Pattern of muscle involvement in inclusion body myositis: a sonographic study.

Objectives: Imaging plays a role in myositis assessment by detecting muscle changes indicative of pathology. This study was conducted to determine the ultrasonographic pattern of muscle involvement in patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) through an assessment of muscle echointensity.

Methods: Sixty-two individuals were consecutively studied, 18 with IBM, 16 with polymyositis or dermatomyositis and 28 normal controls.

Development of a Human Cranial Bone Surrogate for Impact Studies.

In order to replicate the fracture behavior of the intact human skull under impact it becomes necessary to develop a material having the mechanical properties of cranial bone. The most important properties to replicate in a surrogate human skull were found to be the fracture toughness and tensile strength of the cranial tables as well as the bending strength of the three-layer (inner table-diplöe-outer table) architecture of the human skull. The materials selected to represent the surrogate cranial tables consisted of two different epoxy resins systems with random milled glass fiber to enhance the strength and stiffness and the materials to represent the surrogate diplöe consisted of three low density foams.

Structure and properties of collagen vitrigel membranes for ocular repair and regeneration applications.

The frequency of ocular injuries on the battlefield has been steadily increasing during recent conflicts. Combat-related eye injuries are difficult to treat and solutions requiring donor tissue are not ideal and are often not readily available. Collagen vitrigels have previously been developed for corneal reconstruction, but increased transparency and mechanical strength are desired for improved vision and ease of handling.

Perceptions on Point-of-Care Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections - Comparison between Frontline Clinicians and Professionals in Industry.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if a gap exists between sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinicians and industry professionals regarding perceptions of the ideal types and characteristics of STI point-of-care tests (POCTs). METHODS: Our online survey design contained sections on demographics; barriers of use for available STI POCTs; characteristics of an ideal POCT, including prioritizing pathogens for targets; and "building your own POCT". Practicing clinicians and academic experts from two venues, STI-related international conference attendees and U.