134 research outputs found
Surgical approaches to the cervico-thoracic junction
No full textThe cervico-thoracic junction (CTJ) extends between the 7 th cervical and the 4 th thoracic vertebrae and comprehends the inferior portion of the brachial plexus and the parenchymatous, vascular and nervous structures of the upper mediastinum. The posterior surgical approaches, as the laminectomy or the arthro-pediclectomy, fail to expose the anterior spinal elements. Thus, further surgical approaches have been proposed: posterolateral, antero-lateral (thoracotomies) and purely anterior. The aim of this study was to discuss indications, key anatomical landmarks and risks of the main surgical approaches to the CTJ. Ten fresh cadavers from the Anatomical Laboratory of the University of Nantes (France) were used for the surgical dissection of the CTJ. The postero-lateral and the antero-lateral approaches were performed in 4 cadavers each and the anterior approaches were studied in 2. The postero-lateral extrapleural approach (PLEA) permits an excellent antero-lateral exposure of the T2-T4 segment, preserving the parascapular musculature integrity. The thoracotomies allow the exposure of the antero-lateral portion of the junctional vertebrae, with the limits of the intrapleural approaches. The anterior approaches, including the presternocleidomastoid cervicotomy eventually associated to the sterno-claviculotomy, expose the anterior portion of the cervical and the upper thoracic vertebrae up to T4. We believe that the PLEA performs the greater surgical exposure with minimal risk of vasculonervous damage. Among the anterior approaches, the simple cervicotomy is the most indicated procedure in case of patients with certain anatomical conditions
Cloning and characterization of a repetitive DNA detected by HindIII in the genome of Raja montagui (Batoidea, Chondrichthyes)
No full textA repetitive HindIII fragment of DNA from Raja montagui (Rajiformes) was cloned and sequenced for the first time in cartilaginous fishes. This element which comprises approximately 5% of the whole genome of the spotted ray, is absent in long tandem arrays, being typical of satellite DNA. It appeared constituted by 311 AT-rich bp (61%). The clone was hybridized to the genomic DNA of species with varying phyletic distances, revealing a high degree of conservation
Application of a Modular Wearable System to Track Workers' Fingers Movement in Industrial Environments
No full textThe growing demand for superior quality products at higher throughput rates and the constant evolution of industrial environments require an increasingly strict control over manual operations performed by workers. This paper presents a study evaluating the possibility of using a modular wearable system to track workers' fingers motion during different tasks in industrial environments. The system is composed by a series of modules with embedded sensors and electronics, each worn on a single finger, and an external data elaboration device. In order to test system performances, we simulated some actions potentially executed by workers in industrial environments. Achieved results show the system capability in discriminating between different ways of handling a tool, such as a precision screwdriver. In addition, results point out system ability in recognizing grasped objects. Finally, they highlight the possibility to identify different hand gestures to enhance human-robot interaction. System modularity permits using the lowest number of wearable modules that guarantees reliability and minimizes invasiveness at the same time
Resistive Sensors for Smart Objects: Analysis on Printing Techniques
No full textThe growing diffusion and usability of additive printing techniques have created new manufacturing scenarios for products. Printed electronics is playing a key role in the design of next-generation objects. These objects are no longer only able to fulfill their original function, but through specific sensors and circuits can measure physical quantities in the surrounding environment. In this way, a conventional object is made smart, being able to communicate with other objects or remote units. This kind of change fits perfectly into the context of Industry 4.0, where the ability to collect additional information can increase efficiency in the production, transportation, and storage of products. Smart objects can be manufactured with numerous different technologies and materials depending on the performance required and on the specific application. The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of printed technologies that enable resistive sensors printing on complex surfaces for smart object fabrication. First, an explanation of the technologies under consideration is provided. Then, an analysis of the aspects that affect the final print quality for each technique is provided, highlighting advantages and disadvantages. This article also indicates the limitations and potential of these printed technologies for smart objects
Flexible monitoring system for automated detection of bacterial growth in a commercial specimen processing platform
No full textCONFRONTO TRA EFFETTO ARIETE E PMSG NELLA RISPOSTA OVULATORIA DI PECORE PRETRATTATE CON PROGESTAGENO
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Anatomic reconstruction in degenerative mitral valve bileaflet prolapse: long-term results.
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