Forces acting on the maxillary incisor teeth during laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope

We determined the forces on the maxillary incisors during routine laryngoscopy in 65 adult patients. The forces were measured by a strain gauge based sensor positioned between the handle and the blade of the laryngoscope. The mean maximal force acting on the maxillary incisors was 49 N. In patients without maxillary incisors, the force acting on the gums was significantly lower at 21N (p < 0.001). These results suggest that, despite traditional advice to the contrary, a levering movement of the laryngoscope, using the maxillary incisors (or gums) as a fulcrum, is common practice. Biomechanical analysis revealed that, although levering is not the preferred movement, it is an efficient way of bringing the glottis into view. These results may have implications for future laryngoscope design

Thermische und elektrische Effekte bei laserinduzierten Oberflaechenreaktionen

SIGLECopy held by FIZ Karlsruhe; available from UB/TIB Hannover / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman

Intoxication, Criminal Offences and Suicide Attempts in a Group of South African Problem Drinkers

Background. Incidence rates of crime and alcohol abuse in South Aftica are unacceptably high, research suggests a relationship between alcohol and both crime and suicide. This study aims to add to the information base on this topic in South Africa. Methods. This is a cross-sectional record study of criminal offences and suicide attempts in 269 admissions to an alcohol rehabilitation unit the Western Cape, Types of criminal offences and suicide attempts are described Relationships are sought between crime, violent crime and soicide attempts on the one hand, and demographic and alcohol-related variables on the other. Results. One hundred and four subjects (39%) had criminal convictions, the majority of which were committed while the subjects were intoxicated. The commonest alcoholrelated crimes were driving-related (17%, of subjects) and crimes of violence (15%). Male gender, younger age at initiation of drinking, and earlier onset of problent drinking were significantly associated with criminal behaviour. Violent crime was associated with earlier onset of initial, regular and problem drinking, and maternal alcohol abuse. Suicide attempts (24% of subjects) were associated with female gender, white racial group, not being in a marital relationship, younger current age and early age of problem drinking Conclusions, There was an association between intoodcation and bodt violent crime and suicide attempts. The importance of population studies and the need for intervention programmes almed at teenagers who are drinking, are emphasised

Electric charger for an accumulator or battery

The invention relates to an electric charger for an accumulator or a battery or the like, which is adapted for rapid charging during an on-period and comprises for this purpose control means for starting and ending the on-period. The charger is provided with a circuit for converting a supply voltage to a charging current for the battery, and further with a heat-absorbing member in heat-conducting coupling with at least an electrical component of the circuit to be protected against overheating. The control means are adapted such that the on-period cannot be restarted during an off-period following the on-period. The electric charger can hereby comprise a heat-absorbing member with a relatively low heat loss, this saving space and cost.YES! DelftMechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineerin