Evaluation of the effects of different groove length and thickness of the retainers on the retention of maxillary anterior base metal resin bonded retainers ' an in vitro study

Objectives: The resin-bonded fixed partial dentures have gained immense popularity in recent years as they are more conservative, esthetic, economic and easily fabricated. However debonding is considered the most common cause of failure of resin bonded prosthesis. The objective of the study were to compare the effects of different groove lengths and thickness of retainers on retention of maxillary anterior base metal resin bonded retainers. Study Design: Twenty five metal dies of maxillary central incisor duplicated from pure typhodont teeth (maxillary left central incisors) prepared to receive retainer for resin bonded fixed partial denture having different test designs were made. Five test groups were made with each group having five specimens. Two groups were having preparation depth of 0.5mm and retention groove lengths of 3mm and 5mm. Two groups had preparation depths of 0.3 and 0.7mm with no groove preparation with retainer thickness of 0.3 and 0.7mm respectively. Fifth group with no groove preparation and preparation depth of 0.5mm was kept as control for all the groups. All the specimens were cemented using calibra (Dentsply) resin cement. Each specimen was subjected to tensile loading in vertical direction on universal testing machine (Instron 5569) at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. \ Results: Groups with 5mm and 3mm groove length recorded higher mean vertical forces when compared to the group with no groove preparation. Group with 5mm groove length showed highest mean vertical forces. The group with 0.7mm retainer recorded higher mean vertical force values when compared to groups with 0.5mm and 0.3mm retainer thickness. Group with 0.3mm retainer thickness recorded the least mean vertical force value. Conclusion: Placement of the grooves increased the retention values almost 2 ½ times than the grooveless preparation and as the thickness of the retainers increased retention values also increased. Retention value was directly proportional to the groove length and retainer thickness

Reconstruction of a midfacial defect using an intraoral-extraoral combination prosthesis employing magnets: a clinical report

Radical maxillectomy frequently leads to extended defects in hard and soft tissues that result in a connection between the oral cavities and orbit. If the defect cannot be surgically reconstructed, a combination prosthesis may be necessary to remedy dysfunction in patient function, comfort, esthetics. For minor defects, enlargement of the base of the intra oral prosthesis is generally sufficient. Resections that affect more than one third of the maxilla usually require an intra oral and an extra oral prosthesis that could be assembled and retained in the patient. This clinical report describes a technique of prosthetic rehabilitation of midfacial defect with a silicone orbital prosthesis and intra oral obturator that are retained by magnets

Reconsidering figures of merit for performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaics

The development of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that combine high performance and operational stability is vital for implementing this technology. Recently, reversible improvement and degradation of PSC efficiency have been reported under illumination-darkness cycling. Quantifying the performance and stability of cells exhibiting significant diurnal performance variations is challenging. We report the outdoor stability measurements of two types of devices showing either reversible photo-degradation or reversible efficiency improvement under sunlight. Instead of the initial (or stabilized) efficiency and T as the figures of merit for the performance and stability of such devices, we propose using the value of the energy output generated during the first day of exposure and the time needed to reach its 20% drop, respectively. The latter accounts for both the long-term irreversible degradation and the reversible diurnal efficiency variation and does not depend on the type of process prevailing in a given perovskite cell

The upcoming epidemic of heart failure in South Asia

Currently, South Asia accounts for a quarter of the world population, yet it already claims ≈60% of the global burden of heart disease. Besides the epidemics of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease already faced by South Asian countries, recent studies suggest that South Asians may also be at an increased risk of heart failure (HF), and that it presents at earlier ages than in most other racial/ethnic groups. Although a frequently underrecognized threat, an eventual HF epidemic in the densely populated South Asian nations could have dramatic health, social and economic consequences, and urgent interventions are needed to flatten the curve of HF in South Asia. In this review, we discuss recent studies portraying these trends, and describe the mechanisms that may explain an increased risk of premature HF in South Asians compared with other groups, with a special focus on highly relevant features in South Asian populations including premature coronary heart disease, early type 2 diabetes mellitus, ubiquitous abdominal obesity, exposure to the world’s highest levels of air pollution, highly prevalent pretransition forms of HF such as rheumatic heart disease, and underdevelopment of healthcare systems. Other rising lifestyle-related risk factors such as use of tobacco products, hypertension, and general obesity are also discussed. We evaluate the prognosis of HF in South Asian countries and the implications of an anticipated HF epidemic. Finally, we discuss proposed interventions aimed at curbing these adverse trends, management approaches that can improve the prognosis of prevalent HF in South Asian countries, and research gaps in this important field

Detachable Smart Blind Stick

As the customer requirements for portable devices increasing, there are tremendous innovations emerging in the electronic industry. In this regard several smart sticks entered the market to assist the visually impaired in navigation. They primarily use a stick as a mobility aid allowing them to detect close by obstacles on the ground. Sometimes they may fail to detect or hit obstacles like objects, stairs, or persons. Use of smart sticks which is a portable device can be the solutions to avoid such instances. Though several smart sticks are available, there are some drawbacks. There is a scope for improvement in the parameters like reliability, utility and cost effectiveness. The smart stick is basically an embedded system integrating the sensors, microcontroller and buzzer. A pair of sensor to detect obstacles in front of the blind in the range of 70 cm ahead from ground level to mid-way height of the stick. The real time data from the sensor is applied to the microcontroller for processing. After processing, the microcontroller invokes the buzzer. A detachable unit which acts to augment the functionality of the existing cane or stick is proposed. This aims at alerting the visually challenged people about the obstacles in advance, Also helping them to be independent regarding mobility and navigation

Serum Free Light Chain Assay as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Impact on Survival Outcome

Abstract T.M. Anoop Background The role of serum free light chain (FLC) as a prognostic biomarker in lymphoproliferative diseases is being increasingly studied. In this study we present the 5-year survival outcome for patients with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and their relation to FLC and other known prognostic markers. Materials and Methods This is a prospective study conducted in patients diagnosed with aggressive B-cell NHL. Serum FLC level and ratio were estimated prior to initiation of treatment. Results A total of 100 patients were included in the study from December 2013 to December 2015 with a median age of 53 years. Thirty-eight patients (38%) had elevated FLC level of which 26% were polyclonal and 12% were monoclonal elevations. Abnormal FLC ratio was noted in 12% patients. Median follow-up duration of the study was 75 months. Five-year relapse-free survival (RFS) for the study population was 54.4%. Five-year RFS was 64.1% for early stage and 48.2% for advanced stage diseases (p = 0.05). The RFS was significantly better in age less than 60 years (59.5% vs 43.8%, p < 0.001). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 61.3%. OS was significantly better in younger patients (73.6% vs 33.4%, p < 0.001), with International Prognosis Index score of 0 to 2 (87.4% vs 26.7%, p < 0.001). Patients with elevated FLC had inferior RFS (50% vs 71.4%, p = 0.04). Abnormal FLC ratio also strongly corresponded to inferior RFS (54.5% vs 66.2%, p = 0.001). OS was also significantly inferior in patients with abnormal FLC ratio (72.6% vs 63.6%, p = 0.001). Conclusion In patients with newly diagnosed aggressive B-cell NHL, elevated FLC levels and abnormal FLC ratio were significantly associated with inferior survival

Reconsidering figures of merit for performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaics

The development of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that combine high performance and operational stability is vital for implementing this technology. Recently, reversible improvement and degradation of PSC efficiency have been reported under illumination-darkness cycling. Quantifying the performance and stability of cells exhibiting significant diurnal performance variations is challenging. We report the outdoor stability measurements of two types of devices showing either reversible photo-degradation or reversible efficiency improvement under sunlight. Instead of the initial (or stabilized) efficiency and T as the figures of merit for the performance and stability of such devices, we propose using the value of the energy output generated during the first day of exposure and the time needed to reach its 20% drop, respectively. The latter accounts for both the long-term irreversible degradation and the reversible diurnal efficiency variation and does not depend on the type of process prevailing in a given perovskite cell