Contrast efficacy of novel phase convertible nanodroplets for safe CEUS imaging.

Microbubble contrast agents in ultrasound/echocardiography are used to increase the echogenicity of the target tissues, thereby raising the contrast resolution of the resultant image. Recently, the trend has shifted toward the development of phase-convertible nanodroplets as ultrasound contrast agents due to their promising theragnostic potential by switching capability at the active site. Herein, we fabricated pre-PGS- perfluoropentane phase convertible nanodroplets and checked their in vitro and in vivo enhancement and safety profile. For this, we performed experiments on 20 male Wistar rats and 2 dogs. Biochemical assays of both rats and dogs included complete blood profiles, liver function tests, and renal function tests. For rat vitals, monitoring and histopathological analysis were also performed. Converted nanodroplets showed excellent contrast enhancement, better than Sonovue upon in vitro testing, with an enhancement time of up to 14 min. In vivo, experiments showed comparable opacification of the ventricles of both rats and dogs. All biochemical assays remained within the normal range during the study period. The histopathological analysis did not show any signs of drug-induced toxicity, showing the safety of these nanodroplets. Pre-PGS-PFP nanodroplets hold great potential for use in echocardiography and abdominal imaging in both human and veterinary applications after clinical trials.

Disseminated tuberculosis masquerading as depression.

We report the case of a 23-year-old man without any significant premorbid conditions initially presenting to a psychiatrist with suspected depression but later referred to our hospital owing to the possibility of systemic disease and subsequently diagnosed as having disseminated tuberculosis.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Immediate Implant Placement- A Case Report.

Diagnostic imaging acts as a distinctive method in analyzing and drawing in the appropriate treatment protocol for any procedure. Pertaining to immediate implant placement, determining the bone width and height plays a vital role in the success of the implant therapy. This visualization of the measurements done preoperatively will enhance the treatment by reducing the overall time span of the procedure. Currently, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays a significant role in the preoperative determination of the measurements of the tooth and the bone. This case report is regarding, a 27-year-old male patient reporting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Madha Dental College and Hospital, with a chief complaint of fractured crown in relation to the upper left front tooth region. On clinical examination, there was the presence of an endodontically failed and fractured crown in relation to 22. With the interpretation of clinical and radiographic examination, the tooth was categorized under unfavorable prognosis. The patient was given a detailed description of the various treatment procedures available pertaining to that present condition, along with immediate implant placement procedure. Since the patient was young and conscious about his esthetics and accuracy, he opted for placement of immediate implant followed by extraction of the tooth. To accurately determine the length and width, the tooth and socket measurements were preoperatively measured by CBCT. This article evaluates the accuracy of CBCT by comparing the clinical quantity of bone and dimensions of tooth to be extracted and alveolar socket.

Difficulties encountered in preauricular approach over retromandibular approach in condylar fracture.

Fracture of mandible can be classified according to its anatomical location, in which condylar fracture is the most common one overall and is missed on clinical examination. Due to the unique geometry of the mandible and temporomandibular joint, without treatment the fractures can result in marked pain, dysfunction, and deformity. The condylar fracture may be further classified depending on the sides involved: unilateral/bilateral, depending on the height of fracture: intracapsular (within the head of condyle), extracapsular - head and neck (high condyle fracture), and subcondylar (low condyle fracture), and depending on displacement: nondisplaced, displaced (anteromedially, medially, and lateral), and dislocated. The clinical features include swelling and tenderness over the temporomandibular joint region, restricted mouth opening, and anterior open bite. A 34-year-old male patient reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Madha Dental College and Hospital; suffered fall trauma resulting in bilateral condyle fracture, dentoalveolar fracture in mandible with restricted mouth opening, and anterior open bite.

Odontogenic Keratocysts in Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome: A Case Report.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited condition comprising the principle triad of basal cell carcinomas, multiple jaw keratocysts, and skeletal anomalies. The presence of jaw cysts are the early diagnostic feature of this syndrome, and this can be incidentally identified by routine radiographs. A patient presented with signs and symptoms of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome to us in her early stages.

Broadband electro-optical modulator based on transparent conducting oxide.

We report a broadband electro-optical (EO) modulator based on tunable plasmonic metamaterial. Transparent conducting oxides provide an excellent active plasmonic material for optoelectronic applications. By utilizing our indium-tin-oxide- (ITO) based multilayer structure, light absorption of the active ITO layer can be electrically modulated over a large spectrum range. Based on the attenuated total reflectance configuration, bias polarity-dependent modulation up to 37% has been experimentally demonstrated. This EO modulator has advantages of simple design, easy fabrication, compact size, broadband performance, large modulation depth, as well as compatibility with existing silicon photonics platforms.

Efficacy of platelet rich plasma in sinus lift augmentation.

The present study aims to evaluate and analyze the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with hydroxyapatite crystals for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. A comparative study of 10 patients with a mean average age of 35 years with less than 5 mm of residual alveolar bone was conducted. Six patients underwent Lateral sinus lift procedure with allografts (platelet rich plasma and hydroxyappatite crystals) and four patients underwent the same procedure but with autografts (symphyseal). Follow-up for a period of 3 years was done. The patients were assessed for postoperative pain, sinusitis, oro-antral communication, epistaxis, graft rejection, infection and potential loss of bone and teeth. During the 3 years period of follow-up there were no complications recorded. A mean post-operative augmented height of 15 mm was achieved in all the patients. Maxillary sinus lift procedure using a mixture of hydroxyapatite crystals and platelet rich plasma was found to be very effective in increasing the height of residual alveolar bone when compared to the use of autografts alone.