Utilization of cone beam computed tomography to determine the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of bifurcated inferior alveolar nerves.

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) bifurcations through the utilization of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The secondary purposes of this study were to analyze the average distance from the main trunk to its branch at the greatest point, to calculate the average distance of the bifid IAN from the apices of the teeth, and to determine the appropriate classification for each IAN bifid nerve according to the types described by Nortjé et al: type 1, 2 canals originating from a single foramen with a narrower inferior canal; type 2, 2 canals originating from a single foramen with a superior canal extending to the second or third molar; type 3, 2 canals of equal size that arise from 2 mental foramina that may link into a single canal near the molars. Examination of 194 CBCT scans revealed that IAN bifurcations were present in 13.

Nano-enabled drug delivery: a research profile.

Unlabelled: Nano-enabled drug delivery (NEDD) systems are rapidly emerging as a key area for nanotechnology application. Understanding the status and developmental prospects of this area around the world is important to determine research priorities, and to evaluate and direct progress. Global research publication and patent databases provide a reservoir of information that can be tapped to provide intelligence for such needs.

Detecting deterioration in patients with chronic disease using telemonitoring: navigating the 'trough of disillusionment'.

Objectives: To examine the evidence base for telemonitoring designed for patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, and to assess whether telemonitoring fulfils the principles of monitoring and is ready for implementation into routine settings.

Design: Qualitative data collection using interviews and participation in a multi-path mapping process.

Participants: Twenty-six purposively selected informants completed semi-structured interviews and 24 individuals with expertise in the relevant clinical and informatics domains from academia, industry, policy and provider organizations and participated in a multi-path mapping workshop.