Enhancing dexterity: Soft pneumatic actuation utilizing granular jamming for a human finger flexo-extension.

This article presents a bioinspired pneumatic soft actuator designed to mimic the flexo-extension movement of the human finger, with a particular focus on stiffness modulation through granular jamming. Three-chamber geometries - honeycomb, rectangular, and half-round - were evaluated to optimize curvature performance, utilizing Mold Star 15 Slow elastomer for actuator fabrication. Granular jamming, both passive and active, was implemented within the inextensible layer using chia and quinoa grains to enhance stiffness modulation.

Early salvage radiation therapy combined with short-term hormonal therapy in recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy: single-institution 4-year data on outcome, toxicity, health-related quality of life and co-morbidities from 184 consecutive patients treated with 70 Gy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of 70 Gy salvage radiotherapy (SRT) combined with short-term neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in the treatment of recurrent disease after radical prostatectomy (RP), and to consider quality of life (QoL), survival outcomes and impact of co-morbidities on treatment-related rectal-genitourinary toxicity. Electronic records of 184 SRT patients treated consecutively between October 2001 and February 2007 were analyzed. Median age was 64 years (median follow-up 48 months).

Computed tomography scan in supine and prone positions: an alternative method to detect intramural gas in emphysematous cystitis and to evaluate efficacy after adjuvant continuous intravesical irrigation treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of continuous intravesical irrigation with saline plus amikacin as adjuvant therapy and to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scan in supine and prone positions (CystoCT scan) as an alternative diagnostic and evaluation method of intramural gas in emphysematous cystitis (EC) before and after treatment.

Methods: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of EC who were hospitalized between March 2006 and January 2011 were investigated. The diagnosis was made by CystoCT scan.

[Effect of body mass index on PSA in northeast Mexican patients].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on PSA in northeast Mexican patients included in prostate cancer (Pca) early detection screening campaigns offered by our institution.

Material And Methods: One hundred and ninety seven patients came voluntarily to our Pca early detection screening campaigns.

Exclusion Criteria: PSA >10 ng/dl, patients on 5-α Reductase inhibitors or hormonal replacement.

[Evaluation of male sexual satisfaction after vasectomy].

Objective: Evaluate male sexual satisfaction perception after vasectomy using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15).

Patients And Methods: Twenty nine males were scheduled for vasectomy in our hospital between November 2006 and July 2008. Mean age was 38 years (28-52) and mean offspring at surgery was 3.