The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between masticatory performance and maximum bite force in the primary dentition. The sample comprised 15 children of both genders, aged 3 to 5.5 years, with good systemic and oral health, presence of all primary teeth without large caries, no structural anomalies, without severe malocclusion, and no history of orthodontic treatment. They ch...

The evolution of ecomorphs within a species may represent either unique evolutionary events or multiple convergent events in similar environments. Functional studies of differing morphological traits of ecomorphs have been important to elucidate their role in adaptive radiations. The Cape dwarf chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, has two ecomorphs: a large, brightly colored, ornate form found in cl...

PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term results obtained with open reduction and rigid internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures by an intraoral approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen patients with 24 mandibular condylar fractures were retrospectively examined with an average follow-up of 23 months (range, 6-63 months). Clinical and radiographic examination was conducted according to the R...

When the resistance to a forceful isometric bite is suddenly removed in unloading experiments, the bite force drops to zero and the mandible reaches a constant velocity. This occurs at an initial bite force of 100 N after approximately 12 ms when the incisors have moved 4.5 mm. Reflex activity is far too slow to limit the velocity at impact. To explore the influence of other factors (cocontract...

Intermittent tongue, lip and cheek forces influence precise tooth position, so we here examine the possibility that tissue remodelling driven by functional bite-force-induced jaw-strain accounts for tooth eruption. Notably, although a separate true 'eruptive force' is widely assumed, there is little direct evidence for such a force. We constructed a three dimensional finite element model from a...

Growth affects the performance of structure, so the pattern of growth must influence the role of a structure and an organism. Because animal performance is linked to morphological specialization, ontogenetic change in size may influence an organism's biological role. High bite force generation is presumably selected for in durophagous taxa. Therefore, these animals provide an excellent study sy...

BACKGROUND Adhesive tape is commonly used to secure the endotracheal tube (ETT) in anesthesia and intensive-care settings. OBJECTIVE To determine the force required to extubate when the ETT is secured with adhesive tape or commercially available ETT holders. METHODS We orally intubated a simulation manikin with a standard 8.0-mm inner-diameter ETT, inflated the cuff to 20 cm H(2)O, and mea...

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool gaining use in studies of biological form and function. This method is particularly conducive to studies of extinct and fossilized organisms, as models can be assigned properties that approximate living tissues. In disciplines where model validation is difficult or impossible, the choice of model parameters and their effects on the results become...