Ultrasonic measurement of the effects of light irradiation and presence of water on the polymerization of self‐adhesive resin cement

Self‐adhesive resin cements are useful in restorations because they reduce the number of clinical steps involved in the restoration process. This study evaluated, using ultrasonic measurements, the influence of light irradiation and the presence of water on the polymerization behavior and elastic modulus of a self‐adhesive resin cement. A self‐adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem 2 Automix) or a resin cement (RelyX ARC) was inserted into a transparent mold on a sample stage, and the presence of water and effect of light‐irradiation were evaluated. The transit time of a sonic wave through the cement disk was divided by the specimen thickness to obtain the sonic velocity, and longitudinal and shear waves were used to determine the elastic modulus. When the resin cements were light‐irradiated, the sonic velocity rapidly increased and plateaued at 2,500–2,700 m s^?1. When the cements were not irradiated, the rates of increase in the sonic velocity were reduced. When water was applied to the sample stage, the sonic velocity was reduced. The elastic modulus values of the specimens ranged from 9.9 to 15.9 GPa after 24 h. The polymerization behavior of self‐adhesive resin cements is affected by the polymerization mode and the presence of water.     

Characterization of Acoustic Droplet Vaporization for Control of Bubble Generation Under Flow Conditions

This study investigated the manipulation of bubbles generated by acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) under clinically relevant flow conditions. Optical microscopy and high-frequency ultrasound imaging were used to observe bubbles generated by 2-MHz ultrasound pulses at different time points after the onset of ADV. The dependence of the bubble population on droplet concentration, flow velocity, fluid viscosity and acoustic parameters, including acoustic pressure, pulse duration and pulse repetition frequency, was investigated. The results indicated that post-ADV bubble growth spontaneously driven by air permeation markedly affected the bubble population after insonation. The bubbles can grow to a stable equilibrium diameter as great as twice the original diameter in 0.5–1 s, as predicted by the theoretical calculation. The growth trend is independent of flow velocity, but dependent on fluid viscosity and droplet concentration, which directly influence the rate of gas uptake by bubbles and the rate of gas exchange across the wall of the semipermeable tube containing the bubbles and, hence, the gas content of the host medium. Varying the acoustic pressure does not markedly change the formation of bubbles as long as the ADV thresholds of most droplets are reached. Varying pulse duration and pulse repetition frequency markedly reduces the number of bubbles. Lengthening pulse duration favors the production of large bubbles, but reduces the total number of bubbles. Increasing the PRF interestingly provides superior performance in bubble disruption. These results also suggest that an ADV bubble population cannot be assessed simply on the basis of initial droplet size or enhancement of imaging contrast by the bubbles. Determining the optimal acoustic parameters requires careful consideration of their impact on the bubble population produced for different application scenarios.     

Biologics and immunomodulators for treating Crohn’s disease developing after surgery for an initial diagnosis of ulcerative colitis: a review of current literature

Crohn’s Disease (CD) or CD-like (CDL) conditions of the pouch are rare long-term inflammatory complications of patients who were initially diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) who undergo total proctocolectomy with ileo-anal anastomosis (IPAA). There are no societal guidelines nor a consensus on their treatment, resulting in significant challenges for clinicians for their diagnosis and management. It is important to differentiate them from other more common pouch-related complications like pouchitis, cuffitis, irritable pouch syndrome, surgery associated stricture, and fistula. In this review, we focus on the less common presentation of CD and CDL conditions of the pouch and their treatment with the use of anti-TNF therapy with or without immunomodulator.     

Analyzing psychological conditions of field-workers in the construction industry

The Korean construction industry has experienced poor labor productivity and high accident rates. Previous studies have reported that workers’ mental health can cause negative impacts on work performance; thus, enhancing workers’ psychological conditions would help achieve more productive and safer workplaces. This research aimed to understand the level of psychological conditions of construction field-workers using four categories: (1) stress (occupational stress and stress-coping style), (2) personal temperament, (3) emotional disturbance (depression and trait anxiety), and (4) drinking habits. This research used validated questionnaires commonly used in the field of clinical psychology, surveyed 430 respondents from road, bridge, tunnel, subway, and apartment construction sites in Korea, and analyzed the overall psychological tendency of construction workers with the collaboration of professional clinical psychologists using the Z-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and cross-tabulation. The research also investigated how the mental conditions differed according to different working conditions, such as demographic information, employment status, work types, work experience, and wage conditions. The results indicated that construction workers suffer from a high level of stress and showed high inclination for problem-focused coping: impulsive, cautious, and dependent on other people. Two out of five construction workers suffer from depression and experience trait anxiety. More seriously, three out of five workers show alcohol-use problems that require clinical attention. This study also revealed the particular psychological problems that occur under different working conditions. The findings can be used to promote the awareness of the importance of construction workers’ mental well-being and to help in setting targets for improvement.     

Effectiveness of ‘in-cast’ pneumatic intermittent pedal compression for the pre-operative management of closed ankle fractures: A clinical audit

BackgroundTiming of surgery for ankle fractures is largely dependent on the condition of the surrounding soft-tissues. This study aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of a pre-operative in-cast artero-venous (AV) impulse device in the management of closed ankle fractures requiring surgery.MethodsA consecutive series of 64 closed ankle fractures were managed using the AV impulse system prior to surgery. Patients were compared to 73 consecutive closed ankle fractures managed surgically in the same unit immediately prior to the implementation of the AV impulse device study. Outcomes measured were time to surgery, length of hospital stay and surgical site infections.ResultsMedian length of time to surgery, hospital stay duration and surgical site infections were all significantly reduced in the study group as compared to the control group.ConclusionsIn-cast intermittent AV compression foot pumps in the pre-operative management of closed ankle fractures were associated with earlier surgery, earlier discharge and reduced complications.     

恶性肿瘤治疗中维和策略的实施与思考

健康是一种和谐的状态,是一些成对的相反因素之间的平衡,中医学谓之"阴平阳秘,精神乃治"。人体内外环境失和,脏腑阴阳气血失调,正气亏虚,加之外邪、情志、饮食等多种因素作用于人体,就会出现虚、痰、瘀、毒等病理改变,导致肿瘤的发生发展。晚期肿瘤不能手术,不能耐受放化疗,但并非意味着"不治",可通过一定的方法和手段,维持人体内环境的相对和谐稳定,使肿瘤失去生长的环境,调动人体自身的抗病能力达到抑制肿瘤生长的目的,使患者长期带瘤生存。常用的治法有补法、消法、和法等,一般而言,发病早中期正盛邪实,正气尚盛,消法为主以祛邪;中后期正虚邪稽,正气衰败,注重补法以扶正;放化疗期则以和法为主。临床表现复杂多样,具体治法运用必须知常达变,消中有补,补中有消,和中有消,消中有和,从而获得预期效果。     

Effect of litter quality on foot pad dermatitis,hock burns and breast blisters in broiler breeders during the production period

Foot pad dermatitis and hock burn lesions are a form of contact dermatitis, a condition affecting skin areas in contact with unsuitable or irritating material. Contact dermatitis is a common problem, reducing the welfare of broilers, and is believed to also affect broiler breeders. However, there is very little research on contact dermatitis in breeders. This study followed the severity of foot pad lesions in broiler breeders throughout the production period. At slaughter the presence of hock burns and breast blisters was also determined. In addition, changes in litter condition over time and the impact of litter quality on foot pads were evaluated. The study was performed on 10 broiler breeder farms, including altogether 18 flocks. Foot pads of 100 hens per flock were assessed at the end of rearing period, three times during the production period, and at slaughter. Foot pad and hock lesions, as well as litter condition were scored on a 5-point scale. Litter quality was evaluated as pH, moisture and ammonia content. The condition of foot pads deteriorated towards slaughter age, with the occurrence of severe lesions reaching a maximum of 64% on average at slaughter. Hock lesions and breast blisters were rare. The litter layer became drier over time. Although poorer litter condition and wetness influenced foot pad health negatively, the effect on severe lesions was not significant. We also observed a negative effect on foot pad condition of larger slat areas. In conclusion, maintaining good litter quality alone is not enough to ensure healthy foot pads in broiler breeders.