We found that the psychoacoustic parameters typically adopted in industrial research could also be applied to evaluate the psychoacoustics of the monosyllable /sa/ utterance, and distinguished the monosyllable /sa/ in maxillectomy patients with an obturator from that without an obturator using the system.

Background/Aim Sports mouthguards are effective devices that prevent dental trauma in sports activities. Players should change mouthguards on a regular basis because of thickness reduction and shape deformation. However, there is no guidance regarding the best timing to change mouthguards. The aims of this study were to analyze the thickness change and deformation of mouthguards after 2 years of use in Bangladesh field hockey players and to consider appropriate evaluation criteria. Material and Methods Fifty‐seven field hockey players belonging to the Bangladesh Sports Education Institute participated in this study. Participants were provided with double‐layered mouthguards made of polyolefin‐based material using a vacuum‐forming machine. Mouthguards were fabricated using 2‐mm‐thick sheet as the first layer and 3‐mm‐thick sheet as the second layer. Players used the mouthguards for 2 years. Before and after using the mouthguards, the thicknesses of nine areas were measured. In addition, the lengths of five areas were used to analyze shape deformation. Results After 2 years, the thicknesses of all measured areas had significantly reduced, and the lengths had significantly increased. Thickness reduction of the posterior‐occlusal and anterior‐incisal areas and deformation of the posterior‐buccal and posterior‐palatal areas were significantly larger than those in other measured areas. Conclusions Mouthguards should be changed on a regular basis to minimize thickness reduction and deformation. Occlusal and incisal thickness and length of the buccal‐posterior area and the palatal‐posterior area are factors to be considered in establishing guidelines regarding the timing of mouthguard change.

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Vascular damage and subsequent cardiac failure due to immune cytokines is steadily increasing the morbidity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), making them the leading cause of death globally. Nevertheless, improper diagnosis is an important hurdle in case management. Free radicals are one of major factors in producing vascular abnormalities in CVD. Additionally, some other factors such as high blood pressure, myocardial injuries, vascular damage, ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and myocardial necrosis are also the results of free radical-mediated abnormal cardiac activity/function. Of note, Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) is produced in the body at an elevated rate in the presence of free radicals which has been shown to lead to cardiac issues. Furthermore, iNOS is also increased due to cytoplasmic stress, faulty DNA replication and membrane potential impairment. Moreover, abnormal cardiac rhythm has also been reported to be linked to the presence of iNOS. iNOS can also lead to abnormal cardiac function through inhibition of mitochondrial activity and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The molecular mechanism of iNOS that leads to CVD is comprehensively summarized in this review so as to aid in drug discovery strategies for the treatment of CVD.