Circular External Fixation Frames with Divergent Half Pins: A Pilot Biomechanical Study

The use of hexapod circular external fixators has simplified the ability to correct complex limb deformities without cumbersome frame reconfigurations. These frames are applied primarily using half pin mountings and may be difficult to utilize given the constraints of traditional half pin constructs. We compared the biomechanical performance of simplified divergent half pin frames to mountings currently being utilized for application of hexapod frames. Three 6-mm half pins per limb segment were placed into sawbones at 60° divergent angles in both the sagittal and coronal planes in a 2-cm diaphyseal fracture gap model. Pin mountings were attached to a standardized four-ring construct. This was compared to similar four-ring frames with two differing pin/wire configurations: (1) two tensioned wires per ring placed at 90° angles, a total eight wires; and (2) two 5-mm half pins per ring placed at 90° angles, a total eight half pins. The divergent 6-mm half pin frames demonstrated similar performance compared the standardized tensioned wire and 5-mm half pin frames in terms of axial micromotion and angular deflection. Based on the mechanical performance of these divergent half pin frames we believe they can be used clinically without detrimental consequences. One or more of the authors (JTW) has received funding from Smith & Nephew.     

One-dimensional measurements of physiological movements of the jugular region using optical coherence tomography

In order to design a semi-automatic laser scalpel for tissue resection in the neck area, it was necessary to examine the biomechanical behavior of these tissues. The aim and scope of this project was to identify if, and to what extent, the tissues shift as a result of respiration and circulation as well as to quantifying not only the amplitude and velocity of these movements but also the modulation. It is important since these movements have to be followed by the laser scalpel. We recorded one-dimensional (1-D) time-related optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements at defined points on the surface of the neck. The result is the quantification of tissue shifting in the direction of the OCT-line of sight, which means that the z-axis is in direction of the depth, i.e. into the body. The preliminary results of the basic experiments shown here will be used for acquisition and definition of data sets which are necessary to evaluate the technical feasibility of a laser therapy system controlled by OCT, with reference to precision and safety.     

Diagnostik und Therapie lymphoider Tumoren der Orbita

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Abkl?rung raumfordernder orbitaler Prozesse erfordert neben einer modernen bildgebenden Diagnostik ein interdisziplin?res Konzept, in das der HNO-Arzt wegen der rhinochirurgischen Zugangsm?glichkeit zur Orbita unmittelbar eingebunden ist. Patienten: Innerhalb von 14 Jahren wurde bei 6 Patienten ein prim?res malignes Lymphom der Orbita sowie bei 9 Patienten ein Pseudotumor orbitae bzw. Pseudolymphom diagnostiziert. Leitsymptome waren in den meisten F?llen eine Protrusio bulbi, schmerzhafte Lidschwellung mit Diplopie und in 3 F?llen eine Visusminderung. In der bildgebenden Diagnostik lie?en sich homogene, von den Orbitastrukturen unscharf abgrenzbare Gewebevermehrung erkennen, die über eine mediale Orbitotomie biopsiert wurden. Ergebnisse: Therapeutisch wurde bei den isolierten Lymphomen eine Bestrahlung durchgeführt, w?hrend bei den Patienten mit einem „Pseudotumor orbitae” zun?chst eine Steroidgabe versucht wurde. In 2 F?llen wurde zus?tzlich eine Bestrahlung veranla?t. W?hrend es bei keinem Fall eines „Pseudotumors orbitae” zu einer malignen Transformation gekommen ist, verstarben 2 Patienten an einem sp?ter disseminierten Non-Hodgkin-Lymphom. Schlu?folgerung: Die Abgrenzung orbitaler lymphatischer Raumforderungen ist mit indirekten Verfahren nicht zuverl?ssig m?glich, weswegen in jedem unklaren Fall eine histologische Abkl?rung erforderlich ist. Je nach Lokalisation des Prozesses bietet sich hierbei ein komplikationsarmer rhinochirurgischer Zugang zur Durchführung der Biopsie und gegebenenfalls Exstirpation des Tumors an. Eingegangen am 28. Januar 1997Angenommen am 25. M?rz 1997     

Blood pressure and its influencing factors in a national representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN Study.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the blood pressure (BP) percentile curves by height, as well as to assess the prevalence of high BP and its influencing factors among children in the first national survey in this field in Iran. DESIGN: A multicentre national cross-sectional survey. METHODS: This study was performed in 23 provinces among a representative sample of 21,111 students aged 6-18 years. RESULTS: Age and sex-specific percentile curves of systolic and diastolic BP were obtained by height. A comparison of the values obtained corresponding to the 90th percentiles with the Second Task Force cut-offs showed that the BP values and trends were relatively similar in both studies. The overall prevalence of systolic, diastolic as well as systolic or diastolic hypertension according to the Second Task Force study 95th percentile cut-off points were 4.2, 5.4 and 7.7%, respectively, without a significant sex difference. A history of low birthweight, overweight, taller height, the consumption of solid hydrogenated fat, as well as the frequency of fast food consumption increased the risk of both systolic and diastolic hypertension. Male sex, large waist, and low education of the mother were the risks for systolic hypertension, whereas the risk of diastolic hypertension rose with living in an urban area, attending public school, low physical activity level, having a housewife mother, and a positive family history of obesity, especially in the parents. CONCLUSION: Considering the effect of modifiable environmental factors on the childrens' BP, encouraging breast feeding and a healthy lifestyle may have an important effect on public health.     

3D Cell Culturing and Possibilities for Myometrial Tissue Engineering

Research insights into uterine function and the mechanisms of labour have been hindered by the lack of suitable animal and cellular models. The use of traditional culturing methods limits the exploration of complex uterine functions, such as cell interactions, connectivity and contractile behaviour, as it fails to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) nature of uterine cell interactions in vivo. Animal models are an option, however, use of these models is constrained by ethical considerations as well as translational limitations to humans. Evidence indicates that these limitations can be overcome by using 3D culture systems, or 3D Bioprinters, to model the in vivo cytological architecture of the tissue in an in vitro environment. 3D cultured or 3D printed cells can be used to form an artificial tissue. This artificial tissue can not only be used as an appropriate model in which to study cellular function and organisation, but could also be used for regenerative medicine purposes including organ or tissue transplantation, organ donation and obstetric care. The current review describes recent developments in cell culture that can facilitate the development of myometrial 3D structures and tissue engineering applications.     

The vestibulocochlear nerve: aplasia and hypoplasia in combination with inner ear malformations

Objective  

To determine features of hypoplasia and aplasia of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VCN) in combination with inner ear malformations (IEMs).