Application of Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using an Endotracheal Tube With Pressure Sensor During Thyroid Surgery: A Porcine Model Study.

Objectives: The loss of signal during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) in thyroidectomy is one of the biggest problems. We have developed a novel IONM system with an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an attached pressure sensor instead of EMG to detect laryngeal twitching. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of this novel IONM system using an ETT with pressure sensor during thyroidectomy in a porcine model.

Application of an Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using a Surface Pressure Sensor in Parotid Surgery: A Rabbit Model Study.

Objectives: Facial nerve monitoring (FNM) can be used to identify the facial nerve, to obtain information regarding its course, and to evaluate its status during parotidectomy. However, there has been disagreement regarding the efficacy of FNM in reducing the incidence of facial nerve palsy during parotid surgery. Therefore, instead of using electromyography (EMG) to identify the location and state of the facial nerve, we applied an intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) system using a surface pressure sensor to detect facial muscle twitching.

Simple technique to preserve the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy: Clinical practicability of an attachable nerve stimulator.

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of an attachable magnetic nerve stimulator for preservation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroidectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 120 female patients, of which 60 underwent thyroidectomy with an attachable magnetic nerve stimulator (magnetic group) and the remaining 60 underwent thyroidectomy with a conventional method without EBSLN identification (control group). For both groups, objective and subjective voice parameters were investigated on the day before surgery and at 2 weeks and 2 months after surgery.

A new injection rate estimation technique for on-site screening test of medication infusion pump by nurses.

Medication infusion pumps are the most popular device in almost all areas of a hospital; therefore, it is important to frequently inspect the accuracy of the infusion pump operation to prevent underdose/overdose accidents. However, the conventional infusion pump inspection devices are not suitable for quick and convenient on-site inspection by nurses. In this study, a new IR estimation technique for peristaltic infusion pumps that facilitates on-site pre-screening test with shorter inspection time was proposed.

Application of Deep Learning System into the Development of Communication Device for Quadriplegic Patient.

Objective: In general, quadriplegic patients use their voices to call the caregiver. However, severe quadriplegic patients are in a state of tracheostomy, and cannot generate a voice. These patients require other communication tools to call caregivers.

Spectral characteristics of caries autofluorescence obtained from different locations and caries severities.

Dental caries usually occurs at interproximal and occlusal surfaces. The purpose of the present study was to determine if characteristic spectral factors extracted from autofluorescence (AF) spectra are informative regarding caries detection and the determination of caries stage as compared with DIAGNOdent results. AF spectra were obtained from caries lesions of different severities at two locations using a 405 nm laser.

Development of a Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using an Accelerometer Sensor in Thyroid Surgery: A Porcine Model Study.

Objectives: The sensitivity and positive predictive value of widely used intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) of the vocalis muscle in thyroid surgery are controversial. Thus, we developed a novel IONM system with an accelerometer sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect instead of EMG to detect laryngeal twitching. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this novel IONM system during thyroid surgery in a porcine model.

Real-Time Light-Guided Vocal Fold Injection: Ex Vivo Feasibility Study in a Canine Model.

Objective: The transcricothyroid (CT) membrane approach is a good option for office-based vocal fold injection (VFI). However, because the needle tip is invisible during injection using the CT approach, precise localization requires a high level of experience, and mastering this approach involves a steep learning curve. To overcome current limitations, we conceptualized a novel technique: real-time light-guided VFI (RL-VFI), which enables simultaneous VFI under direct visualization of the lighted needle tip.

Development of a Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using a Surface Pressure Sensor to Detect Muscle Movement: A Rabbit Model Study.

Objectives: False-negative or false-positive responses in intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) in thyroid surgery pose a challenge. Therefore, we developed a novel IONM system that uses a surface pressure sensor instead of EMG to detect muscle twitching. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of a new IONM system using a piezo-electric surface pressure sensor in an experimental animal model.

Feasibility and safety of nerve stimulator attachment to energy-based devices: A porcine model study.

Background: Recently, several energy-based devices (EBDs) have been developed and applied in the context of thyroid surgery. EBDs can reduce operation time, blood loss, and postoperative pain. Compared to conventional electrocautery, EBDs operate at a relatively lower temperature and produce minimal lateral tissue damage.

The effect of biomechanical stimulation on osteoblast differentiation of human jaw periosteum-derived stem cells.

Background: This study was to investigate the effect of biomechanical stimulation on osteoblast differentiation of human periosteal-derived stem cell using the newly developed bioreactor.

Methods: Human periosteal-derived stem cells were harvested from the mandible during the extraction of an impacted third molar. Using the new bioreactor, 4% cyclic equibiaxial tension force (0.

Development of a Novel Alarm System to Improve Adaptation to Non-invasive Ventilation in Patients With High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

In this case report, we want to introduce a successful way of applying non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with a full face mask in patients with high cervical spinal cord injury through a novel alarm system for communication. A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with C3 American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) B. We applied NIV for treatment of hypercapnia.

Development of a device for real-time light-guided vocal fold injection: A preliminary report.

Objectives/hypothesis: Vocal fold injection is a minimally invasive technique for various vocal fold pathologies. The shortcomings of the cricothyroid (CT) membrane approach are mainly related to invisibility of the injection needle. If localization of the needle tip can be improved during vocal fold injection with the CT approach, the current problems of the technique can be overcome.

Effect of two lasers on the polymerization of composite resins: single vs combination.

The selection of a light-curing unit for the curing composite resins is important to achieve best outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to test lasers of 457 and 473 nm alone or in combination under different light conditions with respect to the cure of composite resins. Four different composite resins were light cured using five different laser combinations (530 mW/cm(2) 457 nm only, 530 mW/cm(2) 473 nm only, 177 mW/cm(2) 457 + 177 mW/cm(2) 473 nm, 265 mW/cm(2) 457 + 265 mW/cm(2) 473 nm, and 354 mW/cm(2) 457 + 354 mW/cm(2) 473 nm).

Effect of energy density on low-shrinkage composite resins: diode-pumped solid state laser versus quartz-tungsten-halogen light-curing unit.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of energy density on the polymerization of low-shrinkage composite resins.

Background Data: The number of photons needs to initiate the polymerization process can be controlled by light intensity and curing time through the form of energy density.

Materials And Methods: For the study, two methacrylate-based (Premise [PR] and Venus Diamond [VE]) and one silorane-based (Filtek LS [LS]) composite resins were light cured using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light-curing unit (LCU) and a 473 nm diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser.

Effect of a DPSS laser on the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets with different base designs.

This study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of ceramic brackets with different base designs using a 473-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser to test its usefulness as a light source. A total of 180 caries-free human premolars were divided into four groups according to the base designs: microcrystalline, crystalline particle (CP), dovetail, and mesh. For each base design, teeth were divided into three different subgroups for light curing using three different light-curing units (LCUs) (quartz-tungsten-halogen unit, light-emitting diode unit, and a DPSS laser of 473 nm).

The color stability of silorane- and methacrylate-based resin composites.

The purpose of this study were to evaluate the discoloration of a silorane-based resin and two methacrylated-based resin composites upon exposure to different staining solutions coffee, red wine, porcine liver esterase and distilled water for 7 days. The colors of all specimens before and after storage in the solutions were measured by a spectrophotometer based on CIE Lab system, and the color differences thereby calculated. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Scheffe's test.

Evaluation of an Experimentally Designed Stereotactic Guidance System for Determining Needle Entry Point during Uniplanar Fluoroscopy-guided Intervention.

Background: In discography performed during percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) via the posterolateral approach, it is difficult to create a fluoroscopic tunnel view because a long needle is required for discography and the guide-wire used for consecutive PELD interrupts rotation of fluoroscope. A stereotactic system was designed to facilitate the determination of the needle entry point, and the feasibility of this system was evaluated during interventional spine procedures.

Methods: A newly designed stereotactic guidance system underwent a field test application for PELD.

Development of laser ruler in rigid laryngoscope.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a new device that provides a simple, noninvasive method of measuring accurate lesion size while using an endoscope.

Methods: We developed a rigid laryngoscope with a built-in laser-ruler using a one-light emitting diode and an acrylic plate. The invention incorporates a built-in laser diode that projects an auto-parallel beam into the optical path of the rigid laryngoscope to form two spots in the field of view.

Expression of VEGF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-9, Telomerase in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objectives: This study investigated the telomerase expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the relationship between the serum level of several soluble factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and matrix metallopeptidase-9 and the clinicopathological features of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 HNSCC patients and 15 normal controls. The telomerase activity in the PBMCs was measured by Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocols.

Broadband quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation in MgO-doped periodically poled LiNbO_3 at the communications band.

A novel scheme for broadband second-harmonic generation was developed with type I quasi phase matching by use of an off-digital nonlinear optical coefficient d(31) . This was achieved by matching of the group velocities of the second harmonic and the fundamental, while the phase velocities were quasi phase matched. The desired group-velocity dispersion could be obtained with LiNbO(3) doped with 5 mol.

Enamel surface evaluation after removal of orthodontic composite remnants by intraoral sandblasting: a 3-dimensional surface profilometry study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of sandblasting to remove composite remnants after orthodontic bracket debonding.

Methods: The sample consisted of 20 human premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. The buccal surface of each premolar was divided into 3 parts: the upper half (control surface group, CS), the lower half left (LS group), and the lower half right (SS group).

Group-velocity-matched cascaded quadratic nonlinearities of femtosecond pulses in periodically poled MgO:LiNbO3.

Large nonlinear phase shifts were generated with femtosecond pulses at 1560 nm through cascaded quadratic interactions in periodically poled MgO-doped LiNbO3. The off-diagonal component of the nonlinear coefficient was utilized for simultaneous quasi phase matching and group-velocity matching. The effective nonlinear refractive index was varied from -2.