Eaton (United States)

Dupuytren contracture (DC) is a fibroproliferative disorder characterized by collagen deposition in the palmar fascia. Treatment options include collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection and surgery; however, DC frequently recurs after primary therapy. We hypothesized that CCH treatment could be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of contracture recurrence for patients unwilling to undergo reoperation or at high risk for complications. This Phase 4, multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective study analyzed medical records from 10 clinical centers in the US. Patients were treated with CCH for DC recurrence ≥6 months after previously successful surgical correction performed between January 1, 2010, and August 15, 2020. Primary end points were the measured joint contracture change from baseline, at first and last clinical evaluation within 12 months of CCH treatment of metacarpophalangeal (MP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures. Secondary end points were "clinical success" (percentage of joints with reduction in contracture to 0° to 5°) and adverse events. Of 113 patients screened, 101 were analyzed (mean age, 64.1 years; 75% men). Median time to DC recurrence was 36.0 months. A total of 144 treated joints were analyzed (MP, n = 64; PIP, n = 75; unspecified, n = 5). Overall mean (SD) baseline contracture was 52° (21°) (MP, 43° [19°]; PIP, 61° [20°]). Mean (SD) improvement of contracture from baseline at last evaluation was 38° (21°) for all joints (MP, 36° [17°]; PIP, 41° [24°]), with 58% of joints having clinical success (MP, 75%; PIP, 43%). All skin tears (20 events in 19% of patients) resolved spontaneously, with 50% resolving in ≤21 days; there was one flexor profundus rupture that did not require secondary reconstruction. This retrospective analysis indicates that CCH treatment is an effective and well tolerated nonsurgical option for recurrent postsurgical contracture, with results comparable to patients without prior surgery. Therapeutic III.

Objective:Semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) and vestibular aqueduct (VA) hypoplasia are developmental anomalies associated with distinct inner ear syndromes—SCD syndrome and Meniere’s disease (MD). Our previous work found frequent SCD in MD patients with VA hypoplasia, suggesting a shared developmental origin. To further explore this association, we adopted a reciprocal approach by assessing VA hypoplasia prevalence in patients diagnosed with SCD.Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Tertiary referral center.Patients:A total of 219 ears from 173 patients (mean age 53.5 years, standard deviation 16.6 years; 54.3% females) were evaluated for suspected SCD, confirmed by temporal bone computed tomography (CT).Interventions:Radiological analysis of temporal bone CT scans using the angular trajectory of the vestibular aqueduct (ATVA) marker; review of clinical records for diagnosis of MD.Main Outcome Measures:Prevalence of VA hypoplasia among SCD patients; association of radiological findings with clinical diagnosis of MD.Results:VA hypoplasia was identified in 4 of 173 patients (2.3%), representing a 46-fold increase compared with the estimated 0.05% prevalence of MD patients with VA hypoplasia in the general population. These cases showed an atypical SCD localization in the posterior limb of the superior semicircular canal. All 4 patients were diagnosed with MD ipsilateral to the SCD/VA hypoplasia.Conclusions:SCD and VA hypoplasia are associated in a distinct patient group, suggesting a shared developmental etiology. These patients may be predisposed to an early overlap of SCD syndrome and MD, with their clinical course eventually dominated by the progressive nature of MD.

This paper evaluates technical and economic feasibility and performance of DC-coupled fast charging solutions in comparison to the current state-of-the-art AC-coupled charging distribution systems. The study focuses on understanding both the financial implications and benefits of implementing DC over AC distribution. Models for cost estimation, efficiency estimation, and fleet operation considering uncertainty are developed to assess the economic viability of each solution, key performance indexes (KPIs) are developed to measure the success of the solution. Additionally, cable sizing and efficiency models are developed to estimate gains and losses in system efficiency. Four commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleets (refuse truck, school bus, delivery truck and delivery van) were modeled using real-world data and evaluated using the developed platform. Implementing DC distribution for commercial EV fleet charging site shows a significant reduction in CAPEX (average 26%), in OPEX (average 3%), and increase in system efficiency (average 3%) over AC distribution.

The Roman Space Telescope is a three mirror anastigmat design with a 2.4 m primary mirror, which will provide science information on dark energy and exoplanets via two science instruments. The Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) was aligned at ambient temperature in a vacuum chamber. Following a vibration test, the OTA’s optical performance, wavefront error, and pupil alignment, were tested at cold operational temperatures in a thermal vacuum chamber. Both test campaigns were performed in double-pass configuration, employing interferometry, Focus Diverse Phase Retrieval, and Shack-Hartman Wavefront Sensing test techniques. Alignment adjustments during the tests were made to the actuated Secondary Mirror, and Fold Mirror 1 in the Wide Field Instrument channel. Stability of the optical telescope assembly (OTA) is a critical need for Roman. For the TVAC test campaign, L3Harris and NASA developed a novel test with the objective of measuring the optical response of key parts of the OTA in the presence of small amplitude thermal stimuli; the Sinusoidal Thermoelastic Distortion Test (STDT). The basic concept is to use the flight hardware’s own thermal control system to generate repeated thermal disturbances while continuously monitoring the optical response. The telescope’s predicted On-Orbit, End of Life quasi static optical wave front error performance is well within the required 67.3/74.2 nm RMS for the WFI/CGI channel.

Distribution systems have traditionally received the least attention in the bulk picture of power systems; they are yet the most "critical component" as they directly impact customers’ perception and utilities’ reputation. While transmission systems have seen abundant literature, innovations, and applications of power electronic-based devices to optimize their performance, distribution systems still require more attention toward a flexible and dynamic scheme to cope with volatile energy consumption and production. As a replacement or enhancement of the traditional ones, Solid-State Transformers can play a central role in the energy management of distribution systems towards this goal, in addition to the mere voltage conversion. This manuscript, developed within the IEEE Task Force on Solid-State Transformer integration in distribution grids, offers a critical review of the Solid-State Transformer potential, services, and technical challenges for its integration in distribution systems. Particular attention is given to scientific trends and open points in the current research that must be addressed before utilities extensively integrate the Solid-State Transformer in distribution systems.

BackgroundContinuing education (CE) for chiropractors is mandated by state licensing boards to ensure ongoing learning and to maintain professional excellence. While incorporating research into CE programs is crucial for practitioners to remain dynamic and evidence-based, conducting research and academic pursuits is necessary for further development of the profession. We hypothesized that fewer U.S. states would provide CE credit for the completion of research or higher-education teaching activities within the chiropractic profession compared to other health professions.MethodsInternet searches of publicly available state board websites for each profession was undertaken with a cross-sectional study design between 12/19/2024 and 03/01/2025. Data extraction focused on whether CE was granted for research (publication and/or peer review) as well as academic pursuits (higher education and/or CE instruction). Descriptive statistics determined the frequency of states allowing CE while Fisher’s Exact test and one-way ANOVA was performed to compare states granting CE credits for research and teaching as well as comparisons among the professions.ResultsOnly 16 US states allow DCs to claim research activities for CE credit while 50% allow teaching for CE credit. This is significantly lower (p < 0.001) than ATs, DOs, and MDs where teaching and research activities are accepted for CE credit in all states.ConclusionsPrecluding research and higher-education teaching opportunities for CE presents a potential barrier to chiropractic academic and research development at present and in the future.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-025-00596-x.

This paper proposes a crosstalk parasitic oscillation suppression method based on the series resonance principle for SiC MOSFETs. A P-channel MOSFET and an auxiliary capacitor are connected in parallel to drive the SiC MOSFETs’ gate. The gate drive's auxiliary capacitors and parasitic inductance create a low impedance loop for the parasitic oscillation, while the P-channel MOSFET provides negative feedback regulation. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification show the method can effectively suppress crosstalk parasitic oscillation during switching transients without slowing the switching speed dv/dt and keeping the gate-source voltage stable.

Inhibitory interneurons within cortical layer 1 (L1-INs) integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to modulate sensory processing and plasticity, but the sensory inputs that recruit these interneurons have not been identified. Here, we used monosynaptic retrograde tracing and whole-cell electrophysiology to characterize the thalamic inputs onto two major subpopulations of L1-INs in the mouse auditory cortex. We find that the vast majority of auditory thalamic inputs to these L1-INs unexpectedly arise from the ventral subdivision of the medial geniculate body (MGBv), the tonotopically-organized primary auditory thalamus. Moreover, these interneurons receive robust functional monosynaptic MGBv inputs that are comparable to those recorded in the L4 excitatory pyramidal neurons. Our findings reveal a direct pathway from the primary auditory thalamus to L1-INs, positioning these interneurons to uniquely integrate precise sensory signals with top-down inputs that convey brain states and learned associations.

This study presents the development of high-performance power modules with advanced 3D printed ceramics, integrated cooling channels and Cu pinfins for thermal management. Thick film printed electronics was employed for circuit metallization. SiC dies were then attached using Sinter Silver process for improved thermal performance and reliability. Thermal and electrical testing was performed to demonstrate the module’s capability.