Aluminum nanocrystals.

We demonstrate the facile synthesis of high purity aluminum nanocrystals over a range of controlled sizes from 70 to 220 nm diameter with size control achieved through a simple modification of solvent ratios in the reaction solution. The monodisperse, icosahedral, and trigonal bipyramidal nanocrystals are air-stable for weeks, due to the formation of a 2-4 nm thick passivating oxide layer on their surfaces. We show that the nanocrystals support size-dependent ultraviolet and visible plasmon modes, providing a far more sustainable alternative to gold and silver nanoparticles currently in widespread use.

Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of intraarticular calcaneal fracture fixed with locking calcaneal plate.

OBJECTIVE: Debate continues regarding the management of calcaneal fractures, between open reduction and internal fixation and closed treatment. Hence we aim at evaluating the radiological and functional outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation in displaced joint depression type of calcaneal fractures fixed with locking calcaneal plate. METHODS: In this series, 28 patients (26 unilateral and 2 bilateral) with joint depression type of calcaneal fractures as per Essex-Lopresti classification system were operated on with locking calcaneal plate within 3 weeks of injury. Patients were evaluated in terms of associated injuries and X-rays of anteroposterior, lateral and axial views of the calcaneum. CT scan was done to assess the amount of comminution and articular depression. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at least for 1 year. Radiological assessment was done by Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle along with measurement of calcaneal height and width. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. RESULTS: At average follow-up of 14.5 months, average AOFAS score was 86.3 (range 66 to 97), with 86% having excellent to good results and 2 (7.7%) and 1 (3.7%) having fair and poor results respectively. All patients had stable ankle joint with all having dorsiflexion and plantar flexion more than 30 degrees. Average subtalar range of motion was 17 degrees The mean Bohler's angle, mean Gissane's angle, calcaneal height and width were 25.47 degrees 121.3 degrees 4.32 cm and 3.81 cm respectively at final follow-up. Three patients had flap necrosis at incision site and one had superficial and deep infection. Subtalar arthritis was seen in 5 patients, whereas sural nerve hypoaesthesia in 1 patient. None of the patients had compartment syndrome, heel pad problems, peroneal tendinitis, reflex sympathetic dystropy or implant failure. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with locking calcaneal plate gives sound functional outcome, i.e. restoring anatomically reconstruction of height, width, Bohler's and Gissiane's angles of the calcaneum, and allowing early mobilization.

Green Synthesis of Zein-Based Nanoparticles Encapsulating Lupulone: Antibacterial and Antiphotoaging Agents.

Prolonged skin exposure to UV radiation may result in sunburn, with possible inflammatory and oxidative stress to the skin, skin photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, even DNA damage, and apoptosis if sunscreen protection is not used. Due to the advantages that they offer, high encapsulation capability, increased stability of encapsulated bioactive agents, and release control, nanoparticulate materials have been used in sunscreens despite the hazard that they present: their capacity to penetrate the skin causing toxic side effects (especially the chemical sunscreens). The present study reports the preparation of nanoparticulate composites containing only GRAS substances and using an eco-friendly, inexpensive procedure. The ingredients used have properties that are beneficial to the skin. Zein (Z), a prolamin-rich protein from corn, is biodegradable and biocompatible, is a moisture attractor, and shows effective absorption by cells. Lupulone (L), extracted from hops, is an antibacterial and antioxidant agent that has a stimulating effect on the collagen production in the body due to its content of phytohormones. Gum arabic (GA) is a natural glycoprotein used in beverages and cosmetics as an emulsifier/stabilizer. Composite matrices containing Z/GA/L were prepared using a simple method (antisolvent), which replaces the flammable solvent ethanol with aqueous propylene glycol. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, composition, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity for L, size, zeta potential, and morphology (SEM). Their biological activity was investigated as well. The zein-based nanoparticles showed antioxidant and antimicrobial effects (even some synergistic, unexpected behavior) and modulatory activity on the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1. Due to their properties, the nanoparticles discussed herein show potential for use in formulations for the skin, especially for mature skin, replacing chemical substances with potential side effects used typically in topical delivery systems.

Insights into dynamic changes in ADC-7 and P99 cephalosporinases using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS).

To counter the emergence of ß-lactamase (BL) mediated resistance, design of new ß-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) is critical. Many high-resolution crystallographic structures of BL complexed with BLIs are available. However, their impact on BLI design is struggling to keep pace with novel and emerging variants. Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) in combination with molecular modeling is a useful tool to determine dynamic structures of macromolecules in solution. An important application of SAXS is to determine the conformational changes that occur when BLI bind to BL. To probe if conformational dynamics occur in class C cephalosporinases, we studied SAXS profiles of two clinically relevant class C ß-lactamases, Acinetobacter baumannii ADC-7 and Enterobacter cloacae P99 in apo format complexed with BLIs. Importantly, SAXS data analysis demonstrated that in solution, these representative class C enzymes remain monomeric and did not show the associated assemblies that were seen in various crystal structures. SAXS data acquired for ADC-7 and P99, in apo and inhibitor bound states, clearly showed that these enzymes undergo detectable conformational changes, and these class C ß-lactamases also close upon binding inhibitors as does BlaC. Further analysis revealed that addition of inhibitor led to the compacting of a range of residues around the active site, indicating that the conformational changes that both P99 and ADC-7 undergo are central to inhibitor recognition and efficacy. Our findings support the importance of exploring conformational changes using SAXS analysis in the design of future BLIs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Small molecular exogenous modulators of active forms of MMPs.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases, and their activity depends on calcium and zinc metal ions. These enzymes are expressed originally in zymogenic form, where the active site of proteins is closed by a prodomain which is removed during activation. A homeostatic balance of their activity is primarily regulated by a 'cysteine switch' located on a consensus sequence of the prodomain and natural endogenous inhibitors, called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Breakage of this homeostasis may lead to various pathological conditions, which may require further activation and/or inhibition of these enzymes to regenerate that balance. Here, we report four modulators, more specifically, three inhibitors (I1, I2 and I3), and one exogenous activator (L) of the active form of human collagenase MMP-1 (without prodomain). The results were confirmed by binding studies using fluorescence-based enzyme assays.

Inhibition of bacterial DD-peptidases (penicillin-binding proteins) in membranes and in vivo by peptidoglycan-mimetic boronic acids.

The DD-peptidases or penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) catalyze the final steps of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis and are inhibited by the ß-lactam antibiotics. There is at present a question of whether the active site structure and activity of these enzymes is the same in the solubilized (truncated) DD-peptidase constructs employed in crystallographic and kinetics studies as in membrane-bound holoenzymes. Recent experiments with peptidoglycan-mimetic boronic acids have suggested that these transition state analogue-generating inhibitors may be able to induce reactive conformations of these enzymes and thus inhibit strongly. We have now, therefore, measured the dissociation constants of peptidoglycan-mimetic boronic acids from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis PBPs in membrane preparations and, in the former case, in vivo, by means of competition experiments with the fluorescent penicillin Bocillin Fl. The experiments showed that the boronic acids bound measurably (K(i) < 1 mM) to the low-molecular mass PBPs but not to the high-molecular mass enzymes, both in membrane preparations and in whole cells. In two cases, E. coli PBP2 and PBP5, the dissociation constants obtained were very similar to those obtained with the pure enzymes in homogeneous solution. The boronic acids, therefore, are unable to induce tightly binding conformations of these enzymes in vivo. There is no evidence from these experiments that DD-peptidase inhibitors are more or less effective in vivo than in homogeneous solution.

Rapid Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Low-Temperature, Low-Pressure Argon Plasma Chemistry and Self-Assembly.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles has become a priority for the advancement of nanotechnology. In attempts to create these nanoparticles, several different methods: chemistry, physics, and biology, have all been used. In this study, we report the reduction of cations using argon plasma chemistry to produce nanoparticles of gold (AuNPs), silver (AgNPs), and copper (CuNPs). Although other groups have used plasma-reduction methods to synthesize metal nanoparticles from their cation counterparts, these approaches often require plasma|liquid state interactions, high temperature, specific combinations of gases, and extended treatment times (>10 minutes), for which only specific cations (noble or non-noble) may be reduced. As a result, we have developed a non-thermal, low-pressure argon-plasma|solid state approach for the reduction of both noble and non-noble cations. More specifically, when 50-µL droplets of 2-mM solutions of gold(III) chloride, silver nitrate, or copper(II) sulfate are exposed to vacuum, they undergo an evaporation process. As the pressure in the chamber decreases to 220 mtorr, the droplets become completely evaporated, leaving behind a metal precursor. Nucleation and growth studies reveal that when the metal precursors of gold(III) chloride, silver nitrate, and copper(II) sulfate are treated with 80 watts of argon plasma for 5, 60, and 150 seconds, respectively, nanoparticles could be synthesized with efficiency rates of upwards of 98%. The size of nanoparticles synthesized in this work was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the scattering properties of the nanoparticles was studied using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Transmission Electron Microscopy with corresponding elemental analysis was also very useful in confirming the identity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results from this study reveal that we have synthesized metal nanoparticles with distinct chemical and physical properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy depicts AgNPs with a round-shape and diameters from 40 - 80 nm, while AuNPs were hexagonal, with sizes from 40 - 80 nm, and CuNPs were rod-shaped, with dimensions 40 by 160 nm. Our findings demonstrate that the argon plasma approach used in this study is a rapid, green, and versatile reduction method for the synthesis of both noble and non-noble metal nanoparticles.

Kinetics of reactions of the Actinomadura R39 DD-peptidase with specific substrates.

The Actinomadura R39 DD-peptidase catalyzes the hydrolysis and aminolysis of a number of small peptides and depsipeptides. Details of its substrate specificity and the nature of its in vivo substrate are not, however, well understood. This paper describes the interactions of the R39 enzyme with two peptidoglycan-mimetic substrates 3-(D-cysteinyl)propanoyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine and 3-(D-cysteinyl)propanoyl-D-alanyl-D-thiolactate. A detailed study of the reactions of the former substrate, catalyzed by the enzyme, showed DD-carboxypeptidase, DD-transpeptidase, and DD-endopeptidase activities. These results confirm the specificity of the enzyme for a free D-amino acid at the N-terminus of good substrates and indicated a preference for extended D-amino acid leaving groups. The latter was supported by determination of the structural specificity of amine nucleophiles for the acyl-enzyme generated by reaction of the enzyme with the thiolactate substrate. It was concluded that a specific substrate for this enzyme, and possibly the in vivo substrate, may consist of a partly cross-linked peptidoglycan polymer where a free side chain N-terminal un-cross-linked amino acid serves as the specific acyl group in an endopeptidase reaction. The enzyme is most likely a DD-endopeptidase in vivo. pH-rate profiles for reactions of the enzyme with peptides, the thiolactate named above, and ß-lactams indicated the presence of complex proton dissociation pathways with sticky substrates and/or protons. The local structure of the active site may differ significantly for reactions of peptides and ß-lactams. Solvent kinetic deuterium isotope effects indicate the presence of classical general acid/base catalysis in both acylation and deacylation; there is no evidence of the low fractionation factor active site hydrogen found previously in class A and C ß-lactamases.

Prospective evaluation of a new classification system for the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

PURPOSE: We propose a new classification of subcondylar fractures of the mandible based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture angulation and present our treatment experience using this classification system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were evaluated. We categorized the fractures into 3 classes: Class 1 (minimally displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: <2 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: <10°; Class 2 (moderately displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: 2 to 15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: 10 to 35°; Class 3 (severely displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: >15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: >35°. Our treatment protocol is closed treatment for Class 1 fractures; either closed or open treatment for Class 2 fractures; and open treatment for Class 3 fractures. RESULTS: Among 80 patients, 20 had Class 1 fractures (25%), 40 had Class 2 fractures (50%), and 20 had Class 3 fractures (25%). In Class 2 fractures, 22 patients were managed by closed treatment (Class 2a) and 18 by open treatment (Class 2b). No statistically significant differences were found between the 3 classes in terms of functional outcome, while, within Class 2 patients, significantly (P = .00) better functional results were observed in open (Class 2b) group compared with closed group (Class 2a). CONCLUSIONS: Our new classification based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture displacement can better guide clinical treatment. Class 1 fractures are treated by closed method, while open reduction is recommended in Class 2 and Class 3 cases.

Outcomes of open versus closed treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare open reduction and internal fixation with closed treatment and maxillomandibular fixation for the management of subcondylar fractures of the mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were evaluated. All fractures were displaced; either angulated between 10 degrees and 35 degrees or the ascending ramus was shortened by more than 2 mm. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed 6 months after the trauma. Clinical parameters included mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, deviation on mouth opening, and occlusion. Radiographic parameters included level of the fracture, deviation of the fragment, and shortening of the ascending ramus. Subjective parameters included pain according to a visual analog scale. Nonparametric data were compared for statistical significance with a chi(2) analysis and parametric data with an independent samples t test (P < .05). RESULTS: Correct anatomical position of the fragments was achieved significantly more accurately in the operative group in contrast to the closed treatment group. Regarding mouth opening/lateral excursion/protrusion, significant (P = .00) differences were observed between both groups (open 39.6/12.5/5.9 mm vs closed 33.5/9.8/4.1 mm). The visual analog scoring revealed significant (P = .00) difference with less pain in the operative treatment group (1.1 open vs 5.2 closed). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups for occlusion (P = .86). CONCLUSION: Both treatment options for condylar fractures of the mandible yielded acceptable results. However, operative treatment was superior in all objective and subjective functional parameters except occlusion.

Dermoid Cysts of the Maxillofacial Region: Case Series.

The maxillofacial region can be affected by a number of subcutaneous pathologic conditions that include developmental, inflammatory, infective and neoplastic entities. Many of these lesions present as a soft to firm painless swelling. Differential diagnosis of such lesions requires thorough knowledge of maxillofacial pathology as well as anatomy to come to a correct diagnosis and provide effective treatment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment can lead to other complications and morbidity. The commonly encountered lesions include dermoid cysts, branchial cysts, lipoma and thyroglossal cyst. Dermoid cysts are dysontogenetic cysts rarely involving the maxillofacial region (1.6-7% of all dermoid cysts of the body). The most common site of involvement in the maxillofacial region is near the frontozygomatic suture followed by cervical region. Some lesions have a deep component which may involve the cranial or orbital cavities. This is a retrospective study of the cases managed at our center from 2001 to 2017. Of the 12 cases in our study, all but one was involving the floor of the mouth. There were 11 males and 1 female. Swelling was the only symptom. The patients age ranged from 16 to 34 years (Table 2). The cysts were present for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years at the time of reporting. All cases were managed with enucleation. The patients are on follow-up with no report of recurrence. The period of follow-up was 1 to 16 years. There were no complications postoperatively.

Enzyme nanovehicles: Histaminase and catalase delivered in nanoparticulate chitosan.

Widespread skin allergies are of high societal concern. This pathology usually includes "histamine intolerance" and inflammatory processes affecting the skin. Oxidative stress, due to both intrinsic and environmental factors, leads to skin disorders, disease, and aging. Since the stratum corneum (SC) allows only small, lipophilic molecules to be absorbed through the skin, proteins, which are large amphoteric macromolecules, display limited bioavailability. The present study investigates the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as vehicle for two enzymes (catalytic proteins): catalase (CAT) and diamine oxidase (histaminase, DAO). Chitosan is an inexpensive, biocompatible, biodegradable, mucoadhesive, antibacterial, and antifungal biopolymer. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) have a high surface to volume ratio, hence high surface charge density and stronger biological activity than chitosan itself. CNP encapsulating DAO/CAT were prepared by using chitosans from different sources (shrimp and fungal). Nanoparticles were prepared by ionic complexation with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Two different protein concentrations (0.5 mg/mL and 1.0 mg/mL) were investigated in the preparation of the nanoparticles. The resulting CNP were characterized by size (from 200 to 300 nm) and zeta potential (up to 9 mV) measurements, encapsulation efficiency (EE, up to 48%), loading capacity (LC, up to 42%), ratio of residual amino groups (RRAG, up to 14%), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and residual enzymatic activity. The antioxidant activity of the CNP encapsulating CAT was evaluated as well. The kinetics of protein release from the nanocomposites was monitored spectrophotometrically (for 160 h). Here we report that CAT was encapsulated with higher EE and residual enzymatic activity, while encapsulated DAO displayed better release profiles. Following encapsulation and release from CNP, both enzymes retained activity. The activities of DAO/CAT remained constant after five months in storage at -20 °C. These findings show that tailored nanosized chitosan affords enhancement to enzymes with low activity (like DAO) and shows promise as a carrier for therapeutic enzymes. Further investigations into its capability to increase their bioavailability are warranted.

A comparative study of the effect of two dosages of submucosal injection of dexamethasone on postoperative discomfort after third molar surgery: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of two different dosages of dexamethasone, i.e., 4 and 8 mg injected submucosally to reduce postoperative discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery. METHODOLOGY: A prospective randomized study was conducted on 45 patients requiring surgical removal of an impacted third molar. Selected patients were divided randomly into three groups of 15 patients each: group I patients received one regimen single dose of 4 mg dexamethasone submucosally, group II received one regimen single dose of 8 mg dexamethasone submucosally, and group III (control group), no dexamethasone was given but only received injection of normal saline submucosally after establishing local anesthesia. The postoperative sequelae were assessed on the second and seventh postoperative day. RESULT: As compared to group III, groups I and II showed statistically significant reduction in pain and swelling whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the test groups. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that corticosteroids are effective in curtailing the postoperative edema of lower third molar surgery but have negligible analgesic effect. As no statistically significant difference is found between both the regimes of dexamethasone, i.e., 4 and 8 mg so within the confines of our study, it may be concluded that 4 mg dexamethasone can be given safely to reduce the postoperative edema after the third molar surgery.

To assess the efficacy of socket plug technique using platelet rich fibrin with or without the use of bone substitute in alveolar ridge preservation: a prospective randomised controlled study.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) as a socket plug with or without use of Plaster of Paris (POP) as bone substitute to preserve the alveolar ridge post-extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomised single blind controlled study, was conducted for 18 months from November 2014 to May 2016 on 48 patients requiring extraction. All teeth were extracted atraumatically using periotomes and luxators without raising mucoperiosteal flap. Sockets were randomly allotted to groups A, B and C. Group A sockets were chosen as control, where figure of eight suture was placed. In group B sockets, PRF obtained by centrifugation was used as a socket plug and stabilised with figure of eight suture. Group C sockets were filled with POP and then covered with PRF. The socket was then closed with a figure of eight suture. Patients were informed of need for 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety sockets in 48 patients were subjected to our study. We found that results in the sockets where we have grafted POP showed better ridge preservation and post-operative comfort even though the difference in ridge resorption between the three groups was not statistically significant. Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from the Aries Systems Corporation. CONCLUSION: Atraumatic extraction may minimise the post-operative pain and discomfort to patient as well as the post-extraction alveolar height and width changes. The use of PRF and/or bone substitute even though clinically contributes to better post-operative healing and minimal loss of alveolar width and height, the values were not statistically significant.

High-Performance Hybrid Bismuth-Carbon Nanotube Based Contrast Agent for X-ray CT Imaging.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used for a plethora of biomedical applications, including their use as delivery vehicles for drugs, imaging agents, proteins, DNA, and other materials. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new CNT-based contrast agent (CA) for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. The CA is a hybrid material derived from ultrashort single-walled carbon nanotubes (20-80 nm long, US-tubes) and Bi(III) oxo-salicylate clusters with four Bi(III) ions per cluster (Bi4C). The element bismuth was chosen over iodine, which is the conventional element used for CT CAs in the clinic today due to its high X-ray attenuation capability and its low toxicity, which makes bismuth a more-promising element for new CT CA design. The new CA contains 20% by weight bismuth with no detectable release of bismuth after a 48 h challenge by various biological media at 37 °C, demonstrating the presence of a strong interaction between the two components of the hybrid material. The performance of the new Bi4C@US-tubes solid material as a CT CA has been assessed using a clinical scanner and found to possess an X-ray attenuation ability of >2000 Hounsfield units (HU).

Characterization of a novel long-chain acyl-CoA thioesterase from Alcaligenes faecalis.

A novel long-chain acyl-CoA thioesterase from Alcaligenes faecalis has been isolated and characterized. The protein was extracted from the cells with 1 m NaCl, which required 1.5-fold, single-step purification to yield near-homogeneous preparations. In solution, the protein exists as homomeric aggregates, of mean diameter 21.6 nm, consisting of 22-kDa subunits. MS/MS data for peptides obtained by trypsin digestion of the thiosterase did not match any peptide from Escherichia coli thioesterases or any other thioesterases in the database. The thioesterase was associated exclusively with the surface of cells as revealed by ultrastructural studies using electron microscopy and immunogold labeling. It hydrolyzed saturated and unsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs of C12 to C18 chain length with Vmax and Km of 3.58-9.73 micromol x min(-1) x (mg protein)(-1) and 2.66-4.11 microm, respectively. A catalytically important histidine residue is implicated in the active site of the enzyme. The thioesterase was active and stable over a wide range of temperature and pH. Maximum activity was observed at 65 degrees C and pH 10.5, and varied between 60% and 80% at temperatures of 25-70 degrees C and pH 6.5-10. The thioesterase also hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl esters of C2 to C12 chain length, but substrate competition experiments demonstrated that the long-chain acyl-CoAs are better substrates for thioesterase than p-nitrophenyl esters. When assayed at 37 and 20 degrees C, the affinity and catalytic efficiency of the thioesterase for palmitoleoyl-CoA and cis-vaccenoyl-CoA were reduced approximately twofold at the lower temperature, but remained largely unaltered for palmitoyl-CoA.

Synthesis and structural studies of the simplest bismuth(III) oxo-salicylate complex: [Bi4(µ3-O)2(HO-2-C6H4CO2)8]·2Solv (Solv = MeCN or MeNO2).

Reaction of BiPh3 with salicylic acid (HO-2-C6H4CO2H, H2Sal) at room temperature in wet acetonitrile or nitromethane leads to the facile formation of an oxo cluster compound with formula [Bi4(µ3-O)2(HSal)8] solvated by either MeCN and MeNO2 (1·2MeCN or 1·2MeNO2). This simple procedure affords a convenient, high yield (>80%) synthesis of a single bismuth oxo cluster. Both adducts exhibit a nearly planar Bi4(µ3-O)2 core. The solvent ligands are situated in the same coordination sites in both but at long Bi-N and Bi-O distances. The ease of preparation as a pure compound makes this an ideal starting material for study of bismuth oxo-salicylate chemistry.

Fracture of the styloid process associated with the mandible fracture.

Fracture of the styloid process (SP) of temporal bone is an uncommon injuries. Fracture of the SP can be associated with the facial injuries including mandible fracture. However, injury to the SP may be concealed and missed diagnosis may lead to the improper or various unnecessary treatments. A rare case of SP fracture associated with the ipsilateral mandibular fracture and also the diagnostic and management considerations of the SP fracture are discussed.

Comparative evaluation of 2.0-mm locking plate system vs. 2.0-mm nonlocking plate system for mandibular fractures--a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of the 2.0-mm locking miniplate/screw system in comparison to the 2.0-mm nonlocking miniplate/screw system in mirror image mandibular fractures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective clinical trial was reviewed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College, Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences Rohtak for a period of 30 months (June 2007 to December 2009). A total of 30 patient pairs with isolated identical mandibular fracture (single or multiple) having 88 fractures were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 11 complications that occurred represented 12.5% of the total. Six complications occurred at angle, three in the body and two at parasymphysis. Four complications occurred in the locking group and seven in the nonlocking group, with complication rates accounting for 9% and 16%, respectively. When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between the locking and nonlocking plates (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: Mandible fractures treated with the 2.0-mm locking plates and the 2.0-mm nonlocking plates present similar short-term complication rates.

Making bispirin: synthesis, structure and activity against Helicobacter pylori of bismuth(III) acetylsalicylate.

Reaction of Bi(O(t)Bu)3 with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid = aspH) in dry toluene results in the bismuth(III) complex, [Bi(O2C(C6H4)OAc)3]∞ 1 (O2C(C6H4)OAc = asp), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Helicobacter pylori ≥ 6.25 µg mL(-1), while the inclusion of a stoichiometric equivalent of KO(t)Bu leads to crystals of the bismuthate salt [KBi(O2C(C6H4)OAc)4]∞ 2.