Assessment of anti-inflammatory effect of 830nm laser light using C-reactive protein levels.

The anti-inflammatory effect of non-surgical lasers has been proposed previously, however it was not scientifically proven. One method to assess levels of inflammation is the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is increased with the course of inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 830 nm laser irradiation after the removal of impacted third molars using the CRP as the marker of inflammation. Twelve patients were irradiated with 4.8 J of laser light per session 24 and 48 h after surgery. A control group (N = 12) was treated with a sham laser. Blood samples were taken prior to, and 48 and 72 h after surgery. CRP values were more symmetric and better distributed for the irradiated group (0.320 mg/dl) than for the control (0.862.mg/dl) 48 h after surgery, however there was no statistically significant difference. After 72 h, both groups had statistically similar CRP levels (0.272 and 0.608 mg/dl), because of the normal tendency of decreasing CRP levels.

Prevalence and ultrastructural morphology of axosomatic synapses on spiral ganglion cells in humans of different ages.

Axosomatic synapses were found on human spiral ganglion cells (HSGCs). Ultrastructural characterization and calculation of the prevalence of these synapses were performed by electron microscopic semi-serial sections of both type I and type II HSGCs, in specimens from subjects of ages 1 day, 14 days, 21 years and 51 years. Synapses on type I HSGCs were extremely rare. In contrast, axosomatic synapses were present on approximately 50% of type II HSGCs of a young adult. This prevalence seemed to vary by age. Thus, no synapses were found in a 1-day old neonate, few in a 14-day old, and on approximately 15% of the type II SGCs from a 51-year old specimen. The origin of the nerve fibers synapsing on the type II HSGCs could not be determined. In view of the fact that some of the fibers projected from the intraganglionic spiral bundle, which is known to contain olivocochlear efferents, these fibers may represent an efferent pathway to the spiral ganglion. However, since there was morphological evidence of more than one type of nerve fiber synapsing on type II HSGCs, other neural origins must be considered. Although the physiological function of these synapses is unknown, they may mediate pre-synaptic neural modulation of the type II HSGCs at the level of the spiral ganglion.

Persistent stapedial artery: CT findings.

CT of a patient with conductive hearing loss showed a small vascular structure leaving the carotid canal and passing through the stapes to join the facial nerve canal. The small bony channel paralleled the anterior tympanic segment of the facial nerve, continuing beyond the geniculate ganglion into the middle cranial fossa. Otoendoscopic photography documented the presence of a persistent stapedial artery.

Contrast sensitivity to angular frequency stimuli is higher than that for sinewave gratings in the respective middle range.

This study compares contrast thresholds for sinewave gratings, or spatial frequencies (1/CSF) with contrast thresholds for angular frequencies (1/aCSF) and for radial frequencies, or Jzero targets (1/rCSF). Observers had to differentiate between one of these frequency stimuli and a stimulus at mean luminance within a forced-choice procedure. All measurements were made with the same equipment, methods and subjects. Our results show higher sensitivity to, or lower thresholds for, angular frequencies when compared to either sinewave gratings or Jzero targets. Contrast values in arbitrary units, in the lower threshold range for angular frequencies, were about half those required to differentiate sinewave gratings from mean luminance in its most sensitive range.

Contrast sensitivity to angular frequency stimuli is higher than that for sinewave gratings in the respective middle range

This study compares contrast thresholds for sinewave gratings, or spatial frequencies (1/CSF) with contrast thresholds for angular frequencies (1/aCSF) and for radial frequencies, or J(0) targets (1/rCSF). Observers had to differentiate between one of these frequency stimuli and a stimulus at mean luminance within a forced-choice procedure. All measurements were made with the same equipment, methods and subjects. Our results show higher sensitivity to, or lower thresholds for, angular frequencies when compared to either sinewave gratings or J(0) targets. Contrast values in arbitrary units, in the lower threshold range for angular frequencies, were about half those required to differentiate sinewave gratings from mean luminance in its most sensitive range.

Using Novafil: would it make suturing easier?

The use of monofilament nonabsorbable suture materials is not common in Dentistry. Although it is known that multifilament suture materials induce greater cellular reaction, most Dentists prefer to use cotton and silk. Rigidity and package memory are disadvantages of monofilament nonabsorbable suture materials. A new material, Polybutester (Novafil), has been used successfully in Medicine but its use is not common in Dentistry. Seventy male and female Wistar rats were used to study the clinical response of skin and abdominal wall muscle to the use of Novafil and nylon sutures. Under general anesthesia, standard wounds were created in the dorsum and abdomen of the animals and sutured with either Novafil or nylon. The animals were sacrificed immediately, 12, 24, and 72 hours and at 4, 5 and 7 days to evaluate the clinical aspect of both wounds. Polybutester presented some advantages such as strength, lack of package memory, elasticity and flexibility which made suturing quicker and easier. Some subjects presented abdominal wound edema during the period and six animals developed infection of abdominal wounds within seven days. These initial findings show that Novafil is easy to handle and would be better tolerated in the mouth than nylon resulting in less discomfort for the patient. Novafil can be used safely on skin and mucosal wounds and, if necessary, it can be used in internal sutures because it irritates less than nylon.