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Background The importance of adequate wound closure in plastic surgery cannot be overstated. With the goals of shortening the operative time and improving outcomes, various methods and devices have been introduced to enhance the speed and quality of wound closure. To simplify dermal closure with favorable outcomes, several studies have compared results between the INSORB dermal stapler and conventional dermal sutures. We hypothesized that the dermal stapler would yield satisfactory scar formation without increasing complication rates over the long term. Methods This retrospective study included patients who had undergone breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap between October 2019 and May 2020 at a single center. Postoperative photographs of the patients’ abdominal scars were assessed at a minimum of 248 days by three blinded attending plastic surgeons using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Results A total of 108 patients who underwent DIEP-free flap reconstruction after mastectomy were included in this study. Among them, 68 patients (group 1) underwent dermal closure with the INSORB dermal stapler, while 40 patients (group 2) underwent conventional dermal sutures. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, scar height, or overall scar assessment. Additionally, there was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups. Conclusions The INSORB dermal stapler is a valuable tool that can reduce operative time while delivering satisfactory outcomes. When used appropriately with proper training, it can mitigate perioperative complications and alleviate the surgical burden for the surgeon.

Objective: Describe presenting signs, diagnostic findings, and magnet‐assisted endoscopic removal method of ferromagnetic gastric foreign bodies (FBs) in dogs. Clinical Presentation: Four dogs presented with ingestion of sharp metallic FBs. The presence of gastric FBs was confirmed by abdominal radiography. Results: In 3 cases, initial attempts at endoscopic removal were unsuccessful because of ingesta and fluid in the stomach. A magnet contained within a Roth net was introduced endoscopically. Magnet and attached objects were successfully removed from the stomach. In the fourth case, removal with a magnet was judged to be the most expedient method of removal because multiple metallic objects were present. Clinical Relevance: An endoscopic technique was used for the removal of difficult‐to‐visualize or multiple metallic FBs. The use of this technique allows the removal of ferromagnetic gastric FBs without surgery or risk of complications associated with the passage of sharp material through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BackgroundPosterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction of the knee involves precise drilling of a single tunnel from anterolateral to posteromedial in the fibular head (FH) to ensure adequate graft fixation. Misplacement of the tunnel in a too lateral or too superior trajectory can lead to cortical breach and inadequate graft fixation.PurposeTo (1) determine the mechanical consequence of a lateralized FH tunnel in PLC reconstruction and (2) compare the mechanical strength of 3 salvage fixation techniques for a lateralized FH tunnel.Study designControlled laboratory study.MethodsSawbones models of a uniform density were utilized. FH tunnels (7-mm diameter) were drilled from anterolateral to posteromedial in positive controls (lateral cortex thickness, 7.6 ± 0.7 mm) to represent an improperly placed FH tunnel at risk of lateral cortical breach. For negative controls and salvage experimental groups, FH tunnels were drilled from anterolateral to posterolateral (lateral cortex thickness, 2.7 ± 0.9 mm). Three salvage fixation techniques were compared: suture anchor fixation, tunnel redrilling, and nitinol staple fixation. Samples (n = 5 per group) underwent uniaxial tension testing, and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and mode of failure were recorded. Data were analyzed using the 1-sample t test and nonparametric 1-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsThe negative control group had a 4-fold lower mean UTS relative to the positive control group (1.49 ± 0.17 vs 6.25 ± 1.98 MPa; P < .01) and exhibited failure through the lateral cortex and tunnel. Nitinol staple fixation improved the mean UTS by >16 times compared with the negative control group (24.06 ± 6.49 vs 1.49 ± 0.17 MPa; P < .01). Suture anchors and tunnel redrilling exhibited similar UTS and mode of failure to those of negative controls.ConclusionReinforcement of a thinned lateral FH cortex with a single nitinol staple improved graft fixation strength in a sawbones model.Clinical relevanceA lateralized FH tunnel can be a common intraoperative pitfall during PLC reconstruction. Salvage of a thinned lateral FH cortex with a single nitinol staple may reduce the risk of cortical breach and graft failure.

With the advancement of remote sensing technology, the demand for the accurate monitoring and tracking of various targets utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is increasing. However, challenges such as object deformation, motion blur, and object occlusion during the tracking process could significantly affect tracking performance and ultimately lead to tracking drift. To address this issue, this paper introduces a high-precision target-tracking method with anomaly tracking status detection and recovery. An adaptive feature fusion strategy is proposed to improve the adaptability of the traditional sum of template and pixel-wise learners (Staple) algorithm to changes in target appearance and environmental conditions. Additionally, the Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm, known for its strong global search capability, is introduced as a re-detection algorithm in case of tracking failure. Furthermore, a trajectory-guided Gaussian initialization technique and an iteration speed update strategy are proposed based on sexual pheromone density to enhance the tracking performance of the introduced re-detection algorithm. Comparative experiments conducted on UAV123 and UAVDT datasets demonstrate the excellent stability and robustness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Midfoot arthrodesis is a common procedure performed both for arthritis and correction of deformity. The optimal fixation for midfoot arthrodesis has not been established, though numerous studies have been investigating the fixation techniques of midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the union rate of midfoot arthrodesis using 4 different fixation strategies and investigate risk factors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent midfoot joint arthrodesis between January 2014 and May 2019. The rates of nonunion and postoperative complication were compared among 4 different fixation constructs: staple fixation, compression plate fixation, compression plate with lag screw fixation, and compression screw fixation. Predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis were investigated through a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 95 patients (99 feet), including 240 midfoot joints were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 78.4 weeks. Results: Overall, bony union was achieved in 86 out of 99 (86.9%) patients, which included 218 out of 240 (90.8%) midfoot joints. A significant difference in the nonunion rate according to the type of fixation construct was found (P =.011); the compression screw alone fixation construct was noted to have a significantly higher nonunion rate than other fixation constructs. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 0.179 [95% CI: 0.059, 0.542]), the type of fixation construct (compression screw alone; OR =1.789 [95% CI: 1.071, 2.978]), lack of adjuvant bone graft (OR = 2.803 [95% CI: 1.081, 7.268], and postoperative nonanatomical alignment (OR = 3.937 [95% CI: 1.278, 12.126]) were identified as independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis. Conclusion: The rate of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis among 4 different commonly used fixation constructs was compared in this study. Risk factors of nonunion were investigated revealing that diabetes mellitus, compression screw fixation alone, lack of adjuvant bone graft, and postoperative nonanatomical alignment are independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Comparative cohort study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background At present, relatively few lung surgeries are performed without endostaplers. Although there are few staple-related adverse events, severe events must be shared to improve safety. Case presentation A 74-year-old male suddenly collapsed and was transferred to the Emergency Rescue department. He had shock vitals and contrast-enhanced CT revealed extensive right hemothorax with contrast leakage. He lost consciousness and tension massive hemothorax was suspected. We performed emergency thoracotomy at two sites and were able to achieve hemostasis and save the patient. Upon examining the patient's medical history after his condition stabilized, it was revealed that he was a lung cancer patient who was taking ramucirumab and cilostazol. In addition, the CT scan taken one month before onset revealed the bleeding site of the fifth intercostal artery were almost contact with the staple line from a prior right spontaneous pneumothorax surgery that was performed 11 years previously, which was seemed to damage the intercostal artery. Conclusion Despite the difficulty in achieving hemostasis due to drug administration history, we successfully treated a case of remote period massive hemothorax attributed to staples, thereby saving the patient. When using drugs that increase the risk of bleeding events, it may be important to consider the position of the staple line while assessing the risk. In the emergent or ICU setting, if the initial incision is not effective, the placement of a new second incision may be valuable.

Purpose: Our aim was to develop a Kono-S anastomotic technique using surgical staplers. Methods: Two patients underwent stapled Kono-S anastomosis, one via abdominal and one transanal approach. Results: The approach for an abdominal and transanal stapled Kono-S anastomosis is detailed. Conclusion: The Kono-S anastomosis can be safely configured using common surgical staplers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, relatively few lung surgeries are performed without endostaplers. Although there are few staple-related adverse events, severe events must be shared to improve safety. Case presentation: A 74-year-old male suddenly collapsed and was transferred to the Emergency Rescue department. He had shock vitals and contrast-enhanced CT revealed extensive right hemothorax with contrast leakage. He lost consciousness and tension massive hemothorax was suspected. We performed emergency thoracotomy at two sites and were able to achieve hemostasis and save the patient. Upon examining the patient's medical history after his condition stabilized, it was revealed that he was a lung cancer patient who was taking ramucirumab and cilostazol. In addition, the CT scan taken one month before onset revealed the bleeding site of the fifth intercostal artery were almost contact with the staple line from a prior right spontaneous pneumothorax surgery that was performed 11 years previously, which was seemed to damage the intercostal artery. Conclusion: Despite the difficulty in achieving hemostasis due to drug administration history, we successfully treated a case of remote period massive hemothorax attributed to staples, thereby saving the patient. When using drugs that increase the risk of bleeding events, it may be important to consider the position of the staple line while assessing the risk. In the emergent or ICU setting, if the initial incision is not effective, the placement of a new second incision may be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the changes in posterior tibial slope (PTS) between retrotuberosity biplane open-wedge high tibial osteotomies (RT-OWHTOs) with and without additional anteromedial staple fixation. Methods: Seventy-nine and 77 cases of RT-OWHTOs without (Group N) and with (Group S) additional staple fixation, respectively, were retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were performed using a locking spacer plate. Demographics and preoperative knee condition were similar between the groups. Clinically, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Radiographically, the mechanical axis (MA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and PTS were evaluated preoperatively and within 2 years postoperatively. Hinge fractures were investigated using computed tomography at 2 weeks postoperatively. PTS loss was defined as the difference between the corresponding values at 2 weeks and 2 years postoperatively. The incidence of PTS failure (PTS loss ≥ ± 3°) was also investigated. Results: The clinical results were not significantly different between groups N and S preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the MA, MPTA, and PTS between the groups preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively; changes in these variables did not differ significantly between the groups. The incidence of hinge fractures, all of which were categorized as Takeuchi type 1, did not differ significantly. PTS loss within 2 years postoperatively was significantly greater in group N than in group S (1.0° vs. 0.1°; p < 0.01). The incidence of the PTS failure was 16.5% (13/79) and 2.6% (2/77) in groups N and S, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Additional anteromedial staple fixation could prevent changes in the PTS in RT-OWHTO. It is a simple method for preventing an increase in the PTS after RT-OWHTO. Level of evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of factors affecting the humidity and contamination of the outer and inner zones of the staple, which further affects the yield of pure wool and its technological properties, is one of the current problems of fine-fleeced sheep breeding. Purpose of the study – evaluate the protective properties of wool fleece depending on the rank of breeding differentiation of sheep. The determination of ranks is based on the regularities of the normal distribution of animals in the population and herd reproduction indicators. 10 ranks were used. The paper presents the results of a laboratory study of the content of mineral impurities and the degree of contamination of the staple. Sheep were divided into 10 ranks of breeding differentiation. The regularities of the normal distribution of animals in the population are considered. The obtained data indicate that the variety of sheep in terms of the content of mineral impurities in wool is very large. The coefficient of variation is 35% with a variation in the ranks of breeding differentiation from 13.7 to 38.4%. With an increase in the group of the total value of sheep for breeding purposes, the value of the coefficient of variation decreases (rs=-0.871±0.245). With an increase in the ranks of breeding differentiation, the average absolute indicators of contamination of the outer zone of the staple tend to increase (rs = +0.257 ± 0.483), and the relative values decrease (rs =-0.600 ± 0.400). The average absolute contamination rate of the inner zone of the staple is 3.02 cm with a range of ranks from 2.83 to 3.29 cm. According to the relative degree of contamination, these indicators are 32.5% and from 31.0 to 35.2%, respectively. With an increase in the breeding differentiation rank of sheep, the absolute indicators of contamination of the length of the inner zone of the staple increase (rs = +0.600 ± 0.400), and relative values tend to decrease (rs =-0.486 ± 0.437). The individual variety of ewes in terms of the degree of contamination of the inner zone of the staple is quite high. The coefficients of variation for absolute and relative indicators of this feature are 28.5 and 30.4%, respectively. The value of the coefficients of variation decreases slightly with an increase in the ranks of breeding purposes of animals. The rank correlation is -0.371 ± 0.464 in absolute terms and -0.543 ± 0.420 in relative terms. Breeding differentials of the leading groups of ewes are low. Using this rank technique allows controlling the system of sheep valuation, supplementing it with the value of breeding differentials at the final stages of analysis and selection; in production conditions allows forming technological groups of sheep to produce outstanding ram breeders

Good faith, as one of the fundamental principles of international law, indicates the need for fairness, honesty and reasonableness in international relations. And the International Court of Justice and other international judicial authorities have been repeatedly cited. The judges of the Court have also discussed and cited the concept of good faith in their separate opinions on various occasions. The International Court of Justice, citing the principle of good faith in the settlement of international disputes, has played an effective role in objectifying some manifestations of the principle of good faith in international law and in the process of interpreting the law, creating the law, replacing the law or removing ambiguity International law - sometimes from general principles such as good faith, has made effective inferences that are helpful in understanding the content of the manifestations of good faith and its legal criteria. In the first part of the present article, we examine the principle of good faith and its various manifestations, and in the second part, we analyze some of the cases that have been invoked in the procedures of the Permanent International Court of Justice and the International Court of Justice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based medical computer vision algorithm training and evaluations depend on annotations and labeling. However, variability between expert annotators introduces noise in training data that can adversely impact the performance of AI algorithms. This study aims to assess, illustrate and interpret the inter-annotator agreement among multiple expert annotators when segmenting the same lesion(s)/abnormalities on medical images. We propose the use of three metrics for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of inter-annotator agreement: 1) use of a common agreement heatmap and a ranking agreement heatmap; 2) use of the extended Cohen’s kappa and Fleiss’ kappa coefficients for a quantitative evaluation and interpretation of inter-annotator reliability; and 3) use of the Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) algorithm, as a parallel step, to generate ground truth for training AI models and compute Intersection over Union (IoU), sensitivity, and specificity to assess the inter-annotator reliability and variability. Experiments are performed on two datasets, namely cervical colposcopy images from 30 patients and chest X-ray images from 336 tuberculosis (TB) patients, to demonstrate the consistency of inter-annotator reliability assessment and the importance of combining different metrics to avoid bias assessment.

Most carpal bone fractures occur in the scaphoid. The most suitable size of NiTi shape memory alloy (nitinol) staples to heal scaphoid fractures was found by comparing two commercially available compression staples (DynaClip™ Bone Fixation System, 10×10 and 14×14 mm). The scaphoid bone was selected for simulating a model in SolidWorks software. To accurately investigate the effect of staple size on the bone the scaphoid was assumed to be a three-layer composite structure consisting of collagen and mineral crystals. The stress distributions along a path located at the waist of the scaphoid were assessed. The finite element analysis was carried out in ABAQUS software based on the nitinol staple shape memory effect and super-elasticity behavior. The results indicated that the smaller size of staples induced a more significant stress on the central zone of the scaphoid, whereas the larger size of staples showed a peak stress concentration on the peripheral zones with a reduced stress concentration at the center. Hence, it is suggested to utilize the two of these staples in different orientations or in parallel with each other to improve the biomechanical behavior of the regenerated bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin is a peptide responsible for regulating the metabolic homeostasis of the organism; it elicits its effects through binding to the transmembrane insulin receptor (IR). Insulin mimetics with agonistic or antagonistic effects toward the receptor are an exciting field of research and could find applications in treating diabetes or malignant diseases. We prepared five variants of a previously reported 20‐amino acid insulin‐mimicking peptide. These peptides differ from each other by the structure of the covalent bridge connecting positions 11 and 18. In addition to the peptide with a disulfide bridge, a derivative with a dicarba bridge and three derivatives with a 1,2,3‐triazole differing from each other by the presence of sulfur or oxygen in their staples were prepared. The strongest binding to IR was exhibited by the peptide with a disulfide bridge. All other derivatives only weakly bound to IR, and a relationship between increasing bridge length and lower binding affinity can be inferred. Despite their nanomolar affinities, none of the prepared peptide mimetics was able to activate the insulin receptor even at high concentrations, but all mimetics were able to inhibit insulin‐induced receptor activation. However, the receptor remained approximately 30% active even at the highest concentration of the agents; thus, the agents behave as partial antagonists. An interesting observation is that these mimetic peptides do not antagonize insulin action in proportion to their binding affinities. The compounds characterized in this study show that it is possible to modulate the functional properties of insulin receptor peptide ligands using disulfide mimetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of factors affecting the humidity and contamination of the outer and inner zones of the staple, which further affects the yield of pure wool and its technological properties, is one of the current problems of fine-fleeced sheep breeding. Purpose of the study - evaluate the protective properties of wool fleece depending on the rank of breeding differentiation of sheep. The determination of ranks is based on the regularities of the normal distribution of animals in the population and herd reproduction indicators. 10 ranks were used. The paper presents the results of a laboratory study of the content of mineral impurities and the degree of contamination of the staple. Sheep were divided into 10 ranks of breeding differentiation. The regularities of the normal distribution of animals in the population are considered. The obtained data indicate that the variety of sheep in terms of the content of mineral impurities in wool is very large. The coefficient of variation is 35% with a variation in the ranks of breeding differentiation from 13.7 to 38.4%. With an increase in the group of the total value of sheep for breeding purposes, the value of the coefficient of variation decreases (rs = -0.871 ± 0.245). With an increase in the ranks of breeding differentiation, the average absolute indicators of contamination of the outer zone of the staple tend to increase (rs = +0.257 ± 0.483), and the relative values decrease (rs =-0.600 ± 0.400). The average absolute contamination rate of the inner zone of the staple is 3.02 cm with a range of ranks from 2.83 to 3.29 cm. According to the relative degree of contamination, these indicators are 32.5% and from 31.0 to 35.2%, respectively. With an increase in the breeding differentiation rank of sheep, the absolute indicators of contamination of the length of the inner zone of the staple increase (rs = +0.600 ± 0.400), and relative values tend to decrease (rs =-0.486 ± 0.437). The individual variety of ewes in terms of the degree of contamination of the inner zone of the staple is quite high. The coefficients of variation for absolute and relative indicators of this feature are 28.5 and 30.4%, respectively. The value of the coefficients of variation decreases slightly with an increase in the ranks of breeding purposes of animals. The rank correlation is -0.371 ± 0.464 in absolute terms and -0.543 ± 0.420 in relative terms. Breeding differentials of the leading groups of ewes are low. Using this rank technique allows controlling the system of sheep valuation, supplementing it with the value of breeding differentials at the final stages of analysis and selection; in production conditions allows forming technological groups of sheep to produce outstanding ram breeders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The withdrawal and lateral holding properties of three types of plywood with one stapled as well as one-row multi-stapled joints were studied and compared. The results show that variations in plywood density have a significant effect on withdrawal strength and a relatively small effect on lateral holding strength. At four staples, the withdrawal strength of the eucalyptus plywood with a density of 0.59 g/cm3 is 1821 N, which is 21% higher than that of poplar plywood with a density of 0.51 g/cm3 at 1498 N and 32% higher than that of eucalyptus/poplar composite plywood with a density of 0.53 g/cm3 at 1275 N. In terms of lateral holding strength, eucalyptus plywood has a lateral holding strength of 1603 N 12% lower than the 1807 N of eucalyptus/poplar composite plywood and 10% lower than the 1761 N of poplar plywood. As the number of staples increased from 1 to 4 in increments of 1, the withdrawal strength of eucalyptus plywood continued to increase, while the nodal strengths of the poplar plywood as well as eucalyptus/poplar composite plywood did not differ significantly between 3 and 4 staples, and there is a significant increase in the lateral holding strength for all three plywood nodes. Equations for predicting the withdrawal and lateral holding strengths of one-row multi-stapled joints were derived separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Yield Model (EYM) is a commonly accepted procedure to calculate the capacity of laterally loaded connections with dowel type fasteners. The standard procedure is specified in EC5 (EN 1995-1-1 2004) and uses characteristic values as input parameters for the calculation of characteristic values of the resistance of the connection. These characteristic values are the basis for an engineering design of structures. Nevertheless, there are situations, e.g. the design of a test set-up or a pushover analysis in earthquake engineering, when mean values of the resistance of a timber connection are needed. In this context, analytical equations and mechanical models were assessed on two levels by comparing theoretical values to experimental results. The first part of the research considered all the input parameters. The mechanical definition of the plastic moment proved to be more appropriate than the definition of a modified plastic moment according to EC5 for the determination of the yield moment of nails. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the embedment strength of Norway spruce softwood can be predicted reliably and slightly conservatively according to code regulations given by EC5. The definition for the withdrawal strength according to EC5 also seems to define a conservative lower boundary. The situation is not so clear for the embedment strength of oriented strand board (OSB). Test results are very scarce and do not account for the inhomogeneity regarding the thickness of the boards with higher density at the surfaces, which is the section where contact forces are transferred. In the second part, over 110 specimens considering eight different types of nailed connections were tested to assess different calculation procedures. The study focused on nailed connections with OSB and solid timber. This combination together with smooth nails as fasteners is very common in Europe for light-frame structures, especially in areas of low and medium seismicity because they exhibit large deformation capacity without losing strength. On the level of mean values, relationships are found between 1.00 and 1.47 for experimental results over calculated resistance, and it was found that the EYM is more conservative when the thickness of the sheathing is 10 mm instead of 18 mm, which means, that the expected failure mechanism changes from one to two plastic hinges. The findings are approximately the same if the relationship is studied on the level of characteristic values. Here, the relationship of values from experimental investigations over analytical calculation lays between 1.27 and 1.58 for a mechanism with one plastic hinge and between 0.90 and 1.12 for a mechanism with two plastic hinges. Based on these results, the question arises, if the EYM is the appropriate tool to predict the capacity of laterally loaded connections if comparatively large deformations occur between the connected parts. This question should be studied more detailed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Kenya, the overwhelming reliance on "Ugali" continues to pose a major problem socially, economically, and politically. There is a general perception that Ugali has higher satiety and energy compared to other staple foods, making it a common choice by very active individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preference and postprandial effect of selected carbohydrate staples by very active manual workers (VAMW) compared to less active groups in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 322 questionnaires were administered to respondents categorized into three groups: very active manual workers (VAMW); and for comparison, two moderately active groups: civil servants (CS) and university students (US). Respondents were asked to indicate their main carbohydrate staple from a choice of six commonly consumed carbohydrate foods: Ugali, rice, chapati, Irish potatoes, bananas, and "others" [foods such as Githeri (mixed maize and beans), cassava, spaghetti, noodles, Sweet potatoes, and bread among many alternatives], explain reasons for preferences, describe how they felt when they did not eat enough food or when hungry, and indicate their meal frequency per day. The minimum sample size was determined using G*Power version 3.1.9.4. Data was analyzed using Excel Data Analysis Tools for Descriptive Statistics and Analysis of Variance, Scheffé's test and G*power for Post hoc tests. Results indicated that Ugali was the main carbohydrate for 90% of the VAMW, compared to 79 percent of all respondents combined. The average number of meals consumed was 3, reported by 80% of VAMW compared to 59% of CS and 48% of US. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the number of meals consumed by VAMW compared to that of Civil servants and University students; F (0.05, 2,330) = 13.089, P< 0.0001; and final Power (1- err prob) of 0.97. Pairwise comparison of the mean ranks indicated significant differences between the mean ranks of all foods, except for rice versus chapati, and Irish potatoes versus bananas where there was no significant difference. Results also indicated that the choice of main staple by VAMW depends on energy value, occupation, and satiety index. Satiety of the foods depends on carbohydrate type, carbohydrate factor, glycemic load, quantity, and the combination with other nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of the skin stapling technique for surgical wound closure is less time-consuming than the conventional sutures. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of skin staples and 4-0 prolene conventional suture in closure of extraoral surgical wounds in neck region in elective maxillofacial surgery. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 60 patients, who were equally divided into three groups. In Group 1, wound closure was done using skin staples; in Group 2, wound closure was done using 4-0 prolene suture, and in Group 3, wound closure was done using both skin staples and 4-0 prolene suture. These groups were compared in terms of rate of wound closure; early postoperative pain; pain on the removal of staple and suture; rate of removal of staple and suture; scar evaluation by the clinician, patient, and two-blind observers on 15th day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: The rate of closure was significantly faster in staple group than in suture group. There was no significant difference in the postoperative pain, pain on removal and rate of removal between the two methods of closure. However, within the groups, more postoperative pain was observed in wound with incision length of >5 cm. Initially, on 10th postoperative day, the appearance of scar was significantly better in suture group but after 6 months, scar was better in staple group. Conclusion: The staple method of wound closure appears to be better than conventional suture in terms of rate of closure and scar appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 62-year-old man with hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Topics include computed tomographic (CT) scan being obtained thereafter confirming nonunion with corroborating radiologist read for minimal bony bridging; and demonstrating good alignment and the patient progressed to full weightbearing in a hard-soled shoe.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity of staple use and the importance of screw diameter in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-eight sheep hind legs were divided into four groups in terms of tibial side fixation type as 7 mm bioabsorbable screw (Group 1), 7 mm bioabsorbable screw and staple (Group 2), 8 mm screw (Group 3), and 8 mm screw and staple (Group 4). The maximum force causing insufficiency in the graft, and the fixation strength between the groups were recorded. The results were compared among the groups. Results: As a result of the statistical analysis regarding the necessity of using staple, group 2, with 7 mm screws and staple, was found to be significantly more resistant than group 1 (p = 0.018). In consequence of the biostatistics study, staple use was found not to create a statistically significant difference between group 3 in which an 8 mm bioabsorbable screw was used and group 4 (p = 0.805). In the statistical study to understand the significance of screw diameter, the samples of group 1 and group 3, in which no staple was used, were compared. It was found that group 3 samples with 8 mm screws had higher strength than those with 7 mm screws (p = 0.011). Between group 2 and group 4 in which a staple was used, despite the increase in screw diameter, the value of maximum strength had no remarkable difference statistically (p = 1.00). Conclusions: Fixation strength is higher when fixation was done with a screw 1 mm larger than tibial tunnel diameter. However, using either a screw with 1 mm wider than tibial tunnel diameter and the screw in the same diameter with the tibial tunnel and additional staple have similar fixation strength on the tibial side. Therefore, we conclude that screw width is more important in maintaining stability of the graft fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Akin osteotomy is widely used to correct the hallux valgus and different fixation techniques have been proposed. Currently most of these procedures coexist, with disagreement on which offers the best results. The aim of this study is to compare the radiological outcome of the original Akin's technique with one in which a staple was used to stabilize the osteotomy. We also assessed whether other factors unrelated to the osteosynthesis could influence the radiological outcome.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 118 patients who underwent a scarf and Akin osteotomy. In 60 patients the Akin osteotomy was fixed with a staple and in 58 cases no staple was used. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal articular set angle (DASA), interphalangeal angle (IPA) and tibial sesamoid position were measured. The presence of lateral cortex disruption of the phalanx was also included in the analysis.Results: Six variables significantly influenced the radiological results of the Akin osteotomy: preoperative HVA, IPA and tibial sesamoid position, laterality, postoperative cortical disruption and use of a staple.Conclusion: Ours results suggest that the original Akin's technique seems to offer equal or better results than a variation in which a staple is added to stabilize the osteotomy.Level Of Evidence: This is a level III retrospective case-control study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glimpse of fish as perishable staple was reviewed. Fish is an important animal protein as it supplies good quality protein, vitamins and minerals. It is however highly perishable and spoils quickly, bad fish handling after harvesting, inadequate storage and processing facilities also contributes to fish spoilage in developing countries thus causing a lacuna between fish demand and supply, thus posing a great challenge to food security. Processing of fish facilitates its maximal use as for value-added fish products. Smoking is the preservation method most adopted in many developing countries to extend fish shelf life. Fish post-harvest loss come in different faces including: physical loss, quality loss and market forces loss all of which will lead to reduction in fish shelf life. Antimicrobial properties of plant extracts and proper packaging can extend fish shelf life. There in need to encourage women participation in fisheries subsector as their active role is essential to fighting poverty and ensuring food security within many households.

To assess feeding ecology and diet preferences of common warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin, 1788), the study was conducted in Gassi Controlled Area (GCHA) and in Haro Aba Diko Controlled Hunting Area (HADCHA) from May 2017 to June 2018. Diet composition of common warthog was determined using feeding quadrat and microhistological methods. From the leaf cuticle fragments observed of feces, 41 and 45 plant species were recognized as annual dietary components of common warthog in GCHA and HADCHA, respectively. Uncertainty of epidermal fragments and fine digestion, led certain forage species consumed by warthogs to be unidentified. In Gassi Controlled Hunting Area, Cynodon nlemfuensis (75.5%), Cynodon dactylon (69%), and Cyperus fischerianus (47%) had the higher relative frequency occurrence (RFO) in the feces of the animal during the wet season. In Haro Aba Diko Controlled Hunting Area, C. nlemfuensis (76.5%), C. dactylon (73.5%) and H. rufa (57.5%) were the top three forage species with higher RFO in the feces of the warthog during the dry season. During the wet season in GCHA, C. fischerianus, D. abyssinica, C. dactylon, C. nlemfuensis, Hyparrhenia rufa, A. abyssinicus, Sesbania sesban and Diplolophium africanum were identified as the staple forage species of common warthogs. In HADCHA, C. fischerianus, D. abyssinica, C. dactylon, C. nlemfuensis, H. rufa, H. hirta, S. poiretiana, A. abyssinicus, and S. sesban were identified as the staple forage species of warthogs during the wet season. In GCHAC. dactylon, C. nlemfuensis and A. abyssinicus were the top three species which showed high acceptability during the wet and dry seasons. Hyparrhenia hirta, was high acceptability during the wet season which was less acceptability during the dry season but the difference was not significant. In HADCHA C. fischerianus, D. abyssinica, C. dactylon, and C. nlemfuensis, showed high acceptability during both seasons. Therefore, common warthogs foraged on wide range of food resources of graminoids, forbs, and shrubs in the study areas. Certain staple forage species were frequently preferred, because of their compatibility with the physiology of warthogs.

Background. There are a variety of ways to surgically manage patients with scaphoid waist fractures. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of union achieved with a nitinol compression staple versus that of a headless compression screw in the treatment of scaphoid waist fractures. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients with middle-third scaphoid fractures treated surgically. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on fixation device: a nitinol compression staple or headless compression screw (HCS). Primary outcome was radiographic union. Secondary outcomes included time from surgery to union, development of avascular necrosis (AVN), complication rate, and need for revision. Results. Forty-one patients were included in the final analysis. The median follow-up time was 5.7 months. Twenty patients were treated with staples, 21 with HCS. Thirty-seven patients achieved union. All who failed to unite were treated with HCS. Eight patients had postoperative complications, including postoperative AVN, all of whom were in the HCS cohort. This treatment group had a higher rate of revision surgery as well. Staples required less time to achieve union and fewer weeks of immobilization. Postoperative scapholunate angles were similar between the groups. Conclusions. Fixation of scaphoid waist fracture with nitinol compression staples is at least as likely to achieve union as fixation with HCS in patients without prior surgical intervention. This treatment also demonstrated equivalent or better secondary outcomes, including postoperative AVN, complication and revision rates, time to union, and weeks immobilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is centered on the impacts of climate variability on some cereals crop yields (sorghum, millet and maize) in Wudil local government area, Kano State. Climatic data were used that covers 1997-2017. Seasonal data were collected from Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority where rainfall and crop yields data was collected. Geography Department, Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, was where rainfall and temperature data were collected. Atmospheric humidity was derived by using 6.11 x 100 (7.5 x TC/237.7 +TC), were TC = Temperature in Degree Celsius. And also Evapotranspiration data was derived using 0.0023 (Tavg + 17.8) (Tmax _ Tmin) 0.5 Ra. Where Tavg, Tmax and Tmin are respectively mean, average, maximum and minimum temperature and Ra represents extraterrestrial radiation. Regression analysis was used to determine the impacts of climatic elements (rainfall, temperature, humidity and evapotranspiration) as an independent variables on crop yields (sorghum, millet and maize) as dependent variables; furthermore, standardize coefficient index were determined in order to know which climatic variable has more effects on the crop yields in the study area. The results obtained reveals that all the climatic elements were highly variable as no years with the same annual total except temperature which shows little annual variation over the study period. Climatic elements were found to have moderate impacts on the crop yields based on the regression coefficient of determination. However, rainfall was found to be the most influential variable on crop yields followed by atmospheric humidity, temperature and evapotranspiration based on standardize coefficients indices. In the situation of changing climate and weather variability and changing seasonal rainfall pattern in present and future, it is important to enhance the efficiency of rainfall and soil water use in crop cultivations. Adaptation of water saving/conserving technologies and identification of crops species and species-specific traits that improves crop water use efficiency of crops under rain-fed, irrigated and dry land farming system is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since staple is the most used fastener in furniture frame, its holding capacity in solid wood joints is need to be known. Therefore, lateral shear resistance capacity of one stapled and one-row multi stapled joints constructed from Scotch pine, alder, and beech were investigated. Results showed that the joints constructed from beech with a density of 0,54 gr/cm3 yielded 4893 N, the 4 staples joints constructed from alder with a density of 0,51 gr/cm3 yielded 4487 N, and the 4 staples joints constructed from Scotch pine with a density of 0,45 gr/cm3 yielded 3498 N. Three and two staples connected joints also indicated decreasing trend when changing wood from beech to alder and Scotch pine. Results also indicated that increasing number of staple from 2 to 4 in one-row joints increased force of the joints. Two prediction formulas were derived to predict the shear of one-row multi stapled wood joints. Both formulas yielded remarkable results compared to actual laboratory test results.

The aim of this study was to make a comparison between the tissue fusion technique and conventional methods for sealing bowel anastomosis. Eighteen female domestic pigs (Suidae, Sus) were used in our study. Tissue-fused anastomoses (LigaSure groups) were made in 13 animals (5 anastomoses per animal), which were subdivided into 4 groups according to different manufacturing settings: “LigaSure-L-1” and “LigaSure-L-2”, with low energy output level with 1 or 2 device-activated tissue sealing times, and “LigaSure-M” and “LigaSure-H”, with medium or high energy output level. As controls, automatically stapled (GIA group) and hand-sewn (suture group) anastomoses were utilized in 3 and 2 animals, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the overall leakage rate between the GIA group (6.7%) and the LigaSure groups (15%) (P=1.000). There was less proliferating epithelium covering the anastomosis gap in the LigaSure groups compared with the other two groups. The gap between the two extremities of muscular layers of the anastomosis in the LigaSure groups was filled with collagen fibers. More proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were found in the anastomoses of the LigaSure groups compared with the other two groups (P=0.010). Our results showed that the tissue fusion technology was a feasible and safe method for anastomoses.

Most tracking-by-detection based trackers employ the online model update scheme based on the spatiotemporal consistency of visual cues. In presence of self-deformation, abrupt motion and heavy occlusion, these trackers suffer from different attributes and are prone to drifting. The model based on offline training, namely Siamese networks is invariant when suffering from the attributes. While the tracking speed of the offline method can be slow which is not enough for real-time tracking. In this paper, a novel collaborative tracker which decomposes the tracking task into online and offline modes is proposed. Our tracker switches between the online and offline modes automatically based on the tracker status inferred from the present failure tracking detection method which is based on the dispersal measure of the response map. The present Real-Time Thermal Infrared Collaborative Online and Offline Tracker (TCOOT) achieves state-of-the-art tracking performance while maintaining real-time speed at the same time. Experiments are carried out on the VOT-TIR-2015 benchmark dataset and our tracker achieves superior performance against Staple and Siam FC trackers by 3.3% and 3.6% on precision criterion and 3.8% and 5% on success criterion, respectively. The present method is real-time tracker as well.

Background: In open anterior inguinal mesh hernioplasty, the commonly used method for mesh fixation is by polypropylene sutures which involves extensive mesh fixation and placement of sutures into periosteum of pubic symphysis, thereby increasing the operative time with attendant risk of infection of the prosthetic material. An alternative to sutures is the use of staples which are easy to use and quick to apply. We explored the use of staples in securing the mesh in inguinal hernioplasty. Methodology: A prospective comparative study of 400 patients who underwent inguinal mesh hernioplasty with 200 patients selected randomly each in polypropylene suture (PPSG) and staple group (SG) was performed. Postoperatively patients were made ambulatory on the same day of surgery and discharged from hospital on 1st or 2nd day in both the groups. Follow-up was carried out in 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years and the patients were assessed for wound infection, hematomas, local pain, return to work, recurrence if any, and other miscellaneous complications if any. Results: The mean age of patients in our study in polypropylene suture group and staple group was 46.75 years and 46 years, respectively. 80% (160 patients) in polypropylene suture group and 75% (150 patients) in stapler group had indirect hernia. The mean operative time in PPSG and SG group was 59.25 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively (p value0.05). Overall the complication rate was the same in the two groups with no statistically significant differences observed (P value >0.05). There was 0% recurrence rate in 6 months and 1 year of follow-up in both groups. However, in 3-year follow-up 20 patients (10%) in PPSG and 2 patients (1%) in SG had recurrence (P value=0.0001). Conclusion: The technique of mesh fixation with skin staples is as effective as conventional fixation with polypropylene sutures, with an important added advantage of a significant reduction in the operative time and an early return to work. At the same time this technique does not have any additional complications compared to traditional Lichtenstein method. Good tissue penetrance and effective mesh anchorage are achieved when staples are utilized to secure the mesh. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2018; 7(1.000): 7-12]

There are numerous dependable techniques of wound closure, employing a wide range of materials. The proposed hypothesis for this single blind prospective randomized comparative study is tissue adhesive has better clinical outcome in terms of time taken, inflammatory changes, complications, esthetic outcome and cost efficacy for surgical wound closure of standardized submandibular incisions with sutures and staples. Patients from either gender in the age group of 15–40 years, undergoing closure of submandibular incision were randomly allocated to three group i.e tissue adhesive, suture and staples groups respectively. Following surgical intervention patients were then followed up for a period of 4 months. Wounds were evaluated by two independent investigators on 7th, 14th, 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th post-operative day. The parameters measured were time consumption for closure during surgery, quality of wound healing and cosmesis during follow up. 42 patients, 14 in each group were treated in the present study. A statistically significant time efficiency was noted in the staple group (64.5 ± 21.4 s, p < 0.001) as compared to the others. However in terms of cosmesis, suture group outstands the other with a statistical significance of P1 = 0.009, P2 = 0.029. No significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of inflammatory changes and complications. The hypothesis was thus rejected as tissue adhesive has no significant clinical outcome in submandibular incision. The result of the present study demonstrate that skin closure by suture may increase the duration of surgery but wound cosmesis was better and face being an esthetic area, cosmetic outcome is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work-study the hydrogen evolution rate and inhibitive properties of potassium sorbate, as an antimicrobial and food preservative substance, on the corrosion performance of biodegradable AZ91E magnesium alloy utilized as staples in Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. This substance used for the first time to protect the alloy from the fast surface degradation process when surrounded by simulated peritoneal fluid (SPF) as a corrosive environment in the stomach. Theoretical quantum calculations were utilized to ensure the inhibition effect of potassium sorbate for the tested alloy as a staple. The corrosion resistance was assessed via electrochemical measurements. The degradation and hydrogen evolution rate is found to be significantly reduced with increasing potassium sorbate concentration. The outcomes displayed that the higher concentration of potassium sorbate (10−3 M) is the most effective corrosion resistant one with inhibition efficiency reaches 99.6% which is mainly ascribed to the creation of a thin protective film of Mg-sorbate. The results were confirmed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. A cell viability test for the alloy was done using MTT assay which clarifies that the alloy immersed in the higher potassium sorbate concentration have higher cell viability and proliferation. Image 1 • Potassium sorbate, as an antimicrobial and food preservative substance, used as an effective safe inhibitor. • Biodegradable AZ91E magnesium alloy can be used as staples in sleeve gastrectomy surgery. • Quantum calculation was utilized to ensure the inhibition effect of potassium sorbate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original approach was used to examine how staple food choice differs by gender and migration: this consisted of a quantitative survey (six locations with urban consumers from various economic classes (n = 123)), a qualitative in-depth interview with a subset of those consumers (n = 18), and focus group discussions (n = 13). Men and women had similar results in terms of their preferred staple food choice attributes; yet women indicated consuming more rice and banana, and men, more maize and cassava (Chi-squared test; p <.05). Migration status and life stage (formative or adult years) also influenced the type and diversity of staple crops reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In carpal scaphoid fractures, the surgical treatment with screw is considered the gold standard; shape memory staple however presents substantial advantages. The authors report a study on unstable fractures of the scaphoid waist (type B1, B2, B5, according to Herbert classification) treated with shape memory staple on a large sample of patients, with the aim to confirm the usefulness of this method, the quality of reduction and fixation, the functional results, the time of union and the possible complications.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 131 patients with scaphoid waist fractures with minimum follow-up 1 year was performed. Staples were used in all cases; technical details are discussed. Outcome measures were: postoperative pain, flexion-extension wrist range, hand grip strength, radiographic consolidation, work absence. Herbert and Fisher Grading System was used to assess subjective, objective and radiographic results.Results: Consolidation was achieved in all cases of primary fractures (0-30 days) within three months after surgery, and within eight months in all but two cases of delayed unions (operated within 6 months of the injury). Pain was absent at follow-up in 79% of cases, never severe or unbearable, the average flexion-extension range achieved was 112°. Handgrip strength values were comparable to those of contralateral wrist in 75% of cases. Mean time lost at work was 7.4 weeks. No algo-distrophy or malunion were observed. Discussion CONCLUSIONS: Scaphoid waist fractures' treatment with shape memory staple should be considered as an excellent alternative to screw fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since staple is the most used fastener in furniture frame, its holding capacity in solid wood joints is need to be known. Therefore, lateral shear resistance capacity of one stapled and one-row multi stapled joints constructed from Scotch pine, alder, and beech were investigated. Results showed that the joints constructed from beech with a density of 540 kg/m³ yielded 4893 N, the 4 staples joints constructed from alder with a density of 510 kg/m³ yielded 4487 N, and the 4 staples joints constructed from Scotch pine with a density of 450 kg/m³ yielded 3498 N. Three and two staples connected joints also indicated decreasing trend when changing wood from beech to alder and Scotch pine. Results also indicated that increasing number of staple from 2 to 4 in onerow joints increased force of the joints. Two prediction equations were derived to predict the shear of one-row multi stapled wood joints. Both equations yielded remarkable results compared to actual laboratory test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first ray dorsiflexion osteotomy is commonly performed for cavovarus foot correction. There are multiple techniques to fix this osteotomy, ranging from wires, screws, and plates or a combination of these. We present our results using a varisation staple (Biomet©) as an alternative fixation device. We performed a retrospective outcome analysis of a consecutive series of 10 cavovarus feet that underwent a dorsiflexion osteotomy (dorsal closing wedge) of the first metatarsal fixed with two varisation staples. The results were measured at a mean three monthly follow-ups and included union and complication rates, as well as clinical and radiographic assessment of cavus deformity correction. There was a 100% union rate with no complications or cases of delayed union. No metalwork removal was requested in any case at follow-up. First ray dorsiflexion osteotomies are most commonly fixed using a 3.5mm cortical screw. We demonstrate that our alternative and novel technique using varisation staples achieved a 100% union rate while avoiding the prominent hardware complications known to occur with cortical screws or plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]