Biomechanical analysis of the rigid fixation of zygoma fractures: an experimental study.

In this experimental study, the goal was to test the sufficiency of actual fixation plates in zygomatic complex fractures and the efficiency of a modified plate at the zygomaticofrontal suture in a suitable model, which was designed for biomechanical study. To address this issue, a zygomatic fracture model produced by using a cadaveric cranium was simulated and the fractures were fixed by the actual and modified fixation materials. The force simulating masseter muscle pull was applied with the Lloyd material testing apparatus, and the rotation of the zygoma was determined using displacement transducers. In this study, there were three different experimental groups. Although miniplates at the zygomaticomaxillary buttress and microplates at the infraorbital rim were used in all three groups, three different plates (miniplate, microplate, and modified plate) were used at the frontozygomatic suture in these groups. Rotational displacement of the zygoma with the effects of simulated masseter muscle force was determined. According to the results obtained, microplates are not effective in stabilizing the frontozygomatic suture when the masseter muscle forces are within physiological range. Although miniplates stabilize zygomatic complex fractures, it was shown that modified microplates, which have no ondulation along the plate border, have a higher resistance to rotation than that of the conventional plates. The rotation angle at the instant of fracture with microplates was 4.59 degrees, and that with miniplates was 1.26 degrees. The maximum rotation angle with modified microplates was 0.32 degrees. Modified microplates designed for the fixation of fractures in the zygomatico-orbital region have been shown to be suitable in a well-designed experimental model and might be appropriate for clinical use.

Drying temperature and relative humidity effects on wheat gluten film properties.

The mechanical and physical properties of glycerol-plasticized wheat gluten films dried at different temperatures (20, 50, and 80 degrees C) and relative humidities (35 and 70% RH) were investigated. Dispersion of wheat gluten was prepared at pH 11 in aqueous solution. Films were obtained by casting the wheat gluten suspension, followed by solvent evaporation in a temperature and relative humidity controlled chamber. Decreasing relative humidity altered most of the mechanical properties. At 35% RH, tensile strength increased when drying temperature increased. However, at 70% RH, tensile strength decreased when temperature increased. Thickness of the films decreased by increasing temperature. Hypothetical coating strength increased with increasing drying temperature at 35% RH. However, at 70% RH, a maximum value was observed at 50 degrees C. Films produced at 80 degrees C exhibited low solubility in aqueous solution. Addition of 1.5% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate increased solubility of all of the films except the film dried at 50 degrees C and 70% RH. Overall, drying temperature and relative humidity affected mechanical and physical properties of the wheat gluten films. However, the effect of drying temperature was more pronounced than the effect of relative humidity.

Use of xylan, an agricultural by-product, in wheat gluten based biodegradable films: mechanical, solubility and water vapor transfer rate properties.

The possibility of using xylan, as an agricultural by-product, for production of composite films in combinations with wheat gluten was investigated. Different levels of xylan (0-40% w/w) were incorporated into wheat gluten to form biodegradable composite films. Films were prepared at pH 4 and 11, and dried at either uncontrolled or controlled conditions. The mechanical properties, solubilities and water vapour transfer rate (WVTR) of the composite films were studied. Films were obtained with added xylan without decreasing film-forming quality. Xylan can be used as an additive, as much as 40% (w/w), in wheat gluten films. Changing pH, wheat gluten/xylan ratio, xylan type and drying conditions affected mechanical and solubility properties, however, WVTR was not affected by xylan additions. Wheat gluten/xylan composite films having different characteristics can be produced depending on xylan type, composition and process conditions.