Evaluation of Lubrication Coatings for Intravascular Catheters, Wires, and Delivery System / 中国医疗器械杂志

Lubrication coating is widely used to reduce the friction between the interventional devices and the blood vessels, improves the surface biocompatibility of the interventional device, and also brings the coating stability problems and related risks. This paper describes the coating-related content from the equipment description, performance verification, technical requirements, etc., to reduce the risk of the coating to an acceptable level.

Efectos del tadalafilo en el deseo sexual y la excitación/lubricación en mujeres postmenopáusicas / Effects of Tadalafil on Sexual Desire and Arousal/Lubrication in Postmenopausal Women

Objetivo Determinar los efectos y la seguridad del tadalafilo en el deseo sexual y la excitación/lubricación en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Métodos Estudio cuasi experimental (con comparación antes de la intervención y después), con seguimiento de la cohorte de pacientes: 228 mujeres mayores de 40 años en postmenopausia, que consultaron por bajo deseo sexual y alteración de la excitación /lubricación, en una clínica sexológica en Armenia (Colombia), entre 2018 y 2019. Las mujeres recibieron 2,5 mg diarios de tadalafilo durante 12 semanas. Se determinaron las puntuaciones del instrumento, el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (IFSF), cada cuatro semanas. Resultados El promedio de edad fue de 54,36 ± 4,92 años. Antes del tratamiento, la media en la puntuación del IFSF fue de 22,41 puntos (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 7,11­29,76); a las 4 semanas, 24,73 puntos (IC95%: 23,51­30,28); a las 8 semanas, 25,97 puntos (IC95%: 24,26­31,53); y, al final, 26,99 puntos (IC95%: 25,97­32,46), con diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las 4 medidas pareadas (p < 0,001). La excitación fue el dominio con mayor puntuación tras el tratamiento (4,83 puntos; IC 95%: 4,36­4,91), seguida por la lubricación (4,77 puntos; IC95%: 4,28­4,87). El deseo sexual mostró un significativo incremento al final del estudio (4,29 puntos; IC95%: 4,07­4,39). Se presentaron efectos adversos leves. Se observó una satisfacción con el consumo de tadalafilo del 84,21%. Conclusiones El tratamiento diario con 2,5 mg de tadalafilo genera mejoría en la función sexual de mujeres en la postmenopausia, y el incremento en la puntuación del IFSF demuestra su efecto positivo.

Objective To determine the effects and safety of tadalafil on sexual desire and arousal/lubrication in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods Quasi-experimental study (with a comparison before and after the intervention) with follow-up of the patient cohort: 228 postmenopausal women older than 40 years of age, who consulted due to low sexual desire and altered arousal/lubrication, in a sexology clinic in Armenia (Colombia) between 2018 and 2019. The women received 2.5 mg of tadalafil daily for 12 weeks. The scores on the instrument used, the Female Sexual Function Index, (FSFI), were determined every four weeks. Results The mean age was 54.36 ± 4.92 years. Before the treatment, the mean FSFI score was of 22.41 points (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 7.11­29.76); at 4 weeks, it was of 24.73 points (95%CI: 23.51­30, 28); at 8 weeks, 25.97 points (95%CI: 24.26­31.53); and, at the end, it was of 26.99 points (95%CI: 25.97­32.46), with statistically significant differences among the four paired measurements (p < 0.001). Arousal was the domain with the highest posttreatment score (4.83 points; 95%CI: 4.36­4.91), followed by lubrication (4.77 points; 95%CI: 4.28­4.87). Sexual desire showed a significant increase at the end of the study (4.29 points; 95%CI: 4.07­4.39). Mild adverse effects occurred. A rate of satisfaction of 84.21% with the intake of tadalafil. Conclusions The daily treatment with tadalafil 2.5 mg results in an improvement in sexual function in postmenopausal women; the increase in the score on the FSFI demonstrates its positive effect.

Disfunção sexual após tratamento para o câncer do colo do útero / Disfunción sexual después del tratamiento del cáncer cervical / Sexual dysfunction after cervical cancer treatment

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e relacionadas à vida sexual e identificar a disfunção sexual em mulheres após o tratamento do câncer do colo do útero. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu mulheres com idade ≥18 anos e conclusão do tratamento de três meses. Foram utilizados dois instrumentos: formulário com informações sociodemográficas, clínicas e relacionadas à vida sexual; e o Índice da Função Sexual Feminina para avaliar a função sexual das participantes sexualmente ativas, sendo valores do escore ≤26 classificados como disfunção sexual. A estatística descritiva foi utilizada para verificar associações através do teste de Mann-Whitney e qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher. Resultados Do total de 46 mulheres, 15 (32,61%) mantiveram relações sexuais após o tratamento e oito tiveram indicativo de disfunção sexual (escore de 21,66; desvio padrão=7,06). Os tipos de tratamento (p=0,03) e de radioterapia (p=0,01), e o estadiamento da doença (p=0,02) interferiram na função sexual. Os domínios do Índice da Função Sexual Feminina mais afetados foram lubrificação (p=0,03) e dor (p=0,04). Conclusão A disfunção sexual esteve presente nas mulheres estudadas com impacto negativo na qualidade de vida.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con la vida sexual e identificar la disfunción sexual en mujeres después del tratamiento del cáncer cervical. Método Estudio transversal que incluyó mujeres de ≥18 años y la finalización del tratamiento de tres meses. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos: formulario con información sociodemográfica, clínica y relacionada con la vida sexual; y el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina para evaluar la función sexual de las participantes sexualmente activas, con valores de puntuación ≤26 clasificados como disfunción sexual. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para verificar las asociaciones mediante la prueba de Mann-Whitney y la prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson o la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados De un total de 46 mujeres, 15 (32.61%) tuvieron relaciones sexuales después del tratamiento y ocho tuvieron una indicación de disfunción sexual (puntaje 21.66; desviación estándar=7.06). Los tipos de tratamiento (p=0.03) y radioterapia (p=0.01), además de la estadificación de la enfermedad (p=0.02), interfirieron con la función sexual. Los dominios del índice de función sexual femenina más afectados fueron la lubricación (p=0.03) y el dolor (p=0.04). Conclusión La disfunción sexual estuvo presente en las mujeres estudiadas, con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and those related to the sexual life, and to identify sexual dysfunction in women after cervical cancer treatment. Method Cross-sectional study including women aged ≥18 years and completion of the three-month treatment. Two instruments were used: form with sociodemographic, clinical and sexual life-related information; and the Female Sexual Function Index to assess the sexual function of sexually active participants, with score values ≤26 classified as sexual dysfunction. Descriptive statistics was used to check associations through the Mann-Whitney test and Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results Out of a total of 46 women, 15 (32.61%) had sexual intercourse after treatment and eight had an indication of sexual dysfunction (score 21.66; standard deviation=7.06). The types of treatment (p=0.03) and of radiotherapy (p=0.01), in addition to the staging of the disease (p=0.02) interfered with the sexual function. The most affected domains of the Female Sexual Function Index were lubrication (p=0.03) and pain (p=0.04). Conclusion Sexual dysfunction was present in women studied and had a negative impact on quality of life.

Effect of Resolvin D1 and E1 on Mucin Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucin is an important component of mucus that performs the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and particles, lubrication of organs, and protection of airway. It is hyper-secreted in inflammatory airway diseases and is associated with morbidity and mortality of the affected patients. Resolvin, an autacoid of a specific lipid structure, exhibits anti-inflammatory property against inflammatory airway diseases although its effects on mucin secretion by human airway epithelial cells have not yet been demonstrated. In this regard, we investigated the effects of Resolvin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mucin expression in human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In mucin-producing human NCI-H292 epithelial cells, the effects and brief signaling pathways of Resolvin D1 (RvD1) and Resolvin E1 (RvE1) on the LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expression were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: RvD1 attenuated LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production in human NCI-H292 cells while RvE1 did not. RvD1 significantly blocked LPS-induced activated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) while RvE1 did not. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RvD1 attenuates LPS-induced MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B expressions via ERK1/2 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in airway epithelial cells. Therefore, RvD1 may modulate the control of mucus-hypersecretion in inflammatory airway diseases.

Ureteral access sheaths: a comprehensive comparison of physical and mechanical properties

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ureteral access sheaths (UAS) facilitate flexible ureteroscopy in the treat- ment of urolithiasis. The physical properties of UAS vary by manufacturer and model. We compared three new UAS: Glideway (GW, Terumo, 11/13Fr, 12/14Fr), Pathway (PW, Terumo 12/14F) and Navigator HD (NHD, Boston Scientific, 11/13Fr, 12/14Fr) in the domains of safety characteristics, positioning characteristics, lubricity and radio- opacity. Materials and Methods: In vitro testing of the three UAS included safety testing-tip perforation force, sheath edge deformation and dilator extraction forces. Positioning characteristics tested included tip bending, stiffness (resistance to coaxial buckling forces), kinking (resistance to perpendicular forces), and insertion forces. Lubricity was assessed by measured frictional forces of the outer sheath. Finally, radio-opacity was tested utilizing fluoroscopic imaging of the three 12F sheaths and inner dilators. Results: The PW (0.245 lb) and GW (0.286 lb) required less force for tip perforation compared to the NHD (0.628 lb). The NHD sheath edge deformation was mild compared to more severe deformation for the PW and GW. The PW (1.008 lb) required greater force than the GW (0.136 lb) and NHD (0.043 lb) for inner dilator removal. The GW (3.69 lbs) and NHD (4.17 lb) had similar inner dilator tip stiffness when bent, while the PW had the weakest inner dilator tip, 1.91 lbs. The PW (0.271 lb) was most susceptible to buckling and kinking (1.626 lb). The most lubricious UAS was the NHD (0.055 lbs for 12F). The NHD (0.277 lbs) required the least insertional force through a biological model and possessed the greatest radio-opacity. Conclusions: Comparison of different commercially available UAS in various sizes reveals that there are mechanical differences in sheaths that may play a role clinically. The Terumo sheaths' (GW and PW) were outperformed by the Boston Scientific NHD in simulating safety, ease of use and radio-opacity.

Is Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty Still Useful?

BACKGROUND: The ideal vaginoplasty must be successful functionally as well as have a natural appearance, and also must retain its functionality and appearance over the long term. Conventional vaginoplasty techniques have functional limitations and are associated with recurrent complications, but rectosigmoid vaginoplasty is known to have a high satisfaction rate due to its functional similarity with the vagina. We conducted the present study to assess the usability of rectosigmoid vaginoplasty over the course of long-term follow-up. METHODS: From March 1992 to February 2014, 84 patients were treated with rectosigmoid vaginoplasty; 44 had gender identity disorder, 29 had vaginal agenesis, 8 had female pseudohermaphroditism, and 3 had gynecologic malignancies after radical pelvic surgery. This retrospective study was based on a review of the patients' records, clinical examinations, complications, and questionnaires about appearance, function, and sexual intercourse. RESULTS: All patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were discharged within 2 weeks without surgical flap loss. The early complications were partial flap necrosis, difficulty in defecation, mucous hypersecretion, and postoperative ileus. The late complications were vaginal introitus contracture, vaginal prolapse, and difficulty in urination. The mean length and diameter of the neovagina 3.4 years after rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were 13.2 cm and 3.8 cm, respectively. On questionnaires about satisfaction, 70% of patients reported excellent satisfaction, 11% good, 12% fair, and 7% poor. CONCLUSIONS: Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty is useful, safe, and well-accepted operative method with good functional and cosmetic results, such as natural lubrication and adequate vaginal length and width obtained without requiring the use of a dilator.

Comparison of Quality of Life and Sexuality between Cervical Cancer Survivors and Healthy Women / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning between sexually active cervical cancer survivors and healthy women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, propensity-score-matched cervical cancer survivors (n=104) and healthy women (n=104) were compared. All women had engaged in sexual activity within the previous 3 months, and cervical cancer survivors showed no evidence of disease after primary treatment. QoL and sexual functioning were assessed using three questionnaires; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), Cervical Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: Significantly higher scores for lymphedema were observed in the cervical cancer survivors group compared with the healthy women group (mean, 20.2 vs. 12.2; p < 0.05). Sexuality, both in terms of sexual activity, sexual enjoyment, and sexual worry (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and in terms of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (FSFI) were similar between the groups. When the scale of sexual/vaginal functioning in EORTC QLQ-CX24 was divided into individual questions, cervical cancer survivors reported shorter vaginal length than the control group, but without statistical significance (mean, 80.6 vs. 85.4; p=0.077). CONCLUSION: Compared with healthy women, sexuality was not impaired in cervical cancer survivors who showed no evidence of disease after primary treatment and engaging in sexual activity. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm this finding.

Novo método para o estudo de desgaste por atrição (deslizamento alternado) em esmalte bovino, em função da carga normal e da lubrificação: redução do desgaste com gel lubrificante oral / New method to study the wear by attrition (reciprocating sliding) in enamel, depending on the normal load and lubrication: reduction in wear with gel oral lubricant

O esmalte dental é o tecido mineralizado mais duro do corpo humano; apesar disto, seu desgaste é um problema muito comum. Este pode estar associado aos processos de envelhecimento, ou ainda, ser encontrado em indivíduos jovens, como consequência de atividades parafuncionais, por exemplo, atrição dental. Este tipo de dano pode resultar em prejuízo da função mastigatória e em diminuição da qualidade de vida. Por isto, o desgaste do esmalte dental tem sido objeto de muitos estudos, embora poucos tenham utilizado conceitos tribológicos. Não foi encontrado nenhum estudo que explorasse o desgaste de esmalte e seus micromecanismos oriundos do deslizamento alternado de incisivo contra incisivo, configuração que mais se aproxima do tribossistema real de atrição. O presente estudo tem por objeto investigar o desgaste e seus mecanismos em pares deslizantes de esmalte incisal (configuração pino-plano), selecionados por seus similares valores de dureza e de tenacidade à fratura, submetidos a diferentes cargas normais e lubrificações do meio. Incisivos bovinos foram ensaiados em deslizamento alternado sob duas cargas normais (8 N e 16 N) e quatro modos de lubrificação: saliva natural; saliva artificial; gel lubrificante oral (Oralbalance!, Biotène); e grupo controle sem lubrificação (seco)...

Enamel is the hardest mineralized tissue in the human body; despite that, the enamel wear is a very common problem. The wear damage can be related to aging processes or also be found in young people as a result of parafunctional activities, for example, dental attrition. This type of damage can result in loss of masticatory function and decreased quality of life. Therefore, the wear of the enamel has been the subject of many studies, although few have used tribological concepts. The wear mechanisms of reciprocating sliding pairs from incisor against incisor have not been reported in the literature, this configuration is the one that is closest to the real tribosystem of attrition. The present study aims to investigate the wear behavior and the related mechanisms in reciprocating sliding pairs of incisal enamel (pin-on-flat configuration), selected for their similar hardness and fracture toughness values, with different applied normal loads and lubrication conditions. Bovine incisors were tested in reciprocating sliding with different applied normal loads (8 N and 16 N) and four lubrication conditions: natural saliva; artificial saliva; oral gel lubricant (Oralbalance!, Biotène); and control group (dry). During tests, the friction curves were recorded...

Sexual Dysfunction among Filipino breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION: Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life, and can be drastically affected in ill patients. Very few studies (and apparently none among Filipinas) looked into sexual dysfunction among females with breast cancer (BrCa); prevalence also is not well defined. This study evaluates the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among Filipino patients with BrCa, and assesses which treatment or if duration of illness, age, BMI, smoking history, diabetes, hypertension significantly contributed to the dysfunction.METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among BrCa patients consulting at the outpatient medical oncology clinic of a government tertiary hospital. Study population included those diagnosed and was with breast cancer over a 3-months period, with a calculated sample size of 60 (within 81±10% prevalence rate, Cl 95%). A validated translated version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) 19-item questionnaire that looked into 6 domains (arousal, lubrication, desire, pain, orgasm, and satisfaction) was used. Sexual dysfunction was defined as an FSFI score of RESULTS: Of the 97 respondents, mean age was 49.4 years old and mean BMI of 24.8. About 78% received chemotherapy, 26% hormonal therapy. 15% radiotherapy, 82% modified radical mastectomy (MRM), and 71% received both MRM and chemotherapy at the time of interview. Duration of cancer wasmonths in 72% of subjects. There were 97.9% who had sexual dysfunction which is similar to prevalence rates (64-98%) in other studies. Age, BMI, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and duration of illness were shown not to be significant predictors of sexual dysfunction among Filipinas with BrCa by bivariate analysis.CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among female Filipino BrCa patients. Knowing such high prevalence should prompt health care providers to include interventions to improve quality of life of BrCa patients, including their sexual life.

Research development of surface hydrophilicity and lubrication modification of interventional guide wire / 中国医疗器械杂志

Surface lubricity is one of the important performance criteria for interventional guide wire. In this paper, a review of the methods of surface hydrophilicity and lubrication modification of interventional guide wire is presented, including their fundamental principles, effects and some relative applications. These methods all have their own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, limitations of experimental conditions need to be taken into account.

The Recent Review of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term that describes various menopausal symptoms and signs including not only genital symptoms (dryness, burning, and irritation), and sexual symptoms (lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function, but also urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections). The terms vulvovaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis, which were generally used until recently, had a limitation because they did not cover the full spectrum of symptoms and did not imply that the symptoms are related to a decreased estrogen level in menopause. Since the GSM may have a profound negative impact on the quality of life of postmenopausal women, women should be made aware of these problems and treated with an appropriate effective therapy. Thus, in this review we introduce new terminology and discuss the importance of comprehension of GSM and the necessity of active treatment of this syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Recent development of research on the biotribology of carbon fiber reinforced poly ether ether ketone composites / 生物医学工程学杂志

Carbon fiber reinforced poly ether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) composite possesses excellent biocompatible, biomechanical and bioribological properties. It is one of the most promising implant materials for artificial joint. Many factors influence the bioribological properties of CF/PEEK composites. In this paper, the authors reviewed on the biotribology research progress of CF/PEEK composites. The influences of various factors such as lubricant, reinforcement surface modification, functional particles, friction counterpart and friction motion modes on the bio-tribological properties of CF/PEEK composites are discussed. Based on the recent research, the authors suggest that the further research should be focused on the synergistic effect of multiple factors on the wear and lubrication mechanism of CF/PEEK.

Transplante de glândulas salivares labiais no tratamento de olho seco em cães pela autoenxertia / Labial salivary glands transplantation in the treatment of dry eye in dogs by autograft

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos clínicos da secreção das glândulas salivares labiais como alternativa de lubrificação ocular para alívio do olho seco, em casos moderados, severos e refratários ao tratamento clínico, através da técnica de transposição de glândulas salivares labiais para o fórnice conjuntival pela autoenxertia. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 17 cães os quais apresentavam olho seco autoimune sem reposta satisfatória ao tratamento clínico. O teste lacrimal de Schirmer e o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal foram realizados no pré-operatório para avaliar a quantidade e a qualidade da lágrima produzida. Os pacientes foram submetidos aos exames oftálmicos completos no pré-operatório, a cada 15 dias por dois meses e a cada 30 dias por mais dois meses, totalizando seis retornos pós-operatórios. No pré-operatório e em todos os pós-operatórios fotografias digitais foram tiradas para o arquivo fotográfico. Utilizou-se o programa photoshop para avaliação e marcação dos neovasos corneanos em todos os retornos. RESULTADOS: Houve redução em todos os casos da secreção mucopurulenta, hiperemia conjuntival e blefarospasmo, bem como estabilização de lesões pré-existentes e redução importante do número de neovasos corneanos. A transposição resultou na melhora do tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, porém sem alterações significativas no teste de Schirmer. CONCLUSÃO: O transplante das glândulas salivares labiais para o fórnice conjuntival é um procedimento de fácil execução, rápido, eficaz, acessível a qualquer cirurgião veterinário oftalmologista e de grande valia para casos moderados e severos de ceratoconjuntivite seca não responsivos às medicações existentes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of lips salivary gland secretion as ocular lubricant for dry eye relief in mild cases, severe and refractory to medical treatment, through the transposition technique of salivary glands autograft to the conjunctival fornix. METHODS: Seventeen dogs exhibiting autoimmune dry eye with no satisfactory response to clinical treatment were selected. Lacrimal Schirmer Test and Tear Film break-up time (BUT) preoperative tests were performed to estimate the quantity and the quality of produced tear. Animals were submitted to complete ophthalmic exams routine preoperative, each 15 days for two months and then each 30 days for more two months after surgery, totalizing six returns. Photos were taken before and after surgical procedure for photo archive. Photoshop software was utilized for corneal neovascular evaluation. RESULTS: Mucopurulent secretion, conjunctival hyperemia and blepharospasm diminished in all cases, as well as occurred stabilization of pre existent damages with important reduction of corneal neovascularization. The transposition resulted on break-up time tests improvement but no significant changes on Schirmer tests. CONCLUSION: This technique is simple, quick and effective, accessible to any veterinary ophthalmologist surgeon and is of great value for moderate and severe cases of dry keratoconjunctivitis not responsive to medications.

Metal-on-metal Articulation of Total Hip Replacement / 대한고관절학회지

Metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacement (THR) and hip resurfacing have an advantage of low wear rate and greater stability by larger head size and different characteristics of wear mechanism, tribology, lubrication or generating wear debris compared to conventional metal-on-polyethylene THR. Although the mid- or long term clinical reports of second generation MoM THR were excellent, concerns about local and systemic effect by metal particles or metal ions were remained. Recently, reports have emerged of abnormal soft-tissue reactions to metal particles or metal ions and some hip resurfacing implants were expelled from the market due to high revision rate. This article includes the history of MoM THR, tribology, the biologic effect of metal particles and ions, the clinical results of MoM THR and the issues regarding the problems associated with hip resurfacing.

Research on surface modification and bio-tribological properties of artificial joint / 中南大学学报(医学版)

The bio-tribological properties of an artificial joint can be obviously improved by surface modification technologies. In this paper, the benefits and disadvantages of various surface modification methods-such as surface coating, plasma treatment, surface texture and surface grafting modification-are discussed. The aim of surface coating and/or plasma treatment is to improve the surface hardness of the materials, thus enhancing the wear resistance of artificial joints. However, these technologies do not effectively alleviate stress concentration of material in the short times in which artificial joints bear physiological impact load, resulting in easy fracture. Surface texture serves mainly to improve the lubrication properties through micro-concavities on the material surface for storage lubricant. Surface texturing can realize improvements in bio-tribological properties, but it does not enhance the impact resistance of the joint. Surface grafting modification is implemented mainly by grafting hydrophilic or other specific functional groups to improve the surface hydrophilicity and wetability, thus enhancing lubricating performance and reducing the coefficient of friction.

Meniscectomy

To review the meniscus from a historical perspective especially on surgical management and general guidelines for arthroscopic meniscectomy procedures for various types of meniscal tears. We searched MEDLINE and PubMed for the years of 1980-2010 using the terms meniscus, meniscal repair, menisectomy, and arthroscopy. Orthopedic surgeons frequently encounter patients with pain or functional impairment of the knee joint and repair or resection of the injured meniscus is one of the most common orthopedic operative procedures. The object of meniscal surgery is to reduce pain, restore functional meniscus and prevent the development of degenerative osteoarthritis in the involved knee. Historically, total meniscectomy was a common procedure performed for meniscus tear symptoms. However, it has been reported that total meniscectomy has deleterious effects on the knee. In the past, the menisci were thought as a functionless remnant tissue. Currently, it is known that the meniscus is an important structure for knee joint function. Menisci provide several vital functions including mechanical support, localized pressure distribution, and lubrication to the knee joint. It is widely accepted that the function of the meniscus can be preserved through minimal excision. An arthroscopic partial meniscectomy preserving more of the meniscus is preferred over total meniscectomy. In recent decades, this shift toward arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has led to the development of new surgical techniques.

A Study on the Predictive Factors of Sexual Function in Women with Gynecologic Cancer

PURPOSE: This study was to identify predictors of sexual function in gynecologic cancer patients. METHODS: The participants were 154 patients treated at a university medical center in A city, Korea. The data collection was performed through a structured questionnaire from July to December, 2010. The instruments used in this study were Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) perceived health status scale, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, body image, and depression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test and stepwise multiple regression with the SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: The mean score of perceived health status was 8.42 and sexual function was 8.42. The lowest score among sexual function was lubrication. The scores of sexual function was significantly different by age, job, marital status, period after diagnosis of cancer and diagnosis. There were significant correlations between sexual function, perceived health status, ECOG performance, body image and depression. In multiple regression analysis, predictors were identified as ECOG performance, age, diagnosis and period after diagnosis of cancer (Adj.R2=.28). The most powerful predictor of female sexual function was ECOG performance (19.0%). CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate that it is necessary to develop a more effective and personalized sexual function improvement program for gynecologic cancer patient.

Micromeritic evaluation of the direct compression excipient LubriTose AN / 药学学报

This study is to report the evaluation of the micromeritic properties of LubriTose AN, which is expected to provide preliminary theoretical basis for the direct compression technology. From the aspects of flowability, compressibility and dilution potential, the angle of repose, flow velocity, the Carr' index, tensile strength, elastic recovery, yield pressure and the lubricating ability of LubriTose AN were determined. Also, model drugs were selected to investigate the dilute potential under the desirable compressing performance. Compared to the physical mixtures, the flowability of LubriTose AN was better, and the deformation mechanism was the same with anhydrous lactose, both brittle deformation. The compressibility and compaction of LubriTose AN was slightly better than that of physical mixtures under low and moderate pressure. The dilution potential of LubriTose AN were high for most of hydrophobic drugs. The lubricate ability was desirable under different rotational speeds. LubriTose AN is an excellent co-processed excipient, which is helpful for the promotion and improvement of the tablet manufacturing level.

Research on Ocular Fatigability Induced by Multimedia and Instrument Features

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different features of such instruments and how they cause ocular fatigability. METHODS: Under the same settings and circumstances, 75 participants were asked to read the novel, "You without me?" in different formats including paper book, E-book (biscuit(R), Interpark Inc., LG INNOTECK LTD, Korea) and LCD reader (iPad(R), Apple Inc., United States). For every 10 minutes of reading, 10 minutes of rest was provided. After finishing the novel, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Compared to paper book readers (1.93), LCD readers (2.40) complained of insufficient lubrication in the eye (p = 0.038), and experience more letter-floating illusions (1.92) than did paper book readers (1.49) (p = 0.043). Moreover, compared to the other formats including the E-book (20%) and paper book (8%), LCD readers (72%) experienced more significant glare symptoms (n = 23) and could read at a faster rate than the other groups of readers (n = 26). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the I-Pad caused ocular fatigability more easily than the other formats examined. No statistical significance of ocular discomfort or fatigability was observed among the different format groups. Further investigation with a greater number of age-controlled participants should be conducted prior to designing a study to determine the best format for reading.

The Tribological and Lubrication Responses of a Cobalt-Chromium Femoral Head in Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: This study aimed at investigating the role of albumin as a boundary lubricant in the lubrication of the Co-Cr femoral head of artificial hip implants by measuring the tribological parameters of the Co-Cr femoral head with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were prepared from the main wear region of a Co-Cr femoral head from revision hip surgery. Two types of solutions were prepared as lubricants: PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) as a control solution and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) as a lubricant at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/ml in PBS solution. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the frictional coefficients (micron) of a Co-Cr head between the PBS control and all the concentrations of BSA (10, 20, 30, 40 mg/ml) (P<0.001). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences for the micron between the BSA concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/m for all the cases except between the BSA of 30 and 40 mg/ml (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There exists a maximum protein concentration of BSA to play a role as an effective boundary lubricant through adsorption on the surface of Co-Cr femoral head.