Hyperthermia effect and antibacterial efficacy of Fe3+ /Co2+ co-substitutions in ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 for bone cancer and defect therapy.

The combined effect of cobalt and iron substitutions in ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 as a potent material for application in hyperthermia and as a bone substitute is presented. Structural analysis reveals the preferential accommodation of Co2+ and Fe3+ at the Ca2+ (5) sites of ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 until the limit of ∼10 mol % and, thereafter, prefer Ca2+ (4) lattice sites. Occupancy of both the Co2+ and Fe3+ ions induces a significant contraction of the ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 unit cell. The Co2+ /Fe3+ co-substitutions in ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 display magnetic characteristics that enhances hyperthermia effect. In addition, the presence of Co2+ in ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 enunciates pronounced antibacterial efficacy against tested microorganisms. Nevertheless, the enhanced level of Co2+ in ß-Ca3 (PO4 )2 results to induce significant toxicity. The biocompatibility of the synthesized thermoseeds is verified from the hemolytic tests and cytotoxicity test performed on human sarcoma cell line MG-63. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1317-1328, 2018.

Sofosbuvir-based treatment is safe and effective in Indian hepatitis C patients on maintenance haemodialysis: A retrospective study.

AIM: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) including sofosbuvir, ledipasvir and daclatasvir in patients with hepatitis C viraemia who were on maintenance haemodialysis. METHODS: Data on patients who received sofosbuvir and ribavirin were analysed. Patients who experienced treatment failure with the above regimen received sofosbuvir and ledipasvir for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. Those having HCV genotype 3 infection received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir. All treatment regimens were of 12 weeks duration. Side-effects were investigated. The HCV viral load was determined by RT-PCR at 4,16 and 24 weeks after the initiation of therapy; haemoglobin levels and liver function tests were monitored at regular intervals during therapy. RESULTS: Of the 22 subjects initially treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin, 72.72% attained sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Four patients experienced treatment failure and received genotype specific therapy. Patients with HCV genotype one received sofosbuvir with ledipasvir. One patient with HCV genotype 3 infection received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir. All of them attained SVR12. A statistically significant reduction in the median serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were observed from the baseline until the end of treatment. Anaemia was observed in 45% of patients receiving ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that sofosbuvir-based therapy is efficacious for HCV viraemia in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. The therapy was found to be reasonably safe with no major adverse effects noted with the use of sofosbuvir, ledipasvir or daclatasvir. However, larger studies are needed to validate our results.

Iron doped ß-Tricalcium phosphate: Synthesis, characterization, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical evaluation.

The ability of ß-Tricalcium phosphate [ß-TCP, ß-Ca3(PO4)2] to host iron at its structural lattice and its associated magnetic susceptibility, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics is investigated. The studies revealed the ability of ß-Ca3(PO4)2 to host 5.02mol% of Fe3+ at its Ca2+(5) site. Excess Fe3+ additions led to the formation of trigonal Ca9Fe(PO4)7 and moreover a minor amount of CaFe3(PO4)3O crystallization was also observed. A gradual increment in the iron content at ß-Ca3(PO4)2 results in the simultaneous effect of pronounced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability. However, the presence of CaFe3(PO4)3O contributes for the reduced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability of iron substituted ß-Ca3(PO4)2. Haemolytic tests, cytotoxicity tests and ALP gene expression analysis confirmed the biocompatibility of the investigated systems.

Effects of bracket slot size during en-masse retraction of the six maxillary anterior teeth using an induction-heating typodont simulation system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how bracket slot size affects the direction of maxillary anterior tooth movement when en-masse retraction is performed in sliding mechanics using an induction-heating typodont simulation system. METHODS: An induction-heating typodont simulation system was designed based on the Calorific Machine system. The typodont included metal anterior and resin posterior teeth embedded in a sticky wax arch. Three bracket slot groups (0.018, 0.020, and 0.022 inch [in]) were tested. A retraction force of 250 g was applied in the posterior-superior direction. RESULTS: In the anteroposterior direction, the cusp tip of the canine in the 0.020-in slot group moved more distally than in the 0.018-in slot group. In the vertical direction, all six anterior teeth were intruded in the 0.018-in slot group and extruded in the 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups. The lateral incisor was significantly extruded in the 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups. Significant differences in the crown linguoversion were found between the 0.018- and 0.020-in slot groups and 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the central incisor and between the 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups and 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups for the canine. In the 0.018-in slot group, all anterior teeth showed crown mesial angulation. Significant differences were found between the 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the lateral incisor and between the 0.018- and 0.020-in slot groups and 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the canine. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 0.018-in slot brackets was effective for preventing extrusion and crown linguoversion of anterior teeth in sliding mechanics.

Neutron radiation shielding properties of polymer incorporated self compacting concrete mixes.

In this work, the neutron radiation shielding characteristics of a class of novel polymer-incorporated self-compacting concrete (PISCC) mixes are evaluated. Pulverized high density polyethylene (HDPE) material was used, at three different reference volumes, as a partial replacement to river sand in conventional concrete mixes. By such partial replacement of sand with polymer, additional hydrogen contents are incorporated in these concrete mixes and their effect on the neutron radiation shielding properties are studied. It has been observed from the initial set of experiments that there is a definite trend of reductions in the neutron flux and dose transmission factor values in these PISCC mixes vis-à-vis ordinary concrete mix. Also, the fact that quite similar enhanced shielding results are recorded even when reprocessed HDPE material is used in lieu of the virgin HDPE attracts further attention.

Effects of bracket slot size during en-masse retraction of the six maxillary anterior teeth using an induction-heating typodont simulation system / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how bracket slot size affects the direction of maxillary anterior tooth movement when en-masse retraction is performed in sliding mechanics using an induction-heating typodont simulation system. METHODS: An induction-heating typodont simulation system was designed based on the Calorific Machine system. The typodont included metal anterior and resin posterior teeth embedded in a sticky wax arch. Three bracket slot groups (0.018, 0.020, and 0.022 inch [in]) were tested. A retraction force of 250 g was applied in the posterior-superior direction. RESULTS: In the anteroposterior direction, the cusp tip of the canine in the 0.020-in slot group moved more distally than in the 0.018-in slot group. In the vertical direction, all six anterior teeth were intruded in the 0.018-in slot group and extruded in the 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups. The lateral incisor was significantly extruded in the 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups. Significant differences in the crown linguoversion were found between the 0.018- and 0.020-in slot groups and 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the central incisor and between the 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups and 0.020- and 0.022-in slot groups for the canine. In the 0.018-in slot group, all anterior teeth showed crown mesial angulation. Significant differences were found between the 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the lateral incisor and between the 0.018- and 0.020-in slot groups and 0.018- and 0.022-in slot groups for the canine. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 0.018-in slot brackets was effective for preventing extrusion and crown linguoversion of anterior teeth in sliding mechanics.

A modified presurgical orthopedic (nasoalveolar molding) device in the treatment of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) can be done effectively to reshape the nasal cartilage and mold the maxillary dentoalveolar arch before surgical cleft lip repair and primary rhinoplasty. Presurgical NAM helps as an adjunct procedure to enhance the esthetic and functional outcome of the surgical procedures. We have developed a modified NAM device to suit to the needs of the patients coming from distant places for the treatment. This device helps in reducing the number of frequent visits the patient needs to take to the craniofacial center. The purpose of this presentation is to report this treatment technique and discuss its application.

Management of post midface distraction occlusal discrepancy using temporary anchorage devices in a cleft patient.

Open bite deformity following a successful midface advancement by distraction osteogenesis is a common complication. Temporary anchorage devices can be deployed during the distraction and post-distraction settling phases for restoring the occlusion even in severe cases. The following report describes the management of severe anterior open bite following maxillary distraction.

Reforming craniofacial orthodontics via stem cells.

Stem cells are the most interesting cells in cell biology. They have the potential to evolve as one of the most powerful technologies in the future. The future refers to an age where it will be used extensively in various fields of medical and dental sciences. Researchers have discovered a number of sources from which stem cells can be derived. Craniofacial problems are very common and occur at all ages. Stem cells can be used therapeutically in almost every field of health science. In fact, many procedures will be reformed after stem cells come into play. This article is an insight into the review of the current researches being carried out on stem cells and its use in the field of orthodontics, which is a specialized branch of dentistry. Although the future is uncertain, there is a great possibility that stem cells will be used extensively in almost all major procedures of orthodontics.

Rapid maxillary canine retraction by dental distraction: A clinical study.

AIM: The aim of this clinical study was to perform rapid maxillary canine retraction through distraction of the periodontal ligament and investigate the rate and amount of canine retraction, amount of anchor loss, the nature of tooth movement achieved, and radiographic changes in the periodontal ligament region during and after canine distraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 10 distractions ranging in age from 14 years to 25 years who needed canine retraction and first premolar extraction in the maxillary arch. Ten canine distractions were carried out with custom-made, tooth-borne intra-oral distraction device. RESULTS: The results indicate that the periodontal ligament can be distracted just like the mid-palatal suture in rapid palatal expansion and the maxillary canines are retracted rapidly into the first premolar extraction space at the rate of about 2.53 mm/week. CONCLUSION: Though this study indicates that the periodontal ligament can be distracted to elicit rapid tooth movement, the long-term effects of canine distraction are not well known and need close monitoring.

Nanoparticles of pure and substituted maghemites (gamma-M(x)Fe(2_x)O3 where M = Al, Cr, Mn, Zn and 0 < or = x < or = 1.3): a comparative study.

Magnetic nanoparticles of pure and substituted iron oxides are prepared by single step autocombustion or by wet chemical methods. The nanoparticles prepared by the first process had mixed phase of hematite and maghemite whereas the later essentially gives maghemite phase. XRD patterns and TEM micrographs of the pure and substituted maghemites samples suggest about their monophasic nature and inverse spinel structure. Further, the size of the particles for the above iron oxide samples was found to be in the range of 4 to 30 nm. Saturation magnetization value for the samples was observed to be varying with the type and the amount of substitution. For example, magnetization value initially increased and then decreased for Al- and Mn-substitutions but it continuously decreased for Cr- and Zn-substitutions. Contrary to the saturation magnetization value, the Curie temperature decreased continuously with increased substitutions irrespective of the type of substitutions. Due to higher magnetization value of Mn-substituted maghemite (for x = 0.2, 78 Am2/kg), it has higher heating ability and specific absorption rate compared to Al-substituted maghemite (for x = 0.07, 70 Am2/kg) and pure maghemite (62 Am2/kg).

Cleft size at the time of palate repair in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate as an indicator of maxillary growth.

Cleft size at the time of palate repair might affect the difficulty of surgical repair and, thus, indirectly postoperative maxillary growth. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether a correlation existed between the cleft size at the time of palate repair and the growth of the maxilla. Maxillary dental casts of 39 infants with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, taken at the time of palate repair, were used to measure cleft size. Cleft size was defined as the percentage of the total palatal area. The later growth of the maxilla was determined using lateral and postero-anterior cephalometric radiographs taken at 9 years of age. The Pearson correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. The results showed negative correlations between cleft size and the maxillary length (PMP-ANS, PMP-A) and the maxillary protrusion (S-N-ANS, SNA). These data suggest that in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate there is a significant correlation between the cleft size at the time of palate repair and the maxillary length and protrusion. Patients with a large cleft at the time of palate repair have a shorter and more retrusive maxilla than those with a small cleft by the age of 9 years.

TC-tuned biocompatible suspension of La0.73Sr0.27MnO3 for magnetic hyperthermia.

La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO(3), a ferromagnet with high magnetization and Curie temperature T(C) below 70 degrees C, enables its use for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of cancer with a possibility of in vivo temperature control. We found that La(0.73)Sr(0.27)MnO(3) particles of size range 20-100 nm showed saturation magnetization around 38 emu/g at 20 kOe and a T(C) value of 45 degrees C. Aqueous suspension of these nanoparticles was prepared using a polymer, acrypol 934, and the biocompatibility of the suspension was examined using HeLa cells. A good heating ability of the magnetic suspension was obtained in the presence of AC magnetic field, and it was found to increase with the amplitude of field. The suspension having concentration of 0.66 mg/mL (e.g., 0.66 mg of nanoparticles with acropyl per milliliter of culture media) was observed to be biocompatible even after 96 h of treatment, as estimated by sulforhodamine B and trypan blue dye exclusion assays. Further, the treatment with the aforementioned concentration did not alter the microtubule cytoskeleton or the nucleus of the cells. However, the bare particles (concentration of 0.66 mg of nanoparticles per milliliter of culture media, but without acropyl) decreased the viability of cell significantly. Our in vitro studies suggest that the suspension (concentration of 0.66 mg/mL) may further be analyzed for in vivo studies.

Evaluation of guidelines for the use of telemetry in the non-intensive-care setting.

To determine if the American College of Cardiology (ACC) cardiac monitoring guidelines accurately stratify patients according to their risks for developing clinically significant arrhythmias in non-intensive-care settings, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,240 consecutive patients admitted to a non-intensive-care telemetry unit over 7 months. Sixty-one percent of patients were assigned to ACC class I (telemetry indicated in most patients), 38% to class II (telemetry indicated in some), and 1% to class III (telemetry not indicated). Arrhythmias were detected in 13.5% of the class I patients, 40.7% of the class II patients, and 12% of the class III patients (p <.001). Telemetry detected an arrhythmia resulting in transfer to an intensive care unit in 0.4% of the class I patients, 1.6% of the class II patients, and none of the class III patients (p =.006). Telemetry led to a change in management for 3.4% of the class I patients, 12.7% of the class II patients, and 4% of the class III patients (p <.001). When patients with chest pain as the reason for admission were moved from class I to class II and patients with arrhythmias as the reason for admission were moved from class II to class I, more arrhythmias and more clinically significant arrhythmias occurred in class I patients and the trends from class I to class III were more consistent with the purpose of the guidelines. These findings indicate that when the ACC guidelines are reexamined, consideration should be given to changing them so they are more useful in non-intensive-care settings.

Therapeutic preparations of normal polyspecific IgG (IVIg) induce apoptosis in human lymphocytes and monocytes: a novel mechanism of action of IVIg involving the Fas apoptotic pathway.

Therapeutic preparations of normal human IgG for i.v. use (i.v.Ig) exhibit a broad spectrum of immunoregulatory activities in vitro and in vivo. I.v.Ig has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of activated B and T lymphocytes and of several autonomously growing cell lines. In this study, we demonstrate that i.v.Ig induces apoptosis in leukemic cells of lymphocyte and monocyte lineage and in CD40-activated normal tonsillar B cells, involving, at least in part, Fas (CD95/APO-1) and activation of caspases. I.v.Ig-induced apoptosis was higher in Fas-sensitive HuT78 cells than in Fas-resistant HuT78.B1 mutant cells, and soluble Fas inhibited IVIg-induced apoptosis. I.v.Ig immunoprecipitated Fas from Fas-expressing transfectants and recognized purified Fas/glutathione-S-transferase fusion proteins upon immunoblotting. Affinity-purified anti-Fas Abs from i.v.Ig induced apoptosis of CEM T cells at a 120-fold lower concentration than unfractionated i.v.Ig. Inhibitors of cysteine proteases of the caspase family, caspase 1 (IL-1beta-converting enzyme) and caspase 3 (Yama/CPP32b), partially inhibited i.v.Ig-induced apoptosis of CEM cells. Furthermore, cleavage of poly(A)DP-ribose polymerase into an 85-kDa signature death fragment was observed in CEM cells following i.v.Ig treatment. Thus, normal IgG induces apoptosis in lymphocytes and monocytes. Our results provide evidence for a role of Fas, bring new insights into the mechanisms of action of i.v.Ig in autoimmune diseases, and suggest a role of normal Ig in controlling cell death and proliferation.

Role of telemetry monitoring in the non-intensive care unit.

To determine the outcomes of patients admitted to a non-intensive care telemetry unit and to assess the role of telemetry for guiding patient management decisions, data from 2,240 patients admitted to a telemetry unit were collected prospectively during 7 months. Physicians recorded the outcomes (intensive care unit transfer and mortality) and assessed whether telemetry assisted in guiding patient management. Indications for admission to the telemetry unit included chest pain syndromes (55%), arrhythmias (14%), heart failure (12%), and syncope (10%). Telemetry led to direct modifications in management in 156 patients (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9% to 8%). Telemetry was perceived as useful but did not alter management for 127 patients (5.7%; 95% CI 4.7% to 6.6%). Two hundred forty-one patients were transferred to an intensive care unit from the telemetry unit (10.8%; 95% CI 9.5% to 12%). Nineteen patients (0.8% of all admissions; 95% CI 0.5% to 1.2%) were transferred because of an arrhythmia identified by telemetry. Routine transfer after cardiac revascularization or surgery accounted for 134 transfers; clinical deterioration accounted for 88 transfers. There were 20 deaths in the unit (0.9%; 95% CI 0.5% to 1.3%): 4 of the 20 deaths occurred while patients were being monitored. The role of telemetry in guiding patient management may be overestimated by physicians, since it detected significant arrhythmias that led to change in medications or urgent interventions in a small fraction of patients.

Outcomes of patients hospitalized to a telemetry unit.

To describe the clinical course of patients admitted to a nonintensive care telemetry unit and to determine whether telemetry identifies patients at risk for transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), 467 patients hospitalized for cardiac monitoring in a nonintensive care telemetry unit were followed until death or discharge. The American College of Cardiology guidelines for telemetry use were applied: 65% of patients were class I (monitoring definitely indicated); 33% class II (probably indicated); and 2% class III (not indicated). In 5 patients (1%), telemetry contributed to the decision for a transfer to the ICU. In 462 patients, telemetry added no significant information. Thirty-eight patients (8.1%) were transferred to an ICU: 22 because of cardiac deterioration and 16 because of noncardiac clinical deterioration. Eighteen percent of patients in class I (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1 to 22.8), 12% in class II (95% CI, 6.7 to 17), and none in class III (95% CI, 0 to 26) were transferred to the ICU (p = 0.03). Nine patients died (1.9%), 4 with terminal illness. Three patients died while on telemetry: 1 had metastatic lung cancer and 2 died suddenly of cardiac causes during initial evaluation on the ward. Telemetry identified the terminal rhythm in the 3 patients. Patients admitted to a non-ICU monitored ward with ischemic syndromes, heart failure, and arrhythmia rarely deteriorated. Patients who did deteriorate were recognized clinically without appreciable contribution from the monitoring process. It remains unproven that heart rhythm monitoring in general practice units improves patient care.

Assessment of impaired left ventricular diastolic function in patients with coronary artery disease, using radionuclide angiography.

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling at rest was assessed in 76 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 16 healthy subjects using radionuclide angiography. Peak LV filling rate (PFR), expressed in end diastolic volume per second (EDV/sec), was subnormal in CAD patients (1.95 +/- 0.51 as compared to the normal 3.11 +/- 0.36, P < 0.001) and time to PFR (TPFR) was prolonged (171.1 +/- 79 msec versus 106.6 +/- 25 msec normal, P < 0.001). These indices were also abnormal in 60 patients with normal resting LV ejection fraction (PFR 2.17 +/- 0.48 EDV/sec, TPFR 163.9 +/- 68 msec). Abnormal LV filling at rest (PFR EDV/sec or TPFR 160 msec) was found in 88 percent of all patients with CAD, 85 percent of patients with normal resting LV ejection fraction, and 83 percent of patients without Q waves on resting electrocardiogram. Thus, LV diastolic filling, evaluated non invasively by radionuclide angiography, appears to be abnormal in a high percentage of patients with CAD independent of LV systolic function or previous myocardial infarction.