Replacement Technology Research Articles

Application of Mirror Image 3D-Printing Technology Bone Cement in Treatment of Stage IIIb Necrosis of the Lunate Bone.

At present, conventional operations are weak for pain relief and restoring the carpal joint function in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the lunate bone. Mirror image 3-dimensional (3D)-printing technology has rarely been reported for the treatment of lunate bone necrosis, The use of mirror 3D-printed lunar bone replacement and bone cement technology in the treatment of stage IIIb lunar bone necrosis has been rarely reported in previous literature. Personalized customized 3D-printed prostheses have become an effective solution for solving many complex cases, and the flexible application of bone cement technology can also achieve satisfactory clinical results. The authors report 3 patients who underwent mirror printing of lunar bone prostheses based on healthy side lunar bone computed tomography data, 3D printing of lunar bone prostheses replacement through small incisions, and intraoperative selection of alternative bone cement technology based on actual conditions. Mirror image 3D printing relieved the pain and resulted in satisfactory functional recovery for stage IIIb lunate bone necrosis.

The Effect of Vertebral-Pelvic Mobility on the Technology and Outcomes of Total Hip Replacement

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most commonly used surgical interventions among patients with diseases of the hip joint. Despite the high frequency and effectiveness of THA, instability is the main reason for repeated surgical interventions, which have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients.Purpose. Analysis of literature data on spinal-pelvic interactions, development of recommendations for eliminating pathologies of the spine and pelvis based on the analyzed data.Materials and methods. The author searched for publications in the electronic databases PubMed and eLibrary. ru using the following search terms: “spinopelvic mobility, total hip replacement, hip arthroplasty, vertebral-pelvic mobility, total hip replacement, hip arthroplasty”.Results and discussion. The orientation of the pelvic component should be planned according to hip motion assessment to position the pelvic portion of the endoprosthesis according to the new safe zone and combined sagittal index. However, the surgeon must take into account that postoperative mobility of the pelvis and spine may differ from preoperative mobility due to joint contracture or physiological aging of the spine. To date, it has not yet been determined how often these changes lead to the pelvic component of the endoprosthesis moving beyond its position and spatial location, increasing the risk of dislocation.Conclusion. A proper understanding of the relationship between the hip joint and the spine, and the impact of their interactions on the positioning of the acetabular component, is critical to reducing the risk of dislocation.

Advancements of biomaterial in hip replacement technology incorporating ceramic materials

The increasing prevalence of hip joint diseases is closely linked to improved living standards and an aging population, leading to a rise in conditions like degenerative arthritis and severe hip injuries. These conditions cause significant pain and functional impairments, greatly reducing the quality of life for affected individuals. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a well-established surgical intervention to address these debilitating conditions. Within the realm of hip replacement materials, ceramics have garnered attention for their exceptional wear resistance and ability to minimize complications, such as bone dissolution caused by wear particles. Ceramics, such as alumina and zirconia, offer biocompatibility and low wear rates, making them favourable choices for hip prostheses. However, despite these advantages, the use of ceramics in hip replacements is not without challenges. Issues such as ceramic fragmentation and abnormal joint noise have been noted, posing significant obstacles to their widespread adoption. This review explores the advancements in hip replacement technology with a particular focus on ceramic materials. It delves into the properties that make ceramics suitable for this application, such as their biocompatibility and mechanical strength, enhanced through advanced manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the review addresses the ongoing challenges, including strategies to mitigate the risk of fragmentation through material toughening and improved prosthesis design. Furthermore, it examines the phenomenon of abnormal joint noise, proposing solutions that involve refinements in implant design, surgical techniques, and post-operative patient management. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current advancements and future directions in the use of ceramic materials in hip replacement technology, highlighting the potential for improved patient outcomes and the need for continued research and innovation in this field.

Enhanced osteointegration and osteogenesis of osteoblast cells by laser-induced surface modification of Ti implants

Dental and orthopedic implants have become routine medical technologies for tooth replacement and bone fixation. Despite significant progress in implantology, achieving sufficient osseointegration remains a challenge, often leading to implant failure over the long term. Nanotechnology offers the potential to mimic the natural patterns of living tissues, providing a promising platform for tissue engineering and implant surface design. Among the various methods for developing nanostructures, High-Regular Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (HR-LIPSS) techniques stand out for their ability to fabricate highly ordered nanostructures with excellent long-range repeatability and production efficiency. In this study, we utilized an innovative technical approach to generate traditional laser-induced superficial LIPSS nanostructures, followed by detailed surface analysis using classical microscopy and physicochemical methods. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that nanostructured LIPSS surfaces can significantly enhance cell adhesion and proliferation while providing an optimal environment for cell metabolism. Given the high reproducibility, low cost, and potential of HR-LIPSS techniques to support cell growth and differentiation, this novel technology has the potential to impact both the industrial development of new implants and clinical outcomes after implantation.

Dr. John H. Charnley: An Architect and Pioneer of the Modern Era of Hip Replacement Surgery.

Dr. John H. Charnley (1924-1982) revolutionized orthopedic surgery with his groundbreaking innovations in hip replacement with exceptional skill and a holistic thought process, which has had an impact to this day in the world of arthroplasty. His innovations have improved the lives of numerous patients who had painful and discomforting arthritis and have been instrumental in providing painless mobile joints to these patients. This article reviews Charnley's contributions to the development of low-friction arthroplasty using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and the use of acrylic bone cement for improved implant fixation. These advancements dealt with the critical issues of friction, wear, and implant stability, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and implant longevity. Charnley's work led to the global standardization of hip replacement procedures, influencing orthopedic practices globally and setting benchmarks for modern implant designs. His principles continue to inform ongoing research and advancements in hip replacement technology. This review also discusses the challenges and criticisms faced by Charnley's innovations, reflecting on their evolution and impact on contemporary orthopedic surgery. A surgeon blessed with a noble heart who would help his patients who were in trouble by going out of the way and was determined for a better tomorrow, self-driven by his compassion and ambition for treating his patients. Charnley's legacy remains pivotal in shaping the field and improving the quality of life for patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

Air Injection into Condensate Reservoirs in the Middle and Late Stages Increases Recovery with Thermal Miscible Mechanism

Summary Condensate gas reservoirs in the middle and late stages of development are faced with problems such as formation pressure reduction, serious retrograde condensation, and oil and gas seepage channel plugging, which make it difficult to further improve oil and gas recovery by conventional development methods. For this kind of condensate gas reservoir, in this paper we put forward air injection technology as a development means, taking the K condensate gas reservoir in the Tarim Oilfield as the research object. We explored the thermal oxidation characteristics and displacement efficiency of condensate oil/volatile oil by air injection through the thermal oxidation displacement experiment. In addition, we determined quantitatively the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) of oil samples at high temperature and the correlation between MMP and temperature through a high-temperature, high-pressure slimtube experiment, and clarified the mechanism of “thermally assisted miscible” through fine full-component numerical simulations under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, which indoor experiments could not achieve. The results showed that condensate oil/volatile oil can form a stable thermal front by injecting air, and the oil displacement efficiency is more than 90%. The MMP of flue gas produced by condensate oil and oxidation reaction decreases gradually with temperature increase, and the MMP is only 11 MPa at 260°C. The high temperature formed by oxidation heat release forces the oil phase into the gas phase, and the extraction of flue gas makes C2-C4 in the oil phase increase continuously, both of which promote the realization of heat-assisted evaporation miscible phase. This thermal-assisted miscible-phase mechanism makes air injection displacement technology an innovative replacement technology for greatly improving the recovery efficiency of condensate gas reservoirs in the middle and late development stages.

Adoption of Fertilizer-Reduction and Efficiency-Increasing Technologies in China: The Role of Information Acquisition Ability

Reducing fertilizer use and increasing its efficiency will improve the quality of farmland and resource conservation. These are necessary steps to achieving green development in agriculture. Nevertheless, fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies (FREITs) remain limited. To improve the situation, 538 farmers in Jiangsu and Hubei Provinces were surveyed with the goal of measuring the information acquisition ability (IAA) of farmers using an Item Response Theory (IRT) model. A model of improved technology selection was employed in conjunction with an IV-probit model to examine the impacts of IAA on farmers’ adoption of FREITs. The results showed that 34.76% of the surveyed farmers had adopted FREITs, with 12.45% and 26.02% having adopted Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology (STFFT) and Organic Fertilizer Replacement Technology (OFRT), respectively. Second, farmers who used more information access channels had greater IAA, which significantly improved their adoption of FREITs. Third, participation in technical training and an increased degree of technical understanding increased the probability of farmers adopting FREITs. The results remained robust after accounting for endogeneity and correlation. Consequently, enhancing farmers’ IAA, organizing technical training, and improving technical publicity will promote the adoption of FREITs.

Testing of NMC and LFP Li-ION cells for surface temperature at various conditions

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are being considered as a replacement technology for diesel vehicles in underground mining of mineral resources. However, many issues related to BEVs in industrial applications still require more detailed research. One significant topic is the heat load—BEVs' heat emission into the working environment during regular operation. This paper provides an overview of the thermal behavior of NMC and LFP Li-ion cells tested under various conditions, which is an important step in determining the overall heat load of BEVs. The surface temperature of three NMC and one LFP 18650 Li-ion cells was monitored during charging and discharging at four different rates, at constant ambient temperatures of 30 °C and 40 °C. The main results pertain to the cell's thermal behavior during charging and discharging, highlighting the distinctive temperature profiles of NMC and LFP cells.

Novel Techniques and Technologies for Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Large Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background/Objectives: In an era of growing evidence for transaortic valve implantation (TAVI), our research topic was the evaluation of how surgical aortic valve replacements (SAVRs) are performing in terms of short- and long-term outcomes in different risk categories. Methods: This was a single centre, prospective, and observational cohort study of consecutive patients with aortic valve stenosis, undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement using a biological or mechanical prosthesis, Freestyle™ (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) graft, homograft, or Ross procedure. The participant data were collected by review of an internal database. The primary endpoints were all-cause operative mortality (in hospital and at 30 days) and late mortality at the follow-up date. The secondary composite endpoint was the incidence of postoperative complications. Results: 1501 patients underwent SAVR; the mean age was 67 years (SD: 12.6). The in-hospital mortality was 1% (n = 16). At a median follow-up of 60 months, the survival rate was 98.7%. The main predictors for mortality were operative urgency and cardiogenic shock. The overall incidence of PPM was 2.3% (n = 34). Patients who underwent Ross procedure were younger (mean age: 20 years (SD: 1.7)), had a lower incidence of postoperative complications, and were all alive at follow-up. Conclusions: SAVR shows an excellent survival rate and a low rate of postoperative complications despite an increasing surgical risk. Recent advancements in technology, like sutureless/rapid deployment prostheses and minimally invasive techniques, are shown to have favourable effects on outcomes.

Evaluation of mitigation initiatives for simultaneous air pollution and municipal solid waste systems: A System Dynamics Approach

Numerous policies have been implemented in the global effort to achieve sustainable development and improve the population’s quality of life, such as those to reduce air pollution or manage municipal solid waste (MSW). However, these policies were designed disregarding their simultaneous impact on human health and ecosystem in the same city. This study implements system dynamics methodology to simulate coexisting air pollution and MSW management systems, as well as their corresponding policies and decontamination plans, to investigate their influence on human health and ecosystem and to propose policy improvements based on the specific setting of the study. The case study corresponds to Temuco and Padre Las Casas (TPLC). Results show that TPLC requires an integrated policy approach that includes increasing the equipment replacement and advanced technologies for MSW management to achieve reductions in human health impacts by approximately 10%.

A universal fluorescence biosensor based on rolling circle amplification and locking probe for DNA detection.

Astable DNA signal amplification sensor was developed on account of rolling circle amplification (RCA). This sensor includes target DNA-controlled rolling circle amplification technology and locking probe DNA replacement technology, which can be used to detect DNA fragments with genetic information, thus constructing a biosensor for universal detection of DNA. This study takes the homologous DNA of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and let-7a as examples to describe this biosensor. The padlock probe is first cyclized by T4 DNA ligase in response to the target's reaction with it. Then, rolling cycle amplification is initiated by Phi29 DNA polymerase, resulting in the formation of a lengthy chain with several triggers. These triggers can open the locked probe LP1 with the fluorescence signal turned off, so that it can continue to react with H2 to form a stable H1-H2 double strand. This regulates the distance between B-DNA modified by the quenching group and H1 modified by fluorescent group, and the fluorescence signal is recovered.

Research on the Application of Efficient Replacement Technology for Wellhead Casing Heads in Gas Storage Facilities

When it comes to gas storage facilities, it generally refers to underground gas storage facilities. Underground gas storage is a supporting project of long-distance pipelines, which is an artificial gas field or reservoir formed by injecting natural gas back into the underground space where gas can be stored. Suqiao Gas Storage is currently the deepest buried and highest pressure storage group in China. The storage group is located in Bazhou City and Yongqing County, Hebei Province, consisting of 5 gas storage facilities including Su 1, Su 20, Su 4, Su 49, and Gu Xinzhuang. The designed storage capacity is 6.738 billion cubic meters, with a working gas of 2.332 billion cubic meters. As of the end of 2020, a total of 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas injection and 2 billion cubic meters of gas production have gradually played an important role in natural gas peak shaving and supply guarantee in the Beijing Tianjin Hebei region. The Su 49 well is an injection production well for the reuse of an old well in the Su 49 gas storage. During the gas production period in 2020, there was a phenomenon of wellhead uplift. In order to ensure the safe production of the well, construction began from May 2021 and ended in July 2021. The successful implementation of this well has important reference and guidance significance for the replacement of casing heads in other wells of the gas storage.

Numerical simulation of CO2 enhanced condensate gas recovery: A case study in pen 5 gas reservoir

AbstractCO2 flooding is an effective technology for suppling condensate gas reservoir pressure and mitigating global warming. In this study, numerical simulation studies have been conducted to enhance gas recovery in Pen5 condensate gas reservoir using CO2 flooding. Pen5 reservoir has lasted 20 years of primary depletion, which affected by water invasion and retrograde condensation. In numerical simulation study, the GEM module is applied to implement history‐matching of production data, and good agreement has been achieved. Based on comprehensive geological understanding, production dynamics, and numerical simulation techniques, areas with minimal impact from water invasion and retrograde condensation contamination have been delineated. The comparison between continued depletion and the implementation of CO2 injection as a replacement technology in favorable areas has demonstrated the feasibility of CO2 flooding development in these regions. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using miscible flooding and immiscible flooding was conducted, and the optimal development well pattern was evaluated. In the end, the plan of CO2 flooding of Pen5 reservoir has been designed and the gas production rate in the next 10 years has been predicted. The research findings of this study have reference significance for the practical application of CO2 flooding in developing condensate gas reservoirs.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of Frankliniella occidentalis, the western flower thrips, via embryonic microinjection.

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, poses a significant challenge in global agriculture as a notorious pest and a vector of economically significant orthotospoviruses. However, the limited availability of genetic tools for F. occidentalis hampers the advancement of functional genomics and the development of innovative pest control strategies. In this study, we present a robust methodology for generating heritable mutations in F. occidentalis using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. Two eye-colour genes, white (Fo-w) and cinnabar (Fo-cn), frequently used to assess Cas9 function in insects were identified in the F. occidentalis genome and targeted for knockout through embryonic microinjection of Cas9 complexed with Fo-w or Fo-cn specific guide RNAs. Homozygous Fo-w and Fo-cn knockout lines were established by crossing mutant females and males. The Fo-w knockout line revealed an age-dependent modification of eye-colour phenotype. Specifically, while young larvae exhibit orange-coloured eyes, the colour transitions to bright red as they age. Unexpectedly, loss of Fo-w function also altered body colour, with Fo-w mutants having a lighter coloured body than wild type, suggesting a dual role for Fo-w in thrips. In contrast, individuals from the Fo-cn knockout line consistently displayed bright red eyes throughout all life stages. Molecular analyses validated precise editing of both target genes. This study offers a powerful tool to investigate thrips gene function and paves the way for the development of genetic technologies for population suppression and/or population replacement as a means of mitigating virus transmission by this vector.

Aspergillus fumigatus ctf1–a novel zinc finger transcription factor involved in azole resistance

ABSTRACT Elucidating the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus, discovering new antifungal targets, and developing drugs to inhibit resistance are the key approaches to treating A. fumigatus infections. Here, we investigated the function of ctf1 (AFUA_1G03800), a gene encoding a C6 transcription factor. Homologous recombination replacement technology was employed to construct ctf1-knockout and revertant strains. Fungal morphological observations revealed that the growth of the knockout strain was slower, showing fewer conidia. The minimum inhibitory concentration of triazoles was determined by performing the E-test and by using the micro-liquid-based dilution method. The results indicated that ctf1 deletion decreased the susceptibility of A. fumigatus to voriconazole by 2-fold. The decreased antifungal sensitivity of Δctf1 can be attributed to the increased ergosterol content and the overexpression of mdr1, mdr2, and mdr4. Thus, our results on the function of ctf1 contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying A. fumigatus resistance and the factors associated with A. fumigatus virulence.

Multidisciplinary Design Methodology for Micro-Gas-Turbines—Part I: Reduced Order Component Design and Modeling

Abstract Ultramicrogas turbines (UMGTs) for electric power generation up to 1 kW are a viable replacement technology for lithium batteries in drones due to their high energy density. Previous research has shown that small-scale effects disqualify conceptual design practices applied to larger gas turbines owing to highly coupled, nonlinear component interactions. To fill this gap, we propose an interdisciplinary conceptual design and analysis framework based on reduced order models. To this end, the current work is divided into two parts covering component design and system integration, analysis, and optimization. In Part I, automated conceptual design of all engine subcomponents is elaborated facilitating interdependent reduced order models for compressor, turbine, combustor and high-speed generator while also considering additive manufacturing constraints. In a second step, the reduced order performance models are compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of various turbomachinery geometries as well as experimental data of combustor and high-speed generator prototypes, showing good agreement and thus validating the component modules. In conclusion, the first part of this work elaborates an automated and efficient method to conceptual design of all components required for a functional UMGT. Since the strategy is applicable independent of component arrangement and engine layout, the proposed methods offer a universal framework for small gas turbine generators.

Development of a tritium release system for ceramic tritium breeder pebbles irradiated by high intensity DT fusion neutron Generator at INEST

For ceramic breeder pebbles used in fusion energy, the tritium release data under fusion neutron irradiation is very important and valuable. In this study, a tritium release system for ceramic tritium breeder is introduced, which is matched with the High Intensity DT Fusion Neutron Generator (HINEG-CAS). The HINEG-CAS has been built and operated by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (INEST, HFIPS, CAS), achieving a fusion neutron yield of 1012n/s since 2016. Innovative design and fabrication of sample container enables minimization of the unexpected tritium loss. The dedicated tritium release system can monitor the tritium release behavior over time for both tritiated water and tritium gas, using the bubblers-based tritium trapping system with automatic replacement technology, coupled with highly efficient catalytic oxidants and liquid scintillation counter (LSC). We have performed a tritium release experiment with the Li2TiO3 pebbles as ceramic tritium breeder, and obtained the tritium releasing data at room temperature over time and clarified the tritium chemical form in recovery. It is concluded that this newly established system can serve as a good sharing platform for evaluating prime candidate breeder materials, as well as facilitating detailed design or optimization of tritium involved systems (such as the tritium extraction system).

Transcatheter mitral valve therapies: A comprehensive review

Less invasive approaches offer an optimal treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who is not a candidate for surgical intervention. Favorable outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement have produced great interest in the development of novel minimally invasive transcatheter technologies for repair and replacement of the mitral valve. In this review we aimed to provide an overview of the current transcatheter technologies used to treat mitral regurgitation and help clinicians in selecting the optimal therapy for their patients. We also wanted to provoke clinicians and researchers on how these technologies could be further developed in the future.

Diabetes treatment by conversion of gut epithelial cells to insulin-producing cells.

Insulin-deficient (type 1) diabetes is treated by providing insulin to maintain euglycemia. The current standard of care is a quasi-closed loop integrating automated insulin delivery with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor. Cell replacement technologies are advancing as an alternative treatment and have been tested as surrogates to cadaveric islets in transplants. In addition, immunomodulatory treatments to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in high-risk (stage 2) individuals have gained regulatory approval. We have pioneered a cell conversion approach to restore insulin production through pharmacological conversion of intestinal epithelial cells into insulin-producing cells. We have advanced this approach along a translational trajectory through the discovery of small molecule forkhead box protein O1 inhibitors. When administered to different rodent models of insulin-deficient diabetes, these inhibitors have resulted in robust glucose-lowering responses and generation of insulin-producing cells in the gut epithelium. We review past work and delineate a path to human clinical trials.

Research on Maintenance and Replacement technology of Space Mechanical Arm

This paper presents the station arm structural components and discusses the importance and challenge of station arm maintenance. The article provides the main process of the maintenance of the space station robotic arm, including the troubleshooting, the replacement and maintenance of parts, and the calibration and testing of the system. At the same time, the article also points out that the mechanical arm failure may be caused by a variety of factors, including electrical failure, mechanical failure and environmental failure, and shows some classic cases and summarizes the experience. This paper shows the development process of maintenance technology and the current research status quo. Finally, it is pointed out that the maintenance of the space station robotic arm still faces many difficulties and risks, which need further research and improvement.