A chitosan/gelatin/aldehyde hyaluronic acid hydrogel coating releasing calcium ions and vancomycin in pH response to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilm.

Osteomyelitis is a refractory disease of orthopedics, part of which is caused by medical implants. The main difficulties in treatment are the barrier effect after the formation of bacterial biofilm, and the difficulty in achieving sustained antibiotic intervention. In view of this situation, we studied a hydrogel coating that can release CaCl and vancomycin in pH-responsive manner.

Impact of Respiratory Phase during Pleural Puncture on Complications in CT-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy.

Purpose: This study investigated whether the respiratory phase during pleural puncture in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) affects complications.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 477 lung biopsy CT scans performed during free breathing. The respiratory phases during pleural puncture were determined based on the table position of the targeted nodule using CT scans obtained during free breathing.

Structural Analysis of Mo Thin Films on Sapphire Substrates for Epitaxial Growth of AlN.

Aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film/molybdenum (Mo) electrode structures are typically required in microelectromechanical system applications. However, the growth of highly crystalline and -axis-oriented AlN thin films on Mo electrodes remains challenging. In this study, we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of AlN thin films on Mo electrode/sapphire (0001) substrates and examine the structural characteristics of Mo thin films to determine the reason contributing to the epitaxial growth of AlN thin films on Mo thin films formed on sapphire.

Effects of Top and Bottom Electrodes Materials and Operating Ambiance on the Characteristics of MgF Based Bipolar RRAMs.

The effects of electrode materials (top and bottom) and the operating ambiances (open-air and vacuum) on the MgF-based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices are studied. Experiment results show that the device's performance and stability depend on the difference between the top and bottom electrodes' work functions. Devices are robust in both environments if the work function difference between the bottom and top electrodes is greater than or equal to 0.

Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein and Albumin in Neurocritically Ill Patients with Acute Stroke.

We evaluated the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, CRP clearance (CRPc) and CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) in neurocritically ill patients with acute stroke. This is a retrospective, observational study. We included acute stroke patients who were hospitalized in the neurosurgical ICU from January 2013 to September 2019.

Optimal Arterial Blood Gas Tensions for the Prognosis of Favorable Neurological Outcomes in Survivors after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Our aim is to assess the optimal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide for the prognosis of favorable neurologic outcomes in survivors after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We obtained the mean levels of PaCO and PaO in arterial blood gas samples 72 h after ECPR. The primary outcome was the neurological status, according to the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale, upon discharge.

Vacuum and Low-Temperature Characteristics of Silicon Oxynitride-Based Bipolar RRAM.

This study investigates the switching characteristics of the silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy)-based bipolar resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices at different operating ambiances at temperatures ranging from 300 K to 77 K. The operating ambiances (open air or vacuum) and temperature affect the device’s performance. The electroforming-free multilevel bipolar Au/Ni/SiOxNy/p+-Si RRAM device (in open-air) becomes bilevel in a vacuum with an on/off ratio >104 and promising data retention properties.

Extravasation of TPN following central venous catheter migration.

Central venous catheterization is a preferred method for intensive care patients who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN can cause tissue damage due to osmotic effects and the presence of ions. We report a case of TPN extravasation into the pleural cavity due to a shift in position of a subclavian central vein catheter.

Effects of the Operating Ambiance and Active Layer Treatments on the Performance of Magnesium Fluoride Based Bipolar RRAM.

This study investigates switching characteristics of the magnesium fluoride (MgF)-based bipolar resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices at different operating ambiances (open-air and vacuum). Operating ambiances alter the elemental composition of the amorphous MgF active layer and Ti/MgF interface region, which affects the overall device performance. The experimental results indicate that filament type resistive switching takes place at the interface of Ti/MgF and trap-controlled space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanisms is dominant in both the low and high resistance states in the bulk MgF layer.

Low-temperature characteristics of magnesium fluoride based bipolar RRAM devices.

This study investigates the temperature-independent switching characteristics of magnesium fluoride (MgF) based bipolar resistive memory devices at temperatures ranging from 300 K down to 77 K. Filament type resistive switching at the interface of Ti/MgF and the trap-controlled space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism in the bulk MgF layer are confirmed. The experimental results indicate that the operating environment and temperature critically control the resistive switching performance by varying the non-stoichiometry of the amorphous MgF active layer and Ti/MgF interface region.

Electroforming-Free Bipolar Resistive Switching Memory Based on Magnesium Fluoride.

Electroforming-free resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) devices employing magnesium fluoride (MgF) as the resistive switching layer are reported. The electroforming-free MgF based RRAM devices exhibit bipolar SET/RESET operational characteristics with an on/off ratio higher than 10 and good data retention of >10 s. The resistive switching mechanism in the Ti/MgF/Pt devices combines two processes as well as trap-controlled space charge limited conduction (SCLC), which is governed by pre-existing defects of fluoride vacancies in the bulk MgF layer.

Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Properties of Cu-Loaded ZIF-67-Derivatized Bean Sprout-Like Co-TiO/Ti Nanostructures.

ZIF-derivatized catalysts have shown high potential in catalysis. Herein, bean sprout-like Co-TiO/Ti nanostructures were first synthesized by thermal treatment at 800 °C under Ar-flow conditions using sacrificial ZIF-67 templated on Ti sheets. It was observed that ZIF-67 on Ti sheets started to thermally decompose at around 350 °C and was converted to the cubic phase CoO.

Electrochemical Ce(III)/Ce(IV) Redox Behavior and Ce Oxide Nanostructure Recovery over Thio-Terpyridine-Functionalized Au/Carbon Paper Electrodes.

Understanding the electrochemical behaviors of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) ions is essential for better treatment, separation, and recycling of lanthanide (Ln) and actinide (An) elements. Herein, electrochemical redox behavior and interconversion of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) ions and their recoveries were demonstrated over newly developed thio-terpyridine-functionalized Au-modified carbon paper electrodes in acidic and neutral electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were performed for the electrodes with and without thio-terpyridine functionalization.

Capacitive Humidity Sensor Based on Carbon Black/Polyimide Composites.

A novel capacitive humidity sensor based on carbon black/polyimide composites is presented in this paper. The details of the fabrication, sensor characteristics, and effect of the carbon black additive are described. It was confirmed that the polyimide composite filled with a tiny amount of carbon black was suitable for a humidity sensing dielectric.

Electrochemical Recovery and Behaviors of Rare Earth (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) Ions on Ni Sheets.

The electrochemical behaviors of rare earth (RE) ions have extensively been studied because of their high potential applications to the reprocessing of used nuclear fuels and RE-containing materials. In the present study, we fully investigated the electrochemical behaviors of RE(III) (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) ions over a Ni sheet electrode in 0.1 M NaClO electrolyte solution by cyclic voltammetry between +0.

Free extended posterior tibial artery perforator flap with the neurovascular plexus of a saphenous nerve branch for large soft tissue and sensory reconstruction: Anatomic study and clinical application.

Background: The posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) flap is a useful tool for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the leg. However, the size and reliability of the flap largely depends on the quality of the perforator by which the flap is supplied, and the sensory recovery of the flap is limited. In this study, the anatomy of the saphenous nerve branches and their accompanying vessels was investigated, and a free extended PTAP flap with the neurovascular plexus of a saphenous nerve branch was designed for large soft tissue and sensory reconstruction in a series of clinical cases.

Treatment of Brachymetatarsia Involving the Great Toe.

Background: Brachymetatarsia is usually treated by lengthening the metatarsals, but excessive lengthening can be associated with complications. Our technique combines 1-stage step-cut lengthening of the first metatarsal with shortening and/or lengthening of the neighboring metatarsals and/or phalanges.

Methods: Twenty-four feet (15 patients) were treated for first-ray brachymetatarsia.

Differences between the Upper Extremity and the Lower Extremity in Reconstruction Using an Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap.

Background: While reconstruction of soft tissue defects is the common purpose, surgical reconstructions of upper extremities and lower extremities have different goals in terms of functional and aesthetic outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to compare and analyze differences between reconstructions of upper extremities and lower extremities using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap.

Methods: We analyzed 74 patients who underwent reconstructions of upper extremities and lower extremities using an ALT flap from October 2006 to August 2012 (upper extremities, 45 cases; lower extremities, 29 cases).

Self-rectifying bipolar resistive switching memory based on an iron oxide and graphene oxide hybrid.

A resistive random access memory (RRAM) device with self-rectifying I-V characteristics was fabricated by inserting a silicon nitride (SiN) layer between the bottom electrode and solution-processed active material of an iron oxide-graphene oxide (FeO-GO) hybrid. The fabricated Au/Ni/FeO-GO/SiN/n-Si memory device exhibited an excellent resistive switching ratio and a rectification ratio higher than 10. In the Au/Ni/FeO-GO/SiN/n-Si device, resistive switching occurs in both the FeO-GO and SiN layers separately, resulting in a highly uniform and stable switching performance.

Simultaneous Roll Transfer and Interconnection of Flexible Silicon NAND Flash Memory.

Ultrathin silicon-based flexible 16 × 16 NAND flash memory (f-NAND) is demonstrated utilizing roll-to-plate packaging. The roll-based thermo-compression bonding of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) transfers and simultaneously interconnects the f-NAND on a flexible printed circuit board. Reliable circuitry operation of the 16 × 16 f-NAND is confirmed with excellent flexibility and stable ACF interconnections.

High-Flexion Total Knee Arthroplasty Using NexGen LPS-Flex System: Minimum 5-year Follow-up Results.

Purpose: This study is to report clinical and radiological results of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using NexGen LPS-flex system at a minimum 5-year follow-up, and to analyze the implant survivorship based on the results.

Materials And Methods: A total of 80 patients (118 knees) who underwent patellar preserving TKA using NexGen LPS-flex implant between February 2007 and February 2008 and could be followed for minimum 5 years were reviewed. The range of motion (ROM), hip-knee-ankle angle, Knee Society Knee score (KSKS), and Knee Society Function score (KSFS) were assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up and analyzed.

Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with an ankylosing knee after previous patellectomy.

Patellectomized patients may have less satisfactory clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to a decreased extensor mechanism efficiency and potential instability. Furthermore, the existing literature does not provide concrete guidance on the expected results of TKA or the type of implant that should be used in patellectomized patients. We present a case of a patient with an ankylosing knee who had undergone patellectomy due to gunshot injury 45 years ago and was treated with primary TKA using a posterior stabilized prosthesis at our institution.

Intramuscular sparganosis in the gastrocnemius muscle: a case report.

Sparganosis is a parasitic infection caused by the plerocercoid tapeworm larva of the genus Spirometra. Although the destination of the larva is often a tissue or muscle in the chest, abdominal wall, extremities, eyes, brain, urinary tract, spinal canal, and scrotum, intramuscular sparganosis is uncommon and therefore is difficult to distinguish from a soft tissue tumor. We report a case of intramuscular sparganosis involving the gastrocnemius muscle in an elderly patient who was diagnosed using ultrasonography and MRI and treated by surgical excision.