Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand.

Atypical presentations of filariasis have posed diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of identifying the causative species and the difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present the integrative histological and molecular analysis of seven atypical filariasis cases observed in regions of nonendemicity of Thailand. All filariasis cases were initially diagnosed based on histological findings. To confirm the causative species, molecular characterization based on both filarial mitochondrial (mt 12S rRNA and COI genes) and nuclear ITS1 markers was performed, together with the identification of associated Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Among the cases studied, Brugia pahangi (N = 3), Brugia malayi (N = 1), Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" (N = 2), and a suspected novel filarial species genetically related to Pelecitus copsychi (N = 1) were identified. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Wolbachia was also molecularly amplified in two cases of infection with Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected Wolbachia could be classified into supergroups C and F, indicating the high genetic diversity of this endosymbiont in Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Furthermore, this study demonstrates the consistency between histological findings and species identification based on mitochondrial loci rather than on the nuclear ITS1. This suggests the utility of mitochondrial markers, particularly COI, as a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of filarial species in clinical specimens. Precise identification of the causative species will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment and is also essential for the development of epidemiological and preventive strategies for filariasis.

A Modified Technique of Mandibular Ramus Sagittal Split Osteotomy for Prevention of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study and Outcome Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative functional impairment of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) has been a common and well-recognized complication. Our study introduced a modified Obwegeser-Dal Pont bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) technique and evaluated the subsequent incidence of postoperative neurosensory disturbance of IAN. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 57 patients receiving our modified BSSO during orthognathic surgery were enrolled. The technique contained opening the 2 ramus cortices and inserting the osteotome bypassing the IAN to avoid nerve injury. A 5-point scale self-assessment questionnaire was used to evaluate IAN neurosensory disturbance one week, six months and 12 months postoperatively. Differences between groups were analyzed using χ test for categorical and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for pairwise categorical data. RESULTS: Complete ramus splitting could be achieved in 109 (95.6%) sides. Lower lip or chin neurosensory disturbances presented in 72 (63.2%) sides 1 week postoperatively and gradually reduced to 9 (7.9%), and 4 (3.5%) at postoperative months 6 and 12, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This BSSO technique could be safely performed with low rates of IAN exposure and injury and a low incidence of persistent neurosensory disturbance in 3.5% of patients 12 months postoperatively.

Establishment of a Reliable Horizontal Reference Plane for 3-Dimensional Facial Soft Tissue Evaluation Before and After Orthognathic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to demonstrate the reliability of our proposed facial reference system in the horizontal axis using 3-dimensional photogrammetry and to find a correlation between this plane and the Frankfurt horizontal (FH) plane. METHODS: Forty-one patients were enrolled. Three-dimensional facial images were taken before and 6 months after orthognathic surgery. Superimposition was carried out, and differences in landmark position were evaluated. Two constant landmarks were selected to construct a reference system within a standardized reference frame. Cone-beam computed tomography and 3-dimensional facial images were superimposed. Two reference lines were identified, and the angle between these lines was calculated. RESULTS: For landmark reliability, 5 landmarks [gnathion, nasion, exocanthion (Ex), endocanthion, and tragion (T)] were constant. Two landmarks (Ex and T) were selected to construct a reference system within a standardized reference frame. For angular measurement, the mean angle between this reference plane and the skeletal FH plane was 17.6 ± 2.0 degrees. There was no statistical difference between sex, side, and preoperative/postoperative timing of photography. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed reference plane is constructed from reliable facial Ex and T landmarks. This plane is consistent and crosses the FH plane at 17.6 degrees.

Computer-Assisted Orthognathic Surgery for Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate: From Traditional Planning to Three-Dimensional Surgical Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Although conventional two-dimensional (2D) methods for orthognathic surgery planning are still popular, the use of three-dimensional (3D) simulation is steadily increasing. In facial asymmetry cases such as in cleft lip/palate patients, the additional information can dramatically improve planning accuracy and outcome. The purpose of this study is to investigate which parameters are changed most frequently in transferring a traditional 2D plan to 3D simulation, and what planning parameters can be better adjusted by this method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 30 consecutive patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (mean age 18.6±2.9 years, range 15 to 32 years). All patients received two-jaw single-splint orthognathic surgery. 2D orthodontic surgery plans were transferred into a 3D setting. Severe bony collisions in the ramus area after 2D plan transfer were noted. The position of the maxillo-mandibular complex was evaluated and eventually adjusted. Position changes of roll, midline, pitch, yaw, genioplasty and their frequency within the patient group were recorded as an alternation of the initial 2D plan. Patients were divided in groups of no change from the original 2D plan and changes in one, two, three and four of the aforementioned parameters as well as subgroups of unilateral, bilateral cleft lip/palate and isolated cleft palate cases. Postoperative OQLQ scores were obtained for 20 patients who finished orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: 83.3% of 2D plans were modified, mostly concerning yaw (63.3%) and midline (36.7%) adjustments. Yaw adjustments had the highest mean values in total and in all subgroups. Severe bony collisions as a result of 2D planning were seen in 46.7% of patients. Possible asymmetry was regularly foreseen and corrected in the 3D simulation. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, 3D simulation renders important information for accurate planning in complex cleft lip/palate cases involving facial asymmetry that is regularly missed in conventional 2D planning.

Intraoperative navigation for single-splint two-jaw orthognathic surgery: From model to actual surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study reported an intraoperative navigation system for single-splint two-jaw orthognathic surgery, and assessed the accuracy of transferring the computer assisted surgical simulation. METHODS: A skull model was used for validation, and twenty patients receiving such procedure were enrolled. The procedure contained five phases, including virtual surgery on three-dimensional images, fabrication of surgical positioning guides, preparation of registration and validation landmarks, confirmation of bony position during surgery, and postoperative assessment. Target registration error (TRE) and differences between simulation (T0) and postoperative images (T1) were measured from landmarks to Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP), mid-sagittal plane (MSP), and coronal plane (COP). RESULTS: For the model experiment, mean TRE was lowest using the hard tissue landmarks (0.60 ± 0.27 mm), and the mean difference (T1-T0) was less than 1 mm to all three planes. For the patients, mean TRE was 1.07 ± 0.18 mm from the hard tissue landmarks. The mean difference was 0.96. ± 0.60 mm from MSP, 1.39 ± 1.11 mm from FHP, and 2.12 ± 1.82 mm from COP. The differences were not significant. Both surgeons and patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the navigation system had acceptable accuracy and was useful for the two-jaw orthognathic surgery using single-splint method.

Cost-effectiveness analysis in comparing alginate silver dressing with silver zinc sulfadiazine cream in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of pressure ulcers is complicated, given the various wound dressing products available. The cost of different treatments varies and the cost-effectiveness of each product has not been thoroughly evaluated. We compare two wound dressing protocols-alginate silver dressing (AlSD) and silver zinc sulfadiazine cream (AgZnSD) with regard to wound healing and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: Patients with grade III or IV sacral or trochanteric pressure ulcers were eligible for this prospective, randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomized to receive one of the two dressings for an eight-week period. The criteria of efficacy were based on the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scoring tool. The cost of treatment was also assessed. RESULTS: Twenty patients (12 women and 8 men) were randomly assigned to receive either AlSD (n=10) or AgZnSD cream (n=10). The demographic data and wound characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The two groups showed no significant difference in the reduction of PUSH score, wound size, or volume of exudate. The tissue type score was significantly lower in the AlSD group (3.15±0.68-1.85±0.68 vs. 2.73±0.79-2.2±0.41; P=0.015). The cost of treatment was significantly lower in the AlSD group (377.17 vs. 467.74 USD, respectively; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Alginate silver dressing could be effectively used in the treatment of grade III and IV pressure ulcers. It can improve wound tissue characteristics and is cost-effective.