Photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modal imaging of human nails: A pilot study

Traditional diagnostic techniques including visual examination,ultrasound(US),and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)have limitations of in-depth information for the detection of nail disorders,resolution,and practicality.This pilot study,for thefirst time,evaluates a dualmodality imaging system that combines photoacoustic tomography(PAT)with the US for the multiparametric quantitative assessment of human nail.The study involved a small cohort offive healthy volunteers who underwent PAT/US imaging for acquiring the nail unit data.The PAT/US dual-modality imaging successfully revealed thefine anatomical structures and microvascular distribution within the nail and nail bed.Moreover,this system utilized multispectral PAT to analyze functional tissue parameters,including oxygenated hemoglobin,deoxyhemoglobin,oxygen saturation,and collagen under tourniquet and cold stimulus tests to evaluate changes in the microcirculation of the nail bed.The quantitative analysis of multispectral PAT reconstructed images demonstrated heightened sensitivity in detecting alterations in blood oxygenation levels and collagen content within the nail bed,under simulated different physiological conditions.This pilot study highlights the potential of PAT/US dual-modality imaging as a real-time,noninvasive diagnostic modality for evaluating human nail health and for early detection of nail bed pathologies.

Functional Outcomes of Adult Tibia Shaft Fractures Treated with Solid Intramedullary Nails versus Hollow Nails: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The management of fractures of the tibia shaft is an important aspect of orthopaedic care, and the selection of the surgical method for fixation can substantially impact patient outcomes. The current review aims to compare the outcomes of adult tibia fractures treated with solid nails to those treated with hollow nails. Methods: A search on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, using three keywords (Outcome, Tibia shaft fractures, Nail) was conducted in April 2023. Results were compiled and two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible articles After removing duplicates, titles and abstracts were read to exclude ineligible studies. Full-text articles of the remaining papers were read to select eligible studies which were further critically appraised to ascertain their methodological quality. The data extracted from the selected papers were synthesized using a combination of pooling of results, tests of statistical difference (t-test and chi-square) and narrative synthesis methods. Results: A total of 2295 articles were obtained from the databases and citation searching. A total of 9 papers were identified as eligible and included in the review. Findings revealed that there is no statistical difference in the outcomes of tibia fractures treated with either solid or hollow nail groups such as duration of surgery (p = 0.541), rate of delayed and non-union (p = 0.342), and rate of surgical site infections (p = 0.395). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures with either solid or hollow nails have similar functional outcomes.

Femoral lengthening in young patients:An evidence-based comparison between motorized lengthening nails and external fixation

BACKGROUND Femoral lengthening is a procedure of great importance in the treatment of congenital and acquired limb deficiencies.Technological advances have led to the latest designs of fully implantable motorized intramedullary lengthening nails.The use of these nails has increased over the last few years.AIM To review and critically appraise the literature comparing the outcome of femoral lengthening in children using intramedullary motorized lengthening nails to external fixation.METHODS Electronic databases(MEDLINE,CINAHL,EMBASE,Cochrane)were systematically searched in November 2019 for studies comparing the outcome of femoral lengthening in children using magnetic lengthening nails and external fixation.The outcomes included amount of gained length,healing index,complications and patient reported outcomes.RESULTS Of the 452 identified studies,only two(retrospective and non-randomized)met the inclusion criteria.A total of 91 femora were included.In both studies,the age of patients treated with nails ranged from 15 to 21 years compared to 9 to 15 years for patients in the external fixation group.Both devices achieved the target length.Prevalence of adverse events was less in the nail(60%-73%)than in the external fixation(81%-100%)group.None of the studies presented patient reported outcomes.CONCLUSION The clinical effectiveness of motorized nails is equivalent or superior to external fixation for femoral lengthening in young patients.The available literature is limited and does not provide evidence on patient quality of life or cost effectiveness of the interventions.

Microstructure,mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of quaternary Mg−1Zn−0.2Ca−xAg alloy wires applied as degradable anastomotic nails

The microstructure,mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of quaternary degradable Mg−1Zn−0.2Ca−xAg(x=1,2,4 wt.%)alloy wires,intended as anastomotic nails,were investigated.It was found that these Ag-containing alloy wires mainly consist of Mg matrix and Ag17Mg54 phase,characterized by SEM,EDS,XRD and TEM.Tensile and knotting tests results demonstrate the superior mechanical properties of these alloy wires.Especially,Mg−1Zn−0.2Ca−4Ag alloy exhibits the highest mechanical properties,i.e.an ultimate tensile strength of 334 MPa and an elongation of 8.6%.Moreover,with increasing Ag content,the corrosion rates of these alloy wires remarkably increase due to the formation of more micro-galvanic coupling between Mg matrix and Ag17Mg54 phase,shown by mass loss and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM)results.The present alloy can be completely degraded within 28 d,satisfying the property requirements of anastomotic nails.

Exposure of children to heavy metals from artisanal gold mining in Nigeria:evidences from bio-monitoring of hairs and nails

In recent times,there had been reported cases of Pb poisoning in Anka gold mining area,Northwest Nigeria.Therefore,this study was carried out to determine the extent of bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the hairs and nails of children in the area.Forty samples(twenty nails and twenty hairs)samples were collected from ten boys and ten girls of ages 5–9 residing in the area.To ascertain the sources of heavy metals in children,15 soils samples,15 groundwater samples,5 samples of mine tailings,and 5 plants samples were collected.Hair and nails of the subjects were collected using internationally acceptable techniques.All samples were kept in uncontaminated ziplock bags prior to laboratory preparation and analysis.The samples were cleaned using nonionic detergent(triton X-100)and deionized water.The hairs and nails were digested with 10 mL of 6:1 mixture of nitric acid and perchloric acid.The soils,mine tailings,and plants were air-dried at room temperature,sieved,and chemically digested using the aqua regia method.The concentrations of metals in all the samples were determined using highperformance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry.Statistical analysis was employed to unravel potential sources of metals in the media.Results showed that heavy metals in children of the area are above results from similar studies and pathological ranges for heavy metals in hairs and nails.Also,heavy metals in environmental media are above the recommended standards.Multivariate analysis showed that the metals are mainly from mining and other anthropogenic sources.Results of correlation between heavy metals in hairs and nails with those in geological samples revealed that heavy metal that bioaccumulates in the children of this area are mostly from contaminated environmental media.It is recommended that complete remediation and effective health education be carried out in the area.

Experimental Investigations of the Shear Capacity of Nails in a Row

Tests of the capacity of shear connections consisting of nails in a row placed at distances 7, 10 and 14d, “d” being the cross-sectional dimension of the nail, versus single nail capacities, were executed. The performed tests do support the connotation that no reduction should be required for nails of diameter 2.8 mm or less in a row, provided that nails are spaced sufficiently far apart for wood cracking not to occur. At the ultimate capacity of the joint, all such thin nails in a row will be yielding, having developed plastic hinges, i.e. each single nail will have developed its ultimate capacity. Hence, the ultimate capacity of the connection will be each nail’s capacity times the number of nails in the row. The force pr. nail increases subsequent to the development of a plastic hinge. This is likely due to the axial pullout-force, i.e. the ultimate capacity of a shear connection is higher than the force required for developing plastic hinges in the nails. This additional capacity-reserve may also partly be attributed to the rotational resistance of nails. The number of nails in a row should make insignificant difference in the pr. nail capacity, as long as no wood cracking takes place. Thus, applying elastic theory to nails in a row does not seem relevant. This is in contrast to bolt-connections.

Treatment of femur supracondylar fracture with retrograde interlocking intramedullary nails in elderly patients

Objective： To report 32 cases of femur supracondylar fracture treated with retrograde interlocking intramedullary nails in elderly patients. Methods： According to the AO classification, all of 32 cases were classified as extra-articular type A. 32 cases were treated with interlocking intramedullary nail by closed insertion from intercondylar fossa of the knee. All cases accepted CPM exercise as early as possible after operation. Results： Following up 5 to 15 months, all fractures united within an average duration of 5.3 months （4-7 months）. According to the Shelbourne scale, the excellent rate of the knee function was 86.3%. Conclusion： Retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail is useful alternative implant for the treatment of osteoporotic supracondylar fracture of femur, particularly of the type A fracture in the elderly population. Its merits include stable fixation, high rate of fracture union and few complications.

Trace Elements Assessment in Human Nails in Eastern Sudan Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

In the present work, elements concentration in fingernails samples of volunteers of different ages (males, females) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Perkin-Elmer, spectrophotometer. Fingernails samples of different groups were analyzed to determine the trace elements Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Zn and Pb. Standards materials were prepared for concentration assessment that adjacent to samples from two cities in different location in eastern province of Sudan for elements concentrations finding. In addition, samples of hands fingernails and toenails were analyzed for comparison and method validation. Consequently, the significant levels of elements concentration in nails samples of Jabiat residents compared to Port Sudan resident’s area due to soil dispersion are supporting the possibility of external contamination. The data of component matrix and rotated component matrix of varimax normalization using principal component analysis revealed important predictors of nails elements Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations in soil of both areas under study. However, the Pb, Ni, Ca, and Co are possible to be indication of different sources associated with environmental contamination. The significant correlation and principal component analysis of the elements of nails concentrations in the two categories supported the probability of different expose environmental contamination.

痛并快乐中的Nine Inch Nails乐队——Trent Reznorc(主唱)初涉音乐小记

Trent Reznor（九寸钉乐队的灵魂人物），这个英俊的家伙做的音乐永远都是低调迷离，每一张专辑的混音对于他来说简直是太轻松了，用他的话来说就是“我好像和机器很有缘分，

RELIABILITY OF TEST LANDS TARGETING IN BED-OF-NAILS STYLE TEST FIXTURE

A systematic, accurate and robust evaluating method for fine pitch printed circuit board （PCB） positioning assessment in testing fixture is developed. Targeting reliability of bed-of-nails tester is successfully evaluated by the 2D pattern transform. Probe offset vector with its Weibull and Gaussian distribution estimates are obtained for further investigation about the causes of misalignment on the basis of a batch tests for same kind of PCBs.

Arthroplasty vs proximal femoral nails for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients: a systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Proximal femoral nails(PFNs)are the most common method for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures(IFFs),but postoperative bed rest is required.There is a large amount of blood loss during the operation.Osteoporosis in elderly patients may cause nonunion of fractures and other complications.Arthroplasty can give patients early weight bearing and reduce financial burden,but whether it can replace PFNs remains controversial.AIM To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroplasty and PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly patients.METHODS A search was conducted in the PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases and included relevant articles comparing arthroplasty and PFN.The search time was limited from January 1,2005 to November 1,2020.Two investigators independently screened studies,extracted data and evaluated the quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.According to the research results,the fixed effect model or random effect model were selected for analysis.The following outcomes were analyzed:Harris Hip score,mortality,complications,operation time,blood loos,hospital stay,weight-bearing time,fracture classification and type of anesthesia.RESULTS We analyzed four randomized controlled trials that met the requirements.A total of 298 patients were included in these studies.According to the AO/OTA classification,there are 20 A1 types,136 A2 types,42 A3 types and 100 unrecorded types.Primary outcome:The Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up of the PFN group was higher[mean difference(MD):9.01,95%confidence interval(CI):16.57 to 1.45),P=0.02].There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall mortality[risk ratio(RR):1.44,P=0.44]or the number of complications(RR:0.77,P=0.05).Secondary outcomes:blood loss of the arthroplasty group was higher(MD:241.01,95%CI:43.06–438.96,P=0.02);the operation time of the PFN group was shorter(MD:23.12,95%CI:10.46–35.77,P=0.0003);and the length of hospital stay of the arthroplasty group was shorter[MD:0.97,95%CI:1.29 to 0.66),P<0.00001].There was no difference between the two groups in the type of anesthesia(RR:0.99).There were only two studies recording the weight-bearing time,and the time of full weight bearing in the arthroplasty group was significantly earlier.CONCLUSION Compared with PFN,arthroplasty can achieve weight bearing earlier and shorten hospital stay,but it cannot achieve a better clinical outcome.Arthroplasty cannot replace PFNs in the treatment of unstable IFFs in elderly individuals.

Comparative study on pullout behaviour of pressure grouted soil nails from field and laboratory tests

Pullout resistance of a soil nail is a critical parameter in design and analysis for geotechnical engineers. Due to the complexity of field conditions, the pullout behaviour of cement grouted soil nail in field is not well investigated. In this work, a number of field pullout tests of pressure grouted soil nails were conducted to estimate the pullout resistance of soil nails. The effective bond lengths of field soil nails were accurately controlled by a new grouting packer system. Typical field test results and the related comparison with typical laboratory test results reveal that the apparent coefficient of friction （ACF） decreases with the increase of overburden soil pressure when grouting pressure is constant, but increases almost linearly with the increase of grouting pressure when overburden pressure （soil depth） is unchanged. Water contents of soil samples at soil nail surfaces show obvious reductions compared with the results of soil samples from drillholes. After soil nails were completely pulled out of the ground, surface conditions of the soil nails and surrounding soil were examined. It is found that the water content values of the soil at the soil/nail interfaces decrease substantially compared with those of soil samples extracted from drillholes. In addition, all soil nails expand significantly in the diametrical direction after being pulled out of ground, indicating that the pressurized cement grout compacts the soil and penetrates into soil voids, leading to a corresponding shift of failure surface into surrounding soil mass significantly.

Clinical and functional comparison of dynamic hip screws and intramedullary nails for treating proximal femur metastases in older individuals

Objective:To compare the outcomes of dynamic hip screws(DHS)and intramedullary nailing(IMN)in the treatment of extra-capsular metastatic carcinoma of the proximal femur.Methods:A retrospective case analysis method was used to examine data of patients with proximal metastatic cancer of the femur who were treated with internal fixation in Department of Orthopaedics,Beijing Friendship Hospital,from January 2007 to December 2018.Blood loss,postoperative pain,functional score,length of stay,and survival rates were compared,and postoperative complications were assessed.Results:Complete follow-up data were available for 33 patients.The mean follow-up period was 12.2±3.6(range:9-32)months and the average age was 72.3±4.7(range:59-83)years old.There were 20 females and 13 males.Twenty-three patients had undergone IMN and 10 DHS,according to bone defects and the patient’s overall condition.The median survival time was 10 months in the IMN group and 11 months in the DHS group.Duration of surgery(t=-7.366,P<0.001)and length of hospital stay(t=-3.509,P<0.001)differed significantly between the two groups.There was one case of breakage of internal fixation in the IMN group.Conclusions:There was no significant difference between DHS and IMN in terms of surgical efficacy.IMN and DHS were different in terms of surgical time and hospital stay.However,due to the limited number of cases in this study,multi-factor analysis has not been performed and needs to be further verified in future analysis.When developing a surgical plan,it is recommended to consider the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s experience.

Possible Metformin-Induced Toe Nails Disorder

The aim of this article was to report a case of toe nails disorder associated with metformin use in an elderly patient with type2diabetes. Two years ago, after receiving metformin 0.5 g three times daily for 6 months, a 60-year-old Chinese man found his ten toe nails gradually thickened and yellowed (especially two thumbs). The symptoms improved and recovered after metformin discontinuance. Half year ago, metformin 0.5 g three times daily adopted again and toe nails disorder occurred again. Physician modified the therapy plan and replaced metformin with acarbose to control blood glucose level of this patient. According to the follow up 3 months after his discharge, ten toe nails recovered significantly and new parts of the nails were normal. Nail disorder was rarely reported in the worldwide, but the physicians should keep awareness of this adverse drug reaction (ADR), proper actions should be taken once it occurred to avoid unnecessary suffering of the patient.

Titanium Elastic Nails for Pediatric Femur Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Study

Background: Management of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the age group 616 years is controversial. There has been a resurgence worldwide for operative fixation. Material and methods: Twenty children (15 boys, 5 girls) aged 616 years with femoral diaphyseal fractures (20 fractures, one in each) were stabilized with Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN). Patients underwent surgery within ten days of their injury. The results were evaluated using Flynn’s Scoring Criteria.Two nails were used in each fracture. Results: All 20 patients were available for evaluation and follow up for a mean duration of 24 months (1532 months). Radiological union in all cases was achieved in a mean time of 8 weeks. Full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 10 weeks (812 weeks). The results were excellent in 14 patients (70%) and successful in 6 patients (30%). Few complications that occurred were infection (in 2 cases), knee joint stiffness(in 4 cases), angulation less than 10 degrees( in 4 cases), shortening less than 10 mm(in 4 cases). Conclusion: Intramedullary fixation by TEN is an effective treatment of fracture of femur in properly selected patients of the 616 years age group.

髓内与髓外固定股骨颈基底部骨折的有限元分析:PFNA与FNS

背景:股骨颈基底部骨折生物力学稳定性差,治疗方案与传统股骨颈骨折有所差别,目前临床上治疗青年股骨颈基底部骨折的手术方案仍未达成统一。目的:通过有限元分析比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉与股骨颈动力交叉钉治疗股骨颈基底部骨折的生物力学特征。方法:首先使用Mimics Medical 21.0软件提取健康青年女性志愿者右侧股骨CT数据建立初步模型;然后将该模型导入Geomagic Wrap 2021软件进一步光滑处理;利用SOLIDWORKS 2021软件建立股骨颈基底部骨折模型、股骨近端防旋髓内钉模型、股骨颈动力交叉钉模型并进行装配;最后将装配后的模型导入Workbench 2021 R1软件进行生物力学分析。结果与结论:(1)应力分布:股骨近端防旋髓内钉组股骨模型应力分布主要在骨折线附近及股骨内侧,应力峰值为151.90 MPa;股骨颈动力交叉钉组股骨模型应力分布主要在骨折线附近,应力峰值为290.74 MPa;股骨近端防旋髓内钉内固定应力主要分布在螺旋刀片及主钉近端,应力峰值为102.95 MPa;股骨颈动力交叉钉内固定应力分布主要由支撑棒向两边延伸,应力峰值为184.69 MPa;(2)总位移:股骨近端防旋髓内钉组股骨模型最大位移为4.032 3 mm,股骨颈动力交叉钉组股骨模型最大位移为4.648 9 mm,最大位移均位于股骨头;股骨近端防旋髓内钉组内固定与股骨颈动力交叉钉组内固定位移峰值分别为2.709 4 mm与3.130 3 mm,两组内固定位移均主要集中在内固定近端,逐渐向远端递减;(3)提示在股骨颈基底部骨折的模型中,无论是股骨模型还是内固定模型,股骨近端防旋髓内钉相较于股骨颈动力交叉钉应力分布更分散、应力峰值更低、股骨头位移更小,生物力学稳定性更优。

Characterization of irradiated nails in terms of depolarizing Mueller matrix decompositions

Mueller matrices were measured for natural （or reference） samples of human nails and samples irradiated by a 2 Gy ionizing radiation dose. The elements of the total Mueller matrix as a function of scattering angle were measured in backscattering mode at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. Several types of depolarizing Mueller matrix decompositions, namely, Ossikovsky, Williams, and Chipman, were calculated as a function of scattering angle for each nail sample. A comparative analysis of the sensitivity of the Mueller matrix decompositions in relation to the problem of emergency dose assessment in nails was performed.

温柔的冲撞后是凄美的死——Nine Inch Nails：《Year Zero》专辑

工业金属引领者九寸钉(Nine Inch Nails)时隔两年又给我们奉献上一张全新的唱片,十六首和谐紧凑的歌曲来得绝对过瘾,曾经用"Love is Not Enough"、"Hurt"、"All The Love In The World"等等歌曲感动过我的Trent Renzor,今次的这张专辑,更像是温柔的延续、冲撞的深入.……

微山丘——Lily Nails美甲店

这家美甲店设计希望实现一种人工的自然感,制造类似山丘般的趣味体验来吸引顾客。在大致60平方米的长方形空间之内,设计师嵌入了一座由外向内逐渐升高的＂山丘＂,山丘之中划分出七个大小不一的＂山洞＂。山洞们根据人的行为与视线关系,或显或藏,相互分隔又相互连通,构成不同尺度的美甲、美容区域。美甲区以两个或三个座位为一组,美容间则相对封闭以保证隐私。山洞之间的部分可用作库房、服务间、展架等。

A comparative study of the therapeutic effect between long and short intramedullary nails in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly

Purpose： To compare the clinical effects of long vs. short intramedullary nails in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in old patients more than 65 years old. Methods： A retrospective analysis of 178 cases of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur （AO type AI and A2） in the elderly was conducted from January 2008 to December 2013. There were 85 males （47.8%） and 93 females （52.2%） with the age of 65-89 （70.2 ±10.8） years. The patients were treated by closed reduction and long or short intramedullary nail （Gamma 3） fixation. The length of short nail was 180 mm and that for long nail was 320-360 ram. The general data of patients, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, preoperative hemoglobin level, blood transfusion rate, postoperative periprosthetic fractures, infections, complications, etc were carefully recorded. Results： There were 76 cases （42.7%） in the long intramedullary nail group and 102 cases （57.3%） in the short nail group. All the cases were followed up for 12-48 （21.3 ± 6.8） months, during which there were 21 deaths （11.8%）, mean （13.8 ± 6.9） months after operation. The intraoperative blood loss was （90.7±50.6） ml in short nail group, greatly less than that in long nail group （127.8 _＋ 85.9） ml （p 0.004）. The short nail group also had a significantly shorter operation time （43.5 min ± 12.3 min vs. 58.5 rain ± 20.3 min, p = 0.002） and lower rate of postoperative transfusion （42.3% vs. 56.7%, p =0.041 ）. But the length of hospital stay showed no big differences. After operation, in each group there was 1 case of periprosthetic fracture with a total incidence of 1.1%, 1.3%; in long nail group and 0.9% in short nail group. At the end of the follow-up, all patients achieved bony union. The average healing time of the long nail group was （6.5 ±3.1 ） months, and the short nail group was （6.8 ± 3.7） months, revealing no sig- nificant differences （p = 0.09）. Postoperative complications showed no great differences either. Conclusion： Both the intramedullary long and short nail fixation has a good clinical effect in treating intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly. They showed no significant difference in terms of therapeutic effect, hospital stay and postoperative complications. The incidence of periprosthetic frac- tures treated by either length of nails was low. But short intramedullary nailing can obviously decrease the intraooerative blood loss, ooeration time and postooerative blood transfusion.