Study of the Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel in Food Industry.

AISI 304L stainless steel is widely used in the processing equipment and food and beverage handling industries due to its corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is prone to pitting and crevice corrosion phenomena, the development of which can be influenced by factors such as chloride concentration, temperature, humidity, and bacterial presence. Surface treatments, including roughness levels and residual tensile stress, can significantly affect the corrosion behavior and resistance of the material. This study aims to evaluate the impact of three different surface treatments on the durability of AISI 304L steel. The correlation between surface roughness resulting from pre-treatment and pitting potential values will be examined. Additionally, the influence of different concentrations of biocide additives on surface durability will be assessed to determine the maximum effective concentration for preventing pitting phenomena. Passivation processes will also be evaluated as a potential solution for improving the pitting potential and overall durability of the components. By optimizing surface treatments and biocide concentrations, improved corrosion resistance and durability can be achieved, ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of AISI 304L steel components in critical applications such as food processing and beverage handling.

A morphometric medial compartment-specific unicompartmental knee system: 5 years follow up results from a pilot center.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) is a valuable solution for the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee. New implants feature designs for the elective substitution of a specific compartment. Aim of this study was to assess the survivorship and functional outcomes at minimum 4 years of the first 60 implanted patients in a pilot center of a new medial UKA as the evolution of a well performing long lasting fixed bearing implant. METHODS: Between June 2017 and the end of 2018, 60 medial UKA were implanted in 58 patients. All patients were available for the last follow up and were analyzed prospectively. 37 were females and 21 were males with a mean age of 67 years (SD 10,71) and a mean of BMI 27.16 (SD 3.94) for the male population and of 26.73 (SD 4.05) for the female population. RESULTS: At final follow up the mean Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 44,02 (SD 3,1) and the mean Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) 78,6 (SD 7,9). The Knee Society Score (KSS) score was 95,2 for the "knee" score and 89.8 for the "function" score. No patients were revised. Kaplan-Meyer survival estimate showed a 100% survivorship at final follow up. No progressive radiolucent lines were found and no direct or indirect signs of polyethylene wear were registered on the final radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: This new implant demonstrated promising clinical results with an excellent survival rate at short to midterm follow- up. Further follow up is needed to confirm this trend at longer term.

Assessing the Impact of Sepiolite-Based Bio-Pigment Infused with Indigo Extract on Appearance and Durability of Water-Based White Primer.

The objective of this study is to evaluate how two varying amounts of sepiolite-based powder, infused with indigo extract, affect the appearance and durability of a water-based, white primer. To examine the influence of this eco-friendly pigment on the coatings' overall appearance, assessments were performed for color, gloss, and surface roughness. Additionally, the coatings were investigated through optical and electron microscopic observations, to evaluate the distribution of the pigment within the polymer matrix. The effect of the pigment on the coating's durability was assessed through accelerated tests, including exposure in a salt spray chamber and a UV-B chamber. These tests aimed to evaluate the emergence of defects and changes in the appearance of the samples over time. Furthermore, the impact of different quantities of sepiolite-based powder on the coating's ability to act as a barrier was assessed using liquid resistance tests and contact angle measurements. These evaluations aimed to understand how the coating responded to various liquids and its surface properties concerning repellency or absorption. In essence, this study underscores the considerable influence of the eco-friendly pigment, demonstrating its capacity to introduce unique color and texture variations in the paint. Moreover, the inclusion of the pigment has enhanced the coating's color stability, its ability to act as a barrier, and its overall durability when exposed to harsh environments.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives.

The remarkable progress in data aggregation and deep learning algorithms has positioned artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to revolutionize the field of medicine. AI is becoming more and more prevalent in the healthcare sector, and its impact on orthopedic surgery is already evident in several fields. This review aims to examine the literature that explores the comprehensive clinical relevance of AI-based tools utilized before, during, and after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The review focuses on current clinical applications and future prospects in preoperative management, encompassing risk prediction and diagnostics; intraoperative tools, specifically navigation, identifying complex anatomic landmarks during surgery; and postoperative applications in terms of postoperative care and rehabilitation. Additionally, AI tools in educational and training settings are presented. Orthopedic surgeons are showing a growing interest in AI, as evidenced by the applications discussed in this review, particularly those related to ACL injury. The exponential increase in studies on AI tools applicable to the management of ACL tears promises a significant future impact in its clinical application, with growing attention from orthopedic surgeons.

Angle-Adjustable Dynamic Hip Screw Plate for Unstable Trochanteric Fractures in Middle-Aged Patients: Mid-Term Outcomes and Return to Sport.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting results in the literature regarding the superiority of proximal femoral nails over dynamic hip screw (DHS) plates. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate mid-term post-injury patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and return to sport (RTS) in middle-aged patients treated with the DHS plate for unstable trochanteric fractures. METHODS: Fifty-seven middle-aged patients (35-64 years) treated for proximal femoral fractures of type 31-A2 and 31-A3 according to the AO/OTA classification with the DMS Dynamic Martin Screw (KLS Martin Group, Jacksonville, FL, USA) between January 2017 and December 2019 were enrolled. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included in this retrospective study, and the average age was 54.1 years (SD 8.4). The average follow-up duration at final follow-up was 60.5 months (SD 8.6). Post-operative complications included only one case of aseptic loosening of the implant, with a complication rate of 2%. There were no infections, peri-implant fractures, or other complications reported. Two out of the forty-nine patients (4.1%) required treatment with a total hip arthroplasty due to post-traumatic arthritis. The Harris Hip Score at final follow-up was 77.1 (SD 20.1), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was 21.6 (SD 13.7). The overall rate of RTS was 57.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with DHS for unstable trochanteric fractures is a safe option in middle-aged patients, ensuring a good functional recovery.

Problems and Opportunities of a Smartphone-Based Care Management Platform: Application of the Wald Principles to a Survey-Based Analysis of Patients' Perception in a Pilot Center.

(1) Background: Mobile health (mHealth) solutions can become a means of improving functional recovery and reducing the peri-operative burden and costs associated with arthroplasty procedures. The aim of this study is to explore the objectives, functionalities, and outcomes of a platform designed to provide personalized surgical experiences to qualified patients, along with the associated problems and opportunities. (2) Methods: A survey-based analysis was conducted on patients who were prescribed the use of a specific care management platform and underwent primary robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) between January 2021 and February 2023. (3) Results: Patients registered on the platform who have undergone primary robotic TKA (rTKA) were considered. The mean age of registered patients is 68.6 years. The male (M)/female (F) ratio is 45.1%/54.9%. The patients interviewed were at an average distance of 485 days from the intervention, with a standard deviation of 187.5. The survey highlighted appreciation for the app and its features, but also limitations in its use and in its perception by the patients. All these data were evaluated according to the Wald principles and strategies to improve patient recruitment, enhance adherence, and create a comprehensive patient journey for optimized surgical experiences. (4) Conclusions: This patient care platform may have the potential to impact surgical experiences by increasing patient engagement, facilitating remote monitoring, and providing personalized care. There is a need to emphasize the importance of integrating the recruiting process, improving adherence strategies, and creating a comprehensive patient journey within the platform.

Lateral UKA can be a safe solution in a young patients' population: a 10-year follow-up report.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the long-term survivorship and functional outcomes of fixed-bearing lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in a young patients' population with osteoarthritis limited to the lateral compartment. METHODS: The study included a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent lateral UKA between January 2008 and December 2014 at a single high-volume surgical center. The surgical procedures were performed by experienced surgeons using a lateral parapatellar approach and fixed-bearing implants. Patient follow-up included a retrospective re-evaluation, clinical assessments, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and X-ray analysis. RESULTS: A total of 40 lateral UKAs were analyzed, with 19 performed on the left and 21 on the right knee. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 57.6 years, and the mean BMI was 24.8. At the final follow-up, 80% of patients achieved excellent outcomes (OKS > 41), and 20% had good outcomes (OKS: 34-41). No patients exhibited fair or poor outcomes. The mean FJS at the final follow-up was 82.8. The mean WOMAC was 10.5. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a survivorship rate of 93.1% at 10 years, considering revision for any reason as endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral UKA proved to be an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis affecting the lateral compartment of the knee. The study demonstrated a high survivorship rate and favorable functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 132.7 months. These findings highlight the potential benefits of fixed-bearing lateral UKA in selected patients with lateral compartment knee pathology.

The use of a modern robotic system for the treatment of severe knee deformities.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have shown promising results in recent years with improved clinical outcomes using standard primary implants. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the experience of a single center in correcting severe coronal deformities with the use of a robotic-assisted TKA system and an increased constrained implant. METHODS: Between July 2020 and December 2022, 30 knees in 28 patients with a major deformity and an associated ligament laxity requiring an increased constrained implant treated using an imageless robotic-assisted TKA were prospectively enrolled. Patients included in the study showed a minimum 15 degrees varus or 10 degrees valgus deviation. RESULTS: 20 cases were varus knees and 10 cases were valgus knees. Postoperative neutral alignment was defined as 0∘± 2.5∘. A CCK implant was used in 20 cases while a Constrained Posterior Stabilized implant was used in 10 cases. A neutral alignment was achieved in all patients. At a minimum 6 months follow up (f-u 6-30 months) clinical outcomes including ROM, KSS, HSS, OKS and WOMAC showed significant improvement and no major complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic system showed the achievement of a mechanical alignment with reliable radiographic outcomes and clinical results in the treatment of major deformities of the lower limb with the use of higher constrained implants at short term follow up. Further follow up and studies are necessary to confirm and verify these promising outcomes.

Unlocking cardiac motion: assessing software and machine learning for single-cell and cardioid kinematic insights.

The heart coordinates its functional parameters for optimal beat-to-beat mechanical activity. Reliable detection and quantification of these parameters still represent a hot topic in cardiovascular research. Nowadays, computer vision allows the development of open-source algorithms to measure cellular kinematics. However, the analysis software can vary based on analyzed specimens. In this study, we compared different software performances in in-silico model, in-vitro mouse adult ventricular cardiomyocytes and cardioids. We acquired in-vitro high-resolution videos during suprathreshold stimulation at 0.5-1-2 Hz, adapting the protocol for the cardioids. Moreover, we exposed the samples to inotropic and depolarizing substances. We analyzed in-silico and in-vitro videos by (i) MUSCLEMOTION, the gold standard among open-source software; (ii) CONTRACTIONWAVE, a recently developed tracking software; and (iii) ViKiE, an in-house customized video kinematic evaluation software. We enriched the study with three machine-learning algorithms to test the robustness of the motion-tracking approaches. Our results revealed that all software produced comparable estimations of cardiac mechanical parameters. For instance, in cardioids, beat duration measurements at 0.5 Hz were 1053.58 ms (MUSCLEMOTION), 1043.59 ms (CONTRACTIONWAVE), and 937.11 ms (ViKiE). ViKiE exhibited higher sensitivity in exposed samples due to its localized kinematic analysis, while MUSCLEMOTION and CONTRACTIONWAVE offered temporal correlation, combining global assessment with time-efficient analysis. Finally, machine learning reveals greater accuracy when trained with MUSCLEMOTION dataset in comparison with the other software (accuracy > 83%). In conclusion, our findings provide valuable insights for the accurate selection and integration of software tools into the kinematic analysis pipeline, tailored to the experimental protocol.

Practice Changes Induced by a Traveling Fellowship.

The John N. Insall Knee Society Traveling Fellowship selects four international arthroplasty or sports fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons to spend 1 month traveling to various Knee Society members' joint replacement and knee surgery centers in North America. The fellowship aims to foster research and education and shares ideas among fellows and Knee Society members. The role of such traveling fellowships on surgeon preferences has yet to be investigated. A 59-question survey encompassing patient selection, preoperative planning, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative protocols was completed by the four 2018 Insall Traveling Fellows before and immediately after the completion of traveling fellowship to assess anticipated practice changes (e.g., initial excitement) related to their participation in a traveling fellowship. The same survey was completed 4 years after the completion of the traveling fellowship to assess the implementation of the anticipated practice changes. Survey questions were divided into two groups based on levels of evidence in the literature. Immediately after fellowship, there was a median of 6.5 (range: 3-12) anticipated changes in consensus topics and a median of 14.5 (range: 5-17) anticipated changes in controversial topics. There was no statistical difference in the excitement to change consensus or controversial topics (p = 0.921). Four years after completing a traveling fellowship, a median of 2.5 (range: 0-3) consensus topics and 4 (range: 2-6) controversial topics were implemented. There was no statistical difference in the implementation of consensus or controversial topics (p = 0.709). There was a statistically significant decline in the implementation of changes in consensus and controversial preferences compared with the initial level of excitement (p = 0.038 and 0.031, respectively). After the John N. Insall Knee Society Traveling Fellowship, there is excitement for practice change in consensus and controversial topics related to total knee arthroplasty. However, few practice changes that had initial excitement were implemented after 4-year follow-up. Ultimately, the effects of time, practice inertia, and institutional friction overcome most of the anticipated changes induced by a traveling fellowship.

PCL preservation or sacrifice does not influence clinical outcomes and survivorship at mid-term follow-up of a J-curve CR total knee replacement with a medial congruent liner and a functional coronal alignment.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, increasing interest has arisen for medial pivoting TKA implants, designed to mimic the physiological knee kinematics, maximizing the contact area on the medial compartment of the knee, increasing anterior-posterior stability, and contributing to a ball-in-socket effect that allows the posterior cruciate sacrifice without a post-CAM mechanism. The medial congruent liner works with a J-curve cruciate-retaining (CR) femur without a real ball-in-socket design. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival of these implants, with or without PCL sparing, at a medium follow-up. METHODS: Between October 2016 and October 2018, 165 TKRs were performed in 161 patients (69.2% females and 30.8% males) and prospectively followed. Mean follow-up was 72 ± 12 months. All surgeries were performed using an extramedullary device and the same prosthetic implant. Patients were matched in two groups: in 80 patients, the PCL was preserved; in 85 patients, the PCL was sacrificed with a reduction of the tibial slope. RESULTS: The OKS and KSS improved in both groups. The difference between the two groups at the final follow-up was not statistically significant. Good-to-excellent clinical results according to the KSS were achieved in 93% of the knees in the PCP group and in 95% in the PCS group. At final follow-up, the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was 73.6 in the PCP group and 74.1 in the PCS group with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TKA with a medially congruent insert, showed promising results at mid-term follow-up, PCL preservation or sacrifice did not affect the clinical outcomes and survival. Further follow-up will be needed to evaluate these results at long term.

Increased accuracy in component positioning using an image-less robotic arm system in primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) and navigated total knee arthroplasty (NTKA) have shown improved knee alignment and reduced radiographic outliers. Recent studies have proven that conventional mechanical alignment may not be the optimal goal for every patient. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the planned implant positioning of a novel image-less robotic technique with an established navigated technique (NTKA). METHOD: The study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data that compared the implant positioning and lower-limb alignment of 86 image-less RTKA with 86 image-less NTKA. Radiographic analysis was performed to evaluate the lower-limb overall alignment, femoral and tibial components positioning in the coronal and sagittal planes. Outliers were evaluated with a cutoff of ± 3°. RESULTS: No difference was noted between the two groups for radiographic outliers within ± 3° from neutral (p = 0.098). The mean hip-knee-ankle angle deviation from target was 1.3° in the RTKA group compared to 1.9° in the NTKA (p < 0.001). Femoral sagittal deviation (femoral component flexion) was smaller in the RTKA group (0.9° vs 1.9°; p < 0.001). Similarly, tibial coronal deviation (0.8° vs 1.5°; p < 0.001) and tibial sagittal deviation (tibial slope) were smaller in the RTKA group compared to the NTKA group (0.9° vs 1.7°; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RTKA group reported a substantial and significant reduced error from the planned target angles for both tibial and femoral components. No difference in terms of radiographic outliers was noted between navigation and robotic assistance.

Eco-Friendly Multilayer Coating Harnessing the Functional Features of Curcuma-Based Pigment and Rice Bran Wax as a Hydrophobic Filler.

This work aims to highlight the multiple features shown by curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax, which can be selectively employed as bio-based additives for the realization of multilayer wood coatings with multiple functionalities, harnessing the capabilities of the two environmentally friendly fillers, in line with current environmental sustainability trends. The role of the two green materials on the morphology of the composite layers was examined through observations employing scanning electron and optical microscopy, revealing a strong alteration of the film's appearance, both its color and reflectivity. Additionally, their influence on the paint's resilience was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and consecutive thermal shocks. The coating displayed a clear and uniform change in color because of substantial curcuma powder photo-degradation but it remained exceptionally stable when subjected to thermal stresses. Moreover, the protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by conducting liquid resistance tests and water uptake tests, while the hardness and the abrasion resistance of the coatings were assessed to evaluate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of the coatings. In conclusion, this study showcases the promising joint action of curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax in multilayer coatings. This combination offers vibrant yellow tones and an appealing appearance to the paint, enhances the surface's water-repellent properties, and improves the mechanical resistance of the coatings.

Isolation and Characterisation of Human-Derived blaKPC-3-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovar Rissen in 2018.

In this study, we describe a Salmonella enterica serovar (S.) Rissen strain with a reduced susceptibility to meropenem, isolated from a urinary infection in an 89-year-old woman in 2018 during activity surveillance in Italy (Enter-Net Italia). The genomic characteristics, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were investigated via a genomic approach. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a "susceptible, increased exposure" phenotype to meropenem in the S. Rissen strain (4_29_19). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using both the NovaSeq 6000 S4 PE150 XP platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) and MinION (Oxford Nanopore). The S. Rissen 4_29_19 strain harboured two plasmids: a pKpQIL-like plasmid carrying the blaKPC-3 resistance gene in a Tn4401a transposon (pKPC_4_29_19), and a ColE-like plasmid (p4_4_29_19) without resistance genes, highly prevalent among Enterobacterales. Comparative analysis revealed that the pKPC_4_29_19 plasmid was highly related to the pKpQIL reference plasmid (GU595196), with 57% coverage and 99.96% identity, but lacking a region of about 30 kb, involving the FIIK2 replicon region and the entire transfer locus, causing the loss of its ability to conjugate. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a pKpQIL-like plasmid, carrying blaKPC-3, highly diffused in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, has been identified in a Salmonella strain in our country. The acquisition of blaKPC genes by Salmonella spp. is extremely rare, and is reported only sporadically. In zoonotic bacteria isolated from humans, the presence of a carbapenem resistance gene carried by mobile genetic elements, usually described in healthcare-associated infection bacteria, represents an important concern for public health.

Rituximab Monotherapy Is Effective as First-Line Treatment for Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) in CVID Patients.

Granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) represents a fatal immune dysregulatory complication in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Evidence-based diagnostic guidelines are lacking, and GLILD treatment consists in immunosuppressive drugs; nonetheless, therapeutical strategies are heterogeneous and essentially based on experts' opinions and data from small case series or case reports.We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line Rituximab monotherapy for CVID-related GLILD, by assessing symptoms and quality of life alterations, immunological parameters, pulmonary function tests, and lung computed tomography.All six GLILD patients received Rituximab infusions as a first-line treatment. Rituximab was administered at 375 mg/m2 monthly for six infusions followed by maintenance every 3 months; none of the patients experienced severe adverse events. Symptom burden and quality of life significantly improved in treated patients compared to a control group of CVID patients without GLILD. Rituximab treatment indirectly caused a trend toward reduced T-cell activation and exhaustion markers sCD25 and sTIM-3. Lung function improved in treated patients, with statistically significant increases in TLC and DLCO. Lung CT scan findings expressed by means of Baumann scoring system displayed a reduction in the entire cohort.In conclusion, first-line monotherapy with Rituximab displayed high efficacy in disease remission in all treated patients, with improvement of symptoms and amelioration of quality of life, as well as restoration of PFTs and lung CT scan findings.

The HLA-DQ8 transgenic mouse: A model to study the immune and cytotoxic responses to wheat gliadin.

A complete understanding of celiac disease (CD) pathogenesis has been hindered to date because of the lack of adequate in vivo models. Herein, we describe two in vivo approaches in HLA-DQ8-transgenic mice to study the intrinsic cytoxicity and immune features of wheat gliadin. By adopting the first method, we explored the mucosal architecture of the small intestine following the intra-gastric administration of wheat gliadin in mice treated with indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenases. Mice showed a significant reduction of villus height, increased crypt depth and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes. The second approach involved the mucosal sensitization to gliadin via the intranasal route. This protocol induced a Th1/Th17 phenotype in mesenteric lymph nodes, as described in CD. In conclusion, these methods remain instrumental to analyze in vivo distinct biological features of wheat gliadin and related prolamins. Furthermore, the sensitization protocol could be exploited to test innovative strategies downregulating the gliadin-specific immunity.

Antibacterial efficiency over time and barrier properties of wood coatings with colloidal silver.

This work aims to represent a standard application for understanding the extent of the antibacterial efficacy of coatings with different amounts of colloidal silver on wooden surfaces over time. The key variable that was intended to be evaluated in this study was the "time efficiency," with concerns about the possible efficacy in the durability of the surfaces. By highlighting the "expiry date" of the agents, as in the case with other products, the study aimed to confirm the validity of the simulation tests conducted in the laboratory with degradation tests. Furthermore, the role of the silver amount on the barrier performance of the coatings was assessed by liquid resistance, water uptake, and perspiration tests, evaluating the aesthetic durability of the coatings by means of colorimetric analyses. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that these coatings may represent alternatives in terms of prolonged antimicrobial activity when compared with the biocide agents currently in use, capable to offer good resistance to detergent solutions and to water. Nevertheless, due to silver's susceptibility to extended exposure to acidic solutions, the findings of the research discourage the utilization of colloidal silver in wood paints intended for use in public settings. KEY POINTS: • Colloidal silver does not alter the deposition process and does not introduce defects in the wood paint. • Coatings containing silver show high antimicrobial activity over time, against both E.coli and S.aureus. • The silver-based filler resists contact with detergents and aqueous solutions but suffers oxidation processes in acidic environments.

Uncemented hemiarthroplasty may have a role in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patient. A survival complications and functional outcomes analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the proximal femur account for 30% of all fractures requiring surgical treatment. The optimal treatment for per- and intertrochanteric fractures, particularly associated with trochanter instability, is still open to debate. For these reasons, some authors have recently supported the use of bipolar arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty as a treatment capable of reducing the risk of complications and obtaining a better functional result. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes at minimum six months of follow up of bipolar hemiarthroplasty as the primary treatment for intertrochanteric fracture in older patients. A secondary objective was to study the risk of early and intraoperative complications. METHODS: From November 2020 to April 2022, 102 patients with lateral proximal femur fracture underwent surgical operation with implant of a long-stemmed bipolar hemiarthroplasty. 86 patients were enrolled. The average age at the time of fracture was 87.4 ± 4.6 (range 77-98) years. Of the patients, 76.7% were female. For all patients intra- and perioperative data were extracted. All available patients were evaluated at a minimum 6-months follow-up to investigate: Charlson Comorbidity Index, autonomy (Barthel Index), use of walking aids (Koval Grade), memory quality or dementia (Mental Score), subsequent hospitalizations for surgical operations relating to the operated hip. RESULTS: The average time from trauma to surgery was 1 ± 0.7 days. The surgical time was 78.9 ± 21.9 minutes. At least one cerclage was used in 73.3% of patients. 87.5% of patients were verticalized on the first day. The average hospitalization time was 5.5 ± 2.9 days. During follow-up 20 deaths occurred, with a distance to surgery of 6.6 ± 7.2 (range 0.3-22.7) months. Six months after surgery, out of 86 patients, 12 deaths occurred, corresponding to 13.95%. 12 months after surgery, out of 57 patients, 15 deaths occurred, corresponding to 26.31%. CONCLUSIONS: Long stemmed bipolar hemiarthroplasty following intertrochanteric fracture can be considered a safe procedure, especially in patients over 80 with associated comorbidities and short life expectancy.

Video-Rate Switching of High-Reflectivity Hybrid Cavities Spanning All Primary Colors.

Dynamically tunable reflective structural colors are attractive for reflective displays (electronic paper). However, it is challenging to tune a thin layer of structural color across the full red-green-blue (RGB) basis set of colors at video rates and with long-term stability. In this work, this is achieved through a hybrid cavity built from metal-insulator-metal (MIM) "nanocaves" and an electrochromic polymer (PProDOTMe2 ). The reflective colors are modulated by electrochemically doping/dedoping the polymer. Compared with traditional subpixel-based systems, this hybrid structure provides high reflectivity (>40%) due to its "monopixel" nature and switches at video rates. The polymer bistability helps deliver ultralow power consumption (≈2.5 mW cm-2 ) for video display applications and negligible consumption (≈3 µW cm-2 ) for static images, compatible with fully photovoltaic powering. In addition, the color uniformity of the hybrid material is excellent (over cm-2 ) and the scalable fabrication enables large-area production.

WARNING: A Wearable Inertial-Based Sensor Integrated with a Support Vector Machine Algorithm for the Identification of Faults during Race Walking.

Due to subjectivity in refereeing, the results of race walking are often questioned. To overcome this limitation, artificial-intelligence-based technologies have demonstrated their potential. The paper aims at presenting WARNING, an inertial-based wearable sensor integrated with a support vector machine algorithm to automatically identify race-walking faults. Two WARNING sensors were used to gather the 3D linear acceleration related to the shanks of ten expert race-walkers. Participants were asked to perform a race circuit following three race-walking conditions: legal, illegal with loss-of-contact and illegal with knee-bent. Thirteen machine learning algorithms, belonging to the decision tree, support vector machine and k-nearest neighbor categories, were evaluated. An inter-athlete training procedure was applied. Algorithm performance was evaluated in terms of overall accuracy, F1 score and G-index, as well as by computing the prediction speed. The quadratic support vector was confirmed to be the best-performing classifier, achieving an accuracy above 90% with a prediction speed of 29,000 observations/s when considering data from both shanks. A significant reduction of the performance was assessed when considering only one lower limb side. The outcomes allow us to affirm the potential of WARNING to be used as a referee assistant in race-walking competitions and during training sessions.