Synergistic Effects of Polypropylene Fibers and Silica Fume on Structural Lightweight Concrete: Analysis of Workability, Thermal Conductivity, and Strength Properties.

Structural lightweight concrete (SLWC) is crucial for reducing building weight, reducing structural loads, and enhancing energy efficiency through lower thermal conductivity. This study explores the effects of incorporating silica fume (SF), micro-polypropylene (micro-PP), and macro-PP fibers on the workability, thermal properties, and strength of SLWC. SF was added to all mixtures, substituting 10% of the Portland cement (PC), except for the control mixture.

Examining the Workability, Mechanical, and Thermal Characteristics of Eco-Friendly, Structural Self-Compacting Lightweight Concrete Enhanced with Fly Ash and Silica Fume.

This study compares the workability, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of structural self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLWC) formulations using pumice aggregate (PA), expanded perlite aggregate (EPA), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF). FA and SF were used as partial substitutes for cement at a 10% ratio in various mixes, impacting different aspects: According to the obtained results, FA enhanced the workability but SF reduced it, while SF improved the compressive and splitting tensile strengths more than FA. EPA, used as a fine aggregate alongside PA, decreased the workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength compared to the control mix (K0).

The influence of nanosunflower ash and nanowalnut shell ash on sustainable lightweight self-compacting concrete characteristics.

The absence of biodegradability exhibited by plastics is a matter of significant concern among environmentalists and scientists on a global scale. Therefore, it is essential to figure out potential pathways for the use of recycled plastics. The prospective applications of its utilisation in concrete are noteworthy.

Assessment of the properties of concrete containing artificial green geopolymer aggregates by cold bonding pelletization process.

Recently, the usage of a cold-bonded method in the production of artificial green geopolymer coarse aggregates (GCA) has been crucial from an economic and environmental perspective because the sintering method consumes an enormous quantity of energy and generates a significant quantity of pollutants. This research investigated the manufacture of GCA via cold-bonded pelletization using two distinct industrial byproducts (GGBFS and FA) via a new and simpler pelletization technology. Three different binders were used to produce three distinct types of GCAs as partial replacements for natural coarse aggregate (NCA) at varying replacement rates (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%).

Analyzing the Effects of Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Nano-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Self-Cleaning Concrete.

The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of nano-materials on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of self-cleaning concrete. Nano-titanium dioxide and nano-zinc oxide were used as additives for this purpose. Additionally, a comparative study on the effect of using these materials on the self-cleaning concrete's characteristics was conducted.

Structure, light absorption properties and photocatalytic activity of carbon-containing titania nanocomposites synthesized via a facile sol-gel method.

Facile and green sol-gel method was used to synthesize carbon-containing titania nanopowder, and diethanolamine (DEA) was used as the in situ carbon source. The titania gel was heat treated at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and Raman spectroscopy reported no crystalline phase at <325 °C.

The effect of waste medical radiology as fiber reinforcement on the behavior of eco-efficient self-compacting concrete.

An effort is being conducted to enhance some characteristics of self-compacted concrete (SCC) and clean the environment through the addition of waste plastic fibers resulting from the cuts of waste medical radiology. A number of tests were carried out to examine the impact of waste medical radiology (WMR) fiber additions with various aspect ratios and various percentages on SCC characteristics. Thus, various SCC mixes were designed at a constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.

Influence of Nanoparticles from Waste Materials on Mechanical Properties, Durability and Microstructure of UHPC.

This investigation presents the influence of various types of nanoparticles on the performance of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC). Three nanoparticles from waste materials include nano-crushed glass, nano-metakaolin, nano-rice husk ash were prepared using the milling technique. In addition, nano-silica prepared using chemical method at the laboratory is implemented to compare the performance.

Prevention of Wrong-level Surgery in the Thoracic Spine: Preoperative Computer Tomography Fluoroscopy-guided Percutaneous Gold Fiducial Marker Placement in 57 Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety,s and complications of computer tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transpedicular gold fiducial marker insertion to reduce incidence of wrong-level surgery in the thoracic spine.

Summary Of Background Data: Intraoperative localization of the correct thoracic level can be challenging and time-consuming, especially in obese patients and patients with anatomical variations.

Wound Closure After Posterior Multi-level Lumbar Spine Surgery: An Anatomical Cadaver Study and Technical Note.

Meticulous attention to wound closure in posterior lumbar spine surgery is an important principle in reducing surgical site infections. We detail standardized wound closure used for posterior lumbar spine surgery at a tertiary care referral center and illustrate this as a step-by-step cadaveric dissection. The lumbar spine of a cadaveric specimen (male, 73 years at death) was used for dissection.

Standard cross-linking versus photorefractive keratectomy combined with accelerated cross-linking for keratoconus management: a comparative study.

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of standard 30 min epithelium-off cross-linking (CXL) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) combined with accelerated epithelium-off cross-linking (AXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus (CXL-Plus).

Methods: This study was a prospective multicentre comparative clinical study. A total of 125 eyes of 75 patients with grade 1 keratoconus and documented progression were divided into two groups.

Analysis of the Outcomes of Combined Cross-Linking with Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation for the Treatment of Pediatric Keratoconus.

Purpose: To analyze the visual and refractive outcomes of combined accelerated cross-linking with femtosecond laser intracorneal ring segment implantation for the treatment of pediatric keratoconus.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective multicenter noncomparative clinical study included 63 eyes of 37 patients (age, 9-17 years) who underwent between August and September 2016 combined cross-linking with intracorneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus. Preoperative and postoperative (6, 12, and 18 months) uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), subjective refractions, keratometry (K), and pachymetry measurements were compared.

Does treadmill training with Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) impact the quality of life? A first case series in the United States.

Recently published studies show remarkable improvements in functional mobility after treadmill training with HAL in patients with spinal cord injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HAL-assisted treadmill training on quality of life. A case series of six patients participating in a single-centre prospective, interventional pilot study, who were suffering neurologic motor deficits.

Neurovascular Relationships of S2AI Screw Placement: Anatomic Study.

Introduction: The S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw is a modification of the traditional iliac fixation technique and has surgical and biomechanical benefits. However, there are significant regional neurovascular structures along the path of such screws. Therefore the current anatomic study was performed to better elucidate these relationships.

Anatomical Study of the Extreme Lateral Transpsoas Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Application to Minimizing Injury to the Kidney.

Objective Since the extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedure was first reported by Ozgur in 2006, a large number of clinical studies have been published. Anatomical studies which explore methods to avoid visceral structures, such as the kidney, with this approach have not been examined in detail. We dissected the retroperitoneal space to analyze how the extreme lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine could damage the kidney and related structures.

Risks of Colon Injuries in Extreme Lateral Approaches to the Lumbar Spine: An Anatomical Study.

Introduction
 The extreme lateral interbody fusion technique (XLIF) is a modification of the retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine. This is a minimally invasive technique allowing direct access to the disc space without peritoneal or posterior paraspinal musculature damage. Nevertheless, the retroperitoneal part of the colon can be injured in this operative technique.

Anatomic Study of Nutrient Foramina of Posterior Axis with Application to C2 Pedicle Screw Placement.

Objective: Pedicle screws placed into C2 necessitate a thorough understanding of this bone's unique anatomy. Although multiple landmarks and measurements have been used by surgeons, these are often varied in the literature with no consensus. Herein, we studied one recently proposed landmark using the nutrient foramina of the posterior aspect of C2 for pedicle screw placement.

S2 Alar-Iliac Screw Insertion: Technical Note with Pictorial Guide.

Background: The S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw is a modification of the iliac fixation technique using the space between the neuroforamina of S1 and S2 as an insertion point to fix the sacrum to the ilium. To our knowledge, an anatomic review of the S2AI technique has not been described and the insertion point is vague and angles differ in reports from the literature. The purpose of the current anatomic illustration is to provide step-by-step techniques with fluoroscopic imaging to help confirm the safe placement of S2AI screws.

Cervico-thoracic Interspinous Bursitis Associated with Bilateral Upper-extremity Numbness: A Case Report.

The authors describe a 48-year-old woman suffering from bilateral upper-extremity numbness and axial radiating pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed soft-tissue edema and enhancement surrounding the dorsal tip of the C7 spinous process. Excisional biopsy of the lesion revealed a mildly inflamed bursa, with no evidence of an active infection.

Study of the link between dopamine transporter gene polymorphisms and response to paroxetin and escitalopram in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation.

We evaluated the role of dopamine (DA) transporter gene polymorphism in lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) and its role in determining the response to paroxetine and escitalopram. Eighty consecutive patients and controls were recruited. Sixty of them suffered from LPE.

Interleukins 17 and 10 in a sample of Egyptian relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Cytokines are major contributors in the immune disruption in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: Evaluating the proinflammatory (IL-17A) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients at time of relapse and during remission.

Subjects And Method: A case-control study including 30 RRMS patients and 15 controls.

Multiparametric Approach Enhances Detection of Patients with Cerebral TIAs at Risk of Stroke: A Prospective Pilot Case Series.

Background: Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) are generally clinically unstable, with fear of developing a handicapping stroke. Identification of those at highest and lowest risk of stroke in the first days and weeks after a TIA would allow appropriate use of worthy secondary prevention strategies.

Objective: Incorporation of a clinical scoring system, neurovascular imaging, and magnetic resonance-diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) to help predicting risk of developing an ischemic stroke following a TIA.

Dysphagia following posterior fossa surgery in adults.

Objective: Our study seeks to assess the incidence of aspiration and prolonged dysphagia needing enteral feeding at discharge (EFD) in adults after posterior fossa (p-fossa) surgery.

Methods: A retrospective review was done on 56 patients with p-fossa surgery who needed a swallowing evaluation postoperatively. Questionnaires were sent to patients with EFD.