OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of force and moment produced by Nickel-titanium wires of different sizes at activation and deactivation according to differing vertical bracket displacement. METHODS: Superelastic NiTi wires of 3 different sizes (0.014", 0.016", and 0.016" x 0.022") were tied with elastomeric or 0.009-inch stainless steel ligations in a twin-bracket, 0.018-inch slot. A testing machine recorded the effects of simulated activation of 5 distances from 1 to 5 mm and deactivation of 5 distances from 4 to 0 mm, in increments of 1 mm. RESULTS: Frictional force increased the wire stiffness during loading. Ligation of 0.014-inch NiTi wire with O-ring resulted in a significant increase in the stiffness. On application of orthodontic force for 5 mm of vertical displacement of teeth, the effective displacement in the case of the 0.014", 0.016", and 0.016" x 0.022" NiTi wires was 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that movement of teeth with large vertical displacement was ineffective because of excessive friction. This finding might contribute to the understanding of the force system required for effective teeth movement and thereby facilitate the application of the appropriate light wire for leveling and alignment.
Displacement (Psychology) ; Elastomers ; Friction ; Ligation ; Light ; Polymers ; Stainless Steel ; Tooth

Irisin is a myokine caused by exercise that improves insulin resistance and weight loss. However, under unfavorable conditions such as air pollution, and during the pandemic, outdoor activities are uncomfortable. Therefore, in this study, the effect of heat therapy (half bath 42 ± 0.5°C for 30 min) on irisin circulation levels as an exercise alternative for middle-aged obese women after menopause was investigated. Subjects were 33 women aged 49.54 ± 6.04 years, with parameters of height, 160.12 ± 4.33 cm, weight, 69.71 ± 7.52 kg, body surface area 1.73 ± 0.13 m2 , body mass index, 27.19 ± 3.40 kg/m2 . The results suggest that circulating irisin levels showed a significant increase after one-time thermotherapy (TH-1). However, the increase in circulating irisin levels after 15 treatments (TH-15, 5 days/week, 3 weeks) was significantly varied. The level of adiponectin, which increases fatty oxidation to reduce fatty deposition, increased significantly at TH-1, but further increased at TH-15, which was significantly different from the level of TH-1. In addition, the basic serum free fatty acid (FFA) level was significantly increased at TH-15 compared to TH-1. Significant differences were also found in the lipid profile (body mass index, waist circumference, and % body fat). Thermotherapy can significantly increase the tympanic temperature and induce changes in circulating irisin and adiponectin levels. Thus, it resulted in positive changes in FFA and lipid profiles. Therefore, repeated thermotherapy is effective in increasing circulating irisin levels in postmenopausal obese women.

Isolated pancreatic trauma and secondary obstructive jaundice in the pediatric population is unusual. Biliary tract obstruction can be a major cause of acute pancreatitis. We report a case of obstructive jaundice secondary to isolated traumatic acute pancreatitis in a previously healthy 32-month-old girl. In our case, secondary obstructive jaundice aggravated the pancreatic inflammation and was successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).
Biliary Tract ; Drainage ; Inflammation ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Pancreatitis ; Preschool Child

Isolated pancreatic trauma and secondary obstructive jaundice in the pediatric population is unusual. Biliary tract obstruction can be a major cause of acute pancreatitis. We report a case of obstructive jaundice secondary to isolated traumatic acute pancreatitis in a previously healthy 32-month-old girl. In our case, secondary obstructive jaundice aggravated the pancreatic inflammation and was successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).
Biliary Tract ; Drainage ; Inflammation ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Pancreatitis ; Preschool Child

A 52-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had been treated with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for >12 years presented with chest discomfort and a seizure. She was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy combined with sick sinus syndrome. A myocardial muscle biopsy was performed to identify the underlying cardiomyopathy, which showed marked muscle fiber hypertrophy, fiber dropout, slightly increased interstitial fibrous connective tissue, and extensive cytoplasmic vacuolization of the myocytes under light microscopy. Electron microscopy of the myocytes demonstrated dense, myeloid, and curvilinear bodies. The diagnosis of hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy was made based on the clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic findings. This is the first case report describing chloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy involving the heart conduction system.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biopsy ; Cardiomyopathies ; Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive ; Connective Tissue ; Cytoplasm ; Female ; Heart Conduction System ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hydroxychloroquine ; Hypertrophy ; Light ; Microscopy ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Cells ; Muscles ; Patient Dropouts ; Prednisone ; Seizures ; Sick Sinus Syndrome ; Thorax