Apical stress redistribution during anterior vertebral body tethering for thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a finite element analysis of a novel surgical technique.

Purpose: Apical stress redistribution (ASR) is proposed to mitigate failure risks after anterior vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It consists in releasing set-screws at peri-apical levels following curve tensioning to redistribute stresses within the construct. This study determines the biomechanical impact and curve correction obtained with ASR.

Real-time prediction of postoperative spinal shape with machine learning models trained on finite element biomechanical simulations.

Purpose: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a chronic disease that may require correction surgery. The finite element method (FEM) is a popular option to plan the outcome of surgery on a patient-based model. However, it requires considerable computing power and time, which may discourage its use.

Paths to improve voluntary blood donation in mixed public/private blood donation systems such as in Lebanon?

Background: The World Health Organization advocates for the achievement of 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRD) globally by the year 2020. However, until today, little was known in Lebanon regarding its actual rate or influencing factors, particularly donor motivations and behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of blood donors in Lebanon.

The potential of proximal junctional kyphosis prevention using a novel tether pedicle screw construct: an in silico study comparing the influence of standard and dynamic techniques on adjacent-level range of motion and load pattern.

Objective: A tether pedicle screw (TPS) enables individual stepless pretensioning and is placed at one or two levels above the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV+1 and UIV+2, respectively). This study aimed to evaluate a novel customized TPS for the prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and to investigate the potential to generate a smoother force transition from cranial to long fusion during trunk flexion, instead of an abrupt change at the UIV, following adult spinal deformity surgery.

Methods: A finite element model was designed based on an adult patient with spinal deformity instrumented from T10 to S1.

How to improve issuing, transfusion and follow-up of blood components in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries? A benchmark assessment.

To determine the existence of guidelines regarding the appropriate clinical use of blood and blood components, transfusion requests, and blood issuing/reception documents and procedures. The different bedside transfusion organizations/processes and hemovigilance are also analyzed. The ultimate objective is to identify safe potential options in order to improve blood safety at the lowest cost.