Hyperbranched Copolymers Based on Glycidol and Amino Glycidyl Ether: Highly Biocompatible Polyamines Sheathed in Polyglycerols.

Functional hyperbranched polyglycerols (PGs) have recently garnered considerable interest due to their potential in biomedical applications. Here, we present a one-pot synthesis of hyperbranched PGs possessing amine functionality using a novel amino glycidyl ether monomer. A Boc-protected butanolamine glycidyl ether (BBAG) monomer was designed and polymerized with glycidol (G) through anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization to yield a series of hyperbranched P(G-co-BBAG) with controlled molecular weights (4800-16700 g/mol) and relatively low molecular weight distributions (1.2-1.6). The copolymerization and subsequent deprotection chemistry allow the incorporation of an adjustable fraction of primary amine moieties (typically, 5-20% monomer ratio) within the hyperbranched PG backbones, thus providing potentials for varying charge densities and functionality in PGs. The copolymerization kinetics of G and BBAG was also evaluated using a quantitative in situ 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis, which revealed gradient copolymerization between the comonomers. The free amine groups within the deprotected P(G-co-BAG) copolymer were further utilized for a facile conjugation chemistry with a model molecule in a quantitative manner. Furthermore, the superior biocompatibility of the prepared P(G-co-BAG) polymers was demonstrated via cell viability assays, outperforming many existing polyamines possessing relatively high cytotoxicity. Taken together, the biocompatibility with facile conjugation chemistry of free amine groups sheathed within the framework of hyperbranched PGs holds the prospect of advancing biological and biomedical applications.

Intra-Oral Photograph Analysis for Gingivitis Screening in Orthodontic Patients.

This study aimed to confirm the presence of gingival inflammation through image analysis of the papillary gingiva using intra-oral photographs (IOPs) before and after orthodontic treatment and to confirm the possibility of using gingival image analysis for gingivitis screening. Five hundred and eighty-eight (n = 588) gingival sites from the IOPs of 98 patients were included. Twenty-five participants who had completed their orthodontic treatments and were aged between 20 and 37 were included. Six points on the papillary gingiva were selected in the maxillary and mandibular anterior incisors. The red/green (R/G) ratio values were obtained for the selected gingival images and the modified gingival index (GI) was compared. The change in the R/G values during the orthodontic treatment period appeared in the order of before orthodontic treatment (BO), mid-point of orthodontic treatment (MO), three-quarters of the way through orthodontic treatment (TO), and immediately after debonding (IDO), confirming that it was similar to the change in the GI. The R/G value of the gingiva in the image correlated with the GI. Therefore, it could be used as a major index for gingivitis diagnosis using images.

Optimal headrest height for the best laryngoscopic view: by anatomical measurements.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that the oro-pharyngolaryngeal axes, occipito-atlanto-axial extension (OAA) angle and intubation distance would be influenced by the height of headrests. METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled. The Macintosh 3 blade was used for direct laryngoscopy without a headrest or with the headrest of 6 or 12 cm high in randomized order, whereas a lateral radiograph of the neck was taken when the best laryngoscopic view was obtained. The following measurements were made: (1) the axis of the mouth (MA), the pharyngeal axis (PA), the laryngeal axis (LA), and the line of vision (LV). The various angles between these axes were defined: α angle between MA and PA, ß angle between PA and LA, and δ angle between LV and LA. (2) Intubation distance, (3) mentovertebral distance, and (4) OAA angle. RESULTS: Compared with 12-cm and no headrest, the δ angle decreased significantly with 6-cm headrest (19.4°/29.2°/29.2° in 6-cm/12-cm/no headrest, respectively; P < .001), and the intubation distance increased significantly (46.2/37.3/38.7 mm in 6-cm/12-cm/no headrest, respectively; P < .001). Mentovertebral distance was smallest (107.0/106.7/98.5 mm; P < .05) at 12-cm headrest. Occipito-atlanto-axial extension angle was largest significantly (40.7°/35.2°/34.5°; P < .05) at 6-cm headrest. CONCLUSION: We conclude that compared with no or 12-cm headrest, 6-cm headrest could facilitate more alignment of these axes, increase the OAA angle, and enlarge the intubation distance.