The flexible Triac-Brace was developed to improve cosmetic appearance and wearing comfort. It was evaluated in this study with respect to primary curve correction in idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Twenty patients (15 girls, 5 boys, mean age: 12.5) with a diagnosis of IS were treated with the Triac-Brace. Lumbar curves showed an initial average Cobb angle of 26 degrees (SD = 9 degrees), thoracic curves of 25 degrees (SD = 7 degrees). After 6.2 weeks the primary curve correction was measured (Cobb). Further radiological follow-up was done every 6 months during the average wearing time of 15 months. Cosmesis and wearing comfort were assessed by a valid scoring system (Quality of Life Profile for Spine Deformities). We observed a primary correction of 41% in lumbar curves (n = 12) (significant, t-test), and 10% in thoracic curves (n = 17) (not significant, t-test). An increase in correction over time as reported by Veldhuizen et al was not seen. Curve progression was noted in five patients (average 12 degrees). The scores for cosmesis (4.2/5) and flexibility of the back (4.6/5) were high. Ninety percent of the patients reported a wearing time of 22-23 h. We do not recommend treatment of thoracic or double curves with the Triac-Brace. Larger studies are necessary to assess the effectiveness in lumbar curves. The improved wearing comfort is a potential advantage.
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Carbohydr Polym
March 2025
Engineering Research Centre of Fujian-Taiwan Special Marine Food Processing and Nutrition (Ministry of Education), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China; China-Ireland International Cooperation Centre for Food Material Science and Structural Design, Fuzhou 350002, China. Electronic address:
The long-term sustainable development of flexible electronic devices is limited by a reliance on synthetic polymers that pose dangers for humans and potentially severe ecological problems, as well as a reliance on conventional processing methods. This work aims to exploit 3D printing to develop natural biogels composed of fish gelatin and high acyl gellan gum for use as flexible sensors. The electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were remarkably enhanced through the environmentally friendly enzyme (transglutaminase) cross-linking and non-toxic ethanol modification treatment, which allows the development of 3D printed sensors for temperature, strain, and stress sensors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProsthet Orthot Int
January 2025
Green Pastures Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Pokhara, Nepal.
Introduction: Prosthetic silicone liners improve comfort and skin protection and allow the use of total surface bearing (TSB) sockets, which provide enhanced proprioception and comfort. Unfortunately, silicone liners are cost-prohibitive in resource-limited environments (RLEs) where patellar tendon bearing (PTB) sockets with PE-lite liners remain standard, leading to patient discomfort and skin issues.
Objective: This study evaluates the benefits and durability of an affordable silicone liner locally manufactured in an RLE to promote TSB socket adoption, aiming to enhance prosthetic care and patient outcomes.
Eye Contact Lens
February 2025
Department of Ophthalmology (E.B.V.), Kocaeli Kandıra M. Kazım Dinç State Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey; Department of Ophthalmology (S.A.T.), Marmara University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey; and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (A.E.T.), West Virginia University Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV.
Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the changes in postlens fluid optical density, timing and quantity of lens settling, and the clinical performance between two different mini-scleral lenses.
Methods: Seventeen eyes of 10 patients with keratoconus were fitted with a 15-mm mini-scleral lens (AirKone Scleral Lenses; Laboratoire LCS, Normandy, France), and 15 eyes of 10 patients with keratoconus were fitted with 16.5-mm mini-scleral lenses (Misa Lenses; Microlens Contactlens Technology, Arnhem, The Netherlands).
This study investigates the impact of the weight and centre of mass (COM) position of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) on the subjective evaluation of users during prolonged wearing tasks. This study involved 88 participants completing 1860 sets of experiments under three conditions: sitting still, turning the head, and moving, providing subjective evaluations of wearing HMDs. A static torque testing device was used to simulate neck torque under flexion states.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Palliat Care
January 2025
Kerry Specialist Palliative Care Service, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland.
Background: The prevalence of dry mouth in the palliative care population is well documented and increases due to polypharmacy, radiotherapy and systemic conditions. Saliva as a lubricant for the mouth and throat has implications for swallowing, chewing, and speech. The literature about the experience of xerostomia (perceived feeling of dry mouth) in palliative care is scarce.
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