Abdominoplasty, Liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My Experience in This Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with Black African Women in a Low-Income Country

Background: In low-income African countries, the demand and use of plastic surgery operations including abdominoplasty, liposuction and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) are increasing. The goal of this work is to present my experience and the challenges of this aesthetic plastic surgery among black African women. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted about the abdominoplasties, liposuctions and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) which I operated in public and private hospitals at Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) in black African women. It covers a period of 13 years, going from December 1, 2010 to December 1, 2023. For this study, I had at least 6 months period (to Juin 1, 2024) to assess the occurrence of early and late postoperative complications. Results: I performed 84 abdominoplasties, 144 liposuctions and 23 Brazilian butt lifts (BBL). The average age at the time of abdominoplasty was 44 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 55 years and a concentration of cases (60.7%) in the age group of 40 to 49 years. The age group of 20 to 29 years old represented the lowest rate of requests for abdominoplasty (4.7%). Patients with a BMI of 30 to 2 were the majority (61.9%), followed by those between 25 to 2 (29.7%). 67.8% of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The average age at the time of liposuction was 41 years with extremes ranging from 21 years to 69 years;and more than half of cases (68%) in the age group between 30 and 49 years. As for Brazilian butt lift (BBL), the average age was 33 years with extremes ranging from 24 to 42 years and a concentration of patients (91.3%) between 20 and 39 years. The immediate postoperative complications of abdominoplasties observed were: seroma in 7% of cases, hematoma and partial infection of the surgical site in 5% of cases. Pathological scars (hypertrophic, keloid) after abdominoplasties were observed in 9% of cases. The most common complication of liposuction was contour deformity. I observed 16 patients (11.1%) with soft-tissue depressions or elevations, skin panniculus or folds. For Brazalian Butt Lift (BBL), complications like asymmetry for 2 patients (8.9%), contour irregularities for 2 patients (8.9%), and excessive fat removal for 6 patients (26%), had observed. I have not recorded any cases of death or pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: I perform aesthetic plastic surgery procedures in black African women with a high socioeconomic standard of living compared to the average of the general population. The renunciation of planned surgery is motivated by the impossibility of paying the cost of the operation as well as by popular and religious perceptions regarding cosmetic surgery. The results of these aesthetic plastic surgery procedures carried out are very satisfactory for them. The challenges to overcome are mainly threefold: the unforeseeable complications of these cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, popular and religious perceptions of cosmetic surgery as well as the poverty of the population.

Higher Cell Viability and Enhanced Sample Quality Following Laser-Assisted Liposuction versus Mechanical Liposuction

Background: Despite the popularity of autologous fat transfer applications, high resorption rates, and consequential volume loss, have been reported. Viable adipocyte content has been defined as a key determinant of fat transfer longevity. Moreover, traces of blood, free oil fat and fibrotic tissue accelerate adipocyte degradation. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a 1470 nm, radial emitting laser-assisted liposection device to a mechanical liposection device in maintaining adipocyte viability in fat tissue harvests. Methods: Bilateral subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were harvested from ten female patients. Fat was harvested from one side using the LipoLife laser-assisted liposuction device and from the other side with a Byron mechanical aspirator. Samples were visually analyzed and blood:fat ratios and cell viability were determined. Results: Laser-harvested samples separated into two distinct phases, with a negligible blood phase at the bottom (1.1%) and a significant adipose phase at the top (98.9%), containing small, uniform-sized cells, of which 95.7% ± 2.7% proved viable. Mechanically harvested samples separated into blood (18%), adipose (60%) and lipid (22%) phases. The adipose phase contained significant amounts of connective tissue, large adipose tissue fragments, large oil droplets and a mean 79.7% ± 18.3% viable adipocytes. Conclusions: Laser liposuctioning was superior to mechanical liposuctioning, providing both higher cell viability and enhanced sample quality. The 1470 nm diode laser bears the potential of improving long-term clinical outcomes of fat transfer procedures. Improved purity of the harvested sample and heightened preadipocyte content are projected to provide for extended graft longevity.

Using Tallquist Haemoglobin Scale for Estimating Intraoperative Blood Loss in Liposuction

Introduction: Intraoperative blood loss remains as a concern for all surgeons. Proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss is critical and can be challenging, especially if the blood is mixed with other fluids such as tumescent fluid in liposuction cases. In such cases, proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss will lead to fewer mistakes in fluid resuscitation. In this article, Tallquist Haemoglobin Scale was tried to estimate intraoperative blood loss in liposuction. Objectives: Proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss in liposuction cases. Method: Tallquist Haemoglobin Scale will be tried to estimate the approximate intraoperative blood loss in liposuction cases using a mathematical formula that considers total fluid loss, patient’s preoperative haemoglobin and the reading from Tallquist kit. Results: Tallquist Haemoglobin Scale can be considered as a valid method for proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss in liposuction cases, the thing that will lead to correct fluid resuscitation and fewer complications. Conclusion: Proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss leads to fewer mistakes in fluid resuscitation and fewer related complications of under or overcorrection. Tallquist Haemoglobin scale is a trusted, cheap and fast method for proper estimation of intraoperative blood loss in liposuction cases.

Study on the low mechanical anisotropy of extruded Mg-Zn-Mn-Ce-Ca alloy tube in the compression process

In this study,the extruded Mg-Zn-Mn-Ce-Ca alloy tube with a low compression anisotropy along the ED,45ED and TD was prepared.The effect of the second phases,initial texture and deformation behavior on this low mechanical anisotropy was investigated.The results revealed that the alloy tube contains the high content(Mg1-xZnx)11Ce phase and the low content of Mg12Ce phase.These second phases are respectively incoherent and coherent with the Mg matrix,and their influence can be ignored.Additionally,the alloy tube exhibited a weak basal fiber texture,where the c-axis was aligned along the 0°∼30°tilt from TD to ED.Such a texture made the initial deformation(at 1.0%∼1.6%strain)of the three samples controlled by comparable basalslip.As deformation progressed(1.6∼9.0%strain),larger amounts of ETWs nucleated and gradually approached saturation in the three samples,re-orienting the c-axis to a 0°∼±30°deviation with respect to the loading directions.Meanwhile,the prismatic and pyramidal<c+a>slips replaced the dominant deformation progressively until fracture.Eventually,the similar deformation mechanisms determined by the weak initial texture in the three samples contribute to the comparable strain hardening rates,resulting in the low compressive anisotropy of the alloy tube.

A comprehensive review of lunar lava tube base construction and field research on a potential Earth test site

The Moon,as the closest celestial body to the Earth,plays a pivotal role in the progression of deep space exploration,and the establishment of research outposts on its surface represents a crucial step in this mission.Lunar lava tubes are special underground caves formed by volcanic eruptions and are considered as ideal natural shelters and scientific laboratories for lunar base construction.This paper begins with an in-depth overview of the geological origins,exploration history,and distribution locations of lunar lava tubes.Subsequently,it delves into the presentation of four distinctive advantages and typical concepts for constructing bases within lava tubes,summarizing the ground-based attempts made thus far in lunar lava tube base construction.Field studies conducted on a lava tube in Hainan revealed rock compositions similar to those found during the Apollo missions and clear lava tube structures,making it a promising analog site.Lastly,the challenges and opportunities encountered in the field of geotechnical engineering regarding the establishment of lunar lava tube bases are discussed,encompassing cave exploration technologies,in-situ testing methods,geomechanical properties under lunar extreme environments,base design and structural stability assessment,excavation and reinforcement techniques,and simulated Earth-based lava tube base.

Facial liposuction combined with botulinum toxin type A:A technique for lower facial contouring

Background:Botulinum toxin type A injection,a noninvasive alternative method for treating masseteric hypertrophy,is inadequate for treating patients with a round lower face.This study aimed to investigate the operative technique and clinical results of liposuction followed by botulinum toxin type A injections in patients with masseteric hypertrophy and excessive subcutaneous fat.Methods:Sixty-five patients(50 women and 15 men)were treated using this technique between May 2014 and January 2019.Their mean age was 26.3 years(range,18–35 years)and the mean follow-up period was 13 months(range,8–18 months).Results:All patients achieved slimmer lower cheeks with improved jaw definitions after the procedure.Among the 65 patients,61(94%)expressed satisfaction with the results and believed that the procedure produced their desired face shape.No major complications were observed.The effect of this combination treatment remained stable for 12 months after the procedure.Conclusion:The authors believe that liposuction followed by botulinum toxin type A injections is an effective technique for the treatment of masseteric hypertrophy and excessive subcutaneous fat.It is also a relatively simple and safe treatment approach.

Sandwich structures with tapered tubes as core:A quasi-static investigation

In this article,the experimental and finite element analysis is utilized to investigate the quasi-static compression features of sandwich constructions built with tapered tubes.3D printing technology was utilized to create the hollow centers of the tapering tubes,with and without corrugations.The results demonstrate that the energy absorption(EA)and specific energy absorption(SEA)of the single corrugated tapered tube sandwich are 51.6% and 19.8% higher,respectively,than those of the conical tube sandwich.Furthermore,the results demonstrate that energy absorbers can benefit from corrugation in order to increase their efficiency.Additionally,the tapered corrugated tubes'resistance to oblique impacts was studied.Compared to a straight tube,the tapered tube is more resistant to oblique loads and has a lower initial peak crushing force(PCF),according to numerical simulations.After conducting a parametric study,it was discovered that the energy absorption performance of the sandwich construction is significantly affected by the amplitude,number of corrugations,and wall thickness.EA and SEA of DTS with corrugation number of 8 increased by 17.4%and 29.6%,respectively,while PCF decreased by 9.2% compared to DTS with corrugation number of 10.

Clinical Study of Liposuction Combined with Subareolar Incision Adenectomy for Gynecomastia

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of liposuction combined with subareolar incision glandectomy in the treatment of Simon Grade Ⅲ adipo-glandular gynecomastia (GYN). Methods: From March 2021 to March 2022, the data of patients with Simon Grade Ⅲ adipo-glandular GYN treated by liposuction combined with glandectomy in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University and Henan Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the medical records, color ultrasound was performed on the patient’s breast before surgery, which was determined to be GYN (more than 50% glandular tissue). A 3 mm long incision was made at the lower boundary of the surgical range, through which the adipose tissue in the hypertrophic region of the breast was repeatedly aspirated until a satisfactory thickness was achieved. The residual glandular tissue was removed by a semicircular arc incision under the areola, and then the areola incision was sutured in position. The blood flow, sensation, and wound healing of bilateral nipples and areola were observed after surgery, and the morphology of bilateral thorax and scar of incision were followed up. Results: A total of 15 GYN patients aged 18 to 35 years with body mass index of 23.8 to 26.5 kg/m2 (mean = 24.8 kg/m2) were included in this study. The average intraoperative liposuction volume of unilateral breast was 170 mL (150-200 mL), the average glandectomy volume was 115 g (95-125 g), and the average blood loss was about 40 mL (15-75 mL). Postoperative hypertrophic breast volume decreased significantly, and no complications such as hematoma, infection, skin ischemic necrosis, or sensory disturbance occurred in the nipple and areola, during the healing process. The patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months, and the bilateral thorax was smooth, symmetrical, and natural in contour. The incision was concealed, and the scar was not obvious. Conclusion: Liposuction combined with subareolar incision glandectomy in the treatment of Simon Grade Ⅲ adipo-glandular GYN is safe. The postoperative chest contour is smooth and natural, and the scar is small and invisible, which achieves good aesthetics.

Nasogastric tube syndrome:A Meta-summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Since its description in 1790 by Hunter,the nasogastric tube(NGT)is commonly used in any healthcare setting for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms or enteral feeding.However,the risks associated with its placement are often underes-timated.Upper airway obstruction with a NGT is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.NGT syndrome is characterized by the presence of an NGT,throat pain and vocal cord(VC)paralysis,usually bilateral.It is poten-tially life–threatening,and early diagnosis is the key to the prevention of fatal upper airway obstruction.However,fewer cases may have been reported than might have occurred,primarily due to the clinicians'unawareness.The lack of specific signs and symptoms and the inability to prove temporal relation with NGT insertion has made diagnosing the syndrome quite challenging.AIM To review and collate the data from the published case reports and case series to understand the possible risk factors,early warning signs and symptoms for timely detection to prevent the manifestation of the complete syndrome with life-threatening airway obstruction.METHODS We conducted a systematic search for this meta-summary from the database of PubMed,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/)and Google scholar,from all the past studies till August 2023.The search terms included major MESH terms"Nasogastric tube","Intubation,Gastrointestinal","Vocal Cord Paralysis",and“Syndrome”.All the case reports and case series were evaluated,and the data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,diagnostic and therapeutic interventions,clinical course and outcomes.A datasheet for evaluation was further prepared.RESULTS Twenty-seven cases,from five case series and 13 case reports,of NGT syndrome were retrieved from our search.There was male predominance(17,62.96%),and age at presentation ranged from 28 to 86 years.Ten patients had diabetes mellitus(37.04%),and nine were hypertensive(33.33%).Only three(11.11%)patients were reported to be immunocompromised.The median time for developing symptoms after NGT insertion was 14.5 d(interquartile range 6.25-33.75 d).The most commonly reported reason for NGT insertion was acute stroke(10,37.01%)and the most commonly reported symptoms were stridor or wheezing 17(62.96%).In 77.78%of cases,bilateral VC were affected.The only treatment instituted in most patients(77.78%)was removing the NG tube.Most patients(62.96%)required tracheostomy for airway protection.But 8 of the 23 survivors recovered within five weeks and could be decannulated.Three patients were reported to have died.CONCLUSION NGT syndrome is an uncommon clinical complication of a very common clinical procedure.However,an under-reporting is possible because of misdiagnosis or lack of awareness among clinicians.Patients in early stages and with mild symptoms may be missed.Further,high variability in the presentation timing after NGT insertion makes diagnosis challenging.Early diagnosis and prompt removal of NGT may suffice in most patients,but a significant proportion of patients presenting with respiratory compromise may require tracheostomy for airway protection.

Analysis of impact pressure,rock-breaking effect,and ground vibration induced by the disposable CO_(2)fracturing tube

The technology of expansion fracturing with liquid CO_(2)(EFLCO_(2))has attracted increasing attention due to reduced vibration and damage.The disposable fracturing tube has been developed and is gradually replacing the Cardox tube.However,there is a lack of impact pressure testing of disposable tubes under real working conditions,selection of gas explosion design parameters,and systematic analysis of blasting vibration.This limitation has constrained the widespread application of disposable fracturing tubes in engineering.A joint monitoring of the pressure-time curves in the disposable tubes and boreholes was conducted.The rock-breaking effect of varying hole spacing parameters in the EFLCO_(2)design was analyzed,and a systematic study was carried out on the vibration peak value,frequency,and energy characteristics.The results show that(1)the pressure distribution characteristics,stress peak value,and duration in the disposable tubes are different from those of Cardox tubes,which show multi-peak distribution,low-pressure peak value,and short duration.The correlation between the pressure in the disposable tube,filling pressure,and liquid CO_(2)weight is established,and a theoretical calculation method for the borehole wall pressure is proposed;(2)The hole spacing in rocks of different hardness is suggested;and(3)At the same scale distance,the peak particle velocity(PPV)caused by EFLCO_(2)(PPVCO_(2))is significantly smaller than that caused by blasting(PPVexplosive).The ratio of PPVexplosive to PPVCO_(2)is a power function related to scale distance,and a distance-related zonality exist in this relationship.The frequency composition of the vibration signal caused by EFLCO_(2)is relatively simple with a narrow frequency band.Its PPV and energy are mainly concentrated in the low-frequency band.This research contributes to the optimization of disposable fracturing tubes,gas explosion design,and vibration hazard control.

Study on Nursing Effects of Liposuction and Volume Reduction Surgery for Lymphedema Perioperative Nursing Care

Objective:To study the nursing effect of liposuction and volume reduction in the treatment of lymphedema during the perioperative period.Method:A total of 68 patients treated with liposuction volume reduction surgery for pseudo-lymphedema of lower limbs admitted from May 2019 to May 2020 in a tertiary hospital in Xi’an,Shaanxi Province were selected,and they were divided into observation group and control group by random grouping method.There were 34 cases in each group.The control group took routine care during the perioperative period,while the observation group performed full care during the perioperative period.The complication rate and pain degree of the two groups were compared.Results:The complication rate of the study group was 5.88%,while that of the control group was 26.67%.Compared with the study group,the complication rate was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the gap was statistically significant(P>0.05).The pain scores of patients in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 3 and 6 days after surgery,and the gap was statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:Lymphedema should be taken care of during the perioperative period of liposuction and volume reduction,which can effectively reduce the occurrence of pain and complications.It is worthy of extensive clinical promotion.

High Density 3D Carbon Tube Nanoarray Electrode Boosting the Capacitance of Filter Capacitor

Electric double-layer capacitors(EDLCs)with fast frequency response are regarded as small-scale alternatives to the commercial bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitors.Creating carbon-based nanoarray electrodes with precise alignment and smooth ion channels is crucial for enhancing EDLCs’performance.However,controlling the density of macropore-dominated nanoarray electrodes poses challenges in boosting the capacitance of line-filtering EDLCs.Herein,a simple technique to finely adjust the vertical-pore diameter and inter-spacing in three-dimensional nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide(3D-AAO)template is achieved,and 3D compactly arranged carbon tube(3D-CACT)nanoarrays are created as electrodes for symmetrical EDLCs using nanoporous 3D-AAO template-assisted chemical vapor deposition of carbon.The 3D-CACT electrodes demonstrate a high surface area of 253.0 m^(2) g^(−1),a D/G band intensity ratio of 0.94,and a C/O atomic ratio of 8.As a result,the high-density 3D-CT nanoarray-based sandwich-type EDLCs demonstrate a record high specific areal capacitance of 3.23 mF cm^(-2) at 120 Hz and exceptional fast frequency response due to the vertically aligned and highly ordered nanoarray of closely packed CT units.The 3D-CT nanoarray electrode-based EDLCs could serve as line filters in integrated circuits,aiding power system miniaturization.

Crashworthiness Design and Multi-Objective Optimization of Bionic Thin-Walled Hybrid Tube Structures

Thin-walled structures are widely used in cars due to their lightweight construction and energy-absorbing properties.However,issues such as high initial stress and lowenergy-absorbing efficiency arise.This study proposes a novel energy-absorbing structure inwhich a straight tube is combinedwith a conical tube and a bamboo-inspired bulkhead structure is introduced.This configuration allows the conical tube to flip outward first and then fold together with the straight tube.This deformation mode absorbs more energy and less peak force than the conical tube sinking and flipping inward.Through finite element numerical simulation,the specific energy absorption capacity of the structure is increased by 26%compared to that of a regular circular cross-section tube.Finally,the impact resistance of the bionic straight tapered tube structure is further improved through multi-objective optimization,promoting the engineering application and lightweight design of hybrid cross-section tubes.

Fuzzy Control Optimization of Loading Paths for Hydroforming of Variable Diameter Tubes

The design of the loading path is one of the important research contents of the tube hydroforming process.Optimization of loading paths using optimization algorithms has received attention due to the inefficiency of only finite element optimization.In this paper,the hydroforming process of 5A02 aluminum alloy variable diameter tube was as the research object.Fuzzy control was used to optimize the loading path,and the fuzzy rule base was established based on FEM.The minimum wall thickness and wall thickness reduction rate were determined as input membership functions,and the axial feeds variable value of the next step was used as output membership functions.The results show that the optimized loading path greatly improves the uniformity of wall thickness and the forming effect compared with the linear loading path.The round corner lamination rate of the tube is 91.2%under the fuzzy control optimized loading path,which was increased by 47.1%and 22.6%compared with linear loading Path 1 and Path 2,respectively.Based on the optimized loading path in the experiment,the minimum wall thickness of the variable diameter tube was 1.32 mm and the maximum thinning rate was 12.4%.The experimental results were consistent with the simulation results,which verified the accuracy of fuzzy control.The research results provide a reference for improving the forming quality of thin-walled tubes and plates.

Heat Transfer Enhancement of the Absorber Tube in a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector through the Insertion of Novel Cylindrical Turbulators

This study includes an experimental and numerical analysis of the performances of a parabolic trough collector(PTC)with and without cylindrical turbulators.The PTC is designed with dimensions of 2.00 m in length and 1.00 m in width.The related reflector is made of lined sheets of aluminum,and the tubes are made of stainless steel used for the absorption of heat.They have an outer diameter of 0.051 m and a wall thickness of 0.002 m.Water,used as a heat transfer fluid(HTF),flows through the absorber tube at a mass flow rate of 0.7 kg/s.The dimensions of cylindrical turbulators are 0.04 m in length and 0.047 m in diameter.Simulations are performed using the ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2 software.The PTC performance is evaluated by comparing the experimental and numerical outcomes,namely,the outlet temperature,useful heat,and thermal efficiency for a modified tube(MT)(tube with novel cylindrical turbulators)and a plain tube(PT)(tube without novel cylindrical turbulators).According to the results,the experimental outlet temperatures recorded 63.2°C and 50.5°C for the MT and PT,respectively.The heat gain reaches 1137.5 Win the MT and 685.8 Win the PT.Compared to the PT collector,the PTC exhibited a(1.64 times)higher efficiency.

Hollow tubes constructed by carbon nanotubes self-assembly for CO_(2) capture

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have garnered significant attention in the fields of science,engineering,and medicine due to their numerous advantages.The initial step towards harnessing the potential of CNTs involves their macroscopic assembly.The present study employed a gentle and direct self-assembly technique,wherein controlled growth of CNT sheaths occurred on the metal wire’s surface,followed by etching of the remaining metal to obtain the hollow tubes composed of CNTs.By controlling the growth time and temperature,it is possible to alter the thickness of the CNTs sheath.After immersing in a solution containing 1 g/L of CNTs at 60℃ for 24 h,the resulting CNTs layer achieved a thickness of up to 60μm.These hollow CNTs tubes with varying inner diameters were prepared through surface reinforcement using polymers and sacrificing metal wires,thereby exhibiting exceptional attributes such as robustness,flexibility,air tightness,and high adsorption capacity that effectively capture CO_(2) from the gas mixture.

A novel efficient energy absorber with free inversion of a metal foam-filled circular tube

In this paper, a novel efficient energy absorber with free inversion of a metal foam-filled circular tube(MFFCT) is designed, and the axial compressive behavior of the MFFCT under free inversion is studied analytically and numerically. The theoretical analysis reveals that the energy is mainly dissipated through the radial bending of the metal circular tube, the circumferential expansion of the metal circular tube, and the metal filled-foam compression. The principle of energy conservation is used to derive the theoretical formula for the minimum compressive force of the MFFCT over free inversion under axial loading. Furthermore, the free inversion deformation characteristics of the MFFCT are analyzed numerically. The theoretical steady values are found to be in good agreement with the results of the finite element(FE) analysis. The effects of the average diameter of the metal tube, the wall thickness of the metal tube, and the filled-foam strength on the free inversion deformation of the MFFCT are considered. It is observed that in the steady deformation stage, the load-carrying and energy-absorbing capacities of the MFFCT increase with the increase in the average diameter of the metal tube, the wall thickness of the metal tube, or the filled-foam strength. The specific energy absorption(SEA) of free inversion of the MFFCT is significantly higher than that of the metal tube alone.

Modified intratympanic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss via tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL) is a prevalent emergency in ear, nose, and throat practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that intratympanic steroid therapy(IST) can serve as a salvage treatment for SSNHL after the failure of systemic steroid therapy(SST).Objective: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of modified IST involving the insertion of a tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment for patients with SSNHL, and to explore its associated factors.Methods: Totally, 74 patients who were aged 22–81 years with SSNHL were enrolled and allocated to either the control group(n = 25) or the treatment group(n = 49) based on their treatment modalities. All patients received SST lasting for at least 7 days. Subsequently, patients in the treatment group, after SST failure, underwent IST twice a week for 2–6 weeks, while the control group did not. Efficacy was assessed by the improvement in pure tone average at the affected frequency at the beginning and end of IST.Results: Hearing improvement in all patients after IST in the treatment group was 9.71 ± 14.84 dB, with significant improvement at affected frequencies(250-8000 Hz) compared with the control group(P < 0.05). The findings indicated the duration from the onset of SSNHL to the beginning of IST as an independent factor for pure tone average improvement after treatment(P = 0.002), whereas age, duration of SST, and time of IST were not(P > 0.05).Conclusion: The modified IST was demonstrated to be a safe and effective method as a salvage treatment for SSNHL. This study explored the efficacy of a modified IST approach, incorporating the utilization of tympanic tubes and gelfoam as key components. The findings underscore the advantages of gelfoam as a strategic drug carrier placed in the round window niche. By minimizing drug loss, extending action time, and increasing perilymph concentration, gelfoam enhances the therapeutic impact of IST, contributing to improved hearing outcomes in patients with SSNHL.

Analysis and Optimization of the Electrohydraulic Forming Process of Sinusoidal Corrugation Tubes

Aluminum alloy thin-walled structures are widely used in the automotive industry due to their advantages related to light weight and crashworthiness.They can be produced at room temperature by the electrohydraulic forming process.In the present study,the influence of the related parameters on the forming quality of a 6063 aluminum alloy sinusoidal corrugation tube has been assessed.In particular,the orthogonal experimental design(OED)and central composite design(CCD)methods have been used.Through the range analysis and variance analysis of the experimental data,the influence degree of wire diameter(WD)and discharge energy(DE)on the forming quality was determined.Multiple regression analysis was performed using the response surface methodology.A prediction model for the attaching-die state coefficient was established accordingly.The following optimal arrangement of parameters was obtained(WD=0.759 mm,DE=2.926 kJ).The attaching-die state coefficient reached the peak value of 0.001.Better optimized wire diameter and discharge energy for a better attaching-die state could be screened by CCD compared with OED.The response surface method in CCD was more suitable for the design and optimization of the considered process parameters.