were isolated. The results revealed the strains of the genera viz. Micromonospora (65%), Actinomycetes (25%,) and Streptomyces (10%)are meant to be responsible for the biodegradation of monocrotophos pesticides.

Screening of Big Onion Varieties for Sodicity Tolerance at Cauvery Delta Zone in South India

Sodicity is a major factor affects crop growth and productivity at global level. Out of 1.5 billion ha of cultivable land at global level, 23% are affected due to salinity and 37% by sodicity. Fourteen Big onion varieties were screened by employing germination test in an osmatic solution of Na2CO3 (Sodium bicarbonate).Simultaneously, all the varieties were allowed to germinate in distilled water (control).Three Replications of 20 seeds of each variety were counted and distributed over two layers of paper towel (21x21 cm) previously moistened with water equivalent to three times the dry weight of the paper and tied both ends with rubber band and kept in a plastic tray with different concentrations ( 0, 25mM, 50mM, 75mM, 100 M ) of Na2CO3. At the end of the 21st day, final germination percent, root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot weight, Relative water content and membrane stability index, were recorded in Na2CO3 solution as against the distilled water was calculated. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with two factors. As a result a decline in all onion growth paramers, with increasing sodicity stress has been recorded. Significant differences were observed between the varieties and different Na2CO3 concentrations. Irrespective of Na2CO3 concentrations, Bhima Safed recorded significantly maximum stress tolerant index compared to other varieties and minimum stress tolerant index value recorded bhima red variety. Based on stress tolerant index, Bhima safed variety tolerant to sodicity stress and Bhima red variety sensitive to sodicity stress.

Entanglement of Steller Sea Lions in Marine Debris and Fishing Gear on the Central Oregon Coast from 2005–2009

Entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear is an increasing problem for the world’s pinnipeds and a contributing factor in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) injury and mortality. From 2005–2009, we surveyed (n = 389 days) two haul-outs on the central Oregon coast containing a combined median of 402 animals (range 33–1240, or ca. 1–19% of the Oregon coast population). We recorded 72 individuals entangled in marine debris (n = 70) or with ingested salmon hook-and-line fishing gear (n = 2). Of the identifiable neck entanglements, black rubber bands were the most common neck-entangling material (62%), followed by plastic packing bands (36%), nets (1.2%), yellow rubber bands (0.4%), and a flying disc (0.4%). The estimated prevalence of entanglement for individuals in Oregon was 0.34%. Juveniles were the most frequently entangled age class (60%), followed by adult females (28%), and subadult males (12%). Supply chain and industry-based solutions are needed to prevent entangling debris from entering the ocean, along with eliminating, modifying, or cutting entangling loops of synthetic material.

Superhydrophobic conductive rubber band with synergistic dual conductive layer for wide-range sensitive strain sensor

Wearable electronic devices have received increasing interests because of their excellent flexibility, stretchability, and human friendliness. As the core components, flexible strain sensors integrated with wide working range, high sensitivity, and environment stability, especially in moisture or corrosive environments, remain a huge challenge. Herein, synergistic carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) dual conductive layer decorated elastic rubber band (RB) was successfully developed and treated with hydrophobic fumed silica (Hf-SiO2) for preparing superhydrophobic strain sensor. As expected, stable entangled CNTs layer and ultrasensitive microcracked rGO layer endow the sensor with extremely low detection limit (0.1%), high sensitivity (gauge factor is 685.3 at 482% strain), wide workable strain range (0–482%), fast response/recovery (200 ms/200 ms) and favorable reliability and reproducibility over 1000 cycles. Besides, the constructed Hf-SiO2 coating also makes the sensor exhibit excellent superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning property, and corrosion-resistance. As a proof of concept, our prepared high-performance strain sensor can realize the full-range monitoring of human motions and physiological signals even in the water environment, including pulse, vocalization, joint bending, running, and gesture recognition. Interestingly, it can also be knitted into a tactile electronic textile for spatial pressure distribution measurement. Thus, this study provides a universal technique for the preparation of high-performance strain sensors with great potential applications in the field of next-generation intelligent wearable electronics.

Using balloons and rubber bands to learn about inter-cellular bridges

The proper functioning of multicellular systems often requires a high degree of coordination among the behaviors of individual cells. Such coordination arises from the ability of cells to communicate with each other. This communication is mediated by both mechanical and biochemical signals (1–3). Among the biochemical signals that can drive this coordination, extracellular ligands are often implicated as mechanisms for long-range coordination (4). However, in several biological contexts, most notably gametogenesis, cell-cell communication is ensured by the fact that cells remain physically connected via inter-cellular bridges (ICBs).

Effectiveness of a Laparoscopic Training Model for Pediatric Surgeons During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, many restrictions were applied in the field of health care. For this reason, we decided to adopt the laparoscopic simulator Laparo® Analytic to allow the trainees of our pediatric surgery training program to continue their training activity, and we determined its impact on their surgical education. Methods: We used Laparo Analytic Simulator for laparoscopic surgery training among the residents of our center. Fifteen residents from different years of the pediatric surgery program participated in this study. Each participant performed a 2-hour training session per week, consisting of three different exercises: Rubber Bands, Knotting, and Suturing. For each training session, the following parameters were analyzed: training time, economy of movement, smoothness, instrument activity (IA), instrument visibility (IV), and instrument symmetry. Results: Results were collected after the first training session (T0), at 3 months after the beginning of the study (T1) and at 6 months after the beginning of the study (T2). At T2 of training with Laparo Analytic Simulator, residents were able to complete their tasks significantly faster (P = .001) and had a significant improvement in smoothness of movements, IA, IV, and instrument symmetric movements during the tasks analyzed. Conclusion: On the basis of our results, we believe that Laparo analytic is an excellent system to adopt in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training programs, in particular, during periods of surgical restrictions, as COVID-19 pandemic, or in centers with a limited MIS activity.

The role of the melting and crystallizing of the stearic acid network in retaining and releasing the mechanical deformation energy during the hot classical shape memory cycle

Shape memory natural rubber (SMNR) was prepared using a technique, Elastomer/small molecule blend shape memory polymers (SMPs), by impregnating the commercial natural rubber band (RB) with molten stearic acid (SA) for 2 h and at a temperature of 75 °C, to form commercial natural rubber band RB/based stearic acid (SA) blend SMP, (RB/based SA). Then the success and obstacles indications have been observed in fixing the applied strain of the value of 70% and shape recovery during the hot classical shape memory cycle. This cycle is dependent on the normal cooling at room temperature. That is done by studying the relation of the applied strain with the physico-mechanical phenomena accompanying the activation and deactivation stage of the SME property during this thermo-mechanical cycle. The results of the SME property examination showed that the occurrence of the thermal contraction and elastic retraction is directly responsible for the loss of a part of the elastic applied strain. The value of the applied strain that was restricted is 58.7% instead of 70% after the end of the activation stage, while the plastic strain accumulation was the direct responsibility for the material not being back to its original shape at 100% after the end of the deactivation stage. At the same time, this study shows that the relation of these phenomena to the stretching work energy during the thermo-mechanical cycle is a relationship that falls under the dominance of the first law of thermodynamics and that the shape memory of RB/based SA is only related to the elastic stretching work energy.

Subject-oriented educational robotics applications with Arduino in science teaching: digital dynamometer activity in accordance with 5E instractional model

The purpose of this article is to design and develop an Arduino-assisted robotic and coding activity in compliance with the 5E instructional model in order to help secondary school students improve their science achievement in the science course. The research was conducted with 5th grade students studying at a private secondary school in Turkey in the spring semester of the 2020–2021 academic year. The implementation of the designed activity was carried out within the scope of the science course with the participation of 20 students. The activity is designed to teach the concept of dynamometer, which is considered within the scope of measuring force in the science course curriculum, in accordance with the 5E instructional model. In this activity, the elongation of the rubber band with a weight attached to the end was measured by a distance sensor, and a dynamometer model was designed by coding. In addition, this activity was presented to the students as one example of solving daily life problems by making use of technology. As a result, the students have the opportunity to explore Arduino-powered robotics and coding applications and integrate these applications into science course.

Clip with rubber band modification for dynamic traction in colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Clip with rubber band modification for dynamic traction in colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Comparison of Milligan Morgan Versus Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy in Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Aim: Hemorrhoids are common anorectal problems that cause fear by bleeding, pruritus burden, and thrombosis pain. Prolapse and hemorrhoids are managed by stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SH). Initially, Stapled hemorrhoidectomy seemed to be a good alternative for Milligan Morgan (MM) hemorrhoidectomy verified by various studies. However, recent studies found that long-term assessment of stapled hemorrhoidectomy gives poor outcomes in terms of postoperative complications and patient’s satisfaction. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the Milligan Morgan versus stapled Hemorrhoidectomy in patients attending Tertiary Care Hospital. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out on 120 patients at the Department of Surgery Unit-I Sheikh Zayed Medical College Rahim Yar Khan from 1st May 2021 to 31th April 2022. All the patients of either gender with an age range from 18 years to 60 years after 2nd degree hemorrhoids failure of multiple rubber band ligations and 3rd and 4th degree hemorrhoids were enrolled. Concomitant anal disease patients such as ano-rectal cancer, fissure, fistula, and abscess were excluded. Patients were divided into two categories: Group-I Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy and Group-II Milligan Morgan. Post-operative complications such as stenosis and urinary retention during hospitalization were recorded. All the data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The overall mean age of Group-I and Group-II was 46.78±12.66 years and 48.91±14.82 years respectively. Each group comprised 60 patients. Out of the SH group, 35 (58.3%) were males and 25 (41.7%) were females. Of the MM Group-II, male and females were 44 (73.3%) and 16 (26.7%) respectively. About 53 (88.3%) patients in Group-I and 32 (53.3%) patients in Group-II had relief from bleeding and other symptoms. The surgical duration in Group-I and Group-II was 22.9 ± 12.9 minutes and 34.8 ± 9 minutes with statistical significance (p=0.000) respectively. The vessel spurting ligation and postoperative hemorrhage was developed in 5 (8.3%) in SH group patients. Post-operative bleeding and intervention was found in 26 (43.3%) patients in Group-II. The prevalence of postoperative pain requiring analgesia was found in 20 (33.3%) in Group-I and34 (56.7%) in Group-II respectively. After treatment, fecal incontinence was developed in none of the patients in both groups. The postoperative complications such as anal tag, tenderness, bleeding, urinary retention, and wound discharge were higher in Group-II as compared to Group-I with statistical insignificance (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The present study found that hemorrhoids could be effectively treated by Stapled hemorrhoidectomy compared to Milligan-Morgan procedure in terms of postoperative pain, hospital stay, and usage of analgesics, reduced postoperative complications, patient’s satisfaction, and time taken for operation. Beside lesser complications, fecal incontinent, severe pain, and other complications could result from stapling technique. Post-operative pain and complete pain relief was significantly lower in MM group. Hospitalization in the SH group was shorter than the MM group. Hemorrhoid recurrence was null in both SH and MM group. Keywords: Hemorrhoid Surgery, Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy, Milligan-Morgan

A Simple New Cost-Effective Retractor System for Exposure in Lumbar Microdiscectomy: 1-Year Outcome Analysis

To introduce a new technique for retraction in lumbar microdiscectomy, the rubber band technique (RT), and compare 1-year clinical outcomes of the technique with standard microdiscectomy (SM). In this retrospective analysis, 81 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation underwent lumbar microdiscectomy by either RT or SM. The primary outcome was Oswestry Disability Index score 1 year after surgery. Secondary outcomes included Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning subscale score, SF-36 bodily pain subscale score, and visual analog scale back pain and leg pain scores. Other parameters were operative time, hospital stay, skin incision, complications, and redo surgery. Of 81 patients, 93% (76 patients) had complete data up to 1-year follow up. The RT group comprised 39 patients (20 males, 19 females), and the SM group comprised 37 patients (19 males 18 females). Primary and secondary outcomes Oswestry Disability Index score, SF-36 physical functioning score, SF-36 bodily pain score, VAS back and leg pain scores, complications, and redo surgery did not differ significantly between the treatment groups at follow-up points (P > 0.05). Skin incision was smaller in the RT group compared with the SM group (P= 0.0001). Over the 1-year follow-up period, clinical outcomes of patients treated with RT were comparable to patients treated with SM. RT appears to be an alternative safe, effective, and economical approach for lumbar microdiscectomy.

Modified rubber band ligation for treatment of grade II/III hemorrhoids: clinical efficacy and safety evaluation—a retrospective study

BackgroundMassive, delayed bleeding (DB) is the most common major complication of Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) for internal hemorrhoids caused by premature band slippage. In this study we modified conventional RBL to prevent early rubber band slippage and evaluated its clinical efficacy and safety.MethodsStudy participants were consecutive patients with grade II or III internal hemorrhoids treated with RBL at Ningbo Medical Center of Lihuili Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Postoperative minor complications such as pain, swelling, anal edema, prolapse recurrence and major complications like DB were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsA total of 274 patients were enrolled, including 149 patients treated with modified RBL and 125 treated with conventional RBL. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at baseline. Five cases of postoperative DB have been observed in the conventional RBL group, compared to none in the modified ones, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Within three months after surgery, 8 cases in the modified RBL group experienced a recurrence rate of 5.4%, whereas 17 patients in the conventional RBL group experienced a recurrence rate of 13.6%. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS score, edema, and incidence of sensation of prolapse between the two groups were not significantly different at 3 and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). There were also no significant differences in HDSS and SHS scores between the two groups after surgery (P > 0.05).ConclusionModified RBL may be associated with a lower rate of complications, especially with lower DB rate in comparison with standard RBL. Further studies in larger samples and different design are necessary to confirm these results.

Confirmation of a rubber band as the stone nuclei within common bile duct stones using cholangioscopy.

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An ultralight dual-wavelength and dual-beam chemical sensor on small UAV for in-situ determination of phosphate and nitrite in surface water

In order to reduce safety risks related to the field personnel and address the difficulties for deploying in-situ sensors, a novel ultralight wet chemical sensor was developed for the in-situ simultaneous determination of both phosphate and nitrite. The sensor only weighted 220 g and consumed 0.4 W average power, and achieved limit of detections (LODs) of 0.38 and 0.12 μmol/L for phosphate and nitrite, respectively. Moreover, a small experimental multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was also fabricated for employing the sensor for the in-situ detection in surface waters.A dual-wavelength and dual-beam detection method that required fewer sensor parts was developed for the simultaneous detection of phosphate and nitrite. Bubbles cut from bubble wrap were used to store liquid reagents. A tandem sampling-reaction-detection cell that enabled merely by rubber bands was designed for avoiding the use of heavy pumps and valves. With these features, the complexity, size, weight and power consumption of the sensor were impressively reduced, hence rendering the sensor especially adaptive to the precious payload capability and battery power of the UAV.To demonstrate the practicability, the developed sensor-UAV system was successfully applied in two water bodies. The UAV flew to the designed water area, then landed and floated on the water surface. The sensor was immersed into the water for in-situ detection, and previously established calibration curves were used for the quantification of the target analytes. The results were compatible with those obtained by the standard methods.

The Classification of the Stress-Strain Curve Zones on the Basis of their Validity to Study the Shape Memory Effect (SME) Property

This study attempts to emphasize a pre-step for determining the permitted deformations (strains) extents. This is for changing the original molecular architecture shape for the materials understudy (rubber band/stearic acid (RB/based SA) and Rubber band without stearic acid (RB without SA)). It is necessary as a basic controlling step in the choosing process of the appropriate programming method to show the shape memory effect (SME) property. By this property, the polymers are either described as shape memory effect (SME) or conventional polymers. If the material was proved to have the shape memory effect (SME) property, then it will be allowed to predict many thermo-mechanical properties. So for these materials, the (stress-strain) curve zones have been classified according to the ability of the deformation history memory, which can be erased and programmed again after the immediate removement of the applied tensile force. This can be achieved by calculating the residual strain ratio. The comparative results showed that the elastic and plateau zones were classified respectively as valid for the study of the (SME) property. While for the Hardening strain and fracture zones, they were classified as bad and very bad respectively for the study of this property.

Drug-Eluting Rubber Bands for Tissue Ligation.

Rubber band ligation is a commonly used method for the removal of tissue abnormalities. Most often, rubber band ligation is performed to remove internal hemorrhoids unresponsive to first line treatments to avoid surgery. While the procedure is considered safe, patients experience mild to significant pain and discomfort until the tissue sloughs off. As patients often require multiple bandings and sessions, reducing these side effects can have a considerable effect on patient adherence and quality of life. To reduce pain and discomfort, we developed drug-eluting rubber bands for ligation procedures. We investigated the potential for a band to elute anesthetics and drug combinations to durably manage pain for a period of up to 5 days while exhibiting similar mechanical properties to conventional rubber bands. We show that the rubber bands retain their mechanical properties despite significant drug loading. Lidocaine, released from the bands, successfully altered the calcium dynamics of cardiomyocytes in vitro and modulated heart rate in zebrafish embryos, while the bands exhibited lower cytotoxicity than conventional bands. Ex vivo studies demonstrated substantial local drug release in enteric tissues. These latex-free bands exhibited sufficient mechanical and drug-eluting properties to serve both ligation and local analgesic functions, potentially enabling pain reduction for multiple indications.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BAND LIGATION TECHNIQUE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL HEMORRHOIDECTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF GRADE III HEMORRHOIDS

Objectives: A comparative study between band ligation technique and conventional hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of Grade III hemorrhoids was carried out to compare operative and post-operative variables. Methods: This study was done on a sample size of 70 patients with Grade III hemorrhoids from 2019 to 2020 in the department of surgery of a medical college. Informed written consent was taken from the patients after explaining the benefits and side effects of both methods. The eligible patients were randomly divided into Group A (35 patients) for treatment by band ligation procedure and Group B (35 patients) who were treated by the conventional technique. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis by applying an unpaired t-test using SPSS 19.0 software. Results: The difference between the two groups of the average age was comparable. The operative time and intraoperative bleeding were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. The time to first bowel movement (hr) and average hospital stay were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. Furthermore, the average number of analgesic doses required was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. Furthermore, the time required for wound healing was significantly lower in Group A. The overall complications were found to be quite less in Group A than in Group B. Conclusion: The rubber band ligation technique revealed better results in terms of operative and post-operative parameters as compared to the conventional hemorrhoidectomy.

Acquired Constriction Band Syndrome Affecting Multiple Digits – A Case Report

Rubber band syndrome is a condition that usually affects children because of wearing a rubber band on the wrist or the ankle. Depending on the degree of pressure caused by the band, patients may present acutely with ischemia and necrosis of the tissues distal to the bands or chronically with change in shape, oedema, loss of function, sensation and rarely amputation. This condition is very rare in adults and most reports in literature are in patients with cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness. We report 62-year-old lady with a background of a psychiatric illness who presented with an acquired constriction band syndrome affecting multiple digits of both hands. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Advancing standard techniques for treatment of perianal fistula; when tissue engineering meets seton

Tissue engineering is a promising field for treating various diseases using tissue-like structures generated through biomaterials, scaffolds, nanoparticles, biomolecules, and stem cells. This advanced method is considered one of the next-generation therapeutic techniques that may solve the therapeutic challenges in treating perianal fistula based on seton therapy. Remarkable advances in stem cell biology, genetics, biomaterials, fabrication technologies, and nanotechnology have provided the opportunity to implement this multidisciplinary approach to repair damaged tissue in the seton-based fistula treatment. In addition, tissue engineering provides us with nanostructured biomaterials to fabricate setons that can act as scaffolds, with modified mechanical and biological properties such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This review focuses on the applications, advantages, and future perspectives of tissue engineering to enhance the seton placement techniques and present a novel therapeutic solution to treat perianal fistula. In addition, in vivo and in vitro studies about implementing tissue engineering in the treatment of perianal fistula are reported in this study. Also, it summarizes the surgical procedures for the treatment of fistula, including Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT), Fistula Laser Closure (FiLaC™), Over-The-Scope Clip System (OTSC), Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), Anal fistula plug (AFP), and Rectal advancement flap (RAF). Furthermore, the applications and properties of different setons including, cutting setons (Penrose drains, rubber band, polypropylene, and silk), non-cutting setons (loose, knot-free, Comfort, and Super Seton®), and chemical setons (Ksharasutra) are described. In the end, we present the challenges and future trends of implementing tissue engineering technology in the seton-based therapy for the treatment of perianal fistula. The applications of tissue engineering in seton-based fistula therapy. The scaffolds with controllable mechanical properties and degradation rate can have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and drug-releasing properties. Besides, the scaffolds can be incorporated or covered with stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues in the perianal fistula site.

Harm minimisation for self-harm: a cross-sectional survey of British clinicians’ perspectives and practises

ObjectiveHarm minimisation for self-harm is an alternative to preventive strategies and focuses on maximising safety when self-harming. We explored the views of clinicians on harm minimisation for self-harm to describe...