The Addition of a Krackow Rip Stop Suture Augment After Achilles Tendon Debridement for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Biomechanical Study

Background In the operative treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy, the Achilles tendon is often released from its insertion to allow for adequate debridement of pathologic tissue. The use of a double row suture anchor construct has become increasingly favorable among surgeons after Achilles tendon debridement. This study hypothesized that the addition of a Krackow rip stop suture augment to the double row suture anchor construct would increase the repair’s maximum load to failure. A biomechanically stronger repair would potentially decrease the risk of catastrophic failure with early weight-bearing or accidental forced dorsiflexion after operative management for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Methods Fourteen cadaveric specimens were used to compare the 2 repair techniques. Achilles tendons were debrided and repaired using either a double row suture anchor with and without the additional Krackow rip stop suture augment. The 2 repair techniques were compared using an axial-torsion testing system to measure average load to failure. Results The average load to failure for the double row suture anchor repair alone was 152.00 N. The average load to failure for the tendons with the double row suture anchor with the Krackow rip stop augment was 383.08 N. An independent-samples Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted and the suture anchor plus Krackow augment group had a significantly higher load to failure ( P = .011, Mann-Whitney U = 5.00, n1 = n2 = 7, P < .05, 2-tailed). Conclusion This study confirmed that the addition of a Krakow rip stop augment to the double row suture anchor is able to increase the maximum load to failure when compared to the double row suture anchor alone. These results suggest the potential of this added technique to decrease the risk of catastrophic failure.

PENGARUH PEMBEBANAN TERHADAP EFISIENSI DAN SUSUT UMUR TRANSFORMATOR STEP UP 6kV / 70kV DI PLTU SUMBAWA BARAT UNIT 1 DAN 2 2×7 MW PT.PLN (PERSERO) UPK TAMBORA

This study aims to determine the magnitude of the fluctuating load factor on the efficiency and loss of life of the 6kV/70kV transformer and to determine the optimal load in order to obtain the best efficiency and minimize loss of life. The method used in this study is a quantitative research method. The results showed that the highest efficiency of PLTU Unit 1 was at 93.3% with an output power of 5.8 MW and an input power of 6.21 MW, while the lowest was at 83.9% with an output power of 5.5 MW and a power 6.55 MW input. The highest efficiency of PLTU Unit 2 is at 95.7% with an output power of 5.5 MW and an input power of 5.75 MW, while the lowest is at 61.03% with an output power of 3.3 MW and an input power of 5.41. MW. Meanwhile, the transformer life for Unit 1 PLTU Sumbawa Barat is 0.0469 hours/day with an average load of 5.8 MW, while for Unit 2 it is 0.0311 hours/day with an average load of 5.2 MW. The size of the loss of life of the transformer depends on the given load, the greater the load, the greater the loss of life. In this case, the load for Unit 1 is higher than for Unit 2, so it can be seen that the life loss of the Unit 2 transformer is smaller. While the optimal load on the PLTU is in the position of 80-85% of its capacity. The results of this study are expected to be a material consideration for the Sumbawa power plant to better distribute and optimize the load so that there is no imbalance between the transformer capacity and the power produced and perform routine transformer maintenance to reduce losses that occur.

Analisis Pengaruh Perubahan Beban Terhadap Biaya Bahan Bakar Pembangkitan Pada PLTU Barru

The effect of changes in load on the cost of fuel generation at PLTU Barru is analyzed using the economic dispatch method to determine the characteristics of input-output and incremental fuel costs. Based on the results of the analysis, it is known that the effect of changes in load on the cost of fuel generation at PLTU Barru tends to be directly proportional, where the higher the load generated, the higher the costs incurred. As in June, to produce 33.85 MW of power the total cost is Rp. 457,687,187.47/hour required. Likewise, if the power at an average load of 33.85 MW increases by 1 MWh it will result in an increase in costs of Rp. 13,306,061.24/MWh, but in certain circumstances such as in November with a power of 29.83 MW it will produce the total cost is quite low at Rp. 337,356,512,63/hour. This situation is caused by fuel consumption in November only amounted to 3029.61 T/h.

Test-retest reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer on swing eccentric hamstring exercise measures in soccer players

Background The use of a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) has been proposed as a valid and effective tool to evaluate specific movement patterns. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of FEMD on swing eccentric hamstring exercise (SEHE) measures in soccer players. Methods Nineteen federated male soccer players (20.74 ± 4.04 years) performed the SEHE at three different isokinetic velocities (20–40–60 cm/s). These evaluations were conducted in four sessions, two for familiarization and two for registration. The average and maximum load (N) of the three isokinetic velocities was calculated from the values obtained from the FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore). Results The main results of this research showed that the reliability was high for the average load in the condition of 40 cm/s, presenting the highest ICC value (0.94). For maximum load, reliability was high in the condition of 20 cm/s. The manifestation of the most reliable load was the maximum load (ICC = 0.91–0.87). Conclusions FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore) is a reliable device to evaluate the eccentric strength of the hamstring muscles in soccer players.

The Optimal Surgical Needle for Tendon Suture: Cutting Edge or Reverse Cutting Edge?

Background. Achieving a durable connection between the lacerated tendon ends is difficult. The outcome of treatment depends on many factors. Several authors consider the properties of the surgical needle used for suturing the tendon to be important. The aim of the study— to compare the strength of the tendon suture applied with the conventional cutting edge and reverse cutting edge surgical needles in the experiment.Materials and Methods.We used porcine tendons for the experiment. The tendon fragments were divided into 2 groups of 20 tendons each. On all 40 tendons, the same type of “injury” of the tendon was simulated — using a scalpel. In the first group, the interrupted suture of the tendon was applied with a cutting edge surgical needle, in the second group — reverse cutting edge. Laboratory tests of the tendon sutures strength were performed on the improvised stand.Results.In the first (suture made with a cutting needle edge), diastasis of 2 mm was determined at an average load of 1219.5 g (m = ±76.56, where «m» is the representativeness error). Complete suture failure occurred at an average load of 1770.8 g (m = ±100.02). In this group, the thread rupture was not recorded. In the second group (a suture made with a reverse cutting edge needle), diastasis occurs with an average load of 1754.75 g (m = ±77.32). Complete suture failure occurred at an average load of 2571.25 (at m= ± 103.78). In three cases, the thread ruptured. In the second group (reverse cutting edge needle), the tendon suture strength was statistically significantly higher than in the first group. Conclusion. The tendon suture strength depends on the surgical needle properties. In tendons reconstruction the reverse cutting edge needle use is more preferable compared to the conventional cutting edge needle use.

Analisis Resetting Relay Dan Load Presentase Terhadap Pola Pelaksanaan Dan Pemeliharaan Pada Gardu Induk 150 Kv Saketi Banten

Abstrac: The Saketi substation has three 150/70 kV power transformers with a capacity of 3x60 MVA with a frequency of 50 Hz where all three transformers have the capacity, transformer 1 60 MVA (PAUWELS TRAFO) has 3 feeders with an average load of 300 A, 10 MW, transformer 2 60 MVA (UNINDO) has 3 feeders with an average load of 200 A, 6.9 MW and transformer 3 60 MVA (UNINDO) has 4 feeders with an average load of 300 A, 10 MW. This calculation and simulation analysis is carried out aiming to find out the relay settings on each transformer under normal conditions and in a maintenance state on one of the transformers for a long period of time. From the results of the analysis and calculation, it was found that the OCR relay setting under normal conditions of the incoming 150 kV transformer transformers 1, 2, and 3 has a current setting value of 0.92 A and a time setting of 0.36 seconds. On the outgoing side the 20 kV transformers 1, 2, and 3 have a setting of 1,039 A and a time setting of 0.166 seconds.

Biomechanical Study on the Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation by Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction With a Novel EndoButton Plate Combined With Suture Anchor

Purpose This study aimed to assess the biomechanical stability of a novel internal fixation system of EndoButton plate combined with suture anchor in treating acromioclavicular joint dislocation in the cadaveric specimens. In addition, it provides a new method for the clinical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods Twelve complete shoulder joint specimens were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D (n = 3). Firstly, a quasi-static non-destructive circulation experiment was carried out of coracoclavicular ligament until its function failed. Four different internal fixation materials were used to reduce and fix the acromioclavicular joint. Group A was treated with 3.5 mm clavicular hook locking compression plates, Group B with 5 mm suture anchor Group C with 10 mm Endo-button plate, and Group D with a novel combination of 5 mm suture anchor and 10 mm Endo-button plate. Fluoroscopy was performed to undertake the X-ray of the restored acromioclavicular joint, to evaluate the internal fixation position and acromioclavicular joint reduction. Finally, the shoulder joint was fixed firmly on an electronic universal testing machine (100KN) with a self-made stationary fixture, to conduct a destructive static tensile mechanical test of each specimen vertically at a 100 mm/min load speed. The stress-deformation curve was recorded using a computer connected with the universal mechanical testing machine, and the failure strength and reasons for internal fixation were also recorded. Results The average load-to-failure of the coracoclavicular ligament in groups A, B, C, and D was 373.4 ±0.57 N, 373.6 ±0.62 N, 374.4 ±0.68 N, and 373.9 ±0.15 N, respectively (P>0.05). After internal fixation failure, Group A showed two specimens with clavicular fracture, and one with acromial fracture, with an average load-to-failure of 409.8 ±2.92 N. Group B and D showed three specimens with prolapse of anchor, with average load-to-failure of 293.5 ±4.10 N and 374.2 ±0.40 N, respectively. Group C showed three specimens with basilar coracoid fracture, with average load-to-failure of 373.2 ±2.35 N. Statistical differences existed in the biomechanical load of internal fixation failure among the four groups. Group D was statistically different from Group A and Group B, but not Group C. Conclusion The newly designed EndoButton plate combined with suture anchor for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction was found to boast simple operation and has high feasibility. Thus it was found effective in the reduction of acromioclavicular joint and treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation and fitted the biomechanical characteristics of the acromioclavicular joint.

G-quadruplex structural variations in human genome associated with single-nucleotide variations and their impact on gene activity

G-quadruplexes (G4s) formed by guanine-rich nucleic acids play a role in essential biological processes such as transcription and replication. Besides the >1.5 million putative G-4–forming sequences (PQSs), the human genome features >640 million single-nucleotide variations (SNVs), the most common type of genetic variation among people or populations. An SNV may alter a G4 structure when it falls within a PQS motif. To date, genome-wide PQS–SNV interactions and their impact have not been investigated. Herein, we present a study on the PQS–SNV interactions and the impact they can bring to G4 structures and, subsequently, gene expressions. Based on build 154 of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP), we identified 5 million gains/losses or structural conversions of G4s that can be caused by the SNVs. Of these G4 variations (G4Vs), 3.4 million are within genes, resulting in an average load of >120 G4Vs per gene, preferentially enriched near the transcription start site. Moreover, >80% of the G4Vs overlap with transcription factor–binding sites and >14% with enhancers, giving an average load of 3 and 7.5 for the two regulatory elements, respectively. Our experiments show that such G4Vs can significantly influence the expression of their host genes. These results reveal genome-wide G4Vs and their impact on gene activity, emphasizing an understanding of genetic variation, from a structural perspective, of their physiological function and pathological implications. The G4Vs may also provide a unique category of drug targets for individualized therapeutics, health risk assessment, and drug development.