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Inertial sensors are commonly used to measure human head motion. Some sensors have been tested with dummy or cadaver experiments with mixed results, and methods to evaluate sensors in vivo are lacking. Here we present an in vivo method using high speed video to test teeth-mounted (mouthguard), soft tissue-mounted (skin patch), and headgear-mounted (skull cap) sensors during 6–13 g sagittal soccer head impacts. Sensor coupling to the skull was quantified by displacement from an ear-canal reference. Mouthguard displacements were within video measurement error (<1 mm), while the skin patch and skull cap displaced up to 4 and 13 mm from the ear-canal reference, respectively. We used the mouthguard, which had the least displacement from skull, as the reference to assess 6-degree-of-freedom skin patch and skull cap measurements. Linear and rotational acceleration magnitudes were over-predicted by both the skin patch (with 120% NRMS error for a mag , 290% for α mag ) and the skull cap (320% NRMS error for a mag , 500% for α mag ). Such over-predictions were largely due to out-of-plane motion. To model sensor error, we found that in-plane skin patch linear acceleration in the anterior–posterior direction could be modeled by an underdamped viscoelastic system. In summary, the mouthguard showed tighter skull coupling than the other sensor mounting approaches. Furthermore, the in vivo methods presented are valuable for investigating skull acceleration sensor technologies.

Proper surgical attire is essential in decreasing surgical site infections; however, the effectiveness of the different types of headwear is a controversial topic. We conducted a narrative review based on studies identified through a focused literature search to summarize and critically assess evidence and opinions on the most appropriate type of headwear for OR personnel. We included 48 articles: 17 original research studies and 31 non–peer‐reviewed articles of various types. Research published before 2014 mostly supports the complete coverage of all hair, which aligns with the 2015 AORN guidelines. However, more recent literature rebuts these guidelines and emphasizes the importance of clean headwear. Although earlier studies (published before 2017) lacked scientific rigor, later studies (published after 2017) have other various limitations, including missing data on compliance, surgery‐related techniques, and surgical attire other than headwear. The findings from this review highlight the importance of solid evidence‐based guidelines and expert collaboration.

Microwire microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been a popular low-cost tool for chronic electrophysiological recordings and are an inexpensive means to record the electrical dynamics crucial to brain function. However, both the fabrication and implantation procedures for multi-MEAs on a single rodent are time-consuming and the accuracy and quality are highly manual skill-dependent. To address the fabrication and implantation challenges for microwire MEAs, (1) a computer-aided designed and 3D printed skull cap for the pre-determined implantation locations of each MEA and (2) a benchtop fabrication approach for low-cost custom microwire MEAs were developed. A proof-of-concept design of a 32-channel 4-MEA (8-wire each) recording system was prototyped and tested through Sprague Dawley rat recordings. The skull cap design, based on the CT-scan of a single rat conforms well with multiple Sprague Dawley rats of various sizes, ages, and weight with a minimal bregma alignment error (A/P axis standard error of the mean = 0.25 mm, M/L axis standard error of the mean = 0.07 mm, n = 6). The prototyped 32-channel system was able to record the spiking activities over five months. The developed benchtop fabrication method and the 3D printed skull cap implantation platform would enable neuroscience groups to conduct in-house design, fabrication, and implantation of customizable microwire MEAs at a lower cost than the current commercial options and experience a shorter lead time for the design modifications and iterations.

Three-point head fixation was constructed to provide mechanical stability for single unit recording (SUR) on vestibular sensory system in living chinchilla previously. However, it is no more qualified to this work when the stimulation intensity becomes large because of frequent unit losing and neuron damage, which strongly implies that the mechanical stability has been broken during the stimulation. Here, we constructed a novel head fixation (skull cap assistant head fixation) provided by skull cap on the basis of three-point head fixation in order to improve the mechanical stability for SUR under the stimulation with large magnitude. The large area bone connection is the feature and advantage of this improved method, which directly fixes the tested local nervous tissue and microelectrode in an intact stable system through skull cap except two ear bars and a tube face mask. Our data exhibited that skull cap assistant head fixation could significantly improve the success rate of neural response activity recording in the population of semicircular canal neurons under the stimulation with large intensity (amplitude ≥100 deg/s). Based on the analysis of neural response activity and noise base-line during stimulation, our data further indicated that this method could significantly improve the mechanical stability for SUR during high-speed motion stimulation on vestibular system in living chinchilla. Skull cap assistant head fixation extends the application of SUR on vestibular neuron in linear response range and provides a solid foundation for electrophysiological research on vestibular sensory system in further studies.

Introduction The aim of this discussion paper is to consider three issues regarding perioperative attire: 1. whether cloth hats or disposable hats are better for reducing patient risk of acquiring a surgical site infection (SSI) 2. whether the risk of infection is different for the bouffant style of hat compared to the skullcap style of hat 3. whether there is enough evidence available to support a statement that cloth hats are safe to wear in the operating suite. Background Hats have been routinely worn in operating suites since the 1950s. The intention of covering the hair has been to reduce the risk of the patient developing an SSI from bacteria that may be shed from the hair and skin of health care workers. Discussion A literature search was conducted yielding limited results (five), primarily controlled trials and case studies. Australian Standards dictate how cloth hats must be made and laundered. These standards are referenced in ACORN's Standards for Perioperative Nursing in Australia (the ACORN Standards) and should aid health care professionals in appropriate manufacture and laundering of personal perioperative attire. Studies obtained from the literature did not conclusively prove that cloth hats posed an increased risk to patients. However, the literature cites risks to staff when non-hospital laundering has occurred. There was also no evidence-based research suggesting that the incidence of SSIs was influenced by either bouffant or skullcap style hats. Regulation If we choose to allow staff to wear cloth hats, the biggest challenge is ensuring that they are changed daily and meet the Australian standards for manufacture and laundering. While cloth hats may look clean, microscopic blood contamination may not be visible. Recommendation Audits illustrating contamination could be used to educate staff about cleanliness. Education about Australian standards and the risks of infection associated with home laundering must be provided. Conclusion Ultimately, there is not enough research available to indisputably state whether disposable hats or cloth hats pose a greater risk of our patients developing a surgical site infection due to contamination from health care workers. There is also not enough evidence to determine whether the risk of infection is different for the bouffant style of hat compared to the skullcap style. The facility should decide whether they will ban cloth hats, based on the evidence or standards of best practice that are available, or whether they will set up appropriate hospital laundering for staff member's scrub attire. The evidence indicates that the risk from contaminated cloth hats is not a risk to patients but to health care workers and their cohabitants through home laundering of contaminated attire.

Introduction A review of the ancient world finds multiple documentations describing the use of the human calvaria as a drinking implement. Terminology This term, which is frequently and incorrectly called the “calvarium,” has a unique history among multiple cultures of the world. For example, the purported site of Jesus’ crucifixion “Calvary” is derived from this term calvaria. The present report explores the derivation, misuse, and history of the human calvaria.

PurposeWe utilized an anthropomorphic model made with a human skull to determine how different personal protective equipment influence operator intracranial radiation absorbed dose.Materials and MethodsA custom anthropomorphic phantom made with a human skull coated with polyurethane rubber, mimicking superficial tissues, and was mounted onto a plastic thorax. To simulate scatter, an acrylic plastic scatter phantom was placed onto the fluoroscopic table with a 1.5 mm lead apron on top. Two Radcal radiation detectors were utilized; one inside of the skull and a second outside. Fluoroscopic exposures were performed with and without radiation protective equipment in AP, 45-degree RAO, and 45-degree LAO projections.ResultsThe skull and soft tissues reduce intracranial radiation by 76% when compared to radiation outside the skull. LAO (308.95 μSv/min) and RAO projections (96.47μSv/min) result in significantly higher radiation exposure to the primary operator when compared to an AP projection (54 μSv/min). All tested radiation protection equipment demonstrated various reduction in intracranial radiation when compared to no protection. The hood (68% reduction in AP, 91% LAO, and 43% in RAO), full cover (53% reduction in AP, 76% in LAO, and 54% in RAO), and open top with ear coverage (43% reduction in AP, 77% reduction in LAO, and 22% in RAO) demonstrated the most reduction in intracranial radiation when compared to the control.ConclusionAll tested equipment provided various degrees of additional intracranial protection. The skull and soft tissues attenuate a portion of intracranial radiation.

Numerous papers report the occurrence of head and neck tumors in interventional radiology (IR) physicians. Recently, appropriate dosimetry and protection have become much more important. To accomplish these, first, we should accurately understand how the brain is exposed. We assessed the dose distribution of the head and clarified the relationship between head exposure and brain dose. We used eight radiophotoluminescence dosimeters (RPLDs), two at the surface of the eyes and six inside the phantom head. We conducted measurements with three kinds of irradiation fields: one irradiated the whole head, the second irradiated the brain region, and the third irradiated the soft tissue of the face. The cranial bone reduced the brain dose to less than half the skin dose: about 48% at the front and less than 9% at the back of the brain. Due to the brain exposure, the soft tissues were slightly exposed to the scatter radiation from the cranial bone. We revealed the dose distribution of the head and the influence of the scatter radiation from the cranial bone and the soft tissues of the face. There are two kinds of scatter radiation: from the cranial bone to the soft tissue of the face, and from the soft tissue to the brain. Although the influence of these sources of scatter radiation is not significant, the relationship between brain exposure and the occurrence of head and neck tumors is still unclear. Therefore, some IR physicians should keep this in mind if they receive high levels of exposure in their daily practice.

This work aimed at investigating the possibility and effectiveness of osteoinductive calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics to close the drilled skull holes and prevent the postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking in children’s endoscopic neurosurgery. Five children patients (four boys and one girl, 3- to 8-years old) underwent the surgery, in which the endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was operated in four cases of hydrocephalus, and biopsy and ETV were both performed in one case of pineal tumor. The drilled skull holes were filled with the commercial osteoinductive CaP ceramics. The patients were followed up by CT scan at 1, 7 days, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. All the five cases were successful, and the holes were closed well after filled with the ceramics. The follow-up survey showed that no CSF leaking or rejection reaction was found. The CT scan indicated that the drilled holes began healing at 7 days postoperatively, and a relatively complete healing happened at 6 months postoperatively. The excellent ability of the CaP ceramics to induce bone regeneration was also confirmed by repairing the skull defects in a monkey model. The results of μ-CT and histological analysis showed that a bony structure with irregular array occurred at the defect area, and the newly formed bone volume density reached 65.7%. In conclusion, the osteoinductive CaP ceramics could be an ideal material to treat the drilled skull holes in children’s endoscopic neurosurgery and prevent CSF leaking afterwards. However, further investigation with more cases and longer follow-up was required to evaluate the clinical effect.