Stability of the hard and soft tissue profile after mandibular advancement in sagittal split osteotomies: a longitudinal and long-term follow-up study

The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term follow-up investigation of the stability of hard and soft tissues after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with rigid internal (RIF) fixation to advance the mandible. Sixteen consecutive patients (12 females and 4 males, mean age 21.4 years) were available for re-examination 12.7 years (T5) after surgery. The preceding follow-ups were before (T1), and 5 days (T2), 7.3 months (T3), and 13.9 months (T4) after surgery. Lateral cephalograms were traced by hand, digitized, and evaluated with the Dentofacial Planner® program. The x-axis for the system of co-ordinates ran through sella (point zero) and the line NSL -7 degrees. Thus, the program determined the x- and y-values of each variable and the usual angles and distances. Statistical analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon's matched-pair signed-ranks test with Bonferroni adjustments. The relationships between the examined variables were analysed by Spearman rank correlation coefficients. The backward relapse at point B (T5) was 2.42 mm, or 50 per cent, and at pogonion 3.21 mm, or 60 per cent of the initial advancement. The mean net effect at T5 on the labial fold (soft tissue point B) was 94 per cent of the advancement at point B. For the soft tissue chin (soft tissue pogonion), it was 119 per cent of the advancement at pogonion. The net effect on the lower lip (labrale inferior) was 55 per cent of the advancement at incision inferior. The amount of the surgical advancement of the mandible was correlated with the long-term relapse in point B. Among possible reasons for this relapse are the initial soft tissue profile, the initial growth direction, and the remodelling processes of the hard tissu

Stability of hard tissue profile after mandibular setback in sagittal split osteotomies: a longitudinal and long-term follow-up study

The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term follow-up on the stability of the hard tissues after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with rigid internal fixation (RIF)to set back the mandible and to compare it with that of mandibular advancement performed by the same team of surgeons and with the same examination protocol. Seventeen consecutive patients (6 females and 11 males) could be re-examined 12.7 years (T5) after surgery. The previous examinations were before surgery (T1), 5 days (T2), and 6.6 (T3) and 14.4 (T4) months after surgery. Lateral cephalograms were traced by hand, digitized, and evaluated with the Dentofacial Planner® software program. The x-axis for the system of co-ordinates ran through sella (point zero) and the line nasion-sella-line minus 7 degrees. The program determined the x- and y-values of each variable and the usual angles and distances. The effects of treatment were determined with Wilcoxon matched pairs, signed ranks test, with Bonferroni adjustment, and the relationship between variables with Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Relapse at point B was 0.94 mm or 15 per cent and at pogonion 1.46 mm or 21 per cent of the initial setback at T5. Relapse was mainly short-term (T4-T2), 13 per cent for point B and 17 per cent for pogonion. Gender correlated significantly with relapse (T5-T2) at point B (P = 0.002) and pogonion (P = 0.021), i.e. females in contrast to males showed further distalization of the mandible instead of relapse. No correlations were seen for age or the amount of surgical setback. The long-term results in mandibular setback patients were more stable when compared with the mandibular advancement patients examined previously. The initial soft tissue profile, the initial growth direction, and the remodelling processes of the hard tissues must be considered as reasons for long-term relapse. Growth direction positively influenced the long-term results in females: further distalization of the mandible occurre

Neurosensory and functional impairment in sagittal split osteotomies: a longitudinal and long-term follow-up study

The aim was to conduct a long-term follow-up study on the function and sensitivity of the mandible in advancement and setback patients after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with rigid internal fixation. The advancement and setback groups consisted of 16 (12 females and 4 males, mean age: 21.4 and 21.3 years, respectively) and 17 (11 females and 6 males, mean age: 27.1 and 27.7 years, respectively). The final follow-up was a mean of 12.7 years (T4) post-operatively. The other follow-up examinations were before surgery (T1) and 7.3/6.6 (T2) and 13.9/14.4 (T3) months after surgery. To evaluate craniomandibular function, mouth-opening capacity, laterotrusion, protrusion, deviations during opening, pain and clicking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscular pain, and the retruded contact position-intercuspal position (RC-IP) distance were examined. A questionnaire was used to record subjective reports. The neurosensory status was determined with two-point discrimination (2-pd), the pointed, blunt, and light-touch tests. Statistical analysis included the following tests: Wilcoxon signed ranked matched pairs, Mann-Whitney U, paired t, and Fisher's exact test. Bonferroni's adjustments were made for evaluation of the questionnaire and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients to determine the interdependence of selected variables. Craniomandibular function showed restitution at T4 after 12.7 years. The 2-pd at the lip and chin had largely normalized in the two groups at T3. At T4, there was a significant increase of 2-pd at the lip and chin in both groups. The discrimination between sharp and blunt was limited in both groups in 25 per cent of patients at T4. Dysfunctions such as TMJ clicking, bruxism, and pain in the TMJ and muscles were neither increased nor decreased after BSSO. The initial post-surgical neurosensory impairment was barely detectable 1 year post-surgery. The new neurosensory impairment manifested at T4 was probably due to the normal human process of ageing. Neither age, gender, surgical advancement, nor setback showed any significant correlation

Social Club Brandenburg : Innovative Orte des Lernens für Jugendliche auf dem Lande

Gedruckte Version im Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin erschienen: ISBN 978-3-7983-2398-8, ISSN 2193-6846SOCIAL CLUB Brandenburg beschäftigt sich mit innovativen Formen des Lernens und Lebens von Jugendlichen auf dem Lande. Ort der Untersuchung ist das ehemaligen (former) landwirtschaftlichen (agricultural) Mustergut Blumberg bei Casekow in der Uckermark / Brandenburg. In der Auseinandersetzung mit dem Ort Blumberg, dem Gutshaus und seiner Wirtschaftsbauten entwickeln Studierende im Bachelorstudiengang Architektur der TU Berlin Konzepte für eine Jugendschule als bauliche Erweiterung der Anlage. Im Sinne eines SOCIAL CLUB wird gezeigt, wie die Schule als soziales und wirtschaftliches Zentrum, auch den Ort Blumberg zu neuem Leben erwecken könnte.The design studio ‘Social club Brandenburg’ is exploring innovative ways that young people from rural areas live and learn. The site is the former archetypal estate of Blumberg in Casekow, Uckermark/Brandenburg. Architecture Students from the TU Berlin will consider how the place of Blumberg, its main house and associated agricultural buildings, can be expanded and converted into a Youth School. The aim of the school is to transform the former estate into a social and economic centre, breathing new life into Blumberg

OPEN SOURCE SCHOOL : Neue Synergien zwischen Schule und Kiez in Gropiusstadt

Zugleich gedruckt erschienen im Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin unter der ISBN 978-3-7983-2273-8.Unter dem Titel "Open Source School" haben 75 Bachelor-Studierende des Institutes für Architektur der TU Berlin Erweiterungen der Bildungslandschaft in Gropiusstadt, eine Großsiedlung am südlichen Rand Berlins, entwickelt. Gemeinsam mit Prof. Susanne Hofmann und den wissenschaftlichen Mitarbeitern Sven Pfeiffer und Urs Walter haben sie individuelle Ansätze gesucht, die auf die speziellen sozialen und baulichen Bedingungen des Ortes eingehen und die Integration unterschiedlicher Interessengruppen in Gropiusstadt gewährleisten. Die Projekte knüpfen an die Ziele des Kooperationsvorhabens Bildungsmeile Wutzkyallee an. In dieser Bildungsmeile suchen mehrere Schulen und Freizeiteinrichtungen gemeinsam nach Möglichkeiten für mehr Synergien zur Verbesserung der Bildungschancen und Stärkung der nachbarschaftlichen Strukturen im Kiez

Agenten und Komplizen : Strategische Partnerschaften zwischen Schule und Stadt in Neukölln

Zugleich gedruckt erschienen im Universitätsverlag der Technischen Universität Berlin, 2012. - ISBN 978-3-7983-2476-3Viele Schulen entwickeln sich von reinen Lernorten für Schüler zu Lebensorten für die gesamte Nachbarschaft der Schule. Können in diesem Prozess bestehende Bildungspotenziale im Quartier aufgespürt und mit der Schule verknüpft werden? Die Rixdorfer Grundschule in Nord-Neukölln soll zu einem Identifikationsort mit hoher Ausstrahlungskraft in die Nachbarschaft ausgebaut werden. Mit dem Planspiel AGENTEN & KOMPLIZEN haben Schülern, Lehrern und Nachbarn der Schule in 70 Spielrunden Zukunftsszenarien für strategische Verbindungen von Bildung und Quartier erspielt. Moderiert wurden die Spielrunden von Studierenden der Architektur, die basierend auf den Ergebnissen des Spiels eine bauliche Erweiterung der Schule entworfen haben.Many schools are currently evolving from their former role as places for learning into neighbourhood centres for educational as well as social activities. During this process, it is essential to trace and link existing local educational potential to the school. The Rixdorf Primary School in the north of Neukölln is to become a core institution with strong radiance and local identity. With the simulation game AGENTS & ACCOMLICES more than 70 future scenarios of strategic links between education and neighbourhood have been played out by pupils, teachers, neighbours and by-passers. The students of Architecture, who moderated the game rounds, designed structural extensions for the school based on the analysis of the game outcome

Effectiveness of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Pediatric Patients with Mid to Severe Aortic Valve Regurgitation

The long-term benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in pediatric patients with aortic valve regurgitation is under consideration. Eighteen patients with mid to severe aortic valve regurgitation were retrospectively evaluated. Echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, shortening fraction, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and grade of aortic valve regurgitation) were analyzed before and during therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Data are given as standard deviation scores (Z-scores) derived from body surface-adjusted normal values. Median (interquartile range) age at start of therapy was 8.4 (5.4 to 10.0) years, and total follow-up 2.3 (0.9 to 5.4) years. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased from 3.6 (2.3 to 4.5) to 3.7 (2.4 to 4.8), and left ventricular posterior wall diameter decreased from 1.9 (1.1 to 3.0) to 1.1 (0.5 to 2.3). Grade of aortic valve regurgitation increased from 3.5 (2.3 to 4.0) to 4.0 (2.0 to 4.0), and shortening fraction decreased from 39% (34% to 43%) to 37% (34% to 42%). No significant effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on left ventricular dimensions or function was found in our population of patients with mid to severe aortic valve regurgitation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may not alter left ventricular overload in pediatric patients with aortic valve regurgitatio

The ommatidia of Arca noae: a three-tier structure with a central light-guiding element for the receptor cell

The compound eyes of ark clams appear to function as an optical system to trigger shell closure against predators. We have analyzed the structure of the ommatidia of Arca noae by thin section electron microscopy and serial sectioning, Concanavalin A-gold labeling and acid phosphatase cytochemistry. Our results demonstrate that the ommatidia are a three-tier structure composed of a central single receptor cell, surrounded and covered by proximal pigment cells followed by rows of distal pigment cells. The receptor cells of Arca noae have no lens and the disks of their receptive segment are derived from sensory cilia. The distal mitochondrial segment in the cytoplasm between the nucleus and the receptive segment is surrounded by a mass of Concanavalin A-reactive glycogen particles. Although both, proximal and distal pigment cells have numerous microvilli, only those of the proximal pigment cells form a well-aligned brush border. The microvilli of the latter are ≈9-11μm long and have a diameter of ≈70-80nm. Numerous microlamellar bodies cover them. The microlamellar bodies are stored in acid phosphatase-negative secretory granules of the pigment granule-free apical cytoplasm of proximal pigment cells before their secretion. Observation of living compound eyes indicated that the apex of proximal pigment cells transmitted significantly more light than the surrounding distal pigment cells. Hence, the regular geometry of the brush border seems to be a light-guiding structure for receptor cells similar to an optical fibe

No posterior mandibular displacement in Angle Class II, division 2 malocclusion as revealed with electromyography and sirognathography

The activity of the anterior and posterior temporal, and of the masseter muscles was studied by electromyography and the position of the mandible by sirognathography. The recordings were made in 22 children, aged 8-13 years, with Angle Class II, division 2 malocclusion before and during treatment of their malocclusion. The treatment comprised two phases: proclination of the upper incisors and bite raising with a removable plate, and the subsequent correction of the distal occlusion with an activator. The aim of the study was to reveal signs of anterior mandibular positioning during the treatment. The electromyographic recordings were made in the rest position of the mandible, and during maximal biting, chewing, and swallowing. The sirognathographic recordings comprised the positions of the mandible at rest, at intercuspation, and during tooth contact during chewing and maximal mandibular movements. The muscle activity at rest was unchanged during the period of observation. The activity during maximal biting, chewing, and swallowing decreased during the phase of proclination, which was interpreted as a result of occlusal instability. The positions of the mandible at rest, at intercuspation, and during chewing were stable during the treatment. Neither the electromyographic recordings nor the recordings of mandibular positions revealed any signs of anterior mandibular positioning during the treatment of the Class II, division 2 malocclusio