Test Parameters Research Articles

Enhanced Experimental Setup and Methodology for the Investigation of Corrosion Fatigue in Metallic Biodegradable Implant Materials

Biodegradable implants as bone fixations may present a safe alternative to traditional permanent implants, reducing the risk of infections, promoting bone healing, and eliminating the need for removal surgeries. Structural integrity is an important consideration when choosing an implant material. As a biodegradable implant is being resorbed, until the natural bone has regrown, the implant material needs to provide mechanical stability. However, the corrosive environment of the human body may affect the fatigue life of the material. Conversely, mechanical stress can have an effect on electrochemical corrosion processes. This is known as corrosion fatigue. In the presented work, an experimental setup and methodology was established to analyze the corrosion fatigue of experimental bioresorbable materials while simultaneously monitoring the electrochemical processes. A double-walled measurement cell was constructed for a three-point bending test in Dulbecco‘s Phosphate-Buffered Saline (DPBS− −), which was used as simulated body fluid (SBF), at 37 ± 1 °C. The setup was combined with a three-electrode setup for corrosion measurements. Rod-shaped zinc samples were used to validate the setup’s functionality. Preliminary static and dynamic bending tests were carried out as per the outlined methodology to determine the test parameters. Open-circuit as well as potentiostatic polarization measurements were performed with and without mechanical loading. For the control, fatigue tests were performed in an air environment. The tested zinc samples were inspected via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the measured mechanical and electrochemical values as well as the SEM images, the effects of the different environments were investigated, and the setup’s functionality was verified. An analysis of the data showed that a comprehensive investigation of corrosion fatigue characteristics is feasible with the outlined approach. Therefore, this novel methodology shows great potential for furthering our understanding of the effects of corrosion on the fatigue of biodegradable implant materials.

Punching shear performance of reinforced concrete slab-to-steel column connections incorporating ECC and UHPECC

Unlike the conventional reinforced concrete (RC) slab-column connection, the punching shear generated at the RC slab-to-steel column connection may lead to brittle punching shear failure due to the small area around the steel column. Moreover, the unexpected moments arising from eccentric loading can also lead to the failure of the slab in punching shear mode. This paper proposes employing high-performance concrete (HPC) to fill the critical punching shear zone to improve the punching shear resistance of RC slabs to steel column joints. Experiments on eight RC slabs to steel column connections are reported. The test parameters under investigation are the type of HPC used to fill the critical punching shear zone, the distance (S) of the HPC zone measured from the flanges of the steel column and loading condition (concentric and eccentric). The types of HPC include engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and ultra-high performance ECC (UHPECC). The experimental results show that the proposed techniques can significantly improve the cracking load, elastic stiffness, energy absorption capacity, ductility, failure modes, and ultimate load of the slab-to-column connections. The ultimate load of the tested connections is increased by as much as 33 %, and 28 % for the slabs subjected to concentric and eccentric loading, respectively. However, the ultimate load and energy absorption capacity of the slab with UHPECC having a S value of 1d, where d is the effective depth are lower than those of the control slab. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are developed to simulate the performance of tested slab-to-column connections and validated by experimental results. The parametric study shows that the n (=S/d) value greater than 3.5 has insignificant effects on the ultimate punching shear capacity of the slab. It is demonstrated that the proposed formulas faithfully estimate the ultimate punching shear capacity of slab-to-column connections constructed with different HPCs under concentric and eccentric loadings.

Analysis of the slump test for on-site yield stress measurement of thickened tailings

Yield stress of thickened tailings is a basic parameter in the design of tailings pipeline transport and discharge systems. To accurately determine the yield stress of thickened tailings, it is essential to develop a rapid determination method suitable for engineering applications and explore the relationship among various factors. In this paper, a high-precision velocity-controlled slump test system was designed to investigate the effects of thickened tailings temperature, lifting speed, slump cylinder shape, and tailings slurry mass concentration on the slump value. The test results indicate that the slump value decreases with the increases in thickened tailings temperature, resulting in a higher yield stress. Lifting speed significantly affects the yield stress, a faster lifting speed produces a larger slump value, which in turn leads to a smaller calculated yield stress. The lifting speed of 0.01 m/s provides a yield stress calculation that is close to the actual value. Moreover, among the tested slump cylinder shapes, the results obtained from the cylinder with dimensions of 100 mm (height) × 100 mm (diameter) are the closest to the actual values. These findings offer technical support for rapid and accurate on-site testing of the rheological parameters of thickened tailings and provide theoretical support for developing disposal methods for tailings.

Biochemical and Histopathological Analysis of Aqueous Extract of an Aphrodisiac Formulation against Acetaminophen Induce Hepatocyte Injuries in Wistar Rats

The aimed of this study was to examine the biochemical parameters and histopathological effects of aqueous extract of an aphrodisiac formulation against acetaminophen induce hepatocyte injuries in Wistar rats. Zainacin Dadin duniya (aphrodisiac herbs) extract was prepared by cold maceration. The animal study was done using 30 adult both male and female Wistar rats was grouped into 5 groups (n=6) and orally administered with five different treatments (saline, liver drug, acetaminophen, extract and extract/ acetaminophen) for the period of 28days. The blood is collected from each grouped rat for biochemical parameters test and all rats were later sacrificed for histologically processed investigation. The results showed that the oral administration of the acetaminophen in group 3 treated rats causes a significant (P<0.05) increased in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), but, when administered with the extract in group 4 rats, there was a significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP. Significantly (p<0.05) increased in the Kidney Function Markers (Creatinine, and Urea) and decreased in Glucose level in the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen, when compared with the group 4 rats treated with the extract, there was a significant (p<0.05) decreased in Creatinine, and Urea level and increased in the Glucose level. The serum total protein, Albumin, and Globulin significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen while the bilirubin increased significantly. While group 4 rats showed significant increase in the total protein, Albumin, and Globulin and decreased in the bilirubin levels. The Results of Histopathology findings revealed hepatic tissue with distorted hepatocytes, portal vein, and sinusoids accompanied with massive necrosis in the liver of the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen. While the liver of the group 4 rats showed, hepatic tissue with preserved architecture composed of cords of normal hepatocytes, normal portal vein, and sinusoids. There are no features of acute or chronic damage. The histologically Results of the small intestines of the all five (5) grouped rats showed preserved layers of muscosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. There are no features of acute or chronic toxicity. Conclusively, the prolonged oral consumption of acetaminophen in animals resulted in hepatocellular deleterious effects and may be of a similar hazard in humans. Overall, administration of the extract in rats has significant ameliorative effect on the rats; this may be of immense benefits in the management of hepatocytes, necrosis in the liver and its associated biomarkers complications. Improved liver functions as well as improved antioxidant status are beneficial in the management of chronic diseases such as liver failure.

Synergetic effect of in-situ TiB2 reinforcement and nano precipitation on wear behavior of ZE41 magnesium matrix composite

The rise in carbon dioxide pollution and energy consumption has increased the demand for lightweight materials such as magnesium in automotive and aerospace industries. However, magnesium alloys face challenges like poor wear resistance and mechanical strength. To overcome these limitations, a promising approach involves developing heterogeneous hybrid microstructures through reinforcement addition and microstructural engineering. This study focuses on the tribological performance of a newly developed in-situ sub-micron sized TiB2/ZE41 composite under various microstructural conditions, comparing it to the unreinforced ZE41 Mg alloy. Wear experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disc tribometer under normal loads of 10, 20, 40, and 60 N at a sliding velocity of 1 m/s. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyze the worn surfaces in order to identify damage types and surface distortions. By correlating worn surface microstructures with test parameters, predominant wear mechanisms for each material condition under specific loads were determined. Results consistently showed that the presence of in-situ TiB2 reinforcements, β-phase, and rare-earth precipitates enhanced wear resistance regardless of the load conditions. Additionally, the study established a scientific understanding of the wear behavior of ZE41 Mg alloy, with and without in-situ TiB2 particles and precipitates, through analysis of dominant wear mechanisms, wear-induced subsurface deformation mechanisms, kernel average misorientation, grain orientation spread, and microhardness evaluation.

Resource allocation for Hyphantria cunea invasive management:a novel simulation-based optimization model

In this study, we propose an integrated mixed-integer programming (MIP) model for allocating a limited budget to control a destructive invasive insect endangering the forest vegetation, Hyphantria cunea (H. cunea). Our model seeks to minimize the number of infected and dead trees within a preset planning period, factoring in various infestation scenarios, migration behaviors, resource limitations, intervention timing, and monitoring capabilities. Our modeling framework is novel in the sense that it depicts the transmission process of H. cunea as an infectious compartmental model. Our optimization model is also meaningful because it innovatively bridges the spread dynamics of H. cunea and the optimal resource allocation by using the time-varying number of infected trees that can be accepted in testing and surveillance. Our numerical test data and parameter settings have been collected from large-scale field surveys on H. cunea in Jiangsu Province over the past three years. The scenarios-based method offers significant computational advantages in searching for the best alternatives to real-world size problems in a rational time. Furthermore, our test results specify that the proposed model can not only aid in controlling H. cunea, but also can be adopted as a potential tool for managing other invasive species in the future.

Anxiolytic Effect of Jasmine Aromatherapy in Pediatric Dental Procedures: A Single-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic effect of jasmine aromatherapy in pediatric dental procedures. Materials and Methods: A parallel randomized single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed and conducted from February 19 until April 19, 2020, on children aged 7 to 12 years-old requiring class 1 restorative treatment of primary or permanent tooth with infiltration anesthesia. Interventions were defined as 15 minutes of aromatherapy using 2mL of jasmine extract for the intervention group, and with water for the control group. Outcomes were defined as child’s anxiety and pain perception, measured by modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes of vital signs. After the patients received interventions based on their groups, their data was collected and analyzed. We used parametric tests and linear regression for outcome comparisons. Results: 56 patients were randomized and allocated in two groups, 28 to each. The groups did not differ significantly regarding age, sex, heart rate and O2 saturation before, during, and after procedures. Based on multivariable regression, the intervention group showed a significantly reduced MCDAS (B (95% CI)=-2.11 (-4.09, -0.13), P=0.04) and VAS (B (95% CI)=-2.30 (-3.50, -1.10), P<0.001) scores. Conclusion: Jasmine aromatherapy showed to be effective in reducing children’s anxiety and pain perception during dental procedures and therefore, can be suggested as a cheap and practical complementary method in dental practice.

Punching shear behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete and normal strength concrete composite flat slabs

This paper presents the results of tests on flat slabs with partial application of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) mixtures to improve the punching shear capacity of slab-column connections. One normal strength concrete (NSC) slab and two UHPFRC slabs were tested as a reference for tests on 12 UHPFRC-NSC composite slabs with full depth UHPFRC in the center area of the NSC slab. The main test parameters were the steel fiber volume (0.8 % and 1.6 % volume fractions) and the dimensions of UHPFRC mixtures. The load-column displacement curves, crack patterns, slab rotations at failure, and failure loads are presented and discussed. The failure loads are compared with estimates obtained following the yield line analysis, design codes, and other theoretical models. Test results showed that the use of UHPFRC mixtures led to an increase in initial stiffness, punching shear strength, and deformation capacity, along with a change in the slab failure mode. The shear capacity of the slab improved proportionally to the increase in the dimension of the UHPFRC. These tests confirmed the effectiveness of the UHPFRC mixtures as an alternative to enhance the punching shear capacity for slab-column connections.

Epoxy Based Composite Material from the Coconut Fiber

Recently the composite material is made up of various other types of natural fibers including some epoxy resins materials. Because some natural fibers have a tendency to provide a good mechanical properties and durability also and it is safe for the environment. In this research we focused on the various testing parameters like tensile test and impact test because we won’t to have a better mechanical properties and good result also. The composite material prepared like epoxy resin with coconut fiber by using a hand laid method. The fabricated sheet is tested by various mechanical properties and it’s a very good application for us.

Assessment of trabecular bone score using updated TBSTT in anorexia nervosa-The AN-BO study.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is characterized by a distortion of body image, very low body weight, malnutrition and hormonal dysregulations, resulting in reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone microarchitecture. The updated Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) algorithm accounts for soft tissue thickness (TBSTT) instead of BMI (TBSBMI). The aim of the study was to assess both TBS algorithms in adult AN patients compared to normal-weight controls(CTRL). This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated 34 adult female anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and 26 healthy normal-weighted age- and sex-matched controls (CTRL). Bone texture analysis was assessed by TBSTT and TBSBMI (TBS iNsight® V4.0 and V3.1), bone mineral density (BMD; lumbar spine LS, femoral neck, total hip) and body composition by DXA (GE Lunar iDXATM). Laboratory analyses included bone turnover markers (CTX; P1NP; sclerostin). Data analysis was performed using parametric (t-test) or non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney-U-Test) depending on normality, one-way ANCOVA and correlation analysis (Perason's or Spearman's). AN patients (BMI 14.7(1.6)) and CTRL (BMI 22.4(4.0)) were of comparable age (22.8(7.1) vs.25.0(4.0)years, p = 0.145). TBSTT(1.319±0.09 vs.1.502±0.07, p<0.001) and TBSBMI(1.317±0.10 vs.1.548±0.09, p<0.001) were significantly lower in AN patients compared to CTRL. Soft tissue thickness was lower in AN (p<0.001). Within the CTRL group, but not in AN, TBSTT and TBSBMI were significantly different (p<0.001). BMD was lower at all sites in AN patients (p<0.001 for all), being lowest at LS. Bone Mineral Content, Lean Body mass and Fat Mass were lower in AN (p<0.001). AN patients had lower P1NP (p = 0.05), but higher CTX (p = 0.001) and sclerostin (p = 0.003) levels. Adult AN patients have lower TBSTT and TBSBMI, reduced BMD and an uncoupling of bone turnover. In AN both TBS algorithms show similar reduced trabecular bone microarchitecture. The observed difference of TBSTT and TBSBMI in CTRL with normal body composition highlight the importance of the new algorithm.

Thromboembolism adverse event profiles of thrombopoietin receptor agonists: a real-world, pharmacovigilance study

ABSTRACT Background Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are currently approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in different conditions. The relationship between TPO-RAs and thromboembolic events (TEEs) remains controversial. Research design and methods We extracted TPO-RAs adverse reaction reports after their marketing until now, using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS). Positive signals were detected by reporting odds ratios (RORs). And the Weibull shape parameter test was utilized to analyze the time-to-onset profiles. Result Thromboembolic events accounted for 8.97% among TPO-RAs reports. Increased reporting of TEEs was related to TPO-RAs treatment compared with the entire FAERS database [ROR = 2.65 (2.56, 2.73)]. In addition, venous thrombotic events [ROR = 4.13 (3.92, 4.35)] were reported more frequently than arterial events ROR = 1.81 (1.7, 1.93)]. Age over 60 years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.10 (1.01, 1.20), p = 0.029] and weight over 80 kg [OR = 1.36 (1.17, 1.58), p < 0.001] of patients might have higher risk of TEEs during TPO-RAs therapy. Conclusion Evidence from the real world suggested that TPO-RAs were associated with higher incidence of TEEs, particularly venous thrombosis. The risk of TPO-RAs-associated TEEs mostly happened in the early stages of treatment and decreased over time.

Statistical assessment for reusing permeate from dewatering water treatment sludge process: more sustainability in environmental sanitation.

Sludge from water treatment plants (WTPs) is usually processed by physicochemical clarification followed by thickening, which results in the production of an effluent from dewatering/drying sludge processes that can potentially impact the environment. This paper assessed the viability of employing sludge dewatering water from a water treatment sludge plant (WTSP) in São Paulo State, Brazil, for reuse purposes. Water quality variables were monitored in the effluent and receiving stream. The data were analyzed by paired samples Student t-test (parametric significance test), paired samples Wilcoxon signed rank test (non-parametric significance test), and principal component analysis (multivariate analysis). Despite the distribution of data, typically not Gaussian, both Student and Wilcoxon methods agreed in 9 out of 10 studied parameters regarding the influence of WTSP discharge on waterbody; only for total manganese the Wilcoxon approach provided better fit than Student. Principal component analysis helped to evince correlations among all variables. Results provided useful information for understanding the vocation of WTSP effluent for reuse. For direct non-potable reuse, recirculating the final effluent back to the WTP for two months saved 92,000 m3 of water, the volume of drinking water demanded by the city (n = 292,000 inhabitants) in approximately 30h.

Evaluating phasic transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) with pupil dilation: the importance of stimulation intensity and sensory perception

The efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a non-invasive method to modulate physiological markers of noradrenergic activity of the Locus Coeruleus (LC), such as pupil dilation, is increasingly more discussed. However, taVNS studies show high heterogeneity of stimulation effects. Therefore, a taVNS setup was established here to test different frequencies (10 Hz and 25 Hz) and intensities (3 mA and 5 mA) during phasic stimulation (3 s) with time-synchronous recording of pupil dilation in younger adults. Specifically, phasic real taVNS and higher intensity led to increased pupil dilation, which is consistent with phasic invasive VNS studies in animals. The results also suggest that the influence of intensity on pupil dilation may be stronger than that of frequency. However, there was an attenuation of taVNS-induced pupil dilation when differences in perception of sensations were considered. Specifically, pupil dilation during phasic stimulation increased with perceived stimulation intensity. The extent to which the effect of taVNS induces pupil dilation and the involvement of sensory perception in the stimulation process are discussed here and require more extensive research. Additionally, it is crucial to strive for comparable stimulation sensations during systematic parameter testing in order to investigate possible effects of phasic taVNS on pupil dilation in more detail.

Upper airways changes associated with orthodontic molar distalization by Pendulum appliance in adolescent patients: a multicenter retrospective cephalometric study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to perform a two-dimensional analysis of upper airway changes in adolescent patients following molar distalization with the Pendulum appliance.Materials and methodsThe study involved the cephalometric analysis of 88 patients, retrospectively categorized into two groups: skeletal Class II with a dental Class II molar relationship (36 patients, mean age 12.6 ± 1.1 years) and skeletal Class I with a dental Class II molar relationship (54 patients, mean age 12.3 ± 1.2 years). Changes were observed using lateral radiographs before (T0) and after Pendulum appliance removal (T1); treatment time averaged 7 months. Upper airways were subsequently analyzed by tracing lateral radiographs. The Shapiro-Wilk test showed a normal distribution of the data, therefore parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Intragroup changes between T0 and T1 were evaluated using paired t-tests, and intergroup differences were assessed using independent student t-tests; statistical significance was set at 0.05.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed in the skeletal measurements that characterized both groups, particularly in ANB and Wits appraisal, at T0 (P < 0.001). After molar distalization, Class I and Class II groups reported no statistically significant differences with changes almost equal to zero between timepoints (P > 0.05). Additionally, intergroup comparisons of airway changes at T1 did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe Pendulum appliance does not significantly change the upper airway dimensions in Class I and Class II malocclusion patients, thereby minimizing potential respiratory risks.

Shear Strengthening of RC Beams Incorporating Post-Tensioned Bars and Engineered Cementitious Composite Reinforced with Palm Fronds

This paper investigates, experimentally and numerically, the shear strengthening of Normal Concrete (NC) beams using post-tensioning steel bars and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) reinforced with chemically cured Palm Fronds (PFs). The benefits of strain-hardening ECC and the tensile strength of PFs cured with 6% wt Alkali NaOH solution beside post-tensioned bars have been employed herein. Seven full-scale Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams were fabricated and experimented with under three-point loading until failure. The test parameters include the strengthening technique, type, and configuration of the material used for strengthening. The strengthening process has been implemented through two techniques: Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) and Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Reinforcement. The strengthening materials have been configured and placed in horizontal, vertical, and inclined positions. The effectiveness of the strengthening methods has been evaluated by examining their cracking propagations, load-deflection responses, collapse modes, elastic stiffness, and absorbed energy. It was found that the proposed strengthening systems could significantly control the crack pattern and failure mode, and they could enhance the ultimate load amplitude up to 37% and 50% for NSM ECC with PFs and EBR post-tensioning steel bars, respectively. Nonlinear three-dimensional finite element models of the tested beams were developed and validated with the test data, where it was found that finite element models predict the structural performance of tested beams with a maximum error of only 2%.

The relationship of tooth shade and skin tone and its influence on smile attractiveness in native South Indians: A web-based cross sectional survey

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the influence of tooth shade and skin tone on smile attractiveness among native South Indians. The primary research question was whether there is a significant relationship between these variables and perceived smile attractiveness. Materials and methodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with approval from the Institutional Review Board of (Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai). Standardized smile photographs of two South Indian models (one male and one female) were digitally modified to display four different tooth shades and four different skin tones, resulting in 32 images. These images were incorporated into a Google Form along with a questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for attractiveness rating. The survey was distributed to 1200 participants, including both dental professionals and the general population, with 1000 valid responses recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, employing parametric tests to evaluate the data. ResultsThe study found that lighter tooth shades were consistently rated higher in attractiveness for both genders. Lighter tooth shades such as FS1T1 and FS2T1 scored means of 6.88 and 7.27 respectively for females, while darker shades like FS1T4 scored lower with a mean of 4.95. Similarly, males showed a preference for lighter tooth shades with MS1T1 and MS2T1 scoring means of 5.57 and 5.78 respectively compared to darker shades like MS1T4 with a mean of 3.63. Significant differences were noted across age groups and genders, with younger participants and females showing a stronger preference for lighter tooth shades. ConclusionsThe study concludes that both tooth shade and skin tone significantly influence smile attractiveness, with a clear preference for lighter tooth shades among the surveyed population. These findings suggest the importance of considering these factors in aesthetic dental treatments to enhance patient satisfaction and achieve optimal results. Clinical relevanceThe results underscore the necessity for dental practitioners to take into account both tooth shade and skin tone when planning aesthetic dental treatments. This approach will help in achieving a more harmonious and natural appearance, ultimately improving patient satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. Future research should continue to explore the cultural and individual factors that contribute to these preferences in dental aesthetics.

Detection and Prediction of Probe Mark Damage in Wafer Testing

In wafer testing, the test probe needs to contact the surface of the semiconductor wafer to measure electrical parameters such as resistance, capacitance, and current. The probe mark damage frequently occurs on the machine during wafer testing. This phenomenon causes inaccuracies in electrical parameter testing, significantly reducing the yield in IC packaging processes and resulting in substantial manufacturing cost losses. Therefore, this study proposed an effective probe mark damage detection and prediction method to prevent significant yield reduction due to inaccurate testing. This study uses importance analysis from random forests and correlation analysis to identify the critical parameters influencing probe mark damage. Introducing these parameters into a Sparse Transformer with hybrid normalization can successfully train an intelligent model for predicting the occurrence of probe mark damage. The model accurately predicts the probability of probe mark damage and promptly adjusts machine parameters to avoid inaccuracies in electrical parameter settings. The proposed approach can outperform other methods, achieving two very high accuracies of 95.1% (at room temperature) and 93.5% (at high temperature) and significantly reducing the occurrence of large-area probe mark damage.

Factors Influencing Self-Wound Care Adoption in Singaporean Communities: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Managing wounds often requires frequent clinic visits, posing a burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Shared wound care, which encourages patients to manage dressings at home, has emerged as a potential solution. This study investigates factors influencing self-wound care adoption in Singapore. A cross-sectional survey involving 328 participants from six primary healthcare centers was conducted. The survey examined demographics, wound characteristics, and perceptions towards shared wound care using a locally validated questionnaire. Parametric tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Unlike older participants, younger adults valued time saved through self-care and found clinic visits inconvenient. Participants in the younger age group, those in fixed-schedule employment, and students were more likely to opt for the self-wound care program and adopt self-wound care. Strong social support (p=0.034) and wound location on the head, neck, or face were the most significant factors (p=0.023) favoring self-care. Interestingly, participants with no formal education were significantly more likely to embrace self-wound care (p=0.006 to 0.012). Using individual attributes to select participants for self-wound care adoption may be more effective than relying on educational level. Strong social networks and encouragement from family and community can play a crucial role in promoting self-care practices. However, the generalizability of the findings may be limited, as the study was conducted solely within a Singaporean primary healthcare setting. All the same, while wound care practices may vary across countries, the foundational concepts of wound care are universal in the world. Insights about self-wound care can therefore be valuable and informative on a global scale, not just within Singapore.

Comparison of Friction Resistance Between Different Bracket Systems: An In Vitro Study

Introduction The efficiency of tooth movement associated with orthodontic sliding mechanics can be compromised by friction between archwire and tube or bracket slot. Orthodontic brackets and archwires are important constituents of an orthodontic appliance system. Friction is an uncontrolled variable of particular interest when continuous arch techniques are used to align and move teeth by way of sliding a tube or bracket along an arch. Aim and Objectives Comparison of frictional resistance between different bracket systems of 3M and MO brands in combination with different wires of 3M, MO, and G&amp;H brands. Evaluation of frictional resistance between two different types of bracket systems and different types of wire combinations. Materials and Methods Two types of bracket systems were used: metal bracket system and ceramic bracket system (3M and MO brands). Four different orthodontic wire alloys were used: stainless steel (SS), TMA, NiTi, and CuNiTi (3M, MO, and G&amp;H brands). A rectangular block made up of self-cure acrylic resin was designed to hold the bracket during the mechanical test. Each bracket base was glued to an acrylic block with cyanoacrylate glue. The wire segment was inserted into the bracket and was ligated passively with SS ligature wire. The bracket–wire combination was submitted to mechanical tests with a universal testing machine. One end of the acrylic block was mounted to the lower grip of the universal testing machine. The free end of the archwire was fixed to the upper grip of the universal testing machine. The friction which was generated between the wire and bracket was measured under dry conditions and at room temperature. The test wire was pulled through the bracket at a speed of 0.5 cm/min. The load cell registered a maximum force level. This data was stored in the computer and was submitted to statistical analysis, and parameter tests were applied. Results The highest mean friction resistance of 5.998 N was generated by group B2-E2 (ceramic bracket – MO + TMA archwire – MO). The lowest mean friction resistance of 2.552 N was generated by group A1-C1 (metal bracket – 3M + SS wire – 3M). There was a statistically significant difference between the friction generated by the metal bracket on SS archwire and the ceramic bracket on TMA archwire regardless of 3M or MO brand material ( p value &lt; .0001) and metal bracket ( p = .0004).

Impact of family engagement on client participation in coordinated specialty care for first episodes of psychosis

BackgroundCoordinated specialty care (CSC) programs for first episodes of psychosis are increasingly offered in the United States. A component of CSC programs is active family engagement in treatment, though research on the impact of this engagement is limited. This study examined the characteristics of families engaged compared to families not engaged in treatment, and the impact of family engagement on client participation and medication adherence over the first 6 months of treatment.MethodsUsing data from the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) research hub in Minnesota (EPI-MINN), we compared two groups of individuals: clients who had a family member(s) engaged in their treatment vs. clients who did not. Family engagement was defined as any treatment services provided to a family member(s) by CSC clinical staff. The groups were compared on intake demographic variables, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), hospitalizations, symptom severity, and functioning. A comparison of the total number of treatment visits during the first 6 months of treatment was tested using both nonparametric (Mann Whitney U) and parametric (ANCOVA) tests. Group comparisons on self ratings of “intent to attend visits,” “intent to complete the program,” and medication adherence were tested with ANCOVA and Chi-Square.ResultsFamily-engaged clients were younger, with less years of education, and more often White; clients without family engagement were more often Black. Family engagement was positively associated with increased total number of visits for all interventions with the exceptions of client peer support and case management visits. Family engagement increased clients’ self-reported intent to attend visits, though not intention to complete the program, which was moderately to markedly high in both groups. No differences were noted with medication adherence, with high rates of adherence across the entire study sample.ConclusionsOverall, results of the study support the benefits of family engagement in CSC on client participation, though future research is needed to understand why Black families are less engaged and what treatment adaptations are needed to reduce these racial differences. The results also support the value of CSC programs for medication adherence, a critical factor in symptom reduction and mental health recovery.