Volumetric evaluation of effects of platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor on early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled clinical trial compared the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) on early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery. METHODS: Eighteen patients with an isolated periapical lesion < 10 mm in the maxillary anterior region were randomly assigned to three groups: control, PRF, or CGF. Endodontic microsurgery was performed and PRF or CGF membranes were placed over the bone defects in the experimental groups. The volume of the bone defect at postoperative one week, three months, and six months was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography and Mimics software. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: At the three-month follow-up, the PRF and CGF groups showed significantly greater bone healing compared with the control group (p > 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the PRF and CGF groups. At the six-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that PRF and CGF promote early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery.

Surgical Management of the Palatal Pleomorphic Adenoma.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical excision is the basic treatment option of the palatal pleomorphic adenoma (PA), it is generally accepted to prevent for recurrence. The purpose of this study was to determine the decision criteria for the management of the palatal PA through evaluating the postoperative results of palatal PA correlation with the clinical appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of patients were evaluated the mucosal ulceration, palatal erosion, and size with CT images in all 18 palatal PAs. The clinical features, surgical methods, and surgical results of these 18 PAs were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common age was 51 to 70 years. One patient was in pediatric age (14 years). Females were involved more commonly than males (F:M ratio was 5:1) Mucosa was normal in 16 patients. Ulcerations of the overlying mucosa were seen in 2 cases. On the coronal CT images, hard palate was erosion in 14 patients who had involved hard palate. The size of tumors was from 7 mm to 33 mm in CT scans. Two patients were ruptured the tumor during the operation, and 1 out of 2 patients was recurred. CONCLUSIONS: For the definitive diagnosis is necessary to perform the preoperative core biopsy for the histopathological examination, and CT is necessary for evaluating the erosion of the hard palate and severity of the erosion. Hard palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation and removal of the periosteum or involved bone. Soft palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation without mucosal resection. Rupture of the tumor is related to the recurrence.

Monocortical Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap in Jaw Reconstruction.

Conventionally deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap had been harvested as bicortical form. However, several complications and adverse effects occurred such as abnormal hip contour, hernia, severe bleeding tendency, gait disturbance, and hypoesthesia. All the 9 patients required reconstruction of the jaw with microvascular free flaps after radical resection. Monocortical bone segment was harvested from the anterior iliac crest, and the amount of bone harvested was from 47 to 90 mm (mean, 63 ± 14.6). Monocortical deep circumflex iliac artery flap has sufficient advantages in donor-site morbidity, which is one of the factors to choose flap.

A new species of Anchistrotos Brian, 1906 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) from the filamentous shrimpgoby Myersina filifer (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Gobiidae) in Korean waters.

A new species of Anchistrotos Brian, 1906 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae), parasitic in the branchial cavities of the filamentous shrimpgoby Myersina filifer (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from Korea is described. The new species is most closely related to A. tangi Venmathi Maran, Moon & Adday, 2014, but differs from it by the following combination of characters in the adult female: the U-shaped rostrum, the distal margin of the anal somite lacks patches of spinules, the proximal segment of the maxilliped is without seta, and the maxilliped claw is armed with long and small naked setae. This is the tenth species of the genus and a key is provided to distinguish all nominal species.

Pumping bottom water to prevent Korean red tide damage caused by Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef.

Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef produces annual massive blooms in Korean coastal waters which cause great damage to aquaculture and fisheries. Although various methods have been developed to remove the red tide of C. polykrikoides, release of yellow loess has been regarded as the most desirable technique for mitigation for over 10 years. Each August, strong irradiation generates water column stratification separating warm surface from colder bottom waters. Water from a distance of 0 (St. 1), 5 (St. 2), 10 (St. 3), and 15 m (St. 4) was pumped by running a pump for 0, 10, 30 and 90 min and characterized water temperature, salinity collected, suspended solids, Chl-a, and phytoplankton including C. polykrikoides. After running for 30 min, was temperature and salinity in surface water was similar to those of bottom water, and water column stratification completely reversed after 90 min. Likewise, suspended solids, Chl-a, and total phytoplankton cell density decreased after 30 min, but C. polykrikoides did not show strong removal because of low cell density during sampling. However, the number of C. polykrikoides was significantly diluted (80%) after 90 min. These results suggested that pumping device was as an environmentally-friendly method convenient to be install in fish cages and effective to remove C. polykrikoides stratified water column conditions.

A new species of Anchistrotos (Copepoda: Taeniacanthidae) from hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae), off Iraq.

A new species of parasitic copepod Anchistrotos tangi sp. n. (Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) is described based on adult female specimens collected from the gills of hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) captured off Iraq. The new species differs from its congeners by having the following combination of characters in the adult female: 1) the rostral area sclerotised; 2) the presence of row of spinules on the proximal and distal margins of the anal somite; 3) the maxilliped claw with 2 long whip-like setae just crossing the distal edge of claw with serrated terminal margin; and 4) the leg 5 ornamented with patched spinules distally. This is the ninth nominal species of Anchistrotos Brian, 1906.

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor associated with ameloblastic fibro-odontoma of the anterior mandible.

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor, which was formerly named calcifying odontogenic cyst, is a benign odontogenic tumor containing clusters of ghost cells within ameloblastic epithelium. Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors have been associated with other odontogenic tumors, a finding that is a rare event in other types of odontogenic cysts or tumors. This report describes a case of hybrid odontogenic tumor composed of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor and ameloblastic fibroma-odontoma of the anterior mandible that occurred in a 4-year-old Korean girl.

Description of Conchyliurus dispar n. sp. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Clausidiidae) associated with the bivalve Barnea manilensis (Philippi) from the Yellow Sea with a discussion of the male morphotypes in the genus.

Conchyliurus dispar, a new species associated with the bivalve Barnea manilensis (Philippi), is described from the intertidal zone of the Yellow Sea. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: the absence of posterolateral processes on the male genital somite, the absence of a dorsal lobe on the female genital double-somite, and the presence of proximal spinules on the ventral surface of the anal somite. Based on a review of the literature on Conchyliurus, we also argue that the male of the new species and possibly all other known species of Conchyliurus consist of two distinct morphotypes, a large male and a small male. 

Reconstruction of arietellid copepod phylogenetic relationship, with description of a new species of Sarsarietellus (Copepoda, Calanoida, Arietellidae) from Korean waters.

A new species of the genus Sarsarietellus from Korean waters, S. orientalis n. sp. is described based on both sexes. This is very closely related to S. suluensis Ohtsuka, Nishida and Machida, 2005 , but is readily distinguished by the following characteristics: in the female (1) narrow head; (2) nearly symmetrical posterior corners of last pedigerous somite, not extending beyond the genital double-somite; (3) antennary endopod slightly longer than the exopod; (4) nearly equal length of three outer spines and the terminal spine of the exopod of the fifth leg, except for the proximal third outer spine; and in the male the left fifth leg with two whip-like setae on the tip of the second exopodal segment not being rotated outside. Sarsarietellus orientalis is the fourth species of the genus Sarsarietellus, while the male of Sarsarietellus species is the first reported. The habitat colonization of arietellids is reconsidered.

A new species of Heterochondria (Copepoda: Chondracanthidae) parasitic on many-banded sole, Zebrias fasciatus (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) from Korea, with a key to the species of the genus.

A new species of Chondracanthidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida), Heterochondria orientalis sp. n., is described based on specimens of both sexes collected from the gill rakers and the inner side of the operculum of the many-banded sole, Zebrias fasciatus (Basilewsky), from the Yellow Sea, Korea. The new species resembles most closely H. zebriae (Ho, Kim et Kuman, 2000), but can be distinguished from this species and other congeners by the shape of the trunk and length of the antenna, the number of teeth on the mandible and the terminal process of the maxilla, and the structure of the male antennule and maxilliped. Heterochondria orientalis is the first copepod species reported from Z. fasciatus and the first heterochondrid species reported from sole fishes in the Northwest Pacific. A key to distinguish all 10 nominal species of the genus is provided.

Three-dimensional volumetric analysis after sinus grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the augmentation volume of a sinus graft according to the time and graft materials based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and to assess efficacy of a bioabsorbable membrane. METHODS: Fourteen patients were investigated, and volumetric analysis was performed using OnDemand 3DTM software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea). CBCT scans were performed on patients before surgery, immediately after surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery. Following this analysis, the volumetric data were compared with the actual grafted volumes. Bioabsorbable membranes were used in all patients to promote the protection of sinus membranes and to guide bone regeneration. RESULTS: Overall, the average percent volume of graft material that remained 6 months after implantation was 82.0%, and the average percent volume of graft material that remained 1 year after surgery was 60.4%. These reductions in the volume of graft material from immediately after surgery until 6 months or 1 year after surgery were shown to be statistically significant (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The slight differences observed among the data indicate that volumetric analysis performed using CBCT can provide highly accurate data. A significant difference was observed in volumetric change over time, but no significant differences were observed between materials. No significant relationship was observed between the resorption of grafted bone and the success rate.

Conformer-Based Dental AI Patient Clinical Diagnosis Simulation Using Korean Synthetic Data Generator for Multiple Standardized Patient Scenarios.

The goal of clinical practice education is to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting and to foster growth as a professional healthcare provider. One effective method of achieving this is through the utilization of Standardized Patients (SP) in education, which familiarizes students with real patient interviews and allows educators to assess their clinical performance skills. However, SP education faces challenges such as the cost of hiring actors and the shortage of professional educators to train them. In this paper, we aim to alleviate these issues by utilizing deep learning models to replace the actors. We employ the Conformer model for the implementation of the AI patient, and we develop a Korean SP scenario data generator to collect data for training responses to diagnostic questions. Our Korean SP scenario data generator is devised to generate SP scenarios based on the provided patient information, using pre-prepared questions and answers. In the AI patient training process, two types of data are employed: common data and personalized data. The common data are employed to develop natural general conversation skills, while personalized data, from the SP scenario, are utilized to learn specific clinical information relevant to a patient's role. Based on these data, to evaluate the learning efficiency of the Conformer structure, a comparison was conducted with the Transformer using the BLEU score and WER as evaluation metrics. Experimental results showed that the Conformer-based model demonstrated a 3.92% and 6.74% improvement in BLEU and WER performance compared to the Transformer-based model, respectively. The dental AI patient for SP simulation presented in this paper has the potential to be applied to other medical and nursing fields, provided that additional data collection processes are conducted.

Biomedical Membrane of Fish Collagen/Gellan Gum Containing Bone Graft Materials.

The development of a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane with non-mammalian fish collagen has the advantage of low risk for transmission of infectious diseases in tissue regeneration. In this work, a fish collagen/gellan gum and bone graft material (FC/GG-BGM) composite GBR membrane were fabricated through solution blending and casting procedures in a vacuum. The membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy observation (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses. FT-IR results suggested that ionic interactions were formed between FC and GG both in composite powder and membranes. In vivo experiments showed that these FC/GG-BGM composite membranes could generate osteoblast minerals and promote loose bone calcification, thus accelerating bone regeneration. At 2 weeks, the defected site of rats treated with FC/GG-BGM membrane (0.377 ± 0.012 mm3) showed higher regeneration than that of rats treated with the bovine collagen membrane (0.290 ± 0.015 mm3) and control rats without membrane (0.160 ± 0.008 mm3). Compared with bovine collagen membrane, the FC/GG-BGM composite membrane displays better bone regeneration ability. Therefore, FC/GG-BGM composite membrane is suitable as a GBR membrane for bone regeneration.

The Characteristics of Demineralized Dentin Material Sponge as Guided Bone Regeneration Based on the FTIR and SEM-EDX Tests.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of demineralized dentin material sponge (DDMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted on DDMS and BPCM. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test was performed to determine the characterizations of the materials. Scanning electron microscope-electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) test was performed to observe the elements contained in the materials. RESULTS: The infrared spectrum of the DDMS and BPCM functional groups showed the same pattern in each variation, and no significant differences were found. According to SEM analysis, the cavities that make up the membrane were spotted on the surface. Besides, according to the SEM-EDX analysis, DDMS contained chlorine, carbon, and calcium, while BPCM contained carbon, oxygen, and sulfur. CONCLUSION: DDMS has the potential to be a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering in terms of the characteristics. DDMS had a structure that almost resembles BPCM as seen from the results of the FTIR graph between DDMS and BPCM. The morphological structure of the two materials in the SEM test appeared to have porosity with various sizes.

Comparison of Various Time-Related Modifications of Ultraviolet Photofunctionalization on SLA-Treated Titanium Surfaces.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in the physicochemical and biologic characteristics of titanium surfaces through short-term re-hydrophobization for 24 hours and ultraviolet (UV) re-irradiation for 24 hours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Photofunctionalization was performed with four 15-W bactericidal lamps at an intensity of 5.0 mW/cm2 (wavelength = 254 ± 20 nm) on sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA)-treated titanium surfaces, which were stored in a sterilized sealed container for 8 weeks to allow enough biologic aging. The duration of the UV irradiation was as follows: irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours; re-hydrophobization group-UV irradiated for 24 hours and then stored in an ambient sterilized medium; and re-irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours followed by storing for 24 hours in an ambient sterilized medium and then UV re-irradiated for 24 hours. The surface characteristics were evaluated with field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle. Cell viability and morphology were measured using fluorescence staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and alizarin red S staining were performed to evaluate the differentiation of osteogenic cells and the mineralization capability. RESULTS: Macroroughness and superimposed microroughness were observed on the disk surfaces in all groups as typically seen on SLA surfaces. The water contact angles were measured to be 1.85, 1.48, and 1.18 degrees for the irradiation group, re-hydrophobization group, and re-irradiation group, respectively, indicating superhydrophilicity. There was no difference in the surface elemental ratio or the spectra of XPS, cell viability, or ALP activity. Although the re-irradiation group had the highest total amount of calcium deposition, there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, improved superhydrophilicity and bioactivity after UV irradiation were maintained during short-term re-hydrophobization and repeated re-irradiation without changing the topography of SLA titanium surfaces.

Comparison of titanium and biodegradable miniplates for fixation of mandibular fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the use of biodegradable miniplates and titanium miniplates for the fixation of mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: BioSorb FX biodegradable plates and screws and titanium miniplates were used in 91 patients (65 males and 26 females; age range 11 to 69 years) for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The clinical and radiographic findings were recorded at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 4.41%. In the biodegradable plate group, infection occurred in 2 cases (4.26%) and was resolved by incision and drainage and antibiotics. In the titanium plate group, infection occurred in 1 case and plate fracture in 1 case (4.56%). The fractured plate was removed, and a new titanium miniplate was applied using a trocar. The infection was resolved with antibiotics. No adverse tissue reactions, malocclusions, or malunions occurred during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that the rate of morbidity is very low with the use of biodegradable plates and titanium plates, suggesting that biodegradable and titanium plates have the potential for successful use in the fixation of mandibular fractures.

Comparative study between resorbable and nonresorbable plates in orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical application of resorbable and nonresorbable plates for correction of facial asymmetry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 272 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery were enrolled. The site of osteotomy was fixed using a nonresorbable plate in group I (n = 152) and using a resorbable plate in group II (n = 120). The postoperative complications included postoperative anterior open bite, infection, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and postoperative relapse. The incidence of all complications was examined. RESULTS: The surgical outcome was successful in 269 patients (98.89%). Of the 152 patients with a titanium plate, 13 (8.6%) developed complications. Of the 120 patients with a resorbable plate, 22 (18.3%) developed complications. A greater degree of postoperative open bite and a trend toward relapse were observed in patients' cases in which an absorbable fixation plate was used. Postoperative infection occurred in patients with an absorbable fixation plate. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these data, we have concluded that an absorbable fixation plate should be used instead of a titanium fixation plate in indicated patients.

Three new species of the genus Stephos Scott, 1892 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Stephidae) from Jeju Island, Korea.

During general field surveys carried out recently to collect benthopelagic copepods from near the substrate of the shallow waters off Jeju Island, Korea, a few specimens of three new species of Stephos Scott, 1892, were collected. The new species are placed in the genus Stephos because of the following combination of features: absence of seta on the basal exite of maxillule, and male right leg 5 ending in an unarmed claw-like and/or mitten-like segment. Stephos jejuensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by body length 0.92 mm, left side of the female genital double-somite with protruding lobes, antennule that extends beyond the distal area of the genital double-somite, and the male leg 5 terminal complex. Stephos concavus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the genital double-somite with protruding lobes on both sides, and the presence of larger spinules on the distomedial margin of leg 5. Stephos fortipes sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by its longer body length, 1.12 mm long in the female, antennules that extend to the end of the genital double-somite, and the presence of a covered row of minute spinules on the ventral surface of the genital operculum in the female. Until now, 35 species of stephids were known worldwide.

Histomorphometric analysis of delayed implantation after horizontal distraction osteogenesis of the mandible in dogs.

PURPOSE: Insufficient alveolar width is known to impede successful implantation and is a major obstacle to successful oral reconstruction using intraosseous implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration at implantation after consolidation in distracted narrow alveolar bone. MATERIALS: Three adult mongrel dogs weighing 9 to 10 kg were studied. The lower premolars were extracted and horizontal distraction was performed using a distraction device after 8 weeks. Eight weeks after consolidation period, SLA surface implants were installed. The dogs were killed after 4 weeks implantation. RESULTS: The preoperative and postoperative buccolingual widths of alveolar ridge were 2.7 ± 2.1 mm and 4.8 ± 2.5 mm, respectively. Direct bone contact was achieved, with no significant difference in new bone formation observed between implants placed in the distracted and undistracted bone after 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded from this study that horizontal distraction is a useful technique in augmenting a narrow alveolar ridge necessary for implant placement.

Characterization of amino acid transport system L in HTB-41 human salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: The amino acid transport system L is a major nutrient transport system that is responsible for transport of neutral amino acids, including several essential amino acids. The current study attempted to investigate the expression and functional characterization of amino acid transport system L in HTB-41 human submaxillary salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RT-PCR analysis, Western blot analysis and amino acid transport measurements were used. RESULTS: The HTB-41 cells expressed the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) together with its associating protein heavy chain of 4F2 antigen (4F2hc) in the plasma membrane, whereas the HTB-41 cells did not express the L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). The uptakes of [14C]L-leucine were Na+-independent and completely inhibited by a system L selective inhibitor, 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH). The affinity of [14C]L-leucine uptake and the inhibition profile of [14C]L-leucine uptake by various L-amino acids in the HTB-41 cells were comparable with those for the LAT1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. CONCLUSION: The transport of neutral amino acids including several essential amino acids into the HTB-41 human submaxillary salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells are mediated by LAT1.