Optical properties of molybdenum in the ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Optical properties of polycrystalline molybdenum are determined from ultraviolet up to extreme ultraviolet by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). Calculations are performed within the dielectric response theory by means of the quantitative analysis of electron energy losses at surfaces QUEELS-ϵ(k,ω)-REELS software [Surf. Interface Anal.36, 824 (2004)SIANDQ0142-242110.1002/sia.1774] that allows the simulation of inelastic scattering cross sections, using a parametric energy loss function describing the optical response of the material. From this energy loss function, the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, the refractive index, and the extinction coefficient are deduced and compared with previously published results.

Clinical results of radial arthroplasty in Hotchkiss' terrible triad, a case series of 47. / Resultados clínicos de la artroplastia radial en la tríada terrible de Hotchkiss, a propósito de 47 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Radial head fractures represent 33-75% of elbow fractures (30 cases/100,000 population/year). "Terrible triad's Hotchkiss" is characterized by radial head fracture, coronoid fracture and elbow dislocation. Our principal goal is to compare our results on each type of prosthesis in the context of the triad. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, descriptive and retrospective study. Sample size was 47 patients. Variables analyzed were affiliation, Mason's classification, surgical aspects (moment of surgery, surgical time, prosthesis type, re-surgery), rehabilitation time, causes of prosthetic failure, complications, radiographic findings (according to van Riet), Popovic's loosening areas, MEPS and Cassebaum's scales. We performed an inter-group study, on patients treated with monopolar or bipolar prosthesis, in order to see results. RESULTS: Average age was 43.5±8.9 years. 72.7% were in highly demanding jobs. Mason's fracture type iv appeared in all the cases and Regan-Morrey's type I was the most frequent coronoid fracture (42.6%). There were 22 bipolar prosthesis and 25 monopolar prosthesis. Surgery time was about 112.3±59.1minutes. External fixation was used in 6.4%. MEPS final: 85.9±15 points. Rehabilitation time was about 4.7±2.5 months. Of the patients, 76.6% returned to work. Cassebaum's results were good-excellent in 74.5% of patients. There were 3 cases of prosthetic mobilization. Heterotopic ossification appeared in 29.8% of cases and 15.2% presented overstuffing. With regard to the inter-group study, we observed that there was less surgical time with monopolar prosthesis (P=.006), fewer second look surgeries (P=.05), less stiffness (P=.04), less heterotopic ossification (P=.004) and septic loosening (P=.005), without any influence on MEPS (P=.44). CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in terrible triads with prostheses in our experience are good. Prosthetic type influences results, because surgical time for implantation of a monopolar prosthesis was less than for a bipolar one, although rehabilitation time was longer. With bipolar prostheses, external fixation was required, with a higher rate of reinterventions, stiffness, prosthetic mobilization, heterotopic ossification and prosthetic loosening. However, there were no differences between the 2prosthetic types in terms of clinical results, like MEPS or Cassebaum scores.

Optical properties and electronic transitions of zinc oxide, ferric oxide, cerium oxide, and samarium oxide in the ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet.

Optical properties and electronic transitions of four oxides, namely zinc oxide, ferric oxide, cerium oxide, and samarium oxide, are determined in the ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy using primary electron energies in the range 0.3-2.0 keV. This technique allows the evaluation of the optical response in these ultraviolet spectral regions of a thin layer of material, and the analysis is straightforward. It is performed within the dielectric response theory by means of the QUEELS-ε(k, ω)-REELS software developed by Tougaard and Yubero [Surf. Interface Anal.36, 824 (2004)SIANDQ0142-242110.1002/(ISSN)1096-9918]. The method consists basically in the fitting of experimentally determined single-scattering electron energy loss cross sections with a parametric energy loss function of the corresponding material, to the one calculated within a dielectric response formalism. The obtained refractive index and extinction coefficients, as well as the identified electronic transitions are compared, when available, with previously published results.

Laser Treatment of Nanoparticulated Metal Thin Films for Ceramic Tile Decoration.

This paper presents a new method for the fabrication of metal-like decorative layers on glazed ceramic tiles. It consists of the laser treatment of Cu thin films prepared by electron-beam evaporation at glancing angles. A thin film of discontinuous Cu nanoparticles was electron-beam-evaporated in an oblique angle configuration onto ceramic tiles and an ample palette of colors obtained by laser treatment both in air and in vacuum. Scanning electron microscopy along with UV-vis-near-IR spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis were used to characterize the differently colored layers. On the basis of these analyses, color development has been accounted for by a simple model considering surface melting phenomena and different microstructural and chemical transformations of the outmost surface layers of the samples.

Portable IR dye laser optofluidic microresonator as a temperature and chemical sensor.

A compact and portable optofluidic microresonator has been fabricated and characterized. It is based on a Fabry-Perot microcavity consisting essentially of two tailored dichroic Bragg mirrors prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering deposition. The microresonator has been filled with an ethanol solution of Nile-Blue dye. Infrared laser emission has been measured with a pump threshold as low as 0.12 MW/cm2 and an external energy conversion efficiency of 41%. The application of the device as a temperature and a chemical sensor is demonstrated. Small temperature variations as well as small amount of water concentrations in the liquid laser medium are detected as a shift of the resonant laser modes.

Use of grafts in rotator cuff re-rupture. / Utilización de injertos en la reparación de rerroturas del manguito rotador.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Rotator cuff re-ruptures appear in 38-65% of cases. In order to reduce this rate, many studies have been performed using different types of biomaterial for purely mechanical aims (re-inforce the suture) and/or biological agents (growth factor transporterts). The aim of this study is to review 22 cases treated with xenografts and analyse various current alternatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted using the variables of age, sex, laterality, time of surgery, involvement in MRI, number of anchors, and final mobility results on the Constant and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) validated scales. RESULTS: The study included 22 patients, with a mean age of 51.7±4.6 years. A mean of 2 anchors were used and 13 patients were treated with a porcine intestinal submucosa implant, 6 with equine pericardium, and 3 with porcine dermis. Final results were: 37.6±13 points for the Constant test, and 16.9±3.9 points on the UCLA scale. The follow up was 36±10.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, xenografts could provide good functional results and they would be a surgical alternative to tendon transfers in cases of massive tears. Further studies should be conducted with other biomaterials.

Radial head arthroplasty, 11 years experience: A series of 82 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The indications for radial head arthroplasty are essentially complex fractures with ligament damage (medial, lateral or Essex-Lopresti), and/or associated with bone damage (coronoids or olecranon). The aim of this study is to review our experience with the use of a radial head prosthesis in the context of a trauma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study, with a follow-up of 1- 11 years, was performed on a study group of 82 patients with a mean age of 41.6 (± 9.2) years. The inclusion criteria were: patients of working age (25-64 years) with complex radial head fractures (Mason II, III, IV), with soft tissue and bone injuries that caused instability, non-reconstructable by osteosynthesis and treated using arthroplasty. The primary variables analysed were social demographics, Mason classification, or surgical aspects such as delay, surgical time, type of prosthesis (where the bipolar prosthesis was most used, 88.6%), need of fixation or further surgery. Rehabilitation time, causes of prosthesis failure, radiological findings (according to Van-Riet), areas of loosening (according to Popovic), as well as the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Cassebaum scale. Various associated injuries were observed, such as injuries in the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow in 39% of cases, coronoid fractures in 25.6%, and an olecranon fracture in 15.9% of the series. There was one case of an Essex- Lopresti injury. The tests used for the statistical analysis were Chi squared and Fisher test for categorical variables and contingency tables. The Mann Whitney U or Kruskall Wallis tests were used for the numerical variables. Evidence level: IV. RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 100 (± 56.8) minutes. The prosthesis was fixed in 53.8% of cases. The mean score on the MEPS scale was 80.4 (± 19.3) points, being good-excellent in 71.6%. The elbow was stable in 93.7% of cases. There was moderate instability, with 10° or more in varus or valgus, and in 1.3% in the rest of the series. The rehabilitation time was lower in the fixed cases (P=.03), and there was greater rigidity (P=.03) and more sequelae (limitations in mobility, residual pain), (P<0.05) in the cases where the LCL had to be repaired (given that there were other serious injuries in these cases). When the surgical delay was less than one week, better results were obtained on the Cassebaum scale (P=.02), as well as more excellent results on the MEPS scale MEPS (P=.02). The prosthesis was removed in 11 cases (13.4%), with the main cause for removal being pain in pronosupination in 5 cases, and capitellar injuries in 4 cases, one dislocation, and one infections. The most frequent complication was rigidity (30.5%). There were 3 infections (3.7%). Popovic areas 1 and 7 had greater osteolysis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of concomitant bone and ligament injuries determined a longer surgical time and more sequelae. Early surgery would achieve better clinical results.

DLC coatings for UHMWPE: relationship between bacterial adherence and surface properties.

Development of intrinsically antibacterial surfaces is of key importance in the context of prostheses used in orthopedic surgery. This work presents a thorough study of several plasma-based coatings that may be used with this functionality: diamond-like carbon (DLC), fluorine-doped DLC (F-DLC), and a high-fluorine-content-carbon-fluor polymer (CF(X)). The coatings were obtained by a radio-frequency plasma-assisted deposition on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples and physicochemical properties of the coated surfaces were correlated with their antibacterial performance against collection and clinical Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. The fluorine content and the relative amount of C-C and C-F bonds were controlled by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and hydrophobicity and surface tension by contact angle measurements. Surface roughness was studied by Atomic Force Microscopy. Additional nanoidentation studies were performed for DLC and F-DLC coatings. Unpaired t test and regression linear models evaluated the adherence of S. aureus and S. epidermidis on raw and coated UHMWPE samples. Comparing with UHMWPE, DLC/UHMWPE was the least adherent surface with independence of the bacterial species, finding significant reductions (p ≤ 0.001) for nine staphylococci strains. Bacterial adherence was also significantly reduced in F-DLC/ UHMWPE and CFx/UHMWPE for six strains.

Tratamiento de la tendinitis calcificante de hombro mediante artroscopia / Arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

Objetivos: Revisar los pacientes con tendinitis calcificante del hombro tratados con artroscopia y analizar esta patología. Pacientes y metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de 27 pacientes, ocho hombres y 19 mujeres, con una edad media de 46 ± 11 años. Tipos (De Palma): I (18,5%) y II (81,5%). Analizamos la relación de la tendinitis calcificante de hombro con la edad, sexo, lateralidad, factores predisponentes, medio diagnóstico, tratamientos previos, intervención, evolución de la calcificación, test de Constant y las secuelas. Resultados: Hubo infiltraciones previas en el 88,9% de los casos y ondas de choque en el 74%. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 110 ± 30 minutos. El tamaño aumentó en el 4%, permaneció igual en el 44% y disminuyó en el 52% de los casos. Desapareció en el 68%. El tiempo de rehabilitación fue de 4 ± 1 meses. El test de Constant previo fue 47,4 ± 13,5 puntos y después (a los 9-12 meses desde la cirugía) fue de 82,1 ± 10,7 puntos (p<0,05). Tras la intervención hubo un 74,1% de casos con dolor persistente y síndromes capsulares en el 7,4% de los pacientes. Conclusión: La administración de ondas de choque previamente a la cirugía supone una desaparición en mayor grado de las calcificaciones, menor síndrome capsular postquirúrgico, menor número de días de baja y menor grado de incapacidades (AU)

Objective: To review patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder treated with arthroscopy and to analyze this pathology. Patients and methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study of 27 patients, 8 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 46 ± 11 years. Types (De Palma): I (18.5%) and II (81.5%). We analyzed the relationship of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder with age, sex, laterality, predisposing factors, diagnostic method, previous treatments, intervention, clinical course of calcification, Constant test and sequelae. Results: Patients received previous filtrations in 88.9% of cases and shock waves in 74%. Surgical time was 110 ± 30 minutes. Size increased in 4%, remained unchanged in 44%, and decreased in 52% of cases. It disappeared in 68%. Rehabilitation time was 4 ± 1 months. Constant test was 47.4 ± 13.5 points before and 82.1 ± 10.7 points at 9-12 months after surgery (p<0.05). After surgery, 74.1% of patients had persistent pain and 7.4% had capsular syndromes. Conclusion: Administration of shock waves prior to surgery causes a greater reduction in calcifications, decreased postoperative capsular syndrome, fewer days absent from work and a lower degree of disability (AU)

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas de tercio distal del húmero a propósito de 36 casos / Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal third of the humerus: A series of 36 cases

Objetivo: Revisar el tratamiento de las fracturas de paleta humeral comparando resultados clínicos y laborales entre un grupo tratado con doble placa y otro sin ella y analizar los resultados clínicos obtenidos tras osteosíntesis en paralelo o de modo perpendicular en el grupo tratado con doble placa. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, nivel de evidencia IIIa, donde se analizaron 36 pacientes con una edad media de 43 (DE: 10) años. El 30.6% fueron fracturas abiertas. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de 16 (DE: 5) meses. Se obtuvo la escala MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) entre un grupo tratado con doble placa y otro sin ella y los resultados entre los casos con doble placa en paralelo, frente a aquellos en perpendicular. Resultados: La escala MEPS no presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las fracturas tratadas con doble placa y aquellas sin ella (p=0,5) pero la osteosíntesis sin dos placas supone tasas de pseudoartrosis de hasta el 12,5% con una mayor tasa de complicaciones (81,3% / 73,3%) que la osteosíntesis con doble placa. Conclusiones: No hallamos diferencias clínicas entre ambos grupos aunque las fracturas tratadas con doble placa presentan una menor tasa de pseudoartrosis (AU)

Objetive: To review the management of fractures of the distal third of the humerus, comparing the clinical and occupational results between a group treated with double plates and a group without plates, and analyzing the clinical results after osteosynthesis in parallel or perpendicular in the group subjected to double plate treatment. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational retrospective study with evidence level IIIa was carried out, analyzing 36 patients with a mean age of 43 years (SD: 10). A total of 30.6% corresponded to open fractures. The mean duration of follow-up was 16 months (SD: 5). The MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) was compared between the group treated with double plates and the group without plates, and between osteosynthesis in parallel or perpendicular in the group subjected to double plate treatment. Results: The MEPS showed no statistically significant differences between the group treated with double plates and the group without plates (p=0.5), though osteosynthesis without double plating was associated with a pseudoarthrosis rate of up to 12.5%, and involved a higher complications rate (81.3% versus 73.3%) than osteosynthesis with double plating. Conclusions: No clinical differences were found between the two groups, though the fractures treated with double plates showed a lower pseudoarthrosis rate (AU)

Bacterial adherence on UHMWPE with vitamin E: an in vitro study.

Orthopaedic materials may improve its capacity to resist bacterial adherence, and subsequent infection. Our aim was to test the bacterial adherence to alpha-tocopherol (frequently named vitamin E, VE) doped or blended UHMWPE with S. aureus and S. epidermidis, compared to virgin material. Collection strains and clinical strains isolated from patients with orthopaedic infections were used, with the biofilm-developing ability as a covariable. While collection strains showed significantly less adherence to VE-UHMWPE, some clinical strains failed to confirm this effect, leading to the conclusion that VE doped or blended UHMWPE affects the adherence of some S. epidermidis and S. aureus strains, independently of the concentration in use, but the results showed important intraspecies differences and cannot be generalized.

Tratamiento artroscópico de las lesiones labrales tipo SLAP. A propósito de 50 casos / Arthroscopic treatment of SLAP labral injuries. Our experience in 50 patients

Objetivo: Revisar las lesiones del labrum superior desde anterior a posterior, o lesiones de SLAP, y valorar los resultados clínicos y laborales finales tras su tratamiento. Material y métodos: Analizamos 50 pacientes (96% varones) afectos en el 62% del hombro derecho, con una edad media de 40 años. Efectuamos descompresión subacromial en el 39,5% y reparación del SLAP con 1 ó 2 arpones por paciente. Estudiamos la profesión, el tipo de SLAP, las lesiones asociadas, técnica quirúrgica y las complicaciones. Realizamos el test de Rowe y los valoramos con el test de Constant y UCLA, al menos un año después de la intervención. Resultados: Hallazgos intraoperatorios: SLAP predominante, tipo II (45.9%), lesiones del manguito rotador (52.6%), Bankart (13.2%) y Hill-Sachs (18.4%). Como complicación más frecuente tuvimos 10,5% de implantes movilizados. Los resultados funcionales fueron con el test de Rowe: 81,7 (DE: 22,2) puntos; test de Constant 67 (DE: 19,5) puntos y test de UCLA 24,9 (DE: 8,1) puntos., siendo la mayoría de los resultados buenos e incluso excelentes. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico precoz mediante la exploración, confirmada por la RNM y tratada mediante artroscopia de hombro, permite la reincorporación laboral en el 80 % de los pacientes con omalgia persistente de nuestra serie (AU)

Objetive: Checked superior labrum anterior and posterior injuries, or SLAP injuries, in our center to valuated the functional outcome. Material and methodology: We analysed 50 patients, medium age of 40 years, (96% men), with 62% right shoulder SLAP injury. We analyted subacromial decompression in 39.5% and SLAP repair with 1 or 2 harpoons by patient. We analysed the type of lesion, the profession. The Rowe, Constant and UCLA test were performed at least one year after operation. Results: Intraoperatory data: Predominant SLAP, type II (45.9%), rotator cuff injury (52.6%), Bankart (13.2%) and Hill-Sachs injuries (18.4%). As complication we observed 10.5% of implant mobilization. Functional results: Rowe’s test: 81.7 (SD: 22.2) points; Constant’s test 67 (SD: 19.5) points; UCLA test: 24.9 (SD: .1) points. Conclusions: The precise diagnosis by means of the clinical exploration confirmed by MRI and treated with shoulder arthroscopy, has supposed working reincorporation of 80% of the patients with persistent shoulder pain of our serie (AU)

Non-destructive depth compositional profiles by XPS peak-shape analysis.

The measured peak shape and intensity of the photoemitted signal in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments (elastic and inelastic parts included) are strongly correlated, through electron-transport theory, with the depth distribution of photoelectron emitters within the analyzed surface. This is the basis of so-called XPS peak-shape analysis (also known as the Tougaard method) for non-destructive determination of compositional in-depth (up to 6-8 nm) profiles. This review describes the theoretical basis and reliability of this procedure for quantifying amounts and distributions of material within a surface. The possibilities of this kind of analysis are illustrated with several case examples related to the study of the initial steps of thin-film growth and the modifications induced in polymer surfaces after plasma treatments.

Effect of surface roughness and sterilization on bacterial adherence to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Sterilization with ethylene oxide (EO) and gas plasma (GP) are well-known methods applied to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces in the belief that they prevent major material changes caused by gamma irradiation. However, the influence of these surface sterilization methods on bacterial adherence to UHMWPE is unknown. UHMWPE samples with various degrees of roughness (0.3, 0.8 and 2.0 µm) were sterilized with either GP or EO. The variations in hydrophobicity, surface free energy and surface functional groups were investigated before and after sterilization. Sterilized samples were incubated with either Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis in order to study bacterial adherence to these materials. Fewer bacteria adhered to UHMWPE after sterilization with EO than after sterilization with GP, especially to the smoothest surfaces. No changes in chemical composition of the UHMWPE surface due to sterilization were observed using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis. The decreased bacterial adherence to UHMWPE found at the smoothest surfaces after sterilization with EO was not directly related to changes in chemical composition. Increased bacterial adherence to rougher surfaces was associated with increased polar surface energy of EO-sterilized surfaces.

Roturas del tendón distal del bíceps braquial. Revisión de 40 casos / Distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures. A review of 40 cases

Objetivo: conocer la evolución de las roturas distales del músculo bíceps braquial tratadas conservadora y quirúrgicamente. Pacientes y metodología: se evaluaron retrospectivamente 39 varones y una mujer, 26 fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con una reinserción anatómica del tendón y un caso precisó plastia con fascia lata de cadáver, con distintos sistemas de fijación. Los 14 casos restantes se trataron ortopédicamente. El mecanismo de producción habitual de la lesión fue la contracción contrariada con peso a la flexión del codo. Los síntomas habituales fueron el dolor y la pérdida de fuerza en flexión y supinación. La sospecha clínica se corroboró con la ecografía. Para el análisis comparativo de los resultados de los distintos tratamientos se aplicó la escala de la Clínica Mayo, la valoración de secuelas por parte de las Unidades de Evaluación de Incapacidades del INSS (al tratarse de accidentes laborales) y la valoración isocinética en la mitad de los casos. Resultados: los resultados fueron pobres en los pacientes tratados conservadoramente, aunque no fueron desdeñables las complicaciones derivadas del tratamiento quirúrgico (25%). Hubo mayor tasa de reintervenciones cuando se utilizó un tornillo en la reinserción del tendón. Conclusión: el tratamiento quirúrgico, con reinserción del tendón en la tuberosidad radial proporciona mejores resultados. Sin embargo, no se deben menospreciar las complicaciones derivadas de la cirugía, que se pueden evitar con una minuciosa técnica quirúrgica

Objective: evaluation of 40 cases which where treated of distal m biceps brachii tendon, both conservatively and surgically. Patients and methodology: 39 men and one woman were evaluated, on 26 patients the reinsertion of the tendon were made, in one case with fascia lata allograft using different sort of fixation to the bone. Fourteen cases were treated in a conservative manner. The injury was often caused by the opposed contraction of the biceps within the flexion of the elbow. The symptoms were pain and the lack of strength for the flexion and supination. Suspecting the tendon rupture by the clinical examination was confirmed by ultrasonography. Results: we used for the evaluation the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The sequels have been evaluated by the INSS (National Institute of the Spanish Security Law). The isocinetic study has been used at least for half cases of the sample to value the results, as well. The results have been poor in those patients who where treated with the conservative method but we cannot avoid the importance of the surgical treatment complications (25%). The number of re-surgery increases when using a screw for the reinsertion of the tendon. Conclusion: the reinsertion of the tendon in the radius tuberosity brings better functional results. Nevertheless we must keep attention to the surgical complications, trying to minimize them thanks to a careful technique