The surgical devices for the treatment of degenerative disc disease are based on different concepts (rods for spine fusion, ROM-restricting or load-bearing devices for dynamic stabilization). In the present work, the effects of some stabilization systems on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine were investigated by means of a finite element model of the L2-L5 spine segment. Pedicular screws and stabilization devices were added at L4-L5. Different rods were considered: stainless steel, titanium, PEEK and the composite ostaPek. Two pedicular devices aimed at motion preservation were also considered: the FlexPLUS and the DSS. All models were loaded by using the hybrid protocol in flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The spine biomechanics after implantation resulted significantly sensitive to the design and the materials of the device. The impact of all rods in reducing the ROM was found to be critical (>70% in flexion and extension). The dynamic devices were able to preserve the motion of the segment, but with different performances (ROM reduction from 30% (DSS) to 50% (FlexPLUS)). The shared load was more sensitive to the elastic modulus of the device material than the calculated ROMs (from 7% (PEEK) to 48% (stainless steel)). Regarding devices aimed at motion preservation, the authors suggest to distinguish "flexible" devices, which are able to preserve only a minor fraction (e.g. at most 50%) of the physiological ROM, from "dynamic" devices, which induce a smaller ROM restriction. However, the optimal characteristics of a stabilization device for the treatment of degenerative disc disease still need to be determined by means of basic science and clinical studies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2010.11.018 | DOI Listing |
Nanotechnology
January 2025
Electronic Sci.&Eng., Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road,Beilin District, Xi 'an, Shaanxi Province, China, Xi'an, 710049, CHINA.
The accurate estimation of the temperature distribution of the GaN based power devices and optimization of the device structure is of great significance to possibly solve the self-heating problem, which hinders the further enhancement of the device performances. We present here the operando temperature measurement with high spatial resolution using Raman spectroscopy of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with different device structures and explore the optimization of the device thermal design accordingly. The lateral and depth temperature distributions of the single-finger HEMT were characterized.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Wearable activity-measurement devices are increasingly popular among the public, but there is little information regarding their use among patients undergoing sports medicine procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare accelerometer-measured data with traditional patient-reported measures and to determine the trajectory of physical activity from before surgery to 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Materials And Methods: Adult patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective cohort pilot study.
Cien Saude Colet
January 2025
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, 2º andar, sala 2216, Cerqueira Cesar. 01246-903 São Paulo SP Brasil.
Prophylaxis based on antiretrovirals, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis to HIV (PrEP), has the potential to protect the populations most vulnerable to infection, which renews optimism for controlling the HIV epidemic. Against this backdrop, the aim of this article is to analyze the perceptions, negotiations and tensions surrounding the use of PrEP by men who have sex with men (MSM). This is a qualitative cross-section of a multicenter study, analyzing semi-structured interviews with 18 users of specialized HIV/AIDS healthcare facilities in the city of São Paulo/SP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArq Bras Oftalmol
January 2025
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Purpose: This study aimed to modify scleral contact lenses to achieve a desired compression standard and to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the adjustments.
Methods: In this nonrandomized, noncomparative, and partially masked study Scleral contact lens fittings were analyzed in 20 eyes of 12 patients (50% women, 50% men) diagnosed with keratoconus. Participants were selected based on their need for scleral contact lenses (SCLs), which was determined in complete ophthalmological examinations.
Arq Bras Oftalmol
January 2025
Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences. No. 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Purpose: Although the orthokeratology effects on corneal biomechanics have been proven with clinical trials, reports of stiffness parameter change are scarce. This study investigated the short-term orthokeratology effects in pediatric myopia and compared stiffness parameter changes to those published in recent clinical investigations. This prospective study aimed to investigate corneal biomechanics changes induced by short-term overnight orthokeratology treatment, focusing on stiffness parameter at A1 and stress-strain index.
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