Carpal scaphoid non-union treatment: a retrospective trial comparing simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation versus percutaneous screw fixation plus pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective comparative study was to assess whether a complementary treatment by pulsed electromagnetic field could increase the bone-healing rate of scaphoid non-union without SNAC (scaphoid non-union advanced collapse) treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: Eighteen patients with scaphoid non-union were included in this retrospective study. The group 1 was made of nine cases (seven stage IIA and two stage IIB) of scaphoid non-union treated by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation and pulsed electromagnetic fields (Physiostim®). The group 2 was made of nine cases (six stage IIA and three stage IIB) treated by simple retrograde percutaneous screw fixation. RESULTS: With a 10-month follow-up in group 1 and a 9.5-month follow-up in group 2, there were three cases of non-union in group 1 and two cases in group 2. Regarding the type of non-union, there was one case among the stage IIB and four cases among the stage IIA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study did not show any interest in the use of pulsed electromagnetic field for the treatment of carpal scaphoid non-union. They should be dropped. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Upcycling Quince Peel into Bioactive Ingredients and Fiber Concentrates through Multicomponent Extraction Processes.

This study aimed to promote the total upcycling of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) peel into bioactive extracts (BEs) and fiber concentrates (FCs). The multicomponent extraction processes were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a 20-run experimental design, where the effects of time (1-120 min), temperature (25-95 °C), and EtOH percentage (0-100%) were combined. In addition to the extraction yields, BEs were analyzed for phenolic compounds, organic acids, and other water-soluble constituents, while FCs were characterized for their color and dietary fiber content. Statistically valid theoretical models were obtained by fitting these dependent variables to a quadratic equation and used to predict optimal extraction conditions. Those obtained for phenolic compounds and malic acid were experimentally validated, yielding 9.3 mg/g and 7.6 g/100 g of these bioactive constituents, respectively, and about 51% (w/w) FC. These BEs showed in vitro antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against foodborne fungi and bacteria, standing out in some aspects in relation to synthetic food additives, mainly the malic acid-enriched BE. Overall, the developed extraction processes allowed valorizing of quince peel in FCs and BEs that could be used as natural fortifiers or preservatives in the formulation of foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

Nerve injuries to the volar aspect of the hand: A comparison of the reliability of the Weber static test versus the gauze test.

When examining lacerations to the volar aspect of the hand a gauze test may usually be performed to detect nerve injuries. However, published literature suggests that its sensitivity and specificity are lower than 100%. The aim of this study was to determine whether a Weber static (main hypothesis) and dynamic test or a Semmes-Weinstein test (secondary hypotheses) could be a more reliable test than the gauze test to rule out any nerve injury and avoid unnecessary wound explorations. Our case series included a total of 102 patients presenting with 123 palmar lacerations and 158 nerve injuries. On arrival at the emergency department, every patient was tested for epicritic sensation at the pulp of the injured and contralateral fingers with the Weber static and dynamic tests and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. All lacerations underwent exploration under anesthetic to rule out nerve injury. The sensitivities of the gauze test, the Weber static test, the Weber dynamic test and the Semmes Weinstein monofilament test were proven to be 82.5%, 98.6%, 97.9% and 86.7% respectively. The specificities of the gauze test, the Weber static test, the Weber dynamic test and the Semmes Weinstein monofilament test were 79%, 79%, 79% and 78.9% respectively. Examination of lacerations to the volar aspect of the hand to rule out any nerve injuries should include a Weber static test instead of a gauze test. A negative Weber static test should not however discourage a surgical exploration of the laceration to rule out tendinous or vascular injury.