3D Topology Optimization and Mesh Dependency for Redesigning Locking Compression Plates Aiming to Reduce Stress Shielding.

Current fixation plates for bone fracture treatments are built with biocompatible metallic materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and its alloys (e.g., Ti6Al4V). The stiffness mismatch between the metallic material of the plate and the host bone leads to stress shielding phenomena, bone loss, and healing deficiency. This paper explores the use of three dimensional topology-optimization, based on compliance (i.e., strain energy) minimization, reshaping the design domain of three locking compression plates (four-screw holes, six-screw holes, and eight-screw holes), considering different volume reductions (25, 45, and 75%) and loading conditions (bending, compression, torsion, and combined loads). A finite-element study was also conducted to measure the stiffness of each optimized plate. Thirty-six designs were obtained. Results showed that for a critical value of volume reductions, which depend on the load condition and number of screws, it is possible to obtain designs with lower stiffness, thereby reducing the risk of stress shielding.

Genetic relatedness of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) hybrids using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting.

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an important food and medicinal crop that is cultivated in Mediterranean countries. Morphological characteristics, such as head shape and diameter, leaf shape, and bract shape, are mainly affected by environmental conditions. A molecular marker approach was used to analyze the degree of polymorphism between artichoke hybrid lines. The degree of genetic difference among three artichoke hybrids was evaluated using random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR). In this study, the DNA fingerprints of three artichoke lines (A13-010, A11-018, and A12-179) were generated, and a total of 10 decamer primers were applied for RAPD-PCR analyses. Polymorphism  (16.66 to 62.50%) was identified using eight arbitrary decamers and total genomic DNA extracted from the hybrids. Of the 59 loci detected, there were 25 polymorphic and 34 monomorphic loci. Jaccard's similarity index (JSI) ranged between 1.0 and 0.84. Based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) similarity matrix and dendrogram, the results indicated that two hybrids (A13-010 and A11-018) were closely related to each other, and the A12-179 line showed more divergence. When identifying correct accessions, consideration of the genetic variation and genetic relationships among the genotypes are required. The RAPD-PCR fingerprinting of artichoke lines clearly showed that it is possible to analyze the RAPD patterns for correlation between genetic means and differences or resemblance between close accessions (A13-010 and A11- 018) at the genomic level.

Localized hand burns with or without concurrent blast injuries from fireworks.

This is a retrospective study of 32 cases with localized hand burns from fireworks. All cases occurred during two national festivals of our country. The majority (54%) were children between 5 and 14 years, and 94% were males. All patients had localized hand burns. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=10) patients had isolated burn injuries and Group II (n=22) patients had other concurrent hand injuries from the 'blast' of the fireworks such as tendon avulsion, nerve injury, fracture, dislocations, and amputations. Primary management of concurrent injuries along with dressing to the burn injury in a "flamazine bag" was done. All burns healed within 3 weeks and all surgical wounds/fractures healed without infection. Three patients required secondary release of contractures and skin grafting. Eventually, all patients were able to use their injured hands in daily activities.