How Important is the Tunnel Position in Outcomes Post-ACL Reconstruction: A 3D CT-Based Study

BackgroundDrilling the femoral and tibial tunnels at their anatomical locations are critical for good outcomes and involve seeing the footprints well. We intended to compare two techniques of drilling the tunnels and the patient-reported outcomes and knee stability of patients undergoing single bundle ACL reconstruction using 3D CT to evaluate if the tunnels were anatomical or not.Materials and MethodsSixty single bundle ACL reconstructions were analyzed, 30 each with Technique A and B. Pre-operative and after a minimum 27 month follow-up Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner score, hop test, and Lachman test were noted. 3D CT was done to classify femoral tunnels positions as being well placed, slightly or grossly misplaced and tibial tunnels as optimal or suboptimal and compared.ResultsSixty ACL reconstructions had full follow-up with a mean follow-up of 34 months. There was no significant difference between tunnel positions between the two techniques. Well-placed femoral tunnel had better Lysholm score (62.2 ± 16.2 v/s 48.5 ± 17.2, p 0.002) and IKDC score (62.5 ± 14.3 v/s 52.7 ± 15.1, p 0.012).). Those who had their surgeries within 3 months of their injury had better hop test (4.4 ± 0.9 v/s 3.9 ± 1, p 0.034) and IKDC scores (62.5 ± 15.8 v/s 33.2 ± 13.8, p 0.026) as compared to those that had surgery done after 3 monthsConclusionTibial tunnel positions were optimal in most cases and did not differ between the two techniques. Well-placed femoral tunnels and surgeries done within 3 months of the injury produced best results.     

Analysis of 55 cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in an Indian population and review of literature

Background This study reviews the demographic, clinical and radiographic features of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor(AOT) diagnosed in an Indian population over 50 years and also evaluate and compare follicular AOT(F-AOT) and extra-follicular AOT(EF-AOT).Material and Methods 55 diagnosed cases of AOT from 1971-2020 were studied retrospectively. The data regarding the age, sex, location, variant of AOT, duration, clinical features, radiographic appearance, treatment and recurrence were collected and analysed.Results Of the 722 odontogenic tumors diagnosed, 7.6% were AOTs with higher prevalence of extra-follicular (67.3%) than follicular (32.7%) variant. All the tumors were intraosseous with a marked predilection for maxilla over mandible, ratio 2:1. The patients mean age was 19.8 years with slightly higher female predilection (male:female ratio - 1:1.5). The anterior region (76.4%) was more frequently affected and entire quadrant was involved in 21.8% cases. Clinically, asymptomatic, slow-growing swelling was seen in 81.8% cases with duration of 15 days to 10 years. Radiographically, AOT appeared as well-corticated radiolucent lesion. Canine was the most commonly impacted tooth. Recurrence was seen in 3 cases.Conclusions Interestingly, in this series extra-follicular was twice more common than follicular AOT. Few cases involved the entire quadrant or crossed the midline of either jaws. Key words:Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), follicular AOT, extrafollicular AOT, Indian population, odontogenic tumor.     

Caregiver Nutritional Health Outcomes of the Simple Suppers Study: Results from a 10 Week,Two-Group Quasi-Experimental Family Meals Intervention

Individuals from racial minority backgrounds, especially those in low income situations, are at increased risk for obesity. Family meals positively impact child nutritional health; however, there is limited evidence examining the impact on caregivers, particularly racial minority and income-restricted individuals. The objective of this intervention study was to determine the effect of Simple Suppers, a 10 week family meals program, on caregiver diet and nutrition outcomes. Intervention versus waitlist control participants were compared from baseline (T0) to post-intervention (T1). In addition, intervention participants were assessed at a 10 week follow-up time point (T2). This study was a two-group quasi-experimental intervention trial. Lessons (10 total) were delivered on a weekly basis for 90 min. Data were collected from intervention and waitlist control participants at T0 and T1, and intervention participants at T2. After baseline (T0) data collection, families enrolled in the immediate upcoming session of Simple Suppers (intervention group) or waited for 10 weeks (waitlist control group) to begin the program. Participants were caregivers of children ages 4–10 years. This study was conducted in a faith-based community center for underserved families in Columbus, Ohio. Primary outcomes were: diet quality assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI) total and component scores, and total energy intake (kcal/day); body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²), waist circumference (cm), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (mmHG); and self-efficacy for having healthy meals and menu planning (both scalar). The impact of the intervention (T0:T1) was assessed using generalized mixed-effects linear regression models. Maintenance of change in study outcomes among intervention participants (T1:T2) was examined with paired t-tests. 109 caregivers enrolled in this study. The retention rate at T1 was 90% (i.e., 98 participants). 56 of 68 intervention participants completed T2, resulting in a retention rate of 82%. Almost all (99%) were female, 61% were Black, and 50% were between 31 and 40 years old. In total, 40% had low income and 37% had low or very low food security. At T1, intervention vs. waitlist controls had a lower daily energy intake (p = 0.04), but an HEI-2010 component score for fatty acids (adequacy) that was lower indicating a lower dietary intake of fatty acids (p = 0.02), and a component score for empty calories (moderation) that was significantly lower indicating a higher intake of empty calorie foods (p = 0.03). At T1, intervention vs. waitlist controls also had a lower BMI (p < 0.001) and systolic BP (p = 0.04), and higher self-efficacy (p = 0.03). There were no group differences in other outcomes. At T2, intervention participants maintained the changes in daily energy intake, BMI, systolic BP, and self-efficacy that improved during the intervention period. There was no change (improvement) in the component score for fatty acids; however, the component score for empty calories significantly improved (p = 0.02). Engagement in the Simple Suppers program led to improvements in caregivers’ daily caloric intake, weight status, systolic blood pressure, and self-efficacy for family meals. Future research should further explore the dietary and nutritional health benefits of family meals among caregivers at the highest risk for obesity.     

Effects of abrupt changes in cycle length on atrial refractory periods in man

While the electrophysiologic effects of sudden changes in cycle length on the His-Purkinje System and ventricular myocardial refractoriness are better known, the behavior of atrial myocardium in this regard is poorly understood. The effects of an abrupt long to short cycle length change (11 patients: group A) and/or short to long cycle length alteration (18 patients: group B) on the atrial effective and functional refractory period were assessed during electrophysiologic studies. The values thus obtained were compared to those observed during the scanning of both constant long and constant short cycle lengths of the same duration. In group A the effective and functional refractory periods of the right atrium measured 250 +/- 38 msec and 296 +/- 31 msec during a constant long cycle length of 709 +/- 80 msec, whereas the same parameters had values of 228 +/- 30 msec and 260 +/- 32 msec, respectively, at a constant short cycle length of 436 +/- 81 msec. With an abrupt change in cycle length from long to short (a change of 273 +/- 75 msec), the effective and functional atrial refractory periods were 225 +/- 29 and 267 +/- 29 msec in that order, and these values closely approximated those seen with a constant short cycle length. Similarly, the two atrial refractory period parameters in group B measured 218 +/- 16 msec and 262 +/- 19 msec during a constant short cycle length of 414 +/- 68 msec and were 236 +/- 17 msec and 284 +/- 21 msec, respectively, at a constant long cycle length of 689 +/- 92 msec.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Real-time photovoltaic parameters assessment of carbon quantum dots showing strong blue emission

The need for replacing conventional sources of energy with renewable ones has been on a swift rise since the last couple of decades. In this context, the progress in third-generation solar cells has taken a good leap in the last couple of years with increasing prospects of high efficiency, stability, and lifetime. Quite recently, a new form of carbon has been discovered accidentally in the form of carbon quantum dots (C QD), which is being pursued actively owing to its chemical stability and luminescent properties. In the current work, we report highly luminescent C QD prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an average particle size of 3.4 nm. The prepared C QD were used in a co-sensitized solar cell, where an improvement in the device characteristics was observed. The enhancement in the device characteristics is supported by impedance and electron life-time analysis. Further, the time-dependent analysis of the current and voltage revealed the functioning of the solar cell in real-time condition.

Carbon QD showing bright blue fluorescence aid in improving the photovoltaic parameters in a co-sensitized solar cell. Time-dependent I–V analysis revealed the real-time functioning of the device.     

Efficacy of Preprocedural Mouth Rinsing in Reducing Aerosol Contamination Produced by Ultrasonic Scaler: A Pilot Study

Background: The aerosol generated by an ultrasonic scaler contains microorganisms that can penetrate into the body through the respiratory system of dental surgeons and patients. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available preprocedural mouthrinses containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, an herbal mouthwash, and water in reducing the levels of viable bacteria in aerosols. Methods: This single‐center, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized, three‐group parallel design was conducted over a period of 45 days. Twenty‐four patients with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into three groups (A, B, and C) of eight patients each to receive 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, herbal mouthwash, and water, respectively, as a preprocedural rinse. The aerosol produced by the ultrasonic unit was collected at patient's chest area, doctor's chest area, and assistant's chest area on blood agar plates in all three groups. The blood agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, and the total number of colony‐forming units (CFUs) was counted and statistically analyzed. Results: The results showed that CFUs in groups A and B were significantly reduced compared with group C, P <0.001 (analysis of variance). Also, CFUs in group A were significantly reduced compared with group B, P <0.05 (independent t‐test). The numbers of CFUs were highest at the patient's chest area and lowest at the assistant's chest area. Conclusion: This study suggests that a routine preprocedural mouthrinse could eliminate the majority of bacterial aerosols generated by the use of an ultrasonic unit, and that 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate is more effective than herbal mouthwash.     

Unsuspected metastatic renal cell carcinoma with initial presentation as solitary soft tissue lesion: a case report

A 42 year old male presented with painless soft tissue mass 8x7x6.5 cm in right scapular region for 2 months. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed a malignant clear cell tumour. Ultrasonography (USG) abdomen revealed a heterogeneous mass m 8.6x7x8.4 at the lower pole of left kidney. USG guided FNAC from left kidney mass showed cytomorphology consistent with RCC.