Proteomics profiling of keratocystic odontogenic tumours reveals AIDA as novel biomarker candidate.

BACKGROUND: Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign, yet aggressive odontogenic tumour. Herein, proteome analysis of KCOT lesions in comparison with control patient-matched tissue unaffected by the disease and with inflammatory odontogenic cysts, namely radicular cysts is presented. METHODS: For the proteomics profiling, two complementary proteomics techniques MALDI-MS/MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS were employed. Potential candidate biomarkers were validated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: More than 43 proteins were found to be differentially expressed or up-regulated in KCOT lesions in comparison with patient-matched unaffected oral mucosa. These proteins bear important biological functions and are involved in cell proliferation, cytoskeletal re-organization, transcription, cellular motility and apoptosis. In particular, a number of differentially expressed proteins participate in autocrine regulation and signalization within JNK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical validation of chosen putative biomarkers revealed axin interaction partner and dorsalization-antagonist (AIDA), known as a protein that blocks activation of JNK signalling pathway, as a differential biomarker for KCOT lesions on an independent cohort of KCOT tissue samples in comparison with most prevalent intra-oseal lesions inflammatory odontogenic cysts.

Effectiveness of Er:YAG laser in cavity preparation for retrograde filling--in vitro study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sealing quality of Super EBA cement in laser prepared root-end cavities in comparison with root-end cavities classically prepared with steel burrs. Two groups of three millimeter root sections were prepared. The first group was prepared with the Er:YAG laser and the second group with a steel burr mounted on a surgical handpiece. The sections were filled with Super EBA cement and tested for leakage with fluid transport techniques. The sealing quality of Super EBA cement in the classically prepared root-end cavities was better, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two preparation techniques. The possible reason for greater leakage in the laser prepared root-end cavities was probably the irregular shape of the root-end cavity.

Modified Millard's technique in operations for unilateral cleft lip.

Many approaches have been described, but the rotation-advancement technique described by Millard remains one of the most popular repair techniques for correction of cleft lip. The technique described here is a modified method that can be used in primary cleft surgery but also for secondary correction, using the same incision with a small modification in design. Thirty-two patients were followed up for two years, all of whom had good postoperative results without secondary correction. The modification provides rotation and elongation of the lip where it is needed. This technique can be useful for all aspects of secondary cleft lip correction, but is also useful in primary surgery when the cleft side is too short.

Maxillary fragment stabilization after Le Fort I fracture with 1 screw pair per plate.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether plates with only 1 screw pair can be used for Le Fort I fracture management. Good postoperative results motivated the direct application of mandible fixation principles to the fractured midface region without additional experimental research. However, the amount and distribution of the forces in the midface region is different from those on the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testing was conducted on plastic anatomic models. The validity of the experimental model was tested before the fixation techniques were compared. Standard miniplates and miniscrews were used for fixation of the maxilla. The model surface strain analysis was conducted using the noncontact object grating method, which enabled the surface strain measurement without direct influence on the measured model. RESULTS: In 2 screw pair fixation, the outer screw pair has little effect on the local strain distribution, but it lowers the contact forces along the crack. One screw pair fixation is stable enough for fixation, but it has a greater strain peak at the crack edges. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that 1 screw pair per plate was enough for stable fixation, and 2 or more screw pairs should only be used when the bone fragment at the fracture site cannot sufficiently transmit forces along the crack.

Protective intramedullary fixation after harvest of an osteocutaneous radial free flap.

The osteocutaneous radial free flap, even after 30 years, is still considered to be the "workhorse" for head and neck reconstruction. A high incidence of donor site fractures has remained a major problem, however. The technique described here is a method developed for the prophylaxis of fractures of the donor site of the harvested radial bone and is based on a modification of the intramedullary Rush nail fixation. The data were collected from 18 patients in whom the radial forearm free flap had been used during reconstruction. None of the prophylactically-nailed radii fractured. The complications experienced with this technique are general complications, such as scarring of the forearm and dehiscence of the wound. This technique is simple, and has given excellent results. Aesthetic and functional results were comparable to those of other flaps used for reconstruction. We recommend this technique because of its simplicity, vascular safety, and cost effectiveness.

In vitro study of the variable square pulse Er:YAG laser cutting efficacy for apicectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Variable square pulse (VSP) Er:YAG laser should be quicker than older Er:YAG lasers. The objectives were: (1) comparison of VSP laser and mechanical handpiece efficacy for apicectomy and (2) determination of optimal pulse width/energy/frequency combination. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted, single-rooted mature human teeth with round apical parts were instrumented, root filled, cleaned, and divided into four groups. Apical 2 mm of each root were apicectomized with mechanical handpiece and Er:YAG laser with three different settings (LaserA = 200 mJ/300 microseconds/ 8 Hz; LaserB = 200 mJ/100 microseconds/8 Hz; LaserC = 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz). Timing results were statistically compared. RESULTS: LaserC was the most efficient setting. Differences between groups were significant except between LaserC-Mechanical and LaserA-LaserC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VSP Er:YAG laser used for apicectomy is slower by a factor of 7-31 than mechanical handpiece, but treatment outcome is acceptable. Optimal settings for apicectomy with VSP laser are 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz.