Thickness Loss Research Articles

Use of Magnetic Flux Leakage to Diagnose Damage to a Lift Guide Rails System with Reference to the Sustainability Aspect

The scientific objective of the conducted experimental research was to find an answer as to whether the application of magnetic flux leakage would be an effective tool for assessing the technical condition of lift guide rails in which the loss of thickness of the guide part is damage resulting from the brake whose operation destructively affects the surface shown. In particular, the scientific objective was to investigate the potential of this method in the context of quantitative assessment of the degree of damage featuring small increments in depth at the level of tenths of a millimetre. The conducted research was also aimed at determining the correlation of the effect of damage type with the nature of the signal recorded. The article presents the results of our own research, obtained from experiments on the use of magnetic flux leakage (MFL) to diagnose damage occurring on lift guide rails. During operation, lift guide rails are exposed to contact with the friction elements of brakes, resulting in the violation of their surfaces. Damage to the working surfaces of guide rails increases the vibration of the device, noise and wear of other components of the lift, such as guide rails. Currently, diagnostics of lift guide rails are not carried out, and their replacement depends on their technical condition. However, from an economic point of view, there are situations wherein their condition allows their use without their replacement with new ones. This was the main factor that guided the authors; we used a diagnostic head of our own design for the tests. The obtained measurement results showed that magnetic flux leakage can be used with great success to diagnose damage to guide rails. The results obtained in the laboratory shall be further developed in the form of research on correlating the signals obtained from magnetic sensors and the size of the damage, which shall eventually allow for a final quantitative assessment of guide rails regarding their technical condition. The conducted research fits into the scope of sustainable development by reducing the need for the consumption of electric energy and the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere in the overall production balance. This will be made possible by implementing the developed head in industrial practice in the context of assessing the need to replace guide rails with new ones. The economic and environmental efficiency that is the basis of sustainable development in the context of lifts can be achieved at the modernisation stage by repeated (further) use of as many components as possible. An example of this is the guide rail system, the reuse of which is possible after a prior assessment of its wear and tear.

Enhanced thermal shock resistance of gradient high-entropy (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2)2Ce2O7/YSZ thermal barrier coatings

High-entropy (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2)2Ce2O7 (LECO) has been verified as a potential candidate for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this work, two different structured LECO coatings were constructed and the thermal shock behavior was systematically investigated. In the classical double-layered LECO coating (D-LECO), the cracks initially originated from the edge and completely exfoliated from substrate after failure. To strengthen the thermal stress resistance of the coating, a gradient multilayered LECO/YSZ coating (M-LECO) was designed with five ceramic sub-layers. The thermal shock life of M-LECO was greatly enhanced by approximately 4 times. Unlike the typical TBCs, the delamination first appeared at an annular region on the surface, located away from the center and edge. Besides, the spalling only occurred in the topmost LECO layer with a thickness loss of less than 5%. After failure, the underneath coating could still provide efficient thermal protection to substrate. The better thermal shock resistance of M-LECO was mainly attributed to the fine gradient structure of the coating and the intrinsic property of high-entropy LECO. The microhardness and fracture toughness in M-LECO were strengthened layer by layer along the thickness direction, alleviating the thermal stress accumulation in the coating and greatly improving the cracking resistance of the interface. Moreover, the high-entropy effect and sluggish diffusion effect of LECO improved its sintering resistance, thereby enhancing the thermal shock resistance of M-LECO. Such design not only fully utilizes the unique thermo-physical properties of high-entropy ceramics, but also effectively solves the problem of weak adhesion between the LECO and the substrate during thermal shock.

Lubrication Modeling of the Reciprocating Piston with High Lateral Load and Various Conditions in a Swash Plate-Type Piston Pump

Most asymmetrical lateral forces occur in the reciprocating piston mechanism, which is widely applied as a major component of power equipment. When this lateral force greatly acts on the piston, it comes into contact with the cylinder. To prevent this negative phenomenon, lubrication characteristic evaluation and control technology are necessary. In this study, a boundary lubrication model considering the elastic deformation of the contact surface was adopted to perform a lubrication analysis of a piston hydraulic pump widely used in the aviation and plant industries. The piston/cylinder mechanism was analyzed in terms of contact force, characteristic thickness, and power loss while varying various design and operating parameters (friction coefficient, clearance, profiling shape, operating speed, and pressure). In the overall bearing capacity to withstand the tilt of the piston, the bearing capacity ratio due to contact at the interface increased more steeply than the bearing capacity ratio in the fluid lubrication area. Profiling of the piston head played a positive role in reducing power loss but also increased piston tilt. This trend appeared more clearly as the head profiling degree of processing Increased. Lastly, the effects of variable operating speed and pressure were examined. High operating speed caused low contact force, and high operating pressure caused high contact force. Through this study, it was possible to predict the lubrication performance and power loss of reciprocating piston pumps used in the field more realistically through appropriate boundary lubrication modeling.

Impairment of Listeria monocytogenes biofilm developed on industrial surfaces by Latilactobacillus curvatus CRL1579 bacteriocin

The effect of lactocin AL705, bacteriocin produced by Latilactobacillus (Lat.) curvatus CRL1579 against Listeria biofilms on stainless steel (SS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coupons at 10 °C was investigated. L. monocytogenes FBUNT showed the greatest adhesion on both surfaces associated to the hydrophobicity of cell surface. Partially purified bacteriocin (800 UA/mL) effectively inhibited L. monocytogenes preformed biofilm through displacement strategy, reducing the pathogen by 5.54 ± 0.26 and 4.74 ± 0.05 log cycles at 3 and 6 days, respectively. The bacteriocin-producer decreased the pathogen biofilm by ∼2.84 log cycles. Control and Bac− treated samples reached cell counts of 7.05 ± 0.18 and 6.79 ± 0.06 log CFU/cm2 after 6 days of incubation. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) allowed visualizing the inhibitory effect of lactocin AL705 on L. monocytogenes preformed biofilms under static and hydrodynamic flow conditions. A greater effect of the bacteriocin was found at 3 days independently of the surface matrix and pathogen growth conditions at 10 °C. As a more realistic approach, biofilm displacement strategy under continuous flow conditions showed a significant loss of biomass, mean thickness and substratum coverage of pathogen biofilm. These findings highlight the anti-biofilm capacity of lactocin AL705 and their potential application in food industries.

Evaluation of the physical, antioxidant, and organoleptic properties of biscuits fortified with edible flower powders.

Foods enriched with plants have gradually become an area of increasing research interest because plant ingredients may offer several positive effects on human health and the body. The aim of our study was to develop biscuits fortified with three different types of edible flowers (marigold, lavender, and rose) and examine their physical and antioxidant characteristics, as well as consumer acceptability. The antioxidant properties and characterization of biscuits highlighted that edible flowers may cause increased total polyphenol and total flavonoid yields, as well as DPPH radical scavenging activities. Concerning biscuits fortified with rose petals, the total monomer anthocyanin content was also raised. In addition, the results showed that the antioxidant properties of biscuits increased with increasing concentration (from 2.5% to 5.0%) of edible flowers. Despite this, the consumer acceptability results clearly showed that the addition of marigold and lavender at a concentration of 5.0% caused significantly decreased overall acceptance. We found that the fortification step may increase the spread ratio, which is an important quality attribute of biscuits. We found slight variations in the diameter, thickness, and baking loss parameters of fortified biscuits compared to the control. All in all, the best results were obtained when the biscuits were fortified with rose petals at a concentration of 5%.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis using optical coherence tomography supported by explainable artificial intelligence.

Study of retinal structure based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data can facilitate early diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although artificial intelligence can provide highly reliable diagnoses, the results obtained must be explainable. The study included 79 recently diagnosed RRMS patients and 69 age matched healthy control subjects. Thickness (Avg) and inter-eye difference (Diff) features are obtained in 4 retinal layers using the posterior pole protocol. Each layer is divided into six analysis zones. The Support Vector Machine plus Recursive Feature Elimination with Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (SVM-RFE-LOOCV) approach is used to find the subset of features that reduces dimensionality and optimises the performance of the classifier. SVM-RFE-LOOCV was used to identify OCT features with greatest capacity for early diagnosis, determining the area of the papillomacular bundle to be the most influential. A correlation was observed between loss of layer thickness and increase in functional disability. There was also greater functional deterioration in patients with greater asymmetry between left and right eyes. The classifier based on the top-ranked features obtained sensitivity = 0.86 and specificity = 0.90. There was consistency between the features identified as relevant by the SVM-RFE-LOOCV approach and the retinotopic distribution of the retinal nerve fibres and the optic nerve head. This simple method contributes to implementation of an assisted diagnosis system and its accuracy exceeds that achieved with magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system, the current gold standard. This paper provides novel insights into RRMS affectation of the neuroretina.

Impact of orthodontic movement on clinical microbiological and tomographic parameters in patients with a history of periodontitis a pilot study

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of orthodontic movement on clinical, microbiological, and tomographic parameters in patients with a history of periodontitis. Materials and Methods Twelve individuals (2 males and 10 females, mean age 42.1 years) who had undergone treatment for generalized chronic periodontitis were selected from the Periodontal Clinic of Guarulhos University (Brazil). The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were submitted to a clinical examination, and cone beam computed tomography scans were performed at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed by a Wilcoxon test. Results With regard to the periodontal clinical parameters, when comparing baseline and 12-month evaluations, statistically significant reductions were found in Probing Depth and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). There was a statistically significant increase in the number of sites that had lost CAL. There were no statistically significant tomographic differences, and no loss in the buccal alveolar bone thickness was detected. Conclusions Considering clinical periodontal parameters, a reduction was observed in the number and percentage of CAL. There was a reduction in A. gerencseriae and an increase in F. nuc. nucleatum, S. constellatus, and T. Forsythia species. Regarding the tomographic parameters, no statistically significant differences were observed.

Longitudinal changes in optical coherence tomography angiography characteristics in normal-tension glaucoma with or without high myopia.

To evaluate the structural, microvascular, and functional progression of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) with or without high myopia by examining longitudinal changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and visual field (VF) parameters. We evaluated 61 NTG eyes and classified 25 of the eyes with axial lengths (ALs) of ≥26 mm as highly myopic. We assessed the rate of change in OCTA parameters, namely radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density (VD), parafovea VD, deep parafovea VD, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, and ganglion cell complex thickness. We evaluated the correlation of the rate of change in OCTA parameters with VF loss and AL. Among the 61 NTG eyes, rates of loss of RPC VD, parafovea VD, deep parafovea VD, and RNFL thickness were significantly different from zero despite the nonsignificant rate of change in VF mean deviation (MD). Changes in these OCTA parameters did not differ significantly in highly myopic NTG eyes. The rate of change in VF MD was significantly correlated with the rate of change in parafovea VD in highly myopic and non-highly myopic NTG eyes. In highly myopic NTG eyes, AL was negatively correlated with the rates of loss of RNFL thickness, VF MD, and VF PSD. NTG eyes with a relatively stable VF exhibited loss of VD and RNFL thickness. VF progression in NTG was correlated with decreasing parafovea VD, indicating a structure-function correlation. Greater AL may indicate faster VF loss and RNFL thinning in highly myopic NTG eyes.

Neurological Effects of Repeated Blast Exposure in Special Operations Personnel.

Exposure to blast overpressure has been a pervasive feature of combat-related injuries. Studies exploring the neurological correlates of repeated low-level blast exposure in career "breachers" demonstrated higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6 and decreases in IL-10 within brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs). The current pilot study was initiated in partnership with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to explore whether neuroinflammation is seen within special operators with prior blast exposure. Data were analyzed from 18 service members (SMs), inclusive of 9 blast-exposed special operators with an extensive career history of repeated blast exposures and 9 controls matched by age and duration of service. Neuroinflammation was assessed utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [18F]DPA-714. Serum was acquired to assess inflammatory biomarkers within whole serum and BDEVs. The Blast Exposure Threshold Survey (BETS) was acquired to determine blast history. Both self-report and neurocognitive measures were acquired to assess cognition. Similarity-driven Multi-view Linear Reconstruction (SiMLR) was used for joint analysis of acquired data. Analysis of BDEVs indicated significant positive associations with a generalized blast exposure value (GBEV) derived from the BETS. SiMLR-based analyses of neuroimaging demonstrated exposure-related relationships between GBEV, PET-neuroinflammation, cortical thickness, and volume loss within special operators. Affected brain networks included regions associated with memory retrieval and executive functioning, as well as visual and heteromodal processing. Post hoc assessments of cognitive measures failed to demonstrate significant associations with GBEV. This emerging evidence suggests neuroinflammation may be a key feature of the brain response to blast exposure over a career in operational personnel. The common thread of neuroinflammation observed in blast-exposed populations requires further study.

A comparative study of original equipment manufacturer brake pads using tribological testing and hybrid ranking for enhanced decision making and cost effectiveness

Tribological test and hybrid ranking techniques are employed to evaluate brake pads from original equipment manufacturers for Indian passenger cars. The study was conducted for four brake pads designated as OE1, OE2, OE3, and OE4. The assessment integrates the analytical hierarchy process with various ranking methods including Extension Evaluation Method, Complex Proportional Assessment, Preference Selection Index, and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Brake pad samples undergo testing according to the standard IS2742 part 1-4 of 1994, generating crucial performance parameters such as performance coefficient of friction, hot coefficient of friction, normal coefficient of friction, fade percentage, recovery percentage, variation in coefficient of friction, wear thickness loss percentage, wear mass loss percentage, and time taken to reach maximum temperature. These performance metrics are technically analyzed and ranked using hybrid ranking techniques to enhance the decision-making process. The results show that OE4, a budget-friendly brake pad ranked first, is the best performer. OE2, a more expensive alternative, is placed second, and OE1 and OE3, which are more affordable possibilities, are ranked third and fourth, respectively. This research serves as a valuable resource for selecting brake pads for Indian passenger cars, especially in scenarios where technical specifications and cost-effectiveness are crucial considerations.

COMMERCIALLY PURE (CP-TI) TITANIUM MEDICAL IMPLANT PRODUCTION USING LASER POWDER BED FUSION (L-PBF) TECHNOLOGY

Decreasing the bulk weight without losing the biomechanical properties of commercial pure titanium (Cp-Ti) medical implants is now possible by using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology. Gyroid lattice structures that have precious mechanical and biological advantages because of similarity to trabecular bone. The aim of the study was to design and develop L-PBF process parameter optimization for manufacturing gyroid lattice Cp-Ti structures. The cleaning process was then optimized to remove the non-melted powder from the gyroid surface without mechanical loss.Gyroid cubic designs were created with various relative densities by nTopology. L-PBF process parameter optimization was progressed using with Cp-Ti (EOS TiCP Grade2) powder in the EOS M290 machine to achieve parts that have almost full dense and dimensional accuracy. The metallography method was made for density. Dimensional accuracy at gyroid wall thicknesses was investigated between designed and manufactured via stereomicroscope, also mechanical tests were applied with real time experiment and numerical analysis (ANSYS). Mass loss and strut thickness loss were investigated for chemical etching cleaning process.Gyroid parts had 99,5% density. High dimensional accuracy was achieved during L-PBF process parameters optimization. Final L-PBF parameters gave the highest 19% elongation and 427 MPa yield strength values at tensile test. Mechanical properties of gyroid were controlled with changing relative density. A minute chemical etching provided to remove non-melted powders.Compression test results of gyroids at numerical and real-time analysis gave unrelated while deformation behaviors were compatible with each other. Gyroid Cp-Ti osteosynthesis mini plates will be produced with final L-PBF process parameters. MTT cytotoxicity test will be characterized for cell viability.Acknowledgements This project is granted by TUBITAK (120N943). Feza Korkusuz MD is a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA).

The effect of age and wear on the mechanical performance of HDPE 80 polyethylene pipes

In this work, we studied the influence of accelerated aging in an aggressive environment of high-density polyethylene (HDPE 80) used for pipeline applications to distribute gas. Accelerated aging by ultraviolet irradiation of the wavelength lamps (λ = 365nm) for 240 hours at a temperature of 35°C exposed samples to solar radiation on the sand in southern Algeria for 12 months. The samples were subjected to weathering at -10 °C and 25°C for four different durations. To assess the weight loss capacity of semi-crystalline polymer behavior (HDPE 80) Under accelerated aging conditions, aging is carried out mainly according to three referenced methods: ISO 105 B02/B04, DIN 75202, and SAE J 1885. The Taguchi method and regression analysis were used. Several experiments were conducted on a vertical milling machine using a multi-factor L16 (4^1*2^3) orthogonal mixed matrix. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effects of treatment: corrosion, weight loss, and loss of thickness. The parameters are influenced by the sandpaper's grain diameter, cutting speed, and compressive strength continuity over two hours, with each trial lasting 15 minutes. Using S/N ratios, optimal control factors were determined to minimize lost weight (P) and thickness loss (∆L) due to abrasion of HDPE polyethylene pipes 80. At A3, B2, C2, D2 (i.e. degradation mode = UV, rotation speed = 355 rpm, load = 9.3 N, abrasive paper = 10.3 degrees) and A3, B1, C2, D1 (i.e. degradation mode = UV, rotation speed = 180 rpm, load = 4.65 N, and abrasive paper = 18.3 degrees), ideal conditions for weight and thickness loss were observed.

Insights into bio-deterioration of concrete exposed to sewer environment: A case study

Microbial corrosion induced is considered to be the main cause of concrete deterioration in sewer systems. In this study, the corrosion depths and rates of concrete cores sampled from different sections of concrete sewer pipes exposed to real sewer environments were measured. The pH profile, phase assemblage, and microstructure of corroded concrete relative to depth were also determined. Results showed that after 32 years of exposure, the concrete sewer pipe suffered severe corrosion. Under the influence of water flow fluctuations, the concrete in the waterline region presented more serious thickness loss (up to 23.85mm) compared to the crown region, and the average corrosion rate of concrete in the waterline region and crown region was 0.71mm∙a−1 and 0.20mm∙a−1, respectively. The lowest pH level of concrete pore solution in the sewer was 5.74, observed in the layer close to the surface in the waterline region. The correlation and functional relation between the depth from the concrete surface, pH level, ions, and elemental concentrations in the concrete pore solution was obtain by Spearman correlation test and multivariate function nonlinear fitting. The presence of calcium carbonate behind gypsum and ettringite in inner concrete suggested potential carbonation due to the CO2 produced by heterotrophic bacteria in sewer environment. The results of this study suggest the contributions of flowing water and carbonation in the bio-deterioration of concrete under real sewer environment are non-negligible.

Morphological features of an optic nerve in premature infants according to the optical coherence tomography data

To assess the morphological state of the visual analyzer in premature infants in long-term. We examined 40 premature children (74 eyes) aged 10.3±2.92 years (gestational age (GA) 25-34 weeks, birth weight (BW) 690-2700 g). Twenty mature children (40 eyes), aged 10.8±3.05 years, were examined as a control group. The children underwent standard ophthalmologic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and recording of visual evoked potentials (VEP). The thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is less in preterm infants than in term infants, regardless of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and refraction (p<0.05). Thickness loss has an inverse proportion with the degree of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (p<0.05). Retinal thickness in fovea is significantly greater in preterm infants and has a direct proportionality with the degree of IVH and the number of days on artificial lung ventilation (p<0.05). Moderate organic changes were detected in conduction pathways in 43.08% of premature infants according to VEP data. The use of OCT and recording of VEP may improve the quality of comprehensive neuro-ophthalmologic diagnosis in preterm infants. The thickness loss of RNFL can be expected in premature infants with HIE and IVH.

Highly hydroxylated hafnium clusters are accessible to high resolution EUV photoresists under small energy doses.

This work reports the success in accessing high-resolution negative-tone EUV photoresists without radical chain growth in the aggregation mechanism. The synthesis of a highly hydroxylated Hf6O4(OH)8(RCO2)8 cluster 3 (R = s-butyl or s-Bu) is described; its EUV performance enables high resolution patterns HP = 18 nm under only 30 mJ cm-2. This photoresist also achieves high resolution patterns for e-beam lithography. Our new photoresist design to increase hydroxide substitutions of carboxylate ligands in the Hf6O4(OH)4(RCO2)12 clusters improves the EUV resolution and also greatly reduces EUV doses. Mechanistic analysis indicates that EUV light not only enables photolytic decomposition of carboxylate ligands, but also enhances the Hf-OH dehydration. One additional advantage of cluster 3 is a very small loss of film thickness (ca. 13%) after the EUV pattern development.

Biometric risk factors for central serous chorioretinopathy

Aims/Purpose: The goal of the present study was to find the biometric parameters associated with the incidence of CSCR.Methods: The study included 66 eyes of 60 consecutive patients that were diagnosed with acute or chronic CSCR between 01.01.2021 and 30.06.2021. Six patients had a binocular disease. All patients had axial length and retinal parameters measured with the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) as well as refraction error tested after cycloplegia. Results of the affected eyes were compared with the healthy fellow eyes (39 eyes) and control group (75 eyes) and correlated to the duration of the disease.Results: No significant differences were revealed between axial length of the affected eyes, healthy fellow eyes and controls (23.31 ± 1.06 vs. 23.59 ± 1.20 vs. 23.33 ± 1.19). Distribution of refraction errors was similar in the three analysed groups. Hypermetropic shift was noted in the affected eyes versus controls (p = 0.030); however, no difference was noted in the refraction error between the healthy fellow CSCR eyes and controls (p = 0.418). Both acute and chronic CSCR cases, as well as their fellow eyes, demonstrated significantly greater choroidal thickness compared to healthy individuals (p &lt; 0.001). Longer disease duration was correlated with significant deficit in macular volume and average central retinal thickness (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: CSCR is a clinical entity that can occur in patients with every type of refraction error. Shorter axial length of the eyeball is not associated with higher prevalence of CSCR, however increased choroidal thickness is typical of that entity. Longer disease duration is correlated to the loss of retinal thickness and volume.

The Effect of Eggshell Dipping with Various Types of Oils and Storage Duration on The Weight Loss and Shell Thickness of Table Eggs

Preserving eggs is very important to retain egg quality and increase shelf life, egg preservation is crucial. Eggs may be preserved by immersing them in several kinds of vegetable oil. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of dipping eggs in various types of oil and the duration of preservation on the shell thickness and weight loss of table eggs. The research material includes 45 chicken eggs, pure coconut oil, palm oil, maize (corn) oil, a screw micrometer, and a scale. The method utilized was experimental, employing factorials with a completely randomized design in a 3x5 factorial pattern and three (3) replications. Treatment A consists of oil types (A1 is pure coconut oil, A2 is palm oil, and A3 is maize (corn) oil), and treatment B: the storage duration of eggs at room temperature (including: 25 days for B1, 30 days for B2, 35 days for B3, 40 days for B4, and 45 days for B5). The variables that were noticed were the egg weight loss and shell thickness. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and further analyzed using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT), utilizing SPSS version 16.0. The results suggest that the interaction between the kind of oil and storage length didn’t have significant consequences (P&gt;0.05) egg weight loss and shell thickness. The type of oil significantly affects (P&lt;0.05) shell thickness. The storage duration at room temperature significantly affects (P&lt;0.05) on the egg weight loss and shell thickness. In conclusion, the best treatment for dipping eggs is using pure coconut oil and storing them at room temperature for up to 40 days.

Comparison of the “Late Catch-Up” Phenomenon Between BuMA Supreme and XIENCE Stents Through Serial Optical Coherence Tomography at 1–2 Month and 2 Year Follow-Ups: A Multicenter Study

Objectives: This study was aimed at comparing the “late catch-up” phenomenon between the BuMA Supreme bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent and the XIENCE stent through serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) at within 2 months and 2 year follow-ups. Methods: A total of 49 of 75 patients from the PIONEER-II study were enrolled in a 2 year OCT follow-up study; 44 patients with 50 lesions were included in the statistical analysis. The primary endpoints were neointimal thickness and late luminal loss (LLL) after stent implantation. Results: The stenosis diameter, and minimum in-stent or in-segment diameter, did not significantly differ between the BuMA Supreme and XIENCE arms at within 2 months and 2 year follow-ups. The strut neointimal coverage and thickness were greater in the BuMA group than the XIENCE group at the 1 and 2 month follow-ups (P = 0.044 and P = 0.010, respectively) but not at the 2 year OCT follow-up. Neither early luminal loss at the within 2 months follow-up (P = 0.849) nor LLL at the 2 year OCT follow-up (P = 0.613) showed differences between device arms. No significant differences in imaging and clinical endpoints were observed between device arms at follow-up. Conclusions: The BuMA Supreme stent’s faster re-endothelization with no “late catch-up” phenomenon has potential advantages over the XIECE stent for patients with coronary artery disease and high bleeding risk because it decreases the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy.

Surgical reconstruction of a composite nasomaxillary and superior labial defect in a dog with a fascia lata graft, titanium mesh implant and angularis oris axial pattern flap.

To document the successful surgical reconstruction of a composite nasomaxillary and superior labial defect using a fascia lata graft, titanium mesh and angularis oris axial pattern flap in a dog. An estimated 2-year-old female intact mixed-breed dog was presented with a composite (hard and soft tissue) nasomaxillary defect, suspected to be caused by a chemical burn. Physical examination revealed nasal discharge, exposed bilateral maxilla and nasal bone, nasomaxillary fistula with air movement, and intrinsic discoloration of the left maxillary canine tooth. The soft tissue lesion extended from the nasal planum rostrally to the medial canthus of the left eye distally and from the right maxillary bone to include a full thickness loss of the left maxillary labium laterally. Computed tomographic images of the head showed chronic osteomyelitis of the maxilla, zygomatic and nasal bones with nasomaxillary fistula and numerous exposed roots of the left maxillary premolars. Staged surgical procedures to address the dentition and nasomaxillary defect were planned. The first procedure consisted of the extraction of periodontally compromised left maxillary premolars, and standard root canal therapy of bilateral maxillary canine teeth. The second procedure consisted of debridement of the non-vital soft and hard tissues and surgical reconstruction of the nasomaxillary defect after virtual surgical planning. Head computed tomography performed 5 months post-operatively revealed a decrease in the size of the osseous defect as well as the resolution of rhinitis. This case demonstrates the feasibility of using a combination of soft tissue graft, titanium mesh, and axial pattern flap in managing nasomaxillary defects. Such defects can lead to chronic rhinitis, infection, discomfort, and long-term morbidity. This case report provides a novel but practical approach for managing defects in the nasomaxillary region in dogs.

Postoperative RNFL-Changes after Successful Trabeculectomy: 2-Year Outcomes.

The most important tool in glaucoma therapy is to lower the intraocular pressure to slow down the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. Trabeculectomy (TE) is considered the gold standard in glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse the postoperative changes in retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after TE. We examined 40 patients naïve to prior glaucoma surgery retrospectively, who received a TE for medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP-lowering medication, mean deviation of perimetry, visual acuity and peripapillary RNFL-thickness using OCT were evaluated during the first 24 month after TE. In total 40 eyes from 40 patients were treated with TE. Mean IOP decreased from 25.0 ± 0,9 to 13.9 ± 0.6 (p < 0.01), and the mean number of IOP-lowering eye drops from 3.3 ± 0.2 to 0.5 ± 0.2 (p < 0.01). Visual acuity and mean deviation in perimetry remained stable while mean global RNFL-thickness decreased from 67.8 ± 2.9 to 63.7 ± 2.9 (p < 0.01) and 63.4 ± 2.9 µm (p < 0.01) 12 and 24 months after TE. The TE is an effective method to reduce the IOD and the amount of IOP-lowering medication. Nevertheless, a significant further loss in RNFL thickness was observed in the first 12 months after TE. Thus, RNFL changes seem to stabilise only after a protracted period.