Characteristics of Far-Infrared Ray Emitted from Functional Loess Bio-Balls and Its Effect on Improving Blood Flow.

XRD diffraction and IR absorption were investigated for raw loess powder and heat-treated loess powder. Raw loess retains its useful minerals, but loses their beneficial properties when calcined at 850 °C and 1050 °C. To utilize the useful minerals, loess balls were made using a low-temperature wet-drying method. The radiant energy and transmittance were measured for the loess balls. Far-infrared ray (FIR) emitted from loess bio-balls is selectively absorbed as higher vibrational energy by water molecules. FIR can raise the body's core temperature, thereby improving blood flow through the body's thermoregulatory mechanism. In an exploratory study with 40 participants, when the set temperature of the loess ball mat was increased from 25 °C to 50 °C, blood flow increased by 39.01%, from 37.48 mL/min to 52.11 mL/min, in the left middle finger; in addition, it increased by 39.62%, from 37.15 mL/min to 51.87 mL/min, in the right middle finger. The FIR emitted from loess balls can be widely applied, in various forms, to diseases related to blood flow, such as cold hands and feet, diabetic foot, muscle pain, and menstrual pain.

Monitoring of Indoor Farming of Lettuce Leaves for 16 Hours Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Double-Shell Model (DSM).

An electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiment was performed using a double-shell electrical model to investigate the feasibility of detecting physiological changes in lettuce leaves over 16 h. Four lettuce plants were used, and the impedance spectra of the leaves were measured five times per plant every hour at frequencies of 500 Hz and 300 kHz. Estimated R-C parameters were computed, and the results show that the lettuce leaves closely fit the double-shell model (DSM). The average resistance ratios of R1 = 10.66R4 and R1 = 3.34R2 show high resistance in the extracellular fluid (ECF). A rapid increase in resistance (R1, R2, and R4) and a decrease in capacitance (C3 and C5) during water uptake were observed. In contrast, a gradual decrease in resistance and an increase in capacitance were observed while the LED light was on. Comparative studies of leaf physiology and electrical value changes support the idea that EIS is a great technique for the early monitoring of plant growth for crop production.

Capacitive coupling leading to electrical skin burn injury during laparoscopic surgery.

Purpose: Trocar-site burns occurring during laparoscopic surgery have been reported in various cases, and several efforts to reduce them are underway. This study aimed to analyze the effect of capacitive coupling on trocar site by observing electrical and histological changes for electrical skin burn injury. Methods: To measure the electrical changes relating to capacitive coupling, the temperature, current, voltage, and impedance around the trocar were measured when an open circuit and a closed circuit were formed using insulation intact instruments and repeated after insulation failure. After the experiment, the tissue around the trocar was collected, and microscopic examination was performed. Results: When open circuits were formed with the intact insulation, the impedance was significantly reduced compared to the cases of closed circuits (142.0 Ω vs. 109.3 Ω, p = 0.040). When the power was 30 W and there was insulation failure, no significant difference was measured between the open circuit and the closed circuit (147.7 Ω vs. 130.7 Ω, p = 0.103). Collagen hyalinization, nuclear fragmentation, and coagulation necrosis suggesting burns were observed in the skin biopsy at the trocar insertion site. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that even with a plastic trocar and electrosurgical instruments that have intact insulation, if an open circuit is formed, capacitive coupling increases, and trocar-site burn can occur. When using electrocautery, careful manipulation must be taken to avoid creating an open circuit to prevent capacitive coupling related to electrical skin burn.

Detection of intravenous infiltration using impedance parameters in patients in a long-term care hospital.

This study was aimed to evaluate the changes of impedance parameters of patients who were admitted to a long-term care hospital by measuring bioelectrical impedance. The subjects were 18 patients who had infusion therapy through peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters and had at least an infiltration. The impedance parameters were measured with a multi-channel impedance measuring instrument (Vector Impedance Meter) twice; at starting IV infusion after catheter insertion and infiltration detected. As results, the resistance (R) after infiltration significantly decreased compared to the initial resistance. At 50 kHz, the resistances were 498.2±79.3 [Ω] before infiltration and 369.4±85.6 [Ω] after infiltration. The magnitude of the reactance (XC) decreased after infiltration. At 50 kHz, the measured reactance was -31.1±8.3 [Ω] before infiltration and -24.5±5.9 [Ω] after infiltration. The data points plotted in the R-XC graph shifted from the first quadrant before infiltration to third quadrant after infiltration. Our findings suggest that bioelectrical impedance is an effective method for detection of infiltration in a noninvasive and quantitative manner.

The Mechanical Properties and Biometrical Effect of 3D Preformed Titanium Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration on Alveolar Bone Defect.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of three-dimensional preformed titanium membrane (3D-PFTM) to enhance mechanical properties and ability of bone regeneration on the peri-implant bone defect. 3D-PFTMs by new mechanically compressive molding technology and manually shaped- (MS-) PFTMs by hand manipulation were applied in artificial peri-implant bone defect model for static compressive load test and cyclic fatigue load test. In 12 implants installed in the mandibular of three beagle dogs, six 3D-PFTMs, and six collagen membranes (CM) randomly were applied to 2.5 mm peri-implant buccal bone defect with particulate bone graft materials for guided bone regeneration (GBR). The 3D-PFTM group showed about 7.4 times higher mechanical stiffness and 5 times higher fatigue resistance than the MS-PFTM group. The levels of the new bone area (NBA, %), the bone-to-implant contact (BIC, %), distance from the new bone to the old bone (NB-OB, %), and distance from the osseointegration to the old bone (OI-OB, %) were significantly higher in the 3D-PFTM group than the CM group (p < .001). It was verified that the 3D-PFTM increased mechanical properties which were effective in supporting the space maintenance ability and stabilizing the particulate bone grafts, which led to highly efficient bone regeneration.

Real-time Simultaneous DKG and 2D DKG Using High-speed Digital Camera.

INTRODUCTION: For the evaluation of voice disorders, direct observation of vocal cord vibration is important. Among the various methods, laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) is widely used, but it was not a true image because it collects images from different cycles. In contrast, high-speed videoendoscopy and videokymography have much higher frame rates and can assess functional and mobility disorders. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to describe real-time, simultaneous digital kymography (DKG), two-dimensional scanning (2D) DKG, and multi-frame (MF) LVS system using a high-speed digital camera, and identify the efficacy of this system in evaluating vibratory patterns of pathologic voice. METHODS: The pattern of vocal fold vibration was evaluated in a vocally healthy subject and in subjects with vocal polyp, vocal nodules, vocal cord scar, and vocal cord paralysis. We used both quantitative (left-right phase symmetry, amplitude symmetry index) and qualitative (anterior-posterior phase symmetry) parameters for assessment of vocal fold vibration. RESULTS: Our system could record videos within seconds and required relatively little memory. The speed of replay in the DKG, 2D DKG, MF LVS, and high-speed videoendoscopy was controllable. The number of frame per cycle with MF LVS was almost the same as the fundamental frequency. CONCLUSION: Our system can provide images of various modalities simultaneously in real time and analyze morphological and functional vibratory patterns. It can be possible to provide a greater level of information for the diagnosis and treatment of vibratory disorders.

Imaging and Analysis of Human Vocal Fold Vibration Using Two-Dimensional (2D) Scanning Videokymography.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal videokymography and high-speed digital kymography are the currently available techniques for studying aperiodic vibration of the vocal folds. However, videokymography has a fundamental limitation that only linear portions of the vocal fold mucosa can be visualized, whereas high-speed digital kymography has the disadvantages of lack of immediate feedback during examination and considerable waiting time before kymographic visualization. We developed a new system, two-dimensional (2D) scanning videokymography, that provides a possible alternative for evaluation of the vibratory pattern of the vocal folds. Herein, we report the application of 2D scanning videokymography for visualization of vocal fold vibration in humans and an analysis of its parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two young healthy volunteers (one man and one woman) took part in this study. The vibratory patterns of their vocal folds were evaluated using 2D scanning videokymography and laryngeal stroboscopy. RESULTS: Two-dimensional scanning videokymography provided a high-definition image of the vibratory movements of the vocal folds. In analysis of the images acquired by the device, various parameters including fundamental frequency; ratio of the vibratory phases; phase, amplitude, and glottal area symmetry; and cycle-to-cycle variability were extracted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that 2D scanning videokymography is a useful and promising tool for visualization of the vibratory movement of the vocal folds. This new technique might improve our understanding of the mechanism of vocal fold vibration and contribute to voice research as well as clinical practice.

Effect of two lasers on the polymerization of composite resins: single vs combination.

The selection of a light-curing unit for the curing composite resins is important to achieve best outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to test lasers of 457 and 473 nm alone or in combination under different light conditions with respect to the cure of composite resins. Four different composite resins were light cured using five different laser combinations (530 mW/cm(2) 457 nm only, 530 mW/cm(2) 473 nm only, 177 mW/cm(2) 457 + 177 mW/cm(2) 473 nm, 265 mW/cm(2) 457 + 265 mW/cm(2) 473 nm, and 354 mW/cm(2) 457 + 354 mW/cm(2) 473 nm). Microhardness and polymerization shrinkage were evaluated. A light-emitting diode (LED) unit was used for comparison purposes. On top surfaces, after aging for 24 h, microhardness achieved using the LED unit and the lasers with different conditions ranged 42.4-65.5 and 38.9-67.7 Hv, respectively, and on bottom surfaces, corresponding ranges were 25.2-56.1 and 18.5-55.7 Hv, respectively. Of the conditions used, 354 mW/cm(2) 457 nm + 354 mW/cm(2) 473 nm produced the highest bottom microhardness (33.8-55.6 Hv). On top and bottom surfaces, microhardness by the lowest total light intensity, 354 (177 × 2) mW/cm(2), ranged 39.0-60.5 and 18.5-52.8 Hv, respectively. Generally, 530 mW/cm(2) at 457 nm produced the lowest polymerization shrinkage. However, shrinkage values obtained using all five laser conditions were similar. The study shows the lasers of 457 and 473 nm are useful for curing composite resins alone or in combination at much lower light intensities than the LED unit.

Image quality of CT angiography with model-based iterative reconstruction in young children with congenital heart disease: comparison with filtered back projection and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.

To retrospectively evaluate the image quality of CT angiography (CTA) reconstructed by model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) and to compare this with images obtained by filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) in newborns and infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). Thirty-seven children (age 4.8 ± 3.7 months; weight 4.79 ± 0.47 kg) with suspected CHD underwent CTA on a 64detector MDCT without ECG gating (80 kVp, 40 mA using tube current modulation). Total dose length product was recorded in all patients. Images were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR, and MBIR. Objective image qualities (density, noise) were measured in the great vessels and heart chambers. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated by measuring the density and noise of myocardial walls. Two radiologists evaluated images for subjective noise, diagnostic confidence, and sharpness at the level prior to the first branch of the main pulmonary artery. Images were compared with respect to reconstruction method, and reconstruction times were measured. Images from all patients were diagnostic, and the effective dose was 0.22 mSv. The objective image noise of MBIR was significantly lower than those of FBP and ASIR in the great vessels and heart chambers (P < 0.05); however, with respect to attenuations in the four chambers, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and pulmonary trunk, no statistically significant difference was observed among the three methods (P > 0.05). Mean CNR values were 8.73 for FBP, 14.54 for ASIR, and 22.95 for MBIR. In addition, the subjective image noise of MBIR was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.01). Furthermore, while FBP had the highest score for image sharpness, ASIR had the highest score for diagnostic confidence (P < 0.05), and mean reconstruction times were 5.1 ± 2.3 s for FBP and ASIR and 15.1 ± 2.4 min for MBIR. While CTA with MBIR in newborns and infants with CHD can reduce image noise and improve CNR more than other methods, it is more time-consuming than the other methods.

Evaluation of an Experimentally Designed Stereotactic Guidance System for Determining Needle Entry Point during Uniplanar Fluoroscopy-guided Intervention.

BACKGROUND: In discography performed during percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) via the posterolateral approach, it is difficult to create a fluoroscopic tunnel view because a long needle is required for discography and the guide-wire used for consecutive PELD interrupts rotation of fluoroscope. A stereotactic system was designed to facilitate the determination of the needle entry point, and the feasibility of this system was evaluated during interventional spine procedures. METHODS: A newly designed stereotactic guidance system underwent a field test application for PELD. Sixty patients who underwent single-level PELD at L4-L5 were randomly divided into conventional or stereotactic groups. PELD was performed via the posterolateral approach using the entry point on the skin determined by premeasured distance from the midline and angles according to preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Needle entry accuracy provided by the two groups was determined by comparing the distance and angle measured by postoperative computed tomography with those measured by preoperative MRI. The duration and radiation exposure for determining the entry point were measured in the groups. RESULTS: The new stereotactic guidance system and the conventional method provided similarly accurate entry points for discography and consecutive PELD. However, the new stereotactic guidance system lowered the duration and radiation exposure for determining the entry point. CONCLUSIONS: The new stereotactic guidance system under fluoroscopy provided a reliable needle entry point for discography and consecutive PELD. Furthermore, it reduced the duration and radiation exposure associated with determining needle entry.

Development of laser ruler in rigid laryngoscope.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop a new device that provides a simple, noninvasive method of measuring accurate lesion size while using an endoscope. METHODS: We developed a rigid laryngoscope with a built-in laser-ruler using a one-light emitting diode and an acrylic plate. The invention incorporates a built-in laser diode that projects an auto-parallel beam into the optical path of the rigid laryngoscope to form two spots in the field of view. RESULTS: While the interspot distance remains consistent despite changes in focal plane, magnification, or viewing angle of the laryngoscope, projection to an uneven surface introduces certain variations in the shape, and size of the spots, and the distance between the two spots. CONCLUSION: The device enables a laryngologist to easily measure the distance between landmarks, as well as the change in real size, and the progressive change of vocal fold lesions in an outpatient setting.