Time-division SQUID multiplexers with reduced sensitivity to external magnetic fields

Time-division SQUID multiplexers are used in many applications that require exquisite control of systematic error. One potential source of systematic error is the pickup of external magnetic fields in the multiplexer. We present measurements of the field sensitivity figure of merit, effective area, for both the first stage and second stage SQUID amplifiers in three NIST SQUID multiplexer designs. These designs include a new variety with improved gradiometry that significantly reduces the effective area of both the first and second stage SQUID amplifiers.Comment: 4 pages, 7 figures. Submitted for publication in the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, August 201

Initiation of prosthetic service and complex rehabilitation for patients after extensive operations for head and neck tumors, congenital disease and traumatic injuries, maxillofacial prosthetics in pmsi oncologic hospital, Chisinau

Proiectul reprezintă prima etapă de creare a unui centru pentru protezele maxilo-faciale în Republica Moldova. Proiectul de asemenea va asigura integrarea Institutului Oncologic în programele internaţionale pentru protezele maxilo-faciale

Morbidity and complications of bone grafting of the floor of the maxillary sinus for the placement of endosseous implants.

Placement of endosseous implants in the atrophic maxilla is often limited because of a lack of supporting bone. A technique to augment the floor of the maxillary sinus with autogenous bone graft seems to be a new reliable treatment modality. The morbidity and complication rate of augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor was studied in 75 patients. The sinus floor was augmented with iliac crest (n = 65, 128 sinuses, 276 implants), mandibular symphysis (n = 8, ten sinuses, 21 implants), or maxillary tuberosity grafts (n = 2, two sinuses, two implants). The width of the alveolar crest had to be reconstructed in 52 patients, while in the other 23 patients augmentation and implantation were performed simultaneously. Perforation of the sinus membrane occurred in 45 patients, but this did not predispose them to the development of sinusitis. Loss of bone particles and sequesters were observed in one (diabetic) patient only, in whom a mucosal dehiscence occurred. A second augmentation procedure was successful. Symptoms of transient sinusitis were observed in two of the seven patients with a predisposition for sinusitis. These symptoms were successfully treated with decongestants and antibiotics. One patient developed a purulent sinusitis which resolved after a nasal amrostomy. The bone volume was sufficient for insertion implants in all patients. Twenty of 299 patients (6.7%) in whom Brånemark implants had been inserted were lost to follow-up (mean, 32 months); no sinus pathology was observed. The patients received implant-supported overdentures (58 patients) or fixed bridges (17 patients) and experienced no complaints with regard to the grafts or implants. We conclude that the morbidity and complication rate of bone grafting of the floor of the maxillary sinus floor with autogenous bone is low.</p

The Reproducibility and Applicability of an EFD(®) Dispenser in the Prosthetic Technology of Maxillofacial Prostheses

A reproducible method of dosing pigments can be beneficial and more efficient in the current colour matching procedure in maxillofacial prosthetics. In this study the reproducibility and applicability for pigment dosing of a commercial available EFD(®) dispenser were tested. The reproducibility of a Performus™ II type EFD(®) dispenser was tested by repeating dosing experiments with a set of eight syringes filled with pigment pastes (Factor 2; Flagstaff, USA). To evaluate conventional colour matching, four conventionally colour matched samples were polymerized and compared to the original ones. To investigate the reproducibility of the dispenser in practice, a fifth recipe was dispensed 10 times and colour differences were evaluated visually and as well calculated from measurements with a colour and translucency meter (CTM, PBSensortechnology bv). All dispensed amounts of pigment pastes showed a coefficient of variation in weight of less than 10 %. Evaluating the reproductions of four skin batches compared to the original batches, a ∆E2000 colour difference of 3–7 was measured. Evaluating ten reproductions of one skin coloured batch made with the dispenser, color difference ∆E2000 values compared to the average L*a*b* values, were less than 2 and no visual colour differences could be estimated. Conform these results, low colour differences could be measured with the CTM, indicating no visually observable consequences. Despite the estimated coefficient of variation, the reproducibility of the EFD(®) dispenser in terms of colour difference ∆E2000 of successive dispensing is applicable for colour reproduction in facial prosthetics. Segregation of the current color pastes in due time needs to be taken into consideration

Paradigm shift in head and neck oncology patient management

Objective  This article describes a paradigm shift in what is considered to be good care for patients living with and after (head and neck) cancer. HNO patients often experience severe and difficult physical and psychosocial problems due to the nature and location of the disease. Many disciplines are involved in their treatment, so their voice is only one amongst many others in the decision making process. For this patient group it seems complicated to put the concept of Shared Decision Making into practice. As a step in this direction, patient reported outcomes which ask patients to select the disconcerting issues and symptoms can be used as a basis for referral, supportive care and treatment decision making. We need to provide more tailored and personalized information that is specific to individual circumstances, preferences and concerns and focuses more on the impact of treatment and access to help and support. Follow up of these patients should be concentrated on both medical and emotional aspects.  Practice implications  A shift in the way caregivers provide their information contributes to a more profound involvement of patients in treatment decisions.Output Type: Lette

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients-Challenges and new developments

Head and neck cancer treatment can severely alter oral function and aesthetics, and reduce quality of life. The role of maxillofacial prosthodontists in multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer patients is essential when it comes to oral rehabilitation and its planning. This role should preferably start on the day of first intake. Maxillofacial prosthodontists should be involved in the care pathway to shape and outline the prosthetic and dental rehabilitation in line with the reconstructive surgical options. With the progress of three-dimensional technology, the pretreatment insight in overall prognosis and possibilities of surgical and/or prosthetic rehabilitation has tremendously increased. This increased insight has helped to improve quality of cancer care. This expert review addresses the involvement of maxillofacial prosthodontists in treatment planning, highlighting prosthodontic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients from start to finish