Comparative analysis of the validity of goniometric, inclinometric, and radiographic methods to measure ankle joint dorsiflexion

Background. The search for an optimal method to assess the amplitude of ankle joint dorsiflexion remains topical for scientific discussions. The purpose of the research was to analyze the validity of goniometric and inclinometric methods for measuring the scope of ankle joint (AJ) dorsiflexion compared to radiological data. Materials and methods. The research included 25 healthy and physically active people (50 ankle joints), 18 men and 7 women with an average age of 25.8 ± 5.2 years; their mean body mass index was 25.01 ± 5.01 kg/m2. Ankle dorsiflexion measures were obtained in a weight-bearing lunge position using a double-plane goniometer and inclinometer, then compared with X-ray data. The measurement results were evaluated by descriptive statistics. Results. Mean values of AJ dorsiflexion obtained with a double-plane goniometer were 37.62 ± 5.56°; with an inclinometer — 40.61 ± 5.15°; radiological results — 23.69 ± 7.25°. Their difference was significant (p < 0.001). The mean variability index for the radiological method was 0.31 prevailing over goniometric (0.15) and inclinometric (0.13) methods (p < 0.001). X-ray ima-ging of a weight-bearing AJ at its maximum dorsiflexion raises the indicator of a talus-first metatarsal angle. Conclusions. The values of the dorsiflexion angle parameters of an AJ, measured using goniometric and inclinometric methods, significantly exceed those obtained by X-ray imaging. Higher variation index for radiological imaging demonstrates better reproducibility of inclinometry and goniometry when evaluating AJ dorsiflexion. A weight-bearing AJ radiogram at maximum extended position demonstrates an increase in a talus-first metatarsal angle compared to normal values that should be considered when interpreting the results of X-ray imaging of an AJ dorsiflexion.

Improving dispersive mixing in compatibilized polystyrene/polyamide-6 blends via extension-dominated reactive single-screw extrusion

Extensional mixing elements (EMEs) that impose extension-dominated flow via stationary single-plane or double-plane hyperbolic converging-diverging channels were previously designed for twin-screw and single-screw extruders (TSE and SSE, respectively). In a recently published work by the authors, reactive extrusion was performed on PS/PA6 polymer blends TSE using EMEs and a crystalline phase transition of the minor phase in these droplets was observed as the size of droplet decreases from micron to submicron. Herein, we expand upon this work to SSE and study: a) The ability of the EMEs to improve dispersive mixing in the same blends; b) Assess the possibility of achieving the same crystalline phase transition in SSEs. The final blends were characterized by DSC, rheologically and morphologically via SEM, and the results show that while EME-based SSE leads to much improved mixing, better than non-EME TSE, the reduction in size of the PA6 disperse phase is not enough to induce the phase transition observed in EME-based TSE.

T4 squamous cell cancer of buccal mucosa successfully treated combination of interstitial brachytherapy, concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and salvage surgery

<p class="abstract">We report a case of advanced case of right sided buccal mucosa deemed inoperable achieving long term cure with a combination of interstitial brachytherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by salvage surgery for small recurrence. The patients were considered for upfront double plane 12 catheter implant to a dose of 25 Gy in 8 fractions at the rate of 3.125 Gy per fraction. Two fractions were delivered in a day at least 6 hours apart. Thereafter patient was subjected to CRT to a dose of 40 Gy in 20 fractions. At follow up there was complete resolution of disease barring a small induration raw area at angle of mouth, which was successfully managed by salvage surgery. Patient is now on regular follow up for 18 months from completion of treatment and is disease free for 1 year.</p>

Wake structure of laminar flow past a sphere under the influence of a transverse magnetic field

The wake structure of an incompressible, conducting, viscous fluid past an electrically insulating sphere affected by a transverse magnetic field is investigated numerically over flow regimes including steady and unsteady laminar flows at Reynolds numbers up to 300. For a steady axisymmetric flow affected by a transverse magnetic field, the wake structure is deemed to be a double plane symmetric state. For a periodic flow, unsteady vortex shedding is first suppressed and transitions to a steady plane symmetric state and then to a double plane symmetric pattern. Wake structures in the range $210<Re\leqslant 300$ without a magnetic field have a symmetry plane. An angle $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}$ exists between the orientation of this symmetry plane and the imposed transverse magnetic field. For a given transverse magnetic field, the final wake structure is found to be independent of the initial flow configuration with a different angle $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}$. However, the orientation of the symmetry plane tends to be perpendicular to the magnetic field, which implies that the transverse magnetic field can control the orientation of the wake structure of a free-moving sphere and change the direction of its horizontal motion by a field–wake–trajectory control mechanism. An interesting ‘reversion phenomenon’ is found, where the wake structure of the sphere at a higher Reynolds number and a certain magnetic interaction parameter ($N$) corresponds to a lower Reynolds number with a lower $N$ value. Furthermore, the drag coefficient is proportional to $N^{2/3}$ for weak magnetic fields or to $N^{1/2}$ for strong magnetic fields, where the threshold value between these two regimes is approximately $N=4$.