A Novel Orthodontic Extraction Method for Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in Close Proximity to Inferior Alveolar Nerve.

PURPOSE: The present study has proposed a novel orthodontic extraction method with a removable appliance to avoid inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury during impacted mandibular third molar removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, 16 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups per patient choice. In the orthodontic extraction group (n = 8), a removable appliance was first applied to move the root tips away from the IAN, and the tooth was subsequently removed. In the traditional extraction group (n = 8), each patient had the tooth removed immediately by the same surgeon. RESULTS: All teeth were extracted successfully. All 8 patients in the orthodontic extraction group had had their impacted mandibular third molar removed without IAN injury after surgery. In contrast, 4 patients in the traditional extraction group had experienced transient IAN injury, and the symptoms persisted for 2 to 8 weeks. None of the patients experienced permanent IAN damage. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic extraction with a removable appliance to separate the IAN and impacted mandibular third molar could be a good alternative treatment option to avoid IAN injury in high-risk cases.

Substituent effect on the π linkers in triphenylamine dyes for sensitized solar cells: a DFT/TDDFT study.

A series of metal-free organic donor-π bridge-acceptor dyes are studied computationally using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) approaches to explore their potential performances in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Taking triphenylamine (TPA) and cyanoacrylic acid moieties as donor and acceptor units, respectively, the effects of different substituents of the π linkers in the TPA-based dyes on the energy conversion efficiency of the DSSCs are theoretically evaluated through optimized geometries, charge distributions, electronic structures, simulated absorption spectra, and free energies of injection. The results show that the molecular orbital energy levels and electron-injection driving forces of the TPA dyes can be tuned by the introduction of substituents with different electron-withdrawing or -donating abilities. The electron-withdrawing substituent always lowers the energies of both frontier orbitals, while the electron-donating one heightens them simultaneously. The efficiency trend of these TPA derivatives as sensitizers in DSSCs is also predicted by analyzing the light-harvesting efficiencies and the free energies of injection. The following substituents are shown to increase the efficiency of the dye: OMe, OEt, OHe, and OH.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tolvaptan in Patients with Hyponatremia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive evaluations regarding the benefits of tolvaptan in the treatment of hyponatremia are lacking. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with hyponatremia. METHODS: Pertinent studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for articles published between their respective inception dates and 31 April 2016. Summary relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or randomized-effects models, depending on the degree of heterogeneity noted among the studies included in the analysis. RESULTS: Eleven articles comprising 5209 patients were ultimately included in the analysis. Our pooled results showed that tolvaptan was more effective than control with respect to increasing serum sodium concentrations (WMD = 3.99 mEq/L), 95 % CI 2.80-5.19, Z = 6.56, P < 0.001), improving serum sodium correction rates (RR = 3.35, 95 % CI 1.93-5.82, Z = 4.31, P < 0.001), improving 24-h urine output (WMD = 987.64 mL, 95 % CI 850.71-1124.57, Z = 14.14, P < 0.001), and improving net fluid balance (WMD = 795.97 mL, 95 % CI 418.56-1173.38, Z = 4.13, P < 0.001). Tolvaptan treatment also resulted in increased incidences of adverse events compared with control treatment (RR = 1.05, 95 % CI 1.02-1.07, Z = 3.83, P < 0.001). These events included dry mouth (RR = 2.38, 95 % CI 1.41-4.04, Z = 3.23, P = 0.001), thirst (RR = 3.85, 95 % CI 1.96-7.57, Z = 3.92, P < 0.001), pollakiuria (RR = 2.47, 95 % CI 1.41-4.33, Z = 3.16, P = 0.002), and overly rapid hyponatremia correction (RR = 8.43, 95 % CI 1.06-66.96, Z = 2.02, P = 0.04). No significant differences in all-cause mortality (RR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.90-1.10, Z = 0.17, P = 0.86), serious adverse event rate (RR = 1.01, 95 % CI 0.80-1.29, Z = 0.11, P = 0.92), systolic blood pressure (WMD = 0.1 mmHg, 95 % CI -1.04 to 1.23, Z = 0.17, P = 0.87), or heart rate (WMD = -0.16 bpm, 95 % CI -1.14 to 0.82, Z = 0.31, P = 0.76) were noted between the two groups, based on the results of our meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that tolvaptan can increase serum sodium concentrations, serum sodium correction rates, 24-h urine output, net fluid balance, and total adverse event rates without significantly decreasing all-cause mortality rates or increasing serious adverse event rates in patients with hyponatremia.

Orally delivered polycurcumin responsive to bacterial reduction for targeted therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting nearly five million people worldwide. Among all drug delivery system, oral administration is the most preferable route for colon-specific targeting and the treatment of IBD. Herein, an amphiphilic curcumin polymer (PCur) composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic curcumin (Cur) linked by disulfide bond was synthesized and characterized. The sufficient solubility, nano-scaled size and close to the neutral surface potential of PCur lead to preferential accumulation of the active drug in the inflamed regions of the gut. Moreover, PCur showed limited drug release and enhanced robustness under the physiological pH of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and a significantly elevated release was observed when responding to a bacterial reduction in the colon. Furthermore, cellular studies confirmed PCur had low cytotoxicity and increased transmembrane permeability, resulting in improved oral bioavailability evidenced by in vivo pharmacokinetics of rats. Finally, with DSS-induced murine model of IBD, we demonstrated that orally administered PCur ameliorated the inflammatory progression in the colon and could protect mice from IBD. In conclusion, it is illustrated that the developed PCur conjugate could potentially be employed as a colon-specific candidate for IBD treatment.

Mechanical Properties of Orthodontic Thermoplastics PETG/ PC2858 after Blending.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise and compare the tensile characteristics after multi-proportional blending, to determine the proper blending ratio for new thermoplastic material and to compare its mechanical performance with commercial thermoplastics. METHODS: PETG and PC2858 aggregates were blended in five different ratios. Standard specimens of each ratio were molded and tested to determine their mechanical performance. Then the new material with the proper blending ratio was chosen and compared against commercial thermoplastics. RESULTS: With the increase of PC2858 content, the tensile and impact strength increased but elongation at break decreased. When blending ratio (wt %) was 70/30, the PETG/PC2858 exhibited optimal mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 63.42 ± 1.67 MPa, and a stress relaxation rate of 0.0080 ± 0.0005 N/s, which exceeded those of Erkodur and Biolon. CONCLUSION: By blending PETG and PC2858 at the weight ratio 70/30, we obtained new thermoplastic material which outperformed commercial products.

Highly Anti-UV Properties of Silk Fiber with Uniform and Conformal Nanoscale TiO2 Coatings via Atomic Layer Deposition.

In this study, silk fiber was successfully modified via the application of a nanoscale titania coating using atomic layer deposition (ALD), with titanium tetraisopropoxide (TIP) and water as precursors at 100 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope results demonstrated that uniform and conformal titania coatings were deposited onto the silk fiber. The thermal and mechanical properties of the TiO2 silk fiber were then investigated. The results showed that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of this material were superior to those of the uncoated substance. Furthermore, the titania ALD process provided the silk fiber with excellent protection against UV radiation. Specifically, the TiO2-coated silk fibers exhibited significant increases in UV absorbance, considerably less yellowing, and greatly enhanced mechanical properties compared with the uncoated silk fiber after UV exposure.

Polypyrrole-encapsulated vanadium pentoxide nanowires on a conductive substrate for electrode in aqueous rechargeable lithium battery.

Precursors of ammonium vanadium bronze (NH4V4O10) nanowires assembled on a conductive substrate were prepared by a hydrothermal method. After calcination at 360°C, the NH4V4O10 precursor transformed to vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires, which presented a high initial capacity of 135.0mA h g(-1) at a current density of 50mA g(-1) in 5M LiNO3 aqueous solution; while the specific capacity faded quickly over 50 cycles. By coating the surface of V2O5 nanowires with water-insoluble polypyrrole (PPy), the formed nanocomposite electrode exhibited a specific discharge capacity of 89.9mA h g(-1) at 50mA g(-1) (after 100 cycles). A V2O5@PPy //LiMn2O4 rechargeable lithium battery exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 95.2mA h g(-1); and after 100 cycles, a specific discharge capacity of 81.5mA h g(-1) could retain at 100mA g(-1).

[Evaluation of the accuracy of alveolar bone height measurement in vitro by cone beam computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of alveolar bone height measurement in vitro by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to provide theoretical application of CBCT in periodontal clinic. METHODS: Eight dry mandibles with 236 selected markers were scanned by CBCT scanner, and the distance from alveolar ridge crest to cemento-enamel junction were measured on every marker by the images of CBCT. Meanwhile the distances on the dry mandibles were measured directly by vernier caliper. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 statistics software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two repeated measurements by the CBCT images (P >0.05), and no significant difference were found between the measurement by the CBCT images and by vernier caliperas well (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CBCT images could demonstrate the three-dimensional relationships between tooth and alveolar bone accurately. As far as the height of alveolar bone measurement was concerned, CBCT show good accuracy and repeatability in vitro.

[A comparative study of mechanical properties of commercialized dental thermoplastic materials].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical properties of different dental optimal material selection for orthodontic appliance. METHODS: Four commercialized thermoplastic products under different test conditions, and provide the suggestion of thermoplastic products were tested. The tear strength, elongation at break and stress relaxation of these materials were measured under different test conditions. RESULTS: The tear strength declined after thermoforming, and rose again after 2 weeks of distilled water immersion. The elongation at break rose after thermoforming, and declined after 2 weeks of distilled water immersion. No significant changes were observed for brand A under different test conditions. Brand A showed the slowest stress relaxation of 0.0148 N/s. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials were influenced by environmental factors. Brand A exhibited optimal comprehensive properties.

[Applied research of intermaxillary fixation screw in the jaw fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and generalize the application of intermaxillary fixation screw in the jaw fracture. METHODS: 41 cases of jaw fracture have been treated with intermaxillary fixation screw. RESULTS: Both function and appearance have recuperated in 40 cases except 1 case has light malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Application of intermaxillary fixation screw advanced the traditional therapy.