A Comparative Study on the Properties of Natural, Synthetic and Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete

The use of fibers in concrete at relatively low volume fraction has been gaining rising popularity among researchers for the recent years due to its availability, ability to enhance overall performance and cost effectiveness. Fibers are mainly classified according to their origin. Numerous researches have been carried out with natural and artificial fibers separately to elucidate its effect on the various parameters of concrete. However, a little finding is available about the comparative study among these three distinct types of fibers affecting concrete properties. In this study coconut coir, nylon thread and low-cost galvanized iron wire have been selected as natural, synthetic and steel fibers respectively. Coconut coir and nylon thread were mixed at three different percentage of 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% respectively by weight of cement. Steel fibre contents 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% respectively by weight of concrete. The results were obtained through an experimental investigation that shows the influence of natural, synthetic and steel fibers on rheological and mechanical properties of concrete. Optimum fibre content was 2.5% where steel fibre shows a maximum 17% and 30% rise in compressive and flexure strength respectively. On the other hand, fibres play a great role with its combining effect on the post cracking ductility and energy absorption of concrete.

A safe and simple technique for nasogastric tube insertion in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer surgery

Background Risk factors for anastomotic leakage include local factors such as excessive tension across anastomosis and increased intraluminal pressure on the gastric conduit; therefore, we consider the placement of a nasogastric tube to be essential in reducing anastomotic leakage. In this study, we devised a safe and simple technique to place an NGT during an end-to-side, automatic circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy. Methods First, a 4-0 nylon thread is fixed in the narrow groove between the plastic and metal parts of the tip of the anvil head. After dissecting the esophagus, the tip of the NGT is guided out of the lumen of the cervical esophageal stump. The connecting nylon thread is applied to the anvil head with the tip of the NGT. The anvil head is inserted into the cervical esophageal stump, and a purse-string suture is performed on the esophageal stump to complete the anvil head placement. The main unit of the automated stapler is inserted through the tip of a reconstructed gastric conduit, and the stapler is subsequently fired and an end-to-side esophagogastrostomy is achieved. The main unit of the automated stapler is then pulled out from the gastric conduit, and the NGT comes out with the anvil head from the tip of the reconstructed gastric conduit. Subsequently, the nylon thread is cut. After creating an α-loop with the NGT outside of the lumen, the tip of the NGT is inserted into the gastric conduit along the lesser curvature toward the caudal side. Finally, the inlet of the automated stapler on the tip of the gastric conduit is closed with an automated linear stapler, and the esophagogastrostomy is completed. Results We utilized this technique in seven patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer; smooth and safe placement of the NGT was accomplished in all cases. Conclusion Our technique of NGT placement is simple, safe, and feasible.

Development of Biomedical Dynamometer for Measurement of Grip Strength in Mice Modeled with Cerebral Palsy

This research aimed to develop a biomedical dynamometer capable of measuring the grip strength of the forepaws of laboratory mices to verify the posterior phase, the effect of modeled cerebral palsy in the animal. The equipment was developed using a stainless steel blade, two double strain gages, a signal conditioning circuit that was connected to a software for acquisition, processing and plotting of graphs and tables in Excel. The metal blade has a length of 18.5 cm, a width of 1.5 cm and a thickness of 2 mm and a double strain gage model pa-09-125ha-350-l8 from Excel Sensors (Brazil), was glued to each face. The two double strain gages were connected in a Wheatstone bridge, which produces an analog response due to mechanical deformation of the blade, with force applied by the mice. This response was submitted to a signal conditioning circuit developed with Arduino that modulated the input wave, generated 10000 times amplification and performed filtering 4th order using Butterworth filter. Finally, a software developed in Labview 2019 of National Instruments (USA) was used for acquisition, processing and plotting of graphs and tables in Excel of the measurements performed. In the next step, the dynamometer was calibrated for sequential loading of masses of 0, 15.48 g, 31.53 g, 46.88 g to 62.47 g and also for sequential unloading of the same masses. For this, the masses were hung on a nylon string that was attached to the free end of the metal sheet. The final test was to measure the response time of the dynamometer with a stopwatch, when hanging a mass of 62.47 g on the nylon thread that was cut abruptly with scissors. Some of the main results of the calibration were as follows: 15.48 g generated 3.70 V, 31.53 g generated 7.48 V and 62.47 g gene rated 14.80 V and the response time was 0.3 s. These answers show that the dynamometer can be used to measure the grip strength of mice and can be modified for use in humans.

Incisional Hernia in a Dog

Background: The rupture of the suture in the abdominal wall, but with integrity of the cutaneous suture, results in a condition known as incisional hernia. It is characterized by the protrusion of the abdominal viscera through orifices or areas of the abdominal wall. In most of the cases these defects in the abdominal wall are iatrogenic. The incisional hernia occurs in an intact wall that is weakened by surgical incisions. The available literature on the incidence of incisional hernias in animals is scarce. With the aim to contribute to the information about incisional hernia in animals, it was decided to describe the case of incisional hernia in a female dog after performing ovariohysterectomy (OH).Case: An adult mongrel shelter bitch, of unknown age, weighing 9.5 kg was admitted for OH in a practical class of the veterinary surgical technical discipline. Once the anesthetic condition was established, a retro-umbilical cutaneous incision was made. After opening the abdominal cavity, the bitch was castrated routinely. The abdominal wall was sutured including peritoneum, muscle fascia, and rectus abdominis muscle with nylon thread and U-stitches. The subcutaneous tissue was then sutured with the same thread using Cushing suture. Ten days after the surgery, when the stitches were removed, the bitch revealed an increase in volume at the region of the surgical scar. Incisional hernia was diagnosed after careful palpation. For correction of the hernia, the bitch was submitted to surgical procedure. After the skin opening, an intense inflammatory reaction was observed in the subcutaneous tissue. The inflamed skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed. The abdominal cavity was closed with nylon thread by means of U-stitches. The subcutaneous and skin sutures were the same as the first surgery. Ten days after the second surgery, stitches were removed, and the bitch had fully recovered. Discussion: One of the factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of the hernia was carrying out the surgical procedure in a practical class. The difficulties shown by students are related to the long learning curve, the complexity of the invasive technique, and the lack of ability. The apprentice surgeon can cause injuries in the tissues due to excessive manipulation. Post-incision hernias are acquired and formed when a cavity wall closed by surgery is ruptured. Another factor that may have contributed to the occurrence of the hernia described here is unsatisfactory postoperative care, which may be considered as one of the factors for acute cases of incisional hernias. Information on postoperative care after the patient was returned to the shelter is not available. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the patient, in contact with other animals by means of games or even fights, could have ruptured the points, thus causing dehiscence of the suture in the abdominal wall. However, it was concluded that the most probable factors involved in the etiology of the hernia in question were nutritional deficiencies along with the inexperience of the surgeon. The treatment adopted in the patient (herniorrhaphy) was adequate for the correction of the hernia. The technique and the material to be used in the procedure are of great importance, since it must be resistant enough to avoid recurrences. In the patient in question, nylon thread was used in separate U-shaped stitches. In the literature, there are reports that unabsorbable yarns used at separate points present the lowest rate of dehiscence and relapse in the abdominal wall sutures. The incisional hernia can be prevented by preparing the patient for surgery, improving the nutritional requirements, and by a more intense training of the students performing the surgical procedure in the neutering program of dogs and cats during practical classes.

Surgical management of oesophageal foreign body using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) - a case report

Accidental ingestion of fish hooks is common among turtles. Several techniques are available for retrieving fish hooks, ranging from simple non-invasive techniques to more complicated and invasive surgical procedures. The purpose of this case report is to document the successful surgical retrieval of an oesophageal foreign body (fish hook) using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata). The adult male Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) presented with a nylon thread protruding from its mouth. The dorsoventral radiographs confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the caudal oesophagus, just outside the coelomic cavity. After the induction of general anaesthesia, a sterile artificial insemination (AI) sheath was passed intraorally through the fishing line until it reached the hook. The fish hook was then retrieved by making a 5 mm incision at the point where the tip of the AI sheath was felt. The incision in the oesophagus and skin was closed in a routine manner. The turtle was kept in secure captivity for 20 days, following which it was released to its natural habitat. The oesophagotomy technique used in this case reduces the size of the incision considerably, thereby decreasing the possibility of postoperative complications.

Morphometrical Studies on the Exterior of the Heart of Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep

Background: Heart is the principal organ of circulatory system that pumps blood into the blood vessels and performs many vital functions. Its development before birth must be studied to safeguard the animal from the occurrence and consequences of various developmental anomalies. The detailed morphometry of different external parameters of heart especially in pre-natal sheep has not yet been reported.Methods: The foeti of sheep were divided into three age groups viz. early prenatal (up to 50 days), mid prenatal (51-100 days) and late prenatal (101 to 150 days) with fifteen animals in each age group. The various external parameters were recorded by using digital weighing machine, graduated measuring cylinder, digital Vernier’s calliper, non-stretchable nylon thread and graduated scale. The data recorded was statistically analysed by one way ANOVA with IBM SPSS 25.0 version software. Result: It was revealed that the average width of heart at its base was 4.82±0.22mm, 10.52±0.72mm and 21.57±1.03mm in early prenatal, mid prenatal and late prenatal stages respectively. The average dorso-ventral length of left ventricle of heart was measured as 4.82±0.14mm, 12.07±1.16mm and 25.58±0.88mm in early prenatal, mid prenatal and late prenatal stages respectively. The average distance between the left longitudinal groove and cranial border of heart at base was measured as 2.93±0.11mm, 6.38±0.39mm and 9.78±0.41mm in early prenatal, mid prenatal and late prenatal stages respectively. Similarly, the average distance between the right longitudinal groove and cranial border of heart at middle was measured as 1.96±0.09mm, 5.01±0.34mm and 8.31±0.50mm in early prenatal, mid prenatal and late prenatal stages respectively. All these parameters recorded showed significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences among the ages.

Island Skin Graft Associated with Non-Adherent Mesh in a Dog’s Pelvic Limb

Background: Large skin defects are caused by tumor excision, making appropriate reconstruction and complete healing of the lesion a challenge for surgeons. There are some difficulties in reaching these goals, especially in cases of surgical wound in the limbs, due to the scarce amount of skin and its reduced elasticity, which limit the possibility of flaps when compared to the head, neck, and trunk. This study reports a case of wound closure on the lateral skin in the femoral region of a dog’s pelvic limb via island skin graft associated with the implantation of a nonadherent cellulose acetate mesh and intensive postoperative care.Case: An 8-year-old Rottweiler female dog was attended at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná’s Veterinary Clinic (CVE), in Curitiba, Paraná, presenting a tumor located laterocaudally to the right stifle joint. After preoperative examinations, the patient underwent tumor surgery; however, two more surgical procedures were required due to suture dehiscence in the region, which resulted in increased wound size. At first, the wound was treated for granulation tissue to be formed. Subsequently, the island skin grafting technique was chosen to close the wound, associated with the implantation of a nonadherent cellulose acetate mesh imbibed with petrolatum emulsion to keep the grafted fragments in place. The mesh was fixed in a simple interrupted suture pattern using 2-0 nylon thread. The lateral regions of the chest and abdomen were chosen as donor skin beds due to their large dimensions, skin elasticity, and ease in defect reconstruction. The fragments were obtained using a 10-mm biopsy punch and scalpel, and the defects were sutured in a simple interrupted pattern using 2-0 nylon thread. The patient remained hospitalized for movement restriction and postoperative monitoring for 72 h, and the bandage remained untouched during this time interval. Thereafter, the patient was discharged and it was recommended to clean the wound with jets of 0.9% saline using a 40 × 12 needle attached to a 20 mL syringe, from a distance of 10 cm from the wound. The dressings were changed every 48 h to maintain minimum contact with the wound; however, still keeping it clean to optimize healing. Fourteen days postoperatively, the sutures as well as the non adherent mesh were removed from the donor beds. The dressing was changed and the lesion was cleaned every 24 h because the fixation between the receptor bed and the implanted tissue was considered good. After approximately 80 days, complete epithelialization of the wound was observed.Discussion: Closing of large skin defects in the limbs is challenging due to the impossibility of using other reconstructive surgery techniques, which have limited use because of the extension of the lesion. However, island skin grafting can be considered despite its slower skin healing process than that of skin flaps. Specific management is required for the successful execution of this technique, and in the present case, the application of the non adherent mesh after island skin grafting helped in the immobilization and better adhesion of the fragments to the receiving bed. Thus, it was demonstrated that in-depth knowledge of reconstructive surgery and the surgeon’s expertise favor the emergence of ideas and more effective techniques that ensure success of the surgical procedure by avoiding complications and improving the patients’ quality of life.

Heat sensor for ventilation systems

Based on the experimental results, the authors propose a heat sensor design intended for maintaining the temperature in a greenhouse or a premise, the principle of operation of such device being based on the fiber changing the length as affected by the temperature. There is described a method for manufacturing a thermal drive fiber from a nylon thread and a method of heat treatment to improve its deformation properties. The dependence of the longitudinal force of the thermal drive fiber on the temperature has been obtained.

A Novel Method to Prevent Migration of Gastric Stent

Self expandable metal stent (SEMS) are widely used in patients with gastric outlet obstruction. Stent migration can occur in these patients, and is an important issue, which needs to be addressed. We used a novel technique for prevention of migration of gastric stent in an 80 year old female. Patient presented with recurrent vomiting due to gastric outlet obstruction by a growth in the antrum. SEMS was placed for palliation of symptoms. A nylon thread multiloop and through the scope clips were used to fix the SEMS with the gastric wall. The technique was used successfully to prevent the migration of SEMS.

Thread- and Capillary Tube-Based Electrodes for the Detection of Glucose and Acetylthiocholine

An electrochemical sensor for the detection of glucose and acetylthiocholine (ATC) using thread- and capillary tube-based electrodes is described. Three nylon thread-based electrodes were fabricated by painting pieces of trifurcated nylon thread with conductive inks and threading the electrodes into capillary tubes. Two platforms, one paper-based and the other utilizing bubble wrap, were examined. For the glucose detection, a solution containing glucose oxidase (GOx), potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]), and increasing concentrations of glucose (0–20 mM) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was spotted onto the two platforms. Similarly, increasing concentrations of ATC (0–9.84 mg/mL) in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (0.08 U/mL) and PBS solution were detected. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), a scanning voltage was applied to yield a graph of voltage applied (V) vs. current output (A). For both platforms, both glucose and ATC concentrations were observed to be linearly proportional to the current output as demonstrated by the increased height of the oxidation peaks. The three-electrode system was simple to fabricate, inexpensive, and could be used for multiple readings.