Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Functional evaluation

The accumulation of heat inside the prosthetic socket increases skin temperature and fosters perspiration, which consequently leads to high tissue stress, friction blister, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and decreased prosthesis suspension and use. In the present study, the prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was designed, fabricated, and functionally evaluated in a phantom model of the transtibial prosthetic socket. The TM&C system was comprised of 12 thermistors divided equally into two groups that arranged internal and external to a prosthetic silicone liner. Its control system was programmed to select the required heating or cooling function of a thermal pump to provide thermal equilibrium based on the amount of temperature difference from a defined set temperature, or the amount of difference between the mean temperature recorded by inside and outside thermistors. A thin layer of aluminum was used for thermal conduction between the thermal pump and different sites around the silicone liner. The results showed functionality of the TM&C system for thermoregulation inside the prosthetic socket. However, enhancing the structure of this TM&C system, increasing its thermal power, and decreasing its weight and cost are main priorities before further development.     

Design and evaluation of a prosthetic socket for a patient with diabetic‐related transtibial amputation: A case report

This is a report of a diabetic transtibial amputee with severe pain and ulcer in the antero‐distal of the tibia. A novel prosthetic socket with an antero‐distal silicone wall was designed. The result showed that the patient''s satisfaction was increased and the average peak pressure was reduced by using the new socket design.     

Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation for Residual and Phantom Limb Pain: A Case Series

Residual limb pain (RLP) and phantom limb pain (PLP) can be debilitating and can prevent functional gains following amputation. High correlations have been reported between RLP and the stump neuromas following amputation. Many treatment methods including physical therapy, medications, and interventions, have been used with limited success. Pulsed radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) has shown promise in treating neuropathic pain because of the inhibition of evoked synaptic activity. We present 4 amputees who were treated with PRFA after failing conservative management for their RLP and PLP. All 4 patients underwent PRFA and demonstrated at least 80% relief of RLP for over 6 months. One patient reported a complete resolution of phantom sensation while another patient had significantly decreased frequency of spontaneous PLP and resolution of evoked PLP. In addition, all patients reported improved overall function including increased prosthetic tolerance and decreased oral pain medications. This case series suggests that PRFA is a viable treatment option which might be used for long‐term relief of intractable RLP and/or PLP.     

使用室内质控与能力验证数据评估测量不确定度

目的使用室内质控数据与"能力验证(PT)"数据评估临床实验室酶学项目肌酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(GGT)检测结果的测量不确定度,以找出引入不确定度的主因。方法北京市临床检验中心(BCCL)收集北京地区三级医院医学检验科CK、LDH、GGT项目同一时间段2个浓度连续3个月的室内质控数据,以各实验室室内质控数据评定实验室内测量复现性引入的相对测量不确定度[U_(rel)(R_W)];同时收集各实验室2011~2013年连续6次的PT数据,用以评定偏移引入的相对测量不确定度[Ucrel(bias)]。再通过U_(rel)(R_W)与Ucrel(bias)两个分量计算相对合成不确定度(Ucrel)和相对扩展不确定度(U_(rel))。结果测量不确定度评估结果显示,47家三级医院检验科U_(rel)(R_W)的中位数与四分位间距分别为CK:2.33、1.70,LDH:2.69、1.58,GGT:2.30、1.43;Ucrel(bias)的中位数与四分位间距分别为CK:3.92、2.40,LDH:4.84、3.17,GGT:4.33、2.70。整体而言,Ucrel(bias)明显大于U_(rel)(R_W)。CK、LDH、GGT在浓度分别为(235.3±28.5)、(234.7±26.6)、(55.0±3.0)U/L时,3个项目的U_(rel)分别为CK:10.29、5.56,LDH:12.00、6.36,GGT:10.77、4.96。结论基于室内质控与PT数据评估测量不确定度是适合目前临床实验室现状的一种简单可行的方式,减少和控制RMSrel(bias)是改善酶学结果可比性的关键。     

IHC二抗放大检测系统质控片的制备及评价

目的 本研究分别采用不同表面修饰方法处理的玻璃载玻片为基质,以一抗为对象制备二抗放大检测系统质控片.方法 将小鼠IgG作为探针固定在玻片上,采用二抗放大检测系统对不同质控片的吸附结合效果进行评价.结果 戊二醛预处理的载玻片和硅烷化预处理的载玻片对蛋白吸附较好,反应活性高.结论 通过不同二抗放大检测系统的比较表明,MaxVisionTM和EliVisionTM Super放大检测系统的检测灵敏度高,检测范围宽.EliVisionTM Super放大检测系统的显示灰度值与检测对象浓度的对数值线性化程度最高.