Application of an augmented reality tool for maxillary positioning in orthognathic surgery – A feasibility study

BACKGROUND: An augmented reality tool for computer assisted surgery named X-Scope allows visual tracking of real anatomical structures in superposition with volume rendered CT or MRI scans and thus can be used for navigated translocation of bony segments. METHODS: In a feasibility study X-Scope was used in orthognathic surgery to control the translocation of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy within a bimaxillary procedure. The situation achieved was compared with the pre-operative situation by means of cephalometric analysis on lateral and frontal cephalograms. RESULTS: The technique was successfully utilized in 5 patients. Maxillary positioning using X-Scope was accomplished accurately within a range of 1mm. The tool was used in all cases in addition to the usual intra-operative splints. A stand-alone application without conventional control does not yet seem reasonable. CONCLUSION: Augmented reality tools like X-Scope may be helpful for controlling maxillary translocation in orthognathic surgery. The application to other interventions in cranio-maxillofacial surgery such as Le Fort III osteotomy, fronto-orbital advancement, and cranial vault reshaping or repair may also be considered.     

Etanercept decreases tumor necrosis factor-α activity in chronic wound fluid

High levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, are present in the wound fluid of chronic nonhealing wounds. This leads to increased inflammation, cytokine expression, and ultimately results in impaired wound healing and tissue destruction. Etanercept is a recombinant fusion protein that consists of the soluble TNF receptor (p75) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. It is an effective inhibitor of TNF-alpha and has been shown to provide rapid and sustained improvement in rheumatoid arthritis by acting as a soluble receptor binding TNF-alpha and preventing its proinflammatory activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Etanercept could inhibit TNF-alpha activity in chronic wound fluid. Wound fluid was collected from the venous leg ulcers of 16 different patients. The effect of Etanercept on TNF-alpha activity was evaluated using both a TNF-alpha bioassay and an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Etanercept was found to reduce the cytotoxic effect of chronic wound fluid on L929 fibroblasts by approximately 30% and neutralized TNF-alpha binding in the enzyme-linked immunoassay by up to 80%. Direct application of Etanercept to chronic wounds may therefore reduce the inflammatory activity of TNF-alpha, which could reduce the chronicity of venous leg ulcers and thus aid in the healing of these wounds.     

Was kann der Sonotrainer-Ultraschallsimulator?

In obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as in many other fields of medicine, ultrasound has become an indispensable diagnostic tool. Ultrasound training, however, still lacks proper quality assessment and control. In fact, in prenatal diagnostics most fetal anomalies requiring diagnosis during pregnancy are extremely rare. Therefore, effective training opportunities are limited to the very few medical centres which treat many such cases. Ultrasound simulator-based training, as performed with the Sonofit Sonotrainer, has been demonstrated to partly overcome this dilemma. In this article, the authors summarize their experience in using and evaluating various teaching concepts after the implementation of the ultrasound simulator under different conditions. Furthermore, an overview of the advantages of the Sonotrainer-based ultrasound training and its acceptance among trainees is provided. The authors also focus on aspects of quality assessment in gynaecological and prenatal ultrasound.     

Synthesis of 1-alkyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivatives and study of their effect on arterial pressure

A series of 1-alkyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines and the related 4-alkyl-1,2-dihydro-benzo[f]isoquinolines was synthesized using reactions of dialkylbenzylcarbinols and their naphthyl analogs with alkylcyanides. Experiments showed that 1-alkyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines typically produce a hypotensive action, while the benzo-annelated structures usually exhibit a hypertensive effects. The most active compound decreases the arterial pressure in cats by 52 Torr and the effect lasts for about 4 hours. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 15–17, March, 2006.     

Antioxidant properties of extracts from the above-ground parts of Filipendula ulmaria

Extracts of the above-ground part of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria L. Maxim.) demonstrate a pronounced antioxidant activity. It is established that 70% and 95% ethanol extracts contain the most active substances. Investigation of the chemical composition of the above-ground part of the plant and its 70% ethanol extract by means of qualitative reactions, thin-layer chromatography, and paper chromatography showed the presence of various phenolic compounds, including quercetin and its glycosides, dihydroquercetin, apigenin, rododendrol, esculetin, and m-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic, anisic, gallic, gentisic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids. __________ Translated From Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 12, Pp. 22–24, December, 2006.