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Using oxidizing compounds to handle the recycling of discarded lithium batteries has advanced significantly in recent years. One of the most prominent methods is the sintered electrode powder treatment using pre-used additives, with an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent fueling highly selective lithium extraction and transition metals retention in the refractory material. Herein, phosphoric acid (H3PO4) was used as the exchanger and hydrogen ions provider, the oxidant (K2S2O8) activity was driven by heating, the raw material structure was deformed and adjusted by the oxidizing drive, and lithium was exhausted, while manganese was converted into manganese(III) phosphate hydrate and manganese dioxide insoluble material. The optimized conditions resulted in a lithium leaching rate of 94.16% and a separation factor of 95.74%, while the corresponding manganese leaching rate was limited to less than 5%. The X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements were used to investigate the influence of oxidation driving force and lithium leaching. Finally, the lithium leach solution was continuously stirred with sodium carbonate in boiling water to obtain the precipitate, which was separated and washed several times to obtain high-purity lithium carbonate.

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Canine disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) is a form of caudal CSM, characterized by the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to an intervertebral disc protrusion. It is more frequent in large canine breeds. A variety of surgical techniques has been proposed for DA-CSM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of a cervical distraction-stabilization technique using an intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) combined with a locking compression plate (LCP plate) for the treatment of DA-CSM in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data. Thirteen dogs affected by DA-CSM were included in the study. After the surgical procedure, an improvement in neurological status was documented in 9/13 cases. This cervical distraction-stabilization technique seems to be a valuable surgical alternative to treat this canine pathology.

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Stabilization techniques for n-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are essential for the practical use of CNT devices. However, none of the reported n-dopants have sufficient robustness in a practical environment. Herein, we report a highly stable technique for fabricating n-doped CNT films. We elucidate the mechanism by which air stability can be achieved by completely covering CNTs with n-dopants to prevent oxidation; consequently, the stability is lost when exposed to scratches or moisture. Therefore, we introduce parylene as a protective layer for n-doped CNTs and achieve air stability for more than 365 d. Moreover, we demonstrate outstanding robust thermo-electric power generation from strong acids, alkalis, and alcohols, which cannot be realized with conventional air-stable n-dopants. The proposed stabilization technique is versatile and can be applied to various n-dopants. Thus, it is expected to be a key technology in the practical application of CNT devices.

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@#Objective　To explore the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization techniques on the exercise capacity,balance function and walking function of Parkinson’s patients.Methods　A total of 46 Parkinson’s disease patients were selected and divided into control group (n=23) and study group (n=23) using a random number table method.The control group was given conventional drugs and rehabilitation training,30 min/time,1 d/time,5 d/week;the study group was treated with dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technology on the basis of the control group,30 min/time,1 d/time,5 d/week.Before treatment,4 weeks after treatment,and 8 weeks after treatment,the third part of the Unified Parkinson’s Comprehensive Rating Scale (UPDRS-Ⅲ),the peak torque of the back muscles (PT),and the forward and backward movement distance of the trunk pressure center (AP-SD),timed up-walking test (TUGT) were evaluated.Results　Before treatment,there was no significant difference in UPDRS-Ⅲ,PT,AP-SD and TUGT between the two groups (P>0.05).The UPDRS-Ⅲ,PT,AP-SD,and TUGT groups of the two groups improved after 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks of treatment compared with those before treatment,and the experimental group had UPDRS-Ⅲ ［(18.76±3.59) points］ at 8 weeks of treatment,PT ［(128.09±23.74)N·m］,AP-SD［(60.68±18.63) mm］,TUGT［(22.71±3.43) S］ improved significantly (P<0.05).Conclusion　DNS can effectively improve the motor dysfunction of Parkinson’s patients,improve the patient’s back muscle strength,balance function and walking ability.

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BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement with rapid deployment bioprosthesis guarantees good hemodynamic results but carries the risk of paravalvular leaks. To address this issue, an annulus stabilization technique has been recently developed. METHODS: Clinical and hemodynamic parameters from patients treated for aortic valve replacement with the rapid deployment bioprosthesis and a concomitant annulus stabilization technique were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Echocardiographic data at discharge and at 1-year follow-up were collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients (mean age 74.3 ± 6.1 years) with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent aortic valve replacement with the rapid deployment bioprosthesis and concomitant annulus stabilization technique (mean valve size: 23.8 ± 1.9 mm). Combined procedures accounted for 56.1%. Hospital mortality was 1.8% and a new pacemaker for conduction abnormalities was implanted in 10 patients. The pre-discharge echocardiographic control showed absence of paravalvular leaks of any degree in all patients with mean valve gradient of 9.6 ± 4.0 mmHg. The 1-year echocardiographic control confirmed the good valve hemodynamic (mean gradient of 8.0 ± 2.8 mmHg) and absence of leaks. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary clinical experience, the annulus stabilization technique prevents postoperative paravalvular leaks after rapid deployment aortic valve implantation, up to 1-year postoperatively. Studies on larger series are of paramount importance to confirm the long-term efficacy of this new surgical technique.

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BACKGROUND: The benefits of spinal realignment and stabilization in scoliosis need to be examined. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of a neuromuscular stabilization technique (NST) on Cobb's angle in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Twenty females recruited from two hospitals participated in this study. On the basis of convenience of location, participants were allocated to either the experimental group (EG) that underwent the NST, or the control group (CG) that received education for a home exercise program. The NST for the EG was performed for an average of 30 min per session, three times a week for six months, and consisted of spinal realignment and stabilization. Then, 12- and 18-month measurements for long-term follow-ups were conducted for the EG. The outcome measure was Cobb's angle. RESULTS: Between-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference at post-test (t=-3.26, p< 0.01) but not pre-test (t=-1.36, p= 0.19). Participants of the EG (-6.20 ± 2.49∘) showed greater differences between pre- and post-test scores compared to participants of the CG (-1.40 ± 0.52∘) (p< 0.05). Within-group comparisons showed a significant difference in both groups (p< 0.05). In the EG, Cobb's angle significantly changed across the follow-up sessions (p< 0.05), indicating more improvements by the 12-month (8.50 ± 4.03∘) and 18-month (6.60 ± 3.89∘) follow-ups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the NST may be a beneficial option to correct spinal alignments in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Asunto(s)

Terapia por Ejercicio , Escoliosis/terapia , Adolescente , Niño , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Cooperación Internacional , Escoliosis/fisiopatología , Método Simple Ciego

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Most arthroscopic techniques provide easy invasive access and subsequent inspection of the lateral segments of the hip joint. However, it is a challenge to visualize medial segments of the hip joint using arthroscopic techniques. Hip arthroscopy offers minimally invasive access to the hip joint as compared to the standard open arthrotomy procedure. Yet, visualization of both the femoral head and acetabulum is difficult. The use of arthroscopic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of hip-related disorders is still evolving, including great benefits for the postoperative healing and complications. The author describes a case of removing two loose bodies stuck in the superior basicervical rim of the femoral head of a 53-year-old man. The use of the inferomedial arthroscopic technique proved advantageous in preventing the shortcomings associated with standard arthrotomy and other arthroscopic mechanisms. Such shortcomings include the need for traction, alternate portals, and damage to the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage. Through this case report, the author establishes the effective use of hip arthroscopy in the removal of two loose bodies from the hip joint.

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The recently growing progress in neuroscience research and relevant achievements, as well as advancements in the fabrication process, have increased the demand for neural interfacing systems. Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have been revealed to be a promising method for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and the restoration of sensory and motor function. Neural recording implants, as a part of BMI, are capable of capturing brain signals, and amplifying, digitizing, and transferring them outside of the body with a transmitter. The main challenges of designing such implants are minimizing power consumption and the silicon area. In this paper, multi-channel neural recording implants are surveyed. After presenting various neural-signal features, we investigate main available neural recording circuit and system architectures. The fundamental blocks of available architectures, such as neural amplifiers, analog to digital converters (ADCs) and compression blocks, are explored. We cover the various topologies of neural amplifiers, provide a comparison, and probe their design challenges. To achieve a relatively high SNR at the output of the neural amplifier, noise reduction techniques are discussed. Also, to transfer neural signals outside of the body, they are digitized using data converters, then in most cases, the data compression is applied to mitigate power consumption. We present the various dedicated ADC structures, as well as an overview of main data compression methods.