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This document is a preface to a special issue of the International Journal of Computational Methods on the topic of "Numerical Modelling of Fibre-Reinforced Materials and Structures." The special issue contains selected papers presented at the Fifth Australasian Conference on Computational Mechanics, which focused on the use of computational methods and modelling technology in the field of fibre-reinforced materials and structures. The papers in this special issue cover advanced theory, algorithms, numerical simulations, and novel applications of computational techniques in this area. The research and development of fibre-reinforced materials and structures have been increasing, leading to enhanced structure safety and infrastructure resilience. The preface is written by Sarah (Yixia) Zhang from the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University in Australia. [Extracted from the article]

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as rhizotomy, is one of the frequently used modalities in interventional pain management. This nonsurgical procedure delivers radiofrequency waves to the targeted nerves to interrupt transmission of nociceptive signals from the peripheral tissues to the central nervous system, thereby reducing pain perception. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of RFA treatment as an effective interventional pain management technique to treat a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions including facial pain, headaches, postmastectomy, musculoskeletal, and major joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder, sacroiliac), and cancer pain. As more certified registered nurse anesthetists are involved in pain management, it is important to be familiar with current nonsurgical pain interventions. This journal course describes the unique mechanism of action of radiofrequency for pain modulation and provides emerging evidence to support its applications in both acute and chronic pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a disorder of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve mononeuropathy caused by entrapment or compression of the nerve. It is characterized by numbing, tingling, and burning pain in the lateral aspect of the thigh. The current treatments for MP include conventional medical management, peripheral nerve blocks, and surgical interventions. Some patients who suffer from MP can experience intractable pain and medical management of MP is often inadequate to provide satisfactory pain control. Although regional anesthesia provides excellent pain relief, the analgesic effects of peripheral nerve block are shortlived. Emerging evidence suggests that cryoneurolysis has a low-risk safety profile and can provide prolonged pain relief of superficial nerves when administered appropriately. We present a successful case of a patient with intractable neuropathic pain resulting from MP treated with cryoneurolysis therapy. The patient demonstrated immediate pain relief by 100% after the procedure followed by 80% and 60% pain reduction at 1-month and 3-months follow-up, respectively. Cryoneurolysis may be an alternative modality for patients who fail at conventional medical treatments of neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]