Usability of a virtual reality environment simulating an automated teller machine for assessing and training persons with acquired brain injury

Objective  

This study aimed to examine the usability of a newly designed virtual reality (VR) environment simulating the operation of an automated teller machine (ATM) for assessment and training.     

Extracorporeal Fixation of Displaced Mandibular Condylar Fracture : Viable Option

Background

To present a series of eighteen cases of displaced mandibular condylar fracture managed by extra-corporeal fixation. To evaluate the post operative results in terms of occlusal stability, temporomandibular joint function and radiological findings.

Methods

A series of 18 cases were treated with extra corporeal fixation with mini plate and screws for displaced mandibular condylar fracture. Ramus was exposed through sub mandibular approach. A wire was passed through the angle of mandible to pull the mandible inferiorly. The displaced condyle was retrieved. A suitable bone plate was fixed to the condylar segment and it was repositioned and stabilized with screw with the distal segment. In three cases vertical sub-sigmoid osteotomy was carried out to retrieve the condylar head. After assembling the osteotomised segment and condylar segment, it was repositioned and stabilised in predetermined position. Post operatively the patients were on inter maxillary fixation for a week followed by active physiotherapy.

Result

The follow up period was between 2-11 years. In nine cases occlusion and mandibular function was good. There was no resorption of the condylar head. One case had complete resorption of the condylar head. Other case had fracture of the bone plate.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal fixation is an effective method for management of displaced and dislocated condylar fracture.Key Words: Extracorporeal fixation, Condylar fracture     

High density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis

Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were studied in 15 children with allergic rhinitis, 45 asymptomatic asthmatic children and 16 children with acute asthmatic attacks. The latter were also studied in their asymptomatic phase. Two control groups of children with minor anatomical defects and those with acute pneumonia with respiratory distress were also studied. The serum concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) and those of total cholesterol lower (p less than 0.001) in children with respiratory allergy when compared to controls. The concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased and that of total cholesterol decreased during acute asthma.     

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of bestatin in patients with resected stage I squamous-cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Bestatin is a potent aminopeptidase inhibitor that has immunostimulant and antitumor activity. We conducted a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether postoperative adjuvant treatment with bestatin could prolong the survival of patients with completely resected stage I squamous-cell lung carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with confirmed, resected stage I squamous-cell lung carcinoma were randomly assigned to receive either bestatin (30 mg) or placebo daily by mouth for 2 years. We assessed whether bestatin treatment was associated with overall survival and 5-year cancer-free survival and assessed its safety. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: From July 8, 1992, through March 30, 1995, 402 patients were entered in the study, 202 in the bestatin group and 198 in the placebo group. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 76 months (range = 58-92 months). The 5-year overall survival was 81% in the bestatin group and 74% in the placebo group for a difference of 7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.4% to 15.0%). The 5-year cancer-free survival was 71% in the bestatin group and 62% in the placebo group for a difference of 9% (95% CI = -0.7% to 17.8%). Overall survival (P =.033, log-rank test) and cancer-free survival (P =.017, log-rank test) were statistically significantly different by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Few adverse events were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Survival was statistically significantly better for patients with completely resected stage I squamous-cell lung carcinoma who were treated with bestatin as a postoperative adjuvant therapy than for those who received a placebo. This result requires confirmation in other phase III trials.     

Granulocyte transfusions: efficacy in treating fungal infections in neutropenic patients following bone marrow transplantation

Background: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of granulocyte transfusions in neutropenic patients with fungal infections following bone marrow transplantation. Study Design and Methods: Systemic fungal infection was detected in 87 patients during the first 100 days following bone marrow transplantation; 50 received granulocytes in addition to appropriate antifungal agents. The median age was 17 years in the transfused patients (range, 1.5–57) and 35 years in the nontransfused patients (range, 0.8–50). Granulocyte transfusions were given on a daily to twice-daily basis. To evaluate their responses, patients were categorized by infection type (candidal [n = 38] vs. noncandidal [n = 49]) and site (fungemia alone [n = 30] vs. invasive infection [n = 57]). Resolution of infection was defined as the resolution of signs and symptoms and negative cultures and/or histopathology. Results: No benefit of granulocyte transfusions could be shown in the resolution of infection in patients with either invasive noncandidal infection (29% in the transfused patients vs. 23% in the nontransfused patients, p > 0.1) or candidal sepsis (56% vs. 50%, p > 0.1). Among patients with delayed marrow recovery, no difference was seen in the resolution of infection in the transfused (25.9%) and nontransfused (50%) patients (p > 0.1); nor was any difference between the transfused and nontransfused patients evident in the duration of febrile episode associated with the fungal infection. Granulocyte transfusions were well tolerated, with the only complications being fever in 12 patients (24%), chills in 10 (20%), and respiratory distress in 2 (4%). Despite attempts to stratify by infection type, invasiveness, and marrow recovery, it was not possible to show any benefit of granulocyte transfusions in this group. Conclusions: It is likely that only through a prospective randomized trial can the question of the efficacy of granulocyte transfusions in treating fungal infections be conclusively answered.