Comparative Evaluation of Masticatory Bite Force in Mandible Fractures Treated with Three-Dimensional Curved Locking Strut Plate Versus Straight Locking Miniplate.

Aims and Objectives: To compare the efficacy of titanium 2.0-mm curved locking strut plate and 2.0-mm straight locking miniplate with regard to their intraoperative use and the stability of fixation achieved both, clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with 62 sites of mandibular fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation were included in the study. The sample was divided into two groups of twenty patients each depending upon whether patient received three-dimensional 2.0-mm locking curved strut plate (group A) or 2.0-mm straight locking miniplates (group B). Mouth opening, teeth in the fracture line, degree of displacement, time taken, neurosensory and bite force evaluation were done preoperatively, 1st, 7th day, 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week and 12th week postoperatively. Results: Positive correlation was found between preoperative and postoperative bite force values at subsequent follow-up weeks. At 3rd month evaluation, the change in bite force from the previous follow-up visit was significantly greater in group A (locking strut plate) than group B (locking miniplate) in the incisor, left molar and right molar region. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding time taken (P < 0.016) depicting less time taken for placement of three-dimensional 2.0-mm locking curved strut plate(group A) 20.30 ± 4.85 min as compared to 27.30 ± 6.82 min for fixation with 2.0 mm straight locking miniplates in group B. Conclusion: The findings were suggestive that the both systems had better adaptation during fixation, comparable radiographic reduction and increased stability in postoperative period. However, 3D locking strut plate took relatively lesser operative time, offered good rigidity and better stabilization of fractured segments in three dimensions along with significant improvement in the masticatory bite force postoperatively.

Assessment and Correlation of Variation in Lingual Cortical Plate Thickness with Different Angulations of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in North Indian Population.

Purpose: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molar is associated with various types of intraoperative and postoperative complications, one of them is injury to lingual nerve. The present study aims to assess and correlate the variation in lingual cortical plate thickness with different angulations and determine the topographic relationship between the root apex of impacted mandibular third molar and lingual cortical plate using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 140 patients with impacted mandibular third molars who underwent preoperative CBCT imaging. The CBCT images were used to evaluate the outcome variables such as lingual cortical plate thickness and topographical relationship between root apex of impacted mandibular third molar and lingual cortical plate. The predictor variables included age, gender, inclination of third molar, mesiodistal angle, buccolingual angle and lingual plate morphology. Results: The temporary lingual nerve paresthesia was reported by 1 patient (0.71%) out of 140 patients. The lingual bone in distoangular and vertical impacted third molar was found to be 1.20 times thicker than mesioangular and horizontal teeth. Lingual bone thinning at mid-root level was observed in maximum number of cases with mesioangular teeth (68.5%), whereas horizontal impacted teeth showed lingual bone thinning (90.9%) at root apex level. The mean buccolingual angle of impacted mandibular third molar was found to be significantly associated with lingual bone perforation (p value = 0.0258). The morphology of lingual plate was observed as undercut type (37.14%) followed by slanted (36.43%), parallel (19.29%) and round type (7.14%). Conclusion: Increase in buccolingual angle of impacted mandibular third molar decreases lingual bone thickness which is the natural barrier for protecting injury to lingual nerve. Also undercut and slanted lingual plate shapes were recognised as risk factors for contact/perforation between root apex and lingual plate. Therefore, proper screening and planning of high risk patients before third molar extraction is crucial.

Current updates in acute traumatic aortic injury: radiologic diagnosis and management

Acute traumatic aortic injuries, which have substantial lethal outcomes at the time of admission, are fatal in 80% to 90% of cases. These injuries are relatively rare and have nonspecific clinical presentations. Radiologists and emergency physicians need to identify the radiological signs of acute traumatic aortic injury and differentiate them from common imaging errors to ensure accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate management protocols. In combination with image-guided interventions, advances in cross-sectional imaging have enabled nonsurgical management of acute traumatic aortic injuries. Timely and precise diagnoses of these injuries following prompt treatment are essential as up to 90% of patients presenting at the hospital can undergo early repair.

Dielectric characterization of vegetable oils during a heating cycle.

The knowledge of the dielectric properties of oils is of great importance for several industrial applications, such as microwave-assisted oil frying for foods and high voltage electric power transmission. In this paper, we present the complex permittivity of vegetable oils (canola, olive, soybean, coconut) at 2.50 GHz using the cavity perturbation technique from 28 to 200 °C (temperature close to the smoking point of oils). The measurements were taken with a cylindrical cavity operating at the TE111 mode with an unloaded Q of 4950. In addition, free fatty acids, peroxide index and color were measured before and after heating.

Dielectric properties of Mexican sauces for microwave-assisted pasteurization process.

The dielectric properties and specifically the complex relative permittivity of foods are key elements for the design of pasteurization processes with high frequency electromagnetic waves. Mexican sauces are recognized worldwide for their flavor and nutritional properties. In this work, the complex permittivity of four of the most representative sauces of Mexican cuisine (chipotle chili, habanero chili, red and green sauce) is presented. The permittivity was measured with the open coaxial probe method at temperatures of 25, 40, 55, 70, 85 °C and in the frequency range of 500 MHz to 6 GHz. Additionally, moisture content, specific heat, viscosity, water activity, density and electrical conductivity are reported, these last three at 25 °C. Dielectric properties were affected by the sauce formulation. The loss factor of each sauce sample at any temperature presents significant changes in relation to the frequency. At 915 and 2,450 MHz, d ε ' ' d T > 0 , which would cause a thermal runaway effect or the uncontrolled rise in temperature in the sauces during the microwave pasteurization. At 5,800 MHz, d ε ' ' d T < 0 , which would give better control for microwave heating than at 915 and 2,450 MHz. At 915 MHz, the loss factor of all sauces is higher than at 2,450 and 5,800 MHz, therefore, more rapid heating can be produced. Moreover, at 915 MHz, microwaves exhibit higher penetration depth than at 2,450 and 5,800 MHz; therefore, at 915 MHz, the greatest uniform microwave dielectric heating would be achieved. Thus, 915 MHz is the frequency recommended for the studied sauces pasteurization. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work provides the dielectric properties of Mexican sauces at different temperatures and their penetration depths in the microwave range, which are key information for further microwave-assisted pasteurization process and for getting safer sauces for consumers. Moreover, this research supplies suggestions about what frequency for ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) applications is the best for microwave-assisted pasteurization according to the penetration depth of the electromagnetic wave in the sauces and microwave dielectric heating speed of the sauces.

Dielectric characterization of raw and packed soy milks from 0.5 to 20 GHz at temperatures from 20 to 70 ºC.

For microwave heating pasteurization processes, knowledge of the dielectric characteristics of foods are very important. In this paper, we present the dielectric properties of raw soy milk and commercial packed soy milk of four different flavors (light, natural, chocolate and pecan) from 500 MHz to 20 GHz, covering most of the assigned frequencies by the Federal Communications Commission for heating purposes. Experiments were performed using an open-ended-coaxial probe and a vector network analyzer. This characterization was carried out for temperatures ranging from 20 to 70 °C in steps of 10 °C. The dielectric constant of soy milks decreased with increasing frequency, while increasing temperature resulted in decreasing of the values. The dielectric loss factor presents a U shape behavior, where the loss started decreasing from 500 MHz to about 3 GHz and then, it increased again up to 20 GHz. In addition, higher temperatures decreased the dielectric loss. Applying the higher order Debye´s equation, two relaxation times were calculated for the soymilks, with good agreement with the measured properties. Deeper penetration of microwaves were obtained for raw soy milk at 915 MHz, making it suitable for microwave pasteurization.

Prognosis of teeth in the line of jaw fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The decision as to whether teeth in the line of jaw fractures should be extracted or retained remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to assess the prognosis of teeth directly in the line of, and adjacent to, jaw fracture sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 50 patients with facial fractures in the dentate region, the diagnosis of which was made on the basis of clinical and radiographic examinations. A total of 124 teeth were present in 69 fracture sites (50 patients), of which 89 teeth were evaluated both, clinically (tooth mobility, pocket depth, pulp sensibility) and with periapical radiographs (degree of fracture displacement, marginal bone loss, root resorption). RESULTS: The results revealed that 61.9% of teeth in directly in the line of fractures showed no response to electric pulp testing compared with 48.9% teeth adjacent to fractures. The maximum frequency of non-responsive teeth was observed in Type I fractures followed by Type II fractures. Response to pulp tests was highly significant at postoperative 3- and 6-month periods (Wilcoxon's test). There was continuous reduction in the measurement for mean pocket depth at both test and control sites of teeth. The measurement of marginal bone levels of teeth in the line of fractures revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) from preoperative to postoperative 7-day period only. In teeth adjacent to fracture sites, the mean marginal bone levels of control site and test sites were not significant at any time interval. There was no difference in postoperative complications pertaining to whether the tooth at the fracture site was extracted or retained. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth in line of jaw fractures should not be removed on a prophylactic basis and should be followed up clinically and radiographically to determine any treatment needs.

Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

BACKGROUND: Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student's pair t-test. RESULTS: The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases. CONCLUSION: From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase.

Immunogenicity and efficacy of recombinant 78 kDa antigen of Leishmania donovani formulated in various adjuvants against murine visceral leishmaniasis

Objective: To analyze the protective efficacy of recombinant 78 kDa antigen of Leishmania donovani in combination with two adjuvants, that is, cationic liposomes or MPL-A against visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Methods: The genomic DNA of promastigotes was isolated and 583 bp of T cell epitopes of gene encoding 78 kDa was amplified using specific primers. The amplified gene was cloned into pET28c, transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and got expressed after IPTG induction. The recombinant protein was then purified using Ni-NTA and named r78. Three groups of mice were immunized with 10 μg of r78 plus MPL-A, r78 encapsulated in positively charged liposomes and control animals immunized with PBS. Two booster doses were given with the respective vaccine at an interval of 2 weeks each. Mice were challenged with 1 × 107 Leishmania promastigotes and sacrificed on different post infection/challenge days. Results: Immunization with r78 along with MPL-A and liposome-encapsulated r78 brought a significant reduction in parasite load. In comparison to the infected controls, the parasite load declined by 96.2% in mice immunized with r78 plus MPL-A and 97.23% in animals immunized with liposome-encapsulated r78. The immunized animals also exhibited profound DTH response. The serum antibody responses increased from 15 to 90 days post infection/challenge. Immunized animals showed greater IgG2a levels and lesser IgG1 levels in comparison to the infected controls. The splenocytes from immunized mice were cultured, stimulated with r78 and analyzed for cytokine profile. The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were greater in immunized animals as compared to control mice. Conclusions: The study proves that r78 in combination with suitable adjuvants is a potential vaccine candidate and may be instrumental in control of visceral leishmaniasis.

Immunogenicity and efficacy of recombinant 78 kDa antigen of Leishmania donovani formulated in various adjuvants against murine visceral leishmaniasis

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the protective efficacy of recombinant 78 kDa antigen of Leishmania donovani in combination with two adjuvants, that is, cationic liposomes or MPL-A against visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice.@*METHODS@#The genomic DNA of promastigotes was isolated and 583 bp of T cell epitopes of gene encoding 78 kDa was amplified using specific primers. The amplified gene was cloned into pET28c, transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and got expressed after IPTG induction. The recombinant protein was then purified using Ni-NTA and named r78. Three groups of mice were immunized with 10 μg of r78 plus MPL-A, r78 encapsulated in positively charged liposomes and control animals immunized with PBS. Two booster doses were given with the respective vaccine at an interval of 2 weeks each. Mice were challenged with 1 × 10(7)Leishmania promastigotes and sacrificed on different post infection/challenge days.@*RESULTS@#Immunization with r78 along with MPL-A and liposome-encapsulated r78 brought a significant reduction in parasite load. In comparison to the infected controls, the parasite load declined by 96.2% in mice immunized with r78 plus MPL-A and 97.23% in animals immunized with liposome-encapsulated r78. The immunized animals also exhibited profound DTH response. The serum antibody responses increased from 15 to 90 days post infection/challenge. Immunized animals showed greater IgG2a levels and lesser IgG1 levels in comparison to the infected controls. The splenocytes from immunized mice were cultured, stimulated with r78 and analyzed for cytokine profile. The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were greater in immunized animals as compared to control mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The study proves that r78 in combination with suitable adjuvants is a potential vaccine candidate and may be instrumental in control of visceral leishmaniasis.

Delusion-prone individuals: stuck in their ways?

Although false memories and confabulation have been linked to both executive dysfunction and greater suggestibility, similar associations with the emergence of delusional thinking remain unexamined. We therefore compared healthy individuals who scored high and low on the Peters Delusional Inventory (PDI: Peters et al., 1999) on measures of set-shifting (the intra-extradimensional set shift task: IED) planning (the Stockings of Cambridge Task: SOC). Additionally, we examined whether high delusion-prone individuals show greater suggestibility on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2: Gudjonsson, 1987). On the IED task, the high group made more pre-extradimensional shift errors than the low PDI group, and this was especially notable for reversal learning. By contrast, no differences emerged on any aspect of the SOC. Finally, and intriguingly, the high PDI group was less likely than the low PDI group to change their responses after receiving suggestive negative feedback. We propose that delusional-style thinking may be underpinned by an orbitofrontal-based reversal learning difficulty affecting the flexibility to adapt responses to changing contingencies and external pressure.

Complications associated with rigid internal fixation of mandibular fractures.

A clinical evaluation is made in twenty patients with twenty seven mandibular fractures, managed with rigid internal compression plate and screw osteosynthesis. An analysis regarding complications of this method is made and discussed.