A step towards understanding the beneficial influence of a LIPON-based artificial SEI on silicon thin film anodes in lithium-ion batteries.

In this work, we present a comprehensive study on the influence of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LIPON) as a possible "artificial SEI layer" on the electrochemical performance of pure silicon (Si) thin film electrodes for a possible application in microbatteries or on-chip batteries. Si thin film anodes (140 nm) with and without an additional amorphous LIPON surface layer of different thicknesses (100-300 nm) were prepared by magnetron sputter deposition. The LIPON surface coating was characterized thoroughly by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. In situ electrochemical dilatometry and ex situ cross-section analysis of the electrodes after cycling could prove that the LIPON coating greatly diminishes the volume expansion of the Si electrode and, therefore, significantly improves the cycling stability and capacity retention. Furthermore, the LIPON coating remarkably reduces parasitic electrolyte decomposition reactions that originate from the Si volume expansion and contribute to the overall electrode volume expansion, as observed by the enhanced Coulombic efficiency over ongoing charge/discharge cycling. Overall, this article focuses on the preparation of optimized Si-based thin film electrodes in combination with LIPON solid electrolyte coatings for use in high-energy lithium ion batteries.

Trunionosis: qué es y en qué me afecta / Trunnionosis: What is it?

La trunionosis se define como el desgaste que se produce a nivel de la interfaz cabeza-cuello femoral y recientemente se ha reconocido como una causa de fallo de la prótesis total de cadera. Es responsable del 3% del total de revisiones de artroplastia total de cadera. La causa exacta es desconocida, aunque se han postulado como posibles etiologías el desgaste en la unión modular, corrosión y las partículas de iones metálicos. Para evitarlo, se recomienda usar preferiblemente cabezas de cerámica, usar cuellos cortos y con poco offset si es posible, y con cabezas no excesivamente grande

Trunnionosis is defined as wear of the femoral head-neck interface, has recently been acknowledged as a cause of total hip arthroplasty failure. It is responsible of 3% of all total hip arthroplasty revisions. The exact cause is unknown, however postulated etiologies included modular junction wear, corrosion damage, and metal ions. To prevent this, it is recommended to use ceramic heads, use short necks and with low offset if possible, and with heads not too large

Estudio preliminar con factores de crecimiento morfogenético humano en el tratamiento de la gonartrosis de rodilla / Preliminary study with human morphogenetic growth factors in the treatment of knee arthrosis

La gonartrosis es una enfermedad de elevada prevalencia, caracterizada por una afección articular crónica, degenerativa y progresiva cuyo tratamiento definitivo consiste en la artroplastia de rodilla, surgiendo como problema los estadios evolutivos precoces. Nuestro estudio consiste en la utilización intraarticular en rodilla de plasma rico en plaquetas con alto contenido de factores de crecimiento. Los factores de crecimiento son proteínas de síntesis propia capaces de regular el ciclo celular y otros procesos celulares, entre ellos la reparación y cicatrización de estructuras lesionadas. Nuestros resultados muestran que las infiltraciones con plasma rico en plaquetas es un método seguro y efectivo para obtener una mejoría clínica y funcional a corto plazo en los pacientes afectos de gonartrosis

Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease, joint disease characterized by chronic, degenerative and progressive whose definitive treatment is knee arthroplasty, emerging as a problema early developmental stages. Our study is the use of intra-articular knee platelet rich plasma rich in growth factors. Growth factors are proteins own synthesis capable of regulating cell cycle and other celular processes, including repair and healing of injured structures. Our results show that injections of platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective method for clinical and functional short-term improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis