3-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl dimethylcarbamodithioate attenuates periodontitis through targeting MAPK signaling pathway-regulated mitochondrial function.

Periodontitis, the second most common oral disease, is primarily initiated by inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation, in which the MAPK signaling pathway and mitochondrial function play important roles. 3-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl dimethylcarbamodithioate (3o), a hybrid of indole and dithiocarbamate, was first synthesized by our group. It has shown anti-inflammatory activity against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. However, it is not known if 3o can exert effects in periodontitis. In vitro study: LPS-induced macrophage inflammation initiation and a receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand-stimulated osteoclast differentiation model were established. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokines, osteoclast differentiation, the MAPK signaling pathway, and mitochondrial function before and after treatment with 3o were investigated. In vivo study: Alveolar bone resorption, inflammatory cytokine expression, osteoclast differentiation, and the underlying mechanisms were assessed in mice with periodontitis. Inflammatory cytokine expression and osteoclast differentiation appeared downregulated after 3o treatment. 3o inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway and restored mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production. Meanwhile, 3o reduced inflammation activation and bone resorption in mice with periodontitis, reflected by the decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and osteoclasts, implying that 3o inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway and the mitochondrial oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG. These results highlight the protective role of 3o in periodontitis in mice and reveal an important strategy for preventing periodontitis.

The effect of periapical bone defects on stress distribution in teeth with periapical periodontitis: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Apical periodontitis directly affects the stress state of the affected tooth owing to the destruction of the periapical bone. Understanding the mechanical of periapical bone defects/tooth is clinically meaningful. In this study, we evaluate the effect of periapical bone defects on the stress distribution in teeth with periapical periodontitis using finite element analysis. METHODS: Finite element models of normal mandibular second premolars and those with periapical bone defects (spherical defects with diameters of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) were created using a digital model design software. The edges of the mandible were fixed and the masticatory cycle was simplified as oblique loading (a 400 N force loaded obliquely at 45° to the long axis of the tooth body) to simulate the tooth stress state in occlusion and analyze the von Mises stress distribution and tooth displacement distribution in each model. RESULTS: Overall analysis of the models: Compared to that in the normal model, the maximum von Mises stresses in all the different periapical bone defect size models were slightly lower. In contrast, the maximum tooth displacement in the periapical bone defect model increased as the size of the periapical bone defect increased (2.11-120.1% of increase). Internal analysis of tooth: As the size of the periapical bone defect increased, the maximum von Mises stress in the coronal cervix of the tooth gradually increased (2.23-37.22% of increase). while the von Mises stress in the root apical region of the tooth showed a decreasing trend (41.48-99.70% of decrease). The maximum tooth displacement in all parts of the tooth showed an increasing trend as the size of the periapical bone defect increased. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of periapical bone defects was found to significantly affect the biomechanical response of the tooth, the effects of which became more pronounced as the size of the bone defect increased.

The effect of root canal treatment and post-crown restorations on stress distribution in teeth with periapical periodontitis: a finite element analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of root canal treatment (RCT) and post-crown restoration on stress distribution in teeth with periapical bone defects using finite element analysis. METHODOLOGY: Finite element models of mandibular second premolars and those with periapical bone defects (spherical defects with diameters of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) were created using digital model design software. The corresponding RCT and post-crown restoration models were constructed based on the different sizes of periapical bone defect models. The von Mises stress and tooth displacement distributions were comprehensively analyzed in each model. RESULTS: Overall analysis of the models: RCT significantly increased the maximum von Mises stresses in teeth with periapical bone defects, while post-crown restoration greatly reduced the maximum von Mises stresses. RCT and post-crown restoration slightly reduced tooth displacement in the affected tooth. Internal analysis of tooth: RCT dramatically increased the maximum von Mises stress in all regions of the tooth, with the most pronounced increase in the coronal surface region. The post-crown restoration balances the internal stresses of the tooth and is most effective in periapical bone defect - 20-mm model. RCT and post-crown restoration slightly reduced the tooth displacement in all regions of the affected tooth. CONCLUSIONS: Root canal treatment seemed not to improve the biomechanical state of teeth with periapical bone defects. In contrast, post-crown restoration might effectively balance the stress concentrations caused by periapical bone defects, particularly extensive ones.

Notoginsenoside R1 alleviates TEGDMA-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in preodontoblasts through activation of Akt/Nrf2 pathway-dependent mitophagy.

Incomplete polymerization or biodegradation of dental resin materials results in the release of resin monomers such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), causing severe injury of dental pulp cells. To date, there has been no efficient treatment option for this complication, in part due to the lack of understanding of the mechanism underlying these phenomena. Here, for the first time, we found that notoginsenoside R1 (NR1), a bioactive ingredient extracted from Panax notoginseng, exerted an obvious protective effect on TEGDMA-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in the preodontoblast mDPC6T cell line. In terms of the mechanism of action, NR1 enhanced the level of phosphorylated Akt (protein kinase B), resulting in the activation of a transcriptional factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and eventually upregulating cellular ability to resist TEGDMA-related toxicity. Inhibiting the Akt/Nrf2 pathway by pharmaceutical inhibitors significantly decreased NR1-mediated cellular antioxidant properties and aggravated mitochondrial oxidative damage in TEGDMA-treated cells. Interestingly, NR1 also promoted mitophagy, which was identified as the potential downstream of the Akt/Nrf2 pathway. Blocking the Akt/Nrf2 pathway inhibited mitophagy and abolished the protection of NR1 on cells exposed to TEGDMA. In conclusion, these findings reveal that the activation of Akt/Nrf2 pathway-mediated mitophagy by NR1 might be a promising approach for preventing resin monomer-induced dental pulp injury.

Error coupling analysis of the laboratory calibration method for a star tracker.

A star tracker should be well calibrated before it is equipped in order to achieve high accuracy. There exists, however, the coupling problem between the internal and external parameters for most commonly used laboratory calibration methods, which affect the star tracker's performance. We theoretically analyze the major aspects of the coupling mechanism based on the star tracker laboratory calibration model, which means the coupling between the principal point and the installation angle. The concept of equivalent principal point error, which illustrates the effectiveness of the calibration even with poor decoupling accuracy between the principal point and the installation angle, is introduced. Simulation and bench experiments are conducted to verify the laboratory calibration method and its coupling mechanism. The decoupling accuracy can be improved with more samples during calibration. In addition, the equivalent principal point error converges quickly and hardly affects the attitude of the star tracker, which is verified by both theory and experiment. The comprehensive calibration accuracy can still reach a high level even with poor decoupling accuracy.

A combination of kissing molars, maxillary bilateral supernumerary teeth and macrodontia: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Supernumerary teeth (ST) is defined as an additional number of teeth compared to the normal dental formula. The prevalence rate of ST varies from 0.5 to 3.8% in the permanent dentition. When ST located distal to the third molar is acclaimed as distomolar. Moreover, kissing molar is an extremely scarce condition of distomolars, pointed in the opposite direction in a single follicular space. Meanwhile, macrodontia is also a rare shape anomaly characterized by a large crown and tapering root. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old Chinese man presented a combination of kissing molars, maxillary bilateral supernumerary teeth and macrodontia. Radiographically, two maxillary bilateral distomolars located at the buccal side of adjacent third molars. One mandibular distomolar with the adjacent third molar was contacted by occlusal surfaces while roots were pointed oppositely, which could be diagnosed as KM. Furthermore, the left mandibular third molar can be inferred to be a macrodontia, characterized by a large crown and tapering root. After a thorough investigation, we excluded the possibilities of systemic diseases and genetic inheritance. However, the etiology of this rare combination deserves to be further explored. CONCLUSION: The combination of kissing molars, maxillary bilateral supernumerary teeth and macrodontia is very rare, especially presented in the patient with no syndromes. As there were no complications with these conditions, long-term observation has been recommended for the patient. In addition, the true etiology need a further exploration.

Mitochondrial abnormalities are involved in periodontal ligament fibroblast apoptosis induced by oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress (OS)-induced apoptosis of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) has been suggested to be an important pathogenic factor of periodontitis. Mitochondrial abnormalities are closely linked to OS and act as the main players in apoptosis. Our aim was to investigate the potential mitochondrial abnormalities in PDLCs apoptosis induced by OS. In this study, significant reduction in viability and increased apoptosis were observed in H2O2-treated hPDLCs. H2O2 also induced mitochondrial dysfunction, judging by increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species amounts, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential as well as ATP levels. Furthermore, H2O2 significantly enhanced mitochondrial fission by decreasing the expression of Mfn1 and Mfn2, along with increasing the expression of Drp1, Fis1 and the cleavage of OPA1. Notably, NAC stabilized the balance of the mitochondrial dynamics, attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibited apoptosis of hPDLCs in the presence of H2O2. In conclusion, the OS-induced apoptosis of hPDLCs may be mediated by mitochondria-dependent pathway.

Oxidative stress-related biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid associated with chronic periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers have been detected in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during chronic periodontitis (CP) progression; however, the relationship between OS biomarkers and CP progression remains elusive. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate the relationship between local OS biomarkers and CP. METHODS: This review was conducted through a systematic search from three databases. Studies on CP participants were included as an experimental group, and studies on periodontally healthy (PH) participants were included as a control. Mean effects were expressed as standardized mean difference with their associated 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: From a total of 2,972 articles, 32 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found a significant decrease of total antioxidant capacity and a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide, total oxidant status (TOS), and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels in the saliva of CP patients. Moreover, we also found an elevation of MDA level in GCF of CP group when compared with the PH group. There were no significant differences of salivary and GCF superoxide dismutase levels, salivary glutathione peroxidase level, and GCF TOS level between two groups. However, a high heterogeneity was observed among evaluated studies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of this study, the result of our meta-analysis supported the rationale that there was a direct link between CP and OS-related biomarkers' levels in the local site, indicating the important role of OS in the onset and development of CP.

The role of oxidative stress biomarkers in the development of peri-implant disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the role of oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in peri­implant diseases using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. DATE: The review incorporated cross-sectional studies, randomized controlled trials, and case-control trials to evaluate the differences in OS biomarkers of peri­implant disease. SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI, and no restrictions were applied during the search process. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 452 studies were identified, of which 18 were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias and sensitivity analysis were assessed using Egger's test and funnel plots. RESULTS: We found that the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the peri­implant sulcus fluid (PISF) of patients with peri­implant diseases were significantly reduced (SMD = -1.40; 95 % CI = 1.70, -1.11; p < 0.001), while the levels of total myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (SMD = 0.46; 95 % CI = 0.12, 0.80; p = 0.008; SMD = 0.28; 95 % CI = 0.01, 0.56; p = 0.043). However, there were no significant differences of MPO concentration (SMD = 0.38; 95 % CI = -0.39, 1.15; p = 0.331) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)(SMD = -0.43; 95 % CI = -1.94, 1.07; p = 0.572) in PISF between peri­implant disease group and control group. Similarly, salivary MPO did not show significant differences (SMD = 1.62; 95 % CI = -1.01, 4.24; p = 0.227). CONCLUSIONS: Our results supported that the level of local OS biomarkers was closely related to peri­implant diseases. GSH-Px, total MPO and MDA may be PISF biomarkers with good capability to monitor the development of peri­implant disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study found significant differences in the levels of local OS biomarkers (GSH-Px, total MPO, and MDA) between patients with peri­implant diseases and healthy subjects, which may be ideal candidate biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing peri­implant diseases.

3-dimensional computed tomographic analysis of the pharynx in adult patients with unrepaired isolated cleft palate.

PURPOSE: This study investigated 3D differences of the pharynx in adult patients with unrepaired isolated cleft palate (ICP) versus normal adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: CBCT data of 32 adult patients with nonsyndromic unrepaired ICP and 30 normal controls were acquired. Image processing and analyses were performed using Mimics (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). Linear, planar, and volumetric measurements and comparisons were performed between patients with ICP and controls. Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of 3D pharyngeal analysis were determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical analyses comparing patients with ICP to normal adults were performed using independent-samples t test, with the significance threshold set at P = .05. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were high. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.992 to 0.999 for interobserver measurements and from 0.994 to 0.999 for intraobserver measurements. Anterior height (P = .000), total depth (P = .003), and floor length (P = .034) of the bony nasopharynx; posteroanterior diameter of the pharyngeal airway at the palatal plane (P = .000); cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway at the palatal plane (P = .000); total volume (P = .031); volume above the palatal plane (P = .024); and the volume between the palatal plane and the plane of the most anterior point on the inferior margin of the outline of the body of the second cervical vertebra (P = .022) were larger in patients with ICP. CONCLUSIONS: This imaging study showed an enlarged nasopharynx in the sagittal plane and increased nasopharyngeal airway volume at the palatal plane in patients with ICP.

Four-dimensional changes of nasolabial positions in unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the accurate three-dimensional positions and positional changes of the lip and nose in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 96 patients with isolated cleft palate were retrospectively enrolled. Facial casts of all subjects taken immediately before and after cheiloplasty and before palatoplasty were used. Three-dimensional values of 12 landmarks were measured by electronic caliper and parallel milling machine. Independent-samples t test was used in analyzing positional differences between UCLP and control, and 2-way analysis of variance was selected in analyzing positional changes among UCLP groups. The threshold of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Superiorly dislocated christa philtri (Cph) (P < 0.001), subalae (Sa) (P < 0.001), and nostril tip (Nt) (P < 0.001) were partially corrected and still dislocated (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) immediately after operation, but Cph (P = 0.322) and Cph' (P = 0.081) developed caudally to normal about 10 months after primary surgery. In sagittal dimension, lip and nose, especially Cph' (P < 0.001), Sa' (P < 0.001), and Nt' (P < 0.001) on the cleft side, dislocated dorsally before operation. Immediately after operation, Sa' (P = 0.456) and Nt' (P = 0.067) were normal in sagittal projection, but Cph' was corrected partially and still insufficient (P < 0.001). Unfortunately, sagittal projections of all nasolabial structures, Cph (P < 0.001), Sa' (P < 0.001), Nt (P < 0.001), Cph' (P < 0.001), Sa' (P < 0.05), and Nt' (P < 0.001), decreased significantly and were insufficient after operation. CONCLUSIONS: In vertical dimension, nasolabial displacements were corrected partially by primary surgery, and catching-up growth happened since then. Insufficient sagittal projections of the lip and nose were corrected successfully by lip repair, but lip repair itself had adverse effects on nasolabial sagittal growth.

Incidence of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency in late palate repair.

BACKGROUND: This was a study of patients with cleft palate who for various reasons have their first hospital visit for palatal repair at an older age in developing countries. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency in Chinese patients with late palatal repair and to determine the relative importance of age at palatoplasty, cleft type, surgical technique, and experience for clinical outcomes. METHODS: A cohort of 224 patients who underwent primary palate repair were studied retrospectively. Speech outcomes were evaluated based on the severity of hypernasality and nasal emission. The percentage of cases that required a second operation was recorded. The related factors were analyzed, and a logistic regression model was applied. RESULTS: The mean age at palatoplasty was 5.6 (SD, 4.6) years (age range, 2-24 years of age); 29.9% of the cases required a second operation. Age at palatoplasty was the only significant contributing factor for the percentage of patients who needed a second surgery. Each additional year in age at palatoplasty was associated with a 10.8% increase in odds of requiring a second surgery (P = 0.002; odds ratio, 1.108; confidence interval, 1.038-1.182). However, cleft type, surgical technique, and surgeon's experience did not influence clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Primary palate repair at older than 2 years resulted in acceptable clinical speech outcomes in our patient population, there was an increase in the incidence of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency with increasing age at the time of palatoplasty. There was no correlation with cleft type, surgical technique, or surgeon's experience.

Correlation between Cardiac Ultrasound-Related Indicators and Cardiac Function in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the correlation between cardiac ultrasound-related indicators and cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. Methods: In this experiment, a total of 160 patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from June 2019 to March 2021 were recruited as the study group. All were examined by colour Doppler ultrasound instrument, SPSS statistical software was used to analyse the data obtained, and Spearman correlation was used to analyse the correlation between cardiac ultrasound-related indicators and cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. Results: In the study group, there were 68 patients with grade II cardiac function, accounting for 42.50%; 74 patients with grade III, accounting for 46.25%; and 18 patients with grade IV, accounting for 11.25%. The ultrasound parameters of the patients in the study group were profiled and calculated, and then statistically analysed with cardiac function grading. Cardiac function classification was significantly positively correlated with LVMI, LAD, and LVEDd (r = 0.689/0.915/0.928, P=0.001) and significantly negatively correlated with CI, LVFS, and LVEF (r = -0.689/-0.878/-0.912), P=0.001). Conclusion: Cardiac ultrasound-related indicators are associated with patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. With the decline of cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure, the patient's condition is aggravated. Therefore, cardiac ultrasound-related indicators play a major role in the diagnosis of clinical disease progression.

Crosstalk between reactive oxygen species and Dynamin-related protein 1 in periodontitis.

Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have great impacts on the development of periodontitis. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) mediated mitochondrial fission is the main reason and the result of excessive ROS generation. However, whether Drp1 and crosstalk between ROS and Drp1 contribute to the process of periodontitis remains elusive. We herein investigated the role and functional significance of crosstalk between ROS and Drp1 in periodontitis. Firstly, human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or Drp1 inhibitor mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1). Cell viability, apoptosis, osteogenic differentiation, expression of Drp1, and mitochondrial function were investigated. Secondly, mice with periodontitis were treated with NAC or Mdivi-1. Finally, gingival tissues were collected from periodontitis patients and healthy individuals to evaluate ROS and Drp1 levels. H2O2 induced cellular injury and inflammation, excessive ROS production, mitochondrial abnormalities, and increased expression of p-Drp1 and Drp1 in hPDLCs, which could be reversed by NAC and Mdivi-1. Moreover, both NAC and Mdivi-1 ameliorated tissue damage and inflammation, and decreased expression of p-Drp1 and Drp1 in mice with periodontitis. More importantly, patients with periodontitis presented significantly higher levels of ROS-induced oxidative damage and p-Drp1 than that in healthy individuals and correlated with clinical parameters. In summary, ROS-Drp1 crosstalk greatly promotes the development of periodontitis. Pharmacological blockade of this crosstalk might be a novel therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of velopharyngeal structures in Chinese children after primary palatal repair.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) after primary palatal repair remains a persistent problem despite advanced surgical techniques. Velopharyngeal inadequacy has significant negative impacts on patients' speech intelligibility and quality. Previous studies have produced conflicting results regarding the causes of VPI, which are likely due to limitations in two-dimensional imaging techniques used as well as failure to include matched groups with repaired cleft palate and differing velopharyngeal outcome. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the velopharyngeal structures, including the levator veli palatini muscles, in children with repaired cleft palate and different speech outcomes. METHODS: A prescan training was performed to help the child participants to finish scans successfully without general anesthesia. Multiple high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans covering the whole head and focusing on the velopharyngeal region, including the levator veli palatini muscles, were acquired in 3 matched groups of young children: children with cleft palate and VPI, children with cleft palate and adequate velopharyngeal closure, and children without cleft palate. RESULTS: There were few significant differences between the 2 groups with cleft palate, although the functional pharyngeal dimensions were slightly greater in the children with VPI. More significant differences were found between the children with cleft palate and the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic characteristics of the velopharyngeal structures may be slightly less advantageous for velopharyngeal closure in children with VPI after palatal repair, but these structural differences alone cannot explain VPI.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of velopharyngeal motion in chinese children after primary palatal repair.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI), which has a significant negative impact on speech intelligibility and resonance quality, may be caused by physiological inadequacy. The current study aimed to investigate the maximal velar and pharyngeal motions and levator muscle shortening in the children with repaired cleft palate and different speech outcomes as well as children without cleft palate by using magnetic resonance imaging techniques without general anesthesia. METHODS: Three groups of sex- and age-matched children were recruited: children with repaired cleft palate and adequate velopharyngeal function condition (VPC), children with repaired cleft palate and VPI, and the normal controls (noncleft). The children were trained to perform sustained /a:/, /i:/, /ts:/, and /m:/, while keeping the head still during magnetic resonance imaging scan. The maximal velar elevation and stretch, pharyngeal medial constriction, velopharyngeal ratio (VP ratio), and levator muscle shortening ratio were measured and compared across the 3 groups. RESULTS: The VPI group showed the least maximal velar stretch, lowest maximal velar height, smallest maximal pharyngeal constriction, and lowest maximal VP ratio among the 3 groups. The VPI and VPC groups differed significantly in velar and pharyngeal mobility. The effective VP ratio at rest has a strong correlation with that during sustained phonation across the 3 groups. The maximal velar stretch ratio correlates to the maximal pharyngeal constriction ratio strongly in the VPI group only. CONCLUSIONS: The VPI group had significantly reduced velar and pharyngeal mobility during speech compared with the VPC and noncleft groups. The possible physiological causes of VPI after primary palatal repair were discussed.

Effect of vitamin B12 on cleft palate induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and dexamethasone in mice.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin B12 on palatal development by co-administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and dexamethasone (DEX). We examined the morphological and histological features of the palatal shelf and expression levels of key signaling molecules (transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGF-ß3) and TGF-ß type I receptor (activin receptor-like kinase 5, ALK5)) during palatogenesis among a control group (Group A), TCDD+DEX exposed group (Group B), and TCDD+DEX+vitamin B12 exposed group (Group C). While we failed to find that vitamin B12 decreased the incidence of cleft palate induced by TCDD+DEX treatment, the expression levels of key signaling molecules (TGF-ß3 and ALK5) during palatogenesis were significantly modulated. In TCDD+DEX exposed and TCDD+DEX+vitamin B12 exposed groups, palatal shelves could not contact in the midline due to their small sizes. Our results suggest that vitamin B12 may inhibit the expression of some cleft palate inducers such as TGF-ß3 and ALK5 in DEX+TCDD exposed mice, which may be beneficial against palatogenesis to some degree, even though we were unable to observe a protective role of vitamin B12 in morphological and histological alterations of palatal shelves induced by DEX and TCDD.

Accuracy of a plastic facial cast fabricated with a custom tray in comparison with cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of a plaster cast fabricated with a facial custom tray. STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were enrolled in this study. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning and facial plaster cast were obtained before surgery. Three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of 6 selected landmarks were recorded directly in CBCT by Mimics and indirectly on the plaster cast by using an electronic caliper and parallel milling machine. The accuracy of the plaster cast was compared with that of CBCT by using the t test and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Horizontal and vertical measurements were larger and sagittal measurements were smaller in plaster cast measurements, but none of these differences was statistically significant (P values ranged from 0.063 to 0.774). Lin's agreement test also showed that the plaster cast had high agreement with CBCT measurements (concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0.6319 to 0.9599). CONCLUSIONS: Plaster cast fabricated with a custom tray is an accurate method in facial 3D analysis.

[A preliminary study on the consonant articulation of older patients with cleft palate].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consonant pronunciation characteristics of older unoperated cleft palate patients. METHODS: One hundred unoperated cleft palate patients (more than 8 years old) were included. Subjective speech assessment was delivered to each patient. The incidence and distribution of varies consonant misarticulation errors consisting of manners and places of articulation were summarized. RESULTS: Consonant misarticulation existed among 86% of all cases. Compensatory misarticulation was observed in 66% patients, while 14% patients demonstrated completely normal articulation. The articulation manners of the highest correction rate, in succession, were nasals, lateral, fricatives, stops, and affricates. The error type of stops and affricates mainly consisted of compensation and omission. The articulation places of the highest correction rate, in succession, were bilabial, alveolar, linguadental, and velar. CONCLUSION: Compensatory, omission, and substitution, which happen in all the stops, fricatives and affricates, are the top three misarticulation. The misarticulation incidence of unaspirated sound is higher than that of aspirated. Compensatory errors a the most common ones in aspirated sounds, while omission and weak pressure are more frequent in unaspirated sounds. Weak pressure is mainly observed in unaspirated consonants. As the articulation spot move backward, the compensation of fricatives and stops deteriorate, the omission of affricates increase.

[A study on the application of the perceptual assessment in the diagnosis of the velopharyngeal function].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of the perceptual assessment in the diagnosis of the velopharyngeal function, to provide a reference to the improvement of the velopharyngeal function diagnosis through comparing the consistency between the diagnosis of the perceptual assessment and the objective assessment. METHODS: All subjects (254) were selected from the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, from 2000-2010. The results of the perceptual and the nasopharyngeal fiberscope (NPF) assessment were retrospectively analyzed, and the consistent rate between the two assessment methods was calculated. The Kappa test and the correlation analysis were performed to analyze the consistency and correlation, and the factors relating to the perceptual assessment were analyzed by the correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There were 254 patients met the inclusion criteria. The consistent number of the patients diagnosed by the perceptual and the objective assessment as velopharyngeal competence (VPC) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were 58 and 167 respectively. The consistent rate was 88.58% for all patients, and 66.67% for the VPC patients. The Kappa value was 0.721, Spearman's R=0.751, P<0.05. There were correlation between the hypernasality, the nasal emission and the subjective assessment, and Spearman's R=0.697, 0.590, P<0.05. CONCLUSION: The VPC patients and the VPI patients with moderate and severe hypernasality and nasal emission diagnosed by the perceptual assessment could be exempt from the objective examination. Patients diagnosed with mild hypernasality and nasal emission by the perceptual assessment should be further referred to NPF or other instruments.