OBJECTIVEOutcome studies for sagittal strip craniectomy have largely relied on the 2D measure of the cephalic index (CI) as the primary indicator of head shape. The goal of this study was to measure the 2D and 3D changes in head shape that occur after sagittal strip craniectomy and postoperative helmet therapy.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of patients treated with sagittal strip craniectomy at their institution between January 2012 and October 2015. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) isolated sagittal synostosis; 2) age at surgery < 200 days; and 3) helmet management by a single orthotist. The CI was calculated from 3D images. Color maps and dot maps were generated from 3D images to demonstrate the regional differences in the magnitude of change in head shape over time.RESULTSTwenty-one patients met the study inclusion criteria. The mean CI was 71.9 (range 63.0–77.9) preoperatively and 81.1 (range 73.0–89.8) at the end of treatment. The mean time to stabilization of the CI after surgery was 57.2 ± 32.7 days. The mean maximum distances between the surfaces of the preoperative and 1-week postoperative and between the surfaces of the preoperative and end-of-treatment 3D images were 13.0 ± 4.1 mm and 24.71 ± 6.83 mm, respectively. The zone of maximum change was distributed equally in the transverse and vertical dimensions of the posterior vault.CONCLUSIONSThe CI normalizes rapidly after sagittal strip craniectomy (57.2 days), with equal distribution of the change in CI occurring before and during helmet therapy. Three-dimensional analysis revealed significant vertical and transverse expansion of the posterior cranial vault. Further studies are needed to assess the 3D changes that occur after other sagittal strip craniectomy techniques.

To achieve a durable aroma finish on textiles has been a long time dream for textile chemists. As fragrances are volatile, only microencapsulated aroma can stay on textiles for long periods, since capsules greatly reduce the aroma evaporation rate. An aroma finished textile has to be washable. Therefore, aroma capsules finished on textiles should not only last for long time statically but also withstand harsh washing conditions. Due to low affinity between encapsulated aroma and fabric, a fixing agent must be applied with the capsules; the fabric has to undergo a curing treatment to make the agent fix these capsules. However, the curing process is usually a high-temperature thermal procedure that causes aroma loss from capsules by quick evaporation. Thus, fragrant durability on fabrics can vary significantly with different fixing agents and curing processes. Three fixing agents, three kinds of thermal curing equipment, and various curing conditions were investigated. By analysing properties of the fixing agents, heat transfer characteristics of the curing apparatus, and delivered energies in the curing conditions, a washing durable aroma capsule finishing process for cotton fabric was developed.

The Craniofacial-Flash protocol reliably generates craniofacial bone images adequate for routine use in craniofacial practice, while reducing the radiation dose by 88.87% compared with a conventional craniofacial CT scan, and eliminating the need for sedation.

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