Dental Age Assessment Based on Developmental Stages and Maturity Index of Third Molars for Medico-Legal Purposes.

As results may vary depending on the method of examination, this paper analyzes methods of age estimation based on the maturation index of third molars (I) and Kohler's developmental stages in living individuals. A total of 1475 orthopantomograms were analyzed. The results showed that the development of third molars tended to be more advanced in males than in females.

Survival and predictive factors of clinical outcome in patients with severe acquired brain injury.

Background: Despite the many tools available to modern medicine, predicting the neurological and functional status of patients after severe brain injury remains difficult.

Aim: This analysis evaluates the outcomes of patients with the most severe degree of cerebral function impairment.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Temporary phrenic nerve stimulated patients: What is the role of ultrasound examination?

Background: Prolonged mechanical ventilation caused by ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is a serious problem in critically ill patients. Identification of patients who will have difficulty weaning from ventilation along with attempts to reduce total time on mechanical ventilation is some of the aims of intensive care medicine.

Observations: This article briefly summarizes current options for temporary phrenic nerve stimulation therapy in an effort to keep the diaphragm active as direct prevention and treatment of ventilator-associated diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients on mechanical ventilation.

The Role of Ultrasound Examination in the Differential Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrest in Prehospital Care: A Case Report.

The survival rate of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has improved in recent years; however, it remains low. One approach to improving outcomes in these cases is to implement point-of-care ultrasound as an integral part of advanced cardiac life support management. Due to its growing popularity among emergency physicians, several protocols for this examination have been developed; however, there are little data on its use in the prehospital setting.

Where Did the Midline Catheter Disappear?

Intravascular catheter break off is a rare complication during insertion or nursing care. We report the intravascular break off of a midline catheter after wound dressing change and its migration into the pulmonary artery. The broken piece of catheter was removed percutaneously using a snare kit.

Phrenic nerve stimulation prevents diaphragm atrophy in patients with respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation.

Background: Diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction is a major problem among critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction is thought to play a major role, resulting in a failure of weaning. Stimulation of the phrenic nerves and resulting diaphragm contraction could potentially prevent or treat this atrophy.

Initial Assessment of the Percutaneous Electrical Phrenic Nerve Stimulation System in Patients on Mechanical Ventilation.

Objectives: Maintaining diaphragm work using electrical stimulation during mechanical ventilation has been proposed to attenuate ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. This study assessed the safety and feasibility of temporary percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation on user-specified inspiratory breaths while on mechanical ventilation.

Design: Two-center, nonblinded, nonrandomized study.

Comparison of five 2nd-generation supraglottic airway devices for airway management performed by novice military operators.

Objectives: Five different second-generation supraglottic airway devices, ProSeal LMA, Supreme LMA, i-gel, SLIPA, and Laryngeal Tube Suction-D, were studied. Operators were inexperienced users with a military background, combat lifesavers, nurses, and physicians.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study.