Single Test Research Articles

Effect of Ankle Distortion Taping on Balance, Gait, Function, Spasticity and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy Cases with Varus Deformity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ankle distortion taping on balance, gait, function, spasticity and quality of life in cerebral palsy cases with varus deformity.
 Methods: A two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out in rehabilitation center. A total of 32 children with CP were randomized into taping (TG) and conventional therapy group (CG). The children in the TG group were given distortion taping for 3 days in addition to CG. Participants were assessed before the treatment, in the immediate period after the first session, and in the acute period after the third session. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Single Leg Stance Test (SLST), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) were used to evaluate clinical data.
 Results: The mean ages of the children in CG and TG were 9.62±2.50 and 10.0±1.63, respectively. Plantar flexor muscle spasticity decreased significantly in individuals with TG (p=0.0001). TUG and SLST scores improved significantly in the TG group (p=0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in both in and between-group evaluations of WGS (p0.05).
 Conclusion: The results showed the effectiveness of distortion taping in reducing the spasticity of ankle plantar flexor muscles and improving function, balance and gait. However, taping was not superior to conventional rehabilitation.

A method for evaluating and verifying biochemical methane potential test completion performed with landfilled municipal solid waste.

The biochemical methane potential (BMP) test is significant for the landfill industry as it provides a means to evaluate the gas potential, and therefore potential degradability, of both incoming and in-place municipal solid waste (MSW). However, the BMP test is not standardized making comparison of BMP results across sites problematic. For example, the BMP test duration has historically ranged from 20 days to several months with most current BMP tests lasting 60 days. However, the gas generation data can potentially be modelled for any of those durations to produce a prediction of the ultimate BMP value (BMPULT). Currently, the predicted BMPULT values of 23 long-duration (115-150 days) BMP tests were used to determine the required quantity of data (i.e. number of days) needed to produce an accurate BMPULT prediction. Results showed that no single test duration produced both accurate and efficient results, so a novel performance-based endpoint was proposed. The relative change in predicted BMPULT values with respect to time (dBMPULT/dt) was chosen as a potential performance-based completion metric. Results indicate that once the absolute normalized dBMPULT/dt value is within <2.5, <1.5 and <0.6% day-1 that the predicted BMPULT is within 20, 10 and 5% of the true BMPULT, respectively. Overall, the use of performance-based metrics for determining BMP test completion will allow for the collection of partial data sets, reduced experimental times and verification of results.

Multi Objective Optimization of FDM Parameters Using Taguchi Grey Relation Analysis for PLA Specimen

Polylactic acid (PLA), is a thermoplastic polyester that has many uses in both consumer goods and industrial settings. The mechanical characteristics of PLA specimens created using Fused deposition modeling (FDM), a cost-effective 3D printing process, including tensile strength, shore hardness, and dimensional precision, have been studied for use in specialised engineering applications. Layer height, infill density, and printing speed are the choices made for the specimen’s 3D printing. Design of experiments use Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), designers can determine the relative importance and percentage contribution of each process parameter to each answer. Using Taguchi method while conducting test for individual responses result shows that for tensile strength printing speed is 70 mm/s, layer height 0.2mm and 40% infill density as optimum parameters while for the hardness it is 60 mm/s,0.3mm and 40%, and for the dimensional deviation found 60 mm,0.2 mm, 40% respectively. Proposed TGRA method found optimum parameter for all the responses in single test as printing speed is 70 mm/s, layer height 0.3 mm and 40% infill density also validated by conducting confirmation test. Finally, a superior specimen with all-around mechanical characteristics is fabricated using Taguchi based grey relational analysis (TGRA) as a multi-objective optimization technique.

QSAR Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies of Aryl Sulfonamide Derivatives as Mcl-1 Inhibitors and the Influence of Structure and Chirality on the Inhibitory Activity

Background:: Mcl-1 is a kind of antiapoptotic protein and its overexpression is closely related to the occurrence of cancer. Aryl sulfonamide derivatives are expected to become new anticancer agents due to their high inhibitory activity on the Mcl-1 protein. Objective:: The study aimed to establish the QSAR model with good prediction ability and elaborate the influence of structure and chirality on the inhibitory activity. method: Multiple QSAR models were built with different types of descriptors and modeling methods. The molecular docking was performed on compound 45, 25, 26, 24R and 24S. Results:: The comprehensive models including 2D and 3D descriptors demonstrated that nonlinear LSSVM and GP methods gave better results (R2&gt;0.94, RCV2&gt;0.86). The training set had a good predictive power on the test set. The predictive performances of MCCV tests are basically coincident with the results of the single test set. The results of molecular docking showed that the hydrogen bond acceptor at the appropriate position of the substituent on the chiral center can form the hydrogen bond interaction with residue ASN260, which results in the stronger interaction between ligand and protein and higher inhibitory activity. The interaction differences between R and S configuration with Mcl-1 protein are mainly attributed to two residues, HIS224 and ASN260. Two opposite effects lead to the activity of R enantiomer slightly higher than that of S one. The results on chiral compound 24 with ambiguous absolute configuration demonstrated that the steric effect of the substituents on chiral carbon atom is crucial. When there are two substituents with big volume at the same time, high steric effect will prevent the binding of the substituent and the protein, which results in the low inhibitory activity. Conclusion:: The study may provide theoretical guidance on the design and synthesis of novel aryl sulfonamide derivatives with high inhibitory activity

Pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis) Infestation: An Updated Review.

Pinworm infestation is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among children 5 to 10 years of age in developing countries with temperate climates. The problem is often overlooked because of its mild or asymptomatic clinical manifestations. The purpose of this article was to familiarize pediatricians with the diagnosis and management of pinworm infestation. A search was conducted in August 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Enterobius vermicularis," OR "enterobiasis," OR "pinworm." The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Enterobiasis is a cosmopolitan parasitosis caused by Enterobius vermicularis. It affects approximately 30% of children worldwide and up to 60% of children in some developing countries. Predisposing factors include poor socioeconomic conditions, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and overcrowding. Children aged 5 to 14 years have shown the highest prevalence of enterobiasis.. Egg transmission is mainly by the fecal-oral route. Approximately 30 to 40% of infested patients do not show any clinical symptoms of the disease. For symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom is nocturnal pruritus ani. The diagnosis of E. vermicularis infection is best established by the cellophane tape test. The sensitivity of one single test is around 50%; however, the sensitivity increases to approximately 90% with tests performed on three different mornings. If a worm is visualized in the perianal area or the stool, a pathological examination of the worm will yield a definitive diagnosis. As pinworms and eggs are not usually passed in the stool, examination of the stool is not recommended. The drugs of choice for the treatment of pinworm infestation are mebendazole (100 mg), pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg, maximum 1 g), and albendazole (400 mg), all of the above-mentioned drugs are given in a single dose and repeated in two weeks. Mebendazole and albendazole are both adulticidal and ovicidal, whereas pyrantel pamoate is only adulticidal. Given their safety and effectiveness, mebendazole and albendazole are currently the best available drugs for the treatment of pinworm infestation. For pregnant women, pyrantel is preferred to mebendazole and albendazole. Treatment of all household members should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated symptomatic infections because reinfection is common even when effective medication is given. In spite of effective treatment of pinworm infestation, recurrences are common. Recurrences are likely due to repeated cycles of reinfection (particularly, autoinfection) because of the short life span of adult pinworms. Good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, especially after bowel movements and before meals, clipping of fingernails, avoidance of finger-sucking, nail-biting, and scratching in the anogenital area, are important preventive measures. Treatment of all household members should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated symptomatic infections.

An attempt to evidence post-fire adaptation of red fox diet in a Mediterranean area

Although fires are common in Mediterranean ecosystems, there are substantial knowledge gaps regarding post-fire shifts in animal diets, especially for carnivores. Red fox Vulpes vulpes is a generalist medium-size carnivore known to have a positive post-fire response, probably due to increased prey availability or facility to hunt. As small mammals are often one of its primary food categories, and early successional visitors of post-fire habitats, we hypothesize a change in red fox diet composition in the warm season after a fire. Hair trapping and scat collection were used to investigate selection of small mammals in a typical Mediterranean region, 3 years after a fire. The diet composition of the fox was compared with that of the fox in the same area in 1992, and with other undisturbed Mediterranean areas. Diet selection was evaluated through the Forage ratio and single resource preference tests. Red fox diet was consistent with other Mediterranean areas, with fruits and seeds, invertebrates, and small mammals being the most consumed categories. However, small mammals were consumed significantly less than in 1992, while fruits and seeds significantly more. Resource selection analysis indicated avoidance for some ground-foraging small mammals, including Crocidura spp. house mouse Mus domesticus and voles, whereas Apodemus spp. were selected. Arboreal-foraging species, e.g. red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris and garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus were used in proportion to their availability. We concluded that this mesocarnivore had high feeding plasticity and exploited various resources according to their availability and catchability. Future studies are needed to further investigate red fox and other carnivores’ food shifts after fire disturbance, including various seasons, other successional stages and competition within predator guilds.

Polyolefin ductile-brittle transition temperature predictions by machine learning

Polymers show a transition from ductile-to brittle fracture behavior at decreasing temperatures. Consequently, the material toughness has to be determined across wide temperature ranges in order to determine the Ductile-Brittle Transition Temperature This usually necessitates multiple impact experiments. We present a machine-learning methodology for the prediction of DBTTs from single Instrumented Puncture Tests Our dataset consists of 7,587 IPTs that comprise 181 Polyethylene and Polypropylene compounds. Based on a combination of feature engineering and Principal Component Analysis, relevant information of instrumentation signals is extracted. The transformed data is explored by unsupervised machine learning algorithms and is used as input for Random Forest Regressors to predict DBTTs. The proposed methodology allows for fast screening of new materials. Additionally, it offers estimations of DBTTs without thermal specimen conditioning. Considering only IPTs tested at room temperature, predictions on the test set hold an average error of 5.3°C when compared to the experimentally determined DBTTs.

Behavior of FRP-engineered cementitious composite layer and concrete interface with FRP anchors

The problem of low material utilization caused by premature interface debonding is prevalent in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-reinforced concrete structures. In this study, the influence of anchors on the bonding and behavior of the FRP-engineered cementitious composite (ECC) layer and concrete interface was analyzed. A total of 42 single shear tests were performed to investigate the interface–bond behavior between the FRP-ECC layer and concrete under static load in case of anchor reinforcement. The variables mainly include the matrix type, anchor location, anchor spacing, and number of anchors. The results show that the anchor can increase the interfacial load-carrying capacity up to 85%; the maximum slip value of the interface can also be enhanced. Furthermore, the influence of the location, spacing, and number of anchors on the interface bonding performance is closely related to the effective bonding length and post-anchor bond length. The effective bonding length is 400 mm based on the strain distribution calculation and analysis. The test results provide valuable information for FRP anchor reinforcement in FRP-ECC composite layer-reinforced concrete structures.

Lessons Learned from Translating Genome Sequencing to Clinical Routine: Understanding the Accuracy of a Diagnostic Pipeline.

The potential of genome sequencing (GS), which allows detection of almost all types of genetic variation across nearly the entire genome of an individual, greatly expands the possibility for diagnosing genetic disorders. The opportunities provided with this single test are enticing to researchers and clinicians worldwide for human genetic research as well as clinical application. Multiple studies have highlighted the advantages of GS for genetic variant discovery, emphasizing its added value for routine clinical use. We have implemented GS as first-line genetic testing for patients with rare diseases. Here, we report on our experiences in establishing GS as a reliable diagnostic method for almost all types of genetic disorders, from validating diagnostic accuracy of sequencing pipelines to clinical implementation in routine practice.

Polyphasic Characterization of Brucella spp. in Livestock Slaughtered from Abattoirs in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

In livestock, brucellosis is mainly an asymptomatic disease except when abortion occurs; therefore, two serological tests are used for diagnosis as no single test is suitable. Abattoir samples enable a combination of culture, molecular, and serological tests to detect brucellosis. This study assessed Brucella-specific PCR (ITS-PCR) to detect brucellosis and to conduct a molecular characterization of Brucella spp. isolated from PCR-positive livestock (n = 565) slaughtered at abattoirs and the appropriate sample tissue(s). ITS-PCR detected Brucella DNA in 33.6% of cattle, 14.5% of sheep, and 4.7% of pig tissues. Impure Brucella cultures from PCR-positive tissues were 43.6% (44/94) of cattle, 51.7% (15/29) of sheep, and 50% (2/4) of pigs with predominantly B. abortus identification with AMOS-PCR and low isolation of mixed B. abortus and B. melitensis in all species. In cattle, 33% of isolates were from lymph nodes, while in sheep 38.0% were from the liver and kidney and only from tonsils in pigs (2/4). Brucella infections identified with AMOS-PCR were present in seropositive and mainly seronegative (75.6-100%) livestock with the potential to cause brucellosis during pregnancy or breeding. This study demonstrated the value of the polyphasic approach, especially with chronic infections and the potential risk of these asymptomatic animals.

Experimental infection of goats with Mycobacterium microti induces subclinical pulmonary tuberculosis and mild responses to tuberculin skin tests

Mycobacterium microti is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex that seldom causes disease in livestock and humans. This study evaluated the effects on immunodiagnosis and the pathological findings in goats after experimental exposure by different routes and doses to M. microti. In a first experiment goats were challenged orally (PO, n = 7) or intranasally (IN, n = 7) with 104 CFU. In a second experiment, the endobronchial route was assessed, with a low dose of 102 CFU (EB-LD, n = 7) and a high dose of 105 CFU (EB-HD, n = 7) as well as the subcutaneous route (SC, n = 5). Temperature, body weight, clinical signs and immunological responses were monitored. Pathological evaluation was carried out and samples were processed for mycobacterial detection. Resultsdemonstrated the induction of a subclinical pulmonary infection in all the EB-HD challenged animals. Infection was also confirmed in one animal of the SC group, but not in the EB-LD, PO or IN groups. Two animals belonging to the EB-HD and SC groups, respectively, showed positive results to the single intradermal tuberculin test, and another two animals of the EB-HD and EB-LD groups showed doubtful (inconclusive) results, indicating that M. microti can induce mild responses to tuberculin skin testing. No positive results were observed when defined antigens absent in M. microti (ESAT-6 and CPF-10) were used.Our results indicate that animals exposed to M. microti can yield positive results to the skin tests currently performed in livestock tuberculosis eradication campaigns and reinforce the need to use specific antigens in antemortem tests to avoid interference with M. bovis/M. caprae diagnosis.

Assessment of the diagnostic performance of intradermal tuberculin test and post-mortem inspection for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis according to WOAH guidelines

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) constitutes a global challenge for public and animal health with still some deficiencies regarding its diagnosis. This study aimed to estimate the accuracy of the single intradermal tuberculin test (SIT) and post-mortem inspection for different diagnostic objectives following WOAH guidelines. Tissue samples from 59 microbiological culture/PCR-positive and 58 microbiological culture/PCR-negative cattle were evaluated. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, the positive and negative probability indices as well as the positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of each technique were estimated for different pretest probabilities. The SIT with strict interpretation demonstrated moderate precision in confirming the absence of infection in populations historically free of bTB, with a 12.1% rate of false positives, but also detecting positive animals in the early stage of the eradication programs, with a 13.6% rate of false negatives. The diagnostic performance for ruling out bTB was notably high (NPV > 90%) in animals with a pre-test probability (PTP) below 42%. Post-mortem inspection constituted an interesting alternative tool to confirm suspected and positive cases for SIT, particularly in areas with bTB prevalence exceeding 19%, where implementing SIT and eradication measures may be impractical. In these areas, the likelihood that animals with tuberculosis-like lesions are affected by the disease surpasses 90%. Similarly, in herds with a PTP below 25%, the absence of bTB could be confidently ruled out with over 90% certainty. These findings highlight the effectiveness of SIT and post-mortem inspection as valuable techniques for current eradication programs and controlling bTB in high-prevalence areas where molecular techniques may not be feasible.

The impact of changing the cut-off threshold of the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay for diagnosing bovine tuberculosis in Ireland

In Ireland, the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is routinely used as an ancillary test interpreted in parallel with the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) to maximize the detection of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infected animals. Up until 2018, a positive test result was recorded in the IFN-γ ELISA assay following whole blood stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD)-bovine (B), PPD-avian (A) and nil sample (N), using the interpretation criteria, B-N > 50 optical density units (OD), B > 100 and B-A > 0. Following a review of available data, the threshold of the B-A component changed to B-A > 80. As predicting the impact of changing the cut-off thresholds for the IFN-γ test de novo is challenging, the aims of this study were to follow animals that initially tested negative using the new IFN-γ assay interpretation criteria and investigate their future risk of disclosure with bTB, with a focus on animals that otherwise would have been removed when using the older interpretation criteria (0 < B-A ≤ 80). Enrolled animals (n = 28,669 cattle from 527 herds) were followed up for two years (2019–2021), or to point of bTB detection or death. At the end of follow-up, 1151 (4.0%) of enrolled animals were bTB cases. The majority of these cases were diagnosed using SICTT (80.5%). The cumulative number of positive animals that would have been removed if the old cut-off (0 < B-A ≤ 80) was used amounted to 1680 cattle (5.9% of the enrolled cohort). Of these, 127 (7.5%) were diagnosed with bTB during follow-up. In contrast, 1024 of the 1151 cattle which subsequently tested positive during the study period following a negative IFN-γ test would not have been identified with the old or new IFN-γ cut-off criteria. Survival analysis showed that animals that would have been removed under the old interpretation criteria were at increased risk of a positive diagnosis with bTB during follow-up compared to other test negative animals. A newly developed risk prediction model (using a Cox proportional hazard model) showed that age, animal number of SICTT tests, number of inconclusive SICTT tests, B-A (IFN-γ assay), B-N (IFN-γ assay), animals from store herds and the percentage of the rest of the herd that were positive during the breakdown were statistically significantly associated with bTB detection. However, inclusion of the IFN-γ OD variables did not show added value in terms of prediction performance of the model.

A formula for predicting emphysema extent in combined idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema

BackgroundNo single pulmonary function test captures the functional effect of emphysema in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Without experienced radiologists, other methods are needed to determine emphysema extent. Here, we report the development and validation of a formula to predict emphysema extent in patients with IPF and emphysema.MethodsThe development cohort included 76 patients with combined IPF and emphysema at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom. The formula was derived using stepwise regression to generate the weighted combination of pulmonary function data that fitted best with emphysema extent on high-resolution computed tomography. Test cohorts included patients from two clinical trials (n = 455 [n = 174 with emphysema]; NCT00047645, NCT00075998) and a real-world cohort from the Royal Brompton Hospital (n = 191 [n = 110 with emphysema]). The formula is only applicable for patients with IPF and concomitant emphysema and accordingly was not used to detect the presence or absence of emphysema.ResultsThe formula was: predicted emphysema extent = 12.67 + (0.92 x percent predicted forced vital capacity) – (0.65 x percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second) – (0.52 x percent predicted carbon monoxide diffusing capacity). A significant relationship between the formula and observed emphysema extent was found in both cohorts (R2 = 0.25, P < 0.0001; R2 = 0.47, P < 0.0001, respectively). In both, the formula better predicted observed emphysema extent versus individual pulmonary function tests. A 15% emphysema extent threshold, calculated using the formula, identified a significant difference in absolute changes from baseline in forced vital capacity at Week 48 in patients with baseline-predicted emphysema extent < 15% versus ≥ 15% (P = 0.0105).ConclusionThe formula, designed for use in patients with IPF and emphysema, demonstrated enhanced ability to predict emphysema extent versus individual pulmonary function tests.Trial registrationNCT00047645; NCT00075998.

SNNSim: Investigation and Optimization of Large‐Scale Analog Spiking Neural Networks Based on Flash Memory Devices

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have emerged as a novel approach for reducing computational costs by mimicking the biologically plausible operations of neurons and synapses. In this article, large‐scale analog SNNs are investigated and optimized at the hardware‐level by using SNNSim, the novel simulator for SNNs that employ analog synaptic devices and integrate‐and‐fire (I&amp;F) neuron circuits. SNNSim is a reconfigurable simulator that accurately and very quickly models the behavior of the user‐defined device characteristics and returns key metrics such as area, accuracy, latency, and power consumption as output. Notably, SNNSim exhibits exceptional efficiency, as it can process the entire 10 000 Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) test dataset in a few seconds, whereas SPICE simulations require hours to simulate a single MNIST test data. Using SNNSim, the conversion of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to SNNs is simulated and the performance of the large‐scale analog SNNs is optimized. The results enable the design of accurate, high‐speed, and low‐power operation of large‐scale SNNs. SNNSim code is now available at https://github.com/SMDLGITHUB/SNNSim.

A hybrid output-only scheme for precise modal estimation and uncertainty quantification of large-scale structure through vibration-based measurements

In structural health monitoring or operational modal analysis, owing to unknown or unmeasured ambient excitation information, only structural responses are typically available for modal identification. In this context, bias and variance (uncertainty) errors inevitably exist in modal estimates (especially damping estimates), resulting in inaccurate determinations of structural dynamic properties. To this end, a hybrid output-only scheme based on the second-order blind identification, block bootstrap, and enhanced covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification algorithm with first-order perturbation is presented in this paper to perform precise modal estimation and uncertainty quantification. The accuracy and effectiveness of the hybrid scheme in performing modal identification are verified by numerical simulation study of a framework structure. Furthermore, the hybrid method is applied to analyze recorded acceleration responses of a supertall building with 600 m height during Typhoon Kompasu by considering different sensor setups to verify its applicability and robustness in practical applications, and further investigates the dynamic properties of the skyscraper and their variations during the typhoon. The numerical simulation and field measurement studies demonstrate that the hybrid scheme can effectively reduce the bias errors and quantify the variance errors in modal estimates through a single ambient vibration test, thereby improving the confidence and accuracy of modal identification. Notably, the hybrid method is an effective tool to perform high-accuracy modal estimation and uncertainty quantification for large-scale structures under ambient excitations.

Mechanical response of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite parts joined with varying bonding techniques for aerospace applications

As a result of the widespread use of composite materials in primary structures of aerospace platforms, composite joining became more crucial. This study addresses the effect of joining methods on the strength of composite joints experimentally, numerically and analytically. Single lap joint shear strengths of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite parts joined by mechanical fastening with a pop and solid rivet, secondary bonding with a paste adhesive, co-curing and co-bonding techniques were compared. In addition, the effect of adhesive thicknesses (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.76 mm) on the single lap shear strength was investigated. Carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) samples were produced according to the ASTM 5868 standard. After the production of samples with varying joining methods, single lap shear tests were implemented. Moreover, the interface damage in the composites was examined by use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the purpose of studying the damage mechanism. Fracture mechanisms corresponding with bonding methods were also assessed by examining the fracture surface of the composite samples. Furthermore, results were analyzed by Hypermesh, ABAQUS and ESAComp. For instance, the co-bonded sample with an adhesive film exhibits an experimental shear strength of 24.03 MPa which deviates only 3 % from the numerical expectation.

Constructing quasi-vertical carbon nanotubes fiber bridging on aluminum alloy with micro-channels to improve adhesive bonding with carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

The poor wettability and compatibility, and weak mechanical interaction of bonding interface are main concerns for adhesive bonding of aluminum (Al) alloy and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite, limiting its high strength developing and industrialization. In this study, the united treatments of anodizing, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and resin pre-coating (RPC) were adopted to construct the quasi-vertically distributed carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber bridging for reinforcing the adhesive bonding joints. The results exhibited that better surface properties including morphology, roughness and wettability were obtained after anodizing. CNTs could be in-situ grown via the novel CVD method in the channels or micro-cavities formed by anodizing treatment. Acetone-diluted epoxy resin solution enabled to flow into the root of micro-cavities or the gap of growing CNT fibers to reduce potential void defects. Single lap shear test results indicated that Al-CFRP composites treated by anodizing, CVD and RPC performed up to 136.1 % increment in strength compared to the base. While the original debonding failure on Al alloy surface was changed into the complete delamination failure of CFRP composites, verifying the stronger bonding interface and strength. Thus, the novel united treatments were effective and might be an alternative solution in developing high-performance Al-CFRP composites.

Comparison of Different Diagnostic Methods of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Children

Background: Helicobacter Pylori Infection (HPI) is usually acquired during childhood, without specific treatment this infection rarely resolves spontaneously. Therefore, correct diagnosis is necessary for the effective eradication and there is no single test can be regarded as the gold standard for the identification of H. pylori.Objective: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the stool antigen test, serologic test, rapid urease test, and histology for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology &amp; Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from April 2019 to October 2021 on 54 children aged less than 18 years suspected to be H. pylori infection, who attended the outpatient as well as admitted. In a typical data sheet, a complete clinical history, exam results, and investigation reports were documented. Results were expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy.Results: The gastro-duodenal biopsy and Rapid Urease Test (RUT) (100%) have the highest sensitivity, followed by serology (95%), and Saturation (SAT) (70%). Highest specificity was found in gastro-duodenal biopsy 88.2% followed by RUT 67.6% &amp; SAT 41.2% and only 32.4% by serology. The gastro-duodenal biopsy had the highest diagnosis accuracy (92.6%), followed by RUT (79.6%), serology (55.6%) and SAT (51.9%).Conclusion: In the study, the gastro-duodenal biopsy and rapid urease test both showed high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value; as a result, the combination of these tests constituted the best alternative for making the diagnosis. Because of their high sensitivity, serological tests may be useful non-invasive screening methods. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 03, October 2023: 130-137.

Effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly: a randomized crossover study

Kyphosis produces abnormal posture and reduced body balance in the elderly. Elastic tape may be useful at improving kyphotic posture and body balance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly. Ten elderly participants with degenerative kyphotic posture were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (back taped with stretched elastic tape for 15 min and back taped with non-stretched elastic tape for 15 min). After a 1-h washout period, the groups were swapped over to receive the other intervention. The outcomes measured after each taping technique were Cobb’s angle measurement by inclinometer, perceived pain, and balance measurements by single leg stance test, time up and go test, center of gravity alignment (COG) and modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test (mCTSIB). There was a significant reduction in kyphotic angle and back pain in both the stretched and non-stretched taping groups (p < 0.05). We also found both taping techniques significantly reduced sway velocity on a foam surface with eyes closed and open (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between taping groups for kyphotic angle, pain reduction or balance. The application of 15 min of stretched and non-stretched elastic tape in the elderly reduced kyphotic angle, back pain, and sway velocity while standing on foam surface in the mCTSIB test. If these changes persist over the long term (days and weeks) taping may be a useful intervention for elderly patients with kyphosis.