Electrophoretic Deposition of Gentamicin Into Titania Nanotubes Prevents Evidence of Infection in a Mouse Model of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a leading cause and major complication of joint replacement failure. As opposed to standard-of-care systemic antibiotic prophylaxis for PJI, we developed and tested titanium femoral intramedullary implants with titania nanotubes (TNTs) coated with the antibiotic gentamicin and slow-release agent chitosan through electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in a mouse model of PJI. We hypothesized that these implants would enable local gentamicin delivery to the implant surface and surgical site, effectively preventing bacterial colonization.

Double Row Hip Abductor Reconstruction with Fasciae Latae Transfer for Severe Trendelenburg after Hip Arthroplasty.

: Tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons is a primary source of lateral hip pain, ranging from interstitial and partial-thickness tears to complete tears. Treatments include muscle transfers, Achilles tendon allograft procedures, and primary repairs with allografts. This study evaluated the one-year outcomes of gluteus medius and minimus reconstruction using an open double-row technique with a partial tensor fasciae latae transfer for severe Trendelenburg post-total hip arthroplasty.

Closed loop stimulation in left bundle branch area pacing.

Introduction: Closed Loop Stimulation (CLS) is a rate-responsive algorithm that adjusts heart rate (HR) based on changes in intracardiac impedance measured from the right ventricle lead. However, the use of CLS in conduction system pacing has not been investigated. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess whether CLS with left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) can generate an appropriate distribution of HR in daily life.

Can specific ECG markers identify a pharmacologically induced type 1 Brugada pattern? Insights from a large, single-center cohort.

Background: In patients with a type 2 or 3 Brugada pattern, the pharmacological (IC drugs) induction of a type 1 pattern confirms the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the value of various ECG markers in predicting IC drug test results.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed 443 consecutive patients referred to our Center (from January 2010 to December 2019) to undergo Ajmaline/Flecainide testing; all had a type 2 or 3 Brugada pattern or were relatives with Brugada syndrome.

Early effects of left bundle branch area pacing on ventricular activation by speckle tracking echocardiography.

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging cardiac pacing modality that preserves fast electrical activation of the ventricles and provides very good electrical measures. Little is known on mechanical ventricular activation during this pacing modality.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients receiving LBBAP.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) Auto Threshold algorithms Evaluation for Conduction System Pacing: The LATECS pilot Trial.

Background: Automated threshold measurements (ATM) and output adaptation improved safety and follow-up of cardiac implantable devices (CIED) in the last years. These algorithms were validated for conventional cardiac pacing; however, they were not suitable for permanent His Pacing. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging technique to obtain physiologic cardiac stimulation; we tried to assess if ATM could be applied to this setting.

Optimization of the atrioventricular delay in conduction system pacing.

Introduction: In patients receiving conduction system pacing (CSP), it is not well established how to program the sensed atrioventricular delay (sAVD), with respect to the type of capture obtained (selective, nonselective His-bundle [HB] capture or left bundle branch [LBB] capture). The aim of this study was to acutely assess the effectiveness of an electrophysiology (EP)-guided method for sAVD optimization by comparing it with the echocardiogram-guided optimization.

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients undergoing HB or LBB pacing were enrolled.

A Bioinspired Fluid-Filled Soft Linear Actuator.

In bioinspired soft robotics, very few studies have focused on fluidic transmissions and there is an urgent need for translating fluidic concepts into realizable fluidic components to be applied in different fields. Nature has often offered an inspiring reference to design new efficient devices. Inspired by the working principle of a marine worm, the sipunculid species (Sipunculidae, Annelida), a soft linear fluidic actuator is here presented.

Marine Robotics for Deep-Sea Specimen Collection: A Taxonomy of Underwater Manipulative Actions.

In order to develop a gripping system or control strategy that improves scientific sampling procedures, knowledge of the process and the consequent definition of requirements is fundamental. Nevertheless, factors influencing sampling procedures have not been extensively described, and selected strategies mostly depend on pilots' and researchers' experience. We interviewed 17 researchers and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technical operators, through a formal questionnaire or in-person interviews, to collect evidence of sampling procedures based on their direct field experience.

Marine Robotics for Deep-Sea Specimen Collection: A Systematic Review of Underwater Grippers.

The collection of delicate deep-sea specimens of biological interest with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) industrial grippers and tools is a long and expensive procedure. Industrial grippers were originally designed for heavy manipulation tasks, while sampling specimens requires dexterity and precision. We describe the grippers and tools commonly used in underwater sampling for scientific purposes, systematically review the state of the art of research in underwater gripping technologies, and identify design trends.

Reduction of admissions for urgent and elective pacemaker implant during the COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Italy.

Aims: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak has been recently associated with lower hospitalization rates for acute coronary syndromes. Aim of the study was to investigate whether a similar behaviour is observed in admissions for urgent pacemaker implant.

Methods: This retrospective study included 1315 patients from 18 hospitals in Northern Italy with a high number of COVID-19 cases.

A clinical-in silico study on the effectiveness of multipoint bicathodic and cathodic-anodal pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Up to one-third of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are nonresponders. Multipoint bicathodic and cathodic-anodal left ventricle (LV) stimulations could overcome this clinical challenge, but their effectiveness remains controversial. Here we evaluate the performance of such stimulations through both in vivo and in silico experiments, the latter based on computer electromechanical modeling.

Protrusion mechanism study in sipunculid worms as model for developing bio-inspired linear actuators.

The invertebrates ability to adapt to the environment during motion represents an intriguing feature to inspire robotic systems. We analysed the sipunculid species(Sipunculidae, Annelida), and quantitatively studied the motion behaviour of this unsegmented worm. The hydrostatic skeleton and the muscle activity make the infaunal.

Cardiac contractility modulation in left ventricular systolic dysfunction: one-year experience in a pilot study and design of a prospective registry.

Background: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a treatment option for patients suffering symptomatic chronic heart failure (CHF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who are not eligible for cardiac resynchronization. Data on mid-term follow-up are limited to small observational studies. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CCM on quality of life, symptoms, exercise tolerance and left ventricular function in patients with CHF and moderate-to-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Feasibility of cathodic-anodal left ventricular stimulation for alternative multisite pacing.

Background: Simultaneous cathodic-anodal capture by a bipole of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) left-ventricular (LV) catheter may depolarize a larger LV area than conventional multipoint pacing. We evaluated the feasibility of cathodic-anodal LV stimulation.

Methods: In 30 patients undergoing CRT with a quadripolar LV lead, we evaluated the cathodic and anodal capture threshold for each LV pole and compared QRS on electrocardiogram (ECG) during single-point cathodic biventricular stimulation (S-BS), multipoint BS (M-BS), and cathodic-anodal BS (CA-BS).

Association between left atrial phasic conduit function and early atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion.

Background: Diastolic dysfunction promotes atrial fibrillation (AF) inducing left atrial (LA) remodeling, with chamber dilation and fibrosis. Predominance of LA phasic conduit (LAC) function should reflect not only chamber alterations but also underlying left ventricular (LV) filling impairment. Thus, LAC was tested as possible predictor of early AF relapse after electrical cardioversion (EC).

Effects of closed-loop stimulation vs. DDD pacing on haemodynamic variations and occurrence of syncope induced by head-up tilt test in older patients with refractory cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope: the Tilt test-Induced REsponse in Closed-loop Stimulation multicentre, prospective, single blind, randomized study.

Aims: Closed-loop stimulation (CLS) seemed promising in preventing the recurrence of vasovagal syncope (VVS) in patients with a cardioinhibitory response to head-up tilt test (HUTT) compared with conventional pacing. We hypothesized that the better results of this algorithm are due to its quick reaction in high-rate pacing delivered in the early phase of vasovagal reflex, which increase the cardiac output and the blood pressure preventing loss of consciousness.

Methods And Results: This prospective, randomized, single-blind, multicentre study was designed as an intra-patient comparison and enrolled 30 patients (age 62.

Adequate calcium intake during long periods improves bone mineral density in healthy children. Data from the Childhood Obesity Project.

Background: Bone mineralization can be influenced by genetic factors, hormonal status, nutrition, physical activity and body composition. The association of higher calcium (Ca) intake or Ca supplementation with better bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial. Furthermore, it has been speculated that maintaining long-term adequate Ca intake rather than having a brief supplementation period is more effective.

Protein intakes and their nutritional sources during the first 2 years of life: secondary data evaluation from the European Childhood Obesity Project.

Background/objectives: High protein intake in infancy affects future obesity risk and other health outcomes. We aim to describe total protein intake and its sources in a birth cohort in five European countries over the first 2 years of life.

Subjects/methods: A total of 746 formula-fed infants were included.

Breast milk composition and infant nutrient intakes during the first 12 months of life.

Background/objectives: The objective of this study was to quantify human milk supply and intake of breastfed infants up to age 12 months. In addition, human milk composition was quantified per energetic macronutrient and fatty-acid composition in a subsample of lactating mothers.

Subjects/methods: One hundred and seventy-four Italian breastfed children were followed using test-weighing and 3-day food protocols from birth to age 12 months.

Sensing pressure distribution on a lower-limb exoskeleton physical human-machine interface.

A sensory apparatus to monitor pressure distribution on the physical human-robot interface of lower-limb exoskeletons is presented. We propose a distributed measure of the interaction pressure over the whole contact area between the user and the machine as an alternative measurement method of human-robot interaction. To obtain this measure, an array of newly-developed soft silicone pressure sensors is inserted between the limb and the mechanical interface that connects the robot to the user, in direct contact with the wearer's skin.

Development of an in-shoe pressure-sensitive device for gait analysis.

In this work, we present the development of an in-shoe device to monitor plantar pressure distribution for gait analysis. The device consists in a matrix of 64 sensitive elements, integrated with in-shoe electronics and battery which provide an high-frequency data acquisition, wireless transmission and an average autonomy of 7 hours in continuous working mode. The device is presented along with its experimental characterization and a preliminary validation on a healthy subject.