Cam Type Research Articles

The use of complementary and alternative medicine for functional gastrointestinal disorders among the saudi population

Background and objectiveComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a common practice among patients, who experience functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Among the Saudi population, less is known about CAM use for FGID. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of CAM utilization for FGID amongst the Saudi population and determine the types of CAM used for treatment. MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during February 2023 through social media platforms using questionnaires adopted from the literature. There were three sections in the questionnaire including demographic information, questions to determine the prevalence of CAM use for FGID, the types of FGID, and the types of CAM utilization, and questions on the sources of information about CAM. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to find factors associated with CAM use. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. ResultsA total of 828 people participated in this study. The overall prevalence of CAM use for FGID problems was 87.2 %. There were no significant differences in CAM use for FGID problems between men (87.5 %) and women (86.3 %) (P = 0.727). The most commonly used types of CAM for FGID were ginger (73.4 %), chamomile (66.6 %), mint (61.6 %), turmeric (59.0 %), anise (55.5 %), fennel (43.1 %), and Activia yogurt©️ (42.7 %). The most common FGID disorders for utilizing CAM were IBS (29.9 %), followed by constipation (29.8 %), dyspepsia (22.7 %), and bloating (17.0 %). In the multivariable regression, age, gender and employment status did not have an impact on the odds of using CAM. The subjects who had high school, university, and postgraduate education had significant odds ratios of CAM use (OR = 2.73; 95 % CI: 1.22–6.13), (OR = 4.18; 95 % CI: 2.03–8.58), and (OR = 20.85; 95 % CI: 5.51–78.80), respectively, compared to subjects who did not complete high school. Participants who had private insurance had a significant odds ratio (OR = 0.27; 95 % CI: 0.14–0.55) compared to governmental insurance. ConclusionThe use of CAM among the Saudi population is alarmingly high; however, the lack of standardized medical recommendations and treatment options may be the cause. Although there were no significant gender differences, participants with higher educational levels and private insurance coverage were more likely to use CAM for FGID. Patients suffering from FGID and limited access to medical advice and treatment options are vulnerable to being exposed to dubious and incredible information sources. Expanding access to preventative medical services, funding governmental medical websites to provide credible information, educating healthcare professionals about FGID, and conducting more research in safe and effective treatments for FGID is recommended.

Risk factors for hip osteoarthritis after arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement

To investigate the risk factors of hip osteoarthritis（HOA） after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoro-acetabular impingement（FAI） syndrome, and to reduce and prevent HOA. From September 2018 to September 2020, 106 patients with FAI underwent hip arthroscopy, including 40 males and 66 females, aged from 20 to 55 years old with an average age of （33.05±10.19） years old. The mechanism of injury included 51 cases for sports injury, 36 for traffic accidents, and 19 for blunt object injury. The duration of the disease ranged from 5 to 19 days with an average of （12.02±3.69） days. All patients were followed up for 18 months. Patients were divided into HOA group （23 cases） and non-HOA group （83 cases） according to the occurrence of HOA. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of HOA after hip arthroscopy in FAI patients. By univariate analysis, aged from 50 to 70 years old, female, body mass index（BMI）> 30 kg·m-2, physical labor, cam type, postoperative infection, last follow-up hip degree of motion （range of motion, ROM） （flexion, abduction, adduction, internal rotation） and Tönnis grade 1 and above of the HOA group were higher than those of the non-HOA group （P<0.05）, and the relative appendicular skeletal muscle index （RASM） was lower than that of non-HOA group（P<0.05）. By multiple Logistic regression analysis, cam type, BMI>30 kg·m-2, last follow-up hip internal rotation ROM and Tönnis grade 1 were risk factors for HOA after hip arthroscopy in FAI patients （P<0.05）. FAI classification, body mass index, hip ROM and Tönnis grade are all related to HOA after hip arthroscopy in FAI patients. Follow-up and intervention should be strengthened in high-risk FAI patients to reduce the occurrence of HOA.

Prevalence of hip femoroacetabular impingement deformities in high-level (La Liga) male professional football players.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is considered one of the main causes of hip osteoarthritis in young adults, especially in athletes. In recent years, morphological changes in FAI in the hip have been linked to early and intense sports participation, but studying top-level athlete samples is not easy. This paper presents the prevalence of FAI radiological markers in 120 active white male professional football players in the Spanish First Division League (La Liga) and compares the morphological changes with those of a control group of healthy individuals without significant sport activity. The precontract medical evaluation hip X-rays of 120 white male professional football players from four different First Division Spanish football teams were prospectively filed and retrospectively reviewed by a dedicated skeletal radiologist. The footballers' hip X-rays were compared with those of a control group of 80 healthy individuals (age-sex matched) without significant sport activity (obtained from routine work medical checks). The femoral head-neck deformity associated with the Cam type of femoroacetabular impingement was observed in 61.6% of professional football players and only in 11.6% of the control group (p <0.01). The presence of "herniation pit" (11.6%) and os acetabuli (13.3%) also reached statistical significance in the professional football players group. In the other analyzed parameters, no statistically significant differences between the groups were observed. White professional top-level football players have an increased incidence of abnormal lateral epiphyseal extension ("pistol grip deformity"), os acetabuli and herniation pits.

Trends in the use of complementary and alternative medicine between 1987 and 2021 in Denmark

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely and increasingly used worldwide during the past decades. Nevertheless, studies in long-term trends of CAM use are limited. The aim of this study was to assess long-term trends in the prevalence of CAM use (both overall and for specific CAMs) between 1987 and 2021 in the adult Danish population and to examine certain sociodemographic characteristics of CAM users.MethodsData derived from nationally representative health surveys in the general adult population (≥ 16 years) in Denmark (the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys) conducted in 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2021. The response proportion declined from 79.9% in 1987 to 45.4% in 2021. CAM use was assessed by questions on ever use of specific types of CAMs and overall use within the past 12 months. Differences in use of CAMs across educational levels were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII).ResultsAn overall increase in the prevalence of CAM use within the past 12 months was found between 1987 (10.0%) and 2021 (24.0%). However, a stagnation was observed between 2010 and 2017, after which the prevalence decreased in 2021. In all survey waves, the prevalence was higher among women than men. For both sexes, the prevalence tended to be highest among respondents aged 25–44 years and 45–64 years. The group with 13–14 years of education had the highest prevalence of CAM use compared to the other educational groups (< 10 years, 10–12 years, and ≥ 15 years). SII values for both men and women increased between 1987 and 2021, which indicates an increase in differences of CAM use across educational groups. In all survey waves the most frequently used CAMs included massage and other manipulative therapies, acupuncture, and reflexology.ConclusionsThe use of CAM has increased markedly within the last decades and recently stagnated at high levels, which underlines the importance of securing high quality information and education for the public, health professionals, and legislators to ensure and promote safe use of CAMs.

Prevalence and varieties of complementary and alternative medicine usage among individuals with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease in Taiwan: an investigative cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used in the general population, yet only limited data are available regarding the prevalence of these medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hence, our study aimed to explore the prevalence and types of CAM in Taiwanese patients with CKD.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted by face-to-face interview of 275 pre-dialysis patients without dialysis treatment or kidney transplant at an outpatient nephrology clinic in Taiwan from March 2021 to June 2023. The study outcomes were the prevalence of CAM, CAM types, reasons for using CAM, and sources of information about CAM.ResultsOverall, 128 patients (46.5%) were using CAM, but no significant differences from non-CAM users in the various CKD stages (p = 0.156) were found. CAM usage was high in the age range of 20–60 years and duration of CKD ≤ 5 years (p < 0.05). The most commonly used type of CAM was nutritional approaches (79.7%), followed by other complementary health approaches (26.6%). The most commonly utilized modalities of CAM were vitamins and minerals (38.3%), and only 27.1% of patients disclosed their CAM use to their physicians. The most common sources of information about CAM were family and friends, cited by 66% of the participants. Health promotion and a proactive attitude were reported by 40% of users as the reasons for using CAM.ConclusionsThe present study provides data on the CAM usage among CKD patients and adds to the increasing evidence on CAM use. Because some of these practices have safety concerns, better education from healthcare providers on the risks and benefits of CAM therapy is needed by CKD patients.

Research on a Novel CRSM for a Type of QZS Vibration Isolator

Quasi-zero stiffness is usually abbreviated as QZS. This kind of QZS isolator has a negative stiffness mechanism, which is usually a spring mechanism (NSSM), thus possessing excellent isolation performance. However, it is prone to instability under low-frequency and large amplitude excitation. In response to this situation, a novel type of cam and roller spring mechanism (CRSM) is designed. This mechanism is composed of an arc-shaped groove, a rolling element, a spring, and a sliding pair. Use the combination of CRSM and NSSM to improve the stability of QZS isolators and prevent instability. Under two typical excitations, simulation tests in SIMULINK are conducted to analyze the vibration attenuation performance of the improved isolator and the role of CRSM in improving stability. The conclusion is that CRSM can greatly improve stability without reducing vibration damping performance.

Clinical Presentation Differences Among Four Subtypes of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case-Control Study.

The aims of this study were to assess the psychological, functional, and physical differences between patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and individuals who were asymptomatic (controls) to analyze clinical differences among 4 subtypes of FAI (cam type, cam type with labral tear, pincer type, and pincer type with labral tear), to calculate the correlations among the variables described, and to identify risk factors contributing to the hip function variance. A case-control study was conducted at a hospital rehabilitation unit with a cohort of individuals who were asymptomatic (controls) and a cohort of patients with FAI. Sociodemographic characteristics, pain intensity, psychological health status, hip range of motion (RoM), hip isometric strength, and hip function were assessed. A total of 69 controls and 69 patients with FAI were analyzed. Although sociodemographic characteristics were comparable between samples, poorer hip RoM, strength, and psychological health were found for the cases. FAI subtypes showed no significant pain intensity, psychological health, or RoM differences (except for hip adduction), but hip strength differed among FAI subtypes. Multiple significant correlations between psychological health, pain intensity, RoM, strength, and hip function were found. The variance values of the International Hip Outcome Tool, Hip Outcome Score (HOS) for daily living activities, and HOS for sports activities were partially explained (47.6%, 36.0%, and 21.6%, respectively) on the basis of kinesiophobia, hip strength, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Patients with FAI showed poorer psychological health, hip RoM, and strength than individuals who were asymptomatic and had similar sociodemographic characteristics. FAI subtype influenced the patients' clinical presentations. Hip strength, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and self-efficacy should be targeted for improving hip function, as they have been demonstrated to be important contributors to hip disability. This study demonstrated that pain catastrophizing, hip strength, and hip adduction differed among FAI subtypes. However, hip function and pain intensity were comparable between FAI subtypes.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward complementary alternative medicine in the UAE: A cross- sectional study

IntroductionComplementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) encompasses utilization of traditional approaches in treating illnesses. The literature on CAM in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows varying awarness and practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards CAM in the UAE. MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional design and collected data between January and March 2023 from adults in the UAE. Using convenience sampling, participants were invited to participate from public areas. A total of 964 individuals participated in the study by filling the survey electronically. Data were collecting using the CAM knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire. This study received ethical approval from Research Ethics and Integrity Committee at the Higher Colleges of Technology. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 31.32 years (+-10.66). The majority of the participants were Emirati (89.5 %), female (71.6 %), married (54.4 %) and held a bachelor's degree (40.4 %). Data on CAM knowledge showed that 66.7 % of the participants recognized CAM, mostly from family and friends (38 %). More than half (56.5 %) of the participants recognized the types of CAM, with Hijama as the most well known type. The majority of the participants (80.1 %) had a positive attitude toward CAM practice. Separated participants were 3.187 times less likely to exhibit positive attitude toward CAM than single participants (OR = -3.187., 95 %CI [.005, 0.345]) and Muslims were 3.517 times more likely to exhibit positive attitude toward CAM (OR = -3.517., 95 %CI [4.717, 240.673]). Moreover, 39.3 % of the participants tried CAM mostly to relieve pain (54.8 %). There was a significant correlation between age and knowledge about CAM (r = 0.147, p < 0.001) and between knowledge and attitude toward CAM (r = 0.149, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between attitude toward CAM and knowledge about Hijama (r = 0.136, p < 0.001), acupuncture (r = 0.192, p < 0.001), dietary supplements (r = 0.180, p < 0.001), and herbal medicine (r = 0.161, p < 0.001). ConclusionIn the UAE, there is considerable knowledge and acceptance of CAM. Recommendations are geared toward the involvement of healthcare professionals in CAM prescription and control. Community awareness about CAM is recommended to bridge the gap between safety, risks and benefits.

Thermo-hydraulic efficiency enhancing: Optimized ladder fold baffle structure with cam and circle tube bundle

In this article, the design and thermo-hydraulic efficiency of a shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) having ladder fold baffle equipped by two configurations with pore and without pore considering two types of tube bundles, cam and circular, are investigated numerically. Three-dimensional STHE is simulated employing the Solid Works Flow Simulation software. A numerical approach is performed for different values of mass flow rate from 0.5 to 2 kg/s, baffle height of 0, 20, and 40, and baffle pitch of 85.7, 60, and 46.15. STHE pressure drop, heat transfer, and efficiency evaluation coefficient (EEC) for different arrangements have been performed to study the STHE fluid flow and heat transfer. Obtained results for a ladder fold baffle and two studied types of tube bundles, cam, and circle, are provided, and thermo-hydraulic performance is compared with the current baffle structure. Based on the obtained results, an increase of 12.2% and 17.4% in pressure drop with increasing baffle height from 0 to 20 mm and from 20 to 40 mm was observed for circular tube bundles without pores, respectively. Related values for the case with pore are 14% and 14%. These values for the cam tube bundle are 12% and 15% without pores and 3% and 9% with pores. In addition, at an angle of 0, 20, and 40° in the case without pore, the EEC factor increased by 2.31%, 15.67%, and 15.47% compared to the case with pore for the cam tube bundle. The perforated ladder fold baffle showed the best performance with pitch and height of 85.7 mm and 40 mm, respectively.

Alternative medicine therapies in neurological disorders: Prevalence, reasons and associated factors. A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence of CAM use in patients with neurological disorders, and also to know most frequent types of CAM used. Five databases: PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Latindex and Scielo (in English and Spanish) were searched from January 2010 to May 2021. Only original cross-sectional, retrospective and cohort studies were included, whose primary objective was to describe the frequency of CAM use in neurological disorders and/or the related factors to its use in adults. Based on the data, a descriptive analysis was performed, covering the characteristics of studies, measuring methods, prevalence, types and related factors. To control the risk of bias, a quality assessment of each study was performed using STROBE checklist. For the final analysis, 40 studies were included. Most common pathologies observed in the studies were multiple sclerosis, headache, stroke, Parkinson and epilepsy. The STROBE score of studies ranged from 13 to 22 points, with an average of 18.2. Prevalence of CAM use was highly variable from one study to another (16% in stroke patients, to 100% in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injury patients). Biological therapies (dietary supplements and herbal medicine) were the most commonly CAM types used. The associated factors identified were female sex, an age between 40 and 50 years, and higher socioeconomic level. Not all studies investigated about the results of CAMs but these ranged from 35% to more than 80% of reporting positive effects. The prevalence of CAM use in neurological diseases is highly variable (16%-100%); the most used type of CAM was biological therapies and the associated factors were female sex, age between 40 and 50 years old and high socioeconomic level.

Comparative Study about Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Finish of Constant-Breadth Cams Manufactured by FFF and CNC Milling

In this work, the design, manufacture and measurement process of constant-breadth cams is presented. The motion law of the cam was designed by means of Bézier curves and the corresponding design desmodromic constraints. The cams were manufactured in two different materials employing two different processes: PLA cams with fused filament fabrication (FFF) and aluminium cams with computer numerical control (CNC) milling. The main aim of this work is to compare both types of cams regarding dimensional accuracy and surface finish, in order to evaluate if it would be possible to temporally replace a metallic cam with a plastic one during the repair of the first one. Dimensions were measured with micrometres and surface roughness with a contact roughness meter. The results show that, in diametral dimensions, similar dimensional error values were obtained for both the 3D-printed and the machined cams. However, in longitudinal dimensions, whose direction is perpendicular to the 3D-printed layers, the 3D-printed cams showed higher dimensional error than the machined ones. The average roughness Ra in the 3D-printed cams was 20 times higher than in the milled cams. According to the results, it would be recommended to temporally replace metallic cams with plastic ones in applications of low-power transmission. Given that in the literature little information is available about the measurement of 3D-printed desmodromic cams, this work will contribute to the study and analysis of this kind of 3D printed mechanism.

Midterm results after arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty combined with labral debridement for cam type femoroacetabular impingement in active adults

IntroductionArthroscopic labral procedures are frequently undertaken in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The role of arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty is well established, but less is known about labral procedures. This study evaluates the midterm efficacy and feasibility of arthroscopic osteoplasty with concomitant labral debridement for cam impingement in active adults.MethodsThe present study was conducted according to the STROBE Statement. All 108 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for cam type FAI combined with labral debridement were considered. Axial and anteroposterior plain radiographs of the pelvis were obtained preoperatively to identify the cam deformity and assess the presence of osteoarthritis, the lateral centre-edge angle, and the alpha angle. The ROM (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and intra/extra rotation) was evaluated. The following PROMs were administered: visual analogic scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale, non-arthritic hip score (NAHS), the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) overall score, and related subscales: symptoms and functional limitations, sports and recreational activities, job-related concerns, and social, emotional, and lifestyle concerns.ResultsAt a mean of 2.0 ± 1.1 months, all 108 patients returned to their daily activities with no limitation. At a mean of 2.6 ± 1.4 months, all 108 patients were able to return to sport with no limitation. At 11.9 ± 2.1-month follow-up, no differences were reported in the range of motion compared to baseline: flexion (P = 0.3), extension (P = 0.09), abduction (P = 0.1), adduction (P = 0.3), internal rotation (P = 0.4), and external rotation (P = 0.6). At 72.8 ± 21.7-month follow-up, the mean VAS score was 1.7 ± 3.0, Tegner Activity Scale 3.5 ± 1.4, NAHS 92.1 ± 21.5, iHOT33 83.3 ± 27.2. At a mean of 21.7 ± 15.5 months following the index procedure, 14 of 108 patients had undergone total hip arthroplasty. No further revisions or complications were reported.ConclusionArthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty with concomitant labral debridement for cam type of FAI in active adults yields the reliable results, with a rate of progression to total hip arthroplasty of 13% (14 of 108) at 3-year follow-up. All patients returned to their daily activities with no limitation 2 months postoperatively. Within 3 months, all patients returned to sport with no limitations. No complication related to the index procedure was reported, and no further arthroscopic procedures were necessary.

ANALYSIS OF FOOD ADDITIVES IN THE PRODUCTION OF SAUSAGES

Portulaca oleracea L., considered by many a weed, is in fact a plant with multiple food and medicinal values, and with a specific adaptation to stress conditions. Grown in water supply option conditions, the plant has a C4 type metabolism, but in drought conditions, it uses the way of closing the stomata during the day, achieving a CAM type metabolism. The high values ​​of the stomatal conductance recorded in the dark and the high contentof malic acid in the leaves especially in the morning, indicate this adaptation.Plants exposed to water stress also showed higher values ​​of suction force and higher percentages of bound water.

Теоретичне обґрунтування конструктивних особливостей котка для передпосівного обробітку ґрунту

The article presents the results of exploratory theoretical studies of the design features of a roller for pre-sowing tillage. According to the number of operations, the rolling roller can be considered as one of the main means for ensuring high-quality preparation of the field for sowing. Therefore, the rolling process must be considered as a complex of operations, and its construction as a combination of the latter. The technological process of rolling helps to optimally place the seeds at a given depth, improves the contact between the seeds and the soil, and contributes to the rapid swelling and germination of the seeds. The main purpose of rolling is to conserve soil moisture, especially in arid conditions, by reducing physical evaporation. The analysis of the existing designs of domestic and foreign manufacturers of rolling rollers for pre-sowing soil cultivation and the technological process they perform showed that today the range of designs is growing, versatility is decreasing, each type of work requires its own roller, continuous formation of the compacted bottom of the seedbed with modern rollers in is not fully implemented. The main direction on which foreign roller manufacturers are working is strip rolling and preparation of the seed bed directly along the track of the coulters if the roller is part of the seeding unit. In addition to the classic ones, there are practically no cats for continuous rolling in the company's assortment. It has been established that the technological process will be more rational when rolling occurs not only in the upper layers of the soil, but also in the lower ones. For this purpose, a combined rolling roller with working elements of the cam type was proposed. A mathematical model of the interaction of the rolling roller and its elements with the soil has been developed. The proposed mathematical model of the working process of the improved roller allows to establish the nature of the specific pressure distribution depending on the constructive parameters of the roller elements and the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. The effectiveness of the proposed design of the rolling roller is ensured by the fact that due to the design of the working surface and cams, it is possible to ensure uniform compaction of the soil along the width of the grip of the roller and to the required depth and reduce the number of passes of the roller to ensure the necessary uniformity of compaction.

An experiment demonstrating the capability of a symmetrical layout type double crystal monochromator controlled using electronic cam technology

A demonstration test of a newly developed double crystal monochromator was performed on beamline BL06 in the NewSUBARU synchrotron radiation facility of Hyogo University. Due to the symmetrical layout of the 1st crystal and 2nd crystal units of the monochromator, a maximum rotation speed of the main axis of up to 5.0 degrees/sec could be achieved. The monochromator is controlled by a newly developed control board programmed with an electronic cam algorithm. The control system allows the speed of both Z1 and Z2 axes to be successively synchronized as the Bragg angle changes. The Z 1 and Z 2 axes are moved apart by equal amounts from the center of gravity of the monochromator as the Bragg angle is increased. Also, the speed at which the Z1 and Z2 axes are moved apart increases with larger Bragg angle. This newly developed monochromator can maintain a stable exit beam height just as well as previous mechanical cam type monochromators proved on the height of the exit beam measured by an encoder system and observed by fluorescent screen. Due to the symmetrical layout and newly developed control system, the monochromator is suitable for industrial use because it can handle a wide energy range and allows high-throughput experiments to be carried out.

Efficacy of cheilectomy in patients with bilateral healed legg calves perthes disease

Legg calves Perthes disease (LCPD) is caused mainly due to idiopathic osteonecrosis or AVN of the proximal femoral epiphysis leading to remodelling during period of development, this will gradually progress into onset of hip osteoarthritis depending upon the rate at which the sphericity and congruency of the femoral head deteriorate. LCPD is usually associated with a hinge abduction deformity, in this condition the major aspherical portion of the head is shifted laterally, in such deformity; Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy has to been utilized for correction. Cheilectomy deals with excision of exuberant portion of femoral head epiphysis, thereby eliminating hinged abduction and facilitating containment, which also maintains the blood supply, buy protecting the surrounding soft tissue structures. We have included 10 patients for this study, from age group 9-16yrs, between July 15th to April 18. The criteria for patient selection being primarily adolescent age with radiological evidence of LCPD, with coxa plana and decreased range of motion. Patient under 10 years of age and with history of previous surgeries have been excluded. All the patients were planned preoperatively and operated under spinal anaesthesia. Through posterior kocherlangenback approach, capsulotomy was doneposterior-superiorly and lateral protuberance was identified and excised. A common feature through most surgeries being femoro-acetabular impingement (CAM type) secondary to aspherical femoral head. There were a total of 7 cases of complex CAM type deformities and 3 pincer induced deformities. Postoperatively weight bearing and ROM was restricted for 4 weeks. Physiotherapy protocol was followed for improving ROM. Patients were followed at 4,8,12 weeks to evaluate clinical and radiological progress.Majority of the patient experienced improved pain after surgical intervention and 1 patient had worsening of pain at 3 months of followup. 2 patients had complication of delayed wound healing due to superficial infections. No further complications such as osteonecrosis and non-union were not observed.Though this study we can conclude that osteochondroplasty of the femoral head and neck performed in conjunction with other procedures, through the surgical dislocation of hip approach has improved pain and restored function in a majority of the patients, while avoiding any dreaded complications. Although the results were satisfactory in a 3 month follow up, we may conclude that a long term follow up is needed for the efficacy of this method in restoration of painless joint function and avoidance of arthroplasty at a later date.

Development of Harmonic Drive Combining Four Arcs for Conventional Kinematic Application

This paper proposes a modified harmonic cam, which is used to design a harmonic drive. Conventional harmonic drives using a sinusoidal cam type pertain to an elastic body concept and are thus difficult to design and evaluate. Unlike the conventional sinusoidal cam, the proposed harmonic cam involves a combination of four arcs. Such cams can be designed based on a rigid body concept, and thus, the tooth profile can be designed and analyzed using the established gear theory. The novel harmonic cam is designed by exploiting four-arc combinations, and guides for designing harmonic drives with involute and cycloid angular teeth are presented. A harmonic drive with a difference of two teeth between the circular spline and flex spline is designed. The operation, tooth engagement, and interference are validated through a mock-up production using a 3D printer and gear simulation program. The findings can facilitate the facile design and manufacturing of harmonic drives.

Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the Spanish Version of the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12Sv).

Objective: To develop a Spanish version of the international Hip Outcome Tool questionnaire (iHOT-12Sv) for assessing the psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, convergent validity, test−retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects) of this version in physically active patients with hip pain. Methods: After conducting the translation and transcultural adaptation, a consecutive sample of patients with labral tear injury and/or femoroacetabular impingement (Pincer or Cam type) were recruited in a Spanish Hospital. Patients completed the iHOT-12Sv and the Spanish version of the iHOT-33 and the Hip Outcome Score (HOS). Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha; convergent validity was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients (Rho) with iHOT-33 and HOS; test−retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable changes (MDC); and floor and ceiling effects were calculated as the percentage of patients who obtained the minimum and maximum score. Results: One hundred and fifty-three patients (64.7% males) participated in this study. Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 revealed the excellent internal consistency. In addition, the iHOT-12Sv demonstrated strong to very strong correlations with the HOS (Rho ranged from 0.741 to 0.827; p < 0.001) and the iHOT-33 (Rho = 0.932; p < 0.001), respectively; acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86 to 0.94); SEM = 6.21 and MDC = 17.22; and no floor or ceiling effects were found. Conclusions: The iHOT-12Sv can be used as a valid and reliable tool for clinical evaluation of physically active patients with hip pathology. However, the full version is preferable for research purposes aiming to assess changes in hip function.

An Acute Hip Injury Correlated With An Exacerbation Of Urinary Symptoms In A Dancer

HISTORY23-year-old female dancer sustained an acute right hip/groin injury during a rond-de-jambe movement (requiring a combination of hip abduction, extension and external rotation). She had a sensation of a pop at the time of injury, followed by difficulty with external rotation as she attempted to continue to dance. Subsequent days were characterized by bruising to the inner groin and progressive medial thigh discomfort. She concurrently experienced a significant worsening of pre-existing urinary dysfunction characterized by episodes of urge incontinence and a sensation of incomplete voiding. She then developed secondary lateral hip, sacroiliac and low back discomfort. PHYSICAL EXAMShe presented to our office 6 weeks after the initial injury. She had a normal gait and symmetric hip range of motion. Right hip exam with pain at end range of passive hip flexion, and pain also with resisted testing of hip adduction, internal rotation and external rotation. She had tenderness over the anterior hip flexor tendons and at the proximal medial thigh just inferior to the pubic ramus. She was not tender to the pubic ramus. Thomas test was negative bilaterally, but she had significant tightness of quadriceps bilaterally noted on Ely’s test. An internal exam separately completed by her urogynecologist identified tightness of the pelvic floor musculature. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS adductor muscle strain, strain of deep hip rotator muscles (obturator externus, obturator internus), hip flexor tendonitis (as primary or secondary diagnosis), labral tear, pelvic floor muscle strain/tear/dysfunction, primary or secondary tightness of pelvic floor musculature, hormonal and/or bladder irritants affecting urinary function TESTS AND RESULTS 1. Xray pelvis/hip series: Well-formed acetabula, slight predisposition to CAM type FAI 2. Hip MRI: Shallow right acetabulum with mild uncovering of lateral femoral head, signs of possible labral tear, small partial intramuscular tear of the R obturator externus, strain of R iliopsoas muscle 3. Dynamic hip ultrasound - pending FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS 1.Obturator externus strain with comorbid strain of iliopsoas muscle 2.Pelvic floor dysfunction TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES 1. Dance specific PT for core and peri-pelvic stabilization 2. Pelvic floor physical therapy 3. Gradual return to dance

Factors influencing the performance of mechanical end effector during automatic transplanting of tomato seedlings

A number of elements of probabilistic nature mightily influence the picking efficiency of a transplanting mechanism. There are two key factors to be considered in the development of seedling pickup devices. One is the mechanical features of the end effector, and the other is the horticultural features of the protray seedling. The investigation aimed to find the features affecting the transplanting of protray grown tomato seedlings using mechanical end-effectors. Various mechanical linkage-picking fingers were developed and tested with an experimental setup for gripping and releasing the seedling. Two different pneumatic cylinders triggered the mechanical end effector, one for holding the seedling and then ejecting the seedling from the protray. When all the seedlings were ejected from the initial line of the protray, the endless belt shifted the protray just below the end-effector mechanism. Assessments were carried out with moisture content of media (16 ±1, 18 ±1 and 21 ±1%), mechanical end-effector (sliding plate cam type, sliding end cam type and four bar type picking finger) angle of end-effector needle (6, 8 and 10 deg.) to enhance the picking, transmission and dropping with low missing as well as harms for the seedlings. The minimum value of missing seedlings (6.55 %) and maximum success rate of picking (93.45 %) were noted at 18 ±1% of the growth media moisture content (M2) and at 8 deg. angle of gripper needle (θ2) with a sliding plate cam-type picking finger (F1). The transplanting frequency was 840 seedlings h-1.