A 3DOF transtibial robotic prosthetic limb

A robotic prosthesis is a device which is used to replace a missing body part. These devices are intended to return the amputees to their pre-amputation functional status. Below knee (Transtibial) amputation is the most common amputation occurred in the lower limb. That is caused by reasons such as diseases, injury due to explosions of anti-personnel land mines and accidents. The existing prostheses for transtibial amputees have yet to be improved to reinstate the biomechanical functions normally provided by the ankle joint. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop a transtibial robotic prosthesis which would provide functions usually provided by the ankle. The proposed design consists of 3 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) to generate similar biomechanical motions at the ankle joint. Further it includes a passive regenerative system to reduce motor power requirement of dorsiflexion/plantarflexion. Experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed prosthetic limb and to verify the possibility of using electromyographic (EMG) signal based control of the prosthesis

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population