Hydrophilicity Tunable Hyperbranched Polymers by Visible Light Induced Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization

A facile and efficient route for synthesizing hydrophilicity tunable hyperbranched polymers is described. The method is based on the visible light induced self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) and 2‐(2‐bromoisobutryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (BIBEM) as monomer and inimer, respectively, in the presence of dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn₂(CO)₁₀). Subsequently, the hydrophlicity of the resulting hydrophobic hyperbranched polymers is tuned by hydrolysis of the tert‐butyl ester moieties of the copolymer. The effect of inimer concentration and irradiation time on the branching density and hydrophilicity is evaluated. The precursor and hydrolyzed hyperbranched polymers are characterized by ¹H NMR, GPC, FT‐IR, and contact angle measurements.     

Ethnic differences in dentofacial relationships of Turkish and Saudi young adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces

Objectives

The aims of the present study were (1) to determine ethnic differences in craniofacial dimensions between Turkish and Saudi populations and (2) to identify possible gender differences between males and females, based on a sample of untreated young adult subjects with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces.

Methods

In total, 163 cephalometric radiographs were traced and evaluated to compare untreated adults of Turkish and Saudi ethnicity. The Turkish group comprised 86 subjects; 45 females and 41 males. The Saudi group comprised 77 subjects; 39 females and 38 males. For statistical evaluation, an independent-samples t-test was performed.

Results

The Turkish sample had a more retrognathic maxilla and mandible (p < 0.001 for SNA and SNB) and a more vertical direction of facial development (p < 0.001), with Turkish males having more retrusive lips (p < 0.001). Distinctive ethnic differences were found in craniofacial structures between Turkish and Saudi young adults.

Conclusions

It is appropriate to consider these aesthetic differences when a Turkish or a Saudi patient is being evaluated during routine diagnosis and treatment planning.     

Effectiveness of the graded motor imagery to improve hand function in patients with distal radius fracture: A randomized controlled trial

Study Design

Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Effects of primary selective laser trabeculoplasty on anterior segment parameters

AIM:To investigate the effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on the main numerical parameters of anterior segment with Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).METHODS: Pentacam measurements of 45 eyes of 25 (15 females and 10 males) patients (12 with OHT, 13 with POAG) before and after SLT were obtained. Measurements were taken before and 1 and 3mo after SLT. Pentacam parameters were compared between OHT and POAG patients, and age groups (60y and older, and younger than 60y).RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.8±13.9 (range 20-77y). Twelve patients (48%) were younger than 60y, while 13 patients (52%) were 60y and older. Measurements of pre-SLT and post-SLT 1mo were significantly different for the parameters of central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) (P<0.05). These parameters returned back to pre-SLT values at post-SLT 3mo. Decrease of ACV at post-SLT 1mo was significantly higher in younger than 60y group than 60y and older group. There was no statistically significant difference in Pentacam parameters between OHT and POAG patients at pre- and post-treatment measurements (P>0.05).CONCLUSION:SLT leads to significant increase in CCT and decrease in ACV at the 1^st month of the procedure. Effects of SLT on these anterior segment parameters, especially for CCT that interferes IOP measurement, should be considered to ensure accurate clinical interpretation.