Optimization of extreme ultra-violet light emitted from the CO2 laser-irradiated tin plasmas using 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations.

We studied Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) emission characteristics of the 13.5 nm wavelength from CO2 laser-irradiated pre-formed tin plasmas using 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations. Our results indicate that when a CO2 laser irradiates pre-formed tin plasma, the heated plasma expands towards the surrounding plasma, steepening the density at the ablation front and lowering the density near the laser axis due to the transverse motion of the plasma. Consequently, the laser absorption fraction decreases, and the contribution to EUV output from the ablation front becomes dominant over that from the low-density plasmas. We estimated that an EUV conversion efficiency of 10% from laser to EUV emission could be achieved with a larger laser spot size, shortened laser pulse width, and longer pre-formed plasma density scale length. Our results offer one optimizing solution to achieve an efficient and powerful EUV light source for the next-generation semiconductors.

Clinico-Pathological Characteristics, Management, and Outcome of Benign Intraosseous Maxillary Tumors in Adolescents: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Benign intraosseous maxillary tumors, although uncommon among the adolescents, represent a major challenge to the maxillofacial surgeons. Treatment ranges from conservative surgery to radical resection and reconstruction. Maxillary defect reconstruction in adolescents is uncommon. it can be achieved by prosthetic obturators, local and regional flaps, and free-tissue transfer. AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate the clinical and pathological patterns, treatment, and outcome of benign intraosseous maxillary tumors in adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 10-years prospective study included patients between 12-18 years who presented with benign intraosseous maxillary tumors and surgically treated (conservative surgery or radical resection) with immediate reconstruction. Cases were followed up to assess functional and aesthetic outcomes and detect complications. RESULTS: Study included 38 patients; 63.2% had non-odontogenic tumors and 36.8% had odontogenic tumors. The most common non-odontogenic tumor was central giant cell granuloma (31.6%). The most common odontogenic tumors were adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma (10.5% each). Treatment included Conservative surgery (55.3%) and radical resection (44.7%). Reconstruction was performed in 17 cases by temporalis muscle flap (9.83%), obturator (2.46%), and free fibula flap (1.64%). All cases gained accepted functional and esthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Non-odontogenic tumors were more common than odontogenic tumors. Central giant cell granulomas and ossifying fibromas were the most common non-odontogenic tumors. Ade-nomatoid odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma were the most common odontogenic tumors. Maxillary reconstructions with tem-poralis muscle flap and obturator were simple and satisfactory. Microsurgical reconstruction had high success rates. Aesthetic, and functional results were satisfactory when appropriate reconstruction was performed.

A Multicentric Prospective Study on Maxillofacial Trauma Due to Road Traffic Accidents: The World Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Project.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to analyze the epidemiology, patterns, and management of maxillofacial fractures due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) worldwide.Between Monday September 30, 2019 and Sunday October 4, 2020,1066 patients with RTAs related fractures were admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgery departments. The following data were analyzed: age, gender, mechanism of injury, alcohol or drug abuse at the time of trauma, maxillofacial fracture site, facial injury severity scale (FISS) score, associated injuries, day and month of trauma, time of treatment, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. Data were analyzed using bivaried and multivaried statistical analysis.Eight hundred seventy patients were male, and 196 were female. The most common mechanism of injury was motorcycle accidents (48%). More than half of the patients had fractures of the middle third of the maxillofacial skeleton. In total, 59% of the study sample underwent open reduction internal fixation. The median facial injury severity scale (3 points) and the medial hospital stay (3 days) were significantly lower in patients with seatbelts and helmet (P  < 0.001).This first prospective, multicenter epidemiological study shows that motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of RTAs related fractures, mostly in young males. Particularly in Australia and Europe, the incidence of RTAs was significantly lower. Moreover, this study found that the severity of maxillofacial lesions was significantly higher in patients without safety devices, with consequent longer hospital stay demonstrating the efficacy of road safety policies in preventing maxillofacial injury.

Characteristics and age-related injury patterns of maxillofacial fractures in children and adolescents: A multicentric and prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paediatric maxillofacial trauma accounts for 15% of all maxillofacial trauma but remains a leading cause of mortality. The aim of this prospective, multicentric epidemiological study was to analyse the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in paediatric patients managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery departments on five continents over a 1-year period. METHODS: The following data were collected: age (preschool [0-6 years], school age [7-12 years], and adolescent [13-18 years]), cause and mechanism of the maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injuries, day of the maxillofacial trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 322 patients (male:female ratio, 2.3:1) aged 0-18 years (median age, 15 years) were hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma. The most frequent causes of the trauma were road traffic accidents (36%; median age, 15 years), followed by falls (24%; median age, 8 years) and sports (21%; median age, 14 years). Alcohol and/or drug abuse was significantly associated with males (p < .001) and older age (p < .001). Overall, 474 fractures were observed (1.47 per capita). The most affected site was the mandibular condyle in children <13 years old and the nose in adolescents. The proportion of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation increased with age (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The main cause of paediatric maxillofacial fractures was road traffic accidents, with the highest rates seen in African and Asian centres, and the frequency of such fractures increased with age. Falls showed an inverse association with age and were the leading cause of trauma in children 0-6 years of age. The choice of treatment varies with age, reflecting anatomical and etiological changes towards patterns more similar to those seen in adulthood.

A multicentric prospective analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The growth of the global elderly population will lead to an increase in traumatic injuries in this group, including those affecting the maxillofacial area, with a heavier load on health systems. The aim of this multicentric prospective study was to understand and evaluate the incidences, causes and patterns of oral and maxillofacial injuries in patients aged over 60 years admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgical departments around the world. METHODS: The following data were collected: gender, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric and association tests, as well as linear regression. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 348 out of 2387 patients (14.6%), 197 men and 151 women (ratio 1.3:1; mean age 72.7 years), were hospitalized. The main causes of the maxillofacial fractures were falls (66.4%), followed by road traffic accidents (21.5%) and assaults (5.2%). Of the 472 maxillofacial fractures, 69.7% were in the middle third of the face, 28% in the lower third and 2.3% in the upper third. Patients with middle third fractures were on average 4.2 years older than patients with lower third fractures (95% CI 1.2-7.2). Statistical analysis showed that women were more involved in fall-related trauma compared with males (p < .001). It was also shown that road traffic accidents cause more fractures in the lower third (p < .001) and in the middle third-lower third complex compared with upper third (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillofacial fractures in the elderly were more frequent in European and Australian centres and affected men slightly more than women. Falls were the leading cause of fractures, especially among women. The middle third of the face was most often affected, and conservative treatment was the most common choice for the management of such patients.

A multicentric, prospective study on oral and maxillofacial trauma in the female population around the world.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Approximately 20% of patients with maxillofacial trauma are women, but few articles have analysed this. The aim of this multicentric, prospective, epidemiological study was to analyse the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in the female population managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery departments on five continents over a 1-year period. METHODS: The following data were collected: age (0-18, 19-64, or ≥65 years), cause and mechanism of the maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 562 of 2387 patients hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma were females (24%; M: F ratio, 3.2:1) aged between 1 and 96 years (median age, 37 years). Most fractures occurred in patients aged 20-39 years. The main causes were falls (43% [median age, 60.5 years]), which were more common in Australian, European and American units (p < .001). They were followed by road traffic accidents (35% [median age, 29.5 years]). Assaults (15% [median age, 31.5 years]) were statistically associated with alcohol and/or drug abuse (p < .001). Of all patients, 39% underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 36% did not receive surgical treatment, and 25% underwent closed reduction. CONCLUSION: Falls were the main cause of maxillofacial injury in the female population in countries with ageing populations, while road traffic accidents were the main cause in African and some Asian centres, especially in patients ≤65 years. Assaults remain a significant cause of trauma, primarily in patients aged 19-64 years, and they are related to alcohol use.

Mechanics of guided growth of the distal femur for correction of fixed knee flexion deformities: an extra-articular technique.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using intra-articular plates for correction of pediatric fixed knee flexion deformities (FKFD) has two documented complications: postoperative knee pain and implant loosening. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of a novel extra-articular technique for anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis in patients with FKFD and to compare them to the conventional technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen femoral sawbones were osteotomized at the level of the distal femoral physis and fixed by rail frames to allow linear distraction simulating longitudinal growth. Each sawbone was tested twice: first using the conventional technique with eight plates placed anteriorly just medial and lateral to the femoral sulcus (group A) and then with plates inserted in the proposed novel location at the most anterior part of the medial and lateral surfaces of the femoral condyles with screws in the coronal plane (group B). Gradual linear distraction was performed, and the resulting angular correction was measured. Strain gauges were attached to the plates, and the amount of strain (and equivalent stress) over the plates in response to linear distraction was recorded. The two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The amount of angular correction was statistically higher in group B (extra-articular plates) at 5, 10-, and 15-mm of distraction (p < 0.001). As regards stress over the plates, the maximum stress and the area under the curve (sum of all stresses measured throughout the distraction process) were significantly higher when the plates were inserted at the conventional position (group A) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis, the fixation of the eight plates in the coronal plane at the anterior part of the femoral condyles may produce a greater amount of correction and a lower degree of stress over the implants as compared to the conventional technique.

Assessment of the Outcome of Calvarial Vault Remodeling and Spring-Mediated Cranioplasty in the Correction of Isolated Sagittal Suture Synostosis.

BACKGROUND: Sagittal synostosis is the commonest form of nonsyndromic isolated craniosynostosis. Calvarial vault remodeling (CVR) and spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) are the commonly used correction techniques. AIM OF THE WORK: To study and compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of CVR and SMC in the correction of isolated sagittal suture synostosis. METHODS: A prospective cohort with the patients were divided into group; I (SMC) and II (CVR), each 15 patients. They were observed to evaluate the outcome and detect complications. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 59.2 minutes in SMC and 184 minutes in CVR. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 26 mL in SMC and 64.7 mL in CVR. Intraoperative complications in SMC were dural tear in 1 patient and superior sagittal sinus injury in another patient, while in CVR 2 patients with dural tears and a 3rd with superior sagittal sinus injury. Postoperative complications in SMC were exposed spring, gaped wound, and parietal eminence elevation, while in CVR 2 patients needed blood transfusion. The mean hospital stays was 1.4 days in SMC and 4.1 days in CVR. In SMC, the relative increase in cephalic index varied between 5.5% and 8.2%, while for CVR, it varied between 5.1% and 7.9%. CONCLUSION: The SMC and CVR are safe procedures, with good long-term results and significant objective changes toward normalization of the skull morphology in isolated sagittal craniosynostosis. The SMC is less invasive and associated with reduced hospital stays, decreased blood loss, and can be performed at a younger age than CVR with a lower morbidity.

Trends and Outcomes of Management of Mandibular Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: the diversity of the causes of trauma produces different patterns of fractures depending on sociodemographics, lifestyle, industry, and outdoor activities. Mandibular fractures (MFs) are the commonest facial fractures. Reconstruction aims to restore the preinjury anatomy and function as much as possible. AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate the demographics, etiologies, patterns, treatment modalities and outcomes of management of MFs in southern Egypt. PATIENTS AND METHODS: records of 1371 patients with MFs were reviewed to study the incidence, causes, patterns, treatment modalities and outcomes of surgical management. RESULTS: the study included 1152 (84.03%) males and 219 (15.97%) females. The second and third decades were the most vulnerable groups. Isolated MFs appeared in 75.49% of patients while in the others either zygoma and/or maxilla were affected. The commonest causes were road traffic accidents (66.89%) and fall from height (15.1%). The body was the commonest involved region (30.98%), followed by parasymphyseal region (24.33%). In 66.16% of patients, the treatment was open reduction and internal fixation while in 22.17%, closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation were used. 20.24% of the cases had 1 or more postoperative complications, mainly temporomandibular joint dysfunction in 64 cases, malocclusion in 58 cases, and paresthesia in 42 cases. CONCLUSION: the MFs are common in the youth. The road traffic accidents are the most common etiology. This can be reduced by simple measures like compulsory seat belts and wearing the helmet. Open reduction and internal fixation is the commonest treatment modality.

Controversy on the Age of Hypertelorism Correction.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital hypertelorism (HTO) is a challenging craniofacial problem seen in association with some congenital deformities. The age of HTO correction is a matter of debate. THE AIM OF THE WORK: to evaluate the outcome of HTO correction and determine the optimal timing for intervention, striving for the earliest possible intervention with the lowest relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A standard craniofacial approach with medial bone resection, 4 walls orbital box osteotomy and orbital medialization were done for all patients. Skeletal and soft tissue procedures were done as indicated. RESULTS: there were 10 patients aging 6 to 19 years. Seven were associated with craniofacial clefts, and 3 with craniosynostosis syndromes. HTO was severe in 8 cases and moderate in 2 cases. It was asymmetric in 2 cases. Frontoorbital remodeling was done in 3 cases with craniosynostosis. Failed surgery was reported in 2 cases. A redo surgery was done for one of them with an excellent outcome, while refused by the other. Nine patients had an excellent outcome. The mean level of satisfaction was 93.37%. Three patients had ugly facial scars. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The time for surgical treatment of HTO is determined by the severity of the associated deformity. If there is an urgent factor indicating intervention, early correction can be performed exceptionally; otherwise, HTO correction should be performed after the age of 6 years.

Can Submandibular Tracheal Intubation Be an Alternative to Tracheotomy During Surgery for Major Maxillofacial Fractures?

PURPOSE: During surgery for major maxillofacial fractures, orotracheal intubation can interfere with some surgical procedures and nasal intubation can be contraindicated or impossible. That is why tracheotomy is presented as a solution, although it carries a relatively high incidence of complications. In this study, the use of submandibular tracheal intubation is basically evaluated as an alternative to tracheotomy in such circumstances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed in patients undergoing surgery for major maxillofacial fractures in which oral intubation and/or nasal intubation have been unsuitable, impossible, or contraindicated. The technique of submandibular intubation was assessed intraoperatively and in the postoperative period. The outcomes and complications are presented. RESULTS: The study included 26 patients aged between 14 and 57 years. All patients had mandibular fractures, with 19 midface fractures (73.1%), 11 nasal bone fractures (42.3%), 10 zygomatic bone fractures (38.5%), 9 naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures (34.6%), and 9 frontobasilar fractures (34.6%). The procedure time ranged from 5 to 12 minutes (mean, 7 minutes 4.6 seconds). Delayed extubation was performed in 15 cases (57.7%) in which the tube was left in place for a period ranging from 8 to 50 hours (mean, 30 hours 24 minutes). The technique has proved to be straightforward and satisfactory. A postoperative superficial infection occurred in 2 patients, whereas hypertrophic scars occurred in another 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Submandibular endotracheal intubation is straightforward, safe, and quick to carry out. It can be an alternative to tracheotomy as it allows operative techniques and postoperative airway protection without the risks and side effects of tracheotomy.

Continuous Validity of Temporalis Muscle Flap in Reconstruction of Postablative Palatomaxillary Defects.

INTRODUCTION: Postablative palatomaxillary defects (PAPMDs) represent a challenging reconstructive problem. Temporalis muscle flap (TMF) has been widely used for reconstruction of these defects with minimal morbidity and satisfactory outcome. AIM OF THE STUDY: To presents the authors' experience in the reconstruction of PAPMDs with TMF and to evaluate the validity of TMF in the reconstruction of such defects. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between July 2011 and July 2016 on selected patients for primary reconstruction of PAPMDs with TMF. Temporalis muscle flaps were assessed during surgery and postoperatively. Patients were followed up to evaluate functional and esthetic outcomes and detect complications. RESULTS: This study included 32 patients with mean age 48.3 years. The pathology was squamous cell carcinoma in 15 patients (46.9%). Twenty-one patients (65.6%) had type II maxillectomy. Mean time of flap harvesting was 43 minutes. Zygomatic arch osteotomy was done in 3 patients while Coronoid osteotomy in 4 patients. Postoperatively, flaps were viable in 31 patients (96.9%) with good healing of recipient site. Flap epithelization completed within 28 to 59 days. Follow-up period was 13 to 55 months. Satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes were reported in most of patients with no recurrence. Transient temporal nerve palsy occurred in 2 patients, limited mouth opening in 5 patients. One patient had Transient diplopia with enopthalmos and hypophthalmos. Flap failure occurred in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: Temporalis muscle flap is still a valid reliable and versatile reconstructive tool in palatomaxillary reconstruction after ablative surgery. It has a good cosmetic and functional outcomes and minimal morbidity.

Single-Stage Combined Craniofacial Repair for Frontoethmoidal Meningoencephalocele.

INTRODUCTION: Frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele (FMEC) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by herniation of brain tissue and meninges through a defect in the cranium and associated with facial dysmorphism. Treatment modalities include extra cranial, transcranial, or combined craniofacial approaches. The combined approach is considered the best treatment choice. METHODS: Twelve patients with FMEC aging from 6 months to 4 years were treated by single-stage combined craniofacial approach between July 2011 and July 2015. They were followed up for evaluation of outcome and detection of complications. RESULTS: Seven patients (58.3%) were males and 5 patients (41.7%) were females. Eight patients (66.7%) were less than 2 years while 4 patients (33.3%) were between 2 and 4 years. The main presentations were external mass, telecanthus and hypertelorbitism, radiologically, frontobasal bone defect and herniated dural sac with brain tissue were detected in all patients. Excision of the mass with dural repair, craniofacial reconstruction, and medial canthopexy were done for all patients. Orbital translocation was done for 8 patients (75%), nasal reconstruction for 7 patients (58.3%), while dacryocystorhinostomy in 3 patients (25%). Venticuloperitoneal shunt was done before correction of FMEC in one patient (8.3%). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 48 months with mean 29.2 months. The esthetic results were satisfactory in 9 patients (75%). Ugly facial scars were recorded in 3 patients (25%). CONCLUSION: Early surgical management for FMEC is advisable to avoid deleterious effects on facial growth. Meticulous perioperative care is important for successful surgery. The authors recommend combined craniofacial approach to achieve good outcome and decrease the incidence of complications.

Orbitocranial Fibrous Dysplasia: Outcome of Radical Resection and Immediate Reconstruction With Titanium Mesh and Pericranial Flap.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a non-neoplastic developmental fibro-osseous disease. It represents 2.5% of all bone tumors and 5% to 7% of the benign bone tumors. Orbitocranial region is involved in about 20% of the patients. The main presentations are craniofacial deformity and headache. Loss of vision is the most devastating result of this disease. There is no medical treatment to cure or prevent FD. Radiation therapy is contraindicated. Surgery for the orbitocranial FD is often challenging because of the proximity of neurovascular and ocular structures. Conservative surgical shaving and recontouring is always associated with suboptimal results. Radical excision is potentially curative with no extra morbidity. Orbital hypertelorism, dystopia, or proptosis can be corrected only by radical excision and reconstruction. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of radical excision of the orbitocranial FD and immediate reconstruction using titanium mesh and pericranial flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study had been conducted on 22 patients with orbitocranial FD with age range from 17 to 52 years (mean 29.5). Radical excision of the lesions was done for all patients through transcranial approach. Immediate reconstruction was achieved using titanium mesh and pericranial flap. RESULTS: Intraoperative dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leak were reported in 2 patients and repaired with galeal graft. Supraorbital anesthesia occurred in 6 patients. Of these, 2 patients were transient, while the remaining 4 patients were permanent. Wound infection was noticed in 1 patient who improved by medical treatment. Temporary postoperative diplopia occurred in 1 patient and temporary postoperative impaired vision in 1 other patient. In all patients, acceptable or good aesthetic results were observed. No recurrence was detected in our series during the follow-up period that ranged from 24 to 58 months (mean 37.5 months). CONCLUSION: Radical excision of orbitocranial FD is potentially curative with no extra morbidity. It can achieve good aesthetic and functional results with no recurrence.

The influence of laser pulse duration and energy on ICP-MS signal intensity, elemental fractionation, and particle size distribution in NIR fs-LA-ICP-MS.

Laser parameters, typically wavelength, pulse width, irradiance, repetition rate, and pulse energy, are critical parameters which influence the laser ablation process and thereby influence the LA-ICP-MS signal. In recent times, femtosecond laser ablation has gained popularity owing to the reduction in fractionation related issues and improved analytical performance which can provide matrix-independent sampling. The advantage offered by fs-LA is due to shorter pulse duration of the laser as compared to the phonon relaxation time and heat diffusion time. Hence the thermal effects are minimized in fs-LA. Recently, fs-LA-ICP-MS demonstrated improved analytical performance as compared to ns-LA-ICP-MS, but detailed mechanisms and processes are still not clearly understood. Improvement of fs-LA-ICP-MS over ns-LA-ICP-MS elucidates the importance of laser pulse duration and related effects on the ablation process. In this study, we have investigated the influence of laser pulse width (40 fs to 0.3 ns) and energy on LA-ICP-MS signal intensity and repeatability using a brass sample. Experiments were performed in single spot ablation mode as well as rastering ablation mode to monitor the Cu/Zn ratio. The recorded ICP-MS signal was correlated with total particle counts generated during laser ablation as well as particle size distribution. Our results show the importance of pulse width effects in the fs regime that becomes more pronounced when moving from femtosecond to picosecond and nanosecond regimes.

Bibliometric network analysis of thirty years of islamic banking and finance scholarly research.

This study utilizes bibliometric analyses to map and visualize the development, conceptual structure, and thematic evolution of the Islamic Banking and Finance (IB&F) scholarly research. It analyses 464 WoS IB&F research publications of 921 authors comprising 58 countries published over three decades from 1990 to 2019. The results reveal that (i) collaboration among countries is limited and institutional collaboration can be described as a "locally concentrated and globally isolated," (ii) the IB&F research is a type of "small-world-network" where few authors and journals dominate the networks and play a central role in the diffusion of knowledge and the "homophily impact" is present among the leading authors of the IB&F research, (iii) the networks in IB&F research reflects the "Matthew Effect," implying that few authors have a more significant number of networks compared to the rest of authors. The study has also identified the conceptual structure and thematic trends in the IB&F research and provides avenues for future research.

Trends and Outcome of Aggressive Fascial Space Infections.

Background: Odontogenic infections are common and self-limiting in most cases; however, they can lead to severe consequences, considerable morbidity and can even be fatal despite modern medical therapy. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with severe deep fascial space infections treated in the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag Governorate, Egypt, and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Fahd Specialist Hospital (tertiary referral center), Burayda City, Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia, from June 2017 to June 2022. Results: This study included 296 patients, 161 (54.4%) males, 135 (45.6%) females. The fifth decade of life was the most common vulnerable age group. Forty-three percent of patients had diabetes mellitus, 26.6% were hypertensive, and 13.3% were on long-term steroid therapy. In 83% of patients, the offending tooth was identified but in 17% of patients no dental cause was identified. The lower third molar tooth was most commonly involved. Sixty-nine (23.3%) patients had submandibular space infections. Fifty-three (17.9%) patients had canine space infections. Thirty (10.1%) patients had submasseteric space infection. Twenty-eight (9.5%) patients had submental space infections. Twenty-three (7.8%) patients had combined infection of the submasseteric, submandibular, and pterygomandibular spaces, whereas 19 (6.4%) patients presented with Ludwig's angina. Conclusions: Odontogenic infections are common. The submandibular space is the most commonly affected single space. These infections could lead to lethal complications in immunocompromised patients, especially patients with diabetes mellitus. These infections require urgent surgical intervention to decrease hospital stays and avoid potentially lethal complications.

Regional Analgesia for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using Ultrasound-guided Quadratus Lumborum Block or Erector Spinae Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain increases the incidence of venous thrombosis and respiratory complications, prevents early postoperative ambulation, and prolongs hospital stay. Fascial plane injections such as erector spinae plane (ESP) block and quadratus lumborum (QL) blocks are popular methods for postoperative pain control and reducing opioid consumption. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided ESP versus QL block during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the reduction of pain and analgesic consumption. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Minia University Hospital, Minia Governorate, Egypt. METHODS: Patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy from April 2019 through December 2019 were randomly allocated into 3 groups. After induction of general anesthesia, Group A received an ESP block, group B received a QL block, and group C didn't receive any block (control). The main outcome was the time to the first analgesic request. Secondary outcomes were the pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale at one, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours postoperatively at rest and cough. The total analgesic requirement during the first 24 postoperative hours, hemodynamics, and any complications were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled; the clinical and demographic data were similar in the 3 groups. Groups A and B had lower VAS scores at cough than Group C in the first postoperative 2 hours. Compared to Group C, a higher score was reported at 8, 12, and 16 hours in Group A, and at 8 and 16 hours in Group B. Group B had a higher score at 4 hours than Group A. At rest, Group C showed higher scores than Groups A and B in the first 2 hours, while higher scores were noted at 16 hours in Group A and 12 hours in Group B. Time to first request of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group A than in Groups B and C (P < 0.001). Our study showed that Groups A and B had lower postoperative analgesic requirements than Group C (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study had a small number of patients enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Both ESP and QL blocks effectively reduced VAS scores at both cough and rest. There was a decreased total consumption of analgesics in the first postoperative 24 hours with a longer duration of analgesia, which lasted 16 hours in the ESP group and 12 hours in the QL group.

Characteristics and Management of Pediatric Benign Intraosseous Mandibular Tumors: A 10-Years Prospective Study.

Background: The management of intraosseous mandibular tumors in children is challenging. This study investigated clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcome of pediatric benign intraosseous mandibular tumors. Materials and Methods: A prospective study included patients under 18 years presenting with benign intraosseous mandibular tumors that were surgically managed. Clinical and surgical data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The study included 84 patients (38 males and 46 females): 66.7% had non-odontogenic tumors and 33.3% had odontogenic tumors. The most common non-odontogenic tumors were central giant cell granulomas (31%). The most common odontogenic tumors were odontomas (9.5%). Conservative surgery and radical resection were performed equally. Curettage was the commonest treatment modality (27.4%). Fifty percentage of cases required reconstruction, which was done by costochondral rib graft (42.9%) and free fibula flap (7.1%). One patient had recurrence. All cases got good functional and aesthetic results. Conclusion: Non-odontogenic tumors were more common than odontogenic tumors. Central giant cell granulomas were the most common non-odontogenic tumors, while odontomas were the most common odontogenic tumors. Treatment depended on type, size, and aggressiveness. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction with costochondral rib grafts was simple and satisfactory. Microsurgical reconstruction had high success rates. Appropriate management achieved good aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Monotherapy versus polytherapy of enoxaparin and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objectives: The current study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Enoxaparin and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) used as monothrapy or polytherapy versus standard care alone in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients. Methods: The current study included two hundred patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients admitted to hospital were randomly allocated into four groups: group I: received standard COVID-19 therapy, group II: received Enoxaparin 40mg/day subcutaneously (SC) plus standard therapy, group III: received 400 mg/day HCQ plus standard therapy & group IV: received a combination of 400 mg/day HCQ and Enoxaparin plus standard COVID-19 therapy. The disease progression was evaluated by duration to a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), length of hospital or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, and mortality rate. The safety of treatments was evaluated by measuring adverse effects. Results: The length of hospital stay, ICU admission and mortality were significantly decreased in Enoxaparin plus standard COVID-19 therapy group versus other groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Enoxaparin was safe, effective, and well tolerated and has a role in decreasing the progression of the disease and its complications while HCQ did not discover any evidence of extra therapeutic benefits.