Highly sensitive covalently functionalised integrated silicon nanowire biosensor devices for detection of cancer risk biomarker.

In this article we present ultra-sensitive, silicon nanowire (SiNW)-based biosensor devices for the detection of disease biomarkers. An electrochemically induced functionalisation method has been employed to graft antibodies targeted against the prostate cancer risk biomarker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) to SiNW surfaces. The antibody-functionalised SiNW sensor has been used to detect binding of the 8-OHdG biomarker to the SiNW surface within seconds of exposure. Detection of 8-OHdG concentrations as low as 1 ng/ml (3.5 nM) has been demonstrated. The active device has been bonded to a disposable printed circuit which can be inserted into an electronic readout system as part of an integrated Point of Care (POC) diagnostic. The speed, sensitivity and ease of detection of biomarkers using SiNW sensors render them ideal for eventual POC diagnostics.

Sex differences in mandibular movements during opening and closing.

This study evaluated the sex differences in maximum 3-dimensional opening and closing movements. The sample included 29 men (ages, 23-39 years) and 27 women (ages, 23-35 years), who were selected for normal Class I occlusion, temporomandibular function, and skeletal patterns. Condylar (hinge axis) translation and mandibular incisor movements, were recorded with an optoelectric jaw-tracking system; each participant performed 4 maximum opening/closing cycles. The results showed significant (P <.05) sex differences for incisor opening and closing movements, with most of the differences in the vertical component. Male incisor straight-line distances and curvilinear pathways averaged 52.1 mm and 54.8 mm, respectively. Female straight-line distances and curvilinear pathways averaged 46.0 mm and 48.1 mm, respectively. There were significant (P <.05) sex differences for condylar translation, with most of the differences in the anteroposterior component. Male condyles translated 15.4 to 17.6 mm (straight-line distances) and 20.5 to 20.7 mm (curvilinear pathways); female condyles translated 12.4 to 12.7 mm (straight-line distances) and 16.2 to 17.9 mm (curvilinear pathways). Mandibular length accounted for some of the sex difference in interincisal opening and for most of the sex differences in condylar translation. Closing movements showed the same pattern of sex differences as opening movements. Mandibular opening rotation was approximately 4 degrees larger in men than in women. The shapes of the condylar opening and closing pathways also differed significantly between men and women. For both sexes, condylar translation did not correlate with incisor opening or closing movements. It was concluded that (1) significant sex differences exist in incisor opening movements that are independent of mandibular size, (2) sex differences in condylar translation are dependent on mandibular size, (3) incisor opening movements should not be used as an indicator of condylar translation, and (4) sex differences in the shapes of the condylar pathways indicate sex differences in articular eminence morphologic features.

"Scientific basis of wound closure techniques." Evaluation of a new training program.

A formal training program in wound repair entitled "Scientific Basis of Wound Closure Techniques" has been developed and is accredited by the Dannemiller Memorial Educational Foundation. This course is now available at no cost to medical schools, residencies, and continuing education programs for graduate physicians. A manual with its complementing videotape allow the course participant to gain the necessary psychomotor skills to repair wounds. Evaluation of the course taken by third-year medical students and first-year residents demonstrates a high level of satisfaction. After instituting the course, there was a noticeable change in the types of barriers, instruments, and wound closure techniques practiced in our emergency department.

Sheets, 3-D strands, trimensional (3-D) shapes, and sutures of either reinforced or nonreinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for facial soft-tissue suspension, augmentation, and reconstruction.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) is an expanded, fibrillated polymer recently used in facial reconstruction. This material is produced in two compositions: pure e-PTFE, for sheets, 3-D strands, and sutures; and e-PTFE reinforced with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) for sheets and trimensional (3-D) shapes. This material has been used for facial soft-tissue suspension, augmentation, and reconstruction and has demonstrated advantages over autologous grafts due to its optimal tissue incorporation, low infection risk, and biological inertness.

High-density porous polyethylene for facial bone augmentation.

Medpor is a porous polyethylene biomaterial used in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the craniofacial skeleton. Its porous nature allows for substantial vascular and soft-tissue ingrowth. Medpor is available in a variety of implants including block, sheet, and preformed shapes. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Medpor has been successfully used in the reconstruction of the orbital floor and external ear, and in augmentation of the chin, mandibular, nasal, and malar regions.

Technical considerations in the use of polymethylmethacrylate in cranioplasty.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a self-curing acrylic resin that can be used in the repair of cranial defects. It is available in three forms: PMMA without mesh, PMMA reinforced with mesh, and PMMA preformed to fit a defect. In cranioplasty, the size and location of the defects provide the selection criteria for the use of PMMA. PMMA without mesh is ideal for small defects (5 cm2-15 cm2). PMMA reinforced with mesh is used for moderate sized defects (16 cm2-49 cm2). For very large defects (> or = 50 cm2), a CT scan guided mold is recommended because it provides the ideal contour and shape that simulates the normal skull.