Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of greigite nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal technique.

The effects of 180, 210, and 230°C reaction temperatures on the structural and magnetic properties of synthesized iron sulfide nanoparticles were studied. The Rietveld refinement analysis result of the X-ray diffraction data indicated that greigite was the dominant phase in all samples. The sample was prepared at 210°C for 18 h and had a greater wt% ratio of the greigite phase. The crystallite and particle sizes increased with increasing reaction temperatures. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the presence of aggregation of synthesized rod-shaped nanoparticles. The magnetic hysteresis curves of all samples showed ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The magnetic saturation of three samples increases with increased reaction temperature, but the coercive force has the opposite behavior. Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the sample synthesized at 210°C were investigated. This sample killed cancer cells at relatively moderate and high concentrations with high viability of normal cells, demonstrating the sample's suitability for use in killing cancer cells while avoiding normal cells.

Human bite injuries to the head and neck: current trends and management protocols in England and Wales.

INTRODUCTION: Human bite injuries can be challenging in their presentation to the examining physician. In a study by Merchant et al., 18% of patients presenting with a human bite injury had suffered wounds to the head and neck region. Current trends in their initial management at presentation to emergency departments throughout England and Wales will be discussed in this paper. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A postal survey was sent out to 100 A&E lead clinicians. This was followed up by telephone enquiries to improve the response rate. The collated results of the survey were entered onto a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel©) for the purpose of statistical review. RESULTS: A 68% response rate from A&E departments throughout England and Wales demonstrated a lack of consensus in the initial management and subsequent treatment of human bite injuries. Written protocols are in place for human bite injuries in 54.4% of units. In 100% of units, initial management involves irrigation +/- debridement of the wound, though there is a lack of agreement on the surgical management of the wound. 77.9% of units follow 'needle stick protocols' when stratifying risk for blood-borne viruses. CONCLUSION: Human bites pose a number of unique problems, ranging from cellulitis to the transmission of communicable diseases. The maxillofacial surgeon has the added dilemmas surrounding subsequent repair and reconstruction. Appreciation of the complexity of human bite injuries will ensure optimal care for the patient. We propose a set of guidelines developed 'in-house' to assist in the management of human bite injuries.

The use of detachable flanges on customized titanium orbital implants: a technical note.

The combined use of three-dimensional reformatted images, stereolithographic models, and rapid prototyping allows the construction of an accurate, individually made titanium implant for the reconstruction of orbital floor defects. Despite the perfect fit of the custom-made plate to the model, there might be several locations on the bone where the plate may reside intraoperatively. Most titanium orbital plates therefore contain extensions over the inferior orbital rim to help locate and stabilize the plate in its position on the bone. Such over-the-rim extensions may be palpable and can cause discomfort postoperatively. We describe the use of two small detachable flanges that help to accurately locate the orbital plate in place and allow its fixation. The locating flanges are then detached and discarded, leaving a smooth implant surface within the confines of the bony orbit.

Unusual presentation of human giant orf (ecthyma contagiosum).

Giant orf is a zoonotic infection that is endemic in sheep and goats. It may be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects and is typically found on the hands. We report the case of a sheep farmer with facial orf that proliferated dramatically with the formation of satellite lesions after curettage.