Temporalis space infection secondary to an undiagnosed intra-oral foreign object – a case report

The penetration of foreign objects is one of the leading causes of maxillofacial infection following trauma. Failure to detect such objects at initial stages can lead to complications like abscess formation, cellulitis, or space infections. Detection is even more complicated if the patient presents to the maxillofacial center after a delay of days or weeks following trauma. Sole reliance on radiographs or CT can be inconclusive as most of these objects are radiolucent and can be difficult to detect even by the experienced radiologists. We report the case of a patient who had an unwitnessed trauma and presented to our center 7 days after the incident, with signs of buccal space infection. Failure to detect the embedded intra-oral wooden object at an earlier stage led to the propagation of infection to superficial temporal space. The management strategy and pitfalls associated with conventional imaging in detecting wooden object are discussed.

Simulations of Moisture Gradients in Wood Subjected to Changes in Relative Humidity and Temperature Due to Climate Change

Climate change is a growing threat to cultural heritage buildings and objects. Objects housed in historic buildings are at risk because the indoor environments in these buildings are difficult to control and often influenced by the outdoor climate. Hygroscopic materials, such as wood, will gain and release moisture during changes in relative humidity and temperature. These changes cause swelling and shrinkage, which may result in permanent damage. To increase the knowledge of climate-induced damage to heritage objects, it is essential to monitor moisture transport in wood. Simulation models need to be developed and improved to predict the influence of climate change. In a previous work, relative humidity and temperature was monitored at different depths inside wooden samples subjected to fluctuating climate over time. In this article, two methods, the hygrothermal building simulation software WUFI® Pro and the Simplified model, were compared in relation to the measured data. The conclusion was that both methods can simulate moisture diffusion and transport in wooden object with a sufficient accuracy. Using the two methods for predicted climate change data show that the mean RH inside wood is rather constant, but the RH minimum and maximum vary with the predicted scenario and the type of building used for the simulation.

Relations of density, polyethylene glycol treatment and moisture content with stiffness properties of Vasa oak samples

Treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the preferred method for the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wooden objects. However, PEG impregnation leads to softening and increased hygroscopicity of the material. The present study compiles experimental results concerning the full elastic properties of PEG impregnated archaeological wood from the Vasa ship in relation to its basic density, PEG content (PEGC) and moisture content (MC). The results show a correlation between a more porous microstructure and high PEGC, and consequently, higher MC. The PEG and moisture contribute to the mass of the wooden object as well as to the softening of the material, which are undesired properties in a larger load-carrying wooden structure. A compromise between the improved dimensional stability and degradation of mechanical properties should therefore be considered in the conservation of wooden objects treated with PEG.

An unusual lethal gunshot wound to the head

Atypical gunshot wounds present a challenge for the forensic expert, and sometimes differentiating these from a blunt trauma can be difficult. A careful crime scene investigation can be helpful in finding additional evidence and clarifying the nature of the injuries. We describe a case of an unusual craniocerebral injury that was initially interpreted as a blow from a wooden object. The appearance of the wound lacked the classical characteristics of entrance and exit bullet wounds, but the investigation showed it was due to the ricocheting of a destabilized bullet. Potentially lethal, craniocerebral gunshot injuries are a common occurrence in developing countries even in non-conflict areas, with very bad outcomes even when treated aggressively in specialized neurosurgical facilities. The authors briefly discuss similar cases and opinions in the relevant literature, emphasizing the importance of a rational approach during the reconstruction of the crime scene.

Analysis of adaptability of the recreational property in a wooden residential building with functional behavior of solutions and technologies vernacular

The article discusses the vernacular wooden architecture Naleczow and surrounding areas. He forged in the shadow of stylish architecture spas in the second half of the nineteenth century. Unchanged was implemented in the form of "Naleczow" standard of the mid-twentieth century. Societal changes resulted from the liquidation of the mid-twentieth century, these objects, or eclectic adaptations and remodeling. The presented work is a preliminary study of the needs and possibilities of adapting a wooden object vernacular to contemporary requirements and functional. Designs August realize this by building a solid building natural building technologies, using straw and green clay. The intention is to create an object vernacular, combining modernity with tradition.

La Regla Taiji: el legado del Inmortal Durmiente

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This article describes the history, development, and principles of the two major Taiji Ruler lineages: one associated with the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) imperial family, and the other lesser known, Daoist lineage, transmitted by Hu Yaozhen and his successors, including the well known Chen Style Taijiquan teacher, Feng Zhiqiang. The Taiji Ruler is a traditional system of health-enhancing qigong that is attributed to the Song Dynasty Daoist recluse Chen Xiyi and was first taught publicly in the 1950s. The exercises may be practiced while holding a foot-long wooden object, the Ruler, or with a variety of training devices, such as a wooden or stone ball. Mr. Cohen began studying Taji Ruler with various teachers more than 30 years ago, but also bases his research on works in Chinese and English. Both the teachers and literature agree that the ultimate goal of the Ruler is to blend with the original qi of the universe and, in the process, to achieve vitality and longevity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>

A note on medieval microfabrication: the visualization of a prayer nut by synchrotron-based computer X-ray tomography

One of the most fascinating objects in the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is an early 16th century prayer nut. This spherical wooden object measures 4 cm in diameter and consists of two hemispheres connected with a small hinge so that it can be opened. The interior of the nut holds wood carvings with scenes from the life of Christ. These miniature reliefs show an incredible degree of finish with carving details well beyond the millimetre scale. In the present paper it is shown how synchrotron-based computer X-ray tomography revealed the structure and fabrication method of the bead. The central part of the relief was cut from a single piece of wood, rather than assembled from multiple components, underlining the extraordinary manual dexterity of its maker. In addition, a piece of fibrous material contained in the inner structure of the bead is revealed. This may have served as a carrier for an odorous compound, which would be in line with the religious function of the prayer nut.

Transnasal, intracranial penetrating injury treated endoscopically

Intracranial penetrating injury through the nose is uncommon. We present the case of a four-year-old girl who sustained a transnasal, intracranial penetrating injury with a sharp wooden object. We performed endoscopic removal of the foreign body and repair of the associated cerebrospinal fluid fistula.

Ontogenetic Trends in Gnostic Hand Function in 3- to 12-Yr.-Old Children

The intimate relation between the sensory and motor functions of the hands during object manipulation and exploratory touch, the well-known improvement in object handling and constructive performance in ontogenesis and the emergent laterality thereof, assume changes in morphognostic capabilities in children. In this study we tried to corroborate the hypothesis of Mesker that mature and lateralized finger-thumb opposition is preceded by a stage of two-sided manual form agnosia in preschool children, followed by acquisition of morphognosis of the fingers and, finally, the thumbs. This study examined the development of gnostic hand function in 290 children from 3 to 11 years of age who drew the outlines of a meaningless wooden object passively felt with each hand without visual control. Analysis showed a clear ontogenetic change across the two age groups of increasing morphognostic function: 48% of the 6-yr.-olds drew correctly what the fingers of both left and right hands had perceived (thumbs, 14%). Of the 11-yr.-olds 91% and 61% performed perfectly with the right and left hands, respectively. The fingers preceded the thumbs in reproduction by most children, and the correct reproduction by the left thumb precedes that of the right thumb. The ontogenesis of bimanual sensorimotor functioning is discussed in the light of cortical and callosal development.