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The traditional thermal expansion method using a dilatometer fails to accurately determine the original firing temperatures of low-fired ancient pottery. For this reason, we have developed an improved method of determining firing temperatures for low-fired pottery. This paper explains the theory of the improved method and presents the reasonably satisfactory results obtained on ancient pottery from the Donghulin site ( c. 10 000 bp). The method and the results are very important for the study of ancient pottery culture and clay moulds used for bronze casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of class III malocclusion remains unknown. The present study investigates the relationship between craniofacial morphology and premaxillary suture fusion to test the hypothesis that class III malocclusion may be related to premaxillary suture fusion. Cyanoacrylate was applied to immobilize the left premaxillary suture in the experimental group. Sham surgeries in rats were used for controls. Dental impressions and radiographs were taken before and after surgery for comparison of craniofacial differences between groups. Overall cranial base lengths, craniofacial widths, and craniofacial angulations related to the anterior base showed significant differences between groups. At the end of the experiment, the growth of the snout in the experimental group was inhibited and deviated to the treated side, while no obvious change was seen in the control group. The results show that induced premaxillary suture fusion can affect craniofacial morphology and indicate that premature premaxillary suture fusion may result in class III malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we aimed at investigating size effects on mechanical properties of cranial suture in different animal research models. Lewis rats and C57BL/6 mice were selected as the larger research model and smaller research model, respectively. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of different cranial modules of cranial sutures in Lewis rats and same-aged C57BL/6 mice. Ten sagittal sutures were harvested from 4-month-old Lewis rats and C57BL/6 mice. The specimens, kept moist, were mounted fresh and distracted until rupture. A load–displacement curve was constructed. The stiffness, Young's modulus, fracture stress and fracture energy were calculated. Moreover, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and fracture mechanisms are discussed. Cranial modules in Lewis rats and same-aged C57BL/6 mice are also provided. The results show differences between the two groups, with higher values from Lewis rat. Higher mechanical properties occurred mainly on the large type of cranial module in this mammalian system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasogastric decompression has been routinely used in most abdominal operations to prevent the consequences of postoperative ileus. Most surgeons traditionally continue to use nasogastric decompression, believing that its use facilitates better surgical field and reduces complications such as nausea, vomiting, aspiration, and anastomotic leakage caused by postoperative ileus. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether gastric cancer surgery could be performed safely without nasogastric decompression. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 151 patients who had been surgically treated for gastric adenocarcinoma at the Tri-Service General Hospital from January 2005 to December 2005. The mean age was 55.4 years (range 25-72 years). 76 patients (Group A) were randomized into the intubated group and the other 75 patients (Group B) were randomized into the tubeless group. All patients received epidural pain control. Postoperative complications, preoperative serum albumin levels, mean time to first orally feeding, passage of stools, hospital stay and cost of hospitalization were recorded. Results: Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in preoperative clinical characteristics, age, stage and operative parameters. The complication rate, length of hospital stay, and time to pass flatus were not different in the two groups. Only the postoperative complication rate in those patients of Group A with low serum albumin level was significantly lower than that of patients without nasogastric tube. Conclusion: There were no significant differences with respect to improvement of postoperative complications when comparing gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy with or without nasogastric tube insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to report our experience in management of emphysematous cholecystitis. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 11 cases (6 male, 5 female) over the last 5 years. The clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, imaging studies and treatments were recorded. Results: The average age was 72 years. Seven patients presented with right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain on admission. Nine patients had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Over half of the patients were pyrexial on admission. Nine patients had leukocytosis. The abdominal plain films (kidneys, ureters, bladder; KUB) were all reviewed. Only 3 patients were reported as being suspicious of gas bubbles in the RUQ. Sonography of abdomen were performed in 8 patients. Only 2 patients had suspicious of emphysematous cholecystitis. CT of abdomen was performed in 9 patients, including two patients reported as air in wall with pericholecystic fluid and air-fluid level in gallbladder. Six of 11 patients were treated by emergency cholecystectomy. One patient was treated conservatively by antibiotics and interval cholecystectomy 4 weeks later. Four patients were treated with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by cholecystectomy and broadspectrum antibiotics. These 4 patients had uncomplicated postoperative recoveries. Conclusion: Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by cholecystectomy and broad-spectrum antibiotics is an effective treatment of emphysematous cholecystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]