Pedro Miguel Gomes Fernandes

Bond behavior between concrete and multi-directional CFRP laminates using the MF-EBR strengthening technique

The strengthening technique based on the use of multi-directional laminates of CFRP simultaneously glued and fixed with anchors (MF-EBR) has been recently purposed. An experimental program composed of pullout tests was carried out in order to study the bond behavior between concrete and MF-EBR system. The diameter and number of anchors, the pre-stress level applied to the anchors, and the strengthening procedures were the main analyzed parameters. The present work describes the carried-out tests and presents and analyzes the most significant obtained results.

Preliminary evaluation of microcarrier culture for growth and monoclonal antibody production of CHO-K1 cells

Background The large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals commonly relies on the use of suspension cell cultures, since they provide higher yields than adherent cultures. However, most mammalian cells grow in adherent mode and therefore need to go through a process of adaptation to suspended growth, which is not always simple or feasible. In this context, microcarrier cultures have introduced new possibilities, allowing the practical culture of anchorage-dependent cells, in suspension systems, achieving high yields. In these systems, cells grow as monolayers on the surface of small spheres – the microcarriers, which are usually kept in suspension in the culture medium by gentle rocking. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, compare and optimize the use of microcarrier culture for the growth and monoclonal antibody (mAb) production of CHO-K1 cells.

Pseudomalignant osteoblastoma of the odontoid process

IntroductionThe anterior elements of the spine, particularly the odontoid processes, are a rare location for osteoblastomas. Pseudomalignant osteoblastomas are themselves rare histologic types and are also extremely rare in this location. Most osteoblastomas are Enneking stage 2 lesions; less frequently, they can be more aggressive with extra-capsular extension (Enneking stage 3). En bloc resection is recommended for aggressive lesions, but the literature is less clear regarding the approach to stage 2 tumors, particularly those with pseudomalignant histologic features.Case reportA 6-year-old male child presented with a type III pathologic fracture of the odontoid. The fracture healed but upon 6-month follow-up CT scanning, an expansile lesion was detected. Surgical biopsy revealed an osteoblastoma which was treated with intralesional excision. Meanwhile, the excised specimen showed histological features of a pseudomalignant osteoblastoma. Despite this diagnosis, no further treatment was undertaken. At a 10-year follow-up, the patient was free from pain and had full range of motion of the cervical spine; no recurrence was detected.ConclusionThis unique case of odontoid osteoblastoma illustrates that malignant behavior may not be predicted only by the presence of pseudomalignant features on histology.

Surgery for Multifocal Spinal Tuberculosis

Most tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is found at a single vertebral level with several adjacent vertebral bodies also involved. Multifocal, noncontiguous presentation is unusual, and surgery for such a condition is still not considered the best practice by all surgeons. Nonetheless, in the presence of spinal instability, extensive abscess, progressive acute neurological impairment, and/or medical treatment failure, consideration of surgical intervention is warranted.In these cases surgery should follow a protocol for solving the neurological deficits from proximal to distal, preferably at the mechanically unstable levels first. A less aggressive approach can also be planned staged or not to minimize the surgical impact. Because of the risk inherent in each approach complications may be higher by addressing more than one lesion surgically at a time. In respect to outcome this will be dictated mainly by the remaining neurological deficit or any symptomatic kyphotic deformity. This is not significantly different from what is published in the literature for the treatment of contiguous spinal TB lesions.