Risk of dysphagia in a population of infants born preterm: characteristic risk factors in a tertiary NICU

Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia and suck-swallow-breath incoordination as phenotypes of oral feeding difficulties. Method: A cross-sectional study with secondary data collected consecutively over 2 years from October 2020 to October 2022 to measure the prevalence of swallowing and oral feeding difficulty in preterm infants using Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination at the tertiary Integrated Dysphagia Clinic. Results: The prevalence of swallowing disorders was 25 % and the prevalence of suck-swallow-breath incoordination was 62.5 %. The significant risk factor that may show a possible correlation with oral feeding difficulty was mature post-menstrual age (p = 0.006) and longer length of stay (p = 0.004). The dominant percentage of upper airway abnormality and disorder were retropalatal collapse (40 %), laryngomalacia (42.5 %), paradoxical vocal cord movement (12.5 %), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (60 %). The dominant characteristic of oral motor examination and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination was inadequate non-nutritive sucking (45 %), inadequate postural tone (35 %), and inadequate nutritive sucking (65 %). Conclusion: Dysphagia in preterm infants is mostly observed in those with mature post-menstrual age, longer length of stay, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease with inadequate non-nutritive sucking and nutritive sucking abilities. Suck-swallow-breath incoordination is primarily observed in those with immature post-menstrual age, a higher prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidity, and a higher prevalence of upper airway pathologies (laryngomalacia, paradoxical vocal cord movement) with inadequate nutritive sucking ability.

Utilidad del lavado broncoalveolar para la detección microbiológica, y factores asociados, en receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Usefulness of bronchoalveolar lavage for microbiological detection and asssociated factors in hematopoietic stem cell transplant receivers: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las opacidades pulmonares en receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH) representan un desafío diagnóstico y son una causa de morbimortalidad. Existen grandes discrepancias con respecto a la sensibilidad diagnóstica del lavado broncoalveolar (LBA), sus complicaciones, y los factores asociados a la identificación microbiológica. OBJETIVO: Conocer la utilidad del estudio microbiológico del LBA en el diagnóstico, modificación de la conducta médica y estimar las complicaciones y mortalidad asociada al procedimiento, en receptores de TPH con opacidades pulmonares. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, en adultos receptores de TPH a los que se les realizó una broncoscopía con LBA por presentar opacidades pulmonares, en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires entre el 01/01/2011 y el 31/12/2020. RESULTADOS: De los 189 procedimientos analizados, en 79 se logró un hallazgo microbiológico (41,8%) y 122 permitieron modificar la conducta médica (64,6%). En 11 casos se observaron complicaciones graves dentro de las 12 horas (5,8%) de efectuado el LBA. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 16,8% (N = 21/125). El valor de neutrófilos en sangre previo al LBA (p = 0,037) y la presencia de nódulos pulmonares como lesión tomográfica predominante (p = 0,029) se asociaron independientemente al hallazgo microbiològico global. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestra investigación apoya la realización del LBA como herramienta diagnóstica en pacientes que reciben un TPH y presentan opacidades pulmonares.

BACKGROUND: Lung opacities are a cause of morbimortality in bone marrow transplant patients, and represent a diagnostic challenge. There are large discrepancies regarding the diagnostic sensitivity of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), its complications, and the factors associated with microbiological detection. AIM: To know the usefulness of the microbiological study of BAL in the diagnosis, in the modification in medical behavior and to estimate the complications and associated mortality of this diagnostic procedure in patients transplanted with hematopoietic progenitor cells with pulmonary opacities. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in bone marrow transplant adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL due to lung opacities at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 01/01/2011 and 12/31/2020. RESULTS: Of the 189 BAL analyzed, 79 presented a microbiological detection (41.8%) and 122 allowed to modify the medical behavior (64.6%). Severe complications were observed within 12 hours after the procedure in11 cases (5.8%). In-hospital mortality was 16,8% (N = 21/125). The value of blood neutrophils prior to bronchoalveolar lavage (p = 0.037) and the presence of pulmonary nodules as the predominant tomographic lesion (p = 0.029) were independently associated with global microbiological detection. CONCLUSION: Our research supports the performance of BAL as a diagnostic tool in bone marrow transplant patients with lung opacities.

Uso de prótesis parcial removible con resina acrílica termoplástica: una revisión de literatura

La prótesis parcial removible (PPR) es una alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes que perdieron algunos elementos dentarios, debido al costo relativamente bajo y a la generación de una función masticatoria satisfactoria. Además, es una buena opción cuando hay pérdida de los tejidos óseos, dado que impide la instalación de implantes dentarios. La PPR convencional presenta una estructura metálica que ofrece retención y resistencia a la prótesis, convirtiéndola en poco agradable a los pacientes, por el hecho de dejar a la vista el metal en la cavidad oral. A partir de investigadores que decidieron ir más allá del simple estudio de la función y la estética de las PPR para adentrase en sus diversas formas de presentación, surgió la prótesis parcial flexible (PFlex). La PFlex es una prótesis parcial confeccionada con resina termoplástica, sin metal y con flexibilidad. Si bien, muchos profesionales la emplean como prótesis temporal, otros tantos la han usado como alternativa a la PPR convencional. Así, uno de los frecuentes interrogantes de los clínicos es si realmente es posible utilizar la PFlex como alternativa protética definitiva. Por tanto, el propósito de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de la literatura para evaluar si el uso de prótesis parciales removibles con resina termoplástica puede ser una alternativa a las prótesis parciales convencionales, exponiendo las ventajas, desventajas, indicaciones, contraindicaciones y las propiedades del material protético.

Removable partial denture (RPP) is an alternative treatment when it comes to patients who have lost some dental elements, as they have the advantages of a relatively low cost and a satisfactory masticatory function. Furthermore, it is a good option when there is bone tissue loss, making dental implants placement unfeasible. Conventional PPR has a metallic frame that provides retention and resistance to the prosthesis, which makes it unpalatable to patients because it leaves the metal in the oral cavity evident. Many researchers, aiming to give back beyond function and aesthetics, are studying forms of presentation of PPR, thus emerging the flexible partial prosthesis (PFlex). PFlex is a partial denture made with thermoplastic, resin metal-free and with flexibility, however its use, for many professionals, is limited only as temporary prostheses, but there are some clinicians who use PFlex as an alternative to conventional PPR. Thus, one of the questions constantly asked by scientists is whether it is possible to use PFlex as a definitive prosthetic alternative. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a literature review to assess whether the use of removable partial dentures with thermoplastic resin can be an alternative to conventional partial dentures, exposing the advantages, disadvantages, indications, contraindications, and the properties of the prosthetic material.

Flexible flatfoot in the childhood: negative influence of inappropriate footwear

An analysis was carried out in relation to the adverse effects produced by the use of inadequately made footwear in patients with flexible flat feet in pediatric ages; we carried out an anatomical-functional reminder of the foot as a basic structure for standing and walking. The functional adaptability of the feet was valued in those populations with the habit of walking barefoot, also making a description of the basic characteristics that a properly made footwear must have. We address the different therapeutic approaches and their behavior over time. We highlight the widespread use in our society of inappropriate footwear, mainly of the flip-flop type, and its negative influence on the feet of those children with flexible flat feet and valgus of the ankle.

Se llevó a cabo un análisis en relación a los efectos adversos producidos por el uso de calzados de confección inadecuada en los pacientes portadores de pies planos flexibles en edades pediátricas. Se realizó un recordatorio anatomo-funcional del pie como estructura básica para la bipedestación y la marcha. Se valoró la adaptabilidad funcional de los pies en aquellas poblaciones con hábito de andar descalzos, haciéndose, además, una descripción de las características básica que debe reunir un calzado adecuadamente confeccionado. Se abordó los diferentes enfoques terapéuticos y su comportamiento en el tiempo, destacando el uso generalizado en la sociedad cubana de calzados inapropiados, principalmente del tipo chancletas, y su influencia negativa sobre los pies de aquellos niños con pies planos flexibles y tobillo valgo.

Research progress on factors influencing the success rate of ureteral access sheath / 国际外科学杂志

During the operation of flexible ureteroscope, the ureteral access sheath is effectively placed, which accelerates the circulation of fluid in the kidney, thus reducing the pressure in the kidney and enhancing the clarity of the operation field. The success rate of lithotripsy and the risk of postoperative infection depend on the position of the ureteral access sheath. This article reviews the factors affecting the insertion process of the ureteral access sheath and the methods to improve the success rate of the insertion of the ureteral access sheath.

Rapid prediction of G protein-coupled receptor structures using nanoluciferase assay / 药学学报

Using beta-2 adrenergic receptor, 5-hydroxytryptamine and angiotensin II type 1 receptor as control, we here established a method for rapid prediction of the initial position amino acids of N-terminal, C-terminal, intracellular loops, extracellular loops and transmembrane (TM) regions in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and successfully predicted the structure of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors X3 (MRGPRX3). To achieve this purpose, nanoluciferase (Nluc) was inserted into the different sites of these GPCRs′ sequence by sequence and ligation-independent cloning (SLIC) method, and the luminescence value were measured to distinguish the different parts of GPCRs. The results showed that luminescence values of NLuc luciferase at TM region were less than 100 000, and the values were higher than 1 000 000 at N terminal, C terminal, or extracellular loops and intracellular loops, and the values were between 100 000 and 500 000 at junction. The predicted MRGPRX3 structure was analyzed in detail and was compared with AlphaFold predicted structure. In conclusion, this method could provide useful information of GPCR structure model for the ligand virtual screening, and could provide certain experimental basis for structural pharmacology.

A Case of Tricuspid Valve Repair with a Flexible Band in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Tricuspid annulus has an asymmetric three-dimensional structure with the posteroseptalportion lowest toward the apex from the right atrium and the anteroseptal portion the highest. The tricuspid annulus of a patient with situs inversus has a mirror image of a patient with situs solitus, and the posteroseptal and the anteroseptal portion remains the lowest and the highest toward the apex, respectively, as the situs solitus. Therefore, we assumed that the posteroseptal portion would become higher and the anteroseptal portion would become lower using a conventional three-dimensional rigid ring turned over for tricuspid regurgitation in the situs inversus, and the coaptation of the three leaflets would be poor. In this case, we performed tricuspid annuloplasty using a tricuspid flexible band, mitral valve plasty, left atrial plication, left atrial appendage closure for a situs inversus dextrocardia patient with tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, and chronic atrial fibrillation.

Application of controllable negative pressure suction sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of renal calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the clinical application value of controllable negative pressure suction outer sheath and ordinary flexible endoscope outer sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with holmium laser in the treatment of renal calculi less than or equal to 2 cm in diameter. 【Methods】 A total of 85 patients with renal calculi were selected and randomly divided into negative pressure group (n=45) and ordinary group (n=40). The operation time, complications, infection indexes 2 h after operation, adverse reactions, treatment efficacy and stone-clearance rate were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 The sheath was successfully implanted and holmium laser lithotripsy was performed in both groups. The negative pressure group had significantly shorter operation time than the ordinary group [(43.3±4.9) min vs. (66.2±5.8) min, P0.05). The increase of infection indexes (procalcitonin and leukocyte) 2 h after operation were significantly lower in the negative pressure group than in the ordinary group (P<0.05). The efficacy in the negative pressure group was 91.11% (41/45) and the stone-clearance rate was 95.56% (43/45), which were significantly better than those in the ordinary group (72.50% (29/40) and 80% (32/40), respectively. The total incidence of adverse reactions such as renal colic, gross hematuria and ureteral stone street was higher in the ordinary group than in the negative pressure group (P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 Controllable negative pressure suction sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy is more effective, as the circulation perfusion keeps the operation field clear, reduces the operation time and improves the stone-clearance rate, while the negative pressure suction lowers the pelvis pressure to prevent infectious urine from entering the blood.

Application of anterograde flexible ureteroscope combined with retrograde ureteroscope in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi with ureteral atresia in lateral lithotomy / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscope (FU) combined with retrograde ureteroscope (URS) in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi with ureteral atresia. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 7 patients treated during Jan.2018 and Jun.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 Ureteral calculi and ureteral atresia were successfully treated, without serious complications. Six to eight weeks after operation, CT examination showed that hydronephrosis was relieved to varying degrees and the ureteral stents were in good position, without residual stones. Six months after operation, there was no significant exacerbation of hydronephrosis and the renal function remained stable. 【Conclusion】 Anterograde FU combined with retrograde URS has high stone-clearance rate, small trauma and high safety in the treatment of ureteral stricture and ureteral calculi.

Advantages and disadvantages of ureteroscope in the diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma / 现代泌尿外科杂志

Ureteroscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Conventional ureteroscopy (URS) can not only identify the location, appearance and size of a tumor, but also assess tumor grade by biopsy. The continued development of electronic flexible ureteroscopy and assistive technologies has led to further advances in the diagnosis of UTUC. Ureteroscopic laser ablation can be used to treat low grade malignancy, renal insufficiency, or isolated kidney. However, the use of URS may have potential risks such as delay of radical treatment, increased surgical difficulty, intraoperative or postoperative complications and intravesical recurrence. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of ureteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of UTUC.

Clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with cyst wall incision in the treatment of renal calculi with ipsilateral renal cyst / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with cyst wall incision and drainage in the treatment of renal calculi with ipsilateral renal cyst. 【Methods】 A total of 70 patients with renal calculi complicated with ipsilateral renal cyst (cyst diameter >40 mm, maximum diameter of stone 0.05). 【Conclusion】 Flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with cyst incision and drainage has the advantages of short operation time, small trauma, few adverse reactions, good stone clearance effect and satisfactory efficacy. It can be used as a preferred surgical method for renal calculi complicated with ipsilateral renal cyst.

Application of flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of middle and upper ureteral calculi complicated with lower ureteral stricture / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of upper and middle ureteral calculi complicated with lower ureteral stricture after the failure of rigid ureteroscopy. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 36 patients with middle and upper ureteral calculi and lower ureteral stricture treated with rigid ureteroscopy but failed during Oct.2019 and Oct.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients’ average age was (46.2±13.2) years, and the maximum diameter of calculi was (1.3±0.3) cm. The intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were recorded. 【Results】 All 36 patients successfully completed first-stage operation. Intraoperatively, the stenosis degree was F6-8 and could be dilated to F9-11. The mean length of stenosis was (1.1±0.34) cm. No serious postoperative complications such as infection or bleeding occurred. Two patients were lost and 34 patients were followed up. There was no obvious hydronephrosis on ultrasound examination. The stone removal rates were 76.5%, 88.2% and 97.1%, respectively, in months 1, 2 and 3 after operation. One patient with residual stones underwent secondary ureteroscopy in month 3 and large stones were removed with stone removal basket. 【Conclusion】 In patients with middle and upper ureteral calculi and lower ureteral stricture, after the failure of rigid ureteroscopy, flexible ureteroscope is safe and effective, and can significantly increase the success rate of first-stage surgery.

Clinical efficacy of super-mini-percutaneous nephroscope combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in oblique supine lithotomy position in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the clinical safety and effectiveness of super-mini-percutaneous nephroscope (SMP) combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) in oblique supine lithotomy position and FURL alone in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 55 patients treated during Jan.2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 47 cases complicated renal calculi, and 14 cases of lower calyceal calculi with infundibulopelvic angle ≤30°. SMP combined with FURL was performed in 23 cases (combined group), and FURL alone was performed in 32 cases (FURL group). The operation time, hemoglobin reduction, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses, stone-clearance rate and complications were compared. 【Results】 All operations were successful. Compared with the FRUL group, the combined group had significantly more hemoglobin reduction [(16.30±10.17) g/L vs. (6.94±6.61) g/L], longer postoperative hospital stay [(5.35±1.61) d vs. (3.19±1.26) d], and higher hospitalization expenses [(22 481±2 234) yuan vs. (18 209±2 584) yuan] (P0.05]. One month after surgery, CT results showed that the combined group had higher stone-clearance rate (91.30% vs. 65.63%, P=0.027). There was no difference in the complication rate (21.74% vs. 21.88%, P>0.05). One case (4.35%) in the combined group and 5 cases (15.63%) in the FURL group received retreatment (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 SMP combined with FURL in oblique supine lithotomy position is safe and effective in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi, with high stone-clearance rate and low complication rate.

Efficacy and safety of 3-dimensional laparoscopic pyeloplasty and ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3-dimensional laparoscopic pyeloplasty and ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy (3DLP-UGFURL) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and renal calculi. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 29 patients of UPJO complicated with renal calculi treated with 3DLP-UGFURL during Dec.2017 and Jul.2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 6 females with average age of (35.3±13.6) years. The lesions were on the left side in 20 cases, on the right side in 9 cases, and all were unilateral. One case was complicated with horseshoe kidney. The body mass index (BMI) was 23.6±3.9. Multiple calculi of renal pelvis or calyces occurred in 16 cases, and the rest were single calculi. The maximum diameter of calculi was (1.2±0.6)cm. There were 2 cases of mild hydronephrosis, 19 cases of moderate hydronephrosis and 8 cases of severe hydronephrosis. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The operation time of 3DLP was (84.2±15.4)min. Operation time of UGFURL was (42.8±15.7)min. Estimated blood loss was (36.9±13.6)mL. Indwelling time of drainage tube was (3.6±1.6)d. Indwelling time of urinary catheter and postoperative hospital stay was (6.8±1.2)d. One month after operation, the stone removal rate was 97.4%. The retention time of ureteral stent was 2.7 months. During the follow-up of (24.5±10.0)months, there were 45 Clavien Dindo grade 1 complications. 【Conclusion】 3DLP-UGFURL is safe and effective in the treatment of UPJO complicated with renal calculi, but it still needs long-term follow-up data.

Clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia and risk factors of perioperative pain / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore the efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) under local anesthesia (LA) in the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi, and to analyze the risk factors of pain. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 255 patients treated during Apr.2022 and Sep.2022 were reviewed, including visual analogue score (VAS) of pain during ureteroscopy, sheath placement, holmium laser lithotripsy, 1 hour and 8 hours after operation. VAS ≥5 was defined as significant pain. Clinical and follow-up data of the significant pain group and non-significant pain group were analyzed with logistic regression to analyze the risk factors of pain in FURL under LA. 【Results】 Altogether 198 patients (77.6%) successfully completed the operation, and the stone-free rate (SFR) was 89.9% (178/198). The VAS of ureteroscopy was the highest (4.49±1.08), and 73 patients (28.6%) experienced significant pain. Univariate analysis showed that significant pain was associated with gender, previous surgical history, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and ASA classification (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that male (OR=2.896, 95%CI:1.413-5.933, P=0.040) and BMI≥28 (OR=7.776, 95%CI:2.268-26.657, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of significant pain, while age ≥65 years (OR=0.237, 95%CI:0.083-0.672, P=0.007) and previous surgical history (OR=0.156, 95%CI:0.032-0.754, P=0.021) were the protective factors. 【Conclusion】 It is feasible and effective to treat upper urinary tract calculi with FURL under LA. The presence of significant pain is associated with factors such as gender, age, BMI and previous surgical history.

Ureteroscope/flexible combined with balloon in the treatment of ureteral stricture with stones in transplanted kidney: a report of 9 cases in a single center / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteroscope or flexible ureteroscope combined with balloon dilatation in the treatment of ureteral stricture with renal calculi in transplanted kidney. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 9 patients treated in our hospital during 2016 and 2022 were reviewed. The changes of the width of hydronephrosis, levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, reoperation, and re-dwelling of stents were analyzed. 【Results】 One patient failed the operation because the guide wire could not be inserted, and the other 8 patients successfully completed the surgery. The stents were removed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. During the follow-up of 8 to 48 months, no recurrence of renal calculi occurred; 5 patients had no recurrence of ureteral stricture; 3 patients (cases 4, 6, 9) underwent regular ureteral stent replacement due to hydronephrosis; the width of hydronephrosis, creatinine and urea nitrogen levels of 8 patients were significantly improved (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Ureteroscope/flexible with balloon dilatation is safe and effective in the treatment of transplanted kidney with ureteral stricture and kidney stones.

Efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath for renal and upper ureteral calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety and efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 41 cases treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 cases treated with flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath (experimental group), and 21 cases treated with traditional ureteral access sheath (control group). The stone-clearance rate, operation time, postoperative fever (T>37.5 ℃), length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The experimental group had significantly shorter operation time than the control group [(54.0±19.8) min vs. (76.6±20.1) min, P0.05). 【Conclusion】 Flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy can shorten the operation time, improve stone-clearance rate and reduce incidence of postoperative fever, which is worth promoting.

Development of a flexible embedded neurostimulator for animal robots / 生物医学工程学杂志

The neural stimulator is a core component of animal robots. While the control effect of animal robots is influenced by various factors, the performance of the neural stimulator plays a decisive role in regulating animal robots. In order to optimize animal robots, embedded neural stimulators had been developed using flexible printed circuit board technology. This innovation not only enabled the stimulator to generate parameter-adjustable biphasic current pulses through control signals, but also optimized its carrying mode, material, and size, overcoming the disadvantages of traditional backpack or head-inserted stimulators, which have poor concealment and are prone to infection. Static, in vitro, and in vivo performance tests of the stimulator demonstrated that it not only had precise pulse waveform output capability, but also was lightweight and small in size. It had excellent in vivo performance in both laboratory and outdoor environments. Our study has high practical significance for the application of animal robots.

Comparison of the effectiveness of two kinds of surgeries for treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in children / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness of subtalar arthroereisis (STA) combined with modified Kidner procedure versus STA alone in the treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in children.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 33 children with flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone who were admitted between August 2018 and August 2021 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a combination group (17 cases, treated by STA combined with modified Kidner procedure) and a control group (16 cases, treated by STA alone) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), such as gender, age, affected side of the foot, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), talus-second metatarsal angle (T2MT), talonavicular coverage angle (TCA), talus first plantar angle (Meary angle), calcaneal inclination angle (Pitch angle), and heel valgus angle (HV). The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, and perioperative complications were recorded in both groups. The anteroposterior, lateral, and calcaneal axial X-ray films for the affected feet were taken regularly, and T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, Pitch angle, and HV were measured. The VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate pain and functional recovery before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#Surgeries in both groups were successfully performed without surgical complication such as vascular, nerve, or tendon injuries. Less operation time, shorter incision length, less intraoperative blood loss, and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies were found in the control group than in the combination group ( P<0.05). One case in the combination group had partial necrosis of the skin at the edge of the incision, which healed after the dressing change and infrared light therapy, and the rest of the incisions healed by first intention. All children were followed up 12-36 months, with a mean of 19.6 months. At last follow-up, VAS score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), and the differences of these scores between before and after operation improved more significantly in the combination group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Imaging results showed that the T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, and HV significantly improved in both groups at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), and the Pitch angle had no significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( P>0.05). But there was no significant difference in the difference of these indicators between before and after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both procedures are effective in the treatment of flexible flatfoot children with painful accessory navicular bone. STA has the advantage of minimally invasive, while STA combined with modified Kidner procedure has better effectiveness.

Design of flexible wearable sensing systems / 生物医学工程学杂志

The aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly have brought a significant economic burden to families and society. The non-invasive wearable sensing system can continuously and real-time monitor important physiological signs of the human body and evaluate health status. In addition, it can provide efficient and convenient information feedback, thereby reducing the health risks caused by chronic diseases in the elderly. A wearable system for detecting physiological and behavioral signals was developed in this study. We explored the design of flexible wearable sensing technology and its application in sensing systems. The wearable system included smart hats, smart clothes, smart gloves, and smart insoles, achieving long-term continuous monitoring of physiological and motion signals. The performance of the system was verified, and the new sensing system was compared with commercial equipment. The evaluation results demonstrated that the proposed system presented a comparable performance with the existing system. In summary, the proposed flexible sensor system provides an accurate, detachable, expandable, user-friendly and comfortable solution for physiological and motion signal monitoring. It is expected to be used in remote healthcare monitoring and provide personalized information monitoring, disease prediction, and diagnosis for doctors/patients.