Treatment of mandibular prognathism.

Mandibular prognathism (MP) or skeletal Class III malocclusion with a prognathic mandible is one of the most severe maxillofacial deformities. Facial growth modification can be an effective method of resolving skeletal Class III jaw discrepancies in growing children with dentofacial orthopedic appliances including the chincup, face mask, maxillary protraction combined with chincup traction and the Fr?nkel functional regulator III appliance. Orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is required for the correction of adult MP. The two most commonly applied surgical procedures to correct MP are sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Both procedures are suitable for patients in whom a desirable occlusal relationship can be obtained with a setback of the mandible, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In bilateral SSRO, the intentional ostectomy of the posterior part of the distal segment can offer long-term positioned stability. This may be attributable to reduction of tension in the pterygomasseteric sling that applies force in the posterior mandible. While various environmental factors have been found to contribute to the development of MP, heredity plays a substantial role. The relative contributions of genetic and environmental components in the etiology of MP are unclear. The recent identification of the genetic susceptibilities to MP constitutes the first step toward understanding the molecular pathogenesis of MP. Further studies in molecular biology are needed to identify the gene-environment interactions associated with the phenotypic diversity of MP and the heterogenic developmental mechanisms thought to be responsible for them.     

Successful balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for congenital valvular pulmonary stenosis in an octogenarian.

While balloon valvuloplasty has been widely used for the treatment of congenital valvular pulmonary stenosis (PS) in children and adults, its use in elderly patients is less common. An 80-year-old woman with congenital valvular PS received valvuloplasty with double-balloon technique. Right ventricle systolic pressure and pulmonary valve systolic pressure gradient decreased from 95 to 44 mm Hg and from 75 to 35 mm Hg, respectively. Follow-up Doppler echocardiography 2 months later showed further decrease in the transvalvular systolic pressure gradient to 29 mm Hg. The patient had symptomatic relief, and no major complication was noted. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty can be an effective treatment for elderly patients with congenital valvular PS.     

Evaluation of four elastomeric interocclusal recording materials

Background: The fabrication of dental prosthesis requires the transfer of interocclusal records from patient's mouth to semiadjustable articulators using different kinds of recording media. Any inaccuracy in these interocclusal records leads to occlusal errors in the final prosthesis. This study was conducted to evaluate the dimensional changes occurring in the interocclusal recording material over a given period of time and the material's resistance to compression during the cast mounting on the articulator.     

Troponin T levels in baboons with pig heterotopic heart transplants.

Troponin T levels have been monitored in baboons (n = 8) undergoing pig heterotopic heart transplantation, and correlated with a decrease in graft contractions and graft survival. Pig heart graft survival was from 12 to 139 days (mean 45, median 33), and graft failure was associated with predominant thrombotic microangiopathy and ischemia, with focal hemorrhage, and edema. An increase in troponin T levels 5 to 6 days before graft failure correlated closely with diminished graft contractions. An increase in troponin T was a reliable indicator that graft dysfunction was occurring.     

Chronic encapsulated intracerebral haematoma.

We report a rare chronic encapsulated intracerebral haematoma (CEICH). A 52-year-old man had two seizures. Unenhanced computed tomography scanning of the head revealed a hypodense tumour with clusters of calcification in the left temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a left temporal tumour with a hypointense centre and hyperintense periphery on T(1)-weighted imaging and heterogeneous hypointensity on T(2)-weighted imaging. The tumour was heterogeneously enhanced after gadolinium injection. Craniotomy was carried out and a CEICH in the left temporal lobe was completely excised. No vascular anomaly was found. The tumour was histologically confirmed to be a CEICH. The patient recovered well after the operation. In this report, we describe this rare case and discuss the characteristics of CEICH.