Short-Term Outcomes of the Boston Brace 3D Program Based on SRS and SOSORT Criteria: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine with a Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees, accompanied by rotation of the vertebral body. Bracing has been shown to be effective in halting the progression of at-risk curves, and, in some cases, even improving the Cobb angle by 6° or more. The Boston Brace 3D is part of the Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics standardized scoliosis program.

Surfactant Modulated Phase Transitions of Liquid Crystals Confined in Electrospun Coaxial Fibers.

Confinement of liquid crystals (LCs) in polymeric fibers offers a promising strategy to control liquid crystal response to external stimuli. Here, the confinement of 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), a nematic liquid crystal, within the core of coaxially electrospun fibers composed of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) containing different surfactants is discussed. The effects of surfactant type, surfactant concentration, and core flow rate (confinement) on the LC behavior were demonstrated using polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman, and dielectric spectroscopy.

Air Activated Self-Decontaminating Polydicyclopentadiene PolyHIPE Foams for Rapid Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents.

The threat of chemical warfare agents (CWA) compels research into novel self-decontaminating materials (SDM) for the continued safety of first-responders, civilians, and active service personnel. The capacity to actively detoxify, as opposed to merely sequester, offending agents under typical environmental conditions defines the added value of SDMs in comparison to traditional adsorptive materials. Porous polymers, synthesized via the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating, provide a facile fabrication method for materials with permeable open cellular structures that may serve in air filtration applications.

Hemostatic and Absorbent PolyHIPE-Kaolin Composites for 3D Printable Wound Dressing Materials.

A novel hemostatic and absorbent wound dressing material compatible with 3D printing is developed to address deficiencies in current wound dressing protocol. The design involves an open celled, microporous hydrogel foam via a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template with biocompatible components and tunable hemostatic character by kaolin loading, the viscosity and cure kinetics of which are tailored for 3D printing applications. The use of nontoxic mineral oil organic phase results in cytocompatability with human dermal fibroblasts.

Synthesis and kinetics of disassembly for silyl-containing ethoxycarbonyls using fluoride ions.

In this study, a series of silyl-containing ethoxycarbonates and ethoxycarbamates on electron poor anilines and phenols were synthesized and their kinetics of disassembly determined in real-time upon exposure to fluoride ion sources at room temperature. The results provide a greater understanding of stability and kinetics for silyl-containing protecting groups that eliminate volatile molecules upon removal, which will allow for simplification of orthogonal protection in complex organic molecules.

Environmental Effects on Zirconium Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Chemical Warfare Agent Decomposition: Implications of Atmospheric Water and Carbon Dioxide.

Zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)) has excellent sorption properties and wide-ranging reactivity toward numerous types of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals. Under pristine laboratory conditions, the effectiveness of Zr(OH) has been attributed to a combination of diverse surface hydroxyl species and defects; however, atmospheric components (e.g.

Hemostatic kaolin-polyurethane foam composites for multifunctional wound dressing applications.

There are numerous challenges associated with the acute care of traumatic limb injuries in forward military settings. A lack of immediate medical facilities necessitates that the wound dressing perform multiple tasks including exudate control, infection prevention, and physical protection of the wound for extended periods of time. Here, kaolin was incorporated into recently developed robust polyurethane (PU) hydrogel foams at 1-10wt% in an effort to impart hemostatic character.

Novel Methods of Producing Low-Reflectance Coatings Utilizing Synergistic Effects of Polymer Phase Separation.

Novel methods were developed to generate and characterize surface structures formed from polymer segregation within a powder coating system. A blend of unique acrylic polyol resins and low concentrations of matting agent afforded a durable coating exhibiting consistent low reflectance. An enhanced synergistic effect was observed from the phase separation and domain formation of the two polymeric resins with varying pendent hydroxyl group functionality and the incorporated matting agents.

Decontamination of chemical-warfare agent simulants by polymer surfaces doped with the singlet oxygen generator zinc octaphenoxyphthalocyanine.

Using reactive singlet oxygen (1O2), the oxidation of chemical-warfare agent (CWA) simulants has been demonstrated. The zinc octaphenoxyphthalocyanine (ZnOPPc) complex was demonstrated to be an efficient photosensitizer for converting molecular oxygen (O2) to 1O2 using broad-spectrum light (450-800 nm) from a 250 W halogen lamp. This photosensitization produces 1O2 in solution as well as within polymer matrices.

Zwitterionic polyurethane hydrogels derived from carboxybetaine-functionalized diols.

The synthesis of novel zwitterionic polyurethane hydrogels with tunable water uptake via the polymerization of protected carboxybetaine-functionalized diols with polyisocyanate oligomers is presented. Post-polymerization hydrolysis of a diol-segment side chain establishes zwitterionic carboxybetaine functionalities that facilitate water uptake via the enhanced hydration capacities surrounding the opposing charges of the diol component. Tunable hydration of these materials, ranging from 24 to 250% solution uptake (based on the dry polymer weight), is achieved by controlling the structural characteristics of the diol precursor, such as ammonium/carboxylate spacing and ethyl ester hydrolysis conditions (i.

Enhancing the fouling resistance of biocidal urethane coatings via surface chemistry modulation.

A group of novel cross-linked polyurethane materials with varying ratios of hydroxyl-terminated macrodiols and tethered quaternary ammonium biocides have been prepared. The resulting materials had a wide range of thermal, mechanical, and surface properties, dictated by the macrodiol composition and biocide concentration. The complex interplay between surface chemistry and biocide concentration was shown to have a profound effect on the fouling resistance of these materials.

2011 SOSORT guidelines: Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth.

Background: The International Scientific Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), that produced its first Guidelines in 2005, felt the need to revise them and increase their scientific quality. The aim is to offer to all professionals and their patients an evidence-based updated review of the actual evidence on conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis (CTIS).

Methods: All types of professionals (specialty physicians, and allied health professionals) engaged in CTIS have been involved together with a methodologist and a patient representative.

Coatings capable of germinating and neutralizing Bacillus anthracis endospores.

Endospores are formed by various bacterial families, including Bacillus and Clostridium, in response to environmental stresses as a means to survive conditions inhospitable to vegetative growth. Although metabolically inert, the endospore must interact with its environment to determine an optimal time to return to a vegetative state, a process known as germination. Germination has been shown to occur in response to a variety of chemical stimuli from specific nutrient germinants including amino acids, sugars and nucleosides.

Development of broad-spectrum antimicrobial latex paint surfaces employing active amphiphilic compounds.

With the increase in antibiotic-resistant microbes, the production of self-decontaminating surfaces has become an area of research that has seen a surge of interest in recent years. Such surfaces, when incorporated into commercial products such as children's toys, medical devices and hospital surfaces could reduce the number of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. A number of active components for self-decontaminating surfaces have been investigated, including common antibiotics, metal ions, quaternary ammonium salts (QAS), and antimicrobial peptides (AMP).

Synthesis and development of a multifunctional self-decontaminating polyurethane coating.

A unique, durable, nonleaching antimicrobial urethane coating possessing energy-dampening properties is reported. Five novel diol-functionalized quaternary ammonium bromide salts were designed, synthesized, and cross-linked with a commercial polyisocyanate to afford novel multifunctional self-decontaminating coatings. Leaching of the antimicrobial into the environment is eliminated because of the biocidal tether.

Terminology - glossary including acronyms and quotations in use for the conservative spinal deformities treatment: 8th SOSORT consensus paper.

Background: This report is the SOSORT Consensus Paper on Terminology for use in the treatment of conservative spinal deformities. Figures are provided and relevant literature is cited where appropriate.

Methods: The Delphi method was used to reach a preliminary consensus before the meeting, where the terms that still needed further clarification were discussed.

Development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for use in self-decontaminating coatings.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short polypeptides usually associated with the host organism's innate immune system. AMPs have been identified in a wide range of host organisms, including plants, amphibians, fish, and humans. These peptides usually consist of 30-100 amino acids and are most often cationic.

Evidence for singlet-oxygen generation and biocidal activity in photoresponsive metallic nitride fullerene-polymer adhesive films.

The adhesive properties, as measured by bulk tack analysis, are found to decrease in blends of isomerically pure Sc3N@I(h)-C80 metallic nitride fullerene (MNF) and polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS) copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesive under white light irradiation in air. The reduction of tack is attributed to the in situ generation of 1O2 and subsequent photooxidative cross-linking of the adhesive film. Comparisons are drawn to classical fullerenes C60 and C70 for this process.

Surface self-concentrating amphiphilic quaternary ammonium biocides as coating additives.

A variety of amphiphilic quaternary dimethylammonium compounds bearing n-alkyl and oxyethylene groups have been designed and synthesized as antimicrobial additives for use in self-decontaminating surfaces. The effectiveness of these additives stems from a unique ability to self-concentrate at the air-polymer interface without the incorporation of exotic perfluorinated or polymeric functionalities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals surface enrichment as high as 18-fold, providing a 7-log reduction of both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria.

The Boston Brace and TriaC systems.

Purpose: This review article will discuss the current design and fabrication principles of the Boston Brace and TriaC systems for the conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. The Boston Brace describes the use of a low profile orthosis within a team atmosphere. The TriaC, a tension-based system, allows maintenance of the motion segment.

The Boston Brace System philosophy, biomechanics, design & fit.

The Boston Brace System developed in the early 1970's by Dr John Hall and Bill Miller, CPO, is a logical, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. The Brace itself is but one component of the Brace system. The clinical team consists of patient, family, orthopedist, orthotist, physical therapist and nurse.

Reducing hazardous material and environmental impact through recycling of scandium nanomaterial waste.

The emerging use of scandium and the environmental impact from scandium-containing waste is a rising environmental and health concern. With the development of new materials in the last decade, toxicological studies on those new materials have also been increasing. An example of a process which employs scandium is the generation of metallic nitride fullerene nanomaterials.

Soybean-derived biofuels and home heating fuels.

It is environmentally enticing to consider replacing or blending petroleum derived heating fuels with biofuels for many reasons. Major considerations include the soaring worldwide price of petroleum products, especially home heating oil, the toxicity of the petroleum-derived fuels and the environmental damage that leaking petroleum tanks afford. For these reasons, it has been suggested that domestic renewable energy sources be considered as replacements, or at the least, as blending stocks for home heating fuels.

Laboratory study on the immobilization of bacterial spores in arid environments.

In this study, two effective, non-toxic, wind erosion palliative materials were analyzed for their efficacy in preventing the spread of bacterial spores. Desert sand was employed in a laboratory setting with a non-toxic simulant bacterium in an attempt to accurately represent the spreadability of the hantavirus. Spore simulants were used instead of viruses due to availability, decreased susceptibility to desiccation and detection ability without involving tissue cultures.

Syntheses of functionalized 1,4-disubstituted gamma-carbolines.

We report the complete synthesis of a variety of 1,4-disubstituted gamma-carbolines. These compounds are of particular interest for their involvement in many biological processes and are believed to possess various medicinal activities. A large number of N-tosylaldimines were condensed with indoles affording an array of 3-aminomethyl indoles.