No abstract

The precision of injection moulded high-class plastics products is the crucial factor. Especially the injection moulding of thick-walled polymer optics requires sophisticated measuring techniques for the control of the quality achieved and the analysis of the replication process. In particular the measuring range and the accuracy of the measuring instruments in combination with the sometimes large deviations between polymer geometry and ideal contour must be taken into account. The future target is the production of highly accurate polymer optics with an excellent process control. The paper discusses the use of an optical contact-free measuring technique for the analysis of injection moulded optical lenses.

This narrative clinical review summarises the key evidence in support for the use of a hydro-responsive wound dressing, HydroTac (HRWD-2, PAUL HARTMANN AG, Germany) to address key aspects associated with the treatment of both acute and hard-to-heal wounds. This review demonstrates how HRWD-2 can be used in general to address the challenges presented by a wide range of wound types and skin injuries. It highlights the ability of HRWD-2 to regulate an optimal moist wound environment that promotes wound progression and healing. Key aspects covered in this review include the dressing's ability to: promote certain phases of the wound healing response (for example, re-epithelialisation) address the concepts and needs for wound progression as set out in the TIME wound management framework provide an optimal hydration level reduce tissue trauma and pain at dressing change.

Metall-Kunststoff-Verbunde (MKV) sind eine innovative Werkstoffklasse, mit der insbesondere im Bereich des Kraft- und Schienenfahrzeugbaus eine signifikante Gewichtseinsparung erzielt werden kann. Das Scherschneiden als trennendes Fertigungsverfahren erlaubt eine hohe Ausbringungsrate bei geringen bauteilbezogenen Kosten. In diesem Beitrag wird der Einfluss der durch Scherschneiden erzeugten Schnittflächen von MKV auf eine nachfolgende Bauteilbeanspruchung vorgestellt.   Metal-plastic composites (MKV) are an innovative class of materials by means of which a significant weight saving can be achieved, in particular in the area of power and rail vehicle construction. Shear cutting as a separating manufacturing process enables a high output rate with low component-related costs. This article presents the influence of cutting edges produced by shear cutting of MKV on a subsequent component stress.

Objectives: Medical devices are typically reimbursed through distinct pathways vs. pharmaceuticals due to their relatively greater number, lower cost, shorter life-cycles, and greater difficulties in conducting randomized trials. National Health Technology Assessments typically inform public reimbursement of drugs and not devices. However, in Canada the remit of CADTH includes both drugs and devices. This research aimed to elucidate the rate of submission and reimbursement approval of medical devices versus drugs in Canada. Methods: A retrospective analysis of Canadian HTA records was conducted using CADTH CDR, CADTH pCODR, and OHTAC. These online sources were used to (a) identify CADTH HTA submissions of all drugs and medical devices made between January 1, 2013, and December 30, 2018, and (b) further classify the assessments into those that were approved for reimbursement in Canada, and those that were not. Results: A total of 372 HTA submissions were identified, 7% (26/372) for medical devices and 93% (346/372) for drugs. Overall, 77% medical devices were approved for reimbursement (90% unconditionally) compared to 82% of drugs (29% unconditionally). Cardiovascular devices accounted for 31% of all medical device submissions, followed by genitourinary devices (27%) whereas for drugs, oncology (30%) and hepatic (7%) were the most common indications. Conclusions: Medical device HTA submission numbers are low (n=26) and this does not represent the number of devices that are currently available in the healthcare industry. However, this subset has a HTA approval rate similar to that of drugs. The decision to publically fund a medical device is often driven by cost-effectiveness, as is true for most drug approvals. Additionally, a positive outcome is often without caveat, which is not usually the case with drugs, especially oncology drugs. Evidence presented here suggests manufacturers should be reassured that public funding is available for devices that address unmet medical needs, especially when costeffective.