Low-cost equipment for the evaluation of reach and grasp in post-stroke individuals: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Reach-grasp movements are motor components commonly affected after stroke and directly related to the independence of these individuals. Evaluations of these activities can be performed using clinical instruments and assessed by detailed and costly kinematic analyses. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis of reach-grasp movements in post-stroke patients using a simple, inexpensive, and manageable instrument. RESULTS: A Mann-Whitney test was used to compare paretic and non-paretic limb motor performance. A statistically significant difference was found between the variables of total time (p = 0.02) and speed to reach target 3 (p = 0.04) for task 1, while in task 2 significance was found only in the aspect of speed to reach target 2 (p = 0.04). The correlation between clinical tests and variables of tasks was then performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. At task 1, when compared with the REACH instrument, the close target sub-item; there was a high positive correlation between the parameters of total time (p = 0.028), target velocity 3 (p = 0.028), and target acceleration 3 (p = 0.028). Another instrument that showed a high positive correlation with the target time 3 (p = 0.01) and target acceleration 3 (p = 0.028) variables was the Box and Block Test. When correlated, the data between the task 2 variables and clinical instruments did not present statistically significant data. CONCLUSION: Our instrument-the Temporal Data Acquisition Instrument-TDAI-fulfilled the expected objectives and can be used as an option to evaluate the movements of reach and grasp of upper limb post-stroke, using an easy and fast application, without the need for calibration. Trial registration Trial Registration: Research Ethics Committee of the Trairi School of Health Sciences-Number 2.625.609, approved on April 13, 2018; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-RBR-4995cr approved on July 4, 2019 retrospectively registered (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4995cr/).

Is loss of power output due to laser fiber degradation still an issue during prostate vaporization using the 180 W GreenLight XPS laser?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether heat-induced fiber degradation and loss of power output, which occurred during GreenLight laser vaporization (LV) of the prostate using the first- and second-generation 80 and 120 W laser, are still an issue during LV using the upgraded third generation 180 W GreenLight XPS™ laser. METHODS: Laser beam power output of 53 laser fibers was measured at baseline and after every 25 kJ of delivered energy during routine 180 W GreenLight XPS™ LV in 47 patients with prostatic bladder outflow obstruction. After the procedures, the fiber tips were microscopically examined. RESULTS: The median applied energy per patient was 178 kJ [interquartile range (IQR): 106-247]. Loss of power output during the procedure was detectable in all fibers. After the application of 25, 150, and 250 kJ, the median power output decreased to 77% (IQR 59-87), 57% (IQR 32-71), and 51% (IQR 37-64) of the baseline value. Nine fibers (17%) remained on a relatively high power output level (> 80% of the initial output), while 13 fibers (25%) showed an end-of-procedure power output of less than 20%. Microscopy of the fiber tip revealed mild-to-moderate overall degradation and increasing degradation with higher energy delivered. CONCLUSION: Despite changes in fiber design, heat-induced fiber damage and loss of power output remain an issue during 180 W GreenLight XPS™ LV. Whether modifications of the surgical technique can prevent impairment of fiber performance needs to be further evaluated.

Imaging of Complications After Limb Prostheses Implantation in Children with Bone Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the developmental age are an important problem in clinical practice. Primary bone tumors constitute 1-1.5% of all tumors, and 7% of all tumors diagnosed in the developmental age. The aim of the study was to assess the capabilities of imaging methods in diagnosing complications of limb endoprostheses in children with osteoarticular tumors. MATERIAL/METHODS: We included 155 patients with limb endoprostheses, aged 7-26 years. There were 113 patients with knee prostheses, 1 patient with bilateral knee prostheses, 16 patients with shoulder prostheses, 14 patients with hip prostheses, 11 patients with hip and knee prostheses, and 1 patient with a femoral prosthesis. All patients underwent plain radiography and an ultrasound study. RESULTS: Complications were found in 50 patients (32% of all patients). The following complications were seen - inflammatory changes in soft tissues and bones (12 patients, 7.7%), stump fractures (11 patients, 7%), lack of elongation effect or shortening of the prosthesis (7 patients, 4.5%), prosthesis fractures (4 patients, 2.5%), crural fractures (4 patients, 2.5%), loosening of the prosthesis (3 patients, 1.9%), joint dislocation (2 patients, 1.3%), stump and prosthesis fracture (1 patient, 0.6%) and local recurrence (6 patients, 3.9%). Prostheses were exchanged for the following reasons - fractures (5 patients, 3.2%), inflammation (2 patients with 3 exchanges, 1.9%). Local recurrence and inflammation were confirmed by a biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Radiography and ultrasonography are of crucial importance in monitoring patients after implantation of limb endoprostheses. The findings did not require confirmation in additional studies: CT and MRI. Suspicion of local recurrence and inflammation required a biopsy confirmation.

Functional Duration of Closure Systems Used in Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We determined the functional life of various configurations of partial nephrectomy closure systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sutures were prepared using standard techniques for sutured renorrhaphy during partial nephrectomy. Tested systems included knot/Hem-o-Lok®, Lapra-Ty®/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok combinations. The saline filled tank was maintained at 37C. Vicryl®, Stratafix™ polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone or V-Loc™ 180 sutures were suspended at 4 or 2 N. Suture material breakage or slippage was considered failure. RESULTS: At 4 N 20% of sutures terminated with knot/Hem-o-Lok failed by 3 weeks compared to 56% and 100% terminated with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok, respectively (p <0.0001). The 55% and 100% of failures with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok, respectively, were generally due to slippage vs 11% with knot/Hem-o-Lok (p <0.0001). Overall failure rates with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok for zero to 4-zero sutures were 41% with Vicryl, 82% with polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone and 24% with V-Loc 180 (p <0.0001). The only sutures without failure at 4 N with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and knot/Hem-o-Lok closure systems were Vicryl zero, and V-Loc 2-zero and 3-zero. At 2 N Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok failure (17.5% vs 0%, p = 0.039) and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok failure (39% vs 16%, p = 0.074) were more common with polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone than with V-Loc sutures. CONCLUSION: Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok and Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok combinations resulted in more frequent failures at 3 weeks or greater than knot/Hem-o-Lok. For all sutures tested knots were superior to Lapra-Tys to backstop Hem-o-Loks at 4 N. Preferably, Vicryl zero or V-Loc 2-zero/3-zero sutures should be used in combination with knots or Lapra-Tys at 4 N. Under these experimental conditions the Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok combination did not reliably suspend the other sutures tested for 3 weeks. If Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok or Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok combinations are used, we recommend closure at lesser tension and/or the use of appropriate sutures.

A scoping review of rule-based clinical decision support malfunctions.

OBJECTIVE: Conduct a scoping review of research studies that describe rule-based clinical decision support (CDS) malfunctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In April 2022, we searched three bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase) for literature referencing CDS malfunctions. We coded the identified malfunctions according to an existing CDS malfunction taxonomy and added new categories for factors not already captured. We also extracted and summarized information related to the CDS system, such as architecture, data source, and data format. RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles met inclusion criteria, capturing 130 malfunctions. Architectures used included stand-alone systems (eg, web-based calculator), integrated systems (eg, best practices alerts), and service-oriented architectures (eg, distributed systems like SMART or CDS Hooks). No standards-based CDS malfunctions were identified. The "Cause" category of the original taxonomy includes three new types (organizational policy, hardware error, and data source) and two existing causes were expanded to include additional layers. Only 29 malfunctions (22%) described the potential impact of the malfunction on patient care. DISCUSSION: While a substantial amount of research on CDS exists, our review indicates there is a limited focus on CDS malfunctions, with even less attention on malfunctions associated with modern delivery architectures such as SMART and CDS Hooks. CONCLUSION: CDS malfunctions can and do occur across several different care delivery architectures. To account for advances in health information technology, existing taxonomies of CDS malfunctions must be continually updated. This will be especially important for service-oriented architectures, which connect several disparate systems, and are increasing in use.

Using automated methods to detect safety problems with health information technology: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research literature evaluating automated methods for early detection of safety problems with health information technology (HIT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched bibliographic databases including MEDLINE, ACM Digital, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from January 2010 to June 2021 for studies evaluating the performance of automated methods to detect HIT problems. HIT problems were reviewed using an existing classification for safety concerns. Automated methods were categorized into rule-based, statistical, and machine learning methods, and their performance in detecting HIT problems was assessed. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews statement. RESULTS: Of the 45 studies identified, the majority (n = 27, 60%) focused on detecting use errors involving electronic health records and order entry systems. Machine learning (n = 22) and statistical modeling (n = 17) were the most common methods. Unsupervised learning was used to detect use errors in laboratory test results, prescriptions, and patient records while supervised learning was used to detect technical errors arising from hardware or software issues. Statistical modeling was used to detect use errors, unauthorized access, and clinical decision support system malfunctions while rule-based methods primarily focused on use errors. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of rule-based, statistical, and machine learning methods have been applied to automate the detection of safety problems with HIT. Many opportunities remain to systematically study their application and effectiveness in real-world settings.

Strain Analysis in Cementless Hip Femoral Prosthesis using the Finite Element Method - Influence of the Variability of the Angular Positioning of the Implant.

Objective The present study aims to evaluate the influence of different positioning of the hip femoral prosthesis on the stress and strain over this implant. Methods A femoral prosthesis (Taper - Víncula, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil) was submitted to a stress and strain analysis using the finite element method (FEM) according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7206-6 Implants for surgery - Partial and total hip joint prostheses - Part 6: Endurance properties testing and performance requirements of neck region of stemmed femoral components standard. The analysis proposed a branch of the physical test with a +/- 5° angle variation on the standard proposed for α and ß variables. Results The isolated +/- 5° variation on the α angle, as well as the association of +/- 5° variation on the α and ß angles, presented significant statistical differences compared with the control strain ( p = 0.027 and 0.021, respectively). Variation on angle ß alone did not result in a significant change in the strain of the prosthesis ( p = 0.128). The stem positioning with greatest implant strain was α = 5° and ß = 14° ( p = 0.032). Conclusion A variation on the positioning of the prosthetic femoral stem by +/- 5° in the coronal plane and/or the association of a +/- 5° angle in coronal and sagittal planes significantly influenced implant strain.

A new injection rate estimation technique for on-site screening test of medication infusion pump by nurses.

Medication infusion pumps are the most popular device in almost all areas of a hospital; therefore, it is important to frequently inspect the accuracy of the infusion pump operation to prevent underdose/overdose accidents. However, the conventional infusion pump inspection devices are not suitable for quick and convenient on-site inspection by nurses. In this study, a new IR estimation technique for peristaltic infusion pumps that facilitates on-site pre-screening test with shorter inspection time was proposed. A thin membrane potentiometer was attached to a catheter and the actual IR was estimated based on a time interval between two successive line pushes of an identical cam follower using power function estimation. To evaluate the performance of the proposed IR estimation technique, in vitro experiments were performed using 11 infusion pumps (three for Infusion Pump SET 1 (IPSET-1) and eight for Infusion Pump SET 2 (IPSET-2)) with the same model. In experiments, error rate between the actual and the measured values (using conventional inspection device) were 0.04-1.17% range for IPSET-1 and 2.09-4.32% for IPSET-2, and those between the actual and the estimated values (using proposed method) were 0.02-0.62% range for IPSET-1 and 1.31-4.23% for IPSET-2. The proposed technique had almost equivalent performance with a commercial inspection device, but the time for inspection was reduced to almost one third. We expect that the proposed technique can provide a tool for simple and convenient on-site pre-screening of infusion pumps by nurses to improve patient safety.

Evaluation of the repeatability and matching accuracy between two identical intraoral spectrophotometers: an in vivo and in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repeatability and matching accuracy between two identical intraoral spectrophotometers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The maxillary right central incisor, canine, and mandibular left central incisor of each of 30 patients were measured using 2 identical intraoral spectrophotometers with different serial numbers (EasyShade V). The color of each shade tab from 3 shade guides (VITA 3D-Master) was also determined with both devices. All measurements were performed by a single operator. Statistical analyses were performed to verify the repeatability, accuracy, and the differences between the devices with paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) (α=.05). RESULTS: A high level of measurement repeatability (ICC>0.90) among L*, a*, and b* color components was observed within and between devices (P<.001). Intra-device matching agreement rates were 80.00% and 81.11%, respectively, while inter-device matching agreement rate was 51.85%. ANOVA revealed no significant different color values within each device, while paired t-test provided significant different color values between both devices. The CIEDE2000 color differences between both devices were 2.28±1.61 ΔE00 for in-vivo readings. Regarding the clinical matching accuracy of both devices, ΔE00 values between teeth and matching shade tabs were 3.05±1.19 and 2.86±1.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although two EasyShade V devices with different serial numbers show high repeatability of CIE L*, a*, and b* measurements, they could provide different color values and shade for the same tooth.

Strain Analysis in Cementless Hip Femoral Prosthesis using the Finite Element Method - Influence of the Variability of the Angular Positioning of the Implant / Análise da deformação na prótese femoral não cimentada do quadril pelo método de elementos finitos - Influência da variabilidade do posicionamento angular do implante

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate the influence of different positioning of the hip femoral prosthesis on the stress and strain over this implant. Methods A femoral prosthesis (Taper - Víncula, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil) was submitted to a stress and strain analysis using the finite element method (FEM) according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7206-6 Implants for surgery - Partial and total hip joint prostheses - Part 6: Endurance properties testing and performance requirements of neck region of stemmed femoral components standard. The analysis proposed a branch of the physical test with a +/− 5° angle variation on the standard proposed for α and β variables. Results The isolated +/− 5° variation on the α angle, as well as the association of +/− 5° variation on the α and β angles, presented significant statistical differences compared with the control strain (p= 0.027 and 0.021, respectively). Variation on angle β alone did not result in a significant change in the strain of the prosthesis (p= 0.128). The stem positioning with greatest implant strain was α = 5° and β = 14° (p= 0.032). Conclusion A variation on the positioning of the prosthetic femoral stem by +/− 5° in the coronal plane and/or the association of a +/− 5° angle in coronal and sagittal planes significantly influenced implant strain.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a influência da variação do posicionamento da prótese femoral do quadril na tensão e na deformação produzidas neste implante. Métodos Utilizou-se a análise de tensão e de deformação da prótese femoral (Taper, Víncula, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil) pelo método de elementos finitos (MEF) de acordo com a norma ISO 7206-6 Implants for surgery - Partial and total hip joint prostheses-Part 6: Endurance properties testing and performance requirements of neck region of stemmed femoral components. A análise propôs uma ramificação do ensaio físico, com variação da angulação de +/− 5° sobre a proposta normativa das variáveis α e β. Resultados Ao comparar com a deformação controle, houve significância estatística com a angulação isolada de +/− 5° do ângulo α, bem como com a associação de +/− 5° nas angulações α e β (p= 0,027 e 0,021, respectivamente). Já com a variação apenas do ângulo β, não houve variação significativa na deformação da prótese (p= 0,128). A posição da haste com maior deformação no implante foi com α = 5° e β = 14° (p= 0,032). Conclusão A variabilidade de posicionamento da haste femoral protética de +/− 5° no plano coronal e/ou a associação da angulação de +/− 5° nos planos coronal e sagital interferiu de forma significativa na deformação do implante.

Electrical failure during cardiopulmonary bypass: a critical moment.

Electrical failure during cardiopulmonary bypass is a crisis situation for the cardiac surgical team. Fortunately, it has a low incidence with low morbidity and mortality rates. Notwithstanding, institutional preventative and management measures should be taken. Here, we report a case of electrical failure during cardiopulmonary bypass, which was successfully managed during the surgery, allowing the patient to recover uneventfully. These unwanted complications can only be managed by promoting awareness and putting in place strategies against them.

Intra and intersession repeatability and reliability of dynamic parameters in pressure platform assessments on subjects with simulated leg length discrepancy. A cross-sectional research

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) may play a key role in exercise biomechanics. Although the Podoprint platform has been used in dynamic pressure studies, there are no data regarding the reliability and repeatability of dynamic measurements under simulated LLD conditions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the intra and intersession repeatability and reliability of dynamic parameters of the Podoprint pressure platform under simulated LLD conditions. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational cross-sectional study at a public university. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers participated in this study. LLD was simulated using ethyl vinyl acetate plantar lifts with heights of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm located under the right shoe of each volunteer. The procedure was performed to capture the dynamic parameters of each participant under five different simulated LLD conditions. Stance time, mean pressure and peak pressure measurements were registered in three trials for each foot and each LLD level. Data were collected during two separate testing sessions, in order to establish intrasession and intersession reliability. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intrasession reliability ranged from 0.775 to 0.983 in the first session and from 0.860 to 0.985 in the second session. The ICCs for intersession reliability ranged from 0.909 to 0.990. Bland-Altman plots showed absence of systematic measurement errors. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the Podoprint platform is a reliable system for assessing dynamic parameters under simulated LLD conditions. Future studies should evaluate plantar pressures under LLD conditions, in association with exercise, biomechanics and musculoskeletal disorders.

No Electromagnetic Interference Occurred in a Patient with a HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System and a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

The use of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is a novel option for preventing arrhythmia-mediated cardiac death in patients who are at risk of endovascular-device infection or in whom venous access is difficult. However, the potential for electromagnetic interference between subcutaneous defibrillators and left ventricular assist devices is largely unknown. We report the case of a 24-year-old man in whom we observed no electromagnetic interference between a subcutaneous implanted cardioverter-defibrillator and a HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System, at 3 different pump speeds. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such findings in this circumstance.

Clinical safety of England's national programme for IT: a retrospective analysis of all reported safety events 2005 to 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse patient safety events associated with England's national programme for IT (NPfIT). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all safety events managed by a dedicated IT safety team between September 2005 and November 2011 was undertaken. Events were reviewed against an existing classification for problems associated with IT. The proportion of reported events per problem type, consequences, source of report, resolution within 24h, time of day and day of week were examined. Sub-group analyses were undertaken for events involving patient harm and those that occurred on a large scale. RESULTS: Of the 850 events analysed, 68% (n=574) described potentially hazardous circumstances, 24% (n=205) had an observable impact on care delivery, 4% (n=36) were a near miss, and 3% (n=22) were associated with patient harm, including three deaths (0·35%). Eleven events did not have a noticeable consequence (1%) and two were complaints (<1%). Amongst the events 1606 separate contributing problems were identified. Of these 92% were predominately associated with technical rather than human factors. Problems involving human factors were four times as likely to result in patient harm than technical problems (25% versus 8%; OR 3·98, 95%CI 1·90-8.34). Large-scale events affecting 10 or more individuals or multiple IT systems accounted for 23% (n=191) of the sample and were significantly more likely to result in a near miss (6% versus 4%) or impact the delivery of care (39% versus 20%; p<0·001). CONCLUSION: Events associated with NPfIT reinforce that the use of IT does create hazardous circumstances and can lead to patient harm or death. Large-scale patient safety events have the potential to affect many patients and clinicians, and this suggests that addressing them should be a priority for all major IT implementations.

Proximal femoral locking compression plate for proximal femoral fractures.

PURPOSE: To review short-term outcomes of proximal femoral locking compression plate (PF-LCP) fixation for proximal femoral fractures in terms of postoperative complications and failure rates. METHODS: Medical records of 21 men and 5 women aged 22 to 85 (mean, 49.7) years who underwent internal fixation with the PF-LCP for proximal femoral fractures were reviewed. Younger patients (mean age, 38.7 years) were more commonly involved in high-energy trauma with multiple musculoskeletal injuries, whereas older patients (mean age, 67.7 years) were more commonly involved in low-energy trauma. Fractures were classified into: multi-fragmentary pertrochanteric fractures (n=13), transtrochanteric fractures (n=6), and subtrochanteric/proximal diaphyseal fractures (n=7). RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 14.7 months. Seven patients developed complications including loosening of locking screws (n=4), delayed union (n=2), and infection (n=1); 4 of them required additional surgeries. CONCLUSION: The PF-LCP is appropriate for complex proximal femoral fractures with poor bone quality, revision surgeries, and multi-fragmentary subtrochanteric/proximal diaphyseal fractures. For intertrochanteric fractures, the sliding hip screw system should be used to avoid failure.

[Rare problem with the insertion of a Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway device. Case of the trimester]. / Problema inusual con la mascarilla laríngea Supreme™. Caso del trimestre.

A breast tumor was resected under general anesthesia. After induction, the airway was managed with a Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway device. The insertion of the laryngeal mask airway device, the insertion of the orogastric tube through the drain tube, as well as the mechanical ventilation, were very difficult from the beginning. On removing the laryngeal mask airway device to solve the problem, it was observed that the drain tube was broken, and the orogastric tube had passed into the anterior, laryngeal part of the device through the split. It was later found out that the laryngeal mask airway device, as well as the whole manufacturing batch, had suffered a design modification: the cuff was constructed with a softer material without reinforcement in the tip, and the drain tube had a heat-sealing defect that facilitated the break. The incident was reported to the local supplier and the manufacturer, and the defective batch of laryngeal mask airway devices was recalled. The incident was also reported to other hospitals via SENSAR, to warn other users of the potential dangers of the design modification in the Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway.

[Incorrect programming of a target controlled infusion pump. Case SENSAR of the trimester]. / Programación errónea de una bomba de TCI. Caso SENSAR del trimestre.

We report the case of a patient who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. During general anaesthesia maintenance, the patient received a remifentanyl infusion via a target controlled infusion (TCI) system. The infusion pump that was prepared to deliver the infusion showed malfunction at the beginning of the surgery, so it was quickly replaced with a second pump. After a few minutes into the surgery, the patient presented with hypotension refractory to treatment. The remifentanyl syringe also emptied faster than expected. On reviewing the TCI pump, it was found that it was erroneously programmed for propofol instead of remifentanyl, thus the patient had received a very high dose of remifentanyl that was probably the cause of the haemodynamic disturbances. The incident was an error in equipment use, facilitated by hurry, lack of checking of the equipment prior to its use, and the complex and unclear design of the devices' screens. After analysis of this incident, all TCI pumps were reviewed, and all the programs for infrequently used drugs were deleted. Furthermore, 2 pumps were selected for exclusive use in the cardiac surgery theatre, one with propofol-only programming, and the other with remifentanyl-only programming, both clearly marked and situated in fixed places in that theatre.

Evaluation of the repeatability and matching accuracy between two identical intraoral spectrophotometers: an in vivo and in vitro study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repeatability and matching accuracy between two identical intraoral spectrophotometers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The maxillary right central incisor, canine, and mandibular left central incisor of each of 30 patients were measured using 2 identical intraoral spectrophotometers with different serial numbers (EasyShade V). The color of each shade tab from 3 shade guides (VITA 3D-Master) was also determined with both devices. All measurements were performed by a single operator. Statistical analyses were performed to verify the repeatability, accuracy, and the differences between the devices with paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) (α=.05). RESULTS: A high level of measurement repeatability (ICC>0.90) among L *, a *, and b * color components was observed within and between devices (P < .001). Intra-device matching agreement rates were 80.00% and 81.11%, respectively, while inter-device matching agreement rate was 51.85%. ANOVA revealed no significant different color values within each device, while paired t-test provided significant different color values between both devices. The CIEDE2000 color differences between both devices were 2.28±1.61 ΔE 00 for in-vivo readings. Regarding the clinical matching accuracy of both devices, ΔE 00 values between teeth and matching shade tabs were 3.05±1.19 and 2.86±1.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although two EasyShade V devices with different serial numbers show high repeatability of CIE L*, a*, and b* measurements, they could provide different color values and shade for the same tooth.

Mechanical Failure in Distraction Osteogenesis Using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In an effort to overcome the drawbacks of distraction osteogenesis using the Ilizarov external fixator, intramedullary lengthening devices have been developed and applied for long bone distraction osteogenesis. Several successful cases have been reported, leading to the next generation of distraction osteogenesis. However, intramedullary lengthening devices have their own problems, such as device failure, difficulty of control of the lengthening degree. The authors report on a case of device failure during distraction osteogenesis using ISKD(R) (Orthofix Inc.) in the distraction phase, and the strategy that involved switching to a lengthening over nail system, which uses the Ilizarov external fixator, in order to obtain the target length.

Falha no funcionamento do ressuscitador manual autoinflável devido à presença de secreções pulmonares ressecadas / Failure of self-inflating manual resuscitator due to the presence of dried pulmonary secretions / Falla en el funcionamiento del resucitador manual autoinflable debido a la presencia de secreciones pulmonares resecadas

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os ressuscitadores manuais autoinfláveis (RMA) são dispositivos utilizados para ofertar ventilações para pacientes com necessidade ventilatória. Esses dispositivos são compostos por um conjunto de válvulas que trabalham de forma sequencial e alterações em seu funcionamento podem ser prejudicais ao paciente. RELATO DO CASO: Durante a utilização de RMA, observou-se que a válvula permaneceu fixa devido à presença de secreção pulmonar ressecada, o que impossibilitou a ventilação do paciente, mas não a manipulação da unidade compressível. CONCLUSÕES: Essa situação reafirma que o reanimador é um dispositivo que deve ser usado por profissionais treinados, pois, apesar de as alterações de funcionamento serem raras, podem ser potencialmente fatais.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Self-inflating manual resuscitators (SIMR) are devices used to ventilate patients with ventilatory needs. These devices consist of a set of valves that work sequentially, and changes in their function may be harmful to patients. CASE REPORT: During the use of SIMR, it was observed that the valve remained fixed due to the presence of dried pulmonary secretion, which made it impossible to ventilate the patient, but not manipulate the compressible unit. CONCLUSIONS: This situation reaffirms that the resuscitator is a device that should be used by trained professionals because, although changes in functioning are rare, they can be potentially fatal.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los resucitadores manuales autoinflables (RMA), son dispositivos utilizados para dar ventilaciones a pacientes con necesidad ventilatoria. Esos dispositivos están compuestos por un conjunto de válvulas que trabajan de forma secuencial y las alteraciones en su funcionamiento pueden ser dañinas para el paciente. RELATO DEL CASO: Durante la utilización de RMA, observamos que la válvula permaneció fija debido a la presencia de secreción pulmonar resecada, lo que imposibilitó la ventilación del paciente, pero no la manipulación de la unidad comprensible. CONCLUSIONES: Esa situación muestra que el reanimador es un dispositivo que debe ser usado por profesionales entrenados, porque a pesar de que las alteraciones de funcionamiento sean algo raro, si ocurren pueden ser potencialmente fatales.