Evaluating the Biological Properties of Chitosan and Gelatin-Based Scaffold in Saliva and Blood: An In Vitro Study.

Aim Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes have been used to encourage the regrowth of periodontal tissues, but traditional GTR membranes may not degrade at the right rate, which can lead to complications. Multifunctional scaffolds such as chitosan and gelatin-based scaffolds are designed to have controlled biodegradation, ensuring that they remain in place long enough to support tissue regeneration. These scaffolds are included with hemostatic properties that can help control bleeding, making the procedure safer for patients. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the biological properties such as biodegradability, adsorption, and surface characteristics of chitosan and gelatin-based scaffolds immersed in different body fluids using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Materials and methods The biodegradability of the chitosan and gelatin-based scaffold was seen along with the commercially available PerioCol®-GTR (Eucare Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Thirumudivakkam, Tamil Nadu, India), fish collagen. The scaffold was cut into equal sizes and immersed in different body fluids. Then the samples were incubated at 37 degrees for 48 hours and subjected to SEM analysis to assess the surface characteristics and the adsorption of the body fluids onto the surface of the scaffold.  Results The biodegradability was less than a 7% decrease in weight in the test group (chitosan and gelatin-based scaffold) and a 13% decrease in weight in the control group (PerioCol). The SEM analysis showed that the scaffold had smooth surface morphology and porous nature along with greater adsorption potential (175.8±0.05, 52.02±0.01, and 425.4±0.3 micrometers) in various body fluids.  Conclusion Chitosan and gelatin-based scaffolds have slower biodegradability when compared with the PerioCol. The scaffold shows good surface morphology and higher adsorption when immersed in various body fluids.

Effect of ascorbic acid on cellular respiration with mitochondrial reductase in gingival fibroblast.

Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid has diverse functions in the body, especially healing promotion in tissue injury via participating in the hydroxylation reactions required for collagen formation. Systemic administration of vitamin C plays an important role on gingival fibroblast proliferation and functions. Whether local or rinsing administration of vitamin C alters gingival fibroblast wound healing behavior remains unclear. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the effect of vitamin C on gingival fibroblast behavior utilizing cell culture. Primary human gingival fibroblasts isolated from gingival tissue were rinsed with medium containing various concentrations of vitamin C. Cell migration, cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. The viability assay showed >95% live cells, and no significant (P > 0.05) difference in these values was observed at different concentrations at 24 hrs. The levels of cell proliferation were not significantly different among the control and experimental groups in 24 hrs experimental time-points (p > 0.05). Vitamin C is nontoxic and can be used for further experiments to validate for clinical application. This was further confirmed with morphological examination after 24hrs incubation on control and experimental group drugs observed under the phase contrast microscope.

Sleep disorders and work-related stress with oral hygiene among Indian shift workers.

Construction workers are mostly migrants from isolated villages and are not vigilant about health care measures besides poor language skills. Majority of the population works in shifts across the globe. As a result of poor sleep architecture, excessive sleepiness or insomnia, the construction labourers working in shifts have approximately twice the risk of OSA when compared with those working in the daytime. Likewise, the performance and the productivity of employees in construction sites are impeded by added stress. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the sleep disorders, work-related stress and its impact on oral hygiene among the construction workers in Chennai. A cross sectional study was conducted among 518 workers in various construction sites at Chennai, South India. The study incorporated BerlinQuestionnaire to evaluate disordered breathing during sleep, the Work Ability Index that contains questions concerning work, working ability and health and the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (Greene and Vermillion, 1964) that was used for recording the oral hygiene status. Pearson correlation between education and OHI-S was statistically significant (r=-0.108). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mean WAI score had a positive significant association with work experience (B=0.059, SE=0.030, p=0.05), habits (B=0.032, SE=0.017, p=0.05) and marital status (B=0.135, SE=0.54, p=0.01). In contrast, education (B=-0.0.052, SE=0.023, p=0.02) and work schedule (B=0.022, SE=0.037, p=0.54) were inversely associated with the mean score. Based on the current findings, it is imperative to restore work ability for those with poor work ability thereby enhancing productivity in the migrant workers. As shift work may be extremely detrimental to poor sleep quality, the employers should arrange shift schedules in accordance with sleep physiology. Additionally, dental awareness and interventions are required to improve oral hygiene among migrant workers.

Toxicological effect of endocrine disrupting insecticide (deltamethrin) on enzymatical, haematological and histopathological changes in the freshwater iridescent shark, Pangasius hypothalamus.

This study investigated the deltamethrin (DMN) induced harmful effects on Pangasius hypophthalmus using enzymatic activity, haematological, and histopathological changes. LC50 value was 0.021 mg/L at 96 h, and sublethal toxicity was tested for 45 days at two `concentrations (i.e., 1/5th and 1/10th of LC50). Haematological parameters and enzymatic activities significantly changed between DMN-exposed and control groups (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both DMN doses induced liver hyperemia, hepatic cell rupture, necrosis, hypertrepheoid bile duct, shifting nuclei, vascular haemorrhage, and hepatocyte degeneration, while in gill, secondary lamellae destruction, a fusion of adjacent gill lamellae, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, adhesion, and fusion were noticed. Kidney developed melanomacrophages, increased periglomerular and peritubular space, vacuolation, decreased glomerulus, hyaline droplets in tubular cells, loss of tubular epithelium, distal convoluted segment hypertrophy, and granular layer in brain pyramid and Purkinje cell nucleus. But, limiting pesticide impacts on freshwater fish and their habitat requires a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach and toxicological studies.

Working hours impact on the sleep quality and oral health status among migrant construction workers in Chennai.

Background: Nowadays, a shift in our lifestyle which espouses long working hours and low sleep quality can have a direct impact on the general health and oral health status. Sleep deprivation results from intense long working hours. Aim: To recognize the impact of long working hours, on sleep and oral health assessments of migrant construction workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among migrant construction workers working in Chennai comprised of 1,521 participants. The sleep quality was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Scale-7 and the working hours was found using the Google forms and their oral health status was assessed using the Oral hygiene index- Simplified (OHIS-S) and the Decayed Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistical Software version 23.0. Statistical tests like the Chi-square association and one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) (normally distributed) were used for the analysis of three group comparisons. Results: From the study results, most of the participants were between 25 and 35 years, smokers, had negligence on oral health and had poor sleep quality due to their long working hours. On the association between the working hours per week and OHIS, DMFT and Insomnia Severity Scale total score, a statistically significant relationship was found using the one-way ANOVA. Conclusion: The results from our study brought neglected oral health care of the construction workers into the limelight which will help us in our future efforts to improve the oral health of the construction workers.

Intracerebral schwannoma of the angular gyrus: case report.

We report an intracerebral schwannoma originating in the angular gyrus of a 20-year-old female that was incidentally diagnosed after she presented with a post-traumatic seizure. After comprehensive investigations, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, she underwent a computed tomography-guided stereotactic resection of the lesion. Pathological examination confirmed features of a schwannoma. After six years of follow-up, she remains well, without any evidence of recurrence. Intracerebral schwannomas are extremely uncommon: fewer than 90 cases have been reported. We present a comprehensive summary of the literature and a discussion of novel theories on the pathogenesis of intracerebral schwannomas.

Comparison of interleukin-21 levels and its correlation with clinical parameters among healthy individuals, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has both anti- and pro-inflammatory roles associated with chronic inflammation. It causes tissue destruction by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and curbs the activity of certain immune cells that evoke an anti-inflammatory role. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare IL-21 levels in gingival crevicular fluid among patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP), aggressive periodontitis, and healthy gingiva (HG) and to correlate IL-21 levels with clinical parameters. METHODS: In this cross-sectional case-control study, 60 subjects were categorized into three groups: HG (n=20), generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP; n=20), and GCP (n=20). IL-21 was measured using ELISA and results were correlated with clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). RESULTS: Mean IL-21 levels were 20.0±0.7 in HG, 25.9±0.9 in GCP, and 25.3±1.1 in GAP groups. Significant differences in IL-21 levels were found between HG versus GAP (P<0.05) and HG versus GCP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference in IL-21 level was found between GCP versus GAP. IL-21 levels positively correlated with PPD (r=0.97) and CAL (r=0.93) in the GAP group and with PPD (r=0.92) and CAL (r=0.96) in the GCP group. CONCLUSION: Although periodontitis pathophysiology involves complex interplay between pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling, data on IL-21 revealed elevated levels in both GCP and GAP. Further longitudinal studies are required to characterize and determine the diagnostic value of IL-21 as a reliable biomarker in periodontal disease. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Although further longitudinal studies are necessary, IL-21 may serve as a potential inflammatory biomarker in screening for generalized chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

When infection mimics cauda equina syndrome: a cautionary tale.

A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with low back pain, perineal and genital numbness, together with bilateral lower limb paraesthesia and urinary retention. He was admitted under the orthopaedic service for investigation of suspected cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of his spine did not reveal any evidence of cauda equina compression. Magnetic resonance imaging of his brain demonstrated nonspecific multiple hyperintensities in the right frontotemporal and left temporo-occipital regions. Computed tomography of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not identify any evidence of malignancy. Cerebrospinal fluid from a lumbar puncture showed a high leucocyte count (predominantly lymphocytes). Viral cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction was positive for varicella zoster virus. A diagnosis of varicella zoster virus myeloradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) was established and the patient was treated with intravenous aciclovir. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to a devastating intracerebral haemorrhage during his inpatient stay, probably due to vasculopathy from the underlying varicella zoster virus infection. This case describes a rare infectious mimic of cauda equina syndrome. Elsberg syndrome is an infectious syndrome characterised by bilateral lumbosacral myeloradiculitis, with varicella zoster virus being a well-recognised aetiological agent. We discuss the relevant literature in detail and identify the key, cautionary lessons learned from this case.

Quantitative Prediction of Change in Chin Position in Le Fort I Impaction.

BACKGROUND: Vertical maxillary excess, a dentofacial deformity present in a large proportion of population impute an increased lower facial height due to increased maxillary height. This results in a clockwise rotation in the mandible, and the chin advances posteriorly and inferiorly. Le Fort I superior repositioning of the maxilla begets movement of pogonion point anteriorly and cranially. Cephalometric analysis helps to access change in position of chin following Le Fort I impaction. In our study, from this analysis a formula was defined to perceive the exact amount of this change in chin position along the vertical and sagittal plane as a result of autorotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study assessed 45 patients with vertical maxillary excess over a period of 2 years and 6 months (January 2016-May 2018) in Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The planned procedure was Le Fort I superior impaction for correction of vertical maxillary excess. Pre-operative cephalograph was taken initially. Post-operative cephalograph after 3 months was then compared with initial pre-operative cephalograph to assess the change in position of the pogonion and menton. RESULTS: Forty-five participants were studied. The multiple regression model was applied to predict the changes in the chin (dependent factor) according to the vertical change in the maxilla (predictive factor). For every 1 mm change in the maxilla vertically, the chin was estimated to move 0.59 vertically. For a standard deviation increase of 1 in the position of the maxilla, the chin moved superiorly by 0.744 of the standard deviation. For every 1 mm of vertical change in the maxilla, the chin could be expected to move 0.22 mm horizontally. For a standard deviation increase of 1 in the maxillary position, the chin advanced by 0.273 of the standard deviation. CONCLUSION: This study draws to a conclusive finding that the movement of maxilla in the superior direction has an effect on the repositioning of the chin in the anterior and cranial directions. This has led to a formulation that 1 mm of superior impaction of maxilla results in 0.6 mm of vertical and 0.2 mm of sagittal movement of chin. This might help to have a glance of future chin position and aid in deciding the need for mandibular surgery.

Perineural invasion in intramedullary spinal cord metastasis.

A woman in her late sixties was referred to the orthopaedic clinic with progressive lower limb weakness and gait disturbance. She was known to have breast cancer with pre-existing infiltrative disease in the left brachial plexus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis in the lower cervical cord at C6-C7. She underwent surgical excision but died within six weeks of surgery. This rare case of an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis highlights the extremely poor prognosis in this condition as well as the possibility of perineural invasion into the spinal cord from the brachial plexus lesion. A detailed discussion of the literature on intramedullary spinal cord metastases is also presented.

Implant wastage in orthopaedic trauma: a UK experience.

INTRODUCTION: Implant wastage is an under-reported issue in orthopaedics, yet it has been shown to have a significant cost burden on healthcare budgets. In a background of a perilous financial climate in the UK health service, our aim was to define the frequency and costs of implant wastage in orthopaedic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trauma theatre's implant logbook was retrospectively analysed between April 2017 and April 2018. Wasted implants were identified by the study authors independently. Patient demographics, implant details and costs were among the data collected. Product codes of wasted implants were used to identify implant costs through the manufacturer. RESULTS: Implant wastage occurred in 25.1% of trauma procedures during the study period. Most wasted implants (91%) were screws. The total cost of implant wastage was £8,377.25 during the 12-month period, accounting for 2% of the total implant budget. Wasted intramedullary nails accounted for almost 50% of the total cost. More than 51% of affected procedures involved a trainee as the primary operator. DISCUSSION: We report the first study of implant wastage in orthopaedics from the UK. Total implant wastage was higher than reported in most of the published literature, although it represented a small portion of the budget. Implant wastage is attributable to surgeons or operating theatre staff in most cases and is compounded by surgeons' limited understanding of implant costs. Initiatives to reduce implant wastage should include raising awareness of costs and departmental wastage to surgeons and operating theatre staff as well as employing preoperative planning techniques.

Comparative Evaluation of Bone Formation between PRF and Blood Clot Alone as the Sole Sinus-Filling Material in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with the Implant as a Tent Pole: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study.

The lack of bone volume in the posterior maxillary region can be augmented with sinus elevation. Since the elevated sinus is a closed cavity, a blood clot that fills the sinus space itself can aid in bone formation. The aim of this study was to compare bone formation in the elevated maxillary sinus between platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and blood clot alone as the sole sinus-filling material with the implant as a tent pole. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design involving seven patients. An implant was placed on one side only and blood was allowed to fill the elevated sinus cavity; on the other side, PRF plugs were inserted. The sinus window was covered by nonresorbable titanium-reinforced membrane. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, but the PRF group showed increased bone gain in the mesial, buccal, and palatal regions, and increased average height and bucco-palatal width at the height of the old and new sinus floor. A greater increase in distal bone height was seen in the control group. It was concluded that PRF may be more effective as a sole sinus-filling material in the elevated sinus cavity with an implant as a tent pole.

Neurosensory evaluation of inferior alveolar nerve after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy of mandible.

Mandibular skeletal deformities are mostly corrected by Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy. One of the main complications of Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy is impairement of sensory function of Inferior Alveolar Nerve. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of neurosensory disturbance by comparing the subjective and objective assessment of neurosensory responses after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy.To assess the progress of recovery from the first post operative day till six months. To explain the factors causing neurosensory disturbances. METHOD: A series of 24 patients with clinically and radiographically diagnosed mandibular skeletal deformity were treated with Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy. For evaluation of the neurosensory responses, the parameters consist of subjective and objective test in order to compare the subjective and objective assessment. RESULTS: On the first post operative day neurosensory disturbances were seen in all the patients. Recovery of sensation was seen in all the patients at the end of this study. CONCLUSION: The incidence of functional nerve disturbances is acceptable, since the progression towards recovery is inevitable. Prolonged neurosensory disturbance is greatly related to the degree of manipulation of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Comparison of Serum Levels of Endothelin-1 in Chronic Periodontitis Patients Before and After Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide with multi functional activity in various systemic diseases. Previous studies indicate the detection of ET-1 in gingival tissues and gingival crevicular fluid. AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the serum ET-1 levels in clinically healthy subjects and subjects with chronic periodontitis, before and after treatment, and correlate it with the clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients were included in the study. Group I comprised of 20 subjects with clinically healthy periodontium. Group II comprised of 24 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Group III comprised of same Group II subjects following periodontal management. Serum samples were collected from the subjects and an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was done to estimate the ET-1 levels. The ET-1 levels were then correlated among the three groups with the clinical parameters namely, Plaque Index (PI), Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and Periodontally Inflamed Surface Area (PISA). The independent t-test and paired t-test were used for comparison of clinical parameters and Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used for correlating the ET-1 levels. RESULTS: ET-1 levels in chronic periodontitis subjects were significantly higher compared to healthy subjects (p<0.001). However, the clinical parameters did not statistically correlate with the ET-1 levels. There was a significant decrease in ET-1 levels following treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum ET-1 is increased in chronic periodontitis and reduces after periodontal therapy. Further studies are required to establish ET-1 as a biomarker for periodontal disease.

Minimizing Relapse in Mandibular Asymmetry Correction by BSSRO with Intentional Osteotomy of Distal Segment: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical correction of the patients with mandibular asymmetry by bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) creats remarkable results in the immediate post operative period, but it carries a high risk of relapse by powerful muscle forces and the osteotomized segments. To minimize this risk, literatures highlight the procedure of an intentional osteotomy and stripping of muscles. A prospective study was conducted in Government Dental College, Kottayam, Kerala, to assess the effect of intentional osteotomy of posterior part of distal segment and stripping of medial pterygoid muscle on the proximal segment on affected side in mandibular asymmetry patients treated with BSSRO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients above 18 years with mandibular asymmetry underwent surgical correction by BSSRO setback and rotation. Clinical evaluation and postero anterior cephalogram (PA Ceph) were used to assess relapse. PA cephalogram taken post operatively at 2 weeks, 6 months and 1year were compared using cephalometric parameters by Grummons analysis to assess relapse. Paired t test and Chi-square test was used to analyse quantitative and qualitative parameters respectively with statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Barring Methodological errors which is inevitable, the amount of relapse was not statistically significant with respect to dental midline, chin midline and frontal photograph. CONCLUSION: Intentional osteotomy of posterior part of distal segment and stripping of medial pterygoid muscle on the affected side can prevent relapse in patients who underwent surgical correction of mandibular asymmetry by BSSRO set back and rotation.

Role of endothelin-1 in periodontal diseases: A structured review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide and is a potent vasoconstrictor produced by endothelial cells. It plays a role in the development of diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Previous studies have identified ET-1 in gingival tissues obtained from patients affected by chronic periodontitis or gingival overgrowth. Thus, there is a need to appraise the role of ET-1 in periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic search strategy included the databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, LILACS, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, MeSH, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, and EMBASE databases. Hand search of relevant journals was also carried out until September 2013. The included studies were both cross-sectional and longitudinal performed in vivo/in vitro, which measures the expression of ET-1 from various cells of the periodontium and in periodontal disease. Further, studies assessing the factors which influence ET-1 expression were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles were found relevant and fulfilled the inclusion criteria posed in this review. Ten studies discussed the concentration of ET-1 in periodontal disease, whereas eight studies investigated the cells expressing ET-1. Nine studies assessed the factors influencing ET-1 expression and two studies evaluated the influence of ET-1 on inflammatory mediators and other cytokines. The results suggested that ET-1 is elevated in periodontal diseases and is influenced by inflammatory cytokines and periodontal pathogens. CONCLUSION: ET-1 was found to have a role in periodontal disease, but further research will be required to substantiate its use as a biomarker.

The Effect of Periodontitis on Expression of Interleukin-21: A Systematic Review.

Purpose. Inflammation and tissue breakdown are led by an array of inflammatory destructive mediators associated with initiation and progression of inflammatory diseases like periodontitis. Current evidence shows that these inflammatory mediators have a definitive role in the pathogenesis of various systemic diseases with an inflammatory component. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has been associated with systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease that follow a chronic inflammatory cascade. Similarly recent studies have associated Interleukin-21 levels with periodontitis. This systematic review was aimed to assess the levels of IL-21 in subjects with periodontitis. Methods. A complete literature search was done in PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six relevant articles were procured. Full text was read individually by two reviewers and data extraction was done based on STROBE statement. Results. After data extraction five observational and one interventional study were obtained. All the studies showed an increased expression of IL-21 in periodontitis and the interventional study showed reduction in IL-21 levels after nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSP). Conclusion. Interleukin-21 levels are higher in periodontitis than controls. With this limited evidence further longitudinal studies are required to consider this as a definitive inflammatory marker.

A Comparative Study of 3-Dimensional Titanium Versus 2-Dimensional Titanium Miniplates for Open Reduction and Fixation of Mandibular Parasymphysis Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Three dimensional titanium plating system was developed by Farmand in 1995 to meet the requirements of semi rigid fixation with lesser complication. The purpose of this in vivo prospective study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of three dimensional and two dimensional Titanium miniplates for open reduction and fixation of mandibular parasymphysis fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with non-comminuted mandibular parasymphysis fractures were divided randomly into two equal groups and were treated with 2 mm 3D and 2D miniplate system respectively. All patients were systematically monitored at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th week, 3rd and 6th month postoperatively. The outcome parameters recorded were severity of pain, infection, mobility, occlusion derangement, paresthesia and implant failure. The data so collected was analyzed using independent t test and Chi square test (α = .05). RESULTS: The results showed that one patient in each group had post-operative infection, occlusion derangement and mobility (p > .05). In Group A, one patient had paresthesia while in Group B, two patients had paresthesia (p > .05). None of the patients in both the groups had implant failure. There was no statistically significant difference between 3D and 2D miniplate system in all the recorded parameters at all the follow-ups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: 3D miniplates were found to be better than 2D miniplates in terms of cost, ease of surgery and operative time. However, 3D miniplates were unfavorable for cases where fracture line was oblique and in close proximity to mental foramen, where they were difficult to adapt and more chances for tooth-root damage and inadvertent injury to the mental nerve due to traction.

Polyvinyl siloxane: novel material for external nasal splinting.

External nasal splinting is performed routinely after nasal bone fracture reductions, osteotomies, and rhinoplasties. Materials commonly used include plaster of Paris (POP), thermoplastic splints, self-adhesive padded aluminium splints, and Orthoplast, among many others. The disadvantages of these materials are described in this paper, and polyvinyl siloxane is recommended as an effective and more readily available alternative material to counter these pitfalls.

Mass Production of Carbon Nanofibers Using Microwave Technology.

Carbon nanotubes (CNFs) were produced by gas phase single stage microwave assisted chemical vapour deposition (MA-CVD) using ferrocene as a catalyst and acetylene (C2H2) and hydrogen (H2) as precursor gases. The effect of the process parameters such as microwave power, radiation time, and gas ratio of C2H2/H2 was investigated. The CNFs were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results reveal that the optimized conditions for CNF production were 1000 W reaction power, 35 min radiation time, and 0.8 gas ratio of C2H2/H2. TEM analyses revealed that the uniformly dispersed CNFs diameters ranging from 115-131 nm. The TGA analysis showed that the purity of CNF produced was 93%.