RESUMO
Morphing technologies use large, seamless changes in the shape of a structure to enable multi-functionality and reconfigurability. Several industrial sectors could benefit from morphing structures, including medical, energy and aerospace which require lightweight, simple and reliable solutions. Composite materials are key to lightweight morphing technologies due to their increased strength- and stiffness-to-mass ratios, stiffness tailorability and excellent fatigue properties, all of which reduce the mass and complexity of these types of structures. By accounting for thermal effects in their analytical description, we enhance the viability of multi-stable composite helical structures. This consideration improves predictions of existing analytical models in comparison with experiments, while also vastly expanding the design space to include antisymmetric and non-symmetric flange lay-up sequences. The developed analytical model is presented and verified using both finite-element models and experiments. By including thermal effects, we show that beneficial new morphing behaviours can be obtained.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: We aim to present transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy (template biopsy) outcomes at a tertiary referral centre. Furthermore, to identify the detection rate of prostate cancer in those with a previous negative transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy and the upgrade rate of those on active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 200 consecutive men who underwent template biopsy over a 22-month period in a tertiary referral centre, using a standard 24 region template prostate biopsy technique. Indications and histology results, as well as complications, were recorded. RESULTS: Median age was 67 years and median PSA was 10 ng/mL. Overall detection rate was 47%. 39.5% of cases with previous negative transrectal biopsies were found to have prostate adenocarcinoma. 47.5% of cases on active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 prostate adenocarcinoma were upgraded. The most frequent complication was acute urinary retention at a rate of 12.5%, however, the use of a single prophylactic dose of tamsulosin was found to be beneficial, with 13 cases needed to treat to prevent one episode. CONCLUSIONS: Template biopsies are safe and efficacious with an overall detection rate of 47% in the present series. Due to the high detection rate, one must consider template biopsy following one negative transrectal biopsy where there is persistent clinical suspicion. Furthermore, those considering active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 disease should be offered template biopsy to confirm the grade of their disease.
